Having entered the church, she was led by Alasdair into its basement; when they arrived there, a beautiful, petite guard greeted him. The female guard, who looked like a priest, as she only wore a white robe, with the same symbol Alasdair’s amulet had. The petite guard had a short golden hair, and eyes that looked like small emeralds, her skin almost pale, someone so beautiful, it seemed like a waste, to make her stand guard at such place.
“And, who are you?” She asked, after as she noticed the Artanis who walked behind Alasdair. She glared at Artanis, as she waited an answer.
“This young lady is Artanis, a smith hired by Hovannes. You are now, responsible for her, Curtana. So treat her well.” Said Alasdair, after hearing his words, the guard’s behavior suddenly changed. She now looked at Artanis with admiration, a smile forming on her lips, she soon ran over to Artanis, and hugged her.
“So you’re here, to repair my precious friends? It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Said Curtana, who were, still smiling, but she had already stopped hugging Artanis, who were shocked about her actions and words, she came from a country, full of friendly people, but someone who hugged a stranger, for no apparent reason, was rare.
“P… pleasure to meet you, too” Answered Artanis, and seeing her, discomfort Alasdair started to laugh.
“I am glad you two have become such close friends. If you get tired or hungry, just tell Curtana. I am sure, she will be glad, to help you.” He said, before leaving upstairs. Being left alone with Curtana, she decided to start working as soon as possible.
“Can you show me what I need to repair?” Asked Artanis, as Curtana opened the door the armory, the door she was guarding. Grabbing Artanis’s hand and dragging her, to a pile of damaged, weapons and armors. In it were a great variety, of swords, axes, pole arms and even maces and hammers. Seeing the cracked, weapons Curtana, looked like she were nearly crying.
“Please help them; they are in so much pain. Please, please mend their wounds.” Said Curtana, now it was official, she is insane. But even so, Artanis agreed to do so, by taking her tools out of her backpack, and starting the fire on her portable furnace.
“I will be right here if you need me, it would be a pleasure to act as a nurse.” She said, smiling. Making Artanis remember, what a stranger had once said about her.
‘The pretty ones are always crazy.’ Although she did not consider, herself insane, Artanis could not help but remember, the stranger’s words. As it certainly, applied to the petite, cute guard. Having heated the simplest looking weapon she could find, she started to hammer it.
Artanis’s hammer, was repeatedly struck, the long sword, she had heated, she were, trying her best, to concentrate, on the task before her, although, that was a difficult thing to do, as the emerald green eyes, of Curtana, stared at her. Her effort, to stay focused on her task, was rewarded by the system, in form of a new skill.
You have learned the skill: Focus.
Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:FocusBasic10%Focusing on a task, prevents you from being distracted with whatever you’re doing, allows you to perform an action more effectively, and lower the chances of being interrupted during the use of a skill.
Can be toggled on and off, at no cost.
Increase the effectivity of other skills by 1% per skill level.
Decrease the chance of having a skill interrupted by 2% per level.
Increase the use of stamina by 99%, minus 1% at each skill level increase.
“Could you get me a bucket of water?” She asked the guard, as she hammered the long sword.
“Sure, anything for you.” Answered Curtana, with a smile on her face, running off moments after she had said so, Artanis having been, left alone in the armory, decided to activate the focus skill, although the increase on her repair skill, would not be great, she decided that any increase, was welcome.
A few minutes later, Curtana returned with a bucket, filled with water and left, it next to Artanis.
“Thank you, Curtana.” Said Artanis, after Curtana arrived with the water bucket, leaving it next to her, and just in time, as after, just a few more hammers blows, she immersed the blade inside it. Steam rising, as the, hot blade returned, to its normal temperature. The blade now cooled, she started to sharpen it, deciding to do her best. Her actions cause the guard, who silently observed her to smile.
Repair skill level increased to basic level 10
Your skill Repair has changed to: Intermediate Repair
Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:RepairIntermediate10%Enables the repair weapons and armors, it is now possible to restore the maximum durability of an equipment, as well increasing its maximum durability permanently.
Maximum durability increased by 5.5%.
Artanis smiled as she read the messages that had appeared after she had finished repairing two other swords, she had finally, reached the intermediate level of the repair skill, and were qualified to learn the blacksmithing.
But as much as that made her happy, there was no time to celebrate, as dozens of weapons and armors, waited for her hammer, she then took another weapon from the armory and started working. The petite guard, watched her work, with great attention, and was for some reason blushing. But Artanis, ignored that, as she started to grow used to Curtana’s weirdness.
“Curtana, can you lead me to the kitchen?” Artanis asked, as after hours of work, she was hungry. The guard nodded, and so both went to the church’s kitchen, which was filled with various foods and spices, she received a large meal, consisting of meat, vegetables, grains, and a glass of wine. She ate it alone, as Curtana insisted she had something else to do, and that they would see each other again, later.
Having finished, her meal, she headed back to the armory, opening its door she saw that inside it, in a cushion on the middle of the room were a regal short sword, curious Artanis read the letter, nestled under the sword, which told her to repair the sword with care, signed by Curtana.
