Chapter 14 - Confirmation

“Let’s get some things straight. First, under no circumstances will you do anything without my supervision, knowledge, and approval. Understood?” Eleanor waited for Tetsuo to nod.

“Secondly, you’ll be continuing your work as a knight. This won’t be paid, and you won’t be recognized for any work you do here.” This one hit him harder than he thought it would. He was surprised with the realization that he wanted some recognition for his work. He tossed the feeling aside just as quickly.

“Thirdly, you are to keep this agreement hidden. While not illegal by any means, Alvania entrusts my family with handling all affairs related to Ficium. For a stranger, especially an Earthen, to be working with Ficium, is taboo. To avoid risks with the kingdom's relationship with Remes, and any complications that could arise within the kingdom, I’d prefer to have you keep quiet about this for the time being. Naturally, this means you’ll be keeping your work here as well. I don’t think I’ll need to explain what happens if you break any of these conditions.”

Eleanor raised her index finger, as lightning danced and coiled around it. She pointed at a knife that had been stabbed into the table, discharging the electricity through it, into the table. Tetsuo nervously nodded again.

“Good. For today I’ll teach you one thing.”

Eleanor stood up and searched through a small chest located under the table. Tetsuo listened as pieces of scrap metal clattered against one another. A loud thud shook the podium before she came out from under the table with a small metal box while rubbing her head. On top of the box was a single simple sigil that seemed familiar. It depicted a circle encompassing a triangle, with two horizontal strokes through the center.

“You might recognize this symbol. It’s on all of our equipment that we make. Without it Ficium would be no different from any other metal we have. It allows the metal to amplify the limited Ars of an Earthen, and leaves it susceptible to being manipulated through other symbols. No matter what kind of tool you make, this will always be your first step. This is the secret behind how Ficium works. Memorize the markings well.”

Tetsuo slowly traced his finger over each line of the symbol. He repeated the gesture, with a bit more speed dragging it now, imagining it as a brush on paper. He rubbed the chalk and observed his finger for any dust that might have come off.

“I hope that’ll satisfy you for now. When you leave, be sure to tell Wilbur that I rejected your proposal. In a way that makes me seem scary. Scary enough to make sure he doesn’t bring it up again.” Eleanor smiled to herself at the thought of it and turned back to the work on her desk. Tetsuo stood up and began to make for the exit.

“Sorry I know this is a weird question, given this was my idea and everything… I didn’t know much about your family or taboos, which seemed like good reasons for rejecting this proposal. So why take such a big risk on me?”

Eleanor paused her writing again and made a show of a dramatic sigh while leaning back. “Because, frankly, these rules have gotten us nowhere. If violating some taboos is the trade off for breaking this endless cycle of stagnation, then see if I care.” Eleanor paused and smiled to herself. “Plus, it might be nice having some company in here for a change.”

She seemed like she meant it earnestly, not the sarcasm she uses casually, or the strictness she uses professionally. Tetsuo smiled back earnestly. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t forget that you're married. Don’t go falling for me now.” Eleanor winked at him and swiveled back to her work.

The smile fell from his face and as Tetsuo’s respect for her dissipated once again.

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As the moon shone above the courtyard outside of Eleanor’s workshop, the flames from the lamps flickered, shadows dancing across the brick pathways. Tetsuo began heading towards the inn he had been planning to stay at for the night. As he walked he began to think through the logistics of these learning sessions. His room in Tervana seemed too far to traverse between in one day, so he’d need to figure out an arrangement. Since he had a break this month it would be fine tonight, but it wouldn’t be very sustainable long term. Chances are he’d need to split his expenses between paying for his place in Tervana, and somewhere cheap in the capital. Tetsuo squatted down and ran his hands through his hair.

Pulled into another world, and now I’m back to struggling with rent.

The silhouette of a person's shadow was cast in front of him, distracting him from his wallowing. He looked up to find the source and he could see a small figure standing running across the rooftops of houses. Their dark clothing stood out against the silhouette of the moon behind them. The moonlight cast a shadow from behind, hiding their face. Tetsuo watched as they leapt across an alley moving towards the workshop. Silently, the figure knelt down a ledge and disappeared behind the building. Tetsuo ran at full speed to investigate.

He arrived at the front of the workshop once again, but couldn’t find any trace of the thief. Tetsuo listened and could faintly hear a familiar snort. He crept around the side of the building and found a carriage for cargo transportation covered by a large tarp fastened to a single vacka. He peered around the corner observing as a masked knight moved to seat themselves at the coach of the carriage. In a swift movement, Tetsuo watched as the suspicious figure reappeared above the carriage and dropped down from the roof above. The figure snuck underneath the tarp and onto the carriage. The knight whipped the rains, and the vacka began to move. Tetsuo silently crept behind the carriage and slid under the tarp as well.

Inside, the mysterious figure lit a small sealed lamp, revealing their dark wavy hair and tan complexion. Pia looked at Tetsuo wide-eyed, covering her mouth to stifle her gasp. Faintly through the tarp, the sound of the wheels continued to rattle against the road.