Fates of Grenora: Return of the Night

Aldrin sat and talked with Svestra, who had just as much maternal warmth as Ruthik had paternal steadiness. The Deep Dwarf was busy at the magical rune forge, crafting the weapons of Runed Iron, a Tier 3 grade metal, for Aldrin after deciding it would be the least flashy with where they were going. Aldrin was shocked to see that Ruthik already had crates of the material, saying that he had a feeling he would need it for something grand one day. Aldrin didn't know what that implied, but Ruthik knew that the day was today.

Although the Deep Dwarf had admitted that he would take time to craft the weapons, he wasn't capable of producing the amount of armor Aldrin needed in the shortest amount of time, but he assured him that the armor would be done. During that, Svestra explained to Aldrin that she had begged Ruthik once before to take on an apprentice. The Deep Dwarf in question always brushed it off by saying he was waiting for someone worthy.

Svestra then went on to tell Aldrin that Ruthik's eyes had made him an outcast among his kin, much like her demeanor made her an outcast among hers. Aldrin found comfort in that, knowing that these two had found each other and made their own home. It solidified a goal he wanted, which was to unite people from all walks of life, regardless of their appearance or reputation because of their species. It would be something worth fighting for, given what he was. His choice in that matter made Ruthik's star-filled gaze slide over him. Aldrin felt a shiver from it, but the smile that bloomed across Ruthik's face reminded him of how his father used to smile at him whenever he was proud of something he and his siblings did.

The thought of his father brought a sour taste to his mouth, specifically how powerless he was when his father was accused of killing their mother. It unfortunately drove his father to the brink of madness, trying to get people to believe that he was innocent, but the nobles from House Grey had the judge and the Queen's ear. It was a futile fight that ended up with his father being sent away to the Derenger Mines, where arcane crystals for potions that refilled Magic came from. He wondered, since Lor-Vold was destroyed, who and where the arcane crystals would go ‌now.

When his thoughts circled back to his father, regret washed over him as he realized he would never speak to his father again and he would likely die in the prison never knowing why his son stopped writing to him. He worried his father couldn't take another loss on top of his wife and other son. Part of Aldrin wanted to march to the Derenger Mines to free his father and take him with him to the Forbidden Continent, but it was in the opposite direction of where he needed to go on top of being one of the most secured and fortified places in Dremetica.

"It's done!" Ruthik called, finishing the last Runed Iron halberd, stacking it neatly with the others. "This should give them an advantage when on their terror birds. I have also made short swords in case they need to go on foot."

Aldrin walked over to Ruthik to pick up one. The weapons had a grey metallic sheen, and etched along the blades were small carvings of intricate runes, runes that had already been made within the metal after being melted down in the blue fire forge.

Aldrin admired the beauty of the weapon before he looked down at his clothing, remembering he needed some new armor too. "Ruthik…" he stared at the neatly stacked weapons. Ruthik stood at attention with a warm smile on his face, patiently waiting for Aldrin to continue. "Thank you.." Aldrin whispered, as he glided his hand on the flat of a blade. "These are magnificent, and I am sure the Orcs will appreciate the enchantments within them. I have another favor to ask."

Ruthik grinned when his starlit eyes flashed, showing him another branch of fate. "Of course," he dipped his head slightly.

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"I'm going to need some armor too. Something to grow alongside this.." Aldrin took out Sin-Screamer and held it out for Ruthik to take.

Ruthik's eyes went wide, and his bushy black eyebrows shot up to the top of his head. "Could it be…" he whispered as his hand wavered and shook over the blade. He looked back up at Aldrin, who peered at him with a curious glint.

"You know Sin-Screamer?" Aldrin asked, letting Ruthik take it from his hands. It surprised Aldrin even more that the blacksmith didn't stumble from the weight of the blade, nor did it reject his touch.

"I was there when my master made it long ago…." Ruthik breathed and held it with both hands to look at the blade.

That surprised Aldrin once more as he looked at the Deep Dwarf in a new light. "Ruthik… how old are you..?"

"I was a boy when my master made it. Just before the first Progenitor War broke out," his gaze seemed distant as he remembered. "This weapon was a gift to Karac, the firstborn daughter of Vearis." He said wistfully. "You've seen better days, haven't you…?" he whispered to the blade, and Sin-Screamer flashed its purple runes in response. "Here," Ruthik held the blade back to Aldrin. "It serves you now."

