*Cassae's POV*
"Then the lad has good taste. Welcome to my bakery." He said.
"You are related to the Mastersmith, aren't you?" I asked, Bryna had said he was.
"I am indeed his brother. Why, has he done something to insult you? It would not be the first time." He said.
"Curiosity only. He did not insult me, and complimented my craft. I am going to be using his outside forge." I replied.
"Ah, a fellow artisan. What is your craft? Steel, Iron, Copper?" He asked.
"Glass and glassteel, like the armor is.. Though, I can work iron and steel as well." I answered. "May I please purchase some of your Elven Pillows? They are delightful."
"Well, I'm glad you find them so delightful. How many would you like?" Kaz asked.
"Six of them, please." I answered.
"Not a problem." He said, getting them ready for us from a fresh trey. He wrapped them up in a bag, "Stop by any time you'd like some of Kaz's baked goods."
"Yes, thank you. I will certainly pay you more visits." I said, paying him for his goods. It was an odd feeling for me, but one I accepted because it was a different area. I offered one to each of the kids.
Bryna smiled and said, "Thank you, but I am allergic to eggs, and that is primarily egg."
"Oh, I apologize. I had no idea." I said.
"It's ok. Let's go to Tibin's now." She smiled, waving at Kaz.
We headed across the town to the general goods shop, I stored the remainder of the Elven pillows in my dimensional ring. As soon as we entered the shop, the owner greeted us. "Welcome to Tibin's general goods. How may I be of assistance?"
"Hello, Tibin, my name is Cassae and I was looking to inquire about how it is you aquire glass. At least, I was told you were the one to talk to about it." I said.
"Glass is not a problem, how much were you needing?" He replied.
I smiled and said, "My apologies for not being clearer, I am a glass smith. I am looking into the market value on glass crafts in this area."
"Well, as for glass crafts, not that big of competition out here. Most people only use it for windows." He replied.
"Not tools, plates, cups, cutlery?" I asked, "Or jewelry?"
"No, most glass smiths charge quite a fair amount, so no, it's not common place around here." He said.
"That can be fixed with fair pricing, no?" I asked. "Pretty things catch everyone's eyes."
"If you are able to sell it at a price that people will buy, then I am sure people will buy it en masse." Tibin replied.
"I see." I nodded, smiling. "I am not much of a salesman, though. Once I learn some more about the area, I'll figure pricing out."
"Alright, once you get that worked out, stop by again. We'll see if we can't get something worked out." Tibin said.
"I will." I answered with a smile. After looking around the rest of the town, we headed to Hearthstone Town. Bryna insisted she'd introduce me to all the best people, and to Tilton's friend. It was a short trip by foot to Hearthstone Town. It really was in a cave. I let Lael fly some of the way there. Catching him when he'd tumble, though a time I couldn't reach him, Bryna and Thomas did. They were faster than I was on foot.
We entered the cave and went to the left, following Bryna. Eyes were definitely on Lael and I. I held him in my arms anxiously. Once we decended the stairs, with my wings held aloft for balance, and Bryna watching me. Once we were off the stairs the area opened up. The ceiling showed the weather outside, and made the town appear to be on the surface. I looked around with interest at the architechture and the layout of the town, Bryna was telling us about where what was. She then took me towards a metal door that was set in the wall of the cavern. To the left of that door was a grouping of Elves, a couple of humans, and their children.
"Come over here, first. These are our friends." Bryna said, waving me towards the group, and approaching them in a friendly manner.
The people's eyes naturally came to us as well, especially once the twin boy Elves gasped and said, "Wings!"
"Yup," Bryna said once we all reached them, "They do have wings. Aren't the wings pretty?" She proceeded to introduce us all and specify that Alexander is Tilton's friend. She then told Alexander that I was 'dropped' through Tilton's roof yesterday.
"Well, you don't seem much the worst for wear for having been dropped through a roof." Alexander said.
