*Cassae's POV*
"Honestly, with how long you have been around I am surprised you haven't seen it before." Tilton said.
"Oh, I have. Many, many years ago." He replied.
"Many seem interested in Glassteel." I noted.
"Most in this realm have never seen Glassteel." The man replied. "It stands to reason many would be intrigued by it."
I took my Glassteel knife from it's resting place on my thigh. "It is beautiful to see."
He admired it without taking it. "You seem like quite the craftsman. I can not wait to see you in action. Alas, I must be on my way. I hope the two of you enjoy the rest of your.. Date? Toodles." He turned and left.
My face colored brightly, but I leaned towards Tilton and asked, "What is 'toodles'?"
Tilton cleared his throat uncomfortably, "It's just another way to say goodbye."
Tilton began walking again, and I kept pace with him. We ended up at Bit's and Bobs, Vincent's shop. He opened the door and let us in, mindful of my wings. Vincent greeted us in a friendly tone, as per his job. I smiled at Adelaide and asked about the sketch.
Adelaide did indeed have it. "Yes, actually, I have it right here." She reached into her coat pocket and offered it to me.
I accepted it with my free hand, the colors were filled in, even. "A wonderful piece of art." I complimented it.
Adelaide beamed brightly and said, "Yes, she is very talented."
"It may be a bit longer before I may work. The rain will stay strong for two days, and probably a third." I told her. "It doesn't make for good building, or sound glass smithing."
"Well, that is unfortunate, but understandable. I can wait a little longer considering it wasn't even something I knew I wanted." Adelaide said.
"Thank you for your understanding." I replied.
"That's not a problem." She said, "You take your time dear, I'd like it to be made with passion and love, instead of speed and anger. I've had too much of that."
I smiled at her and nodded, looking back at Tilton to see what he was going to do. He'd waited patiently while I spoke to her, and we walked forward now so he could speak with Vincent. I kind of tuned out their chat, not minding it. It wasn't my business, nor something that interested me.
Well, until Vincent asked, "Why are you suddenly so interested in our supplies?"
"Because, you all have been taking care of Dueling Rivers citizens, I was making sure everything is still handled." Tilton replied.
Vincent raised an eyebrow, "Really? Well then.. Allow me to alleve your delayed concern. Everything is fine."
"That is good to know." Tilton commented. "Where's Sarial located?"
"She is located in the same place she always is when she is in town. Upstairs, in her office." Vincent said, as a customer came inside. "Now, if you'll excuse me, sir. I have a customer to tend to."
"Thank you for letting me know, we will be on our way." Tilton replied.
Once we exited the building again, I couldn't help but ask, "Are you being.. unusual?"
"In the interest of honesty.. Yes." Tilton replied. "Normally, I'd simply go straight for the head, which in this case would be Sarial. But, this time I am.. How you might say, meandering around."
"I did enjoy seeing the school. I'm glad that Lael will be able to choose to go there." I told him. "I've also enjoyed your company. Have you done this for my sake? Or is there something you'd like by doing this?"
"I have done this for both our sakes." He said firmly. "For your sake, so you know what's available to you. And for mine? Well, I am just being greedy with your time."
My cheeks colored as I smiled at him. "It is a fine thing, time is something we Elves have in abundance. Time spent with you has been a pleasure."
"It always seems like a rose has come to bloom when you blush." Tilton said.
It was such an unexpected and poetic thing to say. I took his other hand, while still smiling at him with my rosy cheeks, and I half turned towards the steps, pulling him along with me. Once I held our hands against my chest, over my heart, I told him, "Feels like flying."
"I have recently come to the understanding that flying is a very joyous feeling." He replied.
"It is indeed!" I said, using a gust to lift us both up towards the first floor. Extending my wings once I wouldn't knock into anything or anyone, I allowed the wind to support him, bringing him closer to myself. Once I readjusted my hold on him, I let the wind die out and flew us up at a casual rate. To me, there was no greater joy than sharing flight with him. Once at the top, I ensured his footing before freeing one hand, and landing beside him. Once I'd folded my wings back in, I asked, "Did you wish to speak with Sarial, or would you like to relax?"
