Dexter

We quickly doled out the tasks and split off into groups. I would go with Dumag to Yamarz’s father’s place. Then we’d stop by the prison to drop off the items and set up the basis for a trap in one of their storage rooms. After that, we’d swing by the barracks to see if we could book some training time. The fact that Yamarz’s dad was a woodworker meant we would be in charge of buying all the furniture we would need. Amelia would stay with Bruga and reorganize the furniture and make space for everything new. Salthu would head down to the library and scour the shelves for an appropriate alarm spell and every other possible enchantment method we would need for armaments. This left Brokil and Gremach to go purchase the ingredients and the safe for our upcoming storage plan. Salthu would join them later once he found the list of components required for the enchanting process. Brokil would also take some time to study up on alchemy to see if there was a way to detect the blood form potion the Elites would likely use again. Once evening started to roll around, we would all meet up at the notice board and find out what Garahk wanted us to see.

I palmed the carved shield that Yamarz’s father had given me as I walked beside Dumag, heading towards the location that had been described to me. “Will you want any help with the enchanting process?” I asked, glancing towards Dumag. “We might be able to reduce the enchanting time if more of us work on it.”

Dumag shook his head as he fiddled with the flap of his satchel. “The enchantment is a complex and dangerous one. I would be more comfortable if I alone was responsible for the spell”

I let out a tired sigh as I gestured insistently. “Not even a little?” I asked. “Come on. The Elites are out there doing god knows what and all I can do right now is train and practice more incantations. The least I can do is help you with this enchanted safe thing.”

Dumag shook his head again as he stared off, getting a distant look in his eye. “The risk is too great,” he said cryptically. I felt my face drop as Dumag quickly elaborated and filled my soul with a sense of dread. “This is no mere incantation or spell. This must be precisely woven, tailored, and constructed across a continuous weave of mana. One small slip could ruin the item in question or cascade into a building-wide rending of the air itself.” He turned to me with a deadly serious expression. “I am confident of your eventual skill, but this particular enchantment requires a far more experienced influence. There can be no room for error.”

I pursed my lips as I nodded understandingly. “Don’t mess with the space folding box. Got it.”

Dumag nodded contently as he turned back to the road ahead. “It will be safe once the enchantment is done. Until then, I will require a secluded area to prepare the circle and hold the ingredients. One of the stables should do.”

I nodded as I turned as well, spotting a building in the distance with a distinctive sign over the door. It was a picture of a block of wood, whose figure was being carved by a wooden chisel, turning it into an ornate pillar for some undesignated piece of furniture. From what I’ve been told a lot of hands-on work happened in the Northern district and I doubted you could get more hands-on than woodworking. The name just above the door read Argigoth’s Arbor Artisans, situated on the main road and surrounded by a wide variety of other shops. A row of gutted pigs and piles of cow meat hung on display in a nearby butcher’s shop. Across the way, dried herbs and spices sat in a similar display next to the entrance of some kind of herbology store. The general morning hustle and bustle seemed particularly heavy in this area, what with the various shops about and everyone going to and fro.

I pointed at the woodworking shop as the door opened and an orc walked out, carrying a small ornate box and heading down one of the roads. A similar display of glass presented several chairs, end tables, and shelves filled with small figurines and statuettes. “That’ll be the place,” I said as I turned to Dumag. “You got the list ready?” Dumag nodded as he reached into his shawl and pulled out a folded piece of parchment; our list of items to buy from him while we were here. I nodded as he tucked the parchment away and we headed inside.

The jangle of a bell sounded as we entered. The smell of sawdust and freshly cut wood was heavy in the air, accompanied by the sound of hammering and the scrape of tools on wood. The space we found ourselves in was packed with various bits of furniture and figures. Dressers, desks, tables, chairs, even a few bed frames took up the displays of the interior. Shelves lined the far wall, both empty and filled with an array of knick-knacks and toys. A counter bisected the row of shelves and guarded a dark wood door that sat behind it. Off to the side were planks of wood, set upright in long containers and waiting for someone to pull them out. Beside them rested a wide array of chisels, mallets, and various curved implements that seemed to serve as tools for wood carving. Wooden plaques rested in plain view all about the room, displaying the description and price of the items they rested on or beside. I examined a nearby shelf, the plaque within reading “Oak, Plain: ― ⍑.” I turned to the desk that sat beside it, its features enhanced by a series of intricate carvings along the sides just under the lip. The plaque resting on top read “Birch, Ornate: ― ╲╲⍑.” I could only assume the T symbol was what they used to represent teef as I traced a finger along the ridge of the wooden display.