"I smashed through two whole floors and lost my wing. Tilton and Bryna's dad patched me up, luckily." I corrected, "And 'dropped' is a severe underdramatization of the event."
"Well, I'm glad to see you're alright, I suppose." He said, then offered his hand, "Hi, I'm Alexander."
"I am Cassae and this is Lael." I said, I wasn't familiar with the hand thing he was doing. My face showed my confusion at it, but I placed my hand in his for his odd greeting. "It's good to meet you." After a brief handshake, he released my hand and I took it back.
"Not much of a hand shaking kind of people, huh? That's ok." Alexander commented.
"Aril Tel Quessir do not exchange greetings in such ways, no. Our closest neighbors are Aarakocra." I replied. "I understand that humans do tend to be friendlier physically, though, so I do not mind it." I looked towards the green Elf woman who had been nearest to Alexander, Sylvia Bryna had said, and greeted her in a manner polite between Quessir.
She returned the greeting. "Avariel are often spoken of as myths and legends. It is amazing to see that two young ones have appeared right here. Your armor is Glassteel, no?"
"Yes. It is Glassteel. I crafted the chest piece myself, as well as my knife and sword." I said.
Sylvia rose and said, "May I see your blade?" I pulled my sword and offered it, hilt first to her. She accepted it and began looking it over. "And you smith? I should love to have one of your blades as my own. They are wonderful and lethal works of art."
"As soon as I set up and begin working, I would love to make you any form of weapon you desire." I replied, smiling.
"Alexion, look." She ordered, looking at one of the Elves, her son, I realized. "You are quite lucky, Cassae, the people here value fine craftsmen. I do wonder if James would know of Glassteel."
While Alexion looked my blade over, I noticed Lael wasn't paying the children any mind. ":Lael, do you want to greet the children?:" I asked him. ":It's quite alright. See? They like Bryna and Thomas.:"
Lael looked at me unimpressed. The Elven children began speaking to him in Elvish, encouraging him to play. I crouched down, extending my wings for balance, being mindful of my surroundings, and set him down. He looked at the boys, but didn't speak to them. My features pinched with concern.
"I feel we know a child much like this one." Alexander said.
"He's not been speaking much since our parents passed." I sighed. "I am trying to remain patient and understanding.."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that." He said, he looked at Lael and said, "Do you like music?"
Lael stared at him. "Sorry, he only knows Elvish, Auran and Aarakocran." I said, ":Lael, he asked if you like music. Please answer.:" Lael nodded.
"Elvish only. Not a problem." He said, he then started singing a song in Elvish for Lael, about grand adventures and courage. Lael sat where he was looking up at Alexander, listening intently.
"We'll watch him for you, if you'd like to speak with Sarial and James. He's visiting her today." Sylvia offered, returning my sword to me, while I stood.
"Me and Thomas'll stay with him, too." Bryna offered.
"Alexion, go introduce Cassae to them." Sylvia said. Alexion nodded, and started walking that way, "If you'll come with me."
I glanced at Lael, before following Alexion. Rather than knock, he simply opened the door and held it open for me. Once I'd entered, he entered behind me, shuttimg the door, and directed me to continue forward. Through the second set of doors was a few Lion Folk and some humans were inside. The human girl had a child laying across her, and the other human sat next to her. The golden Lion Folk had a little human girl in his lap, with Snow sitting next to him. There was also a young lion woman aside from Snow.
"Ah. This would be the cause of all my enjoyment from yesterday." Snow announced to the room.
I blinked and said, "... I don't know how to respond to that."
"I mean that's pretty much how to respond to that. What can we do for you?" The human woman asked.
"I suppose that you are Sarial? I was told to show you my knife." I said.
".. Alright, do so, then. And yes, I am Sarial." She said, resettling the child into the human man's lap, and sitting forward. I took my knife out and offered it to her. She took it and began looking it over. In surprise, she said, "It's so light."
"Mother wanted to know if James knows anything about it's material." Alexion said, suddenly.