"I should still probably talk to Sarial." Tilton said.
"I can accompany you still." I smiled.
"That sounds lovely to me." He decided, before heading in the direction of Sarial's office.
With my hand still in his, he led me along with him. We passed near where Lael played, since it was essentially right next door. Lael didn't even notice. Alexander and his children did, however. They mindfully said nothing as Tilton knocked on Sarial's door. It was opened pretty quickly by her little daughter.
"Momma's visitors." She said.
"An important one," Sarial said, looking up. She then smiled, with her son draped across her, and said, "Correction, pair. Eirwyn, Jaime, did you want to go play with the other children?"
Jaime, her son, showed no reaction. Her daughter however, said, "I will!" Then she ran past Sarial, yelling, "Papa! I'm playing with Lael!" before she ran giggling out the door next to us.
"Alright Dear, have fun." Her father replied.
"It's too late, Mills, she's run off to do so." Sarial said. "So, what can I do for you, Tilton, would you like to go into the next room for a seat?"
"Alright." Tilton replied.
Sarial adjusted her son and waved us to follow her to the next room. "Make yourself comfortable. And thank you for the warning about the storm, is everything going well with it in Dueling Rivers?"
"Everything is going smoothly, thanks to all the prep time the Dwarves were able to get." Tilton replied, taking a seat on the couch.
I sat next to him, adjusting my wings so that we wouldn't be leaning against them. I couldn't see the blonde human. Though I did hear him in the next room.
"It's good to see you again.. Cassae, right?" Sarial greeted me.
"Cassae Naerys, yes." I answered. "Likewise, it is good to see you, Sarial."
"It would seem your plans of starting up your craft will need to be postponed." Sarial said in a regretful tone.
"Yes, but with the Kiln's purchase, once it's all dry I can begin working right away." I said.
"I wasn't trying to rush you. Take your time to get settled and acclimated. No one will be upset with you, or turn them to Tilton. His scoldings can turn away any threat." Sarial replied, "Isn't that so?"
"It is one of my many skills. I would be happy to deal with any naysayers who decide to start trouble." Tilton responded, appearing to agree with her.
"I'll keep that in mind. But I could simply take the complainer into the air." I said. "It's a common strategy for ground bound enemies."
"Why?" Sarial asked.
"Because, you take them so high and drop them." I shrugged. "Avariel's see it as the opponents own fault for choosing to fight us to begin with."
"That is precisely my Uncle's mindset." Sarial said. "So what can I do for you, Tilton. I heard you've been asking questions..."
"Yes, I have been.. checking in on the town." Tilton replied. "It seems like everything has been taken care of. You all are in an advantageous position. Lots of resources and people. It also doesn't hurt that your father now owns the land our towns dwell in."
"Certainly." Sarial said, "If ever Dueling River's needs help, assistance is close by. The wait on trade goods were cut significantly through my cities portal, saving your town considerable money. And also made it so our district isn't paying as much taxes on maintaining the King's Road. It's really only maintained for Nobility now. East Haven no longer feeds the entirety of the North, which has lowered prices on food throughout the Kingdom. It is a good time to see."
"Makes me a little concerned. Good things don't tend to last forever." Tilton told her.
"It'll last or war will occur." Sarial said in a dry tone. "My Father won't wish to be King, nor will my siblings, but perhaps one of Arity's kids would be up to the task in a decade."
"Dangerous, but understandable words." Tilton said.
"Any specific concerns? I know you've seen a lot and are far more experienced than I am." Sarial asked.
"The only concern I have is unnecessary instigation on either side. There is no doubt in my mind that the King already fears your father." Tilton replied.