Suddenly, a sharp cough drew my attention to the back of the room. A clerk was emerging from a back room as he ran a finger down some kind of sheet, voicing an undirected greeting as he stepped behind the counter. “Welcome to Agrigoth’s Arbor Artisans. How may I-'' he stopped short as he looked up and spotted Dumag and then me, his eyes growing wide as he took in a sharp breath. “Outsider,” he gasped hesitantly. “W-what brings you here?”

I stifled a twinge of annoyance as a thought ran through my mind. “This outsider crap is starting to get old.” Ignoring the thought, I gestured to myself and then Dumag. “Just call me Dexter. We came here to speak to Agrigoth. Is he here?”

A brief look of confusion crossed the clerk’s face before he nodded hesitantly and pointed to the door he had just emerged from. “He is occupied at the moment. Is this an urgent matter?”

Dumag and I shared a look before I tilted my head from side to side as I shrugged. “It’s not that urgent, but we were hoping to speak to him today. Is there a better time we can come here?”

The clerk opened his mouth to speak then hesitated as he thought before holding up a finger. “One moment, if you will,” he said as he began moving back towards the door. I nodded as Dumag and I watched him hurry through. For a brief moment, as the door was opened, the faint sounds of scratching and scraping of tools grew louder before the heavy door closed with an audible bap.

I let out a sigh as I turned to Dumag. “We might have to rearrange our timetable. Hopefully, the prison and the barracks are-” I stopped as I noticed something in the far corner of the room, previously hidden by the rows of furniture. In a corner of the room, between a shelf packed full of figurines and a series of chairs, sat a dark wooden desk, ornate carvings covering every inch and depicting several beautiful scenes just from the two sides I could see. It rested on a dais that made it stand out even more so amongst the rest of the furniture around it. I couldn’t help but let out an amazed “Woah” as I stared, causing Dumag to turn and see the object of my fixation.

Dumag’s eyes grew wide for a moment as he saw the majestic piece of furniture. “Gods almighty,” he remarked in surprise.

I walked over as I let out a low whistle. The wood appeared to gleam in the sun that barely broke through the near semi-transparent glass of the storefront. “I’m pretty sure God would use this as a desk,” I remarked as I examined one of the scenes. It was a group of orcs, one shown much larger than the others, with a large hill in the background. The larger orc appeared to be leading the group towards the hill, a crown of bones resting on his head. The scene next to it depicted another group, this one accompanied by an orc in a thick shawl and wielding a gem-topped staff. They appeared to be performing some type of ritual on a stone building, the pillars in front reminiscent of the Institute in the Southern district. One last scene on the opposite side of the first had yet another group, this one in the middle of what looked like a combat exercise. The dominant figure in this depiction looked mangled and scarred, part of his mouth curling unevenly and his left arm noticeably absent. The three scenes composed the front of the desk and were framed in further carvings that exemplified each scene which gave it a domineering and antique look. I couldn’t imagine the countless hours it must have taken to plan out let alone carve each intricate piece into the dark wood.

I reached out to run a finger along the surface of the depiction when the creak of the door sounded and I jumped to my feet, turning in time to see the clerk and another orc step into the store. My memories were alight with recognition as the new orc scanned the store before his eyes fell on me and his face broke into an enthusiastic smile. “Outsider!” He cheered happily, throwing his arms out in a welcoming manner. He was definitely the orc that had handed me the carved shield a few months ago. There was no mistaking that enthusiastic tone. He also bore a striking resemblance to Yamarz, his green eyes carrying the same enthusiasm I had seen at the feast. “Welcome to my humble shop. I am so glad you decided to visit me. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

I put on a smile as my annoyance at being called an outsider was tickled once more. “You can just call me Dexter if you like. We actually came here for two reasons. We’ve decided to spruce up the barn a bit and we need some furniture to fill the space.”

Agrigoth's smile somehow grew wider as he clapped his hands together enthusiastically. “Marvelous. Do you prefer a darker palette or a lighter one? Will you want a design or will your magical practices require a clean surface to work with? Do you have a special request?”

