The next few weeks passed quickly, and Moren grew both excited and anxious as her escape to freedom grew closer. She had received confirmation from the Captain in a smuggled letter inside one of her book orders.
During the day, her parents had her go to various dress shops to try on dresses that, in Moren's opinion, looked like they belonged to one of her Father's many mistresses or working girls on the corner with how much skin they showed. They also took her to various shoe and jewelry shops to try and make her look more like that part of a proper heiress. Moren had to keep her mouth shut while Vifra spent each visit telling everyone that would listen about her pending engagement to the Marquis. Everywhere they went, Moren was given a look of envy or disgust as the gossip spread throughout the entire city after a few days of being shown off like a prized cow. Moren rarely had a moment to herself, with all the staff keeping an eye on her except for Mika and a few who actually cared for her.
Nighttime was the only time Moren could breathe and soak in the tub to relax before her lessons with her Patron. Mika had been her rock during these very tiring days, being at her side at every possible opportunity. Her Mother always made her favorite foods or drinks during her lessons and showered her with love and affection.
Learning magic from an ancient and powerful Archfey was incredible, and Moren enjoyed every minute of her lessons. Cayenne made the lessons exciting and even created training dummies for her to practice her spells on. Moren learned more about magic from her short time with her Patron than she had learned from her so-called instructor in years.
The first new cantrip Moren learned was called Fey Blast. It allowed her to send a red-purplish beam of crackling energy from her hand that hit her target with a good amount of force. Moren watched the Archfey cast the same spell, and her beam was emerald green. Ceyenne explained that each user had their own unique color when casting the spell.
The second cantrip was called Icy Touch. The cantrip allowed her to create a ghostly hand out of magic near one of the training dummies, and when it touched the target, sickly green energy was incorporated into the construct. Cayenne explained that it used necrotic energy to weaken a target. It was not one of Moren's favorite cantrips compared to Scorching Bolt and Fey Blast, but it could have its uses in the future.
After looking through the book and asking her Patron for suggestions, Moren was excited when she learned new spells, such as Armor of Ice and Lightning Bolt. The spell Armor of Ice let Moren coat her body with an icy layer of magic that damaged the attacker with a burst of cold. It would be handy in a pinch. Lightning Bolt was one Moren had a lot of fun learning since it let her send a burst of lighting from her fingers. She had to focus on the target to keep the spell up, or it would fizzle out.
She could only cast Armor of Ice or Lightning Bolt without taking a short rest. Moren spent the time between casting those two spells to practice her cantrips or listen to Cayenne teach her about runes and their unique application on everyday items.
After the first week, Ceyenne decided to surprise Moren with a new ability. She set up a few conjured vases on the dresser. "Moren, I want you to raise your hand and imagine yourself pushing the vase off the dresser." Cayenne giggled at her young charge's confused expression. "Trust me."
"Ok," Moren acknowledged her Patron with a nod, raised her hand, and started to envision the vase moving off the dresser. The vase rattled briefly before it flew off the dresser and slammed into the wall with a loud crash. "Wow!" She exclaimed in shock and turned to look at her grinning Patron. "How is this possible?"
"It was a gift from yours truly," Ceyenne hooted with a wink. "I made you a Telekinetic. You can push or pull items with your mind." She then got a mischievous look in her lovely eyes. "You can also cast Arcane Hand like this." She waved her hand as a spectral version of her hand appeared in the air in front of her. "You can also make it invisible." The hand faded from view.
"Neat," Moren said before noticing her Patron was still smiling. "What are you up to?" She narrowed her eyes as Ceyanne's grin continued to grow wider.
"AAAAGHH!" Mika squealed as she spun around from the basket of laundry she had been folding and glared at the Archfey. "Why did you grope me?" Her face was bright red in embarrassment, and she crossed her arms across her chest with an indigent glare.
Cayenne chuckled and gave the Half-Elf a playful pout. "That lovely bum of yours has been teasing me for a week, and I have been a good girl long enough that I just had to touch it." She winked at Mika. "I figured that I could kill two birds with one stone. My primary goal was to teach Moren how to use her new telekinetic abilities, and touching that fine bottom was the bonus."
"Hoot!" Luna glared at the Archfey.
Cayenne looked at the owl with an apologetic look. "Sorry, poor choice of words." She apologized and sent the ethereal hand to pat the offended familiar on the head.
"Aside from upsetting my familiar and groping my Mother," Moren interjected to get the conversation back on track. "This is incredible." She pulled the other vase to her hand and almost caught it before fumbling it to the floor. "This is going to take some practice."
"I will add that to your nightly training." Cayenne bantered and waved her hand to repair the vases and place them back on the dresser. "We still have time before your deadline."
"Please keep your hands to yourself," Mika said stiffly while keeping the Archfey woman in her line of sight. "Only my Husband may touch me like that." She reached down and picked up her laundry basket with a scathing look on her face.
