Silver Estate, City of Rivana, Kingdom of Astralia
The city of Rivana was already bathed in the bright light of the sun when Aiden finally emerged from his bed. Having to deal with the fallout from the assassination attempt, he had gone to bed in the early morning hours. He had considered not reporting the incident, but the fact that his unfortunate driver had also been killed by the attackers had forced his hand. So he had ended up reporting the incident to the citywatch and, as a result, had spent the rest of the night at their headquarters.
After identifying himself as Aiden Silver, the commanding officer had quickly alarmed Arturo, Baron Camara's highest watchman. It did not accomplish much, the citywatch had no information about the assassins, or at least none they were willing to share with him. Maybe they could have told him more if he had given them the black sword of the assassins' leader, but Aiden didn't want to risk them confiscating the weapon, its magical properties more valuable than the potential of information in his opinion.
Aiden absently caressed the black sword resting in his lap as he reflected on the previous night. He could sense the idle magic imbued in the weapon. It felt familiar to him and he thought he recognised the magic signature of his old disciple, and ancestor of Bennett, Dracus Sanguis. Yet, he couldn't be entirely certain. Unlike Dracus, blood magic was a topic he had never favoured, and the sword's age had slightly faded the magic's signature. Regardless, it stood as the single most potent artefacts he had encountered in this era so far, making it an invaluable asset.
Beyond its apparent magical properties, the sword was still unusual. It had a decidedly unique shape; the wider-than-usual blade was double edged, one side possessed the gently rounded curve of a sabre, while the other side looked like the fusion of a short axe with a bread knife. That is, a bread knife where most of its serrated teeth had vanished. Aiden's initial assumption had been that the weapon had sustained damage at some point, yet he quickly realised that this was its intended design. Despite its substantial size, the sword proved remarkably lightweight and perfectly balanced, a feat that seemed virtually impossible to achieve to him, at least without powerful magic.
Sighing, he grabbed the weapon, wrapping it in a length of fabric and stored it in a bag. He added a small pouch with coins to the bag and left the room. He had found it in the former Aiden's plans for today were straightforward: go into the city and stock up on supplies and gear. He signalled Anita on his way out of the residence; he had informed her of his intentions earlier and knew she would ready the carriage.
Stepping onto the beautiful front porch of the estate, Aiden was quickly joined by a sweat-soaked Eve, her bow lazily slung by her side.
"You're finally up! I was waiting for you," she said with a broad smile that quickly changed into a frown when she saw the bag Aiden was carrying. "You're leaving? I was hoping you could help me with my magic again."
"Sorry Eve, not today. I need to buy some equipment and supplies," he replied, giving her an apologetic smile. "Any tips where I won't get ripped off and can get some quality gear? Or why don't you just join me?"
The young woman considered his invitation for a moment before her gaze settled on her soaked shirt, prompting a grimace. "No, maybe next time." she said, her face scrunching up in thought. "Well, for finished products, the Square of Commerce is your best option. Don't be fooled by the fancy shops on the main square though, they are all full of overpriced garbage, made for foolish young nobles who don't know any better. Go into the nearby alleys and you will find the good stuff."
Aiden acknowledged her advice with a nod, prompting her to continue after a brief pause. "If you need clothes of any kind, look for 'Moonlit Stitches' in the alley by the large potion shop. Tell the owner that I've sent you; he's a friend. As for your supplies…" Eve's gaze drifted into space as one finger absently tipped against her lips. After a shrug, she added, "the guilds will be your best bet if you want magical or alchemical ingredients and so on. Although they might insist on selling you a membership first…"
They were still chuckling as they approached the gates, Aiden noticed that a new stagecoach had already been prepared for him. It was flanked by two house-guards accompanying the driver on the box seat. He offered Eve a warm smile. "Thank you. I'll catch up with you later," he said before stepping into the waiting vehicle.
Following Eve's advice, Aiden's first stop was the Square of Commerce. Among Rivana's three prominent city squares, this was the only one he hadn't yet seen, having traversed the other two when he had arrived in the city.
