The village of Altium was bathed in morning light as Samuel, Helydia, and Kai made their way through the narrow streets, heading towards the local forge. The scents of burning metal and coal mingled with the fresh air, and the characteristic sound of hammers striking the anvil echoed in the distance. The forge, an imposing building of black stone, stood at the end of the street, its flames casting bursts of light on the cobblestones.

Inside, a massive blacksmith with gray hair and a face marked by years of hard work was focused on crafting a sword. When the trio approached, he paused his work for a moment and cast a curious glance at the newcomers.

Samuel, without a word, slowly drew his rusty sword from its sheath and handed it to the blacksmith. The man took the worn blade in his hands and examined it with a disapproving grimace. He ran his calloused fingers over the chipped steel, his expression hardening.

He muttered a few words in the local language, which Samuel did not understand. Without turning to him, Helydia quickly translated in her mind: "He says your sword is useless, it's less sharp than a piece of wood."

Samuel nodded slightly, expecting it. The blacksmith continued to speak while examining the weapon from different angles. Helydia repeated this translation in Samuel's mind: "He can fix it, but it would be temporary, what you need is a new weapon, he offers to forge one for you."

Samuel remained silent for a moment, reflecting. He looked at the rusty sword. It wouldn't survive another serious battle. He finally nodded to signify his agreement.

The blacksmith, seeing Samuel's approval, asked Helydia a question while pointing at Samuel. She translated: "What weapon do you want? A sword? An axe? A dagger?"

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Samuel replied in thought: "A heavy sword, capable of withstanding blows and breaking armor."

Helydia turned to the blacksmith and conveyed the request to him. The blacksmith's face lit up with a knowing smile, approving of this choice. He rubbed his chin while looking at Samuel. "A heavy sword, then, come back tomorrow morning, I will have forged it for you," translated Helydia.

As the blacksmith returned to his work, Kai, who had stayed back, nervously cleared his throat to get attention. The blacksmith raised an eyebrow while looking at him.

Helydia, seeing Kai's hesitation, took the lead. "He would also like a weapon," she said, addressing the blacksmith. Then she turned to Kai and gave him an encouraging nod.

Kai took a deep breath and spoke in a hesitant voice: "A bow...I ...I am more skilled in precision than in close combat."

The blacksmith looked at him for a long time, squinting, before finally nodding and saying, "A bow, huh ?, Not a bad choice considering your luggage, I can make you one. Nothing luxurious, but it will be sturdy and precise ,Come back tomorrow too."

Kai sketches a shy smile, relieved that his request has been accepted. Helydia smiled upon seeing the young man succeed in getting what he wanted. "Not bad, little one, with that, you might finally be useful," she joked.

Samuel, for his part, remained focused on the next steps. Even without understanding the exchanged words, he could sense the progress of the discussion.

He turned to leave the forge, but just before crossing the threshold, the blacksmith called out to them abruptly. "Wait!" he called out to them, his deep voice echoing in the room.

Samuel stopped abruptly, slowly turning towards the blacksmith, his brows furrowed. Helydia quickly translated for him: "He asks you... do you want a rune on your weapon, old warrior?"