"No promises, honey~. Maybe we can invite him to join us as well." Cayenne cackled and resumed her lesson with Moren.
Moren groaned, knowing it was going to be a long night. Mika glared harder at the Fey, which only made Cayenne's musical laugh fill the room.
The final week of training was the most fun Moren had had in years and aside from a few instances where she had to keep Mika from threatening her Patron with bodily harm after repeatedly grabbing her butt when she wasn't looking three more times. Moren had grown strong enough to cast two spells before taking a short rest to recharge and learned a new spell called Reflect. The spell allowed Moren to take any injured from an attack and send a ball of energy back at them in retribution. Cayenne had not allowed Moren to practice this spell since she did not want to harm her charge.
Moren also learned two ancient secrets from her Patron, which Ceyanne called Pact Invocations. The First was Fey Illusions, which allowed her to create an Illusory Echo, like a cantrip. It was an exciting spell that required her concentration to keep the illusion up. Cayenne touched Moren's left arm, and an image of a misty figure appeared woven into the vines of her tattoo near the inside of her bicep. Her Patron suggested the other, which was called The Unveiling Eye. According to Ceyanne, it would allow her to read all writings regardless of the language. Moren received another tattoo of an eye made up of black runes on her left forearm.
When the final night of her training finally arrived, Moren didn't want it to end after growing closer to the ancient Archfey.
"It seems our time has come to an end, Little Ember." Cayenne finished the last of her lesson and placed a large red leather-bound book into Moren's hand. "I'm sure you will use these runes well during your adventures." She reached up and brushed a stray hair out of Moren's face. "I'll check on you occasionally, and I'll be listening to your prayers."
Moren accepted the book and hugged it to her chest before setting it gently on the bed and giving Ceyanne a tight hug. "I will see you in Whitestone, right?" She murmured while blinking back tears at the thought of her Patron leaving for the foreseeable future.
"Of course, Little Ember," Cayenne whispered to her charge and patted her back gently. "You have been one of my best students and even learned two Pact Invocations despite their complexity." The Archfey gave Moren a proud smile. "I will enjoy watching you grow and shine brightly in the world."
"Thank you for everything." Moren breathed as she felt tears run down her face. "I will be forever grateful for your teachings."
Cayenne turned her attention to Luna. "Look after her for me." She said with a knowing look. "I am counting on you." The Archfey and the owl shared a long look with one another before Luna fluttered her wings and gave a loud hoot.
"I'm sure she will keep me out of trouble." Moren laughed and ended the hug with her Patron. She brushed her familiars' feathers and watched Luna preen. "All I can do is hope for the best tomorrow. I've planned as much as possible and hope my plan will work."
"I will ensure that your plan will work, dear." Mika chimed in from Moren's bed, which she had been sitting on for the last hour. It was the safest spot in the room from the Archfey's advances. "After thinking about it long and hard the past two weeks, I approached your father to pay off my debt, and he told me it would cost double what I owed last month in penalties." Mika let out an annoyed huff. "If you will allow it, I shall accompany you on the escape plan to Ethos. If your Father will not honor his word, then neither will I."
Moren rushed forward and pulled Mika into a bone-crushing hug. "I have more than enough money to cover the cost for both of us." She rejoiced and spun Mika around like the woman weighed nothing.
"Put me down." Mika chided her daughter lightly. "I will pack my things tonight.' She explained, smoothing out her dress and giving Moren's soft smile. "I don't own much besides a few clothes and gifts from you over the years."
"On that note," The Archfey announced and started to float in the air. "I am heading out. The room will be sealed for another hour for you to plan. Don't waste it." Cayenne gave them both a lazy salute before looking directly at Mika with a sultry smile. "Maybe I'll see you again someday, cutey." She blew Mika a kiss, snapped her finger, and vanished in a puff of green smoke.
"That Scarlet Women," Mika bristled with a dusting of pink on her cheeks and shook her head in a disapproving manner. "Why must she flirt with me so brazenly?"
Moren did her best not to snicker at her Mother's reaction to the flirtatious Archfey. "Come on, Mother," She chuckled. "We are going to take advantage of the time my Patron gave us." Moren led them to her closet. "I don't want to let this chance slip by."
"Of course." Mika hummed and fell in step behind her daughter.
Moren managed to get some rest despite the emotional evening of her departing Patron and her excitement to finally put her plan into action. She woke up a little earlier than usual and decided to take a warm bath since she wasn't sure when she would have the chance again after getting on the ship later that day. She scrubbed herself clean and soaked in the water until it started to get cold before getting out.
After drying off and changing into the dress her parents wanted her to wear for breakfast, she looked around her room and let out a sign as she had lived here all her life. After years of planning, today would make or break her plans. Moren resisted the urge to unlock her closet and go through her things again. She dug out her copy of Dragon Love from its hiding spot under her bed to keep her mind busy.