Disembarking the carriage, Aiden entered into the busy atmosphere of the place. Filling the air with the constant murmur of hushed conversations, hundreds of well dressed members of Rivana's upper class used the early afternoon sun to peruse the many luxurious shops the the Square of Commerce had to offer. Merging with the crowds, Aiden made his way through the area, observing the goods showcased in the meticulously designed storefronts. Sparkling windows exhibited elaborate garments in the latest styles, radiant jewellery forged from precious metals, and gleaming weapons adorned with vibrant gemstones.
It did not take long until Aiden realised that Eve's advice was accurate. While the shops certainly exuded opulence and their wares were undoubtedly costly, none of the advertised products' quality managed to truly impress him. Despite being fashioned from expensive materials, everything seemed to lack the masterful craftsmanship he was searching for.
Finally arriving at the potion shop Eve had mentioned, Aiden took a look within. The shop was filled with thousands of vials in every colour imaginable and the strong scent of chemicals permeated through the air. A bored looking man in a fine suit briefly looked up from his newspaper as he noticed Aiden, but quickly lost interest and returned to his reading. Perusing through the rows of vials, Aiden quickly felt disappointment rising. Most of the 'potions' barely qualified as such and resembled scented water or tea more than actual alchemical concoctions. He wondered whether the shop might have some of their more potent potions stored somewhere else and decided to ask the shopkeeper about it.
Approaching the counter, Aiden found the man still engrossed in his paper. Clearing his throat, he attempted to catch the shopkeeper's attention. "Excuse me, sir?"
The man glanced up with an irritated expression. "Found something?" he asked curtly, his gaze already returning to the newspaper.
Aiden shook his head. "No, actually, I was wondering if you have any stronger potions," he explained, elaborating when met with the shopkeeper's puzzled look. "You know, health potions, mana potions, that sort of thing."
The shopkeeper erupted into a fit of cackling laughter. "What do I look like? His majesty's personal alchemist?" Without giving Aiden a chance to respond, he continued, "Listen, kid, don't waste my time. If you're not satisfied with what we got, get out!"
In his old life as the all-powerful magus Arcanus, he would have ripped the man's head right off for such blatant disrespect. This life was different however, at least for now. Preferring to avoid unnecessary attention, especially considering the events of the previous night, Aiden swallowed his anger, resolving to find a way to get back at the rude man.
As fate would have it, an opportunity arose sooner than anticipated. Exiting the shop, Aiden noticed a group of workers unloading crates of supplies for the establishment. The emblem emblazoned on the chests was unmistakable: a white swan set against a black backdrop, the insignia of the Black Swan Merchants Company. A mischievous grin played on Aiden's lips as he mentally noted to ask for Bennett's aid in sabotaging the man's business. He had no doubt that the old secretary would take great delight in the task.
He turned into the alley adjacent to the potion shop and promptly located 'Moonlit Stitches', the tailoring and leatherworking store that Eve had mentioned. In contrast to the opulent storefronts on the main square, the alley's displays exuded a more understated charm. Yet, it quickly became evident to him that these shops compensated for their lack of glamour with their remarkable craftsmanship.
Aiden entered 'Moonlit Stitches', finding the shop seemingly completely without customers. Surprised, he looked around but couldn't find anyone in the main area of the store. If his aura senses had not indicated that there was someone in the back of the shop, he would have thought that it was truly empty.
Starting to browse the shop's offerings, his fingers gently traced the finely crafted garments on display. Aiden could immediately tell that whoever made these was significantly more skillful than anyone on the main square, and he wondered what caused the store to be so devoid of any customers.
"May I be of assistance?" a soft, refined voice floated from behind him, causing Aiden to startle slightly. Turning, he found an elegantly dressed elf standing before him.
"Good day, Master…" Aiden began, allowing the elf the opportunity to introduce himself.
"Thandor Moonweaver, proprietor of Moonlit Stitches," the man announced, executing an elaborate twirl that smoothly transitioned into a graceful bow. "Whom do I have the pleasure of assisting today?"
"Aiden Silver," he responded, giving the elf a respectful nod. "A friend of mine mentioned that you could assist me in acquiring some gear."
