Mutation?

Cling... Cling... Cling... fzzzzzzzshhshsh....

"Hmmm, this looks right. We might have done it this time...."

"Hmmm, Tomi, you've said that so many times by now. What has it been, three years, five years? I've lost track of time helping you with forging my sword. I would never have guessed it would take this long," Elara said with a sigh in her voice.

"To make the right weapon for you, Elara, it takes time. And with all these special materials, it takes time to refine them too," Tomi smiled. "But now I really think we've made a sword that can handle your skills and strengths."

"Hmmm, Tomi, I hope you're right. This is getting boring," Elara remarked.

"Don't say that, my dear Elara. You told me you are a wanderer, so you've got nothing but time," Tomi said, teasing. "How old are you anyway?"

"Who knows, I lost count at some point," Elara answered in a gloomy voice.

"I see. Then let's go to the forest and test this sword," Tomi said happily, a wide grin on her face.

Tomi handed over the sword to Elara, the metal gleaming under the workshop's dim light. "This time, Elara, it is a single-edge blade. It should be more durable like this. You might need to train with it and learn a new way to use it since it's not like the double-edge blade you used before."

Elara examined the sword closely, noting the craftsmanship. "I can see that, and it should be no problem. I've used something similar before," she said with a smile. She stepped back, giving herself room to swing the newly forged blade. The sword cut through the air with a satisfying whoosh. "Nothing else to do then but go to the forest in the mountains and hunt some monsters. Are you going to join me again, or are you too tired?"

Tomi chuckled, shaking her head. "I would never miss it. I would love to see this blade in action, and with your skills, it should be a trip worth not to miss. Just let me finish the touch-up on the blade, and we can go first thing tomorrow."

Elara handed the sword back to Tomi, appreciating the weight and balance of the weapon. "Yes, you're right. We'll go tomorrow. It's getting late anyway. Don't want to walk back from the mountain in darkness."

The two women shared a moment of mutual respect and excitement, the promise of the next day's adventure hanging in the air. The forge's warmth started to fade as Tomi carefully inspected the blade one last time, ensuring it was perfect for whatever challenges lay ahead.

The next day, the dwarven blacksmith and the human wanderer began their journey to the mountain. As they walked, the morning air was filled with the songs of birds, and the closer they got to the mountain, the more animals they could see. Squirrels darted through the trees, and deer grazed in the distance.

As they progressed, they had a few small encounters with wolves. The wolves hurriedly ran away when Elara unleashed her presence on them, her aura intimidating them into retreat.

"Hmmm," Elara frowned. "These creatures are too weak. We need to find a bearwolf or a direwolf at least for me to get a true test run."

Tomi nodded, then spoke, "Well, we are only at the beginning of the forest, at the edge of the mountain roots. But I'm kind of wary about seeing wolves down here so early. There might be bigger prey further up the mountain."

Elara's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Let's hope so. I didn't come all this way for an easy hunt."

The two continued their ascent, the terrain becoming rougher and the forest denser. They moved with purpose, Tomi's eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of more formidable creatures. As they climbed higher, the air grew cooler and the sounds of wildlife more varied, suggesting they were approaching the habitats of larger, more dangerous beasts.

The promise of a true challenge lay ahead, and both Tomi and Elara felt a surge of excitement and determination, ready to put the new blade to the ultimate test.

"Rawarararrrr" ... "Owooooooo"

"Oh, listen to that!" Elara exclaimed excitedly. "Sounds like there's a territory battle going on. Let's go check it out!"

Tomi's face grew a little paler as she nodded. "Okay, as long as you can protect me too. This sounds like a bearwolf and a direwolf fighting."

"Don't worry, Tomi. I've got your back. Just stay behind me near a tree." As the duo walked closer to the sounds of battle, they could see a giant bear-like wolf clashing with an equally massive wolf.

"Wait a minute," Tomi exclaimed. "That is not a normal direwolf. It's some sort of mutated one."

Elara, observing the wolf with her keen eyes, frowned. "Hmm, it looks familiar, but then again, it's not him."

"Not who?" Tomi asked.

Elara's gaze remained fixed on the mutant wolf. "I once met a wolf even bigger than these two beasts in front of us, but it's not him."

As they watched, the bearwolf and the mutated direwolf snarled and lunged at each other with ferocious intensity. The ground shook with their movements, and the air was filled with the sounds of their battle. Elara tightened her grip on her new sword, ready to intervene if necessary.

"Stay alert, Tomi. This could get dangerous," Elara warned.

Tomi nodded, eyes wide but determined. "I'm ready. Let's see what this blade can really do."

With that, the two prepared themselves for the inevitable clash. As the two beasts kept fighting, Elara spotted a small puppy hiding nearby. Before Elara could say anything, the mutated wolf fell down, lying flat on the ground, and the bearwolf now locked eyes with the pup, ready to strike it down.

