Chapter 91
Chapter 91
Max watched as Tanila carved the runes she had been trying to get to work together into a piece of Heartstone.
She’s going too fast.
Yes and I’ve already mentioned that seventeen times.
As both Bob and Max expected, the rune lines faltered, the mana she was trying to infuse into both as she carved became unstable.
Before it could explode, Max stored it.
“Mother… stupid… argh!” Tanila shouted, pounding her fist against the stone counter they were working on.
Max stood across from here, not saying a word. He watched as she glared at him before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Slowly, she let it out and repeated that process four more times.
“You’re going to stay it again, aren’t you?” she asked. “Say what?”
“I’m going to fast.”
Max chuckled and nodded. “Bob was just commenting to me–”
“It’s the lines… the mana starts to go wild and if I don’t go faster than it will escape and I’ll make another piece of stone worthless.”
“You can’t speed run through this,” Max said, reaching over and holding her hand. “It took you over fifty years to figure out the use of the first set of runes. Why should this one be any faster?”
“Because we’re running out of time,” Tanila replied, her golden eyes narrowing. “I’m running out of time. Everyone is doing everything they can to ensure we’re as strong as possible when our period of protection expires.”
“I didn’t say you weren’t,” Max replied. “What I’m saying is there aren’t any shortcuts with what you’re trying to do.”
“Says the guy who made one first try today.”
Max shook his head and stood up straight, putting on his teaching face.
“I’ve been crafting for over a hundred years. You haven’t.”
“That’s not even fair,” she replied. “You’ve got Bob telling and guiding you also.”
“I tried to do that with you, but you told me we were distracting you–”
“You were!”
Max held up both hands, palms out. “I’m not trying to argue or fight. I’m simply doing what you would do to any of the students you teach. How many of them could mimic your actions on the first day?”
Tanila groaned, summoning another piece of Heartstone from her storage and setting it down on the counter. “None… but we both know that I’m–”
“Learning a new skill,” Max said, cutting her off. “I watched when I was out of my league and others were better crafters. I didn’t argue or complain. And I can tell you I was upset when I ruined a few different weapons or armor as well as all the materials I wasted. Even though you’re a god, it doesn’t mean you’re perfect. Even if you don’t need sleep, it doesn’t mean you don’t need a break.”
Max motioned to the door behind him. “Let’s just take a walk. One hour, maybe two. We’ll go through the city. We can wear disguises so no one knows who we are and you can just take a minute to relax.”
He watched as she started to protest and then stopped herself. “You’re right… What’s a few hours compared to the almost two hundred years left.”
“I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” Max said, winking. “The first two words.”
“You’re an arse,” Tanila stated.
“No… I’m pretty sure you said ‘you’re right,” Max declared.
She groaned and looked at the Heartstone in her hand. “Tell me this will all be worth it.”
He snorted and shrugged. “I can’t tell you anything other than that I love you and I’ll be right beside you and help face whatever comes our way. Beyond that, all we can do is try.”
Max moved around the counter and held out his hand. Activating Illusionary Magic, his image transformed into a simple-looking human man about twenty years old. “Please, Miss, won’t you escort me through town? Why, I’ll be the talk of the whole city when they see me traveling with a goddess.”
Tanila groaned and then her image shimmered, changing to a blond-headed elf who still looked way out of Max’s league. “Sorry, only one man gets that privilege. I guess you’ll have to settle for me instead.”
Laughing, Max took her hand and pulled her close. “Just don’t tell my wife.”
***
Max watched as the inn got busier. Time had lost most of its meaning and they were here an hour after sunset on the weekend. The Fat Goose was packed, most tables unable to fit another stool around them and the only open space had people dancing as a small band played lively tunes.
“How did you manage to get us a booth?” Tanila shouted over the noise.
“Well… I might have paid a bit more than anyone else here could,” Max said, winking. “Besides, everyone in here is wondering who the heck we are and who I am. Just look.”
Tanila didn’t need to glance out over the crowd again. Many had stared upon their entry and she knew immediately that Max was right. Her attempt at a disguise had barely reduced her beauty and everyone was aware that her date was way out of his league.
“Feels like old times,” Max declared. “Now then, tell me, how long has it been since we had a moment like this?”
