I started laying out various metals on the table, watching Thorum give each a keen eye, inspecting and moving on to the next.
"Okay, I think I recognize all of these, it's been a few years since I've heard my Da's talks about metals."
"Any help is better than none." I replied.
"Lets see." He picked up the black ore that looked smooth to the touch. "This is ebony, very expensive, and hard to get ahold of. I hear the Orcs run most Ebony mines in Skyrim and they guard the stuff and rarely sell to outsiders. I think my Da's word were 'Ebony doesn't like magic'."
That went with what I knew, I had tried to push my magical energy into the ore and I felt heavy resistance. But that gave me another question, does that mean magical resistance or immunity? Could I force enchantments on Ebony with enough effort or was it a complete lost cause? Would Ebony also be something that could penetrate magic as well?
I didn't want to hammer Thorum with these questions, I don't think he would know the magical applications of the metal.
"This here is Orichalcum. A bit less rare than Ebony, but more widely available. I think it's easier to enchant and use magic with, and a good hardy metal." The metal almost had a green tint to it, and readily accepted any mana.
The thing that stood out the most, was how efficiently it took in my magical energy. There would usually be 'waste' or 'run off' from trying to push magical energy into something, but this would gladly take it all. It wasn't he most conductive, but it was the least wasteful, there was the small issue that it tended to not want to let go of any magical energy it got, meaning using it purely as a catalyst for casting was detrimental. I would need something else added in to over come this.
"Oh, this one I've seen once in my youth." He picked up the white-like ore and looked at it fondly. "Moonstone ore, it's rarely found in Skyrim, but common in other parts of the world. It's probably the exact opposite of Ebony. It is one of the best metals for mages, but its durability and strength are lacking."
Interesting, I hadn't experimented with this one yet. I made a metal note to play around with the moonstone when I had time.
"Well, that answer pretty much all my questions, I can actually start thinking up my weapon now." I hummed thoughtfully. "Now I'm just missing one ingredient. I don't suppose you've ever heard of blue glass?" I asked producing the small amount I had.
He took the lump and gave it an inquisitive eye. "Can't say I have, looks like normal glass to me, just blue."
"Supposed to be much better." I just shrugged, putting it away again. Oh well, can't expect Thorum to solve all my problems, he's already been an amazing help.
"You could always ask Eorlund Grey-Mane, he is considered the best smith in Skyrim, he also personally crafts the weapons for the Companions."
"That's convenient, is he around?" Well, Thorum, you just keep surprising me.
"I heard he went out of town for something, should be back in a few days." Thorum shook his head.
"Unfortunate, but what can you do?" I shrugged. "You think he would be up to forging the final piece if I gather anything? Money really wouldn't be an issue."
"He does commission work sometimes; I don't see why not."
We just idly chatted about a few things, I mentioned my job after this which raised a concern look from Thorum. I would make sure to have decent preparations first before going in, I guess dealing with any Daedra shrines or temples should always be taken with the upmost precaution.
Yeah, the current me can't even come close to dealing with a godly being.
The conversation just shifted, I think we started talking about women when the doors suddenly flung open with a 'bang' and several large men walked inside.
"Harbinger."
"Harbinger!"
"Greetings, Harbinger."
Everyone in the hall practically stood up and greeted the oldest man among the group. Even Thorum stood up respectfully.
Well, I would mostly contribute it to respect. But there was also an underlining feeling of tension in the air. Like everyone was waiting for a shoe to drop.
"We're calling a meeting." A large, bald Nord Declared.
"Who's that?" I whisper to Thorum.
"Skjor, one of the inner circle, he acts as the leader on the battlefield sometimes." Thorum Whispered back.
"And who are you?" Skjor suddenly looked over to me, frowning. There seemed to be a bit of displaced annoyance in his voice, like he was just projecting whatever anger he had on me.
Well, I think I'm the only non-companion in the room, so I guess I do stick out a bit, especially with what I'm wearing compared to everyone else. I'm surprised Thorum didn't say anything....well I could contribute that to them thinking Mages are weird.
The older man, the one they called the Harbinger, just put a hand on his shoulder. "Skjor, there is no need for that." He turned towards me. "And who're you, stranger?" He looked at me strangely, though his tone much more even, looking between me and Thorum.
"Wilhelm, I'm a friend of Thorum coming to check to see how he was doing. I also took a job from the college to enchant the weapons for you all."
There were some mumblings of 'finally' but nothing too annoying.
"That temper of yours always causes problems, Skjor." The supposed Harbinger looked at the other Nord.
"You're right, Kodlak." He just sighed. "Thank you, Mage, for coming. If there was ever a time to get our arms readied it would be now."
I guess the Harbinger's name is Kodlak?
Well, it was admirable that he could let go of his annoyance and acknowledge me with respect. But there was something that put him on edge, and I had one guess why. "There was another dragon attack, wasn't there?"
Thorum did mention that the higher-ups were talking with the local Jarl about this.
There was silence in the room I saw Skjor scowl, seems like I hit the mark.
"Your eyes show more years than your body." The Harbinger commented, staring at me intently seemingly unperturbed by my own comment.
