Forged Destiny [Book 5: Ch. 7]

It was at least an hour later when I lugged a sack of raw metal ingots into the Lodge, under the curious eyes of just about everyone I passed. "It's a hobby," I said, answering all the unasked questions in a raised voice. "I want to learn how to patch my own gear up a little, and maybe how to do some metalworking."

"Why?" Weiss asked, leaning over the balcony of the second floor. When she saw me struggling with the heavy bag she sighed and used a little magic to make the job easier.

"Thanks," I said, gasping. Strong I might be, but I'd had to lug this from Vale on my own. The staircase had proven the final straw.

—Forged Destiny [Book 5: Ch. 7]