She had read nearly a dozen chapters when Mika walked into her room to wake her. "Morning, Mom." Moren greeted her and placed her bookmark in her book. "I was too anxious to sleep in." Moren placed her book on her nightstand. "Are you all packed and ready to go?"
"Yes, I am," Mika replied with a smile after closing the door and moving to stand in front of her daughter. "I was anxious myself, dear." She brushed a stray lock behind Moren's ear. "I didn't know what else to do besides cleaning my room."
"Are you ready to meet your family after all these years?" Moren asked quietly. She felt a lot of guilt about Mika having to stay behind to look after her. I'm sure your son will be happy to see you," Moren said, giving Mika a knowing smile. "Your husband will definitely be happy to see you after all these years, too."
"Don't you start that," Mika lightly scolded and did her best not to smile. "That minx of a Patron is bad enough. Don't start acting like her now, or I will ground you, young lady." She let out a sigh before letting a smile appear on her face. "Yes, I am looking forward to seeing them in person after only having their letters to sustain me all these years." Mika gently cupped her daughter's chin with her thumb and forefinger to make Moren look her in the eyes. "I do not regret my life choices. I got to raise a wonderful daughter."
"Thanks, Mom," Moren said with a smile.
Mika nodded her head and reached over to pick up the book lying on the bed. "How far are you in the book?" She asked with a playful grin. "I don't want to spoil anything for you."
"You've read Dragon Love?" Moren asked with a shocked expression on her face. "My prim and proper Mom read a smut book?" Moren brought a hand to her chest with a mock scandalous look on her face. "Say it isn't so, Mom."
Mika rolled her eyes at her daughter's antics. "I do have needs, my dear." She shot back with a smirk on her face. "Now, tell me where you are in the story before I start spoiling all the good parts."
"You wouldn't dare," Moren said, narrowing her eyes at her grinning Mother.
Mika's smirk turned into a grin. "Try me." She dared and tapped her chin in a thinking manner. "Do you want the big twist or the one that makes you gasp in shock from the overall tease throughout the entire book that comes together at just the right moment?"
"Fine, you win," Moren said quickly, raising her hands in a surrendering motion. She did not want to have her book spoiled for her after becoming so invested in the story. "The moment I finish the book, we are having an in-depth conversation about this," Moren smirked at her Mother. "This conversation is paused, not concluded."
Mika had a triumphed smile on her face and patted Moren's knee. "Now that the discussion is settled." She mused, standing up and looking at the time. "We should get downstairs for breakfast before we do anything suspicious that may tip anyone off." She moved to stand near the door. "The moment we are finished entertaining the Lord and Lady, I will help you change into your travel attire when we return to your room."
"I can't wait until they leave for their meeting," Moren said, letting out an excited breath. "I'm just so anxious to get out of here and never return." She stood up and took several deep breaths before gently strolling over to ruffle Luna's feathers. "I can do this," Moren told herself as Luna head-butted her hand for more pets. "We'll be back, girl."
"Hoot." Luna barked and flapped her wings.
Due to her nerves, Moren forced herself to eat her usual breakfast. She ate slower than normal because of the anxiety of her plans, and the silence in the room became deafening. Moren noted that her Father's breakfast had been untouched, and the man was sitting next to his wife, which was certainly not typical for the married couple. Vifra was reading several sheets of paper and muttered to herself before handing the documents to Jayden in a rush. Moren glanced to see Mika refilling her cup of juice with a curious expression on her face at the Lord and Lady's unusual behavior.
After finishing her breakfast, Moren quietly set her fork down and stood up to leave the room while they were too busy talking to each other over business deals. Moren was just about to leave the room when her Father cleared his throat. She had to suppress a groan before turning around with a practiced smile on her face. "Yes, Father," Moren said in her usual neutral tone.
"We will be having dinner tonight at the Marquis home to sign the official contract between our two families," Jayden started while setting down the papers in his hand on the table in front of him. "I expect you to be ready to have dinner with your future husband no later than late afternoon." He turned to his wife and saw she was holding another set of papers in her hand. "No mistakes tonight. We are so close to our goals."
Vifra had an almost manic smile on her face. "Your maid will be severely punished if you screw this up, and I will sell her contract to the highest bidder if you ruin this contract signing." She gave the maid in question a feral smile. "You know what that means, don't you?" Vifra's eyes practically shined with glee at torturing the inferior maid. "I know many slavers that would buy you in a heartbeat."
"Yes, my Lady," Mika answered in a meek tone, lowering her eyes to the floors. "I understand completely."
Moren sent a defiant glare at Vifra. "I will ask my future husband to buy out her contract to allow her to stay with me." She said in a tense voice. "I'm sure you won't tell the Marquis that his future wife cannot keep her favorite Maid." Moren knew that was a dangerous move against her Mother, but she would not let her threaten Mika like that when, for the moment, Moren had the upper hand.
