[The Trading Company] A New Face...

[Elthas_Belthasar]

(Closed to Otto)

Elthas had his house in Corone, but that was thrown out the window recently when he resigned from The Syndicate. All he wanted was to be able to fully concentrate on the current project: The Trading Company. Elthas paced back and forth in his room, preparing various matters that he was going to take back with him. Many of his belongings were keepsakes, but others had no value and could simply be left behind. Some of his paintings and sculptures, he would sell for some immediate profit. The rest he would leave, he was permitted to keep the house he'd earned as long as he didn't betray Syndicate secrets. Elthas was packing his bags when he felt her presence nearby.

"You're really going to just leave?" Hylda Terrentius, Elthas's ex wife asked. The news of his departure from The Syndicate did not settle well with The Syndicate leaders and they had all but completely exiled him anyway. "You're just going to walk out?"

"I have to." Elthas responded plainly. "I could explain it, but it wouldn't make a difference. The Syndicate has cut me off all together, and I have nothing here. I gave you an out and you chose them over me. So I have nothing left here."

"You made a selfish request of me." Hylda said in response.

He turned around to look at her. "No, I did not. Some cultures wouldn't even have asked your input. I gave you a choice to come with me, as a man. As a husband asking his wife to join him in a new adventure."

"Elthas...don't go." Hylda pleaded, her voice sounded tired, exhausted.

Elthas wondered when was the last time she slept since he gave them word he was leaving. "It's already been decided. You made your choice, I have made mine. I DO regret that you couldn't come with me." Elthas said carefully. He walked over towards her and placed a hand on the side of her face. "Hylda. I have and will always love you." He kept his hand on her face for a moment longer. "You have to understand the position I am in. I have to go all in here." Elthas explained. "I was offered a ranking position, and that is something I would never obtain here in The Syndicate. It's much better pay." He added. "You don't have to understand. I have many reasons for choosing this path for myself. It has to do with the integrity and honor of my people."

"But you're leaving. You're walking out on us, on me." She said in response. "I cannot accept that."

Elthas saw the desperation in her eyes. Nothing stung worse than a woman scorned. "Hylda. Let me point out it was you who asked for the divorce." Elthas was arguing in circles. No matter, he had made up his mind and was leaving. "Too much has happened of late for me to stay."

She sighed. "Very well." And then left his room, his house, heavy of heart.

Once alone, or alone enough, Elthas sighed. "They are guilt tripping me, I cannot stay here." Elthas returned to packing his bags with supplies and all other matter of items.

"So..." Came the voice of Seth Terrentius.

FUCK. Elthas thought to himself. They had exiled him, and had not asked to see him at all since his return. It was only a matter of time before either Seth or Theo addressed the issue directly. Elthas did not bother turning to face Seth. "What do you want? Here to guilt trip me too, old man?" Elthas asked. The words were probably a little harsher than he meant them to be. Elthas often referred to Seth Terrentius as "old man" as he was the closest thing to a Father that Elthas ever had.

"Nope." Seth responded. "I just wanted to say something."

"Be my guest." Elthas still didn't turn around.

"Your resignation is accepted." Then, Seth left. No goodbye, no bullshit, no nonsense.

Elthas sighed. He heard the coldness in Seth's voice. "So I save you and this is the treatment I get? So much for honoring the old alliances." Elthas was furious at that point. He was thrusting things in his packs. Once he was done packing it up, he took one last look around the room to see if there was anything else he wanted to take. There wasn't. He left The Terrentius Estate, and did not bother taking a single look back. The Trading Company was the new family now, and Elthas had sacrificed everything to become a recognized member of The Trading Company. The Terrentius Estate got smaller as he walked away, towards his carriage that awaited for him. He had business to take care of. He had to meet the latest recruit of The Trading Company in one of Radasanth's many taverns, then it was back to base. Elthas had the recruit's mission lined up already. He simply had to test the mettle of the man that had recently joined the ranks of The Trading Company. Elthas felt really serious the entire ride to Radasanth, he did not say a word to the other passengers of the carriage. He simply sat in silence, contemplating everything he had just given up. In a way, Elthas was a man reforging his identity. Rebuilding something broken would require a lot of work, but he had made a promise to his Mother, Elyssia Belthasar, that he would become The Hero he was meant to become.

***

The Old Oak was a popular gathering spot near the bazaar district of Radasanth. It was about 2 hours past lunch time by the time Elthas arrived. The scout from The Trading Company had given Elthas the dossier on the new recruit. He knew who he was looking for. Elthas was the liaison between all new recruits and The Trading Company's central hierarchy. For new initiates to become full time Trading Company members, they had to pass a test. And Elthas was the one giving the tests out. He would also be accompany any potential new recruits to make sure they didn't get killed in the process. However, the test he had in mind was a trade based test. He was hoping that the new recruit would be prepared for a long and tough work session.

Elthas spotted the Orcish looking fellow nearby and walked to his table. "May I have a seat at your table?" Elthas asked. "I hear you're interested in joining The Trading Company, that is why I am here. To assist you in your application process."

[Otto]

Bunnies of Otto approved. Let me know if I need to edit anything in my post, and I'll be happy to do so. Apologies for the short post, too.


"Please", said Otto, and gestured at the empty seat opposite to him. While the fellow seated himself, Otto tore off a hunk of the brown rye loaf he had before him, and used it to scoop up a portion of stew in his wooden bowl. While he did that with one hand, another grabbed a mug of porter, which he used to wash it down. With that taken care of, he focused his attention to the man he had been instructed to meet.

He was quite striking, with his long green hair. He looked elfish, but Otto wondered for a moment if he wasn't some kind of forest fey; apparently the dryads had green hair, like moss or lichen. But no, the man smelled like he belonged in a city - and besides, he was too well groomed. Two sapphire eyes glinted out at him from that angular face, lit with cunning. The overall effect was one of refined, controlled grace, and it made Otto, sitting there in his worn uniform and with breadcrumbs in his beard, feel ever so much the orc.

"Thanks for coming", Otto said. "Would you like something to eat?"

Otto looked around for a waiter, but saw none through the packed bar. Patrons had flocked in such numbers that they spilled over to the tables outside, and many stood from the shortage of chairs. Even so, the place maintained an atmosphere of space and airiness, mostly due to the large, light-admitting windows, tall ceiling and wide open doorways to the street outside. The babbling din was incredible, the smell an effervescent cocktail of drink, food and perfume. He thought he spied the blur of a waiter's white shirt, and waved frantically towards it.

[Elthas_Belthasar]

"I appreciate dinner." Elthas said carefully. "If you lack coin, I am willing to pay for us." Elthas took a moment to spy through the menu of the night's cuisine. He knew the joint held an array of skilled chefs, it was quite a popular spot. Elthas settled into his seat and felt the comfortable leather around him. It was a quality chair. Elthas knew people favored the gothic atmosphere of the joint, it was relaxed and music played through the air from this or that popular band of the hour. Elthas listened to the music with an approving demeanor. He respected bards, they were quite skilled in their craft. Elthas also fancied himself an artist. Radasanth joints were always lively at that point in the afternoon, early evening. Elthas saw that the Orc was attempting to gain a waiter's attention. He was amused at the man's humble manners of attire and dress.

It was completely opposite of the way that Elthas dressed, oft in elegant suits. The only time he didn't wear a suit was when he was on mission or painting. Elthas wore a basic Radasanth cut suit. It was custom tailored to Elthas's physique. He also wore a tophat, tilted slightly off to one side and set his cane by the side of his chair at an angle. His suit was also markedly a purple color. A bold color that one normally would not associate with someone of his stature. He usually wore The Trading Company robes on his missions, but this time, he just didn't feel like it. He adjusted his glasses for a moment and then took off his leather gloves. He placed them in his pack. "What are you having, friend?" Elthas asked. He was trying to be as cordial as possible. He was recruiting Otto, but that didn't mean he had to get right to business. The afternoon was young, and there would be time to get the business of the hour discussed. All the finer points of a greater contract explained.

