The Extra is a Genius!?

The backroom of the Drunken Hammer was as chaotic as ever. Shelves overflowed with gear, enchanted tools, and scrap metal piled like ancient relics waiting to be reborn. Noel leaned against the side of the counter, still holding the small box containing the rose-tinted earrings.

Balthor, polishing a silver ring behind the counter, glanced over.

"So," he said, voice teasing. "The gift’s for the girl from last time? The serious one with eyes like amber?"

Noel raised an eyebrow. "Elena? No. This is for... another friend. Helped me a lot recently. I figured it was time I paid her back properly."

Balthor chuckled, deep and warm. "You’re a good lad, you know that?" He lifted the earrings to inspect them, then set it aside. "Most boys your age are too busy chasing glory or coin. You? You’re out here buying jewelry for girls who helped you out."

Noel didn’t reply immediately. He kept his gaze on the cluttered walls of the shop. So many things had happened in the past few months—it felt surreal to be standing here again.

But there was a weight on his chest now. Something he had to say.

Noel turned back toward Balthor, more serious this time.

"Balthor... can I ask you something? It’s a personal question."

The dwarf looked up, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Course you can, kid. Go on."

Noel’s voice was low. "Did you ever have a brother?"