00_EA_Konstantina

So, *this* is the newest addition to our clandestine dungeons. Interesting. [[Am I not what you were expecting?]] [[I'm more interested in learning who *you* are.]]

These aren’t exactly the most *interesting* rooms of the dungeons, what can I do for you? [[I'm simply attending my rounds and ensuring all are ... constructive.]] [[It felt rather lonely down here. Care for company?]]

Hmm, you’ve returned. I didn’t quite expect that. [[What can I say, your craft is interesting to me.]] [[I assure you, I'm dedicated to my role here.]]

*Whisper yelling* Quiet! Did you hear that? [[*Whispers* Hear what?]] [[Hmmm. The obvious sounds of impish mischief?]]

If you’re going to skulk about my armoury, you should make yourself useful. [[Perhaps I should help you make those charms?]] [[My presence here is useful, isn't it?]]

I’m glad to see you patrolling. Something has felt off of late. [[Has something disturbed your peace?]] [[All has been well from what I can see thus far]]

I had assumed that the Lich's *champion* would be more ... muscled. [[I might be bones but I assure you, I'm formidible on the field.]] [[Well I know I'm no AJ, but I hope to surprise you.]]

Who *I* am? You come to these dungeons and do not yet know me? I am Konstantina! The War General of Torkadall. Right hand to the Lich. Dullahan of the night cast lands. Shepard so Souls. [[I think AJ mentioned you're the general ...]] [[I came here *specifically* to meet you, ma'am.]]

Constructive? I see, I see. And how are our fellow denizens doing in their respective tasks? Are they all {i}|constructive{/i}? [[*Sing high praises for your fellow denizens within the dungeons.*]] [[*Speak lowly of the work your fellow monsters have accomplished this day.]]

Typically I enjoy time to myself. It allows me to focus on my work and other endeavours. Though too much time alone is unhealthy for the soul. Come, sit. Tell me of the goings on of Torkadall. I wish to know of our dwellers. [[*Sing high praises and good will for your fellow denizens.*]] [[*Speak of failing moral of the various residents.*]]

Is it? Have you an experience at the forge? [[Oh yes. I'm a born blacksmith. I bet I could out-forge you.]] [[I've never touched a smithy hammer, but I'd like to try it.]]

I have heard this around the dungeons. Ever vigilant you seem to be, proven as the skills and prowess of our charges have grown in recent days. I'm more than pleased by their progress. [[*Brainstorm ways to help continue the upward trend of moral with Konstantina*]] [[Now I must ensure that {i}you{/i} are also fairing well.]]

Your presence ... Is not unwanted. I believe I'm becoming accustomed to your company here and there. Come, look. I have been working on forging a new blade for AJ. Something he can wield without breaking that can also damage this magically imbued armour our enemies now wear. Such hypocrisy. [[It makes me think there's something fishy about their whole cult.]] [[Is there some kind of magic you can put into the weapon?]]

Open your ears and quiet your mind. The imps are up to maniacal mischief no doubt. There are times I find their shenanigans almost endearing. Other times ... not so much. But commendable all the same. [[How is their nonsense commendable?]] [[I still don't hear anything.]]

{i}Indeed.{/i} The little cretins think they can sneak up on me in my own forge. Ha! As if they stand a chance on my home turf. There are times I find their shenanigans endearing. Other times, less so. Commendable all the same, however. [[How is their nonsense commendable?]] [[Maybe we should teach them a lesson in manners.]]

Only a tingling of unease I can't seem to shake, yet my rounds of Torkadall show everything to be calm. {i}*Sighs*{/i} [[*Regail the mighty dullahan with tales of your recent training sessions.*]] [[Why don't you sit and chat with me to take your mind off things.]]

That's objectively good to know, but there is still something tugging at my nerves, but I do not know what. {i}*Sighs*{/i} [[*Regail the mighty dullahan with tales of your recent training sessions.*]] [[Why don't you sit and chat with me to take your mind off things.]]

I shall be the judge of that, young champion. Now, tell of the battle that took place mere days past. [[ *Tell her of the Forces of Light intruders and the outcome of the battle.* ]] [[If you were so concerned, shouldn't you have been here?]]