Elthas waited for Otto's response. He was good at talking, small talk too. Elthas thought that of himself anyway. "My name is Elthas." He explained. "I'm here to discuss a permanent job offer with you if you are still interested in joining The Trading Company." Elthas noticed several of the tavern's patrons were looking at him. Dress the part, and act the part. It made Elthas grin. For he knew he was no fool.

[Otto]

"I am still interested, yes," Otto said. "Although the position would have to be part-time, at most. I'm usually kept quite busy with my other duties, and - oh, bloody hell."

Otto was sure that the waiter had spied him hailing for the man's attention, but had diverted to a table of modestly dressed young women.

"One moment, sorry," Otto said to the elf. He reached into a trouser pocket and pulled out a burnished bronze badge, which he waved meaningfully at the white-shirted waiter. "I swear, if I didn't take this thing with me everywhere I went..."

The waiter clearly noticed them now. He gave some quick farewells to the ladies, and began to walk over to Elthas and Otto's table with a wide, award-winning smile below his pencil-thin moustache.

Otto turned back to Elthas. "So it's up to you," he said. "Obviously, the watch comes first. But I can offer you a service that most smiths cannot."

"Good afternoon, sirs," drawled the waiter. "What can I get for you today?"

The little bowl of stew lay empty before the orc, no more than a mere appetiser. He quickly thumbed through to the mains. "The slow-cooked ox tail for me, with the buttered potatoes and a pint of red ale." He glanced at Elthas over the top of the paper. "How about yourself?"

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas saw the waiter looking at him, a dashingly dressed fellow.

Tipping his hat for a moment Elthas was done giving the menu's dishes of the day a good glance. Once he decided what he wanted, he listened carefully to what Otto wanted to discuss. He immediately decided that Otto was an agreeable enough lad. Plus, Elthas recognized the badge from The Watch. It was a well known emblem, and it made Elthas only slightly uncomfortable given his past life with The Syndicate. Old habits died hard. He's a badge, I best be on guard. Elthas looked at the water. "Ah yes. I'll have a steak well done." Elthas ordered. "And to drink, I'd like a Jadet Lager." Elthas liked beer and ale, it was a fitting drink for the matters that the two gentlemen needed to discuss. He turned his attention back to Otto. "Part time work you say? And that is an agreeable enough arrangement considering your impressive resume. Not many can manufacture Prevaldia these days." Elthas had already read up on Otto's dossier as part of the recruitment job.

The Trading Company kept contact with various Citadel League monks and got information from there as an under the table arrangement. "Your name has touched our humble ears and we could use a skilled worker of your caliber training our trades folks. But that's only part of why we are interested in you." Elthas realized that he did in fact, like Otto. For an Orc, Otto was agreeable enough and that was quite rare those days. A true gem. Elthas observed Otto's mannerisms the entire time they spoke. "We have a forge that is currently short staffed." Elthas explained. "That's why we are looking to hire workers." Elthas felt like a scouter for one of the Gisella tournaments, and he knew the analogy wasn't that far off either. "We just ask for at least a partial commitment with room to grow within our ranks." Elthas said. He was exaggerating, of course, but he didn't want to pass up the chance to hire on such a skilled worker like Otto was.

Besides, he was certain that Otto would appreciate the first job that Elthas had lined up.

[Otto]

The drinks were brought to them speedily; the food, marginally less so. Otto had downed half his glass of malty, bittersweet ale by the time his tureen arrive. The ox tail steamed slighty beneath a thin sauce of tomato, and roughly chopped onions and carrots. A separate plate of jacket potatoes, islands of butter still melting on them like daffodil glaciers, was placed to one side of this, and cutlery to the other. The waiter's other hand bore Elthas' dish, and he put this down next. Otto could smell the fillet steak past the aroma of his own food. Personally, he preferred his meat a bit less well-done than that - bright pink on the inside, and flowing with juices - but it still looked particularly appetising. Otto jabbed a portion of tail with his fork, and it slid free of the bone without offering any resistance. Cutlery speared in and brought the flesh to his maw, where it practically dissolved upon his tongue, melting like the butter on his potatoes.

Service be damned, I'm coming back here, he reckoned.

Too much time in the company of his fellow soldiers eroded Otto's sense of manners, and the orc began to speak with his mouth full.

"Well, I'll tell you this," he masticated. "So long as it doesn't conflict with my duties, I can maybe invest more, further down the track. But it's early days, yet. We both need to see if I'm a good fit for this line of work, first."

The potatoes jettisoned puffs of steam as Otto pried them open, and the last lingering blocks of butter liquefied and soaked in to the white flesh. He tried a bite, swallowed, then tried again by dipping it into the overflow of sauce from the ox tail. This combination appeared to be acceptable, because the orc continued to scoop up onions and carrots with his spuds.

"'Course, if you need help getting the forge up and running," he added, "I might be able to help train up a bit of a workforce. I'm not promising much - good craftsmanship isn't something you learn overnight, even with a full-time apprenticeship - but I can pass on a thing or two. Over time."

He took a sip of his ale, and suddenly looked pensive.

"Then again, I'd be keen to learn a bit myself, too..."

[Elthas_Belthasar]

His first impulse about the Orc was right.

He is an agreeable fellow. Maybe trying too hard... Elthas knew that Otto was a keeper based on the dossier check alone. However, he knew that there should be more to the task at hand. He judged Otto to be a hard worker based on his mannerisms and way of acting. Further, the display of the badge lead to Elthas's assumption that Otto was worth his weight in gold. We need to keep such a recruit if we are to compete with other factions like the Ixian Knights. Elthas listened whilst Otto spoke of duty and mentioned his job at The Watch. Both good qualities, and just the right credentials that The Trading Company was looking for. Deciding to directly challenge the Orc, Elthas smiled at him and ate his own food. Albeit, he had much more refined mannerisms in his own approach at consuming the partially broiled steak.

It was delicious. There was nothing like fine dining in a good joint with a potentially good ally. Elthas was curious as to how Otto had learned the process of manufacturing Prevaldia. It was an exceedingly expensive material, and not just everybody could make it. Having read Otto's dossier in advance, Elthas had working knowledge of what the crafter was capable of doing. "So." Elthas took a sip of his fine drink. "I am curious as to how you learned the process of manufacturing Prevaldia. It could prove invaluable to the benefactors I represent." Elthas said. "The forge we have access to can be outfitted to work Prevaldia." Elthas KNEW about the material from his days in The Syndicate, but he wasn't skilled enough to wield it. Perhaps with time and training he would be. "By the way, please continue to be yourself around me. The Trading Company takes pride in it's craftsmen and we do not worry about needless social pleasantries. We are in the business of hiring honest business folk." Elthas said. He smiled softly and took a few more bites of his steak.

[Otto]

Let me know if the bunny's okay. Happy to edit it if not.


The orc's eyes widened in panic. "Please continue to be yourself around me", the elf had said, which instantly sent Otto burning with self-consciousness.

Oh gods, he thought, Is there sauce on my face? Did I dribble on my shirt? Is there a carrot up my nose? A quick glance down showed his clothes to be abnormally clean, however. Damnit, I probably have crumbs in my beard. Shouldn't have had the crusty loaf for starters.

He made a great show of wiping off his face with a large, hairy hand, one that he had unfortunately forgotten had just been used to pick apart the remainder of his meal. He smeared an oily, glistening stripe across his face from cheek to cheek, and smiled madly at the elf before him.