Svestra came and placed a gentle hand on Ruthik's shoulder before she leaned down and embraced him from behind. "Thanks, love," Ruthik patted her arms affectionately. She pecked his cheek before removing herself and settled back to watch the two men talk.

Aldrin reluctantly took it back. "I'm sorry." He looked at Ruthik, his eyes softening at the Dwarf.

Ruthik waved him off and wiped a stray tear that spilled down his cheek that sparkled. "It was a long time ago and a different time."

Aldrin pursed his lips together in a grim line. "If it's too painful for you to craft armor, then don't. Please. You've already done enough for me."

Ruthik chuckled warmly and waved his hand, bouncing back to his normal self. "Nonsense! This is exactly what I needed!" He took out another piece of paper from within his leather overalls and scribbled something down. Aldrin tried to read what it said, but it was Dwarvish or at least a variant of it, and it was something that Aldrin didn't have a chance to study much.

Ruthik handed the piece of paper to Svestra. "Take this to old Grimhaven. He will know what to do." He closed the paper within her small hands.

Svestra nodded and gave him another peck on the cheek, then she was off and out onto the main road, heading further down, away from where Aldrin first walked from. Aldrin had watched the exchange with a curious expression.

"That's for your armor for your allies. Now, for your armor. Here's what I can do," Ruthik said with a grin as he presented options to Aldrin.

Crystal-Steel: capable of absorbing magical energy from around the area

Ebonite: capable of disrupting wards

Sunmetal: capable of resisting and absorbing holy magic

Aurichalcam: capable of absorbing physical attacks

Aldrin chose Aurichalcam for its property of absorbing physical attacks. Sunmetal was a close contender, but he already could negate Holy damage if he invested the points into it. Crystal-Steel seemed like it would be good for battle-mage types who relied on heavy use of magic, while Ebonite was very situational. Aurichalcam fit him better since he was always going to be on the frontline. Now, if physical magic could be absorbed, that would be a great bonus.

"I'll get right on it. Also if you want, you can help with the enchanting portion?" Ruthik grinned knowingly, rubbing his hands together as he jumped back into working.

Aldrin quirked an eyebrow. "Oh? How so?"

Ruthik turned to Aldrin, keeping the rising blue flame within his peripheral vision. The surrounding air stilled from his serious demeanor. "A few drops of your blood into the magic forge would do wonders for the armor."

"What are the benefits..?" Aldrin inquired, warming up to the idea.

Ruthik shrugged and grinned. "I honestly don't know, but the blood of a progenitor and a vampire is a nasty combo that should elevate the armor into something more. It might take aspects of your nature itself, taking whatever latches onto it during the process."

It was convincing enough to have a sustainable armor, but his curiosity got the better of him at what Ruthik could craft if he helped. Aldrin often wondered if his own profession, Lore Seeker, was really benefiting him in the way it should. He went back-and-forth if he should change it, but that would mean giving up the last remnants of his father. Something he would be loath to do currently, so he shelved that thought for a later time, when things weren't so hectic for him.

"So what do I need to do?" Aldrin asked Ruthik as he stepped forward, closer to the magical blue flame of the rune forge. Ruthik eyed him briefly before holding ‌his hand over the flame. It belched a small fireball that coalesced into a wickedly curved blade alight with blue runes.

"Just a small prick from your finger to add to the flame and I'll begin the forging process," Ruthik said, holding out the small blade for Aldrin to take.

Aldrin took it and pricked his pointer finger, letting a crimson-black bead of blood form. He willed his body not to heal his finger and gave a gentle squeeze, letting the bead drop into the flame. The flame roared and changed from blue to black.

Ruthik jumped back, as did Aldrin. "Well, that's different?" Ruthik nervously chuckled, shuffling back towards the black flame.

"Is it supposed to change colors?" Aldrin asked, still wary of the flame.

Ruthik chuckled again. "Absolutely not! But it's an experience! Come!" he excitedly said, rushing to get the crates of Aurichalcam ore and the molds for the armor.

Aldrin shook his head with a grin as he stepped beside the black flame to watch a master at his craft. His armor would be something unseen just from the way Ruthik ran around his forge.