‘Such a pretty sword’ Artanis thought, as she drew the short sword out of its sheath to admire its beauty.
The sword had a pommel made of solid gold, a beautiful intertwined white leather grip, and a gross shaped guard with an emerald at each side, the thin silver blade was engraved with seven runes, but she could only identify one of them, the Tiwaz a rune that represented the god Tyr. Curious about their meaning, she decided to take a screenshot to research it later.
After hours of hard, continuous work, she managed repaired all of the weapons in the armory, increasing her intermediate repair skill to level two and her sharpening skill to level nine, and her focus skill level to three, as well as her strength by two during the process. Smiling, and wiping off the sweat of her face, she turned around, as she heard the armory’s door, being opened. From it came a bulky dwarf, who ignored Artanis presence, as he inspected the weapons she had repaired, mumbling something in a language she did not comprehend, soon a smile formed on its face.
“Excuse me, but who are you?” She asked curious about the identity of the dwarf, as well the reason it were inspecting her work. Hearing her question, the old dwarf, laughed.
“Not bad lass, not bad at all, especially for an elf!” He said, as if he had ignored Artanis’s question. However, after a small pause he spoke again.
“My name is Hugnir Agrildok, but most call me Silver Eyes, I am one of the church’s sacred smiths.” He said, hitting his chest once. It were the first time Artanis had met a dwarf, so she did not know that was a respectful greeting for their kind, but her ignorance of their ways did not bother him. As he did not expect, that an elf would know about dwarven culture.
“It’s an honor to meet you Sir Hugnir. My name is Artanis, and I was hired by Hovannes, to…” Her introduction was interrupted, as the dwarf laughed once again, before speaking.
“I know who you’re lass, the Hovannes told me. Do not be offended, but I ran here as soon as I heard he hired an elf.” Said Hugnir, now with a serious look on his face, Artanis knew from what she had read before, about how dwarfs hated elves. Therefore, she was not surprised he came, thinking she was not good enough to work for the church.
“I am not offended, so? Am I good enough?” She asked, surprising the dwarf.
“Aye, you impressed me. Who taught you, elf?” The dwarf asked, smirking.
“I am the current apprentice of Wystan.” Answered Artanis, hearing her words made the dwarf come closer, and shook her hands, surprising her.
“So you’re Wystan’s apprentice, eh? Then I suppose, you’re mine as well.” He said, smiling as he shook her hands.
“What do you mean by yours?” She asked confused.
“Aye, Wystan is my apprentice, and since you’re his apprentice, in a certain sense, you’re learning from me.” He said.
“Does it bother you, that he is teaching an elf?” She could not hold back the urge to ask, even thought she expected a rude answer.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
“Not much, lass, after all, I do have a human as an apprentice. But I suppose, my family won’t be happy, when they find out about you, Ghahaha!” Said the dwarf, laughing, it was then, that after looking with more attention, she noticed the reason for his name, his iris looked like it was made of pure silver, his pupil just slightly darker was barely noticeable. The reason she took so long to notice it, was that being so tall, she had been looking over him most of the time. And being the first time she meet one, she did not know that dwarfs varied greatly in appearance, and that his silver iris, was a trait unique to his clan.
“Well, good luck with your work, and see ya later, lass!” He said, leaving the armory soon after. Apparently, he still had his own work to do. Being left alone in the armory, she started to repair the pile of armor, starting with the shields, after she finished repairing them; she carefully polished each one of them.
Having finished repairing all of the shields, she started working on the armor. All of it was heavy plate armor, with silver engravings of the Tiwaz rune; she inspected a few learning that all of them were exclusive equipment to knight and paladin classes, with great care, she repaired each piece, and after it, she polished them so well that they were no different from a mirror.
Having finished the repairs of everything inside the armory, she wiped the sweat of her face and smiled, proud of the great work she had done. Her repair skill had risen, to intermediate level three, and her strength increase by two points. Polishing the last helm she had repaired, she heard a familiar sound, before a message window appeared before her eyes.
Polishing skill level increased to basic level 10
Your skill Polishing has changed to: Intermediate Polishing
Skill Name:Skill Rank:Skill Level:Skill Experience:PolishingIntermediate10%Polishing an armor metallic surface, makes it shine under the sun, confusing and dazzling enemies. As well increasing its defensive power, higher skill levels improve its defensive power further as well as making the gleam last longer.
Defense increases by 5,5%.
Lasts 528 minutes, or until its dirtied.
Lowers the enemy morale by 1,65%.
Polished surfaces are now twice as hard to dirty.
‘Finally done, now all that is left is to get my reward.’ She thought, before leaving the armory. Soon she found a priest and asked him about Alasdair, and was escorted by him to his office.
“Sir Alasdair, this woman wish to speak with you.” Said the chubby priest, hearing it Alasdair stopped reading a thick book, and spoke.
“Is that so? Please leave me alone with her, brother Randal.” Bowing, the priest left the room, leaving Alasdair and Artanis alone in the office.
“So, what can I help you with?” Asked Alasdair, smiling.
“I have finished the repairs.” Her words cause Alasdair to jump off his chair in surprise.
