Chapter 3: Molgaroth, the City That Never Sleeps (Part 2)

The searing heat of the forge filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic hammering and the crackling of fire.

Thalindra, her red hair tied back in a ponytail and her apron covered in ash, wielded the hammer with a precision that belied her youth.

With each strike, the steel blade on the anvil took shape, sparks briefly illuminating the shadows of the room.

But her mind was elsewhere. The Umbranite.

That magical stone, with its unique properties, was the key to her most ambitious project yet: elemental gauntlets designed to channel immense power.

However, without the stone, they were nothing more than an incomplete prototype, gathering dust on her workbench.

She glanced at them, letting out a frustrated sigh.

Setting her hammer aside, she plunged the glowing blade into a barrel of water. The hiss echoed as steam enveloped her. As she removed her leather gloves, she recalled a rumor she'd heard at the tavern.

—They say some adventurers arrived… and one of them has a white crow.

Something that rare couldn't be a coincidence.

If these outsiders knew anything about Umbranite, it was an opportunity she couldn't afford to miss.

She placed the unfinished blade on a shelf, removed her apron, and brushed the ash from her clothes.

—Time to find out.

Grabbing her magic pouch, she left the forge behind and stepped into the bustling streets of Molgaroth.

The sound of hammers, merchants calling out their wares, and the murmur of conversations filled the air. Thalindra walked with purpose, ignoring the curious glances of dwarves who recognized her.

A group of adventurers and a white crow. It wasn't much to go on, but in a city where rumors spread like wildfire, she was confident she'd find more leads.

Her destination: The Wandering Hammer, the favorite tavern of adventurers.

As she pushed open the door, warmth and lively chatter engulfed her. Through the haze of oil lamp smoke, the scent of dwarven ale and roasted meat filled the air.

A few patrons looked up, instantly recognizing her red hair and determined expression.

She approached the barkeep, a burly dwarf with a thick beard and an eyepatch over his left eye.

—Thalindra! Haven't seen you around here in a while. What brings you this time? —he greeted her with a knowing smile while wiping down a mug.

—I heard a rumor. —She leaned an elbow on the counter—. A group of adventurers arrived recently. One of them has a white crow. Know anything?

The barkeep set the mug aside, his expression turning thoughtful.

—Oh, yeah. They got here a few hours ago. From what I heard, they're staying at The Home of Axes. Peculiar bunch, if you ask me.

Thalindra furrowed her brow slightly.

—Know anything else? Where they came from or what they're after?

The barkeep chuckled, crossing his arms.

—Not much. The most interesting thing I heard is that the boy carries a White Crow. But if you want answers, that inn is your best bet.

Without another word, Thalindra placed a Silver Yue on the counter.

—Thanks. —she murmured with a slight nod before turning toward the door.

Outside, the fresh air cleared her thoughts as she set her sights on The Home of Axes. Talking to outsiders wasn't something she enjoyed, but the chance to gather information on Umbranite was something she couldn't ignore.

"Let's see if they have anything useful… or if this is just another waste of time," she thought, quickening her pace.

She reached The Home of Axes, and as she pushed open the door, the familiar sounds greeted her—laughter, conversations, and the clinking of mugs.

She scanned the room. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Making her way to the counter, she was met with Grundal's usual grin.

—Thalindra! —he called out jovially—. Didn't expect to see you this far from your forge. What can I get you?

—Information. —She replied, crossing her arms.

—I heard some adventurers are staying here. One of them has a white crow. Do you know where they are?

Grundal scratched his beard thoughtfully.

—Ah, yes. You mean the human and the wind elf. They left a while ago, mentioned something about the Adventurers' Guild.

Thalindra let out a quiet sigh of frustration.

—Did they say anything else?

The barkeep stroked his beard again, as if searching his memory.

—Now that you mention it… yeah. They were asking about you, Thalindra.

The dwarf woman raised an eyebrow, surprised.

—The elf seemed like the leader—very polite, if you ask me. The human, on the other hand, seemed a bit distracted. But that white crow… now that got people talking.