This time I really did grin at the barrage of questions Agrigoth had thrown at us. I gestured to Dumag as he reached into his shawl and pulled out the slip of parchment. “We made a list of the things we’ll need. Most of it is just the basic furniture so we won’t really care if it’s plain or ornate. We will need a lockbox, but I’m not sure if it needs to be plain or-”

Dumag stepped forward and handed the list to Agrigoth. “My enchantment will not care if there are designs upon it already. We merely need the interior to be precise in measure.”

Agrigoth nodded as he took the parchment and began reading, his finger tapping absentmindedly as his eyes trailed down the list. “That is more than doable, friend,” he said cheerily, looking up as he finished reading. “I can have these items ready by the end of the week. Do you wish to purchase in bulk or in payments?”

I let out a sigh as I reached into my pocket and pulled out one of Dumag’s enchanted pouches. The sounds of rattling coins could be heard as I pulled open the string. “The stuff we need wouldn’t happen to cost about four hundred teef, would it? Cause that’s all I have on hand at the moment.”

Agrigoth thought for a moment then shook his head, tapping the list he held. “That would be far too little, even if I was being generous. The materials alone would cost me seven hundred teef.”

I nodded as I reached into the pouch and began pulling out coins. “In payments it is,” I said as I started counting. “How much would the whole order be?”

Agrigoth thought for a moment as he examined the list again, his cheery expression never wavering. “For you, I am willing to part with all these items for a mere fifteen hundred teef. I can have the pieces delivered to your abode once I receive the first payment.”

I nodded as I clutched about thirty teef in one hand and began counting out another ten. “That, I can handle right now. It won’t be most of it, but it’ll be enough to count as a payment.”

Agrigoth nodded as he reached into his shawl and pulled out a quill and inkwell. “Marvelous. How much shall I note?”

I let out a sigh as I finished counting forty and started yet another ten. “I’m thinking two hundred teef would do, but it might take a while. Bear with me a moment.”

I heard a grumble from Dumag as he trudged over and gestured briefly. Before I could finish counting out the next set of ten, Dumag thrust his hand over the pouch. The sound of clinking metal could be heard as dozens upon dozens of coins suddenly leaped from the pouch and appeared to stick to his palm. A few coins made it partway up before losing speed and falling back into the pouch. Dumag reached into his satchel with his free hand and pulled out a different pouch, this one larger than the enchanted one I currently held and slipped the mass of coins in before pulling the string tight. Strangely, for Dumag at least, the bag appeared to hold the precise amount that he had just slipped in as he held the pouch out to Agrigoth. “I apologize for the rush, but we have much to do today.” He said to the room in general.

Agrigoth grinned at the display of strange magic as he took the pouch gingerly, glancing at it and the much smaller pouch that was still clutched in my palm. “Worry not. I understand the hurry.” He said as he set the pouch on the nearby counter and wrote on the list. Once he was done, he slipped the piece of parchment into his own shawl before turning back to me. “I am glad that you decided to visit, even if it was just to purchase some supplies. If there is any detail you would wish added, just let me know.”

I nodded as I slipped the fifty coins back into the pouch and returned them to my pocket. “There’s actually one other thing we needed,” I said as I gestured to Dumag. Dumag nodded as he reached into his satchel once more and pulled out the carved rose. I pointed to it as Dumag held it out for Agrigoth. “There’s someone that we’d like you to meet.”

This was the first time Agrigoth’s smile faltered, glancing at the pair of us then at the pseudo-rose. He finally took it gingerly as he put on an apologetic expression. “I cannot say the gesture is not flattering,” he said as he examined the piece. “But I am happily married. Sure you should know this. You have met my-”

I held up a finger before pointing at the rose again. “It’s not about who the flower is for. It’s about who made it.” I said, cutting him off.

Again, Agrigoth’s expression faltered. “Made?” He asked curiously. “What do you mean by-” He stopped as a flash of realization dawned on him. He turned and examined the rose in closer detail. He tugged a leaf experimentally, causing his eyes to grow wide. “Incredible,” he muttered. “I had no idea such details were possible. The pigments blend so smoothly.” He turned to me as his expression of amazement replaced his smile. “Where did you get such a detailed creation?”

I felt a smile of my own materialize as I gestured to Dumag. “That’s who we wanted to talk about. Dumag’s nephew wants to be a carpenter but hasn’t had an opportunity until now. We were hoping you could give him a head start on an apprenticeship. We brought that to show you an example of his work.”