"Nooooooo!" Elara yelled, drawing her blade. "I'm your new opponent!" With that said, Elara rushed ahead straight at the bearwolf.

The bearwolf, momentarily distracted from the puppy, turned its massive head towards Elara, its eyes blazing with fury. Elara's heart pounded in her chest, but her focus was unwavering. She tightened her grip on her new single-edge blade, feeling the balance and strength that Tomi had promised.

With a powerful leap, Elara closed the distance between her and the bearwolf. She swung her sword with precision, aiming for the beast's shoulder to disable its powerful front limbs. The blade sliced through the air, and with a resounding impact, it cut into the bearwolf's thick fur and muscle. The beast roared in pain and anger, rearing back on its hind legs.

Tomi watched from behind a tree, her hands clenched in anticipation. "Be careful, Elara!" she called out, though she knew the wanderer needed no reminder of the dangers.

Elara dodged a swipe from the bearwolf's massive claws, rolling to the side and coming up ready for her next strike. She moved with agility and purpose, her new sword a seamless extension of her arm. The bearwolf lunged at her, but Elara was ready. She sidestepped and delivered a swift slash to its other front leg, causing the beast to stagger.

The puppy, sensing a moment of safety, scurried away to a safer distance, watching the battle with wide, frightened eyes.

"Good job, Elara!" Tomi shouted, her confidence in her friend's abilities growing. "Keep it up!"

Elara, undeterred and fiercely determined, continued her assault. She aimed for the bearwolf's vital points, each strike weakening the creature further. With one final, powerful swing, she delivered a blow to the bearwolf's neck, bringing the beast crashing down to the forest floor.

Breathing heavily but victorious, Elara stood over the fallen bearwolf, her sword gleaming with the creature's blood. She glanced back at Tomi, who was emerging from her hiding spot, a look of relief and pride on her face.

"Are you okay?" Tomi asked, her voice filled with concern.

Elara nodded, wiping sweat from her brow. "I'm fine. And the puppy?"

Tomi pointed to the small creature, now cautiously approaching its dying mother. The pup nuzzled at its mother's snout and licked her, then howled out a sad cry.

Elara approached them slowly and spoke softly, "Your mother protected you well, little one. It is her time to leave this place." She kneeled down, slowly reaching out toward the little puppy. "Don't be scared, little one," she continued in a gentle voice. "You don't need to be alone. You can come with me and Tomi."

The puppy looked warily at Elara, then back at her now dead mother, and finally back to Elara. It moved slowly toward her outstretched hand. When it reached Elara's hand, it started nuzzling it, seeking comfort.

"That's it, little one," Elara whispered, gently stroking the pup. "We'll take care of you."

Tomi watched the interaction, her heart aching for the little pup but also feeling hopeful. "We'll make sure she's safe, Elara," she said quietly, kneeling beside them.

"Look, Tomi, she is a smart pup. Have you seen her race before?" Elara asked, her eyes shining with excitement as she watched the little pup sniffing around curiously.

"No, I haven't. It's a new mutated species of the direwolf, I think. You should name its race since we are the first to see it, and if we tell the adventures guild about it, it will get recorded," Tomi replied, kneeling down to get a closer look at the pup. Its fur was a shimmering silver, almost glowing under the light, and its eyes held an intelligent gleam.

Elara pondered for a minute, gently stroking the pup's head. "Hmmm, little one, what to call your race?" She watched as the pup playfully nipped at her fingers. "Your mother reminded me of an old friend, a giant wolf named Fenrir. So, in his honor, I'll name your race Fenrir, and I'll name you Lumi," she said, smiling as the pup responded with a soft yip.

"By the way, Elara, how do you know it's a she?" Tomi asked with a smile, raising an eyebrow.

Elara laughed, "It's just a feeling I have. But we can check if you really want to know." She teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, and Tomi, when I leave for my travels, I'll leave this little pup behind to guard you. She will be a great help for you when I'm not around anymore," Elara said, her tone turning more serious.

Tomi nodded, reaching out to pet Lumi. "I appreciate that, Elara. She'll be a great companion, I'm sure."

Elara stood up, looking down at Lumi with a fond expression. "Yes, she's special. I can feel it. Take good care of her, Tomi."

"I will," Tomi promised, watching as Elara's gaze turned distant, already thinking of her next adventure. "And I'll make sure to tell everyone about the Fenrir race."

Elara smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "Thank you, Tomi. That means a lot."

...

"Hmmm, what a fun dream of the past," Elara murmured to herself as she woke up. It had been three weeks since they arrived in Everwood, and now it was time for the trio to leave the capital and travel east to seek out the Sapling.