spear creation

To make something like this is an effort unlike any other.

Ambrose realized that much, and perhaps it is for the best that he would come fully prepared- for the creation such as this would require him to not only be skilled in the act of artificing, but have the necessary materials to create something..

Worthwhile.

"You know.."

"It's been a while since I created something grand. I think I would like to begin creating more things in general." A quiet hum, but he already retrieves some arcanium from the nearby chests.

Alongside with some mithril and orchilacum.

It seems that only the finest materials would go for this, but that's only expected; where he begins to ease himself towards the forge, his gaze briefly turned towards Araceli- and in particular, her crown.

"The last creation of mine was good, but.."

"I could use even more experience as I make better equipment, would you not agree?" A smile to such. Yet, already she could see..

The forge, which was outfitted with the expensive equipment, slowly starting up- the runically enhanced fires that could burn through all manner of metal, even the arcanium, beginning to roar.

It was steadily growing hot,
hotter.

"But, hm.." There comes a reveleation- a crystal fetched to him, one that possessed immense energies of Occult.. and a similar presence to it as well.

Vampiric, almost.

"I was thinking about making something like.."

"A trident, something that could even serve as a blade. What do you think?"
(Ambrose Roche)

To be asked to assist in his craft, it was somewhat of a surprise to Araceli, who was rather inept at such. Despite all her years of living, she had never quite observed as a blade was made.

It always seemed like background, menial work, and far below her time of day.

"Mm."

Gaze widening ever so slightly as the forge seemingly whirred to life. The fire reflecting off of her eyes, as she glanced towards Ambrose.

Even now he remained irresistible in a sense, though such wasn't made blatantly clear. Instead her mind focused on the task at hand.

Assisting him where she was able, if she was able to begin with.

"My crown can always be upgraded as well, though I must admit that while I always knew you were an artificer, I never really thought of you are as a particulary skilled one."

"My crown is a beauty, no doubt, but it doesn't seem to be a passion of yours."

Aside from enchanting scrolls, anyways.

"Unless I am wrong, in which case I apologize. Regardless though-"

The proposed shapes were thought over, before nodding.

"I think that's a splendid idea, yes. I do think you'd look rather dashing with something like that, not that you don't already."

"Do you wish for me to help, or simply observe?"

She could always serve as moral support, if anything else.
(Araceli Falkenrath)

The flames that roar out in the forge.

Little by little, these flames are fed the various metals, so that they could be smelted- taking an entirely empty sample that would be filled with the liquid metal in the coming times, he already begins to make shape.

First, the handle; one that would seem to be extended, for the further reach- then, a splitting sideways blades that could easily rapture or capture someone within them.

Then, a particle of centrepiece, where the crystal would be stored; extending outward into a dual blade, that could not only host the runework to enhance some magics, but directly tie to something in particular. Though..

"Oh."

"It is a passion of mine, actually." He pauses, already creating the necessary outline for his weapon.

"I was just focused on different things - such as growing Collective, or learning Riftmancy." Something that she was well aware about.

"Both required a lot of my attention. In fact, I could hardly find time for your crown." But it is something that he managed to do nonetheless, given the importance of such.

"Though, as the time goes on.."

"I would like to begin making more. Much more."

As for how she could help him? While he already collects the hammer for the future, and continues to refine the outline for the weapon, a remark follows.

"See the runic inscriptions on the side of the forge?" He points at them- such runic inscriptions were directly feeding into the flames, it would seem.

"They're responsible for keeping the flame alive."

"Feed them your mana, please."
(Ambrose Roche)

Araceli merely observed the proceedings in wonder and awe. It was a process which appeared so incredibly complicated, yet he appeared to be in his element.

Smelting the metals down, manipulating them so that they could take shape.

Magnificent.

"Wow."

Words which she didn't intend to say aloud, yet they slipped out all the same. Just what else was he capable of, aside from this?

Could he make things akin to what Benedict was capable of? Giant mechs? Big, large ancient contraptions?

If they had schematics of something complicated.. could he decipher them?

So many possibilities, though she didn't address any of them. It was an art she oft misunderstood, and perhaps even undervalued, underestimated.

"Understandable. I know you've been putting a lot of work into the Collective lately, even if I don't agree with all of your.. additions."