Agrigoth’s smile returned as he looked at the flower once more, examining it appreciatively as he nodded. “With this? I would wish to employ him. His talents would be wasted on an apprenticeship.”

I let out a sigh as I nodded, gesturing to the carving in his hand. “The only problem is, he can’t know we showed you this.”

Dumag nodded as well as he gestured towards the door. “My family is a prideful one. This, I can say for certain. He has already received much aid in recent days. I am afraid he might not readily accept a position if he knew it was through our efforts.”

Agrigoth nodded as he twirled the rose between his fingers. “An unusual but understandable concern. Discrete assistance then,” he said thoughtfully. “I believe I can manage such an arrangement. If he so chooses, I can even train him alongside my current proteges. Though I hope he would desire employment. I wish to observe his means of achieving such detail. I can barely fathom how he was able to envision such detailed work.”

I glanced towards Dumag in time to see a brief grin flash across his face. He nodded gratefully as he let out a sigh of relief. “All that remains is to determine a means of introduction,” he sighed. “It would raise suspicions if I were to provide information for your store to my brother.”

Agrigoth nodded thoughtfully as he continued to admire the carved flower. “It would appear that fortune favors us today. I may have a solution to such a conundrum. Tell me, where does this family member reside?”

Dumag gave Agrigoth a curious look as he furrowed his brow. “He can be found in a farm home northeast of Snakhagr,” he said, almost hesitantly. “Though I am uncertain how that will-”

Agrigoth’s grin widened as he turned and gestured for us to follow. “Come. I know just how to achieve your request,” he said as he headed towards the door. He pointed the wooden carving at the clerk as he passed. “Gulfim may be here shortly to pick up her jewel box. Make sure she has the ten extra teef for the engraving.”

The clerk nodded as he wrote down the details. “Yes, sir.”

Dumag and I exchanged a look of confusion before following Agrigoth through the door behind the counter. The sounds of tool work and carving wood grew tenfold as we stepped through the doorway. As well, the sawdust was much more abundant, the air smelling heavily of the wandering particles. About a dozen other orcs were back here, working either individually or in groups of two or three to measure and cut whatever piece of wood they were working on. The store itself was packed, but the space behind it seemed even more so. Piles of wood were stacked neatly in the corner, sorted by type and size into chest-high stacks about five feet on each side. Above each stack were the labels for the tree; Maple, Oak, and Birch. There was even a smaller pile of dark wood near the end labeled 'Mahogany'. The far wall was filled with tools, some in holders, others piled neatly in cubby holes beneath workbenches. Every now and then one of the orcs would rush over to one of the holders and replace a few tools before grabbing a few more and returning to their work. I marveled at the pieces as we walked by; tables and chairs and other bits of furniture being assembled with ease. I paused for a moment and watched a pair hammer two planks of wood together to form a corner. Some kind of trapezoidal shape held the pieces together as one of the orcs pulled at the seam experimentally.

A few of them slowed their work as we passed, eyes training on me before Agrigoth glanced their way and caused them to return to their task. Agrigoth led us to the far end of the workshop where it seemed a different group of orcs was working, a much smaller group. This seemed to be where various cuts of wood were sliced into more manageable pieces. Three of them were working on cutting a log into a series of boards, two of them using a long saw while the third stacked the cuts nearby, while a pair worked to cut logs into manageable lengths. They stopped and turned our way as Agrigoth approached. “Father?” One of them asked. “What is the meaning of-” He stopped as he spotted me and Dumag behind Agrigoth.

Agrigoth appeared to recognize the confusion on their faces as he gestured calmingly to the group. “Worry not. This matter will take a few brief moments.” He then turned to me as he gestured to each orc. “Dexter, these are my current proteges. These are my children; Rulfim, Karfu, and my eldest Igug.” He gestured to three orcs, one female and two males in that order. Rulfim had been one of the pair working on the logs which Karfu and Igug were cutting into workable pieces. I could see their resemblance to Yamarz and Agrigoth. Igug and Rulfim had the same bright green eyes, with Karfu being the only one with a deep hazel hue. Rulfim and Karfu appeared to have similar enthusiasm to Agrigoth while Igug had a hint of apprehension I could recall from Yamarz. Agrigoth then gestured at the two that were helping the other three move the wood into their proper place. “These are the apprentices that showed promise long before they came to my store; Silug and Zulgha.” The pair waved my way as they were introduced, but kept the expression of unease and confusion. Silug had a thick mat of hair covering his chin that was filled with small flecks of sawdust with deep-set eyes that held a degree of fatigue beyond just a day of labor. Zulgha held an air of …. Nobility? that seemed out of place from the bandages that were binding his hand. A dark spot was growing distinctive on his right thumb that he was presently nursing.

