“Pina, before I forget, would you happen to know any channels I could send a letter through where the Merchant’s Guild won’t have… prying fingers?” Theo asked, holding his letter out to Pina.

She took the letter, glancing over the address. “Is this for your parents? I… know a guy. He charges 10 silver for a letter though.”

Grumbling, Theo pulled out his coin purse from his bag, taking out a square shaped coin with a hole in the center. “Here. Things here are too expensive. If I were to send the letter in a bulk mail delivery it would cost me a few coppers at most.”

Pina took the coin, slipping it into her own coin purse. “That’s because it’s in bulk. This guy is discreet and fast.” Pina leaned in closer. “Don’t tell anyone I told you this, but he’s a yellow like me.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Pina. Thank you. If you could drop it off to your… contact after we’re done with whatever all of you have planned for me, I’d appreciate it immensely,” Theo said, heading for the door.

“No problem, Theo. We’re thick thieves at this point,” Pina said, elbowing him lightly in the side.

“It’s thick as thieves,” Theo muttered, receiving an eye roll in response.

Pina waved a hand dismissively. “Whatever, same thing.”

As they walked through the door into Theo’s shop space, Telsa smiled them. “What took you guys so long?”

“Pina is going to have a letter delivered for me, we were just working out the details. Anyway, before I learn whatever your plans are, despite my curiosity, I need to visit the blacksmith Frevan told me to meet,” Theo said, opening the door for everyone and locking it after they left.

He checked his bag once more as they walked. A bag of wind stones and a wand sat at the bottom of it, reassuring him with their presence. Also included was a set of examples for the blacksmith to see his enchanting work. It felt… somewhat dangerous having this many enchanted objects in one bag, but he wanted to impress the blacksmith.

Adam eyed him as he dug through his bag. “Everything okay, Theo?”

Looking up, Theo smiled brightly at him. “Mhm. Just making sure I have plenty of examples to show the blacksmith. I’m hoping to set up a good deal with him.”

Adam held a hand out which Theo took. Color reached both of their cheeks as Telsa and Pina began whispering with each other. Adam frowned at them but turned back to Theo. “I’m sure he’ll be impressed. Your enchantments are solid stuff.” He gave Theo’s hand a light squeeze.

“Thank you, I appreciate the vote of confidence,” Theo said, squeezing back.

“No problem. Just saying the truth,” Adam said, winking at him. “So, where is this blacksmith anyway?”

“I was wondering the same, we’ve just been walking for a while,” Telsa added, peering down the street.

“It’s a bit of a walk. It’s building number… 9, on 15th street in this district,” Theo said, reading off the parchment.

“Oh, I know who works there! Well, I delivered something to him once and he grumbled at me. But that’s almost the same as knowing him. He tipped me, at least,” Pina added, shrugging.

Theo couldn’t help but shake his head and chuckle. “Well, let’s go then. I have a blacksmith to impress.”

“Come on guys! Hurry up!” Pina called from down the street, gesturing vigorously with her hands.

Theo’s chest heaved, the air burning his lungs. “I- why did… I run…” He leaned forward with his hands on his knees, taking in large gulps of breath.

Adam and Telsa looked down at him, then shared a glance. An arm wrapped itself around Theo moments later. He wouldn’t want to admit it, but he yelped.

It had been Pina’s idea to run to the location. Adam and Telsa were all for the exercise, despite Theo’s protests about his full bag. Apparently, without the speed of panic, Adam couldn’t outrun Pina as easily without really pushing his body, but he could certainly carry Theo and still run.

Which led them all to thunder down the streets, Theo tucked securely under Adam’s arm with his legs flapping in the breeze - or it could have been him struggling.

They arrived at the blacksmith’s in record time, a small sheen of sweat covering everyone. A quick self-cast of Broomgust dried Theo off in a powerful gust of wind. He almost elected to not dry anyone else off, but guilt won out.

Telsa fixed her windblown hair, pulling out snarls and knots out of the teal locks while grumbling.

As everyone else began to walk forward, Theo stayed in his spot. Adam swiveled, looking at Theo. “Everything okay?”

“Yes, I just- um, it’s just that- well, you see…” Theo trailed off, fussing with his vest.

“You’re nervous. Why?” Adam asked, sidling up closer to Theo and gripping his hand.

