"You."

Me?

"Yeah, you. Come here."

I look around the ruins. There's no one there.

"Right in front of you. Pick me up."

On the floor, a rusty sword rests amid the rubble.

I bend down to pick the weapon up.

"Ah-" the sword says with satisfaction. "I couldn't tell you how long I've been waiting."

I am puzzled, "What are you?"

The voice is bemused, "Isn't it obvious?"

"Uh-"

"I'm a legendary sword."

I look at the brown rust that covers the blade.

The sword recognizes my skepticism.

"Hey," it says defensively. "I just need a polish."

I hold my peace.

"Anyways, who are you?"

I shrug, "Askilar."

"Askilar, huh? Weird name."

"Thanks."

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let's get out of here."

"But," I say, "I came to find treasure."

"Boy, what do you think is in your hand?"

I sigh. It isn't common. But to call the rusted thing treasure would be an exaggeration.

I suppose I should see if this weapon holds up after sharpening.

These ruins are a remnant of a long-dead civilization.

Most such places have long since been scavenged for anything of value.

I weave through the broken stonework and exit the labyrinth to find my camp.

"So, bearer, how much treasure did you find in your search?"

I hold my silence.

"Don't worry. With me, you're gonna go far."

I wonder how much a talking sword would sell for.

I have a wet stone in my things.

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Suddenly, the sword grows anxious.

"Be gentle," it pleads.

I shrug and sit down with stone and sword.

"Ah- Ah- Ah!" it moans as I slide the stone across its surface.

"Careful!" it cries as I rub the stone into the rust.

It moans and cries. But, I grow immune to its complaints.

It's easier work than I had expected, considering its apparent state.

The silver sheen comes through as I finish my polishing.

"Well," it says expectantly.

I nod my head, "Not bad."

"Not bad?" it balks.

"Pretty good," I say to appease the sword will.

The sword glows a subtle orange.

"So," it says, "let's go find your enemies. I haven't fought in ages."

I wrap the weapon in cloth.

"Hey," it exclaims. "Don't cover me up."

I pay it no mind as I clean up my camp.

There is a town nearby that I've done business in before.

The trek is uneventful other than the protest of the sword.

"You know," it says, "Other bearers have held me with reverence. You should find some enemies to fight."

"I don't have any enemies."

It's quiet for a second, "Well, make some."

The town is small. But, I know a vendor who deals in recovered treasure.

A jangle of chimes rings out as I open the door.

A balding man looks up from his desk, before looking back down.

As I approach, I see the man fiddling with several gears.

"What?" He asks without looking up.

I begin unfurling the sword.

"What are we doing here?" the sword asks.

When the sword is exposed in all its glory, I set it on the desk.

The bald man looks up.

"A sword? You know that's not my business."

"What's going on, Askilar?" the sword sounds confused.

"This," I say, "is a talking sword. What can I get for it."

The shop owner raises an eyebrow.

"Okay, make it talk."

I'm surprised by the request. Can't he hear it?

The sword is raging, "You're trying to sell me? I have never had a bearer try to sell me before. Except for that one time. And, that one too."

The sword will rambles as I look to the vendor.

"You can't hear it?" I ask.

The balding man frowns, "Take your sword and go. Don't come back trying to pawn crap off on me."

Numbly, I collect the weapon and march my way out of the shop.

Maybe I've lost my mind.

"Tough luck, bearer. You're stuck with me."

I look at the sword, "Why couldn't he hear you?"

The blade glows, "Only the one worthy to wield me can hear me.

"Anyways," the sword says. "Surely there is someone or something to fight. Let's go find them."

I sigh as I find my next destination.

The Guild is a seedy place. But, it has branch offices in most places.

I enter the den of iniquity and make my way to the bounty wall.

Eyes follow my every step.

An assortment of quests are listed. Everything from finding missing pets to extermination.

"Ooh," the sword will become enthused. "What are we hunting?"

I'm surprised the sword can see, bound as it is in cloth.

"Goblins," I say.

"Oh, come on," the sword protests. "Give me a challenger."

I ignore the sword and the eyes that follow me as I exit the guild hall.

"Alright then," comes the sword, "goblins. Not the best. But, I'm willing to work with it."

The town is relatively big. And, it takes some time to find my way to the Eastern gate.

Dusk is setting in as I enter the woodland.

My camp for the night is a simple thing to order.

The nocturnal sounds are somehow comforting.

I've lived my whole life on the fringes of society. Hunting and scavenging where I'm able.

The bounties have caught my eye on occasion. But, I usually stay away from the dangerous stuff.

"Askilar," I am distracted from my thoughts.

"What?"

"You should learn cultivation."

"What do you mean?"

"Well," the sword says, "you're my first bearer in... Well, it's been a long time.

"But, I want our partnership to last. Even though you did try to sell me.

"Anyways, I'm used to being carried by immortals.

"You should become one."

I chuckle.

"What?" the sword balks.

"I just think it's funny. Immortals might as well be gods. And, you say, just become one."

"Ha- You find a legendary sword who has seen the rise and fall of the ages, and think you're like everyone else."

I find myself listening carefully to its words.

"You think you're the first scavenger to come upon me.

"No, little mortal. There have been many. But, I didn't choose them. I chose you. Even if you did try to sell me."

"Why, then?"

"Eh," it says. "I had a feeling."

I let out a breath as I rolled away from the mysterious weapon.