"There will be no moves made on our side." Sarial agreed. "It's all in the King's ball court. We've shown a form of loyalty through answering his summons and laying his 'concerns' to rest. He doesn't like that Father owns this territory and I own East Haven while running this place. He's been made aware of Undertown City, but can do nothing about it right now due to old laws that count it as an Underdark civilization." She smiled. "No one will confirm to the Nobility or King that we have ties with the Realm, and all the dealings with them are done through Bit and the portal. Spies have gone missing, and sense the laws indicate spies aren't permitted within others' territories, they can't complain when they don't turn back up."
"Well, hopefully we can just keep the peace for a little while. I'm sure he'll do something to spark the flames of idiocy." Tilton said.
"Are there.. tensions between this territory and the sovereign?" I asked tentatively.
"There are tensions between the Hearthry's and the Crown. Simply because the Crown is sometimes a fool." Tilton explained.
"It should be nothing that will impact you and Lael." Sarial said. "I have fail safes in place that will take care of any issue from my portal, and Dueling Rivers people can seek shelter in the City below. It is safe to be in these lands."
"Indeed. There is hardly a place safer." Tilton agreed.
"If that comes to pass, I will help to protect my home. I am combat trained." I informed them.
"That's quite alright." Sarial smiled, "Whereas I am sure you are skilled and would be an invaluable asset, you're also an artisan. This makes you exceptionally valuable to keep safe. Plus, you've a child to look after."
"There are plenty of fighters." Tilton said, "And politicians in case we can settle it with words."
"Very well." I said. It wasn't like I wished to fight anyways. But I wouldn't shy from it.
"Care to stay for a meal? Mills is making something." Sarial offered.
"And what might Mills be concocting? I have been spoiled as of late." Tilton said.
"Some chili based noodles with slices of deer, I think. They aren't the spicy chilies, though. Sienna and Alex aren't good with spicy." Sarial told him. "Not that I can't get Alex to try spicy things from time to time."
"I suppose that seems like something I could enjoy." He said.
"If not, you could get a show, I could probably get Alex to try a pepper today. It's been a while sense last time." Sarial grinned.
"Hm. Lunch and a show. Could do with some light entertainment." Tilton replied.
With that, we had lunch with Sarial's household. Alexander was indeed pranked by Sarial into eating the spicy peppers. Seeing his reaction, I opted to also try the pepper. It was an Aji Pepper. It wasn't very pleasant to me. But not nearly as hot as Alexander made it seem like. People all had different tastes and spice levels. Sarial said Alexander's spice level was 'No'.
Lael seemed to enjoy the noodles. I smiled, happy to see him enjoying himself so well. Sarial and Mills' daughter Eirwyn was quickly becoming Lael's friend. She liked his small feathery wings and my white feathers that decorated Lael's hair. She is a very bright and sweet child, whereas her brother Jaime, was quiet and watchful.
Alexander seemed very amused by Tilton, who listened and responded to Lael's every baby babble. He'd say, 'Tilton, look at this.' and he'd answer, 'Yes, I see.' His patience towards Lael touched me deeply. Tilton was responsive to Lael to encourage him to keep speaking. I'd noticed he wasn't a very talkative man, but rather than just respond to Lael, he would press him for more words. Like asking him what he likes about the food.
After the meal, we let Lael play some more before heading back to Tilton's home. The flight was lovely, even with supporting Tilton and carrying Lael. I kept us warm and dry during the flight. It was pretty uneventful flight. We did see some goblins moving around, but they were a ways away from either town, so weren't a concern. Once we arrived, I set him down to unlock his home and we all went inside.
Until close to dinnertime, I played with Lael and continued teaching him words. I wasn't really concerned if he learned or not. But I wasn't aware what else I should do with my little brother. I'd been very busy learning Glass Smithing, not child rearing. I wondered if Tilton had any advice about it. Perhaps he did, because he was very good with Lael. Though this reminded me of his late wife.
