Hjalmfastr Mjolnirson: Feet by the fire (Solo)

[Wargie]

he world of the north:
Forests so wide the eye can not see the end of them. The steppes, dead in winter, nothing but snow. It kills all but a few. In summer and spring they transform into vast green fields, giant herds wandering side by side by side with the nomadic tribes. Deep below the snowy fields caves and halls stretch for miles. It is a world of its own where short stout men with great beards carve into the wall of the mountain. It is here where items of great power have been forged. It here the dwarf live a sheltered life.

Three elder women sit below a tree, their hands move across a loom, and then they stop. Their eyes are raised from the loom that changes beneath their fingers and stare upon the sky. As one they scream.

Under one mountain there is a patch where snow will not remain. The top of the mountain smokes as a volcano and there is always a trickle of smoke climbing. Down below deep inside the mountain, majestic halls have been carved out together with halls that stretch for miles. Forges and halls of craftmen take up the biggest portion of this side of the mountain. By one forge where a fire burns with a golden glow, a single dwarf sits upon a stool with his feet in front the burning embers. His name Hjalmfastr, and he is planning. Benches cover all free space of the room and upon them lie the tools of his trade. In his mind he goes over the last events that occurred before he walked into his workshop.

"Hjalmfastr, you have proved yourself to be a talent when it comes to crafting works of art. A runner from the men of twice our length arrived earlier this morning inviting us to Njordborg. I shall be there to meet with the tall men's king on the errors of the world. Though at this time what the tall men call yule there is a grand celebration and competitions, and it is my wish that you shall be part of this. I want you to forge an object that shall tell these tall men and our dvergr brothers of our talent!"

The orders were delivered by the leader dvergr of these halls, none but Altjof Dvalinnson, the son of the great Dvalinn, leader of dwarves who has been praised for giving men, dwarves and elves the ability to write in runes. It was the first time Altjof ever spoke to Hjalmfastr, and even recognized him. And now there is but a month to yule and Hjalmfastr has to create an object that is a work of art.

[TetNak]

The blacksmith Hjalmfastr Mjolnirson sits in thought next to the golden fire of his smithy. Hjalmfastr wonders many things, why Altjof has chosen him is quite obvious, as his work with steel is much to be looked upon with great favor and wonder. Though, there are other, even more skilled blacksmiths that Altjof could command to do the same.

'Njordborg? Yule?'

"Hmrph!" grunts Hjalmfastr suddenly, "What do they wish? A mighty axe to strike down their foes?" He pauses, shaking his bearded head, "A suit of chain to stop even the speediest arrow?" He groans this time, "What do these tall folk need or want?"

He idly plays with his blacksmith's hammer, turning it left to right, and right to left, "Go make something, he says, perhaps something they have never seen before! Yes! Yes!" Hjalmfastr stands up suddenly and begins laughing. "A dwarfish weapon built for tall folk! Think of the honor!"

[Wargie]

The tiny wheels of Hjalmfastr's mind finally sets into motion and spawns the idea that he should create a dwarven weapon fit for the tall men. It might be a totally original idea but as long as the craftmanship in the weapon is of superb quality there should be no problem. Standing up he looks over his workspace and now knows what he needs, materials, able hands to heat up the forge and run the needed errands. And of course the most important thing is left, the grand design of the weapon.

[TetNak]

"I shall create an urgrosh!"

Hjalmfastr begins to gather the materials needed to create the strange dwarvish weapon. The dwarf craftsman starts to billow the fire in order to melt the steel into the axehead and speartip of the double weapon.

Using his tongs, he begins pounding the metal into submission, using his hammer to craft the edges of the weapon as perfectly as he can make them.

[Wargie]

Sparks fly and beads of sweat begins to roll down his face and chest. The solid and constant thuds coming from the anvil begins to attract attention. Slowly one by one dwarves begin step inside the room to see what Hjalmfastr is working on. Slowly the group begins to whisper, the younger dwarves in awe while the elder ones discuss the craftmanship and technique. And then there is the voice of a rockslide booming through the room. A voice Hjalmfastr knows all to well, the voice of his old master Vohnka.

"Ya keen eyes of ravens! Let the boy work alone! Shoo! Out out out!" followed by a few thuds of people being hit by a stick or cane. And after a moment the room is but empty, only leaving Vohnka and Hjalmfastr, "So laddie, what you attempting to do that will fit the large men?"

[TetNak]

Hjalmfastr takes a break from his work, turning on his stool and peering up at Vohnka. "An urgrosh! The head of an axe and the tail of a spear. Large enough that the tall folk might wield." The dwarf runs a dirty hand through his beard and says, "I do not think any have done it as I know of! It shall be something unique for their King or whomever the gift shall go to!"

[Wargie]

Vohnka looks over Hjalmfastr and nods his head deep in thought. "Right right.." he glances over towards the forge, the anvil and the different tools and of course the object that begins to take shape. A hand goes inside of his beard and leather vest, and out comes a pipe which he fills before lighting it. Sending out a puff of smoke he tilts his head back, "So, what do you intend to do to make it special? Make it beautiful? Or perhaps use a cleric to grant it special power?"

[TetNak]

"Special?" Hjalmfastr grunts, "I shall make it a sturdy as the Rock of the dwarf!" He nods, grabbing his hammer again, "And large enough for a man to wield. If a cleric will give it a blessing, than I shall accept that blessing." He looks around, "I was not give gems or jewels to impart into the weapon, or I would make it a dazzling sight as well."

[Wargie]

The old master nods at Hjalmfastr with satisfaction written all over his face. He blows a smoke ring and then rises from his seat and walks over to the burning fire and turns his pipe upside down over the glowing embers. With the pipe put out it is once again placed inside his vest, "So, do you need help with anything?" he says with his rough voice while he taps his foot rather impatiently.

[TetNak]

"If you wish," Hjalmfastr says, he is not prideful enough to think his own craftmanship would surpass his master's. He hammers a piece of metal a few times and looks back up to Vohnka.

Hjalmfastr continues to work on various pieces of the weapon, allowing aid where Vohnka wishes to give it.