Most notably the Siren, though she had made her distaste of that public when it happened.

"Runic inscriptions?"

A tilt of her head, as she examined the forge more closely. While she wouldn't have been able to notice anything on her own... she could see it now, though only because he mentioned it.

Runes were akin to a foreign language from her perspective.

"I can do that, yes."

It was simple enough, after all. Both of her hands raising, before beginning to pour in a sanguine energy, that which was only granted through her connection to Cain.

Keeping the fire alive, all while observing him.

"Now what will you do?"
(Araceli Falkenrath)

A testament to his skill is found within the fact of how his deft hands continue to work the structure of the metals; where the first part of the handle begins to take place, with the orchilacum lines created in a way that would allow to transfer of the magical potency..

The mithril itself being an addition to ensure that it would remain flexible in wielding and lifting- the arcanium plating taking place as well, if only to begin creating an outline for the weapon itself.

There, however, he remarks to her.

"I know that you disagree with some additions."

"But each shadow is useful in its own way - and aside of this use, I have nothing else for them." It was not as personal to him as she may think.

Only objective use.

With the flames being kept alive, he could work more and more of its liquid structure into the new weapon to be made; a testament to such found in how it steadily begins to fill the outline.

"And.."

"I will begin shaping the weapon now." A bit of water is poured over to cool the metal, soon to follow up.

"Could you begin blowing the winds upon it?"

"I will hammer it out."
(Ambrose Roche)

Far too many shadows for her tastes, all that knowledge and differing personalities absorbing into it. She could only wonder if it impacted his temperament.

Could the shadows even alter his personality, if there were so many contrasting ideals?

Regardless, she would continue to be his anchor, his light. It would never happen, especially if she had anything to say about it.

"So long as they are useful."

Even if she did grumble about it a bit, she'd not force her agenda on him either. There was obviously jealousy, but it was only to be expected.

Her attention soon returning to the objective at hand, however, watching as weapon was slowly beginning to take shape, to have a form.

While it wasn't finished yet, she could only envision and wonder what the final product would look like.

"Shaping it?"

A quirk of her brow, wondering just how this would be done. Though as he made another request ofher, she was quick to oblige.

"Very well. I will blow and you can hammer."

Air conjured through use of mana, converging upon her mouth, before being blown outwards towards the metal. Quite literally blowing on it, but with more force than expected due to use of magic.

It would do the job, no doubt.
(Araceli Falkenrath)

Deft hands make quick work of the hammer.

And all that was required to be done in order to make sure that the correct shape is taken- first the handle, and then a pair of sideways blades, then the centrepiece where the crystal would be hosted.. and soon, the dual blades at the very end.

It takes time,
having him work little by little.

Until the shaping of such weapon could be made- at times, the shadowy hands extending forth to hammer out smaller details that he would overlook; thankfully, the Collective was always there to watch, to aid.

A true servant to the end.

"They will be useful, yes."

As much as that remark follows, he knew that they would be that way only if he manages to control them at all times- a task that would no doubt require a lot of skill on his part.

Nonetheless..

Where she begins to cool it further, a more firmer stature of the weapon is taken- the blades are made into an appropriate set, up until it would become even sharp enough to cut, but..

This is far from the end.

"Now-"

The wicked blackstone shifts with the shadowy hand- soon making its way to Ambrose, he begins to carefully fit it into the centrepiece; the runic network beginning to slowly connect it to the weapon, little by little, until..

"Invest the mana into rune network that you see - simply follow my lead on that one."

A step by step process; to connect the potency of the crystal, and then activate the runes.

Not complicated.
(Ambrose Roche)

All the while Araceli continued to blow air forth, without pause. Not needing to breathe, able to focus on this task in entirety.

It felt quite minor, especially as he began to shape the weapon as a whole. From the blades to the overall stature, she could only observe quietly.

As it appeared her part was over, she took a step back.

"This is all far more complicated than I anticipated, Ambrose. I simply thought that all you needed to do was melt ingredients together."

"Maybe shape it a little, but all of these processes..."

A shake of her head, though there was some respect for his craft.

"I'm not so certain I could sit and do this all day."

