New Opportunities (open)

[Quetzal]

Throkk felt out of place in Belatona. Out of place, but happy. The population of the city were predominantly human, but from what he gathered the very small number of elves and other dwarves he could see had arrived when the Varden took control. As a dwarf, he supported the Varden, and from talking to the residents of the town he was pleased to see their lives had improved since the Varden had taken over. He had never lived under control of the Empire himself, but it sounded unpleasant. The locals told him they had been unwelcoming of the Varden at first since they only brought fighting which was destroying everything, but now things had settling down they were enjoying a lack of cruelty and suppression of basic rights like free speech. Things seemed more equal now there weren't a bunch of fat lords taking all the food from the poor, too.

The fat lords and their actions didn't really concern Throkk, however. He could fight for the Varden if he so wished, but he couldn't do a lot to change the struggle of power. Let the lords fight out their battles, and let him supply whomever would be kindest to the people with fine armour and weapons. That was his true purpose here; learn non-dwarven ways of working metal to improve his own work.

Humans were not as strong and enduring as the dwarves, but they were far better at developing clever tricks and tools to get around that. He had been showing local smiths his methods of reading the metal to see the best ways to get it to do what he wanted it to, and in return he had been taught complicated little tricks to get the metal just so, to make it do things he had previously had not even considered doing. He was developing a new respect for these humans. They were not so pompous and flamboyant as the elves, and were far more cunning at getting around their disadvantages. This made most of them quite humble as they knew they did not have the stamina and strength of the dwarves nor the speed and grace of an elf nor the longevity of either. Throkk had not yet met a magician, however. He had seen a few around, but they were all of too much importance to pay him any attention. That was fine; he could be patient. There was much to learn before he started trying to work magic into metal.

The centre of town was busy as Throkk walked around it at a leisurely pace. He was in a good mood. The elves had knowledge of many things, and the humans had used the elves' knowledge of the properties of metals to come up with a new alloy since the elves had arrived in Belatona. It was light, but too brittle to be of much use. Throkk was currently in the process of thinking of some possible new ones, and had a few ideas. There were new metals here he hadn't heard of before, and it excited him to see them. With any luck he might be able to develop some new stronger alloy, but things like that took time. Even if he did manage to work out a good mix of metals, getting the amounts of each right would be a long process. The dwarf hummed to himself as he walked past market stalls, looking at the odd apple or pie without buying anything.

[Timmir]

Belatona, Trelik's home time. It was hard for him to believe that it has been over three years since he has last set foot here. Yet, the reason for his self exile he remembered well. The Empire had blamed him for a numerous of crimes including the death of his own father, with all, but the latter being mostly. And even then, the latter might as well be true to seeing how he had done everything, but stab the smith himself.

Because of this, he came to the city disguised. It wasn't anything overly complicated, just enough so that he won't be easily recognizable. Even if three years has past, and he has changed much since then, he knew full well that one could never be too safe.

As he walked through the city, he couldn't help, but notice all the new faces that were walking around in the city. Along with the Varden soldiers were dwarves and elves that walked the streets as if they have always been here. He kept his eyes out for anybody whom he recognized, only spotting a few faces here and there. It was nice though to see that after everything this city has been through the past few years, it's people have persevere and now prosper under their new conditions.

Taking one last glance around, Trelik entered a seedy tavern that sat near the center of the town. Inside were several dwarves cheering and drinking there ale along side with the taverns regulars. He looked around the bar real quick, before spotting what he was looking for.

A shadowy man sat at a table near the corner of the tavern, away from were most of the drunken commotion was at, taking shy sips of his drink while he seemed to be waiting on someone. Trelik went over to the table, taking a sit across from the man. The mans eyes widen as he saw Trelik do this before gazing upon the young man carefully.

"So it seems that letter you sent me proved to be real afterall." The man said with a slight huff.

"It seemed so. Though if you had any doubt about that, you wouldn't be sitting here right now, now would you?" Trelik answered.

The man gave a short nod in agreement as he said, "I guess that's true."

"So... How have you been since the last time we've met."

"Same old, same old, I guess. The whole thing with the Varden proved to be a disruptive mess. I've nearly lost my arm during their siege, and would have too if not for one of their healers. I do hope, though, that you didn't just tell me to meet you here just for a social call."

