Chapter 72: She Made Me Finish Twice
"I’d like to purchase these, if you would."
Aster’s statement surprised both canines, as they simply stared once more at the chosen wares in awkward silence.
Tan made his way over, also intrigued by the selection. He figured he could give a bit of the history behind the helm, but the bracer was of simple enough design, and nothing worth noting.
The helm in question was a custom order the orc had received over twenty years ago, back when the trade between humans and orcs had been booming, shortly after he had chosen to set up his forge in this village.
The human noble that had placed the order never lived long enough to pay for it, so Tan had mostly kept the helm around as a decoration at this point, as it was some of his finest work that no orc in his village could ever actually use.
It was built for a human-sized head after all. The older orc looked studiously at Aster before he spoke.
"May I ask why? It will fully function as a protective helm as intended, but I’m a bit surprised you even noticed this piece or why you would want it. I once put many weeks of labor into perfecting this ware, so it isn’t like I don’t see the appeal... The ears were the hardest part. Well, those and the teeth..."
Aster smiled at the orc, happy to answer.
"Well, for one, I do need to be able to blend in better... Eventually, we will reach places I may need to hide, places being revealed as a human could bring more harm to my prince or allies. This piece seems pretty convenient to hide beneath, and it kind of adds a layer of belief considering the design. If anyone asks, I’m just another beast of Alora beneath the mask... Got a bad burn or something. I know it’s a tad ironic... But..." Aster trailed off. Stahl finally chimed in.