She had underestimated his focus, his passion, and it made itself clear in this moment. For he was far better an artificer than she gave him credit for.

All his work in his youth had paid off.

"Pour my mana in, very well."

Once more did she raise both hands upwards, that sanguine energy beginning to pour into where it was required. Allowing him to direct her, as she wasn't so certain where it would be needed as a whole.

"To think you can manipulate the Collective all whilst doing this.. without breaking concentration."

A feat she'd not be able to pull off herself.
(Araceli Falkenrath)

It is often a process that is rather underestimated.

A testament to such found in the way how many think that this is rather easy to do, or that it's something that could be done within minutes- on the contrary, she might not notice, but they've been at the forge for quite a while by now..

Shaping out detail,
working on runework,
ensuring that everything goes well.

It is a lengthy process that required patience and concentration above all, and it is something that few understood- but perhaps that's for the best. After all, if everyone could do this, then it wouldn't be exceptional at all.

On the contrary.. it would be rather mundane.

"It is a lot more complicated than this."

Here, his deft hands already begin to connect the crystal to the rest of the weapon- through the golden lines of orchilacum, and into the arcanium basis of the weapon; in both directions, going all the way to the handles and theblades themselves.

"Most think it's easily done in just a bit, which is why they grow impatient, but.."

"It is the first mistake that they make."

For now, he continues- the manipulation of the Collective being more of a supportive role here, for it was steadily working away any flaws that might be left behind, such as insufficiently fuelled rune or small blemish.

"Now.."

"I believe all you need to do is continue the feeding process of the mana - I will simply align the runework to myself, and.."

"At that point? It should be over."

It seems to be the final phase of the creation, where the shadowy hands begin to slowly draw in the runework towards him- connecting it on a more intimate level, akin to ensuring that the weapon would respond well to his call..

All that was needed was her mana contribution to this.
(Ambrose Roche)

As she continued to watch him quietly, she could only wonder... had he failed before? Did it simply come naturally?

Or was there a lot of trial and error?

"Hrm."

She simply took his word for it, in the end. Though part of her could see herself becoming impatient at such a lengthy, tedious process.

In the end, however, it was the final product which spoke above all else.

"I can see it."

Even if it was not entirely finished, she could see how beautiful it'd be when it was completed. A sight to behold, but perhaps she was simply biased due to her deep love.

All that was created by his hands was spectacular from her perspective.

"It will be incredible."

Bold words, but was she wrong for expecting nothing but the best?

His confidence aside, he had always delivered upon his promises in the past. Always illuminating her with skills she never knew he held.

"I will continue to do so, yes."

Her hands held aloft continuously, as the mana was poured outwards and into the runic inscriptions. Helping as he began to bring the forging to a close.

Awaiting with bated breath, before speaking.

"Do you have a name for it?"

It was an important part of any weapon, though she imagined he didn't have one thought up on the spot. Something to consider regardless.
(Araceli Falkenrath)

A careful, final touch.

One that would prove itself to be the finalization of the long, arduous process behind the creation of this weapon- yet it would be extremely necessary all the same, for he knows that this would be the weapon that might potentially save him.

That might potentially save what he cherishes,
and values all the same.

The testament to such found in the careful runework that almost begins to stretch towards him- this crystal of dark power, tied to the vampiric nature all the same, already making connection upon his digits. There, she could see..

How it slowly begins to respond to him,
a master reaching out for his would-be weapon.

Isn't it beautiful, to see this crystal glow and shimmer in response? To see it pulse with indomitable power within.. the power that only the likes of the Master of the Collective could unlock, unveil to its true potential.

And perhaps even more.

"It would be glorious. Incredible.."

"And many more things."

The final touch that could serve to establish this connection, yet it takes much from Ambrose- what seems like the final pulse that passes through, it drains him of the large quantity of mana, enough to inscribe the runes of permanency- intimately connected to him now, he could feed from the power of this crystal..

And in return, feed it too.

Though.. an exhale follows, sharp and deep- a signature of his exhaustion. He waves for a bit, but ultimately withstands, if only to remark.

"...It is done."

"--But no, I haven't decided on a name yet. Soon enough, however. The runes will take a bit of time to settle."

He has the time for such, as result.

He had all the time he could want.
(Ambrose Roche)