Book 1: Chapter 43: The Soot Stained Pig

Book 1: Chapter 43: The Soot Stained Pig

It is a fact that true malevolence weaves its way through the delicate balance of intentions, both virtuous and vicious. Let us not deceive ourselves, for it is essential to acknowledge that such wrongdoing is unequivocally wrong.

- The Just Realm, by Gideon de Salavia 368 AC.

Soon enough, we were able to find our way to the Soot Stained Pig. It was a medium building, two stories tall, and constructed from large blocks of locally quarried white alabaster stone. A cast-iron sign hung over the entrance, depicting a large black pig with an anvil in the background and the unoiled hinges squeaked in the breeze. The sounds of the forge could be heard coming from within, rising above the general hubbub of the city.

N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

We entered the shop, the clanging of metal on metal filled our ears and drowned out the sound of the heavy wooden doors that closed behind us. The air was thick with the heat of the forge, and we could already feel the sweat beginning to bead on our foreheads. Our eyes were immediately drawn to the woman at the anvil, her full figure commanding our male attention as she rhythmically hammered away at a bar of red-hot steel. Her concentration was fierce, her brow furrowed in concentration and her hair was slick with sweat and pulled back into a simple ponytail. Tilted coal-black eyes peered out from an oval face at the work in front of her. We stood there, unnoticed, as she deftly picked up the piece of steel with her tongs and quenched it in a liquid that glistened like oil. She did not notice or acknowledge us, as she was completely focused on her craft.

In the presence of a master at her craft, Kidu and I held our tongues in respectful silence. Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to observe our surroundings. Weapon racks lined the walls, filled with an array of vicious battlefield implements. In glass cases, delicate and ornate items encrusted with jewels and other precious stones were on display. The establishment boasted a varied collection of arms and armor, from the simplest of bronze daggers to a masterfully crafted, fully articulated set of plate armor. The armor was a true marvel, a work of art that appeared as if it had been sculpted out of flowing steel.

After finishing her task, she set down the tongs and placed her gloved hands on her generous hips. Looking Kidu up and down, she greeted us with a smile on her lips. A single delicate eyebrow arched in curiosity as she asked in an alto voice, whose timbre resonated with the heat of the forge, "Do you see something you like?"

As I lifted off my helmet, I stumbled over my own tongue, struggling to find the words. "Devon vouched for this establishment and suggested we seek out a certain Cillis Aideh for a fair price. Our aim is to barter a few items, yet primarily to purchase," I managed to blurt out.

The woman's amusement was clear as she surveyed us, laughter sparkling in her eyes. "Cillis Aideh at your service. That wily old scoundrel still breathes, I see. I fear his fondness for liquor and games of chance will lead him across the Shallow River one day, but I can't fault him for bringing me trade. So, what can I do for you?" she inquired, her tone becoming all business.

“I was wondering if I could trade this in for perhaps a new one of iron or steel?” I asked her, holding out my helm.

“Open or closed?” she countered simply in return.

“I beg your pardon?” I stuttered, little at loss for words, not understanding the context.

“Helm,” she responded, rolling her eyes and tapping at her head.

A blush crept across my cheeks as I weakly answered, “What would you recommend for my companion and me?” I looked to Kidu, whose gaze was still roaming over the items on display.

“Hmm,” she paused, crossing her arms in thought, “Closed be a bit harder to breathe in, can’t see as well either. But I’d still recommend one if you're going to be getting into lots of scraps. A visored helm would probably give you best of both worlds, but that’ll cost you a pretty penny, and they can be a devil to maintain in the field.”

“To be honest, madam...” I began again, before being interrupted.

“No need for a madam, I’m not that old yet,” she interjected brusquely, a slight edge to her voice.

"Well, yes, Ms. Aideh, we have a budget of about four gold between us," I stated simply, hoping that Elwin could procure more money for us from the sale of our other loot. "We both need to be fully equipped, and we can trade these," I said, spreading out the Laur hide, two spare Zajasite stones, two pairs of Echo-Stalker weapon claws from the drones, and my Echo-Stalker scythe daggers. A little hesitantly, I also placed my simple length of iron chain on the counter of the shop.

You have learned Flails (lvl.2)

We rutted like animals, heavy and hard, shaking the timber frames of the shed. She bit down on a piece of rawhide leather to muffle the sounds of our coupling, as I spilled my pent-up seed deep inside her. When we were finished, short minutes later, she washed where we had been briefly joined, drawing cold water from a cistern without a care in the world for modesty, as if nothing had happened between us.

I couldn’t help feeling that it was me that had been used. I felt a little emasculated as we joined the others back in the shop. It seemed that in this world, I could feel the whole gamut of human sensations. and that thankfully included pleasure.

Kidu looked odd, his neat and ordered gear now adjusted to his size, at odds with his rugged form. I paid Cillis for her time, training, and goods. In a weak voice tinged with guilt, I promised to return if we had any more purchases to make in the future, but could barely meet her eyes. Almost as a parting gift, Cillis even recommended a stall in the market to acquire archery gear for Kidu.

We left the store a little hastily, my embarrassment and shame giving flight to my retreat from the store.

Character Status;

STATUS

CallingGilgamesh Level 10 Paladin of Avaria/Reaver Strength24 Dexterity19 Constitution34 Intelligence19 Wisdom17 Charisma11 Luck16

SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES Pain Nullification (lvl.2) Power Strike (lvl.2) 10 Endure (lvl.3) Stealth (lvl.1) Rest (lvl.3) Backstab (lvl.2) Dodge (lvl.3) Polearms (lvl.2) Dual Wield (lvl.2) Critical Hit Mastery (lvl.2) Mining (lvl.2) Unarmed Combat (lvl.3) Hammers (lvl.2) Flails (lvl.2) Maces (lvl.1) Shields (lvl.1) Medium Armour (lvl.1) Heavy Armour (lvl.1) Axes (lvl.1) Daggers (lvl.2)

Throwing Weapons (lvl.2)

SPELLS & MAGIC

Heal (lvl.5) 5

Rust (lvl.3) 1-2

Identify (lvl.2) 1

Silent Casting (lvl.1)

Mana Regeneration (lvl.2)

Purify (lvl.2) 3

Greater Heal (lvl.1) 10

Holy Aura (lvl.1) 2

Decay (lvl.1)

Drain (lvl.2) 2

Entropic Aura (lvl.2) 2

GIFTS

Curse of Entropy: -20% all starting attributes. Mark of the Paladin: 10% resistance to Dark/Holy magic, 5% resistance to Physical. Touch of the Void: 10% reduced resistance to Holy/Fire magic, 20% resistance to Mental Effects, 15% immunity to Mental Effects. Experience to next level 2447/2583 Health230/230 Stamina32/55 Mana12/13