With these thoughts, I decided I shall not ask him if he has advice. Some scars aren't worth willingly poking at. I hadn't picked at the scar of his wife intentionally, but I had done so. He was kind to not hold it against me. When it came to dinner time, I asked him what he'd like to eat. Once I had that information, I went to handle making the meal, while Tilton minded Lael.
I only ate lightly once the meal was done, Lael and Tilton ate well, though. The meal was over quickly. I cleaned up with Tilton's help. Afterwards, I sang songs to Lael and played with him until he was ready for sleep, and put him to bed. I worked on clothing for Lael and I again this night and spoke with Tilton some. The next day was similar, except we stayed home with Tilton.
The next day was also the same. Lael seemed to be doing very well. Laughing, playing, and working on Common. Tilton was unbothered entirely by the boys noise and chattiness. Rather, he seemed to be pleased with it. He also had spoke more with us. It was a lovely feeling to be growing close with him. Though, I worried some about my people. Even though we were never close. I spoke little of it to Tilton. It wasn't our problem really.
But it was decided after I'd contacted a few different people, while Lael slept and in between tasks, that they would be helped to move to the opposite side of the nearby mountains. It was just going to be a process of getting a portal there, Tilton said he'd speak with Bibs about it, and we'd see how it went. I thanked him graciously, of course. I really appreciated him.
The next day the rain was letting up and simply drizzling. I decided I would get some materials while waiting for the land to dry, today. Of course I'd return to Tilton that night. I took Lael with me, rather than rely on him to look after him. I was sure he would if I asked. But it was my responsibility and I could easily keep Lael and I dry. The task of supply was simple, the highest quality and quantity was the dessert it seemed like.
So I went through the portal at Hearthstone Town. Really, I should have left Lael with Sylvia and Sienna. But he was also being a little clingy today. That was fine, I was happy to keep him with me. Once in the desert, I went to the market and asked about the supplies I needed. I had some success, eventually being sent to speak with a glass smith. They made beautiful and fragile work. I asked them and they hadn't seemed to want to answer me, but after chatting they did answer me.
I was able to gain access to the glass smith's supplier. He agreed to deliver a large sum of materials to Bit's and Bobs in three days time. It was a good place to do it, and they said they had dealings with Vincent, anyways so I can simply set up deposits with Vincent for the materials, Vincent would relay it to the supplier as they had good report with one another.
When I asked if that wouldn't be annoying, he said it was more of a protection for himself because Vincent would set a fair price between the two of us and I wouldn't be able to simply refuse the materials, which would leave him without pay. Vincent would essentially be purchasing the materials from him and selling them to me. Vincent was taking on the risk this way.
Since it made sense to me, I accepted this. He wrote out papers about the materials he can supply and the sort he's willing to supply, and handed them to me. It also had quantities available on it. With this, I selected what all I'd like for him to acquire for an initial shipment. He nodded and told me to keep the papers for future supply orders through Vincent.
With my goal for the day achieved, I checked out the town, feeding Lael when he became hungry. After playing here for some time and checking out all sorts of new things, I returned to Tilton's home, through the portal and a short flight. I would check with Vincent when the supplies came in. Vincent knew I was going to Smith for him, and several others, so I was sure there were no problems there.
Once home, I brought Lael with me, finding Tilton in his study, I smiled brightly at him and said, "I was successful in finding a full time supplier. It took some negotiating, but future orders will be handled through Vincent, since the supplier knows him through different supply trading. I'm very pleased. Has your day been well?"
"My day was rather.. uneventful. I checked on a few people here in town. All in all, a rather dull day." He said.
"A dull day can be better than an eventful one. Especially with you being a mayor." I said. "We missed you and brought you a trinket from the desert." I told him.
"Oh? What did you bring me?" He asked.
I took a piece of desert glass from my dimension ring and offered it to him, it was thin, pale yellow and like a level and flat small feather, "It looked like a feather, so I thought I'd get it for you and work on it so that I can decorate your hair with it," My face turned a little red, "or, if you preferred, it could be a type of broach."
