Flashback Forging the Fires of Friendship

[Ly'an Godhammer]

6th of Spring 493AV Ly'an wasn't sure if they would be able to find Artifex by the lakeside or not, it was a pretty long walk from the Temple to the Lake, but it was worth it if she could introduce Garron to Artifex. Anything will be better than to have Arty spend so much time with that blasted lizard of his. She realized that in the few days that he was spending more and more time with that lizard than his own flesh-and-blood kin. It was annoying. It can't even talk! She knew not the reason why he obtained the Drakori, only that it was recent. Ly'an sighed and looked back at Garron, “He should be here, I swear it.” The bald crown of hers bobbed in agreement as she looked about, the lake was calm and rather clear, she could see the harmless luminous fish that inhabited the shallows and upper portion of the lake. Deeper in the depths of it though, Ly'an knew there swam something a lot more vicious than small light-bearing fish. The one below could eat an Isurian in one gulp. Shaking her head she frowned at the idea, Father, forgive my cowardly ways. The weaponsmith was a follower of Izurdin. Ly'an was a lady of faith. “I will take your word of promise to defend our realm, our people, and our crafts... I will make sure you at least learn the basics of smithing, whether I have to learn armoring from my friend or I have to learn it myself. By my word with Father as my witness, I will teach you something of use when it comes to forging.” Ly'an smiled, it was a small one, but a smile nonetheless, “I will teach you something of use I swear to it.” Ly'an looked about, “Now just were the petch is Artifex?”

[Artifex]

Artifex had departed his abode earlier than necessary, and before leaving had made sure to bring with him some food for Pietas just in case he was there longer than he expected to be. It had been some time since he had ventured far from his home. He had been planning on things, crafts, and otherwise. It was a welcome relief when Ly'an had come to him explaining the details of a meeting that he was invited to attend. Yet at the same time when he'd seen her, he couldn't bring himself to tell her about the incident. Perhaps this meeting would offer him that opportunity. With Pietas alongside him, as faithful, and loyal as the day he met him, he made his way to the lake. Along the way he thought on the last few days, which had surprised him because he hadn't expected to become so attached to Pietas, but the Drakori had won a place in his heart, even if he didn't make the best conservationist. After walking for a short while, he finally arrived at the lake, and there he wandered the shore aimlessly. He admired the luminescent fish that swam about close to the surface and shoreline, and he enjoyed watching Pietas occasionally sprint about the lakefront after Izurdin knows what. After a while he decided to plant himself firmly on the ground, and there he sat in the middle of the long stretch of beach, with Pietas sitting vigilantly beside him, alert, yet resting. It was only after some time, and a few prayers, that he heard individuals chatting at one end of the beach. Surely enough it was Ly'an, and a man he couldn't recall meeting before in his life, but he knew immediately of what clan the man belonged to, Coglias. An interesting meeting, he wondered what it was all for, a warrior, a weapon smith, and an armor smith brought to mind one possibility. However he doubted that the main reason they were at the beach was to talk craft. When they came into reasonable shouting range, Artifex whistled, and waved his hand at them for a brief moment. As they made their way to him he brushed himself off, and fed Pietas one of the pellets, and once the Drakori ate it all, he scratched the softer part of his underbelly. Pietas was pleased and stood, his blind eyes aimed perfectly in the direction by which Ly'an and the Coglias were heading, it impressed Artifex still. When they were within greetings range, Artifex turned to address Ly'an and gave her a proper hug. "Hello lass, it is good to see you, i hope all is well with you, and your family" then he turned to the man beside her. He eyed him as if judging his person, and smiled, then he extended a hand to shake, and introduced himself as thus "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you..."he paused waiting for the man to respond with his name, and when he did he continued "my name is Artifex Faithforger Vizerian, a friend of Ly'an's is a friend of mine, may Izurdin smile upon our meeting". "So Ly'an what exactly are we here for" he said with a smile across his face. However the smile seemed lacking, in fact his demeanor was lacking, anyone who knew him well enough-especially Ly'an-could tell that something profound had changed him (profoundly). His jovial exuberance was lacking, if not entirely gone. He was still polite, kind, wise, sweet, and strong, but something inside of him had shifted, and it had left weathered lines across his face, like a man who has seen to much war. This had not changed him for the worse, in fact for the better, at least that's how Artifex saw it after much prayer and consultation with priests of the temple, but it had changed him none the less. With that he awaited their response, and the subsequent chat that would ensue. Pietas sniffed the air, and remarked each individual differently. Ly'an he remarked with an air of calm, but the man he remarked with the strange report a soldier would his higher ranking officer, and a measure of skepticism.

