Tamosmed balked for a moment before he could reply.
“Forgemaster, did you hear what I said? Or is it just that hard to believe? I know it’s hard to fathom but believe me, I conducted every test possible, every test you developed. I saw the crafting with my own eyes, I verified the golem’s nature, and I put the slime through the autonomous crafting test. This is real.”
Forgemaster Ughlarer scoffed.
“You’re missing the point, forge adept. No smith of any forge I speak for will have anything to do with the humans. I don’t care what their slimes are doing.”
Tamosmed’s jaw dropped.
“Are…are you serious? You would forgo true, autonomous slime crafting, the great desire of our people, just because the one who figured it out is human?”
The forgemaster’s face turned dark.
“See, there it is. The temptation the humans always offer. Always ambitious, always pushing the limits, heedless of the consequences since they won’t be around long enough to suffer them. Promising the world, not knowing what it is they say. The last time the fair folk gave into that temptation and shared our knowledge, the humans doomed the world, unleashing the Hunger. I won’t stand for it, not again, no matter what the human claims to offer us.”
Tamosmed glared at him.
“And…from what you’ve told me, we don’t have time to wait.”
Nenavann grimaced and shook his head.
He crossed his arms behind his back and turned to face the window of his office, looking out over the sea once more as he organized his thoughts.
“Forgemaster Ughlarer solidifying his opposition against Belissar certainly presents us with a problem. The man has been a rock for the Compact since before its signing and we depend on the resources and crafts his people produce. If he is this firmly opposed then the others will hesitate. Even if we can still convince them, this will cause them to take their time deliberating. We may not be able to convince them to engage with Belissar before the Tower Lords arrive.”
Nenavann turned, looked at Tarwantrad, and raised an eyebrow.
“We have but one choice. We need another ally among the signatories, one with as much influence as the forgemaster. One who can influence anyone, even the forgemaster.”
Tarwantrad tilted her head…and then her eyes suddenly widened.
“…no. You don’t mean…”
Nenavann nodded. Tarwantrad immediately began to shake her head.
Nenavann remained unmoving.
“There is no other choice, Tarwantrad. Besides, I’ve asked every member of the Circle to offer Belissar a boon. He will meet her eventually.”
Tarwantrad kept shaking her head.
“You know what she’s like, what she always said she wanted! He’s not ready to handle her!”
Nenavann gave a helpless smile and a shrug.
He then steeled his expression once more, looking Tarwantrad in the eyes.
“And you cannot shield him from her forever. If we want the Compact to accept him, he must interact with all of its members. This is necessary, Tarwantrad. It is what we are working towards."
Tarwantrad stopped shaking her head, though she kept frowning.
Tamosmed threw his hands up.
“Hang it, Tarwantrad! I’ve been disowned by my own father and stripped of every title and commendation save dungeon master! And you know what? I’m taking it on the chin because I believe it’s necessary! But it’s all going to be for naught if those Hunger-loving humans come and take the one of their number we’ve decided to trust! We’re doing this to save Belissar, so surely he can handle it even if it goes poorly! Whatever he loses to her will pale in comparison to what he will lose if he can’t stop the humans!”
Tarwantrad took a step back as Tamosmed shouted at her and then hung her head. She took a deep breath and let out a long sigh.
“…you’re right. Fine. I’ll introduce Belissar to…the pixie princess.”
Nenavann gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her shoulder.