Vifa let out a low hiss like a snake and slowly rose to her feet. "You forget your place, daughter." She said in a low, icy voice. "People fear me for a reason, and I don't care if you are worth something now. When the Marquis is done with you, after birthing him a worthy heir, I can end your without leaving a trace." Vifra jabbed a butter knife in Mika's direction. "I can make her life even worse than just selling her to a slaver, and you know it, girl."
Moren squared her shoulders and raised her head high. "That may be the case," Moran replied with a condescending smile. "But for the time being, the Marquis needs me to be happy with this arrangement, and I will use it to keep Mika safe." Moren took a step closer to the table. "I have been on my best behavior since this whole ordeal and done whatever crazy idea you two have come up with, but now I am putting my foot down. Don't cross me if you want me to keep your little deal in place."
Jayden lumbered to his feet. "Don't you dare threaten us, you ungrateful brat." He growled and rested his knuckles on the table to look more menacing. "You will do as we tell you and be grateful for anything we let you have besides any brats you pop out for your husband." He jabbed a finger at his daughter. "Do not test us. You will not like the consequences." His face grew red, and the man's anger started to build. "I am the Lord of this house, and you will do what I say when I saw it, or else you will be cast out like your traitorous Uncle."
"Do not take my kindness for weakness, Father." Moren retorted as her smile grew. "Your threats are pointless until I am married to the Marquis, and that means you need me healthy and unharmed until I produce a Heir or heirs and give him a son." Moren crossed her arms and cocked her head to the side. "I know my leverage won't last forever, and I will have to pay for those consequences someday, but not today." She shook her head in disgust. "I'll be ready for tonight. Good Day, Mother, Father." Moren spat out before turning around and headed for the door. As a precaution, she made sure that Mika was out the door first. She looked over her shoulder to see them talking angrily before disappearing down the hallway.
Mika waited until they had returned to Moren's room before spinning around to scowl at her charge. "Have you lost your mind!" She hissed in frustration. "What happened to keeping a low profile and ignoring them like you have done for the past two weeks!"
"I lost my temper," Moren said, pinching the bridge of her nose and taking a deep, calming breath. "I didn't like the threat my mother gave you, and I just wanted to put that bitch in her face." She blew out an angry breath as years of frustration finally bubbled to the surface, her emotions already high from her planned escape. "I know it was stupid, but I just couldn't keep quiet any longer." Moren lowered her gaze to the floor in shame. "I'm sorry, Mom."
Mika sighed deeply and moved to give Moren a motherly hug. "While I do appreciate you defending me against that horrid woman," she said with a gentle smile. "We are on the edge of our escape, and then we will never have to see either of them again." Mika lifted Moren's chin to look into her eyes. "Never let people like your parents get a rise out of you. You are better than that."
"You're right," Moren agreed and returned the hug. "We just need to wait for them to leave, and we can make our escape." Moren held Mike in her arms for several long moments before letting the shorter woman go. "I'll go get changed into something a bit more comfortable to travel in."
"I shall return shortly," Mika said, smoothing out her dress and moving towards the door. "I need to keep up appearances." She gave Moren a playful wink. "Read a few more chapters in your book. That way, I can't spoil the good parts when you misbehave."
Moren gave her Mother a playful glare and stuck her tongue out at her in a childish response. She dug out her clothes while listening to Mika laugh with a smile on her lips.
Moren changed out of her uncomfortable dress and into a pair of black pants with an extra pocket on the right thigh, a red button-up long-sleeve shirt that had arrived in the city a few years ago and was popular amongst the lower-class workers due to their comfort. She slipped on black suspenders over her shoulders and wrapped a brown belt around her waist with four magically expanded pouches attached via belt clips. Moren rolled up the sleeves to her elbows and reached for her new boots, a pair of black boots that sailors or pirates preferred to wear with the top flipped down.
She moved to her closet and started to fill her pouches with several potions, one of which was filled with copper and silver coins to pay for small items. Moren kept her more significant coin amounts in another pouch to keep in a secret pocket inside her shirt, while the rest of her coins were in a few lock boxes in her Bag of Holding. She grabbed one final pouch that could be strapped to her thigh and filled it with a few books, leaving just enough room for her rune book and, of course, Dragon Love. Moren let out a sad sigh at being unable to take all of her book collection but couldn't carry them all, even with her magical bag. She pulled out her large bag and cloak and placed them on her bed. A series of knocks came to her door before it opened, and Mika slipped in with a laundry basket in her arms.
"Your parents left a few minutes ago," Mike said, hurrying to the bed and removing a few towels from the top of the basket to reveal a worn leather backpack and a gray cloak. "What are we going to do about the collar?" She placed a hand on the metal band around her neck.