Agrigoth gestured to Rulfim before motioning back the way we’d come. “Rulfim, I believe a detour is in order during our first outing.”

Everyone turned to the one named Rulfim as she stood and wiped the veil of sweat from her brow. “Is there a reason, father? Why have you brought the outsider with you?”

Agrigoth smiled again as he gestured to me with the carved rose. “It would appear Dexter here requested a bout of subtle assistance, assistance for one talented enough to create this.” He then held up the carved piece and admired it delicately. “It is rather fortunate that his request coincided so closely with your own.”

Rulfim continued to look confused as she glanced at me. “Will this require additional preparations?” She asked almost matter-of-factly.

Agrigoth shook his head as he gestured with the carving. “Perhaps some extra feed for the horses, but nothing beyond what you have already prepared. Most of the changes will fall on me. I must devise a convincing tale to entice him to join us.”

I let out an annoyed sigh as I stepped forward. “Hang on, what are you two planning?” I asked. “Why would you need horses?”

The group glanced towards Agrigoth as he let out an amused sigh. “I suppose I have not been quite clear on the matter,” he remarked cryptically. “Rulfim, would you like to do the honors?”

A brief grin flashed across Rulfim’s face as she nodded and stepped forward. The resemblance was here again as I noticed the bright green eyes and the enthusiasm hidden behind a veil of professionalism. “What my father is being rather secretive about is what I hope to be a means of gaining customers outside of the city without having to wait for them to come to us.” She then reached into her shawl and produced a stack of parchments, thumbing through them as she continued. “Lumber for construction is rather difficult to come by if not impossible for those outside the city. The woodsmen have only their own labor to harvest and are limited by that which they can carry. They also prefer handaxes over the serrated blades we utilize which is far more limiting in the timber they can create.” She then held up the stack and only then did I realize it was bound together like a catalog. “If we planned scheduled visits around the fields then we may find more customers for not only the lumber but the furniture as well. I have even composed a list of items the farmers may find useful.” She handed the stack to me with a grin. “Go ahead, see what you think.”

I glanced at Dumag before opening the stack and examining one of the pages. It looked like … well, a catalog. A few pieces of furniture were illustrated along with a list of materials and optional carvings next to their respective price. I flipped past a few pages and saw more illustrations, each with its own list of prices. It wasn’t all too impressive to look at; each page was pretty cut and dry with how it was laid out and what was on it, but it had to have been the first catalog this place had ever seen. I nodded as I turned back to Rulfim. “We have stuff like this back home,” I said, giving her a smile before thumbing through the book some more. “Well, had. I can’t remember the last time I held a catalog. I doubt stores back home are making an effort to print more of these. Nowadays, shit is ordered off the internet. Though, that’s assuming you’re getting the item from a reputable source. Otherwise, you just get scammed.” I looked up in time to see everyone giving me a confused expression. Rulfim, on the other hand, looked almost … downtrodden? As if she had just heard some terrible news.

Agrigoth was quick to interject as he gestured towards the stack of parchment in my hand. “In any regard, were such initiatives successful in gaining the desired buyers?” He asked. “I have not heard of such a net, but I am certain such a thing does not exist in Gashur. Certainly,, this will work with what we have on hand.”

It was my turn to be confused as I glanced at Dumag. He was returning a serious expression that I couldn’t quite place, but I nodded as I turned back to Agrigoth. “I’m not that good at history, but it was lucrative when it lasted. The company that first started it is probably worth billions right now.” A look of relief washed over Agrigoth’s face as he glanced towards Rulfim. A similar expression of ease was appearing on her as well.

Agrigoth quickly took over again as he handed the rose back to Dumag. “Fantastic. As well, I wished to ask this question in the presence of my daughter so that she might know what to expect as well. This farm of your family’s, do you know of any supplies they might require? I would wish to set aside such cuts if our outing is indeed lucrative.”

Dumag took the carving gingerly as he thought for a moment before nodding. “I believe their paddocks are due for repairs. It would do my brother much good to replace a few posts and rebuild one of the gates. I cannot say for certain that is what he would purchase, but it is what comes to mind when I consider the state the farm is in.”