"You're too kind", Otto said.

Elthas blinked.

Something in green-haired fellow's gaze was slightly off-putting, so Otto tried to get the conversation flowing again. "Er. Yes. Prevalida." Otto nodded thoughtfully, and sagely added another "Yes." He scratched his beard, oblivious to the crumbs that tumbled out from its bramble-patch clumps. "It's useful stuff, but truth be told, I'm much more useful with good old steel. It's versatile, plentiful, cheap, and I can shape it much better than I can Prevalida. The old man never got so far as to teach me too much about it."

He stopped. There was a world he did not want them to get involved in. If they followed up his apprenticeship to Marten, and found out about Otto's so-called brother Emric, they might just be inclined to hire the lad.

Emric had always come first, had always been taught first, and was probably still a better smith than Otto, even now. And that would have been fine, if he wasn't also one of the most self-centred, inconsiderate bits of lecherous scum that Otto knew. Not too long ago, the kid had willingly joined up with a weapon-smuggling gang, without a thought to the consequences for his family. Otto half-smiled at the bittersweet memory that tagged along behind it; of how he and a hot-headed ally had brought the organisation to its knees, and the lesson in common sense that he'd imprinted on Emric after that.

No, it'd be better all around if Otto told nobody the details about his apprenticeship.

"To be honest, I don't think the fellow knows too much about it either", Otto said dismissively, and he took a swig of beer. "But you mightn't complain when you see what I can do with steel. Speaking of which - how about we go see this forge of yours?"

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas was enjoying the fellow's company.

He carefully ate his food, savoring it. His body felt contentment at the fact that he was eating a good meal. Most importantly, he was sharing said good meal with a good companion. Elthas took a moment to glance around at the locals in the tavern and saw various people glancing their with looks of interest. He smiled at that. Elthas then returned his attention to his drink and meal, he took a long pull of the liquor he had ordered. It was a subtle flavor, potent but with a good substance. It was a sort of subtle lager that went own smooth. The head of the lager had a well formed body, and it was filling. "Damn good ale." Elthas said to nobody in particular. He looked at Otto eating as the Orc explained his skill with the smith's craft. "Yes. After dinner I will take you to the facility and we will inspect it together." Elthas said carefully.

"It is just outside of Radasanth on one of the outlying towns." It is also Trading Company territory. Elthas sometimes had a hard time differentiating Syndicate contacts from Trading Company contacts. Old habits died hard. Elthas, as an officer of The Trading Company, knew what needed to be known to get his job done. His job was gathering new recruits and he was damned good at it. He ate his fill of the steak, and continued to simply observe. "It will take us roughly an hour or two to get there." Elthas added. "Shouldn't be too hard on ya." Elthas grinned and allowed himself a good chuckle at the silly joke. If the recruitment process worked out correct this time, Otto would become a powerful ally. Elthas knew that The Trading Company needed solid recruits.

"So, of which province do you hail from originally?" Elthas wondered. "In case you were wondering, I am in fact an Elf from Ruild." Ruild was a Thayne Codex reference to Concordia Forest. It was just a different name, a name used by those who studied The Thayne Codex. "I travel often between here and the Outlands." Elthas said casually.

[Otto]

As before, regarding bunnies.


"Er... Ruild?"

The elf gave Otto a knowing little smile. "Concordia", he clarified.

"Oh", said Otto. He'd been to Concordia before. His company had just pushed into the forest when they were recalled to Radasanth along with the rest of the army. Not before they had managed to reach the silent CAF outpost they had been sent to investigate, though; the stink of long-dead men had been funneled far along the forests' pathways, and it had been the first time Otto had seen firsthand the results of the Rangers' covert brilliance. Yet, he guessed there must have been more to it than that if it had produced the quietly opulent fellow before him.

He made another gesture to the waiter, then looked back to Elthas. "Me, I'm local. Proper Millruck - grew up in the Citadel's morning shadow, as they say."

Radasanth was home to a number of cultures, just as many of them home-grown as imported from overseas. Often, the area you were born and raised in labelled who you were and defined your friends and enemies for you. A number of these little nations were defined by where the towering Citadel cast its shadow at certain times of day - a Millruck, for example, hailed from the western rows of workshops, sawmills and smithies that were the properties of moderately well-to-do tradesmen. They were a step up from the dawn-shadow Dustrunners of Chaff Row's sweatshops and tenements, but would usually team up with them against the eve-shadow Argurs (those snobby, entitled, merchant-spawn brats).

The waiter arrived with the bill, which Otto seized before the other man had a chance to. As he forked out the payment, he continued to talk to the elf.

"We'll need to make it quick, then. I have to report back for duty this evening... and we'll need time enough to work."

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas agreed with the Orc.

Time was ticking, and there was still the task at hand. Elthas had a simple job lined up for Otto that would simply be a test for the Orc to get his feet wet. It would also be good practice for Elthas. He saw that Otto paid for the meal. Elthas grinned at that, and he looked at the waitress. "I would like the rest of my food to go." Elthas said carefully. It was soon packed up and the Elf took his belongings with him, including his food. He watched Otto stand up, and walked him outside. "The Forge we use is nearby. We acquired it for The Trading Company use recently." Elthas didn't have to explain Trading Company dealings to a new member just yet. However, he liked Otto and wanted to keep the Orc's interest.

"When we first got the forge, it was a little run down you see?" Elthas admitted. "But it's got the basic equipment necessary to outfit our members." Elthas removed a folder from his packs, it contained a detailed request for Otto. It was written in Invetisto's hand writing himself. Leader of The Trading Company. "We start small." Elthas said carefully. "From our talk tonight, and doing extensive studies on your dossier, I know what you're capable of doing. But today's job is just to get the ball rolling. When you're more comfortable and better able to spare more time to The Trading Company we can get more complex tasks set up." They arrived at The Trading Company's forge and anvil work space. It was a basic crafter's building outfitted with simple equipment needed to get rudimentary tasks done.

"I come here often to get work done." Elthas said. "I am more of a painter and sculptor, but I like to make my own goods at times too." Elthas explained. He walked up towards a heavy set man that was working the anvil. He was a Yarborough district man. However, The Trading Company opened all of it's resources to crafts folk of all sorts. Elthas knew that the man was named Ian Henks. He was a stocky Human, short black hair, and piercing dark brown eyes. He had a light brown skintone. He wore the gear of a blacksmith.

"Ah, Elthas mi'boy." Ian said in a friendly fashion. "Bring a hired hand with ya?" Ian asked.

Elthas nodded. "Ian, this is Otto. We're all here to work."

[Otto]

Ian shook off a glove and stuck out his hand. "Pleased to meet ya", he intoned with a nod.

Otto wrapped his fingers around a palm at least as large and muscular as his own. He felt contours of wrinkles and calluses, which were the mark of a hard worker, and also a lack of smooth, burned flesh, which was the sign of a professional. The other man's grip was sturdy, but not crushing; Otto could feel Ian probing him right back in the same manner. They broke apart, and Otto took the opportunity to glance around the place.

There was, of course, a hearth. It was a squat stone cylinder with a bowl-like top, and coals piled in the centre. It was fed air by a standard two-chamber bellows and, as Otto saw when he peered upwards, fed exhaust out through a large grille in the ceiling. There were a couple of different sized anvils, slack tubs, and what looked to be cooling ovens lining one stretch of wall. Tool racks adorned the walls with all sorts of hammers, tongs, calipers, die moulds, sand moulds, hot chisels, cold chisels, and so forth. Here and there was the shape of a small, man-powered machine. In fact, he spotted a draw plate very much like the one in Marten's forge. Other tools and devices - such as various saws, drills and a lathe - were in amongst the rest, and would cover any woodworking or miscellanea that the job inevitably demanded.

