A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

"So what was this very important feature you mentioned?!" an excited Eira exclaimed after they voiced their desire to trust each other.

"It's a surprise," Erik teased with a small smile, knowing Eira would like this feature. "Suffice it to say for now, that this feature will allow me to create the armor like this."

When he finished speaking he snapped his fingers, and the sigil projecting his image flashed.

The projection began to change. First, soft, yet sturdy leather covered his entire projected body, even his feet and hands weren't spared, only the head was. Next, metal bands seemed to be winding themselves around Erik's projected body.

Finally, after a few seconds, the projection was covered in leather and tightly bound in metal bands, forming what was clearly a framework of some kind.

"Instead of my current armor, which consists of several loose pieces, this armor will be a single piece," he explained with a voice that showed his excitement for runesmithing. "After building the framework, I will build all the separate pieces like the chest plate, gauntlets, graves, and so forth. Then, finally, I just have to fasten them to the framework!"

A proud smile had appeared on Erik's face as he talked, clearly happy with his idea. "This way, the armor can be seamlessly integrated, and will have far fewer weaknesses. I can also focus the separate pieces on being sturdy, while the framework will provide all the mobility. Experience tales at mvl

Meanwhile, the framework will be made from materials with the water affinity, to keep flexibility high, and help keep me cool."

"That's… really cool," Eira muttered, seemingly a little confused. "But how are you going to put it on?"

"That's where the special feature I mentioned earlier comes in," Erik smiled mysteriously. "But as I said, that's still a surprise for now. First, let's design this thing."

So, they started a grueling and slow process of incorporating everything they wanted into the armor design.

Erik focused his attention on the practicality of the armor. The most important requirements for him was that it didn't become too bulky. He wanted a lean armor that wouldn't impact his speed or agility too much, even if that meant sacrificing some defense.

Elora, meanwhile, was tasked with ensuring the armor would be a proper medium for Eira, which meant that there had to be a spot to place her core.

At the same time, Erik and Elora also had to work together on placement for sigils and runes. Runes, in this case, were ancient symbols that a smith could brand into their creations.

The fact that these smithing runes looked awfully similar to the runes that appeared on a Runebound's skin was not lost on them. But this was something he and Elora had realized long ago, back on Söl, and while this was certainly interesting information, it also didn't explain anything for now.

Lastly, Eira was most concerned with the aesthetics of the armor, since it was essentially going to be her body and home all in one. Although Erik naturally had a lot of input on his one as well. 'No way am I walking around as some kind of bull-robot,' he chuckled to himself as he looked at one of Eira's more fantastical designs.

After a few hours of work, they were interrupted by the arrival of Emma, who was making good on her earlier threat if he didn't come to bed. Turns out, she preferred to spend the night watching Erik work while serving him food and drinks, rather than sleep.

Of course, Erik didn't have the heart to send her away. 'She's still a first-rank Arcanist,' he sighed while justifying himself. 'She can manage just fine without sleep for one night. Plus… I like having her here.'

After the the night was over and they still weren't done, however, he sent Emily back to her training. Which, albeit begrudgingly and with a pout, she accepted.

Finally, a full fifteen hours after they had started, the design was completed.

Elora had already retreated back to Erik's soul and returned to hibernation by this point, however. After her sigil and medium designs were done, she had little else to do, but still needed to rest.

Despite the fact that Eira had not been entirely happy with many of the design choices she had been forced to accept, now that the armor design was actually finished, she looked at the projection with awe.

"So that will be my new home…" she mumbled and looked at the projection with bright eyes. As a construct, exhaustion was a foreign concept to her.

"Assuming you don't back out in the end, yeah," Erik nodded with a tired smile. "I know it isn't everything you wanted it to be, but I hope its still acceptable."

She turned to Erik a small pout. "I'm not going to back out…" she said with a slightly aggrieved tone. "I'm not saying I'm not a little apprehensive about leaving the place mistress ordered me to manage, but…" she turned back to the armor with bright eyes. "I'm excited to see the world with you!"

'Besides… the alternative is being left behind,' Eira thought sadly to herself, but didn't voice those thoughts. She really was looking forward to this, but the fact that she also didn't really have a choice, did put a damper on it all.

So instead, she sighed, "And I knew from the start you would prioritize function over form, I'm honestly pretty happy with how much you've been willing to listen to my ideas."

Eira hovered near the glowing projection, her usual vibrancy shadowed by a flicker of doubt. "It's just... leaving everything I've known, even for this, it's a lot," she confessed quietly, her gaze fixed on the shining armor that promised so many dreams yet demanded significant changes.

Erik, noticing her hesitation, stepped closer, his voice softening. "I know it's a big step, Eira. But remember, you're not just leaving something behind—you're heading towards something new. And you won't be doing it alone."

"I know!" she exclaimed, as she turned to Erik with a bright smile, showing him she was fine.

"Good," Erik smiled slightly, before suddenly yawning. "Anyway, I'm going to get some sleep. Tomorrow I'll first create an alloy from the stormsilver and wintercrystal, and than I'll get to work on forging the armor. In a few days, you'll have your new home."

With those words, he left Eira behind to go find his bed and get a few hours of rest in. While his body could go without sleep for a very long time, his mind still needed some rest after almost two days of constant work.

Besides, he wanted to be clear-headed for the actual forging.

Meanwhile, Eira stayed and watched the projection of her new home for a little while longer. Her mind filled with the prospect of the action and adventure she would find out in the world.