"Well, let me take a look, and I will see if I know anything about it." James, the Lion Folk, said in a patient tone. Sarial passed him the knife. He accepted the knife, looking it over. After a moment he said, "I do not. It is a fine blade and remarkably light. But I haven't seen anything of it's make."
"What is it, then?" Sarial asked, looking at me.
"Glassteel." I answered. "I am a glass smith, another trait of Glassteel is that it is unbreakable."
"I should think Uncle would like to put that to a test." Sarial said, grinning to James.
"So this is what Glassteel is. I always thought it was being interpreted incorrectly." The other Lion Folk woman said.
"My armor and sword are also Glassteel." I replied.
"I am positive Dirthin would love to see how unbreakable this is." James replied to Sarial.
"What's Uncle up to, then?" Sarial asked.
"He said something about training the kids." James replied.
"That's about normal for him, really." Sarial said, "Guess you can tell him bout it later."
"Is your sword as light as your knife?" Snow asked.
"Not quite as, I can let you see it." I replied, taking my sword out and offering it to her. "I am quite thankful for you returning Lael to life."
She took my sword checking it over. "James." She said, passing it to him after a moment. "It's like wielding air."
"That is the idea of it, I would suppose." I commented.
"What else do you make?" Sarial asked.
"I intend to start with arrows and tools." I said. "There isn't much I cannot make."
"Your armor allows you to fly and move freely? Even though it's glass?" Sarial asked.
"Yes. I have full range of motion in the armor." I nodded. "It's akin to Elven chain, with some extra protection."
"I would like to place a few orders when you are ready to craft." James said, offering me the weapons back.
"I should be able to start smithing within the week. I am setting up a work station attached to Balnur's shop." I said, accepting the weapons back.
"Excellent. If the product is as durable as you state, I will have quite a few orders for you." James stated.
"Very well. I will admit my own ignorance towards pricing. I intend to let Balnur set such things." I said. "I also ask for patience, because I have a child to mind, and regardless for my craft, I must tend him first."
"My people and I can help with that. We are most generally here, and we all have children ourselves." Sarial smiled, "Besides, my mom was in quite a good mood after your ceiling breaking venture."
".. I see I have brought a great deal many people amusement with such a thing. Allow me to assure you that Tilton's roof and second story were incredibly sturdy." I said.
"No, really. Very sturdy. Ironwood." Snow agreed. "I don't know how you survived it. Flung by a dragon, was it?"
"In pieces. But yes, A grey dragon. Ancient, or it would have been easier to handle." I replied.
"Well, it left didn't it? There are plenty around here that would defend you should a dragon come sniffing around again. I hope you don't bare a grudge against all dragons." Sarial said.
"It did leave, I understand a gold dragon calls this territory home. I am confident that Lael and I will not be under threat due to this." I said. "Chromatic dragons have hated the Avariels since before the First Flowering when the races of Elves split into five sorts."
"Why?" Sarial asked.
"That information has been lost to us." I said regretfully. "But it is thought that our magic threatens them."
"How is Glassteel made?" Sarial asked.
"A type of transmutation. To my knowledge, only Avariel with eyes resembling shattered glass are able to make Glassteel." I answered. "I intend to try to teach Tilton to do it, so it shall be interesting to see if any other species can do it."
"If you want to make this a public lesson, I have a couple of craftsmen who would be ecstatic to learn something like that." James said.
"I am willing to teach.. But I will also say it took me seventy-five years to master." I said. "And that was considered fast."
"Well, one of them could still try to learn it. The other may be a little on in years to learn such a thing." James replied.
"I could still show the process, I suppose. It is not something I mind." I told him.
"What do you need to get started?" Sarial asked.
"A kiln. There is a furnace half built that I intend to finish making tomorrow. Along with with walls. Then there's the sand to get, silica or quartz sand.. Sodium carbonate and calcium oxide, or lime. Lead oxide, lanthanum oxide, iron oxide..." I thought for a moment, "Metal oxides tint the glass to give it colors. But I suppose for simplicity sake, I just need to focus on getting the kiln and glassblowing tools."