Otto turned back to Ian. "You sort all this out?" he asked.

"Aye", replied Ian. "Well, some. Can't take all the credit", he added, with a sidelong glance at Elthas.

"Looks like everything's here", said Otto.

Ian set his workpiece, now cooled to a faint red tint, on the lip of the hearth. He gestured at the orc. "Come along. I'll show you around."

The man built on Otto's assessment by showing him around the floor and explaining the work system. Ian brought him to the coal storage first, where Otto sniffed tentatively at some of the black dust. It seemed of reasonable quality, he judged, and low in sulphur. Furthermore, the flux and resin were well-stocked, the tools scoured of rust and also sharp (save, of course, the hammers), and everything kept neatly stored, if a little crowded. All in all, Ian looked to run a tight ship.

"... of course," said Ian, as he wrapped things up, "it's all a bit rudimentary at the moment. Once we get some of the machinery automated, we'll be able to run a lot more smoothly."

Otto scratched his beard ponderously. "Thought about hydraulics? There're windmills that haul water up from the Nieme all along the city. We've connected to one at the garrison, and use a couple of cisterns to act as buffers."

"Maybe. Space might be an issue, but it's worth thinking about, certainly." Ian glanced over to Elthas. "Anyway, perhaps I'd better let you back to business for now...?"

Otto frowned. "Hmm? Oh! Yes. Thank you." He nodded to the smith, and turned to face Elthas.

"Nice little set-up you have here", he said.

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas had prepared himself for work. The entire time that Ian and Otto spoke, Elthas had removed his shirt, cloak, hat, and a few other items of choice. Then he placed his walking scepter by a wall that was not occupied by anything, and once ready, prepared to work the forge alongside Ian and Otto. By the time Otto said the last few words, Elthas was ready. He knew the proposition that was set up by Invetisto, and that would be the work of the hour. Elthas looked at Otto, though Elthas did not have the same build as the Orc, he was no slouch. He was well toned, and had the physique of a swimmer. Or a runner. Either way, Elthas had more of a slender build than Otto might have had. Elthas was also no stranger to the forge. Though his basic crafts skills could use some refinement.

Elthas liked the heat that the forge area generated. It made his muscles sweat and glisten, and he knew he was in for a solid work out. Elthas was every bit as chiseled as the sculpted figures he often constructed. He knew the order by heart long before he had first met Otto, and smiled at Ian.

"Yes then. Boss wants us to make some pieces for the initiate. Basic gear, none too fancy." Elthas said carefully. "Just be good to get out of danger and get some honest work done for a change." Elthas looked at Otto. "Gotta make some gear for ourselves and a few of the initiates. Some daggers, swords, and perhaps a shield or two. Later, if you're up for it, we can get you some tailored Trading Company pieces." Elthas rubbed his chin for a moment. "There are plenty of ingots to work with here. Can also try your hand and making ingots from the ore The Trading Company currently has in stock." Elthas explained The Trading Company procedures whilst, Ian and Otto listened. "Right now we're capable of making up to silver ingots here in this forge. There will be chances for upgrades down the road." Elthas eyed the work tables carefully, and the anvils. Then he looked at Otto. "I'm an artist as well. I paint, and sculpt various things when I have free time. Have had work exhibited in Radasanth galleries." Elthas said with a hint of pride.

"So what's the order look like, Elthas?" Ian asked.

"Ten daggers, at least bronze in quality." Elthas continued. "Five swords, scabbards as well. Scabbards for them daggers too. A few simple shields, these are going to be gifts for Trading Company initiates."

"Very good. I will have a few of my assistants, helping you guys out with this order." Ian said. "You and your friend are always welcome to use this forge. I can get to work on some of the swords." Ian said.

Elthas nodded. "Very well, Ian." He looked at Otto.

"Let's get started then." Otto said carefully.

Elthas walked over to where there were some free anvils. "Hammers are over by the wall on the rack there." Elthas pointed to the appropriate rack and walked over to it, removing a blacksmith's hammer of fair make and quality. It felt good in his hands. It feels good to just get some Thaynes damned work done. Elthas thought to himself. He began the process of constructing a few daggers, and started with the basics. The ingots. The ingots could be refined into any mold or shape he wished to make it, the ingredient was the heated blaze burning in the heart of the forge. Elthas wasn't the most skilled blacksmith on the planet, but he was a quick learner and hard worker. He took some ingots and got to work. He knew that Otto would do the same, and he looked over at Otto first. "We make the daggers first, simple first to warm up. Then we'll get to the more fun goods. If there is time tonight, we can make some gear for ourselves as a bonus." Elthas said with a soft smile. After all, Otto was an employee and so was Elthas, they both were doing work to get paid.

Elthas began to work the ingots with the use of a pair of tongs, and set his hammer to the side of his anvil. The anvil would assist Elthas in the process of forming a concrete object out of the ingots. He would make several of the daggers with his own hands, and would work well into the next day before he had the need to stop. He had a good feeling that Otto was the type of guy that could keep up. As Elthas began to work, he started to sing an old Elven song...

"From the craggy mountains, to the spires of Jadet,
From the Yarborough district, to the gallants of Gisella,
My children wander,
Brothers, sisters, shared from the common thread,
Separated on this ol' glory called Althanas,
My home,
My soul,
To ye I give this truth,
Father All Thayne...
Remember me
Blessed Ye,
Blessed Be..." (Note: Song translated from Concordian High Elf Tongue.)

[Otto]

While Elthas had stripped down, Otto geared up instead. He donned a stout leather apron, thick, long gloves, and goggles of smoked glass. He did, however, roll up his sleeves. A couple of other smiths joined them - young men, Ian's apprentices, who gravitated immediately to the junior tasks of the forge. One fellow began carting out some more coal for the hearth, while the traded a few brief words with his master, and darted off towards the storeroom. He returned soon after with a number of ingots, presumably the amount of iron that they would need, which he lay down on a central bench. Otto wandered over and picked up one of the dull grey bars, examining it while elfsong poured in between the ring of metal.

He noticed the young man was waiting at his elbow, watching him. Otto half-turned and, waving the bar vaguely, asked, "Wrought iron?"

"Aye", the lad replied. "Since these are just for recruits, we're not really splurging on the materials."

Otto used a sharp corner of the ingot to scratch his chin, possibly scouring the metal to a sheen in the process. "I'll just be two shakes", he said, then shuffled over to Ian.

The man had just begun on one of the swords, so it was too early to tell what style he had in mind. If Otto had to guess, he'd have assumed broadsword, just judging by the volume of iron at the ready. Ian glanced up and gave the orc a curt little nod, but kept beating away at the anvil.

"I was thinking", yelled Otto, over the din, "Do you reckon you could spare a bit of steel? The harder the better."

Ian shrugged. "We can spare enough for one, maybe two daggers before the damage to our stockpile becomes noticeable." He lifted the dulling, plate-like bar and thrust it towards the hearth. "Why? What're you thinking? Don't want it too hard, the blades'll just shatter."

"I know. I was thinking we could pattern-weld. The wrought iron's pliable enough to take stress, but if we give the daggers a carbon-steel outer layer, you'll-"

"-give 'em one hell of an edge, aye, and have steel left over to spare." Ian pulled his protoblade from above the coals, and begun to hammer away once more. "I know. If you want to go to the trouble of doing that, ask one of the lads to fetch you some from the stores."

"Thanks. I'll do that."