"No, I need to get some items and your the only person I trust with both means and access to get me the kind of stuff that I need." Trelik then handed the man with the list of items.

The man looked over the list with scrutiny, his face stiffening for every line he read. "Your kidding me right? What your asking me for is impossible for anyone to get? What makes you think I could get you any of this stuff?" The man asked.

"Knowing you, you've already have made some contacts with the Varden, and the elves in particular. Surely you'll be able to at least get me some of the items on that list."

The man gritted his teeth as he thought about it. A few good seconds passed as he mulled the idea around his head before he finally made his decision. "Okay, I'll see what I can turn up. Just know that it's gonna take me awhile to find these things and that it's gonna cost you. Big."

"No problem, I planned on staying here for a little while anyways. And here, consider this a small part of my payment in advance." Trelik said as he placed a bag of coins on the table. The man took the bag, quickly opening to ensure that it was all, in fact, coins before closing it. Trelik then stood up as he prepared to leave as one last question came to mind.

"One last thing, you wouldn't happen to know of any good elven or dwarven smiths that came along with Varden, do you?"

The man raised an eyebrow at the sudden request before thinking for a few seconds. "Well, I can't say that I know of that many elves, but there has been one dwarf smith that I've heard of that has been teaching some of the others smiths around town. I think his name was Cork or Throkk or something along those lines. If your looking to get something made, then I would suggest you start by looking for him."

"Thanks" Trelik said before leaving the tarvern to begin his search.

((*Yawn* What on earth possessed me to make this post so late at night?))

[Quetzal]

Throkk wasn't that far from the tavern, the market being on a large main street where numerous smaller streets wound towards. He walked past these, enjoying the displays the different stalls had. There weren't any other dwarfs around, but then again he didn't exactly have the best vantage point from which to see if that were true.

A stall selling jewellery caught his eye. The metal was all quite cheap, however, the work unskillful. He frowned at the little chains and earrings until the owner grew agitated by his disapproval and shooed him away. There was nowhere to buy metal. That wasn't too surprising, as lumps of metal was hardly an everyday purchase for the common person. It was still annoying. He had no shop here, no supplier, but he was itching to try out all this new stuff.

Finally he slipped away from the crowd near an alleyway with a few taverns along it. He wanted to think, so he didn't go into any of them. Other smiths would let him share their space in return for his teaching or a share in anything he sold. Letting him get his hands on random bits of metal to mix them together to make a new alloy was another matter. He didn't have the money to buy all that. Back home people trusted him to make good use of the metal when he was experimenting, but here he would need to save up more first. The plump man played with the ends of his bead absent-mindedly. Perhaps it would be better to learn up on new methods before he tried making any new alloys to work with. Learn the ideal properties around here. Maybe even strengthen existing things with magic, work magic into the creation, or combine the two wishes and create a magical alloy. That would really be something! He was lost to the world now as he dreamed of all the ways he might work magic into the creation of alloys or metalwork to improve it. Making a new type of metal with magical properties to protect, heal, be lighter, anything, all before anyone started work on it... that would be wonderful.

[Timmir]

As soon as Trelik left the tavern, he immediately started his search for the dwarf. He started by asking around some of the local blacksmiths. It took him some time, but he managed to find a blacksmith whom the dwarf had worked with. Fortunately for Trelik, the blacksmith seemed happy with giving him a basic description of Throkk, and asked him to give the dwarf some thanks.

After what felt like forever with checking in with all the blacksmiths he could find (and nearly getting recognized by a few people he used to know), he decided to go check out the market place to see if he could find the dwarf there. He soon got a lead as found himself at a Jewelry stall. When asked, the man running the stall recognized Throkk's description, and began to tell how the Dwarf dared to insult his goods. He then pointed Trelik towards the direction he last saw Throkk heading. With a thanks, Trelik set off towards that direction.

[Quetzal]

Throkk was idly daydreaming in the alley. Thoughts of metal clouded his mind in soft waves of happiness as he tried puzzling through a few ideas. He wasn't paying much attention to people passing by. Few people were coming down this way, most heading towards the market.