"I have the orb to remove it," Moren replied, pulling a small red marble from her pocket. Most slave collars are sealed by a magical orb to prevent someone from cutting the collar and letting a slave escape. Moren held the sphere next to the collar, and a moment later, it fell off the Half-Elf neck. "Taken care of."
Mika rubbed her neck a few times and smiled brightly before slipping on her backpack and tossing her cloak over her shoulders. "We should go before the others notice we're gone," She said with a shaky smile.
Moren nodded her head, slipped a black cloak over her shoulders, and slipped the bag strap over her shoulders. "Let's go." Moren moved to the door and opened a crack, sticking her head out to ensure the coast was clear and gesturing for Mika to follow.
Moren and Mika made their way to the side entrance used for deliveries, which allowed them to slip out of the house without being noticed. They had to hide a few times to allow other members of the staff to move past them before continuing their escape. When they reached the large storage room connected to the side exit, they heard the sound of footsteps coming from behind them.
"Over here," Moren whispered, pulling Mika close as they stood in an empty corner. Moren muttered a soft chant and cast Illusory Echo over them to make the corner look empty. They waited for almost a minute before one of the cooks came into the room, grabbed a few items off a shelf, grumbled to himself, and quickly exited the room. Moren was about to release the spell when a quiet knock came to the door.
One of Vifra's maids looked around the room before running to the door. "Hurry up." The woman hissed and let two dirty human men dressed in black leather armor with several daggers on their belts step inside the room. "The Half-Elf should be in the laundry room doing the laundry. My Mistress wants her killed quick and quiet." The maid started to turn around and then stopped to turn back to face the thugs. "You need to make the body disappear, or you won't get paid."
"Lead the way." one of the men replied with a low grunt. "Keep the rest of the staff away while we work."
Moren almost lost her focus on her spell at hearing Vifra hiring a pair of thugs to kill Mika but managed to control her emotions to keep the illusion over them. She waited a few minutes before letting the spell fade and gently tugged on Mika's cloak. "We need to hurry before they come back." Moren saw Mika nod her head, but she remained silent while her body trembled. Moren led her Mother out the side door and led them down an empty back road. They traveled in silence while moving quickly through the streets.
After walking for about 20 minutes, Moren finally spoke. "Over here," she said, leading Mika off the elegant streets of the affluent district and onto the brick road of Merchant Alley. "I'm sorry, Mother."
"You have nothing to apologize for," Mika told her daughter with a quick shake of her head. "I-I knew your parents were horrible people, but to think they would have me killed. She trailed off for a moment and shivered. "I-If I had stayed, I would be dead by now." After hugging herself for a few moments, Mika took a deep breath and looked at Moren. "I can have a meltdown later. What is our next step?" She looked around to see the markets and shops were bustling with customers. "I don't think they will just give up after finding out I am not at the mansion."
"I must stop by Master Silvereye's shop and pick up my order," Moren replied, reassuringly squeezing Mika's arms. "After that, we can take the long way through the Gilded Crafting District to reach Skyport. Our ship should be getting loaded for its departure as we speak." Moren glanced around to make sure none of the passersbys were giving them any attention. "Are you ok to travel with me?"
Mika nodded her head. "I'll be okay for now," she replied softly. "We should get to the ship as quickly as possible." Mika took a deep breath and blew it out before her hands stopped shaking.
"Follow me," Moren said with a quick look around the crowd before stepping onto the street.
Moren moved quickly through the crowd toward her destination. The smells from the various bakeries and smoked meat being cooked by the different food carts filled the air with a mix of wonderful-smelling food. Moren had hoped to buy some snacks before boarding the ship, but with people after Mika, she threw that idea out. Moren had back a few dry rations that they could use until they got to the ship.
The crowd had thinned a bit by the time they reached the blacksmith shop. Moren smiled at the giant silver eyeball with a hammer logo carved in the center, hanging from the roof of the building like an ever-watchful sentinel. The shop looked a bit older in design compared to the other establishments around it, a testament to its endurance in a city undergoing rapid transformation. Stormhaven had always been a hub of trade and craftsmanship, but now, as the Aether Era took hold, its skyline was a blend of old-world stonework and towering brass-and-glass constructs.
The street leading to the blacksmith's shop was a living tapestry of industry and innovation. Overhead, aether-powered tram rails crisscrossed the city, carrying passengers in sleek metal carriages suspended by humming energy cores. Gears and pistons hissed in the distance as massive steam cranes lifted crates of imported Aetherium, their operators clad in soot-streaked uniforms with brass-rimmed goggles. The once-simple cobbled roads had been reinforced with embedded rail tracks, allowing for swift transport of goods via steam-driven carts and mechanized horses, their legs clicking with clockwork precision.
Aetherium is the rarest and most volatile energy source in Aetheris, a crystalline substance that hums with raw arcane potential. Found deep within the veins of the world, it is neither purely mineral nor magical—it is something in between, a fusion of solidified arcane energy and condensed elemental forces.
