I observed the Covetous on my desk. The Originum Slug had lost its characteristic black color, replaced by a lighter shade belonging to the Titanite growing in its body.
Next to it were three more slugs, two white and one silver. Since the experiment proved a success and my pet managed to live without problems with a new ore in its body, I decided to do the same with other metals from my world.
Heide alloy, a durable metal of unknown composition; bradden steel, a strong material created by the scholars of Drangleic in an attempt to recreate the Heide alloy; and geisteel, a light metal with excellent defense, respectively.
The three had different weights, durability, and resistances, and could be used to forge cheaper weapons and equipment when titanite proved too expensive for my clients, not to mention, of course, the anti-Oripathy ring I'm trying to create. Perhaps the answer lay in other metals.
Hmm… If everything goes as planned, I'll test my other ores and stones and begin the selective breeding process for the slugs, but I'll need more space and precise documentation to avoid inbreeding and…
DING!
The ringing of the front door chime pulled me from my thoughts. I closed my notebook and put it in my bag, along with the pencil and the slugs, then left my workshop, heading towards my shop counter.
"Forgive me for the delay; how can I…"
I stopped immediately upon noticing the Wendigo waiting for me on the other side of the counter and offered him a wave accompanied by a smile.
"Buldrokkas'tee, I'm glad to see you again!"
"Likewise, Alden…"
He returned the gesture with a slow wave and a tired voice. I felt my smile disappear and my brow furrow in concern as I saw the extent of the damage to his body and equipment. His shield was a slab of crushed metal; His trident had been cut in half, leaving only one of the points, and his armor barely covered his bandaged and scarred body.
"By the Gods, what happened to you?!"
"It's just a training accident… Do you remember the conversation we had at the facility?... I'd like you to upgrade my equipment, if possible."
"Alright… If you prefer to keep what happened to yourself, then I won't question it, but I'll be here if you need help. Now, allow me to heal you first."
I raised my chime and cast Great Heal on him, healing all his wounds to the point that the bandages and clothing were the only indication that they had ever existed.
"Thank you."
The Wendigo sighed in relief and handed me his damaged equipment, remaining only in a white shirt, brown pants, and matching boots, looking more like rags than clothes. Nothing a quick cast of Repair couldn't fix.
I couldn't help but notice that, from the neck down, he resembled a normal human being, except for his height and width, a little pale for someone who lived in the desert, but still, human.
"I'll be right back. Feel free to check out my wares."
Then I headed towards my workshop, placing the weapon, armor, and shield on the ground near my forge, and wondering where to begin. I had to cast Repair repeatedly to restore them to their original condition, making them ready for improvement. Now, what material should I use?
I looked at my ore crates, running my hand over each one until I settled on the twinkling titanite and the petrified dragon bone. Then I thought about Buldrokkas'tee's fighting style and which ash of war would suit him best.
I had a few that would work, but since each weapon and shield can only have one, I chose Endure for his shield and Charge Forth for his trident. Then I sat down at my forge, beginning my work.
-XXXXXX-
"Alden, my armor is white now!"
"Yes."
"And covered in scales!"
"Yes."
"And shining!"
"Yes."
"What did you do?!"
"My best!"
Buldrokkas'tee's armor, shield, and spear gleamed with the purest white of the powerful divinity contained within the titannite, marked with an intricate pattern of scales due to the petrified dragon bone.
"I used the finest materials from my land; one could say your equipment is now almost indestructible. Only the most powerful weapons or arts will cause you harm, and the attached divinity will give you an advantage against enemies with a weakness to holy. Your shield now has the ability of, when you assume a firm stance to prepare against imminent attacks, to have your poise momentarily increased and the damage taken reduced, and your trident can now allow you a swift advance, using the momentum to deliver a powerful thrust and cover a greater distance. Furthermore, I added a small enchantment to it. Extend your hand towards your weapon."
Buldrokkas'tee stared at me silently for a few seconds before reaching for the trident leaning against the wall behind the counter, which vanished in a golden glow, reappearing in his grip.
"Since you like throwing your weapon so much, I added a modified version of Homeward so you never lose it."
I offered a smug smile to the Wendigo, who widened his eyes, took a deep breath, and handed me a heavy bag of coins.
"Thank you for your service. I hope this is enough."
"Actually, this is more than necessary."
"Then keep it as a token of gratitude."
For a moment, I was speechless, opening and closing my mouth before nodding, putting the coins back in my bag. Then he donned his armor and brandished his shield and trident, looking at himself.
"I look like a warrior in shining armor from fairy tales."
His tone was anything but cheerful.
"Well, at least your enemies will have a hard time fighting without looking directly at you."
"Of course… Of course… I can't wait to hear the jokes everyone will make."
I let out a light laugh, a gesture he returned, but before leaving, he turned to me and spoke.
"Before I forget, my parents invited Warfarin and you to dinner at our residence. They are eager to meet you both."
Then Buldrokkas'tee left my shop, and I watched his large form disappear, wondering if I had heard correctly.
-XXXXXX-
Being invited to events was still strange to me: a ball, a dinner, and now a wedding. Fortunately, Tis'adel and Ephram's union took place before the dinner, a few days apart, so I wouldn't have to worry about one happening right after the other.
Buldrokkas'tee, Warfarin, the expedition members, and I sat on the front bench of the Lich temple in the noble district, dressed in clothes made for the occasion. Most of the men wore dark, colorful robes, and the women wore lighter, multicolored dresses, both adorned with jewels, mostly in their animalistic parts like tails and horns.
Those who were less well-off dressed in the best they could, mainly from Tis'adel's family.