He watched as his wife, even though she was under a magical illusion covering her body, sigh. The weight that had seemingly been present a moment ago vanished as she leaned against the table toward him.
“Forever… why… why don’t we do this more often?”
Max shrugged and motioned to a waiter who quickly made his way through the crowd.
“What can I get for you two?!” the half-elf man asked, partly yelling to be heard.
“Bring us the finest drink you have in the inn and the best food you serve!” Max shouted back.
A look of shock came as the blue-eyed waiter cleared his throat and adjusted his brown apron. “Uh… sir… that would be very expensive… are you–”
Max nodded, pulled out a sack of coins, and slid them toward the waiter. “Also, make sure everyone in the house gets a few free drinks.”
Their waiter slowly picked up the coin purse and opened it. His eyes widened so much, Max was afraid they might fall out.
“Uh… uh…”
“I think you broke him,” Tanila teased, causing the young man to blush.
“Forgive me,” their waiter replied, clearing his throat. “Theres… too much… I mean, even with what you asked for.”
“Then share it with the staff and give some to the band,” Max replied. “I don’t get many moments like this with the woman I love and I want to make sure this one is a memorable one.”
A pair of eyes glanced back and forth at Max and Tanila and seemed to be searching, trying to figure out who had just put more coins than the man might earn in his lifetime within reach.
“Yes, sir!” he exclaimed, almost bumping into a patron moving behind him. “Right away!”
“You’re so bad,” Tanila declared as the waiter rushed toward the bar, pointing and frantically telling the owner of the establishment what had just transpired.
They each watched as the woman who owned the Fat Goose took the sack and opened it, seeing her body straighten immediately. She whistled and two other workers came up and she soon had them running off.
“You do realize we’re not going to have a quiet evening to ourselves,” Tanila said.
“I’m fine with that because in a minute I’m going to ask you to dance with me,” Max replied. “Besides, I think we’d both rather bring joy to everyone here and not just ourselves.”
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A few minutes later, the owner of the inn was moving toward them, wiping her hands on a clean towel that was tucked in a brown belt around her waist.
Her name is Gerry.
Thanks. I was going to ask.
Just remember, I’ll be zoned out unless you specifically call me.
You don’t want to watch what happens next?
I’d rather not watch you get all mushy with Tanila.
Not that… the rest of this. Stay… see what life is like. I know it sucks that you can’t live it… or can you?
Max could sense the shift in his skill’s temperament as the idea in his head was shared.
You would do that?
I would. Bob… you’re… part of me. I was thinking about it after our experience on Umbrell Hollow. I don’t think it’s right that you just get to come out when something bad needs to happen. I’ll talk with Tanila. If she’s willing, which I think she would be, you can do what I’m doing and live life for a moment without restraint… I mean, besides sleeping with someone, as we both know, my wife wouldn’t go for that.
A chuckle came and then a sense of something Max hadn’t ever felt before washed through him.
I would be grateful and honored, Max. To… live… even for a day or a few hours… I have no way to repay that.
You don’t need to repay me. Besides, I’m sure I owe you more than at least one night.
“Misses, and Sir!” Gerry said as she arrived.
“Ahh Mrs. Gerry! Thank you for letting us have a booth in your place.”
The woman coughed and cleared her throat, her green eyes studying him for a few seconds. “Have we met before? I’m usually good with faces and I can’t place either of yours at all.”
“No, but I was told by a very good friend this was a place to come and enjoy an evening with someone I love,” Max replied, grinning. “So we’re here and wanted to share with everyone else in this fine city.”
“Well… you do realize you’ve overpaid… even for everything you asked, that’s easily two or three times the amount needed.”
Max nodded and Tanila reached over, putting her hand on top of his.
“He’s a big softy… that’s what I love about him,” Tanila said. “If you have problems keeping that much for yourself, why not use a portion for the next few weekends and feed those who might not have enough for both drink and food?”
Gerry smiled and nodded. “You two… It’s like you understand what our city is all about.”
Max and Tanila both chuckled, looking at each other and smiled.
“Well, hopefully we all try to model our gods,” Max said.