*Ha* Nobody is an AJ. He is a formidable warrior, even I may never measure up to his strength. Now that you're here, champion, tell me of the battle that took place days past. [[ *Tell her of the Forces of Light intruders and the outcome of the battle.* ]] [[If you were so concerned, shouldn't you have been here?]]

AJ is a fine warrior and an even finer man. You'd do well to heed his council. Now, tell me of the battle that took place here days past. [[ *Tell her of the Forces of Light intruders and the outcome of the battle.* ]] [[If you were so concerned, shouldn't you have been here?]]

Hmm, well at least you're respectful about it. I have been away for many days on business. Tell me of what I've missed in my absense. [[ *Tell her of the Forces of Light intruders and the outcome of the battle.* ]] [[If you were so concerned, shouldn't you have been here?]]

It is unfortunate that they found our location. It could have been a mere folly on their part to stumble upon us, but no doubt scouts will have reported back to their masters regardless. [[Nevertheless, it's over. Now we must move on.]] [[Perhaps we should scout the perimeter to better hide us.]]

I *should* have been here. As the general, it was my duty to be here, but as the Lich's right hand, my duties often take me elsewhere. I presume ... this may be why the Lich has recruited you. [[You sure to do wear a lot of hats. Is this an armoury?]] [[I'm here to keep you all trained and in top fighting condition.]]

Yes ... Yes. But do not turn from past conflicts so quickly. One can learn much upon reflection, and utilise that knowledge for the battles to come. Now, what was your purpose here today? [[I only wished to introduce myself.]] [[*Suggest ways to secure the perimeter in the wake of the battle.*|*Impress her with more ideas to secure the borders of the dungeons*]]

An excellent suggestion. I shall ride the perimeter myself when night falls, and shall have Philomela scout from the skies. Eldoris will ensure our waterways are clear, and AJ further disguise the labyrinth's entrance. [[*Impress her with more ideas to secure the borders of the dungeons*]] [[All excellent ideas! Perhaps I should leave you to it?]]

It is indeed. You stand beside the very forge I use to craft the weapons and armour the many denizens of these dungeons use in battle, and otherwise. Everyone has their role, and I am keen to see where you fit into the machine. [[My place is to look after you all, and keep you trained.]] [[Well ... I only popped down to introduce myself ...|I only wished to introduce myself.]]

I'll be the judge of that. Later today, you will return here and we shall have our first training session together. Until then, there's much work to catch up on throughout the dungeons. [[What work is there to do down here?]] [[Pretty sure that's *my* job now.]]

Do you not see where you stand, champion? You stand beside a blazing forge in the dungeon's armoury. I was a blacksmith's daughter, and create the very weapons and armour the denizens of this place wield. [[Now that you point it out ... that makes sense, yeah.]] [[I obviously knew that! I was just ... testing you.]]

I'm pretty sure *everyone* has a job. Some have many. For instance, you stand beside a great forge within the armoury. I craft the very weapons and armour you all wield in battle. Have you come to take this job? [[Uh ... I take it back, because I'm definitely not a blacksmith.]] [[Of course not! I only meant ... I am here to help anyway I can.]]

I'm glad your eyes are in working order then! Now then, there's work to be done upon this forge, but you will return to me later so we may spar upon the training field. I wish to see you in action for myself. There's no better way to get to know a person. [[I will definitely do that, General, ma'am. General.]]

*Testing* me, aye? Well, Then I shall test you in return upon the training field. You will return later, and we will spar together. I shall determine whether or not I think the Lich made the correct choice with you. [[I will definitely do that, General, ma'am. General.]]

*Ha* It is a difficult trade to learn, I admit. I started very young. It takes a strong arm, and much patience. But enough of that now. You will return to me later to train so I might test you for myself. Understand? [[Yes, ma'am! General ... Ma'am.|I will definitely do that, General, ma'am. General.]]

Hmm, I expect I shall put you to use. There is always work to be done, and a job suitable to everyone. For now, I have work to do on the forge, but you will return to me later so we may test you on the training field. *Then* I shall truly get to know you. [[I will definitely do that, General, ma'am. General.]]