Agrigoth nodded as he pulled a slip of parchment from his shawl and jotted something down. “Excellent. I will be sure to set aside such supplies during our journey.” He then slipped the parchment back into his shawl as he clapped his hands together. “Now then. If there are any other requests or questions you have of me, do not be afraid to ask. I will be working diligently to ensure your order is up to standards. We should be ready to deliver within a week or so.”

I nodded gratefully as I grinned in response. “I look forward to it. It’ll be nice to get something new in the barn.”

Agrigoth grinned, but before he could respond, Dumag stepped forward. “I would prefer if the lockbox was completed sooner. Is there any way we may expedite its construction?”

Agrigoth hesitated for a moment before nodding, tapping the shawl and causing a metallic clink to sound. “With the payment already made, of course, I can accomplish such a request. Return in two days and I shall have it prepared.”

Dumag nodded gratefully as he gave a rare grin. “That is far more manageable for our requirements. Thank you.”

Agrigoth nodded as he turned back to me. “I hope you will return should you need any other furniture. I have heard how intensive the study of magic can be. A good desk is always in demand.”

I nodded before recalling the desk I’d seen outside, a twinge of curiosity welling from within as I considered the ornate engravings. I gestured towards where I thought it was as I asked the first question that came to mind. “Speaking of desks, what’s the story of that dark wood one in the store? I’ve seen a couple of fancy desks, but none as well designed as that.”

Agrigoth chuckled at the question as he glanced towards his proteges. “That piece was a commission for a merchant, one that I have not seen in some time. I can only assume he had second thoughts as he had some rather choice words when last I presented it to him.”

I felt my heart sink slightly at the news. “I guess it’s not for sale then,” I said sadly.

Agrigoth chuckled as he shook his head. “It is open for purchase,” he replied. “However, I have yet to find a buyer that is willing to stomach the remaining payments. The work to complete it was rather substantial.”

At that, I felt a twinge of intrigue. “How much is left?” I asked curiously. “It can’t be that much.”

Agrigoth actually laughed at that and took a moment to collect himself as he shook his head. “I have yet to meet one fortunate enough to consider ten thousand teef to be ‘not that much.’”

I let out an astonished oooo as I mentally measured against the 500 teef a month that was serving as my allowance. “That’s a lot more than I expected,” I admitted. “Like, holy shit. How is it that expensive?”

Agrigoth chuckled at my expression of shock as he replied. “The material the merchant requested is of a rare variety. I can only obtain the material twice a year if I am lucky. Once when the caravan makes their way to Snakhagr and again at the harvest festival. The engravings were also time-consuming to create as well as design. What’s more, there is a series of internal mechanisms that he wished for me to construct. I am uncertain of their final purpose, but he was insistent that it be built to the exact specifications he provided.”

I felt a sense of intrigue and curiosity at the idea of a hidden aspect to the desk. “Now you’re just giving me a sales pitch. Who wouldn’t want a mysterious desk with a hidden feature?”

Agrigoth chuckled again as he tapped another part of his shawl. “One who is unable to purchase this mysterious desk. What’s more, I am still unable to understand the functions of the desk. I have tried, but the schematics are not of the descriptive variety.”

I laughed at the idea as I glanced back towards the door. “That just makes it all the more interesting,” I admitted. I turned to Dumag as I gave him an enthusiastic grin. “I’m so coming back here when I have the funds. This is just a puzzle waiting to be solved.”

Dumag nodded reluctantly as he glanced towards the door as well and slipped the rose back into his satchel. “In any regard, we have matters to attend to.” He turned back to Agrigoth as he tapped a clenched fist to his chest. “I thank you for your discretion at our request. I will return once the box is ready.” He then turned and motioned for me to follow.

I nodded as I gave Agrigoth a wave. “See you later,” I called.

Agrigoth nodded as he tapped a fist to his chest as well. “Good luck on your duties, Dexter.”

With that, I turned and followed Dumag back through the workshop and out of the shop. The clerk gave us a brief nod as we passed and I stole one last glance towards the Ornate dark wood desk in the corner before following Dumag outside, heading towards WhiteRock prison and the next part of our plan.

