Not the magic, melting metal with her bare hands, but the dream of becoming a master blacksmith. They decided then and there that they would do anything in their power to make Rutus''s dream come true.
They would get the space if Rutus would send her work home. They would act as intermediaries until she was ready to come home if that was even what she wanted. Rutus''s smile was so wide, it looked like it hurt.
They spent the next little bit discussing the terms and conditions of Rutus''s shop and then whether or not she would come home and visit. She said she''d have to see. They were disappointed, but understanding.
Considering they still didn''t completely understand why she left in the first place, and so suddenly, too. There was no amount of explanation that would adequately describe the need to get away, so Rutus mumbled something about an adventure, and the subject was dropped.
There was the sound of a gong reverberating throughout the caves and since there was no window to look out of, Rutus''s family told them it was time to go to bed. They said that sound traveled, so do with that as they will.
They left with a wink. Shiloh smirked, yet said nothing. Smiling, Endermon had Rutus take her to her room. I say room, but it was a well furnished cave. At least they didn''t have to sleep outside.
And to Endermon''s complete surprise, she fell asleep almost instantly, wrapped in the arms of Shiloh. She woke up to the smell of very strong coffee and fresh bread. Shiloh was amused as she watched Endermon act as if she were pulled by a string.
But until she had coffee, it was best to let her be, no matter how funny she found the situation. As someone who didn''t need to eat regular food, the notion that a hot drink that didn''t come from a person, would be beneficial to someone, was intriguing.
Anyway, once breakfast was taken care of, they made their way to the ''market square'' with the help of Rutus. There they saw a space roped off where Rutus''s shop would eventually be. And, yes, it was on the opposite side from the mastersmith.
Stolen novel; please report.
For the most part, people were supportive, there were some who were still a little unsure, but they could be convinced later. There was plenty of time to get a reputable customer base, but for now it was enough that she was getting her own space.
After talking to the builders for a few minutes about specifications, they wandered around the caves with Rutus. She showed them most of the public spaces and some either unspoken or very rarely used spaces that were included in the mountainfolks daily travels.
When they got back to Rutus''s place they congratulated Rutus on the space for her work. She tried to play it off, but anyone could tell she was pleased. When they said it was time for lunch, Dresden said he''d have to eat and run.
Mainly because he told the maid and his crew that he''d only be gone a day or two. Rutus''s family said they''d make extra for him to take back anyway. He tried to protest, but a jab from Endermon had him thanking them. They ate and then Rutus insisted on escorting him at least to the mountain pass.
Endermon said they had a lovely time, but they should go as well. They had a meeting with her parents that she should not be late to. They loaded them down with almost more food than they could carry and with a pleading look to Rutus said not to be strangers.
Rutus said she''d visit in the future, and they were off. As they made their way back to the mountain trails, they kept the chatter neutral in case the sound really did travel.
They hot outside and Endermon said there was the probability that her parents had no idea that she was coming. But the animals liked to gossip and Endermon was not the only one who could talk to animals.
Rutus said that she thought her parents were bad, and Endermon laughed. They made it back to their horses and paid Rutus''s friend. As they walked their horses down the trail, they talked about families and their expectations.