6 years ago I did a little collaboration with 
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Armaros had been away from his homeland and family for 13 years while this war raged on. Frigarians were desirable mercenaries and well paid, so while he lived and fought his family would live in comfort. Trusted messengers were his only connection to his wife and children and he was always eager for the news they brought and descriptions of how his daughter was growing. In a year and a half Eyliff turned 16 and with the war wrapping up he planned to be home for her birthday with the sword that would accompany her into adulthood. He had planned for it to be a weapon crafted by Artisor the Great, but he felt like fate had led him to Hanna who he believed could rival, if not surpass, Artisor.
The Resting Draxor was up ahead, a reknowned meeting and news spot for anyone wishing to catch up with others and find out the latest intel across the kingdoms. Armaros planned to rest up, catch up on the latest intel and if all had gone to plan Igfred should turn up with news from his family. He found his pace picking up in anticipation and was soon approaching what appeared to be a simple wooden door, at least for anyone who couldn't see the haze of the rune spell which would cause anyone who planned harm at the establishment to become confused and turn away, likely wondering who they even were until they were half a country away. The appearance of the whole building was that of a cottage that had been shuttered up and didn't welcome visitors. Even the inn's diminuative sign looked like it was trying to fade into the wall, but when he pushed the door open the interior was bright and welcoming. Even some of the windows were open to let in some of the early spring air. The walls undulated in calming waves with runic patterns, this time visible to all who entered. They were the reason that whilst the chatter of voices could be heard you wouldn't be able to make any clarity of what they were saying unless the conversation was open for all or to a specific group of people that included you. Places like these had been pivotal at the height of the war in allowing for safe exchange of intel without the risk being overheard by spies.
"Well if it isn't the walking mountain himself! What took you so long? I've been waiting nearly a month!" a cheerful voice called out.
"Igfred!!" Armaros boomed, "your dainty feet must have gotten swifter!"
Armaros reached Igfred's table on the other side of the room in practically a couple of strides. Igfred quickly jumped up out of his chair before he was scooped up into that familiar crushing hug that the last chair didn't survive. He barely survived it himself most of the time.
"This was the most perilous part of my journey this time..." Igfred managed to squeak out whilst in Armaros' grasp. He in return guffawed and let him drop back to the ground, catching him before he stumbled back.
Igfred had the hallmark dark skin and agile build of his Scorhnian people. With their stealth, heightened hearing and tracking abilities his kind made up the majority of messengers and information gatherers throughout the war. His clan also traditionally trained in stealth and assasination combat which was likely why he was one of the longest surviving messengers.
Over a hearty meal the men caught up with each other on the latest events, taking notes from each other on where there was still some fighting going on. Igfred shared messages and news from Armaros' home then confessed that his next destination would be his own homeland to leave this war behind. Perhaps he could take up a position as a palace guard with his years of wartime experience under his belt. Armaros nodded sadly as he realised they might never cross paths again, with Frigar being in the far north and Scorhnia in the south east. He reached into his pack and pulled out Elderfine.
"A parting gift," he spoke softly, almost reverently.
As Igfred took it in his hands he immediately recognised its quality, the perfect balance, the attention to detail on the hilt. He cracked it out of the sheath a little way to glance at the blade. He looked up at Armaros with a mixture of bewilderment and questioning.
"It's previous wielder wasn't worthy of it," he winked. "I was even fortuitous enough to meet the forger of this fine blade. She will be forging Eyliff's coming of age blade."
The bewilderment remained on Igfred's face and he looked back at the sword, pulling it a bit further from the sheath this time then swiftly pushing it back in when a gentle green glow escaped. Now it was Armaros' turn to look confused.
"I'm guessing it's not done that before" Igfred's voice was hushed.
Both men looked cautiously around, nobody seemed to be paying them any attention. Igfred surrepticiously traced a concealment runic spell then put Elderfine on the table between them indicating for Armaros to unsheathe it. Cautiously he inched it out a little...nothing. He pulled it out halfway and it stayed inert. They looked at it for a few breaths then Igfred asked if he felt anything. He raised a questioning eyebrow. Igfred reached forward and touched the sword and the runes on the blade began to emit that gentle green glow they'd seen before. He looked at Armaros questioningly and he shrugged back.
"You don't feel that at all?" he asked incredulously.
"What exactly am I supposed to be feeling?"
They looked at the sword and then each other. Igfred resheathed it.
"Perhaps we won't be parting ways just yet," he said soberly. "I think I need to meet this bladesmith of yours. Will you take me to her?"
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The men finished their meal in silence then secured a room for the night. In the privacy the room Igfred released Elderfine fully from its scabbard and inspected it more closely. The glow from the runes was soft enough to gaze at without needing to squint. The room was barely larger than the two beds it held, so he couldn't swing it without risking his friend or damaging something, but he could feel its balance and move it a bit. He tried to describe what he felt as he held it to his friend.
"I feel a connection...and more powerful," he stepped onto one of the beds to gain more space made a few slow, controlled swings. "I've never had a sword feel like it fit so well and as easy to handle. It's like an extension of myself."
Armaros seemed entranced by the sword, his gaze followed Igfred's strokes. He squeezed his eyes shut as if to break the trance and cleared his throat.
"It's at least a week back to Korma by foot if we cut through bandit territory, nearer 3 if we go around..." as he spoke Igfred grinned at him. He chuckled, "bandit territory it is, then. Likely you'll get the chance to test your new toy on the way. Now put that thing away so I can sleep without it waving over me."
He dropped his pack at the foot of the bed that his grinning wasn't standing on a flopped down onto it.
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