Otto ambled back towards the others. The forge had already been warm when they'd arrived, but the increase in work had upped the temperature even further. It seemed to make the smells stronger, too - not just those of the smoke and coal and iron, but even the sour of sweat and dry scratch of lingering dust. He could the former beading on his skin, and the latter slowly caking on as a result. Perhaps a quick dip in the Nieme on the way back would be in order.

He tapped one of the assistants on the shoulder. "Can you fetch me a spot of steel? Something high in carbon. We won't need much; just enough for pattern-welding."

The fellow blinked at him. "I... don't know how to do that, yet", he said.

"Well. I guess I'm teaching you, then. Go on."

Otto watched the man bustle off, then selected some iron from the bench. He'd have to shape most of the weapon first, and fold the around the outside at the very end - fold too many times, and the metals would blend indeterminably. It only took a bit over a dozen folds to do as much, and besides, it didn't take much hammering to join ingots together, granted they were hot enough. He picked up some a bar with a long set of tongs, selected a workspace next to Elthas, and listened. He worked, too, of course, but also felt compelled to pay attention to the song. Songs had power. Not very long ago, one had brought him up from a lightless maze in a fit of retribution - but, though he didn't understand the language, this didn't sounds like one of those songs.

He worked and listened, and the apprentice came back with a couple of bars of dark steel. He instructed the lad to begin beating them out flat and even, ready to split apart and wrap around the daggers. At length, he noticed that Elthas had wound down with his singing. Otto hadn't wanted to interrupt, but now the opportunity presented itself.

"You've quite a voice", he said. "But I don't think I've heard that one before. What was that song?"

[Elthas_Belthasar]

He continued to hum the song for a bit after Otto asked him the question. With a somewhat saddened facial expression, Elthas responded. "My mother used to sing it to me." Elthas left it at that. "My people sing a lot, it has something to do with the culture from Raiaera." Elthas continued to work the ingots almost entirely on instinct. He paid attention, but he was also paying attention to Otto. "Spellsongs they call it." Elthas explained. "Has something to do with calming troubled spirits or sometimes other effects though I was never very good at it." Elthas shaped the ingot he was working on at the crafting anvil. He worked his body, and was used to the effects that the sparks of heated ember had on the ingots themselves. Sometimes they would land on the skin and scorch some flesh, but Elthas didn't mind at all. He LIKED working hard, and would take a thousand scars to produce quality work for The Trading Company.

He was still learning the craftsman's skills but he was a quick student. Fiercely determined to learn everything he could, Elthas worked with Ian to improve his basic technique. That's how he had learned what he'd learned so quickly. Elthas carefully molded the ingots, using the right amount of bars to craft a basic dagger. The handles were made out of wood and leather, and some metal as well. He would construct the handles once the blades were properly shaped and cooling down so they could harden. Elthas heard Otto talking about pattern welding, but he would ask Otto about it later.

In that fashion, Elthas readied several blades. He liked to work in bulk so that there was always one or two blades already cooling down. His work area was well organized, like the rest of the forge was. He used the tongs to manipulate one of the cooling blades back on his work table. There, he took one of the handles he'd constructed. Blacksmithing was more of a science than an actual work of art. There was math and physics involved, and Elthas had always wanted to perfect his craft. He came up with his own system for working the forge and anvil, it involved a lot of planning of foresight on his behalf. He was almost CERTAIN that Otto had plenty to teach all of them, including Elthas. Elthas was like a sponge and was always hungry to learn something new.

As some time passed, he readied four daggers, constructing the handles in the traditional Elven style. The dagger's blades had a slightly elegant curve to them which was also quality and make of the traditional Elven style. Elthas also chiseled in some Elven symbols on the blades that could be enchanted later on. Elthas was a magnificent artist, and his penmanship quality was quite good as well. He used the chance to take artistic license with the handles, and pommel detailing. Elthas worked hard, and some hours later he was done with a few of the well constructed daggers. He needed a break, and walked over towards Otto's table to see his progress so far. "You are a brilliant crafter." Elthas complimented. "I'm still learning the trade, but you wield the hammer with tremendous skill."

[Otto]

Otto shrugged. "I had a good teacher", he said. His brow crinkled with a sudden thought, and he added, "Two of them, actually."

One of the apprentices bustled over and laid out a few freshly-lathed lengths of oak. The orc smeared hot resin their flat sides, then stuck them against the bare metal tang of the first dagger he had forged. He hammered a couple of resin-coated iron pegs through some holes that had been drilled and punched through the handle, then wrapped it tight in leather strips and set it aside while the resin set. Unlike Elthas', these weapons were plain and straight, gently tapering to a point, with a thin fuller and a guard that was mostly there to prevent the wielder's grip from slipping up onto the blade. The edges glinted brightly in what light there was, but their middles were the dull grey of wrought iron.

Otto glanced over at Elthas' workpieces. In all honesty, they were a world apart from his own efforts. Oh, that wasn't to cast any aspersions on their quality, although he could certainly give the fellow a few pointers if he ended up being hired on. It was more to do with the ornamentation. Elthas' daggers were obvious works of art. They were showy, and showy got you noticed. Otto very much liked not to be noticed, especially when the one doing the noticing was a mugger sizing up marks for the weight of their purse, or a crazed bowman trying to target the most important-looking soldier in the task force that had been sent to stop him. Anyway, showy weapons were for officers, and Otto would never be anything but a grunt.

He picked up another iron bar and tossed it lazily up into the air a few times, where it smacked meatily back into his palm. He'd done some decent work today, certainly... but he had more to offer. The thing was, he needed more than wood and iron if he wanted to demonstrate his full range of talents. Elthas shifted next to Otto, and picked up one of the cooling blades. The orc watched him, impassively, and recalled the expression on his face when he had mentioned his mother. Perhaps the man had what he needed... no, that was too personal, surely? But then again, nothing was free. If you wanted it, you had to be prepared to pay the price.

He seized the ingot with his tongs and thrust it into the hearth. Then, with his back to Elthas so that he could not see the elf's expression, he spoke.

"What happened to your mother?"

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas wasn't sure how to take Otto's question. He didn't like to talk about the past too often, and the subject of his Mother was always a sensitive one. He'd recently gone through a traumatic event attempting to rescue his Mother from the clutches of slavery. The sound of his hammer stopped and he put the ingots for a moment to rest on his anvil. Elthas looked at Otto with a very serious expression on his face. Despite what he WANTED to say, Elthas held his tongue and opted to tell Otto the truth. His Mother deserved at last that much. The search for his enemy, Xu, had been put off for a long time since the untimely event of his Mother's death. Elthas had wanted to grow stronger so he could face Xu in battle someday. Elthas closed his eyes for a moment and struggled against the tears that threatened to come. He could see the image of his Mother's face in his mind's eye.

However, Otto had asked the question not knowing that it would solicit such a reaction in Elthas. Elthas felt the pain of a broken heart, the pain of failure. He looked at Otto for a long moment. And decided it best to simply answer him as simply as he could. "She was killed." Elthas said carefully. "Sometime ago when I attempted to go save her..." By then, Elthas started to feel his muscles shaking. He attempted to ward off the effects of the emotions struggling to conquer his sanity for a few moments. However, his emotions soon became like a tidal wave that consumed his mind. He yelled. "He TOOK HER FROM ME!!" Elthas yelled. His hands were shaking and he no longer attempted to fight back against the tears that were coming. Her image haunted him, a ghost in the wind. With every passing day, her image became faded, a dream that would not go away. Elthas attempted to calm himself down as he cried...

[Otto]

In the depths of the hearth, Otto's little ingot gently warmed to a searing orange. He watched it, he himself momentarily frozen and impassive.

Ah, he thought.