When unrefined, Aetherium glows with a soft violet-blue light, flickering like trapped starlight. It pulses in response to magic, almost as if it is alive, and prolonged exposure can cause strange effects—hallucinations, sudden bursts of knowledge, or even mutations. Some scholars believe Aetherium is fragments of fallen stars, while others claim it is the remnants of an ancient god's essence.
The blacksmith's shop, though still standing firm in its traditional stone-and-iron aesthetic, bore the signs of adaptation. Copper pipes ran along its walls, venting puffs of steam, likely from a newly installed forge powered by Aetherium instead of coal. Small gears and levers were affixed to the exterior, adjustments made to keep up with the times. The heavy metal door, once purely functional, now had a mechanical locking system, a polished brass dial with rotating cogs visible behind a reinforced glass plate.
Beyond the blacksmith's, Stormhaven 's cityscape shimmered with progress. Tall, brass-fitted towers housed inventors and engineers, their glass domes illuminated by electric lanterns instead of candlelight. Airships hovered in the skies, their propellers thrumming as they ferried passengers and cargo between the grand skyports. Billowing chimneys and wind-powered turbines dotted the rooftops, working in tandem to fuel the city's never-ending hunger for energy.
Yet, even amidst the relentless march of innovation, Stormhaven still carried whispers of its past—stone archways, ivy-covered buildings, and carved wooden signs hanging beside new neon-lit storefronts. The fusion of the old and the new gave the city a pulse unlike any other, a place where steam, sorcery, and ambition intertwined.
And at the heart of it, the blacksmith's hammer still rang out—a steady, unwavering rhythm against the ever-changing tide.
Moren pushed open the door and stepped into the shop. She admired all the finely made weapons and armor adorned the wall and laid out on the counter. The basic weapons were near the main entrance, and the closer she got to the counter, the more elegant the weapons seemed to hum with magic. "Oi!" Moren shouted over the sound of hammering coming to the back room. "I'm here to pick up my order, old man!" She snickered when she heard the hammer make a loud ping followed by a lot of swearing in dwarvish. Moren had learned to speak several languages, such as Dwarven, Elvish, and Draconic, over the years during her studies to allow her to talk with people from different races during her travels. "How rude. Do you kiss your Mother with that mouth?" She asked, switching to the dwarven tongue.
"Moren." Mika admonished her daughter. "That is not the way to address someone like Master Silvereyes. He is to be addressed respectfully." She gave Moren a stern look. "I raised you better than that."
"Ye tell her, Lass," Thordin grunted as he stepped out of the back room, wiping sweat from his face with a rag. His long beard was braided and tugged under his black soot-covered apron. "Ye threw me Aff and almost whacked ma own noggin with 'At bloody hammer."
"You told me that a Dwarf's head is as hard as a rock," Moren said with a playful smile. "I think you would have dented your hammer first."
Thordin glared at the girl for a long moment before he burst out laughing. "Ye will always be ma favorite student, ye brat." He guffawed and smacked his hand on the counter. "I have yer order ready back in a moment."
Moren laughed as the dwarf returned to the back room and winced when an elbow was jabbed into her side. "Hey," Moren exclaimed as she rubbed her side. "That wasn't very motherly." She gave Mika a playful pout.
"You are not too old for me to put you over my knee." Mika shot back with a stern look, but she couldn't keep the smile off her face. "Behave, please."
"Yes, Mother," Moren replied in a teasing tone. She closed her eyes to look through Luna's eyes while she waited. The tawny owl was perched on a nearby building, giving her the perfect view of the street. Moren sighed in relief when she saw that the street was clear of the men who had come to the mansion. She ended the connection and kept her eyes closed until the disorientating feeling passed. "The streets are clear for now."
"Good," Mika replied, breathing a sigh of relief. "After this, can we head for the Skyport?" She rubbed her arms in a nervous gesture.
Moren pulled Mika into a comforting hug. "We will head straight for the Skyport and board the ship." She answered in a soothing voice. "I won't take any chances with your safety." The thought of anyone trying to harm Mika made a pit form in her stomach. "I will protect you."
"I should be the one protecting you," Mika mumbled into Moren's shirt.
Moren snorted. "Just let your daughter take care of you for a change." She said with a wry smile on her face. They stayed in that position for several long minutes until Thordin returned and loudly cleared his throat. "You ruined the moment, you old rock."
"'Is is a place o' business." Thordin shot back with a laugh. "Take yer touchy-feely emotions elsewhere." He placed a long item wrapped in a ratty brown blanket, a sickle in a polished black leather sheath, a hunting knife, and a brown leather glove with arcane circles sewn into the palm. "Here is yer order, and I tossed in an enchanted glove wi' storage runes sewn intae it free o' charge."
