Without replying, Mud slid to a particular spot along the wall and grabbed a small object from a cubby, then placed it on the counter. A small circle of black thread with three large wooden beads. The wood was from a kind of tree that formed a hive mind. Harvesting the material was somewhat difficult due to the tree's tendency to call on the aid of forest beasts, but getting such a small amount wasn't too expensive. The string was simply hemp.

Normally, the use of such a bracelet was to allow non-verbal communication between allies. The range was rather short, making it useless for long distances. A normal person could shout farther than the range of these things. There was also a large market for those unable to speak normally; considering Mud's strange way of communicating, Ingeit assumed it was for that purpose.

"Just the bracelet?" Ingeit looked down at the golem and slid three metal fingers through his beard. "How about a trade then, little one? I'd like to purchase your weapon idea from the other day. Legally I don't really have to, but it wouldn't feel right to just copy it without asking."

"That trade is acceptable."

Reaching onto the table, Mud grasped the bracelet.

"Great, although I don't think that trinket is enough to pay you back. My dwarven pride demands I pay a fair price, so-" Ingeit stopped as Mud unwrapped the bundle on his back, revealing a beautiful sword. It was made with exquisite craftsmanship and top quality materials. It resembled the sort of sword his master back in the dwarven halls would craft. When the light struck just right, the imprint of runes could even be seen along the surface. Truly, it was a thing of beauty. There was just one problem.

"You're carrying around a fine weapon like that in a bundle of cloth!?"

As he tied the bracelet tight around the sword handle, Mud replied in his usual flat tone. "Yes."

"That's unacceptable. A sword deserves a proper scabbard. To pay back the rest of your debt, how about I make you one, free of charge? It should only take a few minutes. Letting you walk out of here treating that sword like root vegetables being carried from market would be an insult to my art." Punctuating his statement, Ingeit theatrically struck his chest.

Mud seemed unconvinced, but after looking at the sword for a moment relented. "That trade is acceptable," and set the sword on the table.

Gingerly lifting the fine weapon with both hands, Ingeit carried it back into his work station. "Come along if you'd like, Mud."

After carefully setting the sword on a large flat work table, Ingeit began taking measurements and jotting notes on a slate. "What kind of design would you prefer?"

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Although the question was directed at Mud, an unknown female voice replied instead. "Make it beautiful and noticeable to all around! Bright colors and shining metal! Sequins that catch the light!"

Ingeit froze in his work and reexamined the sword. This incredibly high quality of craftsmanship, these complex runes that Ingeit couldn't even begin to decode, that bracelet around the handle. "This is an ego weapon?"

"Ego Golem, actually!"

Ingeit let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding in. It was one thing to work with a masterpiece, but working with an artifact of this caliber was another matter entirely. Such weapons weren't unheard of around here; the Great Enchanter Cithlar was one of the few craftsmen in the world capable of creating something like this, and he lived nearby. He had even crafted one for the dungeon wave. Perhaps this sword was...?

The dwarf discarded that line of thought. Even if it was true, it was no use distrusting his friend at this point. If it turned out Mud had stolen it, Ingeit would just have to claim ignorance when the guard showed up at his door. Better not to ask questions.

"It seems your sword wants a very showy sort of scabbard. Are you fine with that, Mud? It doesn't really fit the... look you're going for." Ingeit gestured vaguely towards the creepy black-cloaked figure.

"Do whatever she wants. This appears to be a subject of great importance to Ego, although I don't much care."

There was silence for a moment as Mud looked at the sword. Shrugging, Ingeit went back to his measurements. "So, does Ego have a class already?"

"I do! I just picked one!" came the energetic response. For a sword, it was rather expressive and emotional.

Ingeit reached over to grab some red-dyed leather from a rack. "Hoh? And what class is that, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I'm a Dancer!" came the immediate response.

Swiftly cutting out the shape of a scabbard with robotic movements of his metal arm, the dwarf cocked his head and scrunched his face in confusion. "Blade Dancer is a fitting class for a weapon, but magic classes are more-"

"No, not Blade Dancer. Dancer," came the indignant voice of Ego.

Ingeit paused his work and turned towards Mud. "You know swords can't move on their own without magic, right? A sword can't be a dancer!"

As if to prove him wrong, Ego slowly floated off the table. After reaching eye level, it began spinning and twisting in an elaborate display. While the movements were somewhat shakey, it did have a strange sort of elegance to it. As the performance drew to a close and the sword floated back to the table, the smith found himself clapping softly. "Um, that was... lovely I guess."

Ingeit shook his head. Everything about his new friend Mud was so confusing. First that weird chain weapon, and now a legendary sword that wanted to be a dancer? The smith slapped his cheeks. It wasn't up to him to question how others chose to fight. Returning to his work, Ingeit grabbed a strip of thin metal to form the end of the scabbard.

"Can you attach some tassels to the bottom of my handle? It would look great when I spin."

Was this thing really suited to be a weapon?

"Oh, and make sure everything is easy to clean blood off of. They'll be getting soaked when I butcher brothers enemies."

Ingeit nodded approvingly. "Of course, Ego. Cleaning off after killing is important for a sword." That was the first weapon-like thing she had said. It was important to encourage that sort of behavior.