Amelia

I let out a sigh as I moved the last pile of books onto a temporary table. I remember sorting through them long ago, but I was still surprised at the sheer volume that Dexter had brought with him. The assorted junk and other knick-knacks had been stacked as efficiently as possible, giving me and Bruga room to actually sort through the items from the Archive. As well, it allowed me to sort through the magical items Dexter and I could use. The manastones would naturally be useful for our purposes, but we needed to make sure they were charged first. I waved a hand over them and cast the incantation for Detect Mana. Most of them returned as full five-point manastones, but a handful had only one point of mana, likely the ones that Salthu used to teleport back to the city and the two I’d used in the hideout against the Elites. I set those aside in case we needed to go out again, just to be sure we weren't overestimating our strength.

Bruga joined me at the table as she set a few pouches down beside me. “Some of Dumag’s pouches,” she explained. “I believe these were filled with a few manastones and some enchanted armaments. Perhaps you and your companion could find some use in them.”

I nodded as I pulled open one of the pouches and found a few jade amulets near the lip of the bag. I pulled out a pair and set them aside as I nodded gratefully. “We’ll see what these are if the custom enchantment ends up taking a while.”

Bruga nodded as she moved over and gathered a few of the blankets that gave off a smokey aura. “Each item will take a few days to enchant, assuming we merely enhance the base function of an item and do not bestow it with unique abilities.”

I turned to her curiously as I opened another bag and found a bunch of bracelets within. “Will it really take that long?” I asked, disappointed.

Bruga nodded in response as she set the bundles of fur beside the other magical knick-knacks that weren’t really useful in a battle. “Enchanting is a careful and time-consuming process. Many enchantments require a full understanding of the intricate interactions of mana on the person. If one item is to work with another, then both enchantments must be understood to their fullest. Otherwise, neither effect will function and you have merely ladened yourself with adverse effects.”

I let out a reluctant sigh as I pulled two bracelets out and set them with the jade necklaces. “We’ll have to pick and choose carefully then,” I said thoughtfully. “Night vision is only useful in caves and other dark places and I honestly hope we’re not about to go back in again.”

Bruga let out a sigh as she moved over and gathered a bundle of staves. “I would hope that the Elites do not force our hand too soon. However, we must be prepared for such an event, should it arise.”

I nodded again as I slowly started working through each pouch; bracers, rings, amulets, circlets, and more started piling next to the two pieces I had already extracted. I wasn’t sure of the function of each item, but it wouldn’t hurt to set them aside in case we needed them. “Let’s hope Dexter and Dumag can set that trap and book the training time,” I practically sighed. “I’ve not been able to spar since Dexter was training for the arena.”

Surprisingly, Bruga chuckled at the mention of the arena. “I am still in awe at the spectacle that day. The troll is one of the arena's most challenging battles and your companion dispatched it with such grace and precision. I was almost certain they would fail when the battle started, but your companion appeared to act as a rallying point for the other trainees. I am grateful that he chose to include me in his plans for Vedug.”

I let out an embarrassed sigh as I brushed my hair behind my ear. “I wish people would stop calling him my companion. It sounds … weird.”

Bruga gave me a confused expression as she set the staves next to the pile of blankets. “Is that not accurate?” She asked. “Why would you be ashamed to call him your companion.”

I let out an exasperated sigh as I mulled over the idea for a moment. “It’s not about accuracy,” I admitted. “It just seems a weird thing to call someone. I’ve only known him for a couple of months and it just seems … weird.”

Bruga paused in her work as she turned to me, a hesitant expression on her face. “Do you … have feelings for him?” She asked suddenly.

The question more than caught me off guard and I found myself choking on my own spit as I inhaled sharply. I took a minute to compose myself as I felt my face go beat red. “W-what gave you that idea?” I asked quickly. “W-we don’t even sleep on the same floor.”

At my discomfort, Bruga appeared to give an amused smile. “What’s with this place and people laughing at my expense?” I thought angrily. Before I could continue, Bruga shrugged as she turned back to work, grabbing a few of the sunstone lamps and putting them with the staves and blankets. “Distance is not relevant to the desires of the heart,” she said slyly. “Dumag and I live across the city from one another and-” She stopped as she pursed her lips suddenly, glancing my way.

I immediately felt a wave of sympathy as I saw her expression. “Why is it such a big deal?” I asked suddenly, catching myself off guard. “Why are you two so embarrassed about your relationship? You’re both adults. I don’t see why it’s such a big deal.”

Bruga sighed hesitantly as she glanced away, still pursing her lips. She finally let out a reluctant groan as she set the sunlamps down and rubbed her neck timidly. “It is complicated,” she admitted cryptically. “We are meant to be co-workers; teachers of the Institute. We are not meant to fraternize with one another.”