"A kiln isn't hard to get ahold of." Sarial said. The boy climbed back onto her, settling against her silently. "Do you need any help getting any of that?"
"Being pointed in the right direction to acquire it would be great, but I do know how to make it all from scratch, or where to find it." I replied.
"You're going to be working from Balnur's place? What's the set up like, are you paying him to be there? Are you selling your things from his shop?" She asked.
"I will be, yes. I offered him half profit if I use his steel to make my Glassteel with. It would increase my productivity rate, considerably, if I only have to worry about working the glass." I said. "I would be relying on him to sell the product, as I am not a salesperson... I also don't have much knowledge about the Material Plane or cost of living here. My previous home was trade based."
"The cost of living would depend on where you are. Around here, it's pretty cheap." James commented. "As you may already know, this town is my daughter's. But the land around it is mine. So if you are wanting to build a home, then there are a few places I could recommend."
"I was considering the mountains." I said.
"The mountains are a fine place to be, plenty of room. There is a town already up there, it is an interesting place." James said, "Of your going to build there, I would suggest stopping by there and making sure they are aware of you."
"Yes, Tilton said the same." I replied. "I do not share my kinds mindset towards other races."
"Why won't you be returning home?" Sarial asked.
"I hope to spare Lael from.." My voice trailed off. "From needing to be revived again. The dragon attacks have gotten more severe recently. This area is very safe in comparison."
"True. Where do you intend to stay until you have a place built or do you intend to build, then?" Sarial asked.
"I do not know. We stayed at Tilton's last night, but I don't wish to rely on him. Technically, since I don't sleep I wouldn't need to worry about a place to stay, but Lael is two and needs sleep." I said.
"Children certainly do need sleep." Sarial agreed. "You are welcome to stay in Hearthstone Town, or find a place to stay in Dueling Rivers. I'm also sure Tilton would allow you to stay with him again overnight."
"Lael would like that, I think, but that would be uncomfortable for me." I said. "It's not something I wish to do."
"I understand. Feel free to check out the town and city that's beneath." Sarial said. "The portal below goes to the Capital, Valor's Crest, or Ymir's Town in the far South."
I nodded and said, "I may take a look. Thank you." With that, I left the room and office, heading back out, with Alexion following me. Once back in the town area, I looked at Lael. Now happily playing with the other kids.
"Are you alright?" Alexion asked me after he'd shut the door again.
"Yes." I said. "Is there a reason I should not be?"
"Many find Sarial to be overwhelming. She was offering to help you, and if you need help, you can turn to her." Alexion said.
"Ah. Alright, then." I replied. "But I am not worried."
"Alright. Your brother is having fun." Alexion noted. When I nodded in response he said, "Come sit with us.. I'd say we don't bite, but, Sienna might bite."
The joke being stated without emotion made me laugh. I noticed that Alexion and the small twins had melodious voices, just like my people. It'd be difficult to say which was more beautiful. But I followed his directive, joining them. There was a spot he indicated for me to sit, and I followed his directive, adjusting my wings to allow me to be comfortable. Lael was still playing merrily with the other kids. When I thought about it more, he didn't have opportunities to play with other kids back home. This was like a treat for him.
Seeing how happy he was with the kids, I felt a little heart broken for him. The dragons attacks had made it impossible for Lael to play with other kids. I felt guilty towards him. If I had made my marriage a priority originally I could have given him a niece or nephew to play with. That would have been great for him. It wasn't like I would have had to stay with Varis just because of a baby, anyways. I wouldn't have. I didn't need to worry about it now. I was going to be raising Lael as my own, and telling him of our parents as he grew. Dreams Mother had for him, and hopes that Father had for him.
Lael would have taken my place at the workshop. Because he was a son. I'd been taught as a place holder, even though I'd been a natural at it. It was in part why it had taken me seventy-five years to master. I did wonder what his adult name should be. Likely he'd show me over time, as is the case with most. My own name came from my peaceful demeaner and the beauty of my forged pieces.