Theo gripped back, frowning. “What if he thinks my enchantments are… substandard? Or he laughs in my face about my plans? Just because he gives some adventurers good deals doesn’t mean Frevan is right about him.”

“Then he’s an idiot. Your enchantments are good, Theo. And I’ll beat up anyone who says otherwise,” he said, grinning and elbowing Theo lightly in the side.

The corner of Theo’s lips quirked up. He stared up at Adam, meeting the man’s steely green eyes. “You mean that?”

Adam kissed Theo on top of his head, a distant squeal from Pina and Telsa making him glare for a moment. “Of course I do. Let’s head inside and knock his socks off.” He tapped Theo lightly on the back, pulling him along.

Theo found dragging his feet to be woefully ineffective. “Wait but I- just five more minutes- I swear I’ll-”

“Nope. Socks are in need of being knocked off. You’re going,” Adam declared with a smile.

Falling into step, Theo took a calming breath. “I can do this.” A loud clang sounded out from inside the building, followed by a stream of cursing - and a hunk of deformed metal flying out the window. “I can’t do this.” He tugged on Adam’s arm, trying to turn around.

“You’re gonna be fine,” Adam assured him, opening the door for Telsa and Pina first.

Inside, Theo gaped at the room around him. He’d never seen a forge like this one! He found himself standing on a stone platform just inside the door, but the rest of the forge was filled with what looked like shin-deep water.

From across the room, an orange-red octopus chosen glanced at them before returning to his hammering. “I be full up on requests, lads and lasses.”

Theo heard Adam mutter to himself. “Shit, he doesn’t have socks.”

Noticing his stare, Adam colored slightly and began to take off his boots. Theo followed suit with his shoes and rolled up his pant legs as well.

Telsa and Pina stood on the platform, arms crossed.

“Nope. These pants are new, not getting them wet,” Telsa said, shaking her head.

“I don’t know what kind of metals my roots could suck up in this water. I’m out. Theo, we’ll be outside,” Pina said, opening the door for Telsa.

“Wait but I- okay,” Theo said, sighing in defeat as they left.

Adam smiled at him, laying a hand on Theo’s shoulder. “I’m still here, let’s go talk to him.”

The chosen man continued to hammer away at a piece of white-hot metal in front of him. The billet slowly took form with each hit, the metal elongating yet retaining the same amount of heat.

Theo focused Infusion mana into his eyes, noticing the magic at work in this process. He took a deep breath, steeling himself to begin. The first step into the water surprised him, it was warm. “Hello there, I-”

“I told ye, I’m fresh outta requests. Come back some other time, lad,” the blacksmith said, turning to glare at Theo.

Adam’s hand on Theo’s shoulder tightened. He opened his mouth but Theo shook his head. This was his mountain to overcome.

“I’m not looking to request anything. I-”

“Then what are ye doin’ in me forge?” the chosen man asked, an orange brow quirked.

Gritting his teeth at the interruptions, Theo channeled that annoyance into something akin to confidence. “I come on recommendation from Frevan Lolorm. He told me you may be interested in what I have to say.”

The blacksmith’s expression changed to annoyance once more. “Why didn’t ye just say so, lad?”

A low noise of frustration tried to escape Theo’s throat, but he held it down. “I- nevermind. I’m Theo Lukien. Alchemist and enchanter. I just moved here a couple of weeks ago.”

The blacksmith waved an arm. “I don’t need yer life story, lad. But eh, if you’re a friend of Frevan, I suppose I can give ye the time o’ day. Neniramli, blacksmith. But ye know that last bit.”

Theo scratched the back of his head. “Indeed, that’s relevant to my line of questioning as well. I was hoping to set up some form of contract with you. If you’re able to supply me with weapons, I could enchant them and sell them in my shop. I believe we could both profit more in total from this exchange.”

“And I’m supposed te trust ye won’t jest ruin me work?” Neniramli asked, setting down the surprisingly still white-hot billet and putting his arms on his hips.

“I brought quite a few samples with me so that you can see my work. I assume you’re an Infuser if you’re keeping the metal hot like that outside of the forge,” Theo said, indicating the metal on the anvil.

Neniramli’s chest puffed out and his brows lowered. “Yer right, but I don’t need te be an Infuser to see if enchantments are shite. Bring ‘em ‘ere.”

