#darkgatefortress

"It's not dumb" DeLorean says

True

"I don't know?"

“I’d send one like that to my own mum. She’s just over in Albany but couldn’t visit these holidays due to the virus. Normally we’d have switched off, Danica and I. Kithain-made gifts always have a bit of something extra over store bought. If it works out, let me know, and I may commission one. If you are willing.”

Also true!

"Well, we'll be happy to guide you. Not enough learning here for my liking" the Dougal admits "We're often so on guard we don't get to create"

“I’m no artist with anything smaller than my hammer.” A wry grin.

“But I could paint a pretty picture on a battlefield.”

"Well, I've never made anything like this. So... so you'll wanna see it, I guess."

“No pressure. Mother’s Day isn’t for some months yet.”

"Aye. plenty of time to practice with some base mettals if you wish" The Chiefttain nods "And Storm Colton tells me you've got a steady hand at the work"

"So would it be like casting pewter? Make a mold and pour?"

"Oh well, you see with gold there is differentt ways to.." And he describess it "Heck, you can watch me separate the gold from the steel as I smelt if you like?"

"Sure!"

Linnae may realize that when it comes to crafts, the Chieftain she admires gets a bit distracted. Like osme guys and fishing

She doesn’t mind! The process is interesting, and seeing him get excited about his hobby- rather, his passion, well, that’s nice too.

"Why don't we start now... " And they take it to the smelting area.. hot, to say the least, but with goggles of smoked glass provided, aprons of leather, and gloves suitted for the work he'll demonstrate to others

Dagmar is attentive and deliberate - she's not done THIS, but she can focus and follow directions well.

It's almost hypnottic, watching the gold and steal melt at different rates, how they drift apart, and the gold gathered up carefully

After taking a moment to ensure that she is not unwelcome or in the way, Linnea will also stay to watch, intrigued.

Dagmar is also fascinated - Hewitt is doing most of the work, sure, but she watches him like she would Kerri showing a new recipe.

It's a master at work in his element, so not different from Kerri really, and he's happy to explain the name of every tool, how it works, and so on as he goes quietly. Not condensending, just informative with a few anecodes "And never do it when ye have a cold. Runny noses dripping into the mix is bad enough, but sneezing? Well."

Okay, that gets a bit of a laugh from D'Lorean who has been hanging further back

Snerk.

And soon the gold cools in it's own container "And there ye have it, Pure gold does not tarnish.. Thus it became the metal of the alchemists, of the ambitious who wanted to leave a legacy, of kings who wanted their crowns to shine generations after they had passed. Every metal has it's merit, make no mistake, but gold has caught the dreams, good and bad, of mortal man and woman as few have. "

"And you can bite it. I saw that in a movie."

"Aye, don't try that with hard metals. Lose a fang you might"

"Unless you're a redcap" D'Lorean says "Briar got her teeth back and I swear the kid's chewing her way through the solids of the periodic table"

"Redcaps are funny that way. We got one."

"Aye, Peacemaker Dirk came by a few days ago" The Chief nods "He's growing into quite a brute, but an even tempered one and putting himself to hard work"

She nods. "He's... well. He's ours."

"Aye, Sir Colton vouches for him, and he's cautious about redcaps. Still, odd .. I expected him to commission a weapon instead he asked about odd sightings in the area. No sure what's about"

"Not sure. He might be on to something or another."

"So it seems.. now, now that we've got the gold ... why I don't give you that money. You prefer check or cash? I can send one of hte boys out to do tthe cash "

"Um. Um. Check? Probably to my dad..."

"Surely" He takes off the gear leaving an apprentice to handle the gold, and writes out a check to Jaymes King, for FIVE THOUSAND Dollars

Meanwhile, DLorean whispers to him about something "mm? Why sure we have some what? A commision and. oh sure, Dame Delorean, surely"

"Well, you know I'm good for it" A blush

Dagmar hides the check in an inner pocket, fussing.

"Ah, thane, it is your choice, but perhaps if you wish to linger here for a time, I was going to escort Dame Dagmar back to her trod" The Satyr Knight says "And the Chieftain I do not think woudl mind"

"Mind? Twould be a delight to have such company linger as long as she might" Hewitt says "Honorable women of grace are always welcome here"

A little crinkle in her eyes, almost a smile.

"Dames Dagmar and D'Lorean" The Baron Hewitt says "Glad I am you came to me with this mortal gold. And Dame Dagmar, Delighted I am you'll be returning to work your own craft"

"me too! Thank you, Chief Hewitt."

"Definitely" Dee grins

"Yuir most welcome" he burrs

And out the two knights slip. Once out of earshot, D'Lorean says "Sorry about using you as an excuse to bail, but I think Linnae and hte Chief like private time, and you know how it is with trolls...glacier like speed on romance"

"Oh yeah, let me tell you about my parents..."

"Did your mom have to light a bonfire to let your dad know she was interested?" A grin but eager to hear

"Oh, worse - they're BOTH trolls!"