Arte spent the next day as instructed by Fynbar, getting ready for his journey away from home. His grandfather insisted that he come along with him on his journey but Arte denied him that request, as he knew someone needed to stay behind to upkeep their home. And although he knew he would miss his grandfather dearly, he felt that this task was something he had to go at alone. Knowing that Arte wouldn't budge on his decision to go solo, his grandfather helped him gather the necessary items and materials he would need for his quest.

From the local smithy he procured a blade that was short, yet durable. Quenched to the perfect density with no signs of warps or rolls on the edge, and sharp enough to shave the hair off of your arm. The guard of the blade didn't interfere with your swing and the balancing of the blade was superb. You could give the blade great momentum while following through with swings and still stop on a dime. The grip of the blade was also comfortable to hold, one of the highest quality blades Arte had ever held, and it was his. He decided to name the blade direwolf due to its speed and ferocious cutting ability, he knew it would prove to be one of his most powerful assets.

Arte also obtained a set of chainmail armor, with a leather tunic to fit overtop of it, some days rations from the market, and a potion of restoration from Echwood’s alchemist. It's said that a potion of restoration worth its weight in coin can bring someone back from the brink of death, but renders them hapless for a short amount of time. Arte stared at the bottle of snowy liquid for a few moments, hoping there was never a moment that he would have to ingest it. It seemed that all ends were starting to meet, except for one, no one in Echwood had a horse that they were looking to part with.

“Don't worry son, i'll figure somethin out for ya, one way or another” Grandpa told Arte as he started to cut potatoes for the stew that would be dinner. Arte still couldn't help but think about how he would get to Lanacosta on time if he didn't have steed, at the same time he didn't want to put any unnecessary stress on his grandfather, he had done so much for him already.

“You're the best Grandpa, thank you” Arte replied as he helped his grandfather by getting the table set.

“Oh shush, or you're going to make this old man cry” Grandpa said as if he wasn't already letting out a few sniffles. The two then enjoyed their night together, eating round the warm candle lit cabin and being merry, as it would be the last night they had together for quite some time.

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Just as fresh light from the morning sun started to fill in the room through Arte’s window, his door came flying open, with his grandfather standing proudly on the other side.

“Arte its dawn, come outside m’boy I have somethin to show ya” Grandpa grinned while rustling Arte awake. Arte took a few minutes to wipe his eyes and stretch before meeting his grandpa outside. Right out in front was grandpa and his horse, Tex, who was an older steed as Arte’s grandfather had brought him along on hunting trips for years and years.

“Grandpa, why do you have Tex out so early?” Arte asked right as the answer hit him. Grandpa smiled at Arte, with just a hint of sadness in his eye.

“Tex is gonna bring ya to Lanacosta, he loves ya, and I know he’ll keep ya safe” Grandpa said.

“I can't take him Grandpa, what horse will you have to ride without him?” Arte asked as he stood close to his grandpa.

“There's other horses m’boy, i'll get one, you need Tex now to make sure you arrive in Lanacosta on time. I've also got a map and a spot of money for ya to make sure you don't get lost and so you can get things as you need them” Grandpa explained as he handed over the map and coin to Arte. “You just make sure you come home safe to me, you hear?” Grandpa choked as his words turned to tears, “I don't know what i'll do without cha” Grandpa cried.

“I promise, when I come back we will celebrate with the finest of ale. I love you Grandpa” Arte said as he held his Grandpa in his arms.

Arte then headed into the cabin and slipped out of his pajamas into his chainmail and tunic as he prepared his bag. Looking over everything carefully, Arte made certain that everything his grandpa provided him with was on hand. Everything being in order, Arte slung Direwolf on his back and walked outside to hop up on Tex, who let out an excited neigh. He was surprised at how well Tex was receiving him, especially since he hadn't ridden him since he was a smaller lad.

“I guess you do love me, huh boy” Arte laughed as he stroked the side of the steed’s face.

“That he does that he does!” Grandpa said with a hearty laugh. “Listen to me boy, you meet that Balore bastard? Givem no quarter” Grandpa laughed as he grabbed his bicep and flexed his forearm up. Arte, listening to his grandfather's words, started to recite a poem that he used to listen to him sing when he was a little kid.

Through fire, power, an’ steel, ne’er back down make yer enemy kneel

A wide grin appeared on Grandpa's face as he waited a few seconds before reciting the next line.

Through sweat, tears, an blood, ne’er bow down yer glory’l come

Arte then focused his gaze straight ahead through Life's Hollow. Giving Tex a tap on the side with his heel, he said “Like the wind Tex, YAH” the two took off into the forest for the two days journey to Lanacosta.