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| - Upon breaking the siege on the castle and freeing the farmers to return to their crops, I settled into one of the dingy stables to rest a bit and collect my thoughts. Although the stables lack the comforts of home, they provided the privacy that I needed to continue my work. Upon working the forge of Grom Platinum, the Journeymen of the forge encouraged me to pursue a Heartblade. They provided me with the materials and basics of forging one, but left me to my own devices on the process. I have heard that the forging of one's own Heartblade can take years and that I may never finish it within my lifetime. So I sat in the stables, with a dulling ache in my side from an errant ork-thrown dagger, trying to design the hilt. I have designed many hilts for many swords before, but this one was to become my own. An extension of my own arm, smoother in grip than even The Hammer that I carry as my burden. As I meditated and attempted to mentally project the forging of the hilt, the little chattering Windling flew up to me with full cheeks and mumbled with crumbs popping out of her mouth. She offered me a Windling handful of cake, no more than a small morsel, which I gladly accepted. Her curiosity then turned to the designs that lay spread out in front of my lap. She asked of me many questions, which I answered as best I could. I told her that the Heartblade is a metaphor for personal perfection, and that although many blades can be made flawless, none may ever be so perfect as the Heartblade itself. She asked about The Hammer and why I couldn't just use that in combat. I told her that the forging of a Heartblade is more of a lifelong journey and quest than a weapon for defense and personal use. I do not think I was able to convey the gist of it all to her, as she flitted off to search for some more cake. Perhaps I shall make some diagrams and graphs to aid in her comprehension, should she return with more questions. In truth, I do not understand entirely the process of the Heartblade myself. I have endeavored to make this understanding part of my daily ritual, as I continue to pursue my discipline.
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