"If you need someone to talk to, we are available. Or if it's just for a break. We'll provide it." Alexion said suddenly. He still spoke without emotion in his voice, but I did detect concern.
"I am thinking about Lael and our previous home. It's nothing serious." I said to comfort him. I suppose my face had shown my thoughts.
"It's not a bad thing to express oneself when terrible things have happened. Even if you are thinking of Lael first, you should take the time to feel your loss and trauma of yesterday." Alexion said, "I understand your hesitancy."
"I don't think I'd call it hesitancy." I said, looking at him. "You are expecting humanity from me, but I do not have such an inclination. I don't miss my home, nor do I know if anyone is still there."
"Wouldn't you prefer to find out?" He asked, curiosity in his gaze.
"I don't know. Most I had been close to are no more." I said, frowning. "I have to make Lael a priority."
"Alright. Just understand that there are people around you that are willing to help." Alexion shrugged.
Lael came over to me and flopped into my lap. Frowning at Alexion, but not speaking. I poked Lael between his brows and said, ":Your face will stick like that, silly boy.:"
He put his mouth on my thigh where a scar from the dragon's claws remained. He was pretending to bite me, I realized. What he was managing to do was slobber on me. I patted his hair and began preening his wings with my fingers. ":The mighty Lael is eating my leg. What ever shall I do?:"
At my words, he stood up properly and chortled before trying to bite my arm instead. I smiled at his playfulness. While Sienna jokingly encouraged him in Elvish. I'd had to give up on preening his wings. He was squirming too much for that, and using his wings to balance himself. The game amused him until lunch time, we were invited to join them, and accepted.
I was enjoying the feeling of community of the area, no matter where I looked people were getting along. No one was scared or very fretful. It was a relaxing aura and comforted me some. At one point a kid came running up to the table we were at, Alexion and Plight got up to go with the kid. A small accident had occured and they were the primary healers for the place.
We didn't really have dedicated healers back home. Most of them were taken out immediately when the grey dragon had begun it's assault. The Clerics and Paladins that we had after that didn't have healing spells. The Paladins could heal, but they were usually tapped out by the end of the fight. There also weren't any healing herbs that grew nearby, though a few had grown some in a greenhouse. The dragon had torched it and the churches. We really didn't have much of a chance there.
It was mainly the Warlike Avariel who fought the moving away. Perhaps they had stayed. Then what? They'd all die. But I didn't see a way around it. I was also growing weary of being around so many people. They all seemed to be a lot more mindful of meals than I preferred to be for myself. Though I was a lot more comfortable feeding Lael than myself.
After lunch, Bryna wanted to introduce me to Vincent, another merchant, but she said he carries cloth of the same material as Lael's clothing. So we headed down the stairs, I had Lael with me again, because he was sleepy. I had, however, made plans for Sylvia and Sienna to be in charge of Lael for me while I work to make the furnace and work area. We entered the best looking building in this area, dubbed Bit's and Bobs.
Lael was officially sleeping with his head on my shoulder. There was a mountain of a human woman next the door and a tall human boy at the counter. The wares were incredibly diverse, from mundane to magic and more.
"Welcome to Bit's and Bobs, I see you two have brought along an interesting pair of individuals." The boy said. "I must beg your pardon, I habe not met anyone of your kind before. I am Vincent, owner and proprietor of this establishment. And this is Miss Adelaide. She keeps an eye on things."
"I shall not believe that you have never met an Elf before. But I do believe a winged one is unusual. We're called Avariel in Common." I said, my tone light. "I am Cassae. It is good to meet your acquaintance."
"Well then, miss, what might I get for you?" Vincent asked.
"I hadn't intended originally to get anything, but cloth and sewing tools would be nice." I said.
"Easily done. What kind of cloth might you be wanting to work with?" Vincent asked.