Gradually Throkk slipped back towards the market. He did not rejoin the bustling crowd of people. Instead he watched them without really paying attention, leaning against the wall as he watched the world go by. Trelik was nearby, but he did not pay him any notice. Never having met or heard of the Rider before, he had no reason to recognise him. Throkk was in plain sight, with no reason to hide himself.

[Timmir]

Trelik sighed as he looked around the market. His leads seemed to be running to dead ends as the traders he spoke to stated that they didn't recognize the dwarf. Trelik was trying to get discouraged as he couldn't seem to find the dwarf anywhere. That, and every second he wasted was another second he risked being recognized by someone.

Is there any reason your trying so hard to find this particular dwarf? Surely there are several other capable smiths in this city. Trelik heard a familiar voice in his head.

I got a good feeling about him. I believe he'll be able to make me what I want. Trelik responded.

Well, I hope for your sake that your correct. We're risking much as it is, and I hate for all this effort to go to waste. Neldral then paused for a second before saying, Just be careful and promise you want stay in that city for too long. I tired of having to hide like a common criminal.

Trelik didn't like being away from Neldral either. However, with riders being such an important pieces in the war between the Varden and the Empire, they didn't want to risk getting enlisted to either side. That, and with Trelik's... profession, the last thing he needed was all attention he would gain from being a rider.

Don't worry. Once I gather all the things I require, we will make our leave. Trelik promised as he moved through the crowd.

It was around that moment, he caught sight of a dwarf who matched Throkk's description. Could it possibly be him? Well, there was only one way to find out.

Trelik approached the dwarf. "Excuse me. You wouldn't happen to be Throkk, would you?" He asked, a small part of him hoping he didn't just accidentally insulted the dwarf.

[Quetzal]

Throkk snapped out of his daydream as he became aware of a human approaching him. He nodded. "Yes, I'm Throkk. Who's asking? What do you want?" he asked in return. He wasn't too bothered about the exact details of the 'who's asking' part, more just proof that he could trust this man. Strangers could be either danger or a great opportunity. This man knew who he was, so he was specifically looking for some position or ability of his. That usually meant smithing.

Throkk hadn't been in Belatona for that long. Of course, there was still every chance his name was spreading. He had paid visits to just about every smith in town, and anyone selling metal knew about his gruff objections to their prices. He'd made a few things too, and a couple of young smiths had even come to him asking for advice rather than the other way around. He folded his arms over his beard and looked at Trelik. Eyes searched for any hint of the man's identity, flicking to see the weapon at his belt, then to his sleeves and boots and around his clothing to look for any hidden blades, then at his hands to see the sort of work he did.

[Timmir]

((I just want to note that Trelik does not currently have any visible weapons on him. I had planned on him losing possession of his swords sometime during the Day of the Dead thread.))

Trelik was relieved to see that he had finally found the dwarf he was looking for. Yet, it was still a question of whether or not all his effort looking for the dwarf would happen to be in vain. Afterall, the dwarf could reject his request, forcing Trelik to find another smith capable enough to fulfil Trelik's request.

Keeping that in mind, Trelik responded to the dwarf's question by saying, "The names Belock. and word around town is that your a pretty confident smith that has been able to teach more then just a thing or two to the smiths who call this place. So I was hoping that I would be able to acquire your services to make a weapon for me."

[Quetzal]

((Whoops, sorry))

Throkk chuckled. "Well Belock, whoever you heard that from is right. Dwarf smiths are some of the best out there," he boasted proudly of his race's famed proficiency with all things rock and metal. He didn't know who this Belock was, but that was not really much of his concern so long as he didn't mean him any harm. If he wanted Throkk to make him a weapon, he was unlikely to try doing anything to lose his favour.

Since he had been here, Throkk had mostly just been teaching and learning. To have a proper job to finish would be welcome. "I'd be willing to make you a weapon, sure. Sword, axe, hammer, dagger, whatever you want. If there are any styles or properties like extra lightness you need I could manage that too. I'm open to experimentation as far as smithing is concerned, but I'm no spellcaster so if you want magic worked into it do it yourself or go somewhere else," he was excited to hear what Trelik was imagining as his weapon. A weapon could be quite a personal thing. Since Trelik was buying the weapon for himself, he would be able to request for it to be shaped in a way to be exactly perfect for him.