Well met then, for I am Konstantina, the War General of Torkadall. And you, young skeleton, are the champion I have heard much about. Pleased to make your acquaintance. You shall return again later to train with me, and we will then be properly introduced. [[I will definitely do that, General, ma'am. General.]]

I had hoped to hear you come up with more ideas to strengthen our security. To show some initiative, but I suppose you're still learning. Come to me again later and we shall spar together. I will know more about you after that. [[I will definitely do that, General, ma'am. General.]]

Very well, very well. I shall see to this, and then later you will return to me and we shall train together. This will help me learn more about you, young champion, for we will be working together much in coming days. [[I will definitely do that, General, ma'am. General.]]

Well then you shall return later this day to train with me, and then you and I will truly begin to get to know one another. How does that sound? [[That sounds like an excellent idea ... General ... Ma'am.|I will definitely do that, General, ma'am. General.]]

See that you do, little champion. Now good day to you! [[End]]

If their moral is failing, then it is our job to help raise it again. The threat of our enemies on the horizon is a shadow over all our hearts. It can bring down even the finest and strongest of warriors. [[Are you losing hope?]] [[How did you come to be enemies with the Forces of Light?]]

Hearing such things truly lightens the heart. I know many here may be losing hope even if they do not show it. Our enemies are both powerful and cruel. It is undeniably disheartening. [[Are you losing hope?]] [[How did you come to be enemies with the Forces of Light?]]

This pleases me greatly. A heavy shadow looms on the horizon, and I know all too well how heavy and disheartening it can be. It is good to know their moral and spirits are high regardless. [[And what of your spirits?]] [[How did you come to be enemies with the Forces of Light?]]

That is a difficult question. I am a warrior. I was raised a blacksmith's daughter, but trained as a warrior on the field of battle. After the betrayal that led to my death and new form, I remained a warrior. I will always fight, but ... sometimes the thought of it can become much to bear. [[*Offer the mighty dullahan a reassuring hand.*]] [[If you trained on the field of battle, who's side were you on?]]

That is a long story, and a difficult one. I was born of a human village under the heel of the Forces of Light. When I came of age, I was drafted into their service as many of their number are. It's there I trained as a warrior, and it was there that my mortal life taken, and my new life created to be a weapon for the Grand Deacon. [[The Grand Deacon? Nobody has mentioned this person before.]] [[You mean you were once *part* of the Force of Light??]]

+1 *The mighty war general takes your hand and gives it a small squeeze before quickly letting go.* Do not waste such sentiments on me. There are those here in much greater need of a kind gesture. Particularly the youngsters. This chaos is all they've ever known. [[Then I'll go see to them, if only to ease your mind.]] [[By the sounds of it, it's all you have ever known.]]

Ah yes, I'm sure they have not. It is not a popular topic, but an important one. The Grand Deacon is the high leader of the Forces of LIght. It's said that they alone commune with their higher power, and lead the revolution to remove *darkness* from these lands. The darkness being us. *Monsters* [[If the Grand Deacon wants to erase monsters, why did they make you?]] [[Strange The Lich has not at least mentioned this person.]]

I was, as I said. You must understand that while many of their number came to their cause willingly as true believers, many are as I was: simple common folk given little choice. I may have died, but with my new life came a freedom I'd never had before. [[I suppose that's one way for their numbers to increase ...]] [[One might question your loyalty if you were once an enemy.]]

I was born to a village that held featly to the Force of Light. I was drafted into their service as many of their soldiers are. Many of their number are true believers, but many are as I was: simple common folk given little choice in the matter. [[I suppose that's one way for their numbers to increase ...]] [[One might question your loyalty if you were once an enemy.]]

It is the primary way they increase their numbers. One village at a time, they've swept across the land. They train their soldiers when they're young so they grow up believing in the cause. It's a vicious cycle that's gone on generations. Enough of this for today. You have places to be, and I have weapons to forge. [[End1]]

One might, you are right. But before you do, ask yourself if you, a skeleton only days out of the grave, knows more than The Lich themselves, who gave me a home here long before you were brought from your grave. [[I concede your point.]] [[The Lich seems to keep many secrets though ... ]]

That is a question I have been asking myself since the event took place. The only answer I can come up with is that they are a hypocrite and sought to fight fire with fire. Unfortunately, this fire had a mind of its own. Enough of these dark memories for today. You've charges to tend, and I've weapons to forge. Off with you now. [[End1]]