"It has been a long time since I've put anything in my hair." Tilton replied. "Depending on how it turns out, I don't think I'd mind it."
I smiled at him and said, "I'll work on it well, then. It'll be more translucent and shiny when I'm done with it. I can place a glass bead to help it stay, as well."
"Sounds like it'll become a very interesting piece." He replied.
I didn't know if he'd realize or not, but decorating another's hair with feathers is significant with my people. It's something exclusive between lovers and close family of children. If I had the chance, I'd recover my parents shed feathers for Lael. I was very happy he'd said he'd allow it. Lael started talking to him about what all we'd seen in the desert and that it was super hot there.
"Yes, the desert is very hot." Tilton agreed with him.
"It seems that tomorrow I will be able to start fixing up the outside furnace." I said, once Lael was finished with his baby prattle.
"Once you have the furnace up and ready, how soon do you think it will be before you are able to start producing?" Tilton asked.
"Once I put together a working table, and have the kiln and materials, I can start immediately. The kiln would primarily be used to maintain the liquid state of the glass while a portion is shaped." I told him. "The hardest part is simply heating the correct combinations, then."
"Do you have any plans for your first piece here?" He asked.
"I was going to focus on arrow heads. But I have requests of a mask for Adelaide, a sword for Sylvia, an armor hidden in a coat for Vincent and James said he would be making requests, as well." I replied. "Swords are very easy, so I can make a couple of those for you to try making Glassteel from."
"Alright. Practice would be good." He said. "Is the spell to make Glassteel something that will work or not? Or is it a practice thing?"
"Kind of both. I had to start with transmute circles when learning at first. I think if it was simply just a spell that could be practiced all quessir would have learned it, certainly Aarakocra would have." I replied. "Once skilled enough with the crafting, I could transmute it with just a little steel and thought. You are not a child learning, so I think it's OK to skip some lessons around, like learning to forger iron, steel working, and glass smithing directly. I'll teach you anything you'd like."
"I never turn down the opportunity to learn. I certainly won't begin to now." He stated. "I will definitely need steel and glass smith training."
I smiled and said, "That's incredibly admirable of you. Then, I will teach you steel working after I have my work place sorted, I will ask Balnur if I may use his inside forge for that purpose, as a furnace isn't entirely suited to the craft. Perhaps it will amuse him to see the differences between Dwarven steel and Avariel steel."
"I've never known Balnur to mind the differences." Tilton replied.
"He does seem fair minded and charming." I agreed.
"Charming is not what I.. would personally consider him as, but if that is.. how you wish to see him, I think he would personally agree." Tilton said, baffled.
I grinned and said, "He is not as charming as yourself, though, and doubtless you don't intend to be."
"I truly do not believe I've ever tried to be charming in my life." He replied.
"Isn't that just the way of it?" I asked, raising and lowering Lael above my head playfully. "A hundred playboys, or more, and the most interesting is the one saying 'Leave me alone'." I giggled with Lael.
"Interesting am I?" Tilton replied.
"Very." I answered seriously.
"Well, I suppose I should let you know that I find you very interesting as well." He said.
"For a living myth?" I asked.
"More as an individual, but yes." He said.
I giggled. "I saved time by finding the supplier. So I got to return with Lael earlier than expected. Are you glad?"
"This is an odd line of questioning." He noted.
"Is it?" I asked.
"Yes. It is." He said firmly.
I smiled at him and said, "Alright. I won't ask anything else for now. I've still got to mind Lael, angways."
He stood and patted my shoulder. "Yes, I am glad you are both back."
Lael smiled at him and waved his little hands at him. "I should let Lael fly outside." I commented.
"Alright." He replied. "Should I come with you? I have quite the arm if he needs a throw."
"Certainly. It would be good if you know how to care for Lael's wings and help him learn to better fly. The more who know that are nearby the better it'll be for Lael." I said to him. Cuddling Lael. I was very happy today.
"Are there any particulars I should know besides throwing him in the air?" He asked.