"Oh? And who might that friend be, if I may inquire?" Thandor's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Someone who works for me. Eve is her name."
"Ah, Miss Eve," the elf exclaimed, his features lighting up with a broad smile. "How is that little rascal? It has been a while since I've last heard from her."
"She's doing well, adjusting to sleeping in a proper bed again," Aiden replied, noticing the hint of concern in the elf's expression. "She works for me now and has a room at my estate."
Aiden sensed a subtle sigh of relief from Thandor before the elf clapped his hands and smiled at him. "Very well, what can I assist you with today?"
"I'm in need of a complete set of gear," Aiden explained, "sturdy clothing, leather armour, and perhaps a travel bag."
Thandor's eyes scanned the room before returning to Aiden. "Are you interested in something already made, or are you leaning towards a custom creation?"
"Custom set," Aiden confirmed.
"An excellent choice, Master Silver," Thandor responded with a sparkle in his eyes. He guided Aiden to a cosy seating area tucked in a corner of the shop. Briefly disappearing into a nearby room, the elf returned holding a notebook and a measuring tape. He gestured for Aiden to stand. "While I'm taking your measurements, let's discuss the specifics of what you're looking for."
Thandor's skilled hands immediately started to move swiftly, taking Aiden's measurements and jotting down the numbers into his notebook.
"I will need something that offers protection, but doesn't limit me in my movement. I'm also expecting to travel extensively in the near future, so the gear needs to be able to survive harsh environments." Aiden replied, trying to be as still as possible, not wanting to interrupt the elf's precise movements.
"Very well. So a set of padded cloth armour, interlaced with leather to protect while remaining flexible. Possibly a cloak to ward off the weather…" Thandor said thoughtfully, his quill gliding across a page on his notebook as he continued to jot down notes. "And regarding the colour scheme, do you have any preferences?"
Aiden considered the question for a moment before answering. "Muted tones. Something that lets me go unnoticed and blend into the environment."
"Good choice. As for the travelling bag…" Thandor stood up, having finished his measurements. "We'll need something both spacious and practical. Compartments for essentials, secure closures, weatherproof surface materials... It needs to fit with the rest of the gear and must not get in the way of your movements…" The elf looked thoughtfully at Aiden. Nodding after a few moments, he recorded some final details in his notebook.
"Excellent, I believe we have covered everything," Thandor confirmed, glancing down at his notes before looking back at Aiden. "In summary, you're seeking a comprehensive set of travel equipment, including a functional bag. Sturdiness and weather resilience are essential, without compromising on your ability to move freely. Have I captured your requirements accurately?"
Aiden's nod was met with a soft chuckle from the elf. Thandor closed his notebook, signalling for Aiden to rejoin him in the main area of the modest shop. The two men made their way back to the counter, where the elf began to shuffle through a stack of papers that Aiden recognized as inventory records.
Using this moment, Aiden brought up a question that had been on his mind since he had entered the shop. "Master Moonweaver, forgive me if this is too forward, but I can't help but wonder; why is your shop so empty? Your offerings are of exceptional quality, and your service is meticulous. I can't understand why you aren't more busy."
Thandor looked up, his face visibly darkening. After a brief second, he released a deep breath, relaxing somewhat. "I take it that you are new to this city?" he asked, continuing after getting a nod from the young man. "You may have observed that there are few of my kind remaining within the inner city. The landscape was quite different before the old duke met his end by the king's hand. Now, though... Well, many of us have been driven out, ousted from our positions, and robbed of our belongings."
A heavy sorrow laden sigh escaped him. "The only reason my shop and I continue to survive is that I was once the private tailor to the old duke. Connections from that era still provide some support. I count myself fortunate in that regard. I had to relocate and surrender my former shop to that wretched would-be potion brewer around the corner. Yet, I managed to retain my business. For those less fortunate than me, they were cast into the abyss of the outer city's struggles or chose to abandon the city altogether."