The Lich has many responsibilites. Sometimes we must take the initiative to learn what we need to know, as you have done today. Good for you. Now, I'm sure you have other charges to tend, and I have weapons to forge. That is all for today. [[End1]]

+1 I would appreciate that very much. Someone needs to be a spark in all of this sullenness around here. Off with you now, you've new work to do, and I've weapons to forge here. [[End1]]

It was for a very long time. My entire human life, actually. It was my second life as a dullahan created to be a weapon, that I found a new calling of my own choice, with The Lich's help of course. But enough of dark memories for today. You have charges to tend, and I have weapons to forge. Off with you now. [[End1]]

As I suspected you would. Now, off with you. There's others in more need of kind company than I, and I've much work to finish at my forge. Away with you. [[End1]]

Of course they do. They are a lich. It is their very nature. They also work towards our protection and salvation, and we are mere cogs in the machine. Now, off with you. You must tend your other charges, and I've many weapons to forge. [[End1]]

Hmm, yes. Yes. There's a few good ideas in there that we shall have to try. Particularly the one involving Jett's Tavern. You've a quick mind about you. Now, since you're here, why don't you help me at the forge. Have you any experience? [[I've never touched a smithy hammer, but I'd like to try it.]] [[Oh yes. I'm a born blacksmith. I bet I could out-forge you.]]

Me? I am the War General of Torkadall. I do not need looking after. However ... I could use help about the forge here and there. Have you any experience with a smithy hammer? [[I've never touched a smithy hammer, but I'd like to try it.]] [[Oh yes. I'm a born blacksmith. I bet I could out-forge you.]]

Is that so? Alright then. Grab that hammer. Let's put your grand words to the test. INITIATE MATCH 3 Optional Lines for Konstantina in match3 Keep your focus. Blacksmithing requires precision and patience. Good, you're getting the hang of it. Now try to align those gems to heat the forge evenly. Aye, that's the way! Smooth and steady wins the day. Don't rush it. A true craftsman takes their time to perfect each piece. See those flames? Keep them burning bright. Our work depends on it. Focus, or you'll end up with naught but scrap. You can do better than that. A fine attempt, but you can improve. You've got potential. Now show me you've got the perseverance too. My old mentor would have called you a natural, but don't let it go to your head. [[END MATCH 3]]

So you've an inquisitive mind. Alright then. Pick up that hammer, let us see how you fare. INITIATE MATCH 3 Optional Lines for Konstantina in match3 Keep your focus. Blacksmithing requires precision and patience. Good, you're getting the hang of it. Now try to align those gems to heat the forge evenly. Aye, that's the way! Smooth and steady wins the day. Don't rush it. A true craftsman takes their time to perfect each piece. See those flames? Keep them burning bright. Our work depends on it. Focus, or you'll end up with naught but scrap. You can do better than that. A fine attempt, but you can improve. You've got potential. Now show me you've got the perseverance too. My old mentor would have called you a natural, but don't let it go to your head. [[END MATCH 3]]

Konstantina: Well now. How do your bones feel after a bit of gritty work at the forge's fire? [[Sore and dirty. Why do you even do this?]] [[Invigorating! I want to do that again!]]

Ha! Because a hard day's work is good for mind, body, and soul. Not to mention rewarding. With this forge, I create the weapons and armour our denizens will use to protect and defend themselves. It also brings back many memories of my youth. Of home. [[I will admit I felt a tad clumsy.]] [[I wish I had memories of my past life ... Maybe I was a smith.]]

Yes! A hard day's is beneficial to mind, body, and soul. And just think, with your sweat at the forge, you craft the very armour and weapons our denizens will use to protect and defend themselves. That's something. Ah, the smell of the smithy brings back memories ... of home. [[I will admit I felt a tad clumsy.]] [[I wish I had memories of my past life ... Maybe I was a smith.]]

It's all part of the process. I remember once as an apprentice I was tasked with forging a horseshoe. Something so simple to me now, but back then I was so nervous that I ended up making it an odd shape that would fit no hooved creature. Instead of getting angry, my mentor decided to use it as a good luck charm and hung it above the forge. The next week, we received our largest order. [[Next time, I shall try to forge a horseshoe myself.]] [[Do you still have your goodluck charm?]]