Theo wanted to think he was brave, but his hands trembled as he sloshed through the water on the floor of the stone building and picked out several objects to show the blacksmith. It didn’t help that the cephalopod seemed pricklier than his urchin kin.

Adam began to follow before Neniramli held up a hand. “I don’t need yer stinkin’ adventurer feet in me waters. Motiqua knows the last time ye washed ‘em.”

Turning to Adam, Theo tried to provide a reassuring smile. “It’s fine, you can just stay on the platform. I can handle things from here.”

“Well okay, but- you sure?” Adam asked, glowering at Neniramli.

The blacksmith scowled right back, but his gaze had a fire behind it - Adam turned away first.

“...Right. Anyway, Neniramli, you can look at more if you want, but I think these are some of my best,” Theo said, laying each object in question on a work table that the octopus man beckoned him towards.

An arm wrapped around the wand he’d laid down first. The chosen blacksmith’s large, black eyes inspected every inch of it. A silvery glow shone from the center of his eyes.

Definitely an Infuser then. I didn’t realize it was this obvious with eyes that big, Theo thought, fiddling with a button and biting his lip.

Neniramli shifted his gaze back up to Theo. His beak opened in what Theo hoped was a smile. “Yer lines are good. Not the best I’ve seen, but they’re clean and orderly. I like yer organization, ye know to order yer runes better than most I see. This one produces wind blades in a flurry, eh? Using Infusion mana te harden the wind be clever.” He handed the wand back.

Theo stepped backwards before catching himself. “You uh, you know a lot about runes, huh?” His ears reddened, realizing that Frevan may have simply not known that the blacksmith did his own enchanting. “Have I overstepped here? You must enchant your own-”

Raising an arm, Neniramli shook his head. “Nay, lad. Don’t have the time, talent, nor patience fer that. Let’s see some of yer other work.” He picked up a set of two silver bands next, giving them equal attention.

After muttering to himself, Neniramli looked back up at Theo. “Good to know ye understand enchantments aren’t just fer killing. Slow fall anklets? Nice workmanship. Who made these bands?”

“I bought this set from a fulvitre merchant back in Renwurd. They come from the southern desert, apparently,” Theo said, shrugging.

“I thought they be fulvitre-made,” Naniramli said, nodding. “Ye have any trap-type enchantments?”

Theo smiled, realizing the blacksmith’s interest had been piqued. “Indeed I do. They should be right in… here… somewhere… aha!” He pulled out three smooth, metal spheres. They rang gently in his hands as he handled them. “I call this enchantment ‘Dissonance’.”

Neniramli took each one with a suction cup, holding them and poring over the runic script. “Sound trap, eh? Good design. Mana efficient and unlikely to be activated accidentally. Ye put a lot o’ effort into yer formulae, don’t ye? This be some clever use o’ Primordial air magic. Should stun a big beastie fer awhile. Though, can ye do elements other than air?”

Realizing what the blacksmith meant, Theo spluttered for a second. He’d shown the man exclusively air enchantments! “Of course! Air and lightning are my specialties, but I’m quite capable of others, even outside of Primordial or Infusion enchantments.”

He rifled through his bag, pulling out a metal plate. “I call this enchantment a Bastion Plate. I could enchant it on shields as well, but it utilizes Fundamental mana to form a kinetic shield to nullify incoming physical forces.”

Neniramli took the plate and flipped it around several times in his arms, muttering and tsking. “A little weaker in the design, but that’s te be expected. It’s outta yer comfort zone. Yer Primordial secondary, I’m guessing? What else do ye have?”

Theo gulped. He’d hoped the man would be impressed enough by now. “I could provide an example of a fire enchantment? Or perhaps a lightning enchantment? Or even a Phrenic option.”

“Yer flighty enough, I believe ye on the lightning enchantments. Show me fire n’ Phrenic,” Neniramli said, handing the metal plate back to Theo.

“I can do that,” Theo said, pulling out a stone orb. “This one is single use, but I don’t price it as highly. The enchantment is called Flare Burst. It’s a bit simplistic, but quite effective.” A genuine smile began to form on his face. The chosen man was honest, but clearly thought highly of his work.