"Similar enough to tending baby birds. A bouncing method to encourage flapping is good from time to time. Like all babies, he sometimes prefers to cling rather than attempt flight." I said as I headed back outside. "And preening. To check for matted, broken, or loose feathers. Do you know how?"
"I have tended to a few birds in my time, yes." Tilton nodded.
"Then you'll do fine." I said, bouncing Lael until he flapped, then passing him to Tilton to toss. "Sometimes little ones fly too far and tumble once tired. So we have to watch."
"Hmm, yes, we wouldn't want him to tumble." He said, looking at Lael. "Remember Lael. You must focus." He then tossed him into the air.
Just like he's supposed to, he caught himself rather than falling. He looked down at us, heading upwards with his small wings. I briefly felt anxiety watching him, before I lifted Tilton and I into the sky. I used my wings and left the winds cycling around him. I smiled at him playfully, hoping he knew I wouldn't drop him.
He did not seem the least bit nervous or concerned. Instead he kept his eyes on Lael, with an occasional glance at me. My own attention was split between Lael, who was flying, and Tilton, who I was essentially dangling. Lael flew towards Tilton, so I had to divert the winds, lest they flung Lael or worse, damaged his wings.
Once he cuddled Tilton, Tilton asked him, "Are you sure you are done flying? Practice does make perfect."
Lael said, "Let's go up!" And pointed upwards, flapping his wings.
Tilton looked at me and said, "Up we go."
I inclined my head, dropping the winds and catching Tilton. I took them up higher than the cloud cover had been. Where the air begins to be thin. I inhaled deeply, letting out a pleased sigh. The exertion felt nice. I made sure my hold on Tilton was probably not uncomfortable, and let us glide at that level. Lael was giggling and clapping his hands.
"Alright, Lael. Are you ready to fly again?" He asked.
"Yes." He said.
"Alright. Off you go." He said, tossing him.
Lael's ease of catching himself was better this time. "Do you want an adjustment on how I'm hold you? How is your breathing?" I was naturally concerned for Tilton being so high up.
"I'm fine and quite comfortable. Thin air doesn't bother me. If we went a little higher, possibly. But currently it is fine." Tilton said.
"I suppose you aren't scared of anything." I commented, watching Lael.
"That's not exactly true, I just simply don't fear most things involving myself." He said.
Still, I adjusted my grip on him a little. I did not want to accidentally drop him. Lael did little circles and played in the air. He gave me a bit of a scare when he tucked his wings in for a moment, but he quickly extended his wings again, flying once more.
"Are you getting tired, Lael?" I asked.
"No, I'm ok." Lael answered.
"Are you sure, Lael? It's alright to say you're tired." Tilton told him.
"I am playing." Lael told him.
"Alright. Then have fun." He replied.
My heart was hammering from Lael's stunt. About the time I started to calm, Lael flew over to us, and into Tilton's arms. With a yawn, he pointed towards some birds he saw. I started taking us down. I let his feet touch ground first, before landing and folding my wings in. Lael had dozed off before we'd landed.
"Goodness, he spooked me." I admitted.
"Why don't we set him down for a nap, then I can show you what I purchased today." He said.
"Very well." I said, easing him from Tilton's to my own arms. I took him inside and upstairs to the room we'd been using. Before I returned to Tilton, curiously.
"Follow me, we're going to the balcony." He said. We wondered up to the balcony and he sat upon the railing, "I went out and got something to ease your mind while in the air."
"Oh, yes?" I replied.
"Yes." He said, standing and walking off the balcony in a straight line.
I watched him for a moment, before joining him, "How lovely." I smiled.
"Yes, it only lasts for ten minutes, but I figured that is long enough to reverse any kind of situation that may occur." He said.
Before I could tamper down the impulse, I have him a hug, feeling joyous over his seeking the ability to fly, however briefly it may be. I released him quickly, "Sorry. Sometimes my impulse control is still lacking."