Perhaps you will gain them in time, or you will simply have to forge new ones! I remember once as an apprentice I was tasked with forging a horseshoe. Something so simple to me now, but back then I was so nervous that I ended up making it an odd shape that would fit no hooved creature. Instead of getting angry, my mentor decided to use it as a good luck charm and hung it above the forge. The next week, we received our largest order. [[Next time, I shall try to forge a horseshoe myself.]] [[Do you still have your goodluck charm?]]

A bold enterprise. I tell you what, if you do well enough, perhaps I will let you fit some shoes to Clover. First though, we could use some good luck charms around this place. [[Who in the world is {i}Clover{/i}]] [[Your wish is my command. Until next time, General.]]

No, I don't. That was long, long ago I'm afraid. It's probably buried in the mud somewhere, never to be seen again. I suppose we can always try our best to forge new good luck charms befitting Torkadall. Speaking of which, I think Clover is due new shoes too. [[Who in the world is {i}Clover{/i}]] [[Your wish is my command. Until next time, General.]]

Good day to you, young champion. [[End3]]

We did say we would do so, but not this day I am afraid. I have been working on a new blade for AJ. I am trying to craft something he can use without breaking, that can also damage the armour our enemies wear. Apparently it is imbued with some kind of magic that strengthens it. It is hypocrisy. [[It makes me think there's something fishy about their whole cult.]] [[Is there some kind of magic you can put into the weapon?]]

Indeed there is. Just look at me. I am a being of magic now, living a second life, no longer human. They created me, despite their doctrine condeming the likes of me. Their actions do not match their words. It is all deceit, but to what end? What is the goal? So many questions. [[Do they know they created one of their most powerful enemies?]] [[The Lich would know, wouldn't they?]]

You mean do they know they created the very War General that stands at the right hand of The Lich themselves?! Hard to know, but they {i}will{/i} know it before the end. Mark my words. [[How {i}did{/i} you become a General?]] [[I fully intend on standing at your side when that happens.]]

They may ... but I will not bother them with work that is my responsibility. They've been locked away, hard at work since you arrived. I will not be the one to interrupt lest it be of utmost importance. We can figure this out. I am the General, after all. [[How {i}did{/i} you become a General?]]

I have been thinking on this but not yet come to a definitive conclusion. It all takes time to brainstorm, to create, to implement, to test. Time is something not on our side. [[Maybe we should consider asking The Lich for help in this.]] [[I will convene with the other denizens. Someone will have an idea, surely.]]

If we cannot figure it out ourselves, then we may have no choice. But we are not there yet, and I shall not interrupt The Lich lest there be no other options. No, we will figure this out. I am the General, after all. Let us approach the other denizens first. [[How {i}did{/i} you become a General?]] [[I don't even think I've met {i}everyone{/i} yet. Who's missing?]]

That is good of you. Many minds are better than one, or even two. Our denizens have many talents and knowledge between them, we need only a catalyst to facilitate closer bonds between them all. That's you. [[Maybe it wouldn't hurt for them to hear from their General]] [[I don't even think I've met {i}everyone{/i} yet. Who's missing?]]

I told you before I trained as a soldier in the ranks of the Forces of Light. I rose to the rank of general in their army, and those skills didn't disappear just because I {i}died{/i}. If anything, I believe becoming a dullahan gave me even more clarity and prowess in my role. [[Tooting your horn a little hard there aren't you?]] [[Then you know their inner workings well, I take it?]]

I expect nothing less. Now, where were we? Ah yes. This weapon. I have much work to do if I'm going to complete this task. Are you able to make yourself useful elsewhere? [[Always. I'll brainstorm ideas for you while I'm away.]] [[I'll speak to the others ... is there anyone I haven't met?|I don't even think I've met {i}everyone{/i} yet. Who's missing?]]

Hm. Perhaps not. It has been a while since I myself have approached the others directly. You are right. I will see to this straight away. [[I suppose we both have rounds to complete then.]]