Another inspection later, and Neniramli handed the orb back. “That one’s blasted dangerous. Good work. I’d recommend ye make another burst o’ fire happen on the outside. I get where yer goin’ with the rock shrapnel - good use o’ earth enchantments there to increase the force - but ye’d get more firepower outta surface flames.”

Theo looked over his own enchantments, seeing what the blacksmith meant. “Oh, that makes sense. Good idea. I’ll see if I can rework my formula. That should increase the efficacy of the fire part of the enchantment substantially. It mostly relied on the burning shrapnel before.” He pulled out a glittering amethyst next from a padded carrying case. “This is my Phrenic work. And uh, handle it with care, please. It’s rated as a depth three dungeon gemstone so it’s a bit on the pricier side.”

“Handle it with ca- I should have ye strung up. I know te handle with care,” Neniramli said, snatching the gemstone out of Theo’s hands with enough force to make his heart sink.

This gemstone took a large amount of head-scratching on the chosen’s part, but he eventually handed it back to Theo, nodding. “Pacification, eh? Smart. Most Phrenic enchantments I see’re all ‘bout control. Ye know ‘bout subtlety.”

Theo couldn’t help but preen a bit at the praise. “Well thank you, I-”

“This is older work though, innit? Yer lines ain’t as clean,” Neniramli said, gesturing towards the gem.

Confidence shattered, Theo nodded sullenly. “Ah, yes, I made this… three years ago, I believe.”

Now that I think about it… I may have more plans for dealing with Maraz than I thought.

“Can ye show me a water enchantment? I’ve seen yer other elements, but not the one most important to me race,” Neniramli said, placing his arms on his hips once again.

“Oh, goodness! I didn’t mean to offend! Of course, I should have one right in this pocket…” Theo said, digging through the bag once more. “Found it. I call it Vortex, for hopefully obvious reasons.” He handed a wooden top to the man, clenching his hands at his sides afterward.

A bead of sweat rolled down Theo’s back as he watched the octopus man criticize every inch of the top. After a long pause, Neniramli opened his beak in a smile. “I approve. Very efficient te use an outside water source fer yer enchantment. So many spells waste mana generating the element - and not even permanently! Jest yer standard magical variant. Ye have yerself a weapons supplier, Theo - if ye can impress me with a first product.”

Jumping up in the air with joy, Theo immediately regretted his decision when he landed and metallic water splashed into his mouth. A minute of coughing and sputtering later, he looked up at the blacksmith, his cheeks coloring. “Uh, apologies. I just - got excited.”

“Yer fine, lad. Oh, to be young again… I have one final question for ye, however. Yer runes are all clearly of tier 2 mana quality or lower, how close are ye to tier 3?” Neniramli asked, scanning Theo up and down as if he could tell from that.

“I uh, Snapped recently, actually. From an… unfortunate incident with an unwanted visitor in my shop. My new enchantments will all be tier 3 quality, especially so once I upgrade to a new inscribing stylus. It’s my only bottleneck at this point,” Theo said, smiling weakly.

Neniramli’s eyes widened before lowering once more. “Snapped, eh? Good on ye fer not dyin’ or explodin’.”

Anxiety sprouted in Theo’s chest. “...I was told that can’t happen.”

“Don’t believe everything ye hear, lad,” Neniramli said, patting Theo on the shoulder.

Theo gulped, nodding. Then realization struck. “Wait- do you mean I should not believe you? Or the others who told me?”

“What do ye think, lad?” Neniramli asked, lowering a brow.

“...I don’t know,” Theo admitted.

“Oh, to be young again. Here, take this dagger n’ enchant it. Come back to me with yer results and we’ll see if I’ll truly work with ye,” Neniramli said, placing a sheathed dagger into his bag and shooing him towards the door.

“I-I can do that. Thank you very much for considering working with me, Neniramli. I won’t let you down,” Theo said, bowing deeply to the man.

An arm inclined Theo back to neutral. “Don’t bow te me, lad. I ain’t no fulvitre or cool-spectrum perren.”

Theo held up two placating hands. “Oh, my apologies. I’m very sorry- I just- I really wanted to show you my gratitude and I-”

An arm pushed him through the door, his shoes and socks flying out moments later. “I told ye, I have requests te fill. Enchant that, then talk to me.” The door slammed shut.

Adam turned from Pina and Telsa to look at Theo. He took in the footwear on the ground. “Woah, he really did knock his socks off.”