Moren first picked up the hunting knife and drew it from its simple sheath. She admired its polished cherry-colored handle and its polished steel blade. Moren resheathed the knife and attached it to her belt. She drew the sickle from its sheet and let out a low whistle. "This is incredible, Master Silvereyes." The blackwood handle felt comfortable in her hand, and she took a few steps back from Mika and gave the blade a few test swings. "You outdid yourself." Moren sheathed the blade and removed her belt to attach the sickle to it.
"If ye like that," Thordin said, beaming with a craftsman's pride at his work being appreciated. "Take a look at yer last purchase." He gestured to the large blanket-covered item. "I truly enjoyed workin' on this beauty an' added a few things free o' charge."
"A Dwarven craftsman giving out free upgrades?" Mika asked the dwarf with a knowing smile. "I wonder if the world is coming to an end." She giggled at the dwarf's scowl. "My daughter must have been quite the student for you to do all this."
Thordin harrumphed and crossed his arms with a hint of blush visible on his cheeks.
Moren tried and failed to hide her smile while unwrapping the blanket from her final item that her Master created. The pommel was a 1-inch and had a brass-colored shine connected to a 4-foot-long wooden shaft stained crimson red. Moren gently lifted the spear to allow her a better view of the blade on the spear. The 2-foot double-edged blade with a flair in the middle before continuing to the tip had two smaller half-inch blades at the base of the spear, giving it an almost trident appearance. "Incredible." She breathed, quickly flourishing the spear and watching the blade shine in the light. "You outdid yourself, Master."
"I only forge the best for me students," Thordin boomed wi' a broad smile. "Made sure the spear's got a keen edge—sharp enough tae cut clean an' deadly. Balanced it just right so ye can throw it if need be." He gestured tae the wooden shaft, eyes gleamin' wi' pride. "Hardened the wood, too—strong enough tae take a sword or an axe strike an' still stand firm."
He watched with pride as his students marveled at one of his best creations. "Aye, that's a weapon worthy o' a warrior."
Moren slipped on the enchanted glove and bound her spear to the gloves' magic until it vanished from her hand. An instant later, Moren snapped her fingers, and her spear returned to her hand. "I love magic." She said in awe before snapping her fingers again to return her weapon to storage. "I can't thank you enough, Master." Moren gave her mentor a sad smile. "I am leaving Stormhaven today. For good."
Thordin walked around the counter, stoppin' just before his student. "I'm happy for ye, lass," he said, a kind smile tugging at his beard. "Ye're a piece o' mithril in a bucket full o' shite." His smile broadened when he heard Moren burst into laughter. "Lass, I've been around a long time, an' I ken this much—ye deserve tae be happy, far away from those horrible parents o' yers." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a gold coin, its surface stamped with his forge's emblem. Holding it out to her, he said, "If ye ever find yerself in Dwarvhaven, hand this tae any smith, an' they'll treat ye like family."
His grin softened, his voice dipping into something more earnest. "That's a promise."
Moren dropped to her knee and accepted the coin. "Thank you, Master," She whispered, wrapping her arms around the dwarf's broad chest. "I will miss you. You have been a wonderful teacher, and I can't begin to repay your kindness and guidance. I hope one day we will see each other again."
Thordin returned the hug, givin' her several firm pats on the back. "Aye, I hope so as well, Moren," he rumbled, holding her close for a few long moments before clearing his throat. Pulling back slightly, he fixed her with a serious look. "Now, ye need tae get outta here before those wretched parents o' yers realize ye're gone. This'll be one o' the first places they come lookin'." His grip on her shoulders tightened briefly, a silent show of support before he let her go. "Go on, lass—an' make damn sure they never chain ye down again."
"He is right, dear," Mika said in agreement. "We need to go before they can block our escape."
Moren nodded her head and stood up. "You're both right." She breathed and looked through Luna's eyes to check the street, sighed when they were still clear. "Goodbye, Master." She said, giving him one final bow before moving towards the door.
"Goodbye, Master Silvereyes," Mika said, mimicking Moren's bow before hurrying out of the shop.
"Bye, Lass," Thordin said, his voice softer than usual as he watched her go. As the door shut behind her, the forge suddenly felt emptier, the typical warmth of the roaring fire unable to fill the space she'd left behind. He let out a slow breath, rubbing a calloused hand over his beard. "Aye... gonna miss that one." With a final glance toward the door, he turned back to his work, but the hammer felt just a bit heavier in his grip after his favorite student had left.
Moren and Mika made their way through the streets of the Merchant Alley at a brisk pace, with Luna flying overhead as their lookout. Moren and Mika made their way through the streets of Merchant Alley at a brisk pace, their boots tapping against the steel-plated walkways as the city's steam vents exhaled bursts of white mist into the cooling evening air. Above them, Luna glided in wide, silent arcs, her keen eyes scanning the bustling streets and looming rooftops for any signs of pursuit.