He paused before lowering his voice.

—I don't think the boy is a demon, but the crow… it could be from Netheria.

Thalindra frowned. If they were really looking for her, their paths would cross soon enough.

But she wasn't one to wait.

—Thanks, Grundal. I'll head to the guild and see if I can find them.

Before leaving, she dropped a Gold Yue into the tip jar. The clink of the coin made the barkeep raise an eyebrow in surprise.

—Good luck, kid. They didn't seem like trouble, but you never know.

—I'll keep that in mind. —She gave a small nod before stepping outside.

Molgaroth buzzed with the activity of its markets and forges, but Thalindra barely noticed the noise.

Her focus was locked on her goal: finding those adventurers and getting the answers she needed.

"If they were really looking for me, they must know something important."

The setting sun reflected off the intricate carvings of the dwarven structures as she quickened her pace toward the Adventurers' Guild.

"Whether they like it or not, they're answering my questions."

The guild stood out even among the monumental dwarven architecture. Carved into the mountain itself, its pillars told tales of legendary battles, and its iron-forged doors looked sturdy enough to withstand any threat.

Thalindra pushed one open with a calculated effort, stepping into the bustling interior.

Adventurers browsed mission boards, shared stories, and negotiated contracts. Her sharp gaze swept across the room, searching for the wind elf, the human, and the white crow—no luck.

She made her way to the counter, where Hilda, a dwarf woman with orange hair tied into a bun, efficiently flipped through guild records.

—What can I do for you, Thalindra? —Hilda asked without looking up from her papers.

—I'm looking for some newly arrived adventurers. A wind elf, a human with a white crow. Did they register here?

Hilda adjusted her glasses, thinking.

—Saw them a few hours ago. They came to check the mission board and asked about you.

Thalindra raised an eyebrow.

—About me?

—That's right. They wanted to know where to find you. I told them you'd be at your forge, but they said they couldn't find you there. They haven't taken any missions, so they must still be in the city.

Thalindra nodded, processing the information.—Thanks, Hilda.

Hilda gave her a cautious look.—Good luck. And remember—not everyone who walks through these doors is who they seem to be.

Giving a small nod at the warning, Thalindra stepped out of the guild, the sounds of Molgaroth swirling around her. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fall into place.

If they were truly searching for her, she needed to find them before things got complicated.

"It's very strange for someone with those characteristics to be looking for me… this might be more than just a coincidence," she mused, quickening her pace through the crowded streets.

Magical lights flickered to life as night fell, casting shadows among the bustling crowd.

Turning a corner sharply, she collided head-on with a passerby.

The other person fell to the ground, startled, while Thalindra barely flinched. Knocking her over wasn't easy.

In front of her, a blonde elf gracefully got back on her feet, dusting herself off.

—Sorry, I wasn't paying attention —Thalindra said, offering her hand.

—Don't worry. Though I must say, you're as strong as a mountain.

She shook the dwarf's hand and added with a lighthearted tone:

—It's not every day someone pushes me with that much determination.

Thalindra crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.

—Well, dwarves are naturally strong. But you don't exactly seem like someone who goes unnoticed either.

The elf let out a soft giggle as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

—Was that a compliment?

Thalindra huffed, though a small smirk tugged at her lips.

—Take it however you want.

An idea crossed her mind. Maybe this elf knew the outsiders she was looking for.

—Sorry for asking so suddenly, but… do you know a group that arrived recently? A wind elf and a human with a white crow?

The elf tilted her head, thoughtful.

—Yes, I saw them at The Home of Axes. I heard they were looking for someone, but I didn't speak to them directly.

Thalindra sighed in frustration.

—Thanks. I went there, but I didn't find them.

The elf studied her curiously.

—Forgive me for prying, but… why are you looking for them?

Thalindra hesitated for a moment before answering cautiously.

—I want to know if they have information about something I'm looking for.

The elf smiled, sensing she wouldn't get any more details.

—If you'd like, I can help you find them.

