Ragnarok Unwound: The Awakening

Chapter 14

As the embers drifted through the heated air of the forge and the rythmic beat of the hammer and anvil echoed off the walls, Jon leaned over his table examining the designs laid out in front of him. After a moment of excruciating effort he sat back and let out an agitated huff. His eyes drifted under his dark curled locks and fell on the pile of broken weapons in the corner.

A broken bow, a broken sword, a destroyed shield, old axes that were too damaged for use, and a large number of completely destroyed spears. Jon wondered what sort of training his friends faced that caused this much damage. For the most part they were good at maintaining their weapons, but after Keir left, something changed. They began to train with David, Skadi, and Freya, and soon waves of broken weapons began to flood into the forge. The largest amount came from Val; not a day passed where he did not recieve two or more broken spears and on occasion, shields. It seemed that the only thing Val damaged more than the weapons were the people on the other end of them. Jon had to admit, the girl's violent nature made him feel somewhat afraid, as did the rather wolfish appearance she maintained.

"Have you figured out what you're going to do?" A gruff voice echoed in the stone walls. Jon quickly whipped around to see his teacher; a dwarf named Rufus. Rufus marched over to him, pulling small food crumbs from his long wire like beard hair. His ancient features held a mix of curiosity and amusment. He was the only dwarf that still tended to the forge and per Keir's suggestion, was assigned by Freya to teach Jon. Jon was shocked to find out that he and the dwarf got along so well.

"I've come up with new designs for their weapons. The steel will be stronger and will be made specifically for them." Jon responded, gesturing to the designs. Rufus raised a thick brow and hobbled closer, clapping his large calloused hand on Jon's back and examining the images.

"Well let's see what you have, my boy," Rufus grabbed the designs and examined them closely. Jon waited in an awkward silence, begging internally for the dwarf's approval. For some reason, the thought of letting him down frightened Jon.

"Lovely, shield; was it Claire's idea to put an image a snowflake on it?" He mused, using his free hand to scratch his large and obviously broken-more-than-once nose. Jon nodded slighty.

"Yeah she wanted everyone to remember that she was Keir's student. By the way, if you noticed, I put thickened iron on the edges and plan to re-enforce it so that way it holds up better against weapons." Jon added. Rufus nodded and onyx eyes glided over every image.

"Good bow, lot of detail in it, could use some improvement though. The axes with the wolves on them are for Ben I take it? Boy is trying to look tougher than he actually is! And the ravens are for Stephan aren't they? Val demanded that, no doubt. Serena's sword looks mighty fine, may I suggest some engraving on the center, weapons should be just as flashy as their wielders! What about..." Rufus trailed off, his eyes falling on the last design. For a moment he was silent, Jon could feel his heart rate increase with anxiety.

"That's... the Greek inspiration in the weapon is interesting, those wings are supposed to be an owl's, aren't they? But a raven's head at the center and a Valknut etched into the blade? And the shield? That is Greek design but those wolves and ravens obviously pay respect to Odin. Tell me something, my boy; did Val request these weapons?" Rufus asked, intrigued.

"Yes, she wanted to call the spear Gungnir 2.0, she also requested that it be enchanted by runes." Jon explained. He was rather confused by the offer, seeing as he had no idea what runes were. The dwarf's features became pensive for a moment.

"I see, it would be unfair to enchant only her weapon, though. Tell me, my boy, did your father ever show you how to enchant weapons?" Rufus asked, fully aware of the fact that Jon's father was Hephaestus. Jon shook his head furiously.

"You've shown me a lot more than the old man ever did!" He said truthfully. He and Hephaestus had always had a strained relationship. Rufus seemed more like a father figure than Hephaestus did. Jon suspected that it was due to the fact that Rufus didn't have children of his own, unlike Hephaestus who had to choose which ones he acknowledged. Jon watched as the stocky dward put the designs down slowly. After a moment he smiled widely and cracked his rather large knuckles. Jon felt a moment of fear. He's not going to hit me for not knowing, right? RIGHT?

"Well, if we want to get these weapons done, I'm going to have to teach ya'!" Jon watched the dwarf in amazement. When he didn't pick up something with Hephaestus, the reaction was always bad.

"I... guess?" Jon couldn't help the awkward response. Rufus let out a hearty laugh and swung his beefy arm, clapping Jon the back again, almost knocking him off the chair.

"Well let's get started then! There's work to be done!"