Merchant Alley was alive with the hum of industry and trade—glowing neon storefronts flickered against the cobbled paths, and the air carried a heady mix of oil, spice, and the faint tang of hot metal. Merchant stalls displayed brass-fitted aether lanterns, pocket-sized automaton assistants, and clockwork trinkets that whispered mechanical melodies. The scent of roasted meat from a nearby vendor's steam-grill was almost enough to make Mika pause, but Moren gave a subtle shake of her head, urging them forward.
They avoided the tram stations, their massive Aetherium-powered railcars rumbling past on elevated tracks, their underbellies glowing with arcane energy. The sleek, brass-paneled vehicles were faster but also dangerous—too many narrow compartments and watchful enforcers, a perfect trap if someone had eyes on them. Instead, they veered into narrow side streets, past automaton couriers scuttling on spindly brass legs, and between factory walls lined with sputtering gas lamps.
The city of Stormhaven was shifting beneath them—a living, breathing machine of gears and ambition, its alleys full of secrets, and its skyline darkened by the silhouettes of airships drifting like silent hunters against the star-speckled sky. They had to keep moving.
They occasionally changed directions to another side street in case they were being followed. It was a drastic change when they crossed over into the Gilded Craft District. The street was suddenly filled with entertainers playing various kinds of music, and dancers in skimpy clothing danced with exotic movements that accentuated their assets from both male and female dancers.
Moren wished she had time to enjoy the sights, but she focused on moving through the crowd as the shops were starting to get busy in the extravagant shops that sold high-end items that were crafted in the city or imported from other continents. Moren had stopped several times along the way and stepped into an alley to check for pursuers, and Luna gave her reassuring nudges in her mind as they continued their trek to the Skyport. He glanced over to see Mika breathing a little heavily from their quick pace. "Here," She said, offering her Mother a waterskin.
Mika gave her a tired smile. "Thanks," She said, accepting the waterskin and taking a long draft. "I am sorry, but I keep slowing us down."
"You're not," Moren shook her head. "I'm not going to leave you behind," She said, giving Mika a knowing smile. "We still have time before the ship departs, and I don't want you to overdo it. We can move at a slower pace for now."
"I appreciate it," Mika replied, handing the waterskin back to Moren. "Maybe when we land in Ethos, we can go do some shopping."
"Of course," Moren said with a smile. "We need some new clothes, and we will get to do some mother-daughter bonding without hiding it from my former parents."
Mika's motherly smile was almost blinding. "Sounds lovely, dear." She stretched her back and let out a deep sigh. "Ok, I'm good for now."
"Let's go," Moren said, leading them back into the crowd.
Moving at a slightly slower pace, they made their way through the Gilded Esplanade's large curved street, and in the distance, the Skyport came into view. "Almost there.' Moren said with a sigh of relief. "Do you need to rest?"
"No, I'll be fine once we reach the ship," Mika said, resting her hands on her hips and taking deep breaths. "We are close, and I hope we lost those thugs for good."
"Agreed," Moren said, resuming her pace towards the Skyport when Luna called out to her through their link.
'Danger!'
Moren spotted the threat a moment later as one of the men from earlier were walking towards them. She grabbed Mika's arm, pulled her into a nearby alley, and crouched behind several large trash cans in the empty alley. Moren waited for the man to pass, released her spell, and led Mika through the alley. She leaned out the other side of the alley and waited for Luna.
'Clear.'
"Hurry," Moren whispered as she linked arms with Mika and continued towards the Skyport. They made it a few more blocks before receiving another warning from Luna.
'Two men. Alley Behind.'
Moren swore and changed directions again down another alley. "How many did they hire?" she growled as she moved into another alley and hid in a recess in the building. She spotted the other man from her former home and a new man who was tall and powerful, built with a shaved head and tattoos covering his face. When they passed their alley, Moren led them across the street to another alley and continued to the Skyport.
"Moren," Mika whispered with fear in her voice. "Leave me. They won't harm you if you let me and I lure them away from here."
"No," Moren whispered back to her Mother. "We both get out, or neither of us does." She gave Mika a fierce gaze. "I won't leave you behind to be killed. I can't lose the only real Mother that I have ever known."
Mika's lip quivered. "Ok." She said softly. "I'm right behind you."
Moren gave her a supportive smile and continued to lead them towards their ship. They were forced to change direction and backtrack a few times before making their way to the Skyport. Luna had been able to help them keep ahead of their pursuers. They played this game of cat and mouse for almost an hour before they were on the home stretch of being just four blocks away after slipping past them on their last pass and hurried to their goal.
"Just a little bit more," Moren said as the Skyport grew closer, and their ship hovered in the air right before their eyes. "This should be the last alley, Mika." They were halfway down the alley when Luna sent her an urgent message.
'Trap!'
Moren looked ahead to see the two thugs from her former home standing at the end of the alley and spun on her heels to run when the third man rounded the corner with a smug smile on his face.
"Found you." The man snarled.