Hmm ... Perhaps Razza. Fae tend to operate on myconid time ... which varies greatly. [[I don't understand.]] [[Where can I find fem?]]

Myconids don't see time the way you and I do. Sometimes Razza says fae'll be right back, and it is days before fae show up again. Other times it is the opposite, and you never know what you're going to get. You get used to it. Myconids are ... interesting. [[I suppose I have introductions to make. So long.]]

Fae typically are down in the deep gardens below, but I suspect fae'll make themselves known soon enough. *Chuckles* Razza can be quite the character. You'll like fem. [[I suppose I have introductions to make. So long.]]

Indeed we do. Good luck to you Young Champion. [[End4]]

Is it {i}tooting{/i} if it is true? Bah! You poke at my patience. Off with you before the forge burns both of our tempers too hot. [[End4]]

Of their armies and formations? I do. Of the inner workings of the higher orders and the Grand Deacon? I know very little, I'm afraid. For now, however, I must turn my attention to this weapon for AJ. [[I'll brainstorm ideas for you as I complete my rounds.|Always. I'll brainstorm ideas for you while I'm away.]] [[I'll speak to the others ... is there anyone I haven't met?|I don't even think I've met {i}everyone{/i} yet. Who's missing?]]

I like your initiative. Good luck to you then Young Champion. [[End4]]

Good luck to you, Young Champion. [[End4]]

Think of it like this. If they can figure out how to sneak up on {i}me{/i}, of all people, in my own {i}forge{/i}, then think what disarray they could bring down on our enemies given the chance. Chaos breeds creativity. [[Speaking of our enemies ...]] [[Ha. Everyone else has me chasing them off at any given chance.]]

Bah! Perhaps you should visit Calyx, because what you {i}don't{/i} hear are the sounds of impish shenanigans afoot! They're out there scheming and trying to sneak up on me. Me! In my own forge. The audacity of those little buggers. I admire their gumption though. [[You {i}admire{/i} them when they make trouble?]] [[Toss them some ginger. That should cause some {i}real{/i} shenanigans.]]

Ha! A tempting thought, but no. I don't wish to dissuade them from their endeavours. Chaos breeds creativity. If they can figure out how to sneak up on {i}me{/i} in my own forge, then think what they could do to our enemies. [[Speaking of our enemies ...]] [[Ha. Everyone else has me chasing them off at any given chance.]]

Of course! Think of it like this. If those little cretins ever do devise a way to get the better of me, in my own forge of all places, think of the mayhem they could cause for the enemy. Chaos breeds creativity, and I commend them for it. Even if their reasoning is lax. [[Speaking of our enemies ...]] [[Ha. Everyone else has me chasing them off at any given chance.]]

Ah yes. Speaking of them indeed. All seems to be quiet for now, though it is a bit {i}too{/i} quiet for my liking. Nonetheless, how are our charges coming along in their training? [[*Give her a detailed report of each denizens's specific training session.*]] [[They're fine, I guess. Nobody is as good as you though.]]

I'm not at all surprised. I'm well aware that they cause mayhem and destruction wherever they go, but a little lighthearted havoc never hurt anyone. Besides! Eldoris is technically responsible for them, and I'm not one to step on a tentacle. [[Speaking of tentacles, Eldoris is a curious creature.]] [[Lighthearted havoc? That's what you call this insanity?]]

I see you have some experience with our furry little minions. I suspect Calyx has a great deal of trouble with these little devils raiding their ginger plants, but think! If they can devise a way to sneak up on {i}me{/i} in my own forge, then what pandemonium could they cause for our enemies? [[Speaking of our enemies ...]] [[Ha. Everyone else has me chasing them off at any given chance.]]

Very good. Keep pushing them forward. It's as good for their moral as it is for their prowess. Who has made the most progress in your opinion? [[Jett seems a little less chaotic and more strategic.]] [[Oren seems to be coming out of his shell.]] [[AJ scares me ...]]

Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Little Champion. Now, you train with our charges on the daily. Tell me of their progress. [[Jett seems a little less chaotic and more strategic.]] [[Oren seems to be coming out of his shell.]] [[AJ scares me ...]]