“Already?! But, there are over a hundred swords, not to mention the armor!” He said, nearly screaming, thinking it would take her at least a few days, to completely repair the armory’s contents, he could not imagine a lady such as her working nonstop for hours, like she did.
“You can come with me, to verify my work.” She said smiling, seeing her confidence he got off his chair.
“Very well, shall we go?” He said before both left his office at the third floor, walking towards the basement, he opened the armory door, seeing what were inside, his eyes widened in surprise as all the equipment was neatly arranged, on the shelves both weapons and armor shined as if it were new. Beside him, Artanis was also stood surprised, as she had not arranged them before she left the armory.
“Let’s see, one hundred-twelve swords, seventy-five maces, forty-two spears and fourteen axes. “ Alasdair mumbled, as he inspected the weapons she had repaired. Artanis sat by the armory’s wall, waiting for him to finish his inspection. Just the weapons would get her two hundred-forty-three rabbit leather pieces, plus she had repaired many armors. Thinking on Aramis’s face when he sees the huge pile of leather, she was going to bring to him she smiled.
“Now for the armor, sigh. Hovannes will be shocked.” He mumbled once again, as he inspected the armor, exhausted from working so much, Artanis ended sleeping against the armory’s wall.
She woke up in an unfamiliar room, next to the bed she were laid was a letter. On it were written that she had been brought here by Curtana, and if she were to read this. She should head to Alasdair office, but it was when she got off the bed that she noticed something troubling.
She was not wearing her clothes, and was instead on her body was one of the priest’s of Tyr robes. She figured, that it must have belonged to Curtana, as it was rather short and tight, especially at the chest area. And because of it diminutive size, rather than a robe, on her body it looked more like a form fitting dress.
Thankfully, it was big enough to cover, all what needed to be covered. That is aside from part of her legs, looking at her clothes she came to a disturbing conclusion. She had been seen naked, by that weird, creepy female guard.
Leaving the room, she walked towards Alasdair’s office and during her trip, she noticed the glances and comments of the male, and even some of the female, church members. But what surprised her was that, they were not condemning her for her attire, rather they seemed to approve it. Most of them failed at being discreet. Grinning, and staring as Artanis walked.
‘Aren’t priests supposed to be into celibacy or something?’ She thought, having reached Alasdair’s office door, she opened it. Inside, was its owner sleeping on a comfortable leather chair, in front of a desk piled with various documents. Having hearing the door being opened, he woke up from his nap.
“How can I help, yo...? ” His words stopped midway, shocked by what he saw. Of course he already had noticed Artanis’s beautiful figure before, but what he saw now caused his eyes to widen, his cheeks to blush, and his… well let’s just say, that he decided, to stay on his chair.
She was amazingly beautiful, even on the dirt clothes she had been wearing. But her current appearance surpassed all he knew about beauty, not even statues or paintings created by grandmasters, came close in beauty to the elven maiden before his eyes. And he thought, that if Freya were an elf, she would be Artanis’s twin sister.
“I came here after reading the letter.” She answered his question, even if it had been incomplete. She gave her best to ignore his reaction, although it caused her to blush slightly. Hearing her words, Alasdair coughed and took a paper from the pile of documents, beckoning Artanis to come closer.
“Take this parcel into any store in town, to trade it for your leather. But leaving that aside, why are you dressed like that?” He said as he handed over her a parcel, which stated the church of Tyr would pay its bearer the sum of two gold seventy-one silver and twenty copper coins.
Quest Complete!
Having completed the task given by Hovannes, your familiarity with him increased.
Increased familiarity with Alasdair.
Increased familiarity with Curtana, earning her friendship.
Faith has permantenly been increased by 5.
Fame has increased by 50.
Contribution to the Church of Tyr has increased by 5.
Public value of the Church of Tyr has increased by 134.
Church of Tyr’s Public Value: 994
You have leveled up.
“I was expecting you to answer that. Since I woke up like this.” She said, looking at him angrily.
“I left you at Curtana’s care, so she is the one who can answer such question. That aside, would you like to join us at the ceremony?” He said before leaving his chair, as he finally had regained his composure, and just in time for some sort of ceremony.
“What ceremony?” Asked Artanis, being the first time she heard, there would be a ceremony today, as the church looked to calm for it to be readying itself for a large event. To her question, soon came an answer, as Alasdair explained.
“Two of Rockheim’s knights, are joining the order as paladins today. Normally, such ceremony is closed, for those not directly related to the church.” Alasdair said, as he unwrinkled his clothes.
“If that is the case, why are you inviting me?” She asked, almost instantly regretting it, as she wanted to go to the ceremony. And her question could had made him change his mind.
“Well, part of it is because you’re locked here for the end of the night.” He answered, looking slightly embarrassed for not telling that, to her before.
“And what is the other part?” She asked, suspicious of his offer.
“…Curtana insisted, for you to be allowed in it.” He said, doing his best not to laugh.
She was slightly angry, that she had been locked inside the church without any kind of warning. But on the other hand, for someone as curious as she is, such ceremony was a treat. Even if the one who had got her invitation was that perverted guard.
<<< Last ChapterNext Chapter >>>