"Diaphanous silks, the color doesn't matter per se." I said, "Though, a dark color is less likely to show burns."
"How much silk are you looking to get?" Vincent asked.
"I think eight yards would be fine to start with." I estimated.
"It will be 25 per yard." He said.
"Is that a lot?" I asked, curiously, while taking out the gold.
"For the rarity of the silk it is cheap." Vincent said.
"Selling is new to me. I understand it, but I don't comprehend it." I admitted, then I recognized a kit on his back shelf. "Oh, you have glassblower's tools."
"Indeed. A few people around here tried to pick up the hobby." Vincent replied, preparing the silk.
"It is no hobby, glass smithing is my livelihood." I told him, "I should like to purchase the glassblower's tools, too, please... Did you happen to have a kiln around, too?"
"It's not something I keep in the store, but we can have it installed at a location for three hundred gold." Vincent answered.
"That is convenient." I said.
"Sylvia wants Cassae to make a sword for her." Bryna told Vincent.
"Well, that certainly sounds like an interesting idea." Vincent said.
"Heehee, do you wanna see her knife or sword?" Bryna asked him, giggling.
"Why not." Vincent said, clearly humoring the girl. "By the fact you are asking me to see it, it must be an interesting weapon."
I took out my sword and offered it towards him while Bryna said, "She showed it to your sister and Dad, too."
He gently took the sword, "This is some fine craftsmanship. It looks delicate, but feels strong."
"It's Glassteel, akin to adamantine." I said. "Unbreakable, like my armor."
"Are these what you are going to be making with this kiln?" He asked.
"Initially, no. Expect by James and Sylvia's orders. I initially plan on crafting tools, glassware and jewelry. And arrows, which I have some of if you'd like to see them, too." I answered him.
"I would actually." Vincent said.
So, I took some arrows out, with some difficulty, since I held Lael. I set them on the counter, then took out my knife to show it to him, too. "The only problem is that the hilts of the weapons and shafts to the arrows wear out over time."
"Balnur suspects that the hilts would outlast human owners." Bryna pointed out.
"Depending on the user and how well it's maintained." Vincent said, looking over the items.
Adelaide was looking over, since Vincent had set down the sword to look at the other weapons, Bryna took my sword over to Adelaide to see, saying, "Here, Miss Addy."
"Thank you, but you should ask a person before you take their weapon." Adelaide scolded the girl.
"That's true. I'll ask next time." Bryna said.
I laughed lightly at the girl. She didn't sound at all like she took the scolding seriously. Vincent took his time looking over the arrows and knife. He had looked at the arrows last, and set them on the counter carefully.
"These are a very interesting style. Can you do them in different styles?" Vincent asked.
"Yes. Glass is exceptionally moldable." I replied.
"I was curious as to if it could be made into a spiral in which something could be placed inside of it." Vincent said.
"Yes, it can. But if it's made into Glassteel it will not break, so health potions or poison is not well delivered that way." I said.
"I was thinking more an object enhanced by Delayed Fireball." He replied.
"Yes. Though, I'd recommend the addition of barbs being added. To make it more difficult to yank out. There is one in particular that is excellent at delivering such a thing through a dragon's hide." I detailed to him.
"This sounds interesting. And a thought I'd like to explore more. But how flexible can you keep Glassteel?" He asked.
"As flexible as Elven Chainmail. Would you like to examin my chest piece?" I offered. "All of my armor is Glassteel, and remains flexible."
"If you wouldn't mind, yes." Vincent replied.
I unlaced my chest piece at the sides, again very difficult with Lael asleep on my shoulder. But I managed. I'd just leave it off. Once I'd resettled Lael, with Adelaide's help, I set the armor on the counter. Bryna and Thomas helped put the weapons back where they went. Vincent picked it up and began looking it over and checking it's flexibility. Much like chainmail, it was crafted with thousands of tiny pieces being linked together, though the outer appearance were solid flat pieces.
"May I commision you to add bits of this to.. a coat per se?" Vincent asked.