[Garron Strongarm Coglias]

The exchange between Garron and Mendelir was brief but menaingful. The few sentences said between son and father was enough to allow Garron a couple bells worth more time in Sultros, for which he was thankful. As for Mendelir, he had returned to Coglias so that he may check up on his daughter and perform whatever required duties were left for him to do. The two's departure was abrupt but customary for the family, and Garron's mind was already on other things when he began to follow Ly'an through the city. When they arrived at the beach, the young Coglias looked around at the giant underwater lake. He'd seen it from the walk high above, but it wasn't until he was down here that he realized just how expansive it was. The distance between the shore and the far cavern wall was enormous. Absentmindedly nodding, Garron was just content to agree with whatever Ly'an was saying for a moment as his mind took everything in. "Artifex?" he repeated, looking back to Ly'an as she spoke the name. "Is that your friend?" Well obviously, he thought to himself. Way to go dolt. Instead of speaking out loud, Garron simply scanned the beach, looking for another youth like themselves. Not that he minded being alone with the young Vizerian, as he glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes. He quickly strangled that thought as soon as it arose. A whistle off to the side brought Garron's attention to another Vizerian on the beach, a drakori by his side. Must have been Artifex like Ly'an had mentioned, as she began to walk towards him, so Garron followed suit. The hug thatvpassed between em weighed heavily for a moment before he dismissed it. What right did he have to be jealous after all? He'd only just met Ly'an. These two obviously knew each other, and he had no right to butt in. Returning Artifex's greeting, Garron smiled at the deeply religious connection in his speech. He, like all Isur, were decoted to Izurdin, but his was a much more private worship than this Vizerian. Though that was a trait of their clan, so it was by no means unexpected. "Likewise," Garron replied. "Garron Strongarm Coglias," he introduced, using far fewer words than the other. There was not much to say in his mind, though should more words be needed he would give them. Thus was the basis on which he spoke. While Artifex and Ly'an conversed momentarily, Garron'a eyes wandered to the drakori. He'd never seen one so close before, as his own family had no pets to speak of, but he'd noticed them during his routine jogs throughout his city. This one seemed to be looking between them curiously, though he knew they could not see in the same sense he did. He watched as the lizard switched its attention between the three of them, cockingits head in different expressions as it rotated. OOCBlech, hopefully that'll never happen again

[Ly'an Godhammer]

The large lizard irritated Ly’an more so than it probably should have. Its blind beady eyes gave the iron hammering blacksmith the shivers and she would have rather seen it dead with those eyes than breathing with those eyes. Father, give me strength of survive before this blind scaly creature. It scares me to no end. Once released from a hug and the two introduced themselves Ly’an sat on a small boulder that sat at the edge of the lake, “I hope it is okay I brought someone along Artifex, he is a good man. I can tell, not much of a smithy, but I think between the two of us we could at least get him to handle a forge and hammer well enough to repair his own belongings.” Her words came with a smirk as she looked at the reflection of her two friends, one of her own clan the other of a more physically combat ready clan. Ly’an choice to use the reflection of the water to watch her two companions than to turn and watch them full on, probably had something to do with the blasted Drakori. Petched ugly creature. She grimaced, her eyes darting from reflection to reflection then to the luminescent fish that swam close to the surface. Then a thought came to her, “Hey, why don’t we see if we can catch any of this fish with our bare hands? I betcha both I can catch more.” A smile creased her face as she shoved her hand into the frigid water, the Isur bite back a yelp of shock and numbness as she watched the rippling water ride the kinetic energy she introduced as it went away from her body. Her smile soon became a crease of determination as she tried to push her hand from one side to the other, using her other to keep a firm grasp on the rock she sat on. It would do no good for the bald woman to find herself in the watery depths of the Lake… She couldn’t swim, and there were the rumors of the beast that swam it’s murky depths. Petching fish!