I scoffed as I moved the pile of pouches to the side to scoot closer to Bruga. “Why’s that?” I asked. “Is there a rule? Some kind of disciplinary code about relationships?”

Bruga let out another sigh as she continued to rub the back of her neck. “It is complicated,” she repeated. “There is no disciplinary code, as you put it, but it is frowned upon. More so considering it is known that I am unwed.”

I let out another exasperated sigh as I gestured insistently. “What does that have to do with anything?” I asked. “Surely it’s not that big a deal. Why would it matter if they knew that?”

Bruga let out a sigh once more as she bowed her head, fiddling with her fingers. “I suppose you would not know this, being an outsider and all,” she remarked, turning away timidly.

I waited for her to continue, to explain her remark and justify her discomfort at people knowing her and Dumag’s relationship. I let out a sympathetic sigh as I glanced back at the pile of items I had created. Most of the items were some form of jewelry with a few bracers and two pieces of leather orcish armor. I definitely needed to learn Brokil’s identify spell at some point. I could try and conceptualize what each of them might be useful for, but my mind was elsewhere as I tried to formulate my next words delicately. “Is it something you’re comfortable talking about?” I asked, turning back to Bruga.

Bruga hesitated again as she let out a sigh. “I’m uncertain,” she admitted timidly. “Perhaps another day, but not today.”

I nodded understandingly as I stood and stretched. “That’s okay. You can share once you’re comfortable.” Bruga grinned happily as she let out a sigh of relief and turned back to work. I glanced upstairs as I heard the wind whistle and a bang as one of the doors upstairs appeared to slam before being blown open again. I pointed towards the ladder as I began to head over. “I’m going to go up to close those. It’ll be distracting if they do that again.” Bruga nodded as she picked up one of the Archive crates and moved it over with the other artifacts, but didn’t say anything more. I was pretty sure she had a bit to think about now.

I turned and climbed the ladder into the loft, glancing too and fro to see the doors swung wide open, the one to the left occasionally swinging to close but then being pushed open by the wind from inside. I moved over to the swinging door and pulled it close, latching it with a built-in wooden bar to prevent it from being yanked open again. I turned and moved to repeat the process with the opposite door. The wind was already dead with the closing of the first door, but I’d rather not leave the other one open to the elements. I leaned out and grabbed an iron handle embedded into the wooden slab and pulled hard, fighting the wind for a moment before it actually helped push the door close. I repeated the latching process and began to turn away when a corner of the loft caught my eye. A pile of bedding was resting in the corner of the room, obviously something from Dexter’s supplies as I recognized it as made of linen. I let out a sigh as I walked over to pick up the pile. “I’m going to have to wash these,” I muttered, seeing the dirt and dust-covered cloth and grabbing at the pile. I stopped as my hands hit something much firmer than linen, something rigid and … square?

My brow furrowed as I let go and lifted the linen sheet. Beneath the folded cloth was a cardboard box, the black writing of MISC still prominent but stained from sitting here for who knows how long. The top of the box was closed and I could see more linen poking out from the slits. “What the hell?” I muttered, opening the box and removing the second layer of cloth. What greeted me made my heart stop as I froze in confused terror. A thick leather blindfold and a series of gags and collars greeted me. It took all of my willpower to not let out a loud gasp and likely draw Bruga’s attention. I quickly swallowed the knot in my throat as I glanced back, ensuring Bruga was in no rush to follow me up the ladder. I turned back as I saw no one and felt my heart pounding in my chest, my eyes wandering over the perverse toys. Lengths of rope, cuffs, and a riding crop stuck out to me before I had the sense to cover the pile and look away. I felt the heat in my face as my mind raced with the implications of my discovery. “He’s into this stuff? How the fuck did I not notice this before? I wonder how they’d feel. What The Fuck? Stop!” I let out a forcibly calming sigh as I clenched my eyes shut, trying to forget that I had seen the box. I threw the linen back on top and closed the box before replacing the linen that had acted as the box’s hiding place. I stood and turned to quickly walk back to the ladder; beginning to climb down before stopping as I saw the pile again, still sitting in the corner. I had just the briefest moment of hesitation as my panic and embarrassment developed just a twist of curiosity. I had one more thought wander through my head before I quickly continued to descend the ladder. “I had no idea Dexter was so … interesting.”