So what did they have here? Would Elthas' story be one of revenge? Otto could see it now; iron for the dagger, and blood imprinted on the blade - Elthas' blood, to be sure. It had already been spilled, at least metaphorically, and when it came to Otto's brand of enchanting, metaphor counted for a lot. Elthas' blood would - for lack of a better word - unbalance the weapon, which would then seek the killer's death so as to achieve a sort of equilibrium. It would be a simple enough thing to do. But that wasn't his only option, was it...?

A voice sounded, quite unbidden, within Otto's skull. But what else is worth offering him?

There were times when Otto almost regretting making his pact with Anvil. The spirit regarded beings of flesh as either playthings or supper, and thought that any smithing that did not lead to wanton bloodshed was a waste of time. Revenge was the only thing Anvil could think of to offer the elf, and it did not even consider it out of any sort of charity so much as a sense of malicious curiosity.

The ingot was almost white, now. Otto carefully pulled it from the coals and trudged back to his anvil, noting Ian's disgruntled expression along the way. When he blinked, faint flashes of purple appeared before his eyelids, etched into his retinas by the brilliant glow of iron. Otto knew what he would craft, now. After civil war and a recent career in criminal investigation, where he was learning about all the other terrible things that people did to one another, he felt that he knew more than enough about how blood feuds turned out. There was no way he would make something to set Elthas down that path. The piece would instead be something he actually, truly needed, even if he might not know it now. The only thing Otto didn't know was how to shape it. Another dagger would be entirely the wrong way to go about things. It needed to be... something from this moment...

As Otto stared down, he realised that it was right in front of him. Without looking away, one hand fumbled around on a nearby bench, and eventually extracted a chisel.

"Elthas", he said, softly. A tiny corner of the burning bar came away under the hot chisel, and became Otto's new focus. "I am sorry to ask, but this is important. That song - can you sing it once more?"

This was the moment, where it could go either way. Otto offered up a little prayer that he had not pushed the elf too far, and cursed the fact that he had about as much tact and subtlety as the hammers he wielded. Otto fished around again on the bench for the smallest of such tools that he could find, and after retrieving a delicate little hammer, forcefully began to tap the little nugget into shape.

[Elthas_Belthasar]

"A song..." Elthas wiped the tears that flowed freely at that point. However, Otto meant to help, he knew that was the case. "I think so, just give me a moment to focus." Elthas cleared his throat and attempted to relax his shaking muscles, a song was a work of art in and of itself. And perhaps, the old arts of Spell Singing was not entirely lost to Elthas. Elthas relaxed himself and started to sing, his voice sore and tired from the momentary outburst. But in a few moments, he began to focus. TO SING. Like the ancient Spell Singers of Raiaera, rallying their allies in combat. The song came naturally as he eased into it. Much like a sculpture would take shape with each click of a chisel. Elthas began to glow at that moment, he sang utilizing the art of his people without even realizing what he was doing.

A hush fell over the forge, and even in the surrounding area as his voice became almost baritone. Elthas sang his song, his MOTHER's song, as he focused every amount of what feeble will he could muster. The glow was a subtle mist present around the body of the Elf, but it was there. It seemed to subtly affect everything around him as he sang. Then, he felt rejuvenated and relaxed. A weight off of his shoulders. He finished the song, powering what Otto would make, and took a few deep breaths. One of the young apprentices wiped a tear from his eye.

"Holy shit that was beautiful..." The apprentice said and openly wept.

Then, Ian walked over towards Elthas and Otto very calmly. "An old friend of mine was a Spell Singer too. You got a gift Elthas..."

[Otto]

Before Elthas could respond, the ring of iron on iron struck up through the erstwhile silent forge. Annoyance flashed across Ian's face for just the merest fraction of a second, until the familiar harmonics registered through his ears. The man turned around, saw Otto's hammer lying on the bench, and then spied the glimmering object it the orc's bare, pale hands. Otto approached with his palms outstretched and cupped around his last workpiece. Warm light danced across the oily surface of a small, ornamental anvil, no more than two inches long.

As it sat atop Otto's fingers, it played a tune. It was Elthas' song, but recreated with the short, sharp sounds of struck metal, not unlike a music box (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnvVZN7EbbY). The little avil seemed to vibrate slightly with each note.

Otto pressed it into the elf's hands. Elthas could feel it hum agaist his skin, and the orc fixed two ember-yellow eyes upon his own.

"This belongs to you," was all he said. He withdrew two hands like cured hogshide from the elf's, and stepped back. The music died away.

Silence desceded upon the forge once more.

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas's eyes went wide as the gift was given.

He looked at the avil for a moment or two. Then back at Otto. He was done crying. The time for action was upon it. The avil seemed to glow slightly at Elthas's touch, or perhaps as a result of the recent forging. He placed the small, and well crafted object into his pocket. Then he looked at Otto once more. Elthas let an ingot go to waste as he considered the situation at hand, a rookie mistake. But he didn't care at all. He simply walked over towards Otto and hugged him warmly. Like a friend should.

"I don't know how to thank you." Elthas said. "The gift is well appreciated, Otto." Elthas looked at Otto with profound respect. He saw a gentleman in the Orc's eyes. His own eyes had developed an intensity of purpose as the exchange occurred. "There are some matters I have to address. Xu...he is still out there. But I no longer desire revenge...I think...I can save the soul of my people." Elthas said carefully.

[Otto]

A look of confusion passed over Otto's face as Elthas embraced him; most such displays of friendliness had always belonged to another world than the one he occupied, but his madly spinning mind spurned him to at least pat the elf awkwardly on the shoulder. And all the while, he did his best to ignore the disgusted whispering that echoed in his ear.

"Why did I ever agree to teach you, if this is what you do with it?"

Otto saw Ian frown and cast a querying look about the forge, and so the orc decided to move things along. He seized one of the few remaining ingots with his tongs, then brought the metal back above the hearth and, with a few presses on the bellows, slowly and evenly warmed the iron through and through. When he saw Ian do likewise and return to his own work, Otto permitted himself a tiny sigh of relief.

A few whirling sparks glimmered off of the orc's goggles, tiny little stars in the shrouding darkness of the forge. His eyes watched the chromatic progression of the workpiece with eagle-like focus.

"So," he said casually, speaking over his shoulder, "there is trouble in Conco- in Ruild?"

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas had to get his act together too.

He was emotionally shaken, he knew, but he would continue to perform the task at hand. He shrugged himself steady, and took a few deep breaths. Ian and the others were working on various other projects in the workshop, and the act of blacksmithing began once more. Elthas steadied himself and prepared to get back to work. There were a few ruined ingots, which would be recycled for their usable ore. The act of being a blacksmith required some ingenuity and careful planning to make the most of the trade. Elthas had a few more daggers to construct, and then, Otto asked another question. Elthas let the question linger for a moment or two, then he answered as honestly as he could.

"There is." Elthas responded back. "There is a situation with the town I grew up in, but it will be dealt with. Hopefully with no casualties involved in the matter, and that man, Xu, will be brought to justice." Elthas looked at Otto. "You're part of The Watch, are you not? Perhaps you can assist me in the apprehension of his man. He killed my Mother in cold blood." Elthas shuddered at the thought of holding his dying Mother in his arms. He needed to be strong if he was to face Xu, Xu would give him no quarter. "I don't want to end his existence, at least not anymore. There was a time I would not have hesitated." Elthas said plainly. "But that would have made me no better than a savage." Elthas said carefully. "I want pay back Xu, but I want to do it within the means of the law. I don't want any shady dealings with this man who has cost me so much already..." Elthas needed to be strong. He felt his emotions getting the better of him, but he quickly subdued them. Something had happened that day, and it was that something that would separate men from boys.