{i}Chuckles{/i}. I suppose that's one way to describe that old soldier. Now come, you train with our denizens on the daily. Tell me of their progress. [[Jett seems a little less chaotic and more strategic.]] [[Oren seems to be coming out of his shell.]] [[AJ scares me ...]]

Of course! They're getting smarter by the day. Now, you train with our denizens on the daily. Tell me of their progress. [[Jett seems a little less chaotic and more strategic.]] [[Oren seems to be coming out of his shell.]] [[AJ scares me ...]]

Now {i}that{/i} is excellent news. I know I have tried to get zem to focus on strategy rather than barrelling head first into every encounter many times, but my words always bounce off those knuckle dusters. Now then, we've chatted for long enough and I must go. Come see me again, I enjoy your [[End5]]

Oh really? That is something I did not expect. He's a sweet soul, and sometimes I worry he is too kind for the battlefield. I'm glad to hear he's improving with your guidance. Now then, we've chatted for long enough and I must go. Come see me again, I enjoy your company. [[End5]]

{i}Chuckles.{/i} Not an unwarranted response. AJ is a mighty warrior as his pedigree demands. Even I hesitate when I stand across from him on the training field. I suggest training with him as much as possible. Your strength will improve, as will his strategy. Now then, we've chatted for long enough and I must go. Come see me again, I enjoy your [[End5]]

Are you trying to distract me? It's working somewhat, so I'll spare you a few more moments. Have you news for me? [[I'm always bringing you news. Tell me a story instead.|We need a distraction. How about a story of your old life.]] [[Nothing too out of the ordinary but it does feel rather quiet.]]

I suppose I can spare a few moments. Do you have news to report? [[I'm always bringing you news. Tell me a story instead.|We need a distraction. How about a story of your old life.]] [[Nothing too out of the ordinary but it does feel rather quiet.]]

It seems to be one of those days. I cannot even find the incentive to light the forge. [[We need a distraction. How about a story of your old life.]] [[Tell me about one of your first projects. Maybe that'll help motivate you.]]

Hmm, an old story ... Let me think. As a matter of fact, what I feel today is reminiscent of when I lost my mother's pendent. It was a simple silver locket with an intricate silver knot. I never took it off, even when I went to my first battle and lost it. I'd give anything to find it again. [[When this is all over, we'll look for it. The folks here are talented.]] [[An heirloom can't be replaced, but maybe you can make a new one to pass down.]]

Let me think ... One of my first jobs after I finished my apprenticeship was to restore a sword that belonged to my great-grandfather. My mother commissioned me behind my father's back. A tall ask. It took many weeks to complete and I was terrified to even try lest I destroy it. [[Don't keep me in suspense.]] [[Fantastic story. Do you feel better now? Ready to forge?]]

It's a nice thought, but I've no memory of where that battle took place, and the continent is vast. I do appreciate the sentiment. [[*Take note of this conversation for a later time.*]] [[You should talk to the others like this so they can know you better.]]

An intriguing thought, one I shall ponder over in coming days. You've a kind heart about you, Young Champion. [[You should talk to the others like this so they can know you better.]]

{i}*Chuckles.*{/i} It was difficult, but I completed the task in the end. And it turns out it was meant as a gift to my father from my mother, and me by extension. [[You should talk to the others like this so they can know you better.]] [[Is your family still around?]]

No. Not in the slightest. {i}*Sighs.{/i} Let us reconvene another day. I need to figure out what is causing this shadow over my mind. Don't let my sour mood drag down your day, go have one of Jett's fancy cocktails or Calyx's lovely teas. [[End6]]

It is not a War General's place to show vulnerability or become so close to those they are in charge of. They look to me for guidance and strength, and it's my place to give it. You, however, can get close to them in ways I cannot. Go. Work your wonders, Young Champion, and do not let my shadows dampen your mood. [[End6]]

I was an only child, and I am far older than I look. So no, I believe all of my blood-kin have long since passed from this world to the next. But go, Young Champion, do not let my shadows dampen your day. Go spar with AJ or share a laugh with young Philomela. [[End6]]

Go on about your day, Young Champion. Don't let my poor mood dampen your own. Go visit Oren for one of his fancy dishes or Vanora for a book of fables to lighten your spirits. I need to figure out what this shadow is over my mind. [[End6]]