I paused, returning the stare of the old man. I held back a frown at his words, I didn't like being poked like this, especially in public. There was certain decorum that should be observed, blurting out someone's personal matters like that was just rude.
[Can you feel it?]
I heard the dragon ask me, but I could roughly guess what I was sensing from the man.
[It's because he's closer to death that it's more apparent, some of the others have it as well. The stench of beasts and rage roll off of him, I'm surprised no one else noticed.]
Was he cursed?
[I think something has a claim on his soul, something powerful.]
Well, I wasn't one to let a dig at me without returning in kind. "And you smell like a wolf."
There was another long pause. Some looked confused, possibly even angry at my 'insult' yet only a few others winced and looked at me intently.
Well, you started it by saying something like that, old man.
My eyes traced down to Skjor who slowly put a hand on his weapon. I looked back up and met his eyes, daring him to draw it. My hand flicked with the familiar feeling of magical energy; I was ready to cast a spell if need be.
"Skjor, what did I just say?" The Harbinger admonished his own companion. "Mage, you are well learned, what do you know of dragons?"
Did he just ignore my jab? No, I think he just didn't truly care at the moment, I guess this whole dragon thing has got him a bit concerned.
I withdrew my magical energy and contemplated the question. "Dragons are...power given form." I said after a moment. "Their scales are tougher than steel and they boast a natural magic resistance that would leave the best enchantments jealous."
"And what of the enchantments you can provide, are they any help against such creatures?"
Was he testing me, or did he want to know my worth? I don't know this old man was a strange one. Regardless, it was a logical question to ask in these circumstances. "A lot of the flashier enchantments act more like spells, which will just splash helplessly against a dragon's hide. Ironically enough, the basics would probably have the best effect. Enchanting a sword to become sharper wouldn't be interfered with against a dragon's magical resistance, opposed to say, igniting in flames."
"It will be done then." He nodded. "Skjor, make sure all companion's weapons are enchanted and ready for battle. The Jarl is calling all banners and prepping Whiterun in case of disaster."
"I'll get it done." Skjor grunted, not looking too pleased but I think he knew to look at the bigger picture.
"Mage." The Harbinger called out. "How much do you know?"
I had a feeling he wasn't talking about the dragons at this point. "I can take a few guesses…..how much time do you have?"
"Not enough." He sighed.
"You can always seek out the Archmage." I offered.
"We've never gotten along with the College." He frowned.
"Yes, I've heard that excuse many times now from both sides. I'm on pretty good terms with the Winterhold guards, I even drink together with them at the tavern." I took out a quill from my ring and a piece of parchment, scribbling down a few lines on it. "Perhaps someone just needs to extend their hand." I rolled it up and offered it to the older man. I saw him unroll it and stare at the contents.
"This..." He said in confusion.
It was a formula for some medicine, should stave off his death for a couple months. I was using my knowledge from my home, but it should transfer here relatively well.
"Should buy one or two months, at most. Consider it an apology for my words." I waved him off. "I'll get out of your hair and wait at the local enchanter for your weapons."
***
Thorum was staring at me, expectantly, as I started enchanting the various weapons that were given to me. Luckily, the enchanting station was in a back room so I didn't have much to interrupt me, but his gaze was eating into the back of my head. I guess it made the most sense for Thorum to bring me all the companion's weapons, him knowing me and everything.
"It's not like you to hold something in. If I've done something you don't like, just say it." I picked up a sword, it felt different than regular steel, but I couldn't find anything specific that made it different.
"The Harbinger said he was cursed and close to dying." Thorum finally admitted.
"Ah, that was a smart decision on his part. Everyone is entitled to their secrets, but some things can cause rifts in friendships." I honestly didn't expect him to say anything, maybe I'm just cynical.
"Do you know what's wrong with him?"
There it is. "I have a general idea, but I hope you're not asking him to tell you." I'd rather not have a complete falling out with these Companions.
"…No" He sighed. "Even if it wasn't the Harbinger, I don't wish to pry into matters that I don't belong."
That's why Thorum is a great guy. "I can't do anything to help him if he doesn't want it." I could predict his next question easily enough.
"Do you think the Archmage at the College can help?" He asked me, a bit of hope in his voice.
"I give it even odds, that man is frightfully competent at what he does." Which was true, my few interactions with the Archmage led me to give him such an evaluation. I don't doubt he would be a high ranking member of the Clock Tower if he were back home. Not to mention the sheer vastness of knowledge the College as collected in its years.
"So, there's nothing I can do?" Thorum asked, a bit disappointed.
I was going to ask why he cared so much, but then I realized I had known Thorum for about the same amount of time Thorum had know the old man. Yet, I still developed a bond of friendship with him that would compel me to act to save his life all the same. "I'll tell you what, I'll make some inquires when I get back to the college, see if I can speed anything up on the chance that the Harbinger listens to my advice.
"Thank you." Thorum blurted out immediately, giving a big goofy smile.
"Just tell him to not overexert himself after he drinks the potions with the ingredient list I gave him. It only stimulates some latent potential in the body to give him sort of 'second wind'. If he starts being active, it will drain it away faster."
"I'll make sure to pass on your words." He said happily.