[Otto]

A picture sprang up in Otto's mind, of a member of the CAF trying to impose Empire law in Concordia. No matter which way he looked at it, he gave anyone parading the scarlet around there the life expectancy of a jelly hammer. It had been bad enough, apparently, to go into that forested hell even with an army at your back...

He was lost in thought for a time, but his hands knew their work well enough. They hammered out the ingot bit by bit, drawing and folding and upsetting, where necessary. Each blow bathed the small space around them in a brief orange glow as the metal angrily flared. The hearth and lamplight was more prominent now as the sun outside sunk down and the shadows stretched and deepened. Otto glanced, blank-faced, out of a nearby window, and watched the first hints of orange seep into the little visible slit of blue sky. His thoughts seemed to have marshalled together acceptably well by this point, at least well enough to share.

"One thing I've learned," he remarked, over his ringing hammer, "is that folk are only beholden to any law as they let themselves. If your idea of justice conflicts with that held by your people, well, you won't be able to back it up, not without a greater show of force." He thought some more. "Even then, you've just to look at Radasanth to see that that solution is far from perfect. Still, murder's murder, wherever you go. You want my advice? If you're going to do this by the book, do it by their book, if you can. And you never go into a courtroom without solid evidence. The more the merrier."

He shook his head sadly, and continued. "I can't leave Radasanth to help you. Not to go to Concordia - I'd be marked a traitor, perhaps, or at least a deserter..." and here Otto gave Elthas a sly, sideways look, "... but if you think the city watch might have something you need - documents, witnesses, testimony - I might be able to get my hands on something."

Otto was telling the truth, too. It was amazing where some of the watch's paperwork ended up, especially if you paved the way with a few coins. A burglar's confiscated stash might get inadvertently swapped with a weapon smuggler's seized cargo, and often did, under the reasoning that, since neither bit of evidence had actually been removed from watch custody, on average, nothing illegal had happened. Perhaps it was working in such proximity with the criminal classes that did it; after a while, it tended to rub off.

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas also worked to finish the last few sets of daggers.

His works, much different than Otto's were augmented with Elven aesthetics. They were artsy weapons to be fair, but they still had that certain functionality that a weapon should have. Elthas initially recycled the ingots that were lost during the event with the song, and he sang the entire time he worked. He strangely found he was getting good at it. Perhaps it was an effect of Otto's cleverly crafted music box like contraption. Otto then spoke about an hour into the heavy work load, and mentioned a few things of interest to Elthas. Then, something dawned on Elthas that he'd not considered up until that moment. Elthas finished working on the last dagger, letting Otto finish up everything he had to say. He then looked at Otto quite carefully as the bold idea touched his mind and began to spread like a wild fire.

He looked at Otto with a serious expression on his face.

"Though I might be an officer of this outfit, I am wondering if I could possibly join The Watch?" Elthas asked. He figured his question would surprise some of the gathered workers, but he didn't mind. Elthas's mind was a logical mind, and attempted to keep his composure most of the time. "I mean, I am willing to start from the bottom up if need be. It's just the situation with Xu, is complex. And I could use friends in high places..." Elthas liked how Otto thought. Use the same system that creates monsters like Xu in the same way against them...fight fire with fire. Elthas thought to himself as he finished up the touches on the last dagger. Ian was also working on his own orders that needed to be filled by this or that faction or client. Ian finished about the same time as Elthas, and then walked over to inspect the quality of work that Elthas and Otto produced.

"Very good, sirs." Ian said casually with a thoughtful expression. "I think joining The Watch would be a splendid cover identity for you if you wanna go the legal route to bringing Xu to justice." Ian said.

"Well it would be up to Otto and his superiors to let me in. Maybe they can use eyes in Concordia as well..." Elthas suggested, planting the seeds of ambition in the room.

[Otto]

"They... could," Otto admitted, albeit haltingly. Some sort of conflict appeared to wage across his uncouth features; his brow creased, lips tautened, and hammer ceased to strike. He stared out the window for some time while the others looked at him expectantly, waiting for the slow collision of thought processes to finally yield a result.

For all the inherent corruption, incompetence, and lackeyism in the watch, something about the proposed arrangement irked Otto deep down in his leathery old soul. Some corroded yet enduring sense of integrity warned him against helping this fellow join the guard just to suit his own ends. Was Elthas trustworthy? Otto didn't know. He felt that, perhaps, yes, the elf could be a credit to the uniform. Compared to the average wearer, that wasn't a difficult feat. Elthas might do well, up to the point where he decided to abandon his duty and head back to Ruild, to carry out his own mission of justice. And if he did that...

"I'd advise against it," Otto said flatly. He turned to face the elf. "You could join the watch. Hell, with the right backing and coin, you could become a commissioned officer from the get go. But there would be too many strings attached. Sooner or later your duty to the CAF might put you at odds with your people. There's some decent oiks, a few good NCOs, and even one or two trustworthy commissioned officers, but the ones making the decisions at the top don't have anyone's benefit in mind except their own."

And besides, he added to himself, when Luned's plan is put to action and things go up shit creek, you'll thank me for not being anywhere near the CAF.

[Elthas_Belthasar]

Elthas listened very carefully to what Otto said.

There was a sincerity in the Orc's voice. And perhaps something more than that, perhaps, there was CONCERN. Elthas wondered about what was being said for a long moment. When Otto spoke, Elthas listened and respected the man's wishes. He didn't like everything he had heard...but...it was the truth. Otto would never hold back things with Elthas, and Elthas admired the Orc for that. Elthas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He came up with a suitable conclusion. Looking at Otto, he walked over to the Orc for a long moment.

"I thank you, for being so honest with me. Your concerns are noted. The idea with me joining The Watch, is that I wouldn't shirk my duties. I take everything seriously. It's not an issue of morality or not, Xu WILL be brought to justice. But what I am saying is I want to do it through legal means. NOT involving the courts. I want to make sure that Xu never harms another person again. This is not my vengeance or any bullshit like that. It's not even about the greater good either, it's about closing a part of my LIFE. And avenging someone very important to me that Xu took away from me." Before I even got to know her... Elthas thought to himself. He shook his head. He normally didn't reveal too much about his greater agenda, but to Invetisto and Otto he felt like he could trust them. They were both on the same page as him. Elthas wanted what was best for The Trading Company, and he'd become very good at what he did. He knew he could be an asset to The Watch as well. "Besides. You're a friend now, Otto. And I want to join to simply help my friend out." Elthas admitted.

[Otto]

The forgelight reflected briefly off a wan smile, half-hidden beneath Otto's bristles.

"Then I won't try and talk you out of it. I'd recommend that you apply for the police corps, in that case - Empire law means squat outside this Barony, but you should pick up a few skills that might be of help. Now, you could up and join at the rank of private, but it's a long hard slog to promotion, and you wouldn't have much choice in where they placed you. Supposing you have the funds, I'd recommend you pay for a commission. You might be able to set some terms, such as where you want to work, and as an officer cadet, you'd probably be learning directly from a platoon leader-"

Ian stepped forward just then. "This sounds like he's joining the army, not the city guard," he said, miffed.

Otto nodded. "He would be. There's no real separation between the military and peacekeeping force, apart from from some specialisation within each team. I'm part of a logistics battalion, so my primary duty was field maintenance, though there was a lot of reallocation when the army came back to Radasanth. Now it's also peacekeeping and crime investigation." He scratched his mane. "It's all a bit of a mess, really. One thing's for sure, though - if you join, you'll be entering military service. That's pretty much just daily drills and the odd Citadel exercise... unless we have another bloody war."

[Elthas_Belthasar]

(This is my Conclusion Post)

War.