As the elf spoke, Aiden realised the truth in his words. Beyond Thandor and the assassin he had encountered the previous night, non-human citizens had been notably absent. He silently reproached himself for not grasping this fact sooner. Even the Everlasting Empire had not been able to fully eradicate the disease that was racism, but at least it had valued skilled individuals like Thandor highly. "I am sorry to hear that, Master Moonweaver. I know that it might not be of help for you now, but I'm certain that some things will change quite soon." Aiden assured him. He would start with the charlatan potion salesman. The man would pay, he promised himself with anger.
"Thank you for your kind words, Master Silver. But it is difficult to remain hopeful when your friends and family have all been driven out of your life," the elf said, his professional demeanour returning after a few brief moments. "It will take a few days to procure materials of sufficient quality, and a few more until your new gear is ready for the final fitting. As for the price, fifty silver for the travelling bag, one gold and fifty silver upfront for the rest, and the same again on completion. Does this arrangement meet your approval?"
Aiden nodded his assent. He was convinced that the elf's price was more than fair, and he silently expressed gratitude to Eve for steering him toward this man. By scrutinising his new family's merchants company's ledgers, he had acquired an understanding of the value of raw materials and Astralia's monetary structure as a whole. The latter was almost identical to the currency system of the Everlasting Empire: copper coins were the most basic unit of exchange, handling minor transactions. Accumulating one hundred copper coins equated to a silver, the most commonly used currency for most people. This same ratio extended to gold, predominantly used for substantial acquisitions or custom items like Aiden's gear. Lastly, platinum was reserved for the most affluent segment of society, who engaged in large scale transactions.
Absently, he reached into his bag, intending to retrieve his purse to pay the man. Instead, his hands fell on the wrapped hilt of Blackthorne, the trophy claimed after the fight against the assassins. "Actually, Master Moonweaver, could you take a look at this," he began, withdrawing the sword from his bag. "Do you think that it would be possible for you to craft a scabbard for this sword?"
The elf's eyes widened, and his right hand extended to accept the weapon. Aiden gave it to him, observing as Thandor delicately brushed a fingertip along the blade's edge, only to retract it swiftly with a wince as the sword absorbed a droplet of blood from his nicked finger, runes glowing slightly. "A magical artefact, fascinating," Thandor mused, his inspection of the blade continuing, "I've yet to encounter a blade this sharp. Master Silver, while I must admit that I am not an expert in this domain, I am willing to attempt the task if you grant me the chance."
Aiden liked the man and he was not sure how long it would take him to find another person of the elf's obvious competence and work ethic, so he agreed. "Thank you, I have faith in your expertise." Aiden said, his tone sincere.
Exhaling deeply, Thandor offered Aiden a thankful look. "I've worked with various materials in my craft, but something like this… this is a rare opportunity. Will you allow me to keep the sword in my possession until my work is finished? My brother's wife is a weaponsmith in the outer city, I would like to seek her advice."
Aiden shook his head, the sword was the most valuable item in his possession. "I trust your judgement, Master Moonweaver. However, the sword is invaluable to me, and might make you a target of some rather questionable people."
The elf's brow furrowed in response. "Crafting the most suitable scabbard for the weapon could prove increasingly difficult without direct access."
Considering this predicament, Aiden offered an alternative. "I understand your point, but I still believe this is the best course. However, you are welcome to visit me at the Silver Estate whenever you require access to the sword."
Thandor gave a resigned chuckle. "As you wish, Master Silver. I am committed to creating a scabbard befitting this exceptional blade," he pledged resolutely. "For now, may I take measurements so that I can work on a design, even if I cannot have the blade itself?"
For the following quarter of an hour, the elf meticulously scrutinised the blade, recording each measurement and detailing every intricate curve and facet. After submitting another twenty five silver coins as an advance payment, the two men said their goodbyes and Aiden left the store, and the Square of Commerce shortly after, making his way to the Crafter's Square.
The journey took a while, the thick traffic of the inner city once again hindering their progress, but they eventually arrived at the busy city square. It did not take Aiden long to identify the guildhouse of the Mages Guild. Unsurprisingly, it was the incredibly grandiose white tower right in the centre.