"What is the effective range for these things?" (Patreon)

Vernier asked as I handed her one of the orbs.

"Theoretically there is no limit to the distance one can scry," I replied.  "But it's very unlikely that these will work.  I mean, I pulled them from nowhere and have no idea if they're properly enchanted."

"You need to believe in yourself more," Vernier chided me.  "I will go around to the other side of this barrow and we'll see if we can communicate with each other."

"Three aphids say it doth not work," an Ixie called out.

"Thou'rt on," another responded.

"Two to one it doth but only halfway," a third exclaimed.  This was followed by a clamorous cacophony of various bets being placed.

"Someone follow the femme and see what transpireth at her end," several Ixies demanded in chorus.

"Stop wagering on your master's failure," Vernier scolded the Ixies.  "Don't you see how that undermines his confidence?"

"Betting is a sacred tradition for us," an Ixie responded.

"Well then, at least do it quietly."

"Yes ma'am."

I could see and hear this entire exchange through the scrying orb!  It was working!

"Hello!" I muttered into the orb.  "I can hear you.  Can you hear me?"

I could see Vernier looking into the orb, but she did not respond.

"Do you hear me?  How many fingers am I holding up?  Please respond."

She continued staring expectantly into the orb but not saying anything.

"CAN YOU HEAR ME?" I yelled.

"I can hear you on the other side of the barrow," she called back.  "But I'm not getting anything through the orb.  Is there something I have to do to activate it?"

"No, it should just work.  I can see and hear you in mine.  Are you really not getting anything?"

"Nothing.  I've tried turning it around and shaking it.  Maybe it only works for elves.  Do I have to have a scrying ability to use it?"

"That shouldn't be necessary," I explained.  "It's like you said about the old stories.  Elves used to give their lowfolk lovers scry-orbs so they could talk to each other, and according to the legends it worked just fine."

"Worketh halfway," an Ixie proclaimed.  "Thou owest me, sisters."

"I'm sure we can figure this out," Vernier called reassuringly.  "It's only our first attempt, after all.  There might be something we haven't thought of.  Meanwhile I'll just tuck this orb into my blouse for safekeeping."

"OH!  There you are!" Vernier exclaimed.  "I can see you now!"

"You didn't put the orb into your blouse," I observed.

"I may do that later.  Right now it seems that a heightened focus is all you need to power both orbs."

"WORKETH COMPLETELY!" Typantronn cackled.  "I win again!"

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