Thalindra sized her up for a moment. She didn't trust strangers, but any help was better than wandering around alone.

—That could be useful. —she admitted, before adding in a teasing tone—. But… don't you think you're a little too elegant for this city? You're an easy target for a thief… or worse.

The elf chuckled softly, her expression confident and amused.

—Don't worry, I can take care of myself. Though I must admit, I'd never sacrifice my style.

Thalindra rolled her eyes, though her smirk didn't fade.

—If you say so. Molgaroth is unpredictable.

—Thanks for the warning. —the elf replied with a slight nod—. Oh, I almost forgot—my name is Melodía.

Thalindra raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

—Nice to meet you, Melodía.

—I'm Thalindra, master artisan and miner of Molgaroth.

Melodía smiled in recognition.

—So, you're the famous Thalindra. If I recall correctly, those adventurers you mentioned were looking for you.

Thalindra crossed her arms, intrigued but still on guard.

—That's what I've been told everywhere I went. Seems like we've been playing cat and mouse all day.

Melodía nodded calmly.

—If they're really looking for you, they'll surely head to your forge. Though… —she smirked playfully— they could also be in a café having tea.

Thalindra frowned.

—Do you seriously think they're having tea instead of looking for me?

—Let's call it an elf's intuition.

Thalindra sighed but nodded.

—If you're wrong, this will be a waste of time.

—And if I'm right, we'll save ourselves an unnecessary detour.

Melodía smiled, confident.

As they walked, the magical lights cast dancing shadows across the stone walls.

Vendors displayed everything from shimmering gemstones to gleaming weapons, while dwarven children ran laughing through the bustling streets.

—This city never sleeps, does it? —Melodía observed, her voice a mix of fascination and bewilderment.

—No. There's always someone forging, selling, or drinking. —Thalindra replied, a hint of pride in her tone.

Melodía stopped at a stall, letting her fingers glide over finely embroidered silk curtains.

—The embroidery is fascinating. —Then, with a playful smile, she glanced at Thalindra—. Maybe you should decorate your forge a bit. It could distract your customers from the usual chaos.

Thalindra rolled her eyes, crossing her arms.

—Can we talk about fashion when we're not looking for those outsiders? It's been a while since I've had customers, and I'm eager to find them…

Melodía raised an intrigued eyebrow.

—I don't get it. Aren't you one of the best artisans in the city? Shouldn't you be swamped with orders?

Thalindra let out a small huff as she kept walking.

—I'm a perfectionist. Most people don't have the patience for my standards. I only sell what I consider worthy or take on jobs that truly interest me, and… that doesn't sit well with most.

Melodía let out a lighthearted laugh.

—Perfection isn't for everyone. Though, I think some people just don't know how to appreciate it.

The dwarf gave her a sidelong glance.

—Oh, they appreciate it, but time is money. Spending months on something others could finish in days isn't always profitable.

Melodía nodded, her tone thoughtful.

—I get it. You want every piece you make to be worthy of excellence, like the weapons of heroes. That's dedication. Besides, your name is on the line with every creation.

Thalindra chuckled dryly.

—Or maybe they just don't want to deal with me.

—Maybe that's why those adventurers are looking for you and no one else. Perhaps they share your obsession with the extraordinary.

Thalindra rolled her eyes, but a small smirk appeared on her lips.

—The extraordinary doesn't come cheap. I hope they're ready to pay the price of perfection.

"If they're after my work, they have no idea what that entails…"

Melodía broke the silence with a carefree smile.

—Alright, I promise I won't get distracted by the beautiful embroidery again… at least not until we find them.

Thalindra sighed.

—You better not. I don't like wasting time.

—Oh, come on. What if they turn out to be your admirers?

—Calling them admirers is a stretch.

Yet, the faint blush that crossed her face went unnoticed under the city's lights.

Despite her dry tone, a small smile lingered on her lips.

Melodía, with her lighthearted attitude, somehow managed to ease the tension of the day.

They quickened their pace, diving deeper into the vibrant night of Molgaroth.