In the Stonefort's mess hall cheers and shouts of celebration could be heard, as soldiers and civilians alike drank to their hearts content. Unfortunately, the evil never rest - and so, there is no rest for the good either. At best, both forces achieve an interlude... a fragile Balance, hanging on a razor wire.

The news that two heroes had nearly singlehandedly lifted the demonic siege spread around quite quickly, most likely due to the fact that every person present in the Fort had been living there for years already and thus were intimately familiar with each other. Cheers and celebrations could be heard as wine flowed, massive feasts were served and bards competed against each other in order to see who was the best drunken singer.

Unfortunately however, for two solitary figures sitting in a quiet corner of the hall the time to relax had not yet arrived. They would have to make do with a quick nap and eating during their discussion on yesterday's events, as well as what they could possibly be a premonition of...

"Crusader... what do you make of the beast that we fought yesterday? In all my years as a Necromancer I haven't seen anything quite like it... " uttered one of the figures to the other. "Well, first off... we've been through so much together by now that we might as well start using each other's names. Unless you are too shy, of course, " replied the other man whilst flashing a cheeky grin. As the man was taking a swig from his tankard, the Necromancer sighed - it was at times like these that the Crusader really irked him. For all his power and the responsibilities that he shouldered, he still tended to act the part of a really, really snarky prankster at times. How much of that was a facade, the Necromancer could not tell however...

Just before he could formulate an annoyed response, the Crusader spoke again. "The name is Whitestrake, Crusader of the Zakarum and Akarat's Chosen. I used to have a different name, but I have long since cast away that identity in order to serve the faith... a story that is best saved for another time. As for your question, unfortunately I am as clueless as you are right now. What I can tell you for sure however, is that the holy energy used by that... " - the Crusader made a disgusted face - " THING... was somehow different to the element the Paladins, Crusaders as well as the Monks of Ivgorod use. Almost as if it were tainted with infernal energy... " The Necromancer frowned as if deep in thought, before replying once more. "Could you elaborate on that? For example, how do you channel holy energies in combination wih fire and lightning? I thought it was impossible to use anything BUT holy or shadow magic once you are attuned to either. My own elemental knowledge is rather limited right now and mayhaps your explanation will help me reach a new understanding on this phenomenon. "

The Crusader finished the piece of bread in his hand whilst giving the Necromancer a thumbs up. "Well, I assume you know how the elements in general work ? Base elements of nature, and all that? When one casts or utilizes one of the base elements, they are in fact calling upon Sanctuary's natural forces: Fire, Cold, Lightning. This much you likely already know. However - Holy, Shadow, Arcane and Poison are different. This, you likely know as well. " The Necromancer nodded and waited for the Crusader to finish yet another swig of his tankard. Setting the tankard down once more and pushing it to the side, he continued on with the explanation. "Honestly, I think the Wizard that fought alongside you against Malthael can explain you the specifics a lot better then I can. I'll try my best however. " Clearing his throat, the Crusader waited untill he received an affirming nod from his colleague. "That being said, I'd heard tell that the element of Arcane is actually the power of Time and Space given form - neither being inherently evil or good. Which brings me to Holy and Shadow... these two elements are by definition good and evil, bound to their respective realms of the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. As for the remaining elements... I have no idea, to be honest. Now, friend... Tell me - have you ever seen an icicle or a poison cloud infused with holy magic? " The Necromancer thought for a minute and realized he could not think of any such combination.

"I thought as such. From what Deckard Cain once told me - Akarat bless his soul - this is because Poison and Cold are considered 'evil' elements, mostly wreaking destruction instead of creating or something like that. Fire can be harnessed for mankind's progress and well-being, so it's considered one of the good elements along with Lightning. " The Necromancer nodded. "Certain elements being considered 'evil' is not new to me - pray tell, what does it have to do with how you channel - "
The Crusader held up his hand and stopped the Necromancer before he could finish his sentence. "We'll get to that later. Now where was I... ah, right. Good and evil elements. As I just stated - arcane is the most neutral of the elements, having existed far before any of the currently known realms came into being. This also allows it to be fused with any of the other elements, or transmuted to other elements. Take, for example, some of the things your Wizard companion managed to pull off - transmuting arcane spells into different elements and such... This is made