The thanks and the knowledge that the armour would be put to good use brought a wide grin around Tragoth's tusks.

“You will find it at your tent when you return home. Should you need anything more, and should you be able to afford it, I will be at your disposal." With that, he bowed to Gregory and then turned to depart back toward the group of blacksmiths that had accompanied him.

Gregory turned and saw Talina nearby talking with a pack of pups who had yet to be summoned for a Grand Proving. Each of them trained regularly at the glade, and they had used Torren's services quite a few times. Talina had hosted quite a few such conversations that day, of orcs wanting to mention how Torren's work had helped them. Even Ulag had stopped by to comment impassively on the matter.

As Gregory approached, the pups saw him and made their goodbyes and final thanks to Talina. She managed to smile at them, and her eyes had reddened from crying throughout the day. They still glistened with fresh tears, but she was managing to keep them in check.

"Master," she offered him a little bow as he approached.

“Hello, Talina. How are you doing?"

“Better. I talked with Fiona after you came to me last time. It was good. I started to see what you had been trying to tell me. Today has also been good. I did not know Torren had such respect. I did not know

Lydia had so many friends. It is a nice thing to know. It..." She trailed off, struggling for an explanation.

“It makes you feel less alone?" Gregory suggested.

“Yes. It does."

“You and Fiona should come and sleep with us tonight." He only heard how that sounded after he'd said it, and his eyes widened with a silent apology.

“I mean you shouldn't be alone. Not-" He was speaking too fast, so he stopped and took a deep breath.

“I wasn't trying to suggest anything inappropriate. I meant that we can lay out more furs so we can all be together, and we don't have to be alone with our thoughts."

Talina had formed an amused smile at her master's bumbling offer.

"I think we would like that, master. Thank you. I will stay here a

Little Longer before coming home, but I have something to give you."

With that, she turned and walked through the glade. Gregory took the hint and followed along beside her. The training equipment that usually inhabited the clearing had all been moved to the outskirts. Talina moved toward the tree Line where they had stored the weapon racks, and offered a momentary pause to indicate he should wait there. He nodded, and watched as she disappeared amongst the weapons and equipment to vanish behind a tree. She emerged a few moments later carrying a long package wrapped in linen and tied with black string. Holding it out before her across her palms, she walked back toward him and offered it out for the taking.

"A last gift from him, master. After he and Valise crafted the weapons for the proving grounds, he began work on some more battlefield-appropriate alternatives. He wanted the Dragons to be properly armed when they next take the field.”

Gregory took the package and pulled the string loose. The linen material spilled away to reveal the pommel, grip, and guard of a sword within a sheath. Sliding it out from the material, he unsheathed the blade to reveal a Length of black orc-metal. It gleamed Like fresh ink, and its broad-blade was perfect for slashing, thrusting and the piercing of armour. The hilt was practical rather than ornate, with a simple cross-guard that curved up slightly at each end to better catch and hold any blades that might clash with it. A grip had been carefully coated with a Layer of leather bound directly to the metal beneath and held fast with a length of thin wire wrapped about it in a helix. The only decorative element of the sword was to be found on the pommel, which had been fashioned into a thick and pointed dragon's head.

“The hilt was finished by one of Ironheart's men. Torren hadn't been able to add the finishing touches, but he'd forged the blade and left a clear plan of the design. The dragon's head was the only variation, as