Speaking of them, I looked over my shoulder and around, seeing the numerous people behind us, men and women of humble appearance and attire, some sharing horns and tails similar to the bride, smiling, laughing, and crying with joy as they watched her kiss Ephram as soon as the Lich finished speaking.
On the other side of the temple was Ephram's family, fewer in number but displaying wealth in their outward appearance, yet they were not at all happy with the union, clapping lightly or staring with crossed arms and faces as cold as stone.
Well, the contrast in social classes was obvious here. The family of a former mercenary and that of the knight captain couldn't be more different. I pushed that thought aside and refocused on the newlyweds kissing, noticing Tis'adel's protruding belly. And to think so much time has passed.
After that, the festivities began: food, music, dancing, and gifts. Honestly, I didn't know what to give the couple, so Warfarin kindly chose for both of us, handing over several clothes that would fit the unborn child, and now she was chatting animatedly with other ladies present.
However, I found myself in a strange situation, standing beside the food table, a glass of wine in my hand, and Buldrokkas'tee beside me, his antlers covered in golden rings and signets.
Before us stood the newlywed husband and wife, asking me with some anxiety and hesitation to bless their child. I stood there like a statue, staring at them both in disbelief, wondering if they hadn't made a mistake, since the Lich priest was on the other side of the temple.
It was when their expressions fell and they prepared to leave that I realized I had been staring at them in silence for too long. I decided to act, accepting their request and raising my chime. I wasn't a cleric; my miracles didn't last that long, but nonetheless, I conjured several miracles on Tis'adel and, consequently, on her baby.
Resplendent Life, a powerful regenerative miracle; Guidance, to guide those who have lost their way; Perseverance, to increase their resistance to poison, bleeding, petrification, and curses; and Unveil, to sense traitors, dangerous enemies, and invaders in advance.
"It is done. I wish you all the best in your life and for your child."
They both thanked me and went towards the other guests, joining the dance. I was content to watch with a small smile on my face, until I was pulled toward the ball by a certain vampire.
Soon I found myself dancing in a sea of colors.
-XXXXXX-
I couldn't exactly identify the Sarkaz buildings because, unlike the houses made of whatever material they found or the shacks of the poorest people, the residences of the nobles were well-built, but they weren't castles, nor fortresses, nor mansions; even the king's castle wasn't exactly one; the word was only used for convenience. A Kazdelian noble's house had a name written in their ancient language, which I didn't yet master, so I used other words for it.
All this was just to say that Buldrokkas'tee's house was beautiful and well-decorated, spacious, and with furniture made to the size of a Wendigo. It was pleasant to sit in a chair made for someone my size or larger; however, Warfarin, sitting next to me, didn't share my joy.
"Seriously?"
She spoke more to herself than to me, looking like a child in the large chair, her head the only part above the long dining table in front of us.
"Do you want me to get some books for you to sit on?"
My words were genuine and without malice, but the seething look of anger I received made me regret opening my mouth.
"I swear if you do that, I'll suck you dry!"
I nodded, returning to my initial position, only to turn around quickly as lightning, my face full of disbelief after processing what I'd heard.
"WHAT?!"
"YOUR BLOOD! I MEANT YOUR BLOOD!"
She replied, her cheeks red, standing out against her paleness.
"Forgive us for the delay!"
A voice speaking after the dining room doors opened thankfully interrupted the ensuing argument. Turning towards them, we saw Buldrokkas'tee and two more Wendigos approaching and sitting down at the table.
As much as I am ashamed to admit it, I would have been unable to distinguish Buldrokkas'tee's father from his mother if it weren't for the obvious gender differences, as both were large and strong like their son.
"My name is Rujrokkas'tee, and this is my wife, Jurrennas'kee."
The elder Wendigo spoke in a deep tone, gesturing to the woman seated beside him, who nodded to us before speaking.
"We're happy to see our son making friends. He usually spends so much time alone and training."
"Mother, please…"
The Wendigo in question pleaded, bringing a hand to his face. Warfarin and I exchanged glances, knowing this would be a fun night.
-XXXXXX-
"Forgive me for the inconvenience, Buldrokkas'tee, but I needed this favor."
"Don't worry, Alden, it's nothing serious."
The Wendigo led me through the corridors of his residence, the servants greeting us and sending curious glances along the way. Eventually, we stopped before a pair of double doors and, on the other side, his family library, shelves upon shelves filled with books, scrolls, and tomes.
"Make yourself at home."
I murmured a thank you, feeling the corners of my lips curl up, and entered the room, scanning the book titles, collecting those that interested me before placing them on a table and sitting down.
As much as I wanted to read all the topics, today my focus would be on just one. Alexandria was a powerful noblewoman, so if I wanted to bring her alleged crimes to the king, I would have to do it the right way. In other words, it was time to learn the Sarkaz law.
I didn't know how much time had passed, but I realized I might have stayed too long when I heard birds singing outside and saw the sun shining through the partially closed curtains.
I stood up with a sigh, cracking my back and feeling the sensation return to my legs, coming face to face with Buldrokkas'tee as soon as I left the library, stepping back to avoid bumping into him.
"I didn't even see you arrive today."
That's because I never left.
That's what I wanted to say, but I just made up a flimsy excuse about asking the guards to let me in because I was his friend. Then I said goodbye to him and returned home, spending the rest of the day normally, but when night fell, it was time to act.
"Ready?"
"Yes."
Warfarin nodded, and I conjured Chameleon on us, transforming us into a pair of ordinary Sarkaz, a man and a woman with tanned skin, dark hair, and white horns, wearing typical fabric and leather clothing of the capital's inhabitants.
We left our house and headed towards the less respectable part of the city, beginning our search for information.
END OF CHAPTER