“Oh, I do, I do,” Gerry replied, bobbing her head. “Well then… give me just a little bit to whip up our best. I’ll get your drinks poured… and if you’re okay with it, announce to those here what you’ve just done.”
Tanila groaned but Max’s smile grew. “I would be fine for that. Just let them know in return, I want a moment alone with her on the dancing area before everyone else joins in.”
Gerry nodded and smiled, leaning closer to Tanila, holding up her hand to whisper. “You need to keep this one! He’s a rare find!”
Max just smiled as his Sonar picked up every word the woman spoke.
“Oh, don’t worry,” Tanila replied. “He’s all mine.”
Gerry bowed once and made her way to the long wooden bar and where a bell hung off to the side. She gave it a few hard pulls and everyone went silent, even the band fading into barely a whisper.
“Here it comes,” Tanila groaned, squeezing Max’s hand.
“Patrons of the Fat Goose!” Gerry called out. “Tonight we have a treat for you and all it will cost is nothing!”
Some applause came and stopped after one more ring of the bell.
“In that booth is a couple who know what our city stands for! That young man… who I just now realized I never asked his name has asked for a moment to dance with the woman he loves all by himself!”
Some applauded, a few groaned, but after Gerry rang the bell once more, they all settled down. “And for payment… he has…” she paused, her voice getting softer, drawing them all in, “to buy everyone two drinks on him!”
Cheers and applause came from the entire inn and those closest shouted thanks.
Max nodded and waved and then motioned with his other hand toward the dancing area that suddenly had an open area appear. “If you don’t mind, my love. I think this is our song.”
Rolling her eyes once, Tanila then winked. She slid out of the booth and went with Max toward the dance floor, smiling and nodding at those who cheered and applauded for them.
“I’m so going to pay you back later for this,” she whispered as they reached the empty spot on the floor.
“I hope so,” Max replied before turning toward the band. “Do you all know, She’s a Fiesty Elf, but I Love Her ?”
A few people nearby coughed but the band all grinned.
Tanila shook her head, but knew what was coming.
“What… I wanted something lively,” Max said.
“Oh… you’ll get lively,” she replied.
Max bowed as the band started the song.
A loud stomp came, followed by a clap. That action was repeated once more by the band and the patrons of the inn. Right after the fiddle joined, speeding up the melody. The lute joined in and helped set the rhythm as the dwarf on the drums set a pace that would soon leave many breathless.
And then the band all joined in.
Oh, she waltzed in like a sunrise blaze,
Hair aflame and wild with grace,
Eyes that spark, then turn to frost
I’d chase that storm, no matter the cost!
Raise your mugs, you poor, doomed fools,
For love of hers rewrites all rules!
She’s a feisty elf, but I love her still,
She’ll melt your pride and break your will!
She’ll curse your name, then kiss your cheek
And leave you weak for another week!
Oh, the seasons spin but she won’t stay
Still I’d dance with her any day!
One breath she’s spring, all laughter sweet,
Next she’s summer, too hot to beat,
Then autumn sighs within her eyes,
And winter’s where her silence lies.
But deep inside that fiery heart,
Is kindness rare as dwarven art!
She’s a feisty elf, but I love her so,
Hot as flame and soft as snow!
She’ll stomp your boots and steal your ale
Then wink as if she meant no tale!
Oh, she’s wild as wind through clover’s song
And I’ve loved her all along!
She’ll toss her hair and mock my tune,
And make the night forget the moon!
But when she smiles — gods, beware!
Every man in the room’s ensnared!
She’s a feisty elf, and that’s just fine,
Her temper’s sharp, her heart divine!
For when she laughs, the world’s made right
I’d face ten orcs for one more night!
So pour the ale, let the band play on,
She’s my chaos, my muse, my dawn!
Max laughed as he and Tanila moved to in a circle, with him stomping on the beats. Soon they joined arm in arm, swinging and spinning as a couple before stepping back to where they had started.
He timed everything perfectly, stepping in and spinning Tanila, bending her backward so he could kiss her on the cheek to match the chorus. Roars of applause came as he stood her up and motioned for everyone to join in.
Those who go there first, rushed into positon and soon the sound of laughter, clapping and stomping exited the inn, calling all who were passing by to see what could make a place come alive.