[Brenton]

Konner strolled casually down the street as he whistled and let his mind wander. So far he had found no dwarven smith worth his time so he was relaxed. Then his eyes opened wide when he realized Throkk was making a name for himself and maybe the dwarf could craft his new hidden blades. Complicated as they were, Konner would have to be there to infuse the blades with part of his energy and thick spells. Then he saw it as the wind blew softly, a picture of Trelik on the wall.

Interesting enough he had never met the young human rider but he had received description from Brenton. Konner read over the paper and his eyes grew wide but if his friend trusted the rider then so did he. Quickly the assassin knight continued on and strutted into the market.

In front of him stood Throkk, ironically, talking to Trelik who seemed to be asking for weapons. Master Throkk, if it is not of inconvenience, I require your services with some secret items. Hopefully the dwarf would understand what he was talking about.

[Timmir]

Well, everything seemed to be going great. The dwarf seemed more then happy to make Trelik the weapons he requires, stating that he will be able to do everything, but enchant them. That was perfectly fine with Trelik. Yet, when everything seemed to be working out for the best, lady luck proved to be a fickle mistress.

After Throkk's agreement to build Trelik's weapons, a man came to the dwarf, stating that he would need some secret weapons. A request that seemed, to Trelik at least, like it was going to take precedence over his own request. He remained silent as he just stood there, sizing up this man. There was just something about this guy that Trelik couldn't put his finger on. What was it?

[Quetzal]

Konner looked like a man who knew how to fight to Throkk. He didn't tend to ask questions about what or why he was making anything unless he suspected the person of doing something terribly immoral. Konner looked like a shifty character, the kind who liked to hide. 'Secret items' did not help that image. The dwarf was wary of Konner's intentions. "I think I understand you, but we'll have to talk about that in more detail. I'll make whatever you want so long as you don't plan on..." torture was the word that sprang to mind, but he doubted that would go down well, "Anything too unsavoury. I'm afraid this man asked me for my services first, though, so you'll have to wait. Unless you can help. I can discuss the specifics of your items whenever you want, be that now or while I'm working or later," he didn't want to turn the man away, but he also didn't want to make Trelik wait when he'd got to him first. Of course, if Konner's needs were a matter of urgency, he'd change his mind.

Throkk noticed Trelik looking at the newcomer curiously. "Do you two know each other?" he asked.

[Brenton]

Konner looked over at the rider who was standing there and shook his head. I have never seen Trelik before in my life but he is quite famous around these parts and helped King Brenton. Konner thought carefully and then pulled out a schematic for the hidden blade with a poison injection. On the bottom was a simple spring loaded dagger that would fire. All of it was built into what looked like normal gauntlets. These are the schematics and I do not need to be helped first but I'm sure Orik will agree I should be helped as will Brenton and I'm sure Nasuada. With each name he showed a ring with an insignia for their crest. He also had Szven'Xoc but his crest wouldn't be as well known.

[Timmir]

While Trelik was happy about the fact that the dwarf will help him with his project first, yet something else occupied his mind. It turned out this man knew who Trelik was thanks to Brenton. This was not exactly good news seeing how he just gave a false name to the dwarf, and since Trelik knew Brenton didn't have the highest opinion of him. And this was not including the fact that this man had just called him Trelik were prying ears could be about.

"I'm sorry sir, but you must have me mistaken for someone else. The name's Belock, and I do not believe I caught yours?" Trelik knew that the man was unlikely to believe him, but hoped he would take the hint and leave things at that.

((Happy New Years ))

[Quetzal]

((Happy new year to you too!))

Throkk had picked up on the name too. "Trelik?" he asked before Trelik repeated the claim of being Belock. The dwarf frowned, looking up at the two Riders. He would make whatever they wanted regardless of who they were, but that didn't stop him being curious about who they were. "If you've never seen Trelik before, you can't know this is him. He told me he was called Belock, so that's what I'll call him. Even if it's not his true name," he eyed Trelik carefully. In truth he was fairly confident his name was not Belock, but if he had given his name as Belock, that was what he wished to be called. There may well be a reason behind the change of name that could prove unfortunate should his true identity be revealed. Throkk wasn't so mean as to completely ruin a man's efforts to conceal himself just for the sake of using his real name.