The idea of war made Elthas think for a moment or two. But he was no stranger to battles, having been a former member of The Syndicate. There was a reason he wanted to work for The Watch, and ultimately, The CAF. He wanted to prove himself and earn his redemption. There was a villain out there, someone he hated. That someone needed to be put to justice. Elthas knew that if left unchecked, Xu would cause a lot of problems to occur. There was darkness and evil in the world, and Elthas wanted to help bring things back to a balance. Plus... Elthas thought to himself as he rubbed his chin. I need to prove that Radasanth is still the rightful place of Heroes. Elthas then looked up at at Otto for a moment. Locking eyes with him.

"I can start from the bottom and work my way up. Preferably at least in your unit." Elthas said. "I wouldn't mind your recommendation at the very least. I am certain your influence has some weight in CAF. I can get started with you tomorrow, after I make certain that these new pieces are safely delivered to Invetisto." Elthas reminded Otto that they were still on duty, and that duty needed to be completed by the book. Something had changed in Elthas. He wasn't certain when that change had taken place, but it was there. And the very change itself was a dominant driving force in Elthas's life as he sought desperately for his redemption.

And as he looked at Otto, he realized that he LIKED the Orc. Be he a halfling or not, Elthas found the big fellow quite an agreeable lad. And a hard worker. In exchange for getting him into The CAF, Elthas would be certain that Otto got into The Trading Company.

"One other thing. Consider yourself fully recommended." Elthas said. "You're a hell of a blacksmith. Someday, I wouldn't mind you teaching me some of the finer points of the craft if you ever were inclined to do so." Elthas and Otto had finished their quota for the day's shipment. Elthas knew there was one other matter to take care of, but he would speak to Ian privately about that matter. That matter was the commission for performing duties to The Trading Company. Elthas would come out of pocket to pay his commission as always. Maybe, he'd give The Trading Company an extra tip. He looked at Otto.

"Let's wrap things up here for now, Otto. Once we clean up, I'll be certain to buy you ale and dinner." Elthas proceeded to clean up his work station. Then he looked at Otto. "Give me a moment, Otto." He went to Ian to discuss some pertinent Trading Company transactions. "Tell Invetisto that the order has been complete. And also, here is my percentage of the commission for the job. It should be enough to cover for Otto's share too."

Elthas conducted his business with Ian, and then the chore of the hour was completed to a t. The last remaining task was dinner as he had promised. and a good ale. Luckily for both Otto and he, Elthas knew a popular hang out spot that was a little on the artsy side. It was open at all hours, and had a particularly interesting range of clients. It was Elthas's type of joint.

FIN.

~Spoils Request~

1-The small music box style device Otto made. It plays the musical beat to the song that Elthas siong.

2-At Inventor, leader of Trading Company's request, I am donating 10% of whatever Gold Elthas makes as a reward for this thread to The Trading Company. My donation should cover Otto's expense as well. Also, I want to donate the dagger I made in the thread to Otto. :) Thanks

[Otto]

Elthas turned back in time to see the orc give his workpiece a few dainty taps, hold it up to view it critically in the light, and then deftly plunge the cherry-red metal into a slack tub. A screeching burst of steam temporarily concealed the figure, but quickly dissipated to a malcontent sizzling and wispy haze towards the ceiling. After a few moments, Otto pulled the dagger back out and subjected it to yet another shrewd gaze. He eventually shrugged and laid it on a large ceramic tray, next to its kin.

A stout, leather-clad finger was used to prod one of the apprentices in the back. "Take these," he said, gesturing at the tray as the youth looked around, "and put them in a low-heat tempering oven. Two hundred degrees should do it."

The man nodded, picked up the tray, and scurried off.

"Thanks!" Otto called out to his retreating back.

He was suddenly aware that Elthas had returned, and was standing behind him. Otto turned about and, smiling slightly, began to pull off his gloves.

"They should come out a nice goldish-yellow," said Otto, chattering amiably. "More importantly, they'll hold an edge like a bloody razor. Which is a good saving on razors, let me tell you."

The elf's smile mirrored Otto's. "Stylish and practical. I'm sure Invetisto shall approve."

The smoked goggles came off, revealing two circles of soot-free and relatively pale skin around Otto's eyes. The effect was a bit like a colour-inverted panda, with two lamp-yellow eyes shining against the encroaching gloom. As he began fumbling with the apron's knot behind his back, it became clear to Elthas that the orc's nimble touch was perhaps limited to forge-work.

"Damned thing..." Otto muttered.

Elthas watched for a moment before continuing. "Now we're done, I thought it would be a fine idea to celebrate a successful induction. Also, it's my turn to buy. I know just the place - good food, excellent wine, plenty of both. Open all night, too."

Otto hesitated. "Ah. Sorry," he said. "But I do have to go on duty pretty soon."

"Ah, yes. You mentioned. Another time, then?"

Otto looked down; Elthas had raised out a hand. He enclosed it in the bulk of his own - the elf had a firmer arm than Otto had suspected - and shook.

"A pleasure working with you, Mr Bastum."

"Aye, you as well," grunted Otto. "And yes - until next time."

[Tobias Stalt]

Storytelling: 7 Solid. Both of you worked well together to further the goal of the thread. Otto had a strength in playing his character, and Elthas' emotions were showcased several times in his actions, which slightly detracted from the story, but not in a major way.

Pacing: 9 Near perfect.

Setting: 10 Otto kept me in the cafe, listening to the conversation and watching the comical exchange between the waiter and the Orc. I saw the characters moving, I sat with them, and I had a drink. Not literally, but that was the feeling I got here. Elthas leaving his ex wife and former life behind was stirring, as well.

Communication: 9 Very strong. The conversation rarely went off topic, and it added to the story.

Action: 7 There could have been more, but what was present gave definitive voice to the characters. I could see Otto's facial expressions and when he rose out of the chair to flag the waiter down. Elthas' singing seemed to trigger an off the wall response, but it ended up fitting into the story well.

Persona: 9 Both of your characters showed off their qualities well. Otto was more comical, and Elthas seemed deep. The complexity of their relationship was more evident in Elthas' uneasiness, as much was left unspoken between them. They bridged that gap, though, and it showed.

Technique: 8 Otto, your technique is memorable. Whether it's creating a scene or eliciting a response, you know how to do it with words. Elthas, you're getting there. The best advice I can give is keep improving, because this was great work.

Mechanics: 6 There were some run ons, and one misused semicolon. They connect two independent clauses, Otto.

Clarity: 7 Other than mechanics, your posts were clear and concise. The story was conveyed well.

Wildcard: 8 Both of you kept me laughing. Between the randomly placed profanity (seriously, there were points where I was reading very studiously, then lost it because Elthas threw in a random FUCK) and Otto's antics, I enjoyed it immensely.

Final Score: 83/100

Elthas receives:
1700 EXP and
250 Gold (25 of which should go to the trading company, so 225 after deductions)

Otto Receives:
2,500 Exp and
250 Gold (also to be deducted, as per Otto's request, so 225)

Request for Otto to receive iron dagger and Elthas to receive Music Box as spoils noted.

50 Gold to be donated to the Trading Company.

Congratulations!

[Lye]

EXP Added.

GP of 180 Added to each player with the approval of requested spoils.

GP of 50 approved to The Trading Company, please include link to approved GP in your Treasury.

Thread automatically nominated for Judge's Choice. Additional awards and thread movement pending. Deliberation will be no longer than 30 days.

[Otto]

The dagger (spoils) has already been purchased here (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?26871-Blunt-Orcs-Need-an-Edge), thank you. Would it be possible to get the 45 gold refunded? I need the gold to finance Otto's trip to the barbers :P

[Lye]

Funds adjusted.

Also, I regret to inform the players that this thread did not receive a Judge's Choice Award despite the high score. That being said, we look forward to more excellent work worth nomination and reconsideration.