[Artifex]

Artifex noticed something amiss in Ly'an's demeanor, and it seemed to reoccur every time she looked at...Pietas. Clearly she was put off by the creatures demeanor, or appearance. He smiled none the less knowing that over time she would grow to like the Drakori, as he had. What surprised him was what the purpose for their meeting. To teach another the craft was a serious matter. It displayed one's skill, and was a gift beyond compare to bestow upon others. He felt momentarily nervous at the proposition, but the prospect of aiding another in craft, and thus honoring Izurdin, quickly banished such nervousness.

He was even more surprised when Ly'an proposed that they try to compete by catching fish with their hands. He was wondering what she was up to. This was bizarre behavior for Ly'an, and he wondered what had brought it about. He cocked his head slightly to look at Garron's gaze, and noted there a similar feeling of what, in regards to Ly'an's proposal. Deciding that he had earned a little foolishness and frivolity, made his way forward, giving Garron a shrug as if saying Might as well.

He patted Pietas on the head and the Drakori lowered itself as if to sleep, curling in on itself. He sat beside Ly'an, and grabbed hold onto the rock so as not to fall in, and then said "Challenge accepted lass!" smiled and began to try and grasp at the fish in the water before him. However for the most part he kept missing.

As they sat their momentarily alone, as Garron decided what to do, he looked over at her and whispered "Lass i don't mean to seem mysterious...but...i need to tell you something, eventually". His face had a look about it, it was akin to one who was recalling a great tragedy.

[Garron Strongarm Coglias]

Obviously something about the Drakori was bothering Ly'an, as she was casting several baleful looks in its direction. Garron himself didn't mind the lizard so much, if anything he found it intriguing. People in his part of Coglias didn't have many pets, and the Strongarms in particular had too strong an emphasis on personal devotion and attention to the self to be able to provide for any pets on top of that. While lonely wasn't the right word to use, there was definitely a feeling of something missing that such a lack of a pet had, something that the youngest Strongarm was still trying to think of as he regarded the lizard pet. "I have tried in the past," Garron put out for Ly'an. "It didn't work. The best I could do was repair my gauntlets slightly, and still a lot of the original design is lost." The Coglias shook his head. "Izurdin just hasn't blessed me with a gift in the forge, and to compensate I have been given the gift of strength and discipline, through which I can use to protect our more creative kin." When the lass' proposition came out of the blue, Garron was just as surprised as Artifex looked. Fishing with bare hands? The Strongarm had never gone fishing with a net, or even a rod, let alone just his hands. Plus, there was a certain spontaneity to the suggestion that left the Coglias confused. Something seemed different about Ly'an out here and away from the forge, almost as if her mind were reaching out and grasping at stray thoughts in the absence of a project to be devoted towards. Not unlike himself almost, though his eternal project was strength, patience, and discipline, so he had no rest. As Artifex moved to join her, Garron simply stood and watched as they both clung to the rock and began splashing their arms through the water. Joining them had crossed his mind, but a break in his demeanor would be a break in his discipline, so he refrained and stood back from the two friends. Instead, he walked over to the Drakori - who had laid itself down and curled up - and sat beside the lizard, reaching out a hand as he would a dog. He wasn't quite sure how these creatures saw or how they acted, but regardless it was a good idea to let the pet become familiar with him before reaching for it. The Drakori did not respond, so tentatively the Coglias continued reaching out until his hand was resting at the top of its spines. Slowly he brushed them back, careful to keep his speed low and his hand gentle. The lizard didn't seem to mind, so Garron continued, returning to the top and repeating the motion when he'd gotten as far as he could reach. Satisfied that the lizard would not suddenly object, he turned to face Artifex and Ly'an, wondering what they were doing now.

[Ly'an Godhammer]

Ly'an looked at Artifex and nodded, “Well, speak your mind.” Her eyes returned to the shimmering visions of the glowing fish. Each attempt to snag a fish with her bare hand only gave her a feeling of failure, a really big splash from her hand connecting against the water's surface... And a ripple that rolled away to all sides, hitting the shore and with what was left of it's momentum returning towards it's source. With each attempt in catching the fish the only female in the group felt more and more foolish, finally she gave up and sat up straight. Father, I am making a fool of myself in your presence. I am here fishing with my bare hands in the lake and I haven't a bloody clue why I am doing so? The smithy's eyes drifted from one being to another, her gaze stopping at the Drakori. Her eyes widened and her lips quivered. What am I so scared of about that beast? It is just a bloody pet! She had no answer, but her body started to tremble in what appeared to be fear, uncontrollable fear at that. “Forgive me Father... For I am showing weakness.” She whispered, so softly that none but her and Izurdin could hear. Ly'an could feel her heart speeding faster as adrenaline and fear rushed through her body. Her breathing started to rapidly increase. She was hyperventilating and she hadn't a clue why. “Father... Granted me the strength to overcome this fear...” Once again a whisper so soft. Ly'an's left hand scrambled beside her lap on the rock of a purchase to steady herself. Her vision was blurring, her heartbeat kept racing. “Grant me...” She managed to speak in something louder than a whisper as the weaponsmith lost consciousness and rolled backwards. Sitting so close to the water's edge Ly'an's body took the most obvious route it could... Headfirst into the dark, cold, and mysterious depths of the lake.

[Artifex]

There was something amiss. Something which he could not quite put his finger on, but as Ly'an continued to fish he perceived something shift in her demeanor. The silence stretched on, and in the absence of conversation his thoughts took to the last thing she had said. Where would he begin though?

He resigned from fishing as he collected his thoughts. How could he lay upon her the burden of such news? What would it do to her demeanor, and to her overall mood here and now. He did not wish to ruin the afternoon that they were having, and he was sure that Garron would hear of the news, and it was a matter that he did not need to be involved in.

Subtle soft whispers fluttered from Ly'an's lips but he could not understand what she said, so quiet were her words. His mind drifted off recalling the torment that had been wrought upon his mind and soul at the loss he had endured. It had ruled his thoughts and torn his soul loose. It had taken many days, and the aid of his new friend Pietas to release him from the depression he had housed himself within.

He was about to say something when a more audible whisper slipped loose from her mouth. However as he made to listen intently, Ly'an slumped forward and crashed into the water. Panic took him then, for he knew that she could not swim, and in haste he made to go after her before she drowned. Yet he could not swim either. Nor could most of his race. However he had already stripped his shirt and was poised to go after her. Time was of the essence now.

Figuring Garron would be quick to follow him, he jumped in anyways. Pulling his eyes open under the water he was able to make out Ly'an through the haze of his watery vision. He scrambled awkwardly through the water and managed to find a grip upon Ly'an's right arm. Pulling with all his might he looped his arm around Ly'an while trying to scramble to the surface. He did not know how long he-or Ly'an-could hold his breath under the water, and thus he swam with haste. It took him some moments to finally find a grip upon the edge of the rock she had fallen from, given the fact that he truly knew little of how to swim. But try as he might he was finding it hard to pull their combined weight out of the water.

Running out of air, he hoped and prayed that Garron or Izurdin would lend them aid. Before it was too late.

Oh father please I beg of you, lend me the strength to save Ly'an. She means so much to me and I cannot bear to lose another whom I love. We have been ever faithful in your service. Please, I beg of you.

[Garron Strongarm Coglias]

As Artifex and Ly’an played their in the edge of the lake, Garron watched from a distance, a pair of fingers still running down either side of the drakori’s spine. There was an odd serenity that the action provoked, and the Strongarm felt a gentle smile tug at his lips. The other two seemed to be enjoying themselves, kneeling on their rock and leaning over the edge, swiping through the water in an attempt to catch some fish. A near impossible task as far as Garron was concerned. At least, Ly’an seemed to be trying. Artifex had slowed down a tad and appeared a good deal more solemn than the girl beside him, not looking to be the type to have a bit of fun by the lakeside just killing time. A sad smile crossed his own face. I’m not either really, he thought to himself. Suppose we’d both be willing to go out of our way for a girl like that. Garron shook his head at once to get rid of any such thoughts. They were not becoming after all, and he had a duty to things much more important than any single Isur. Loyalty to the Kingdom as a whole had to weigh more than personal loyalties, no matter how strong. Still, there was no denying the weakness, and in these moments where there was no urgent need he could allow himself to relax and enjoy. Ly’an looked in his direction and his heart did a little dance, but he realized quickly that her attention was on the drakori beside him. Shaking his head and smiling amusedly, Garron looked at the reptile itself, its head slowly turning as if constantly observing everything around it. The Coglias looked back at Ly’an to inquire what about it was so bothersome, but when he turned he saw that she was leaning towards the water, her eyelids drooping slightly. Garron should have realized something was up, but his mind was to slow to process that she might be in trouble. Too late, he foresaw what was going to happen as it occurred. The girl smith fell into the water, disappearing over what might have been a small dropoff a bit into the lake. Instantly the Coglias was scrambling to his feet, but Artifex was closer and quickly removed his shirt, jumping in after her. A stray thought entered Garron’s head that wondered whether either of them could swim, and realizing with some trepidation that he himself couldn’t. Nevertheless, he hurried into the lake, splashing through the water and slowing down when he drew near where he watched the two disappear. His eyes scanned the surface, hoping against hope to see them somewhere. The darkness of the lake made it hard to see anything, and jumping in after the two himself struck garron as the fastest way to doom all three. Kneeling, he felt through the water with his hands until he found the edge that the other two had fallen off, then reached an arm below and trying to find something, anything further that he could maybe lower himself with. Since he wouldn’t be able to swim out, he had to make sure that he could climb. However, his hand found something other than a handhold. An arm, reaching up to the edge and just barely hanging on. Artifex. He’d managed to grab it before they fell too far. Without wasting a second, Garron grabbed onto the arm with both his hands and pulled, his large muscles working furiously to pull them out of the water. He braced his legs and used his whole body, everything from his ankles to his wrists so that he could save them. His face strained, but he was making good progress and soon Artifex’s head broke the surface. Shifting position, Garron quickly pulled the Vizerian’s legs onto the ledge and reached further, finding where he was holding onto Ly’an and pulling her up too. He wasn’t quite Izurdin, but he was good enough to save the two of them as he dragged the second Isur out onto the ledge, resting her beside Artifex before collapsing himself back into the water, holding himself by his hands on the lakebed. “What...” he started, breathing deeply. “What was that about? Are you two going to be okay?”

[Ly'an Godhammer]

When Ly'an's body hit the water and started to sink her mind only fixated on one thing, Father. Father, Your Most Holiness, embrace my worldly mortal form in your eternal grace, shed from me these sins and errors of my way. Show me Your One True Path. Further into the murky water she slipped, her body was reacting to the cold water by thrashing about, shock to the nervous system, as mind remind calm and on it's inner monologue. Father, I deliver myself unto You in a fashion You have seen fit. I will fall into Your gracious arms and remain Yours forever. Drifting ever deeper her mind was slowly losing oxygen, the darkness behind her eyelids flashed repeatedly with white stars. I feel your arm around me. Ly'an's mind was reacting to Artifex grabbing a hold of Ly'an before she sunk further down to hit the bottom of the lake. Not feeling the rush of her being pulled out of the water with the joint effort of both Artifex and Garron, Ly'an slumped against the ground, the water cascaded down her bald crown and off her saturated clothing. Father, if I live, it is Your Will that I do. She remained motionless, Several moments later though her body realized she was sucking in air, not water and Ly'an rolled over to her sighed, gagging at first, then retching several times. Removing the lake's water from her lungs. “Ugh... Thank you Father.” She murmured looking at the two, “That lizard scares me to Izurdin's arms.” OOCSorry for such a short and crummy post. >.<