Throkk took the schematic from Konner and smiled. It looked very fiddly indeed. There would be some clever engineering work involved here as well as just simple smithing. He'd need to put a hollow into the blade so that it inject poison into an opponent, which would involve precise calculations for a pressurized chamber to hold the poison and force it out. He was sold on the challenge alone, and waved a hand at the named. Orik meant something to him, the others were impressive but wouldn't affect his decision. "No need to drop names, I'm going to help you," he smiled.

"But first you, Belock. What are you after?" he asked.

[Brenton]

My name is Derrik son of Konner and I am sorry for the misunderstanding. Quickly he shot his mind out and gave a mental image to Trelik of the wanted poster. You may fool Throkk but do not expect me to be fooled. If I were Empire friendly don't doubt that I would kill you before you ever saw me. Now refrain from flying to me Trelik. I am not your enemy. Konner looked at Throkk again and smiled pleasantly.

[Timmir]

"It's perfectly fine Derrik. I'm sure it was an honest mistake." Trelik said to Konner, seemingly unaffected by the message Konner sent him.

Trelik then turned his attention back to Throkk as the dwarf asked him what he was after. "Well, as I said before, I'm in need of a weapon. Two in fact. Duel swords perfectly weighed with each other. I have a few more specifications for them, but I would prefer to share them with you later if you don't mind."

[Quetzal]

Derrik was the name of the man who hadn't identified himself before. Apparently. Throkk was used to dealing with people who kept their identities quiet. Judging by the weapon he had requested, he was an assassin or someone who worked for the assassins. They were by definition secretive people.

Dual swords weighted perfectly against each other. That he could do. Specifications were good, if the customer was specific they would get exactly what they wanted. He would still give himself a little room for some experimentation, a few little tricks that might enhance the blades. Surprising sharpness, making them more streamlined for extra speed, that sort of thing. He nodded at Trelik. "I can craft a blade even a Rider would trust," he boasted. He was very proud of his work, "Any colour, any special properties, I'll do it. If you can use magic and want them to be magic blades, too, I can give that a go," in truth he'd never made a magic weapon before, but he would try if one was wanted. "Sorry to leave you, Derrik, but perhaps we should go to the forge to discuss this further and get started," he apologised to the other man.

[Brenton]

Derrik, his father's name, was being said constantly and Konner hadn't heard it in a long time until he was forced to give a false name. Konner heard what Throkk said and nodded as he decided he would go get some more armor and maybe some food while waiting. When the dwarf apologized he shook his head and smiled. It's alright. I'll return when you are ready for me. With that he turned and walked toward the blacksmiths and armory but his eye was caught by a large chest full of gold and gems. Konner flipped his hood up and sank back against the wall. Soon the crowd disappeared and the guards walked to the other side, thinking he was asleep. Acting on instinct alone, Konner walked behind the guards and knocked them out before setting to work on cleaning out the chest. It was half full but it required Konner to fill five satchels and then walk away slowly. All of that extra weight slowed Konner down but eventually he got to his inn room where he filled the chest with the satchels and locked it. One satchel stayed on his person and Konner walked back outside only to discover three hours passed in that one heist.

[Timmir]

((And here I thought Trelik was suppose to be the thief in this thread.))

Trelik listened as the Dwarf bragged about his smithing skills, stating that he could a blade fit for a rider. Then Throkk said something that Trelik found abit odd. It could of been the dwarf just getting carried away with his bragging, but he mentioned the fact that he could make the swords any color. This struck Trelik as kindof odd because as far as Trelik knew, the color of the blade depended on the type of metal used to make it. At least, until magic was involved in which case he guess the color of the blade could be whatever the mage wanted it to be. Though, maybe the dwarves had found another way to change the color of the blade. Whatever the case may be, this does interest Trelik quite abit.

Once Derrik or whoever he was had finally left, Trelik turned his attention to the dwarf. "So then, I suppose we should start heading somewhere where you can actually do your smithing, shall we." Trelik suggested to the dwarf, "And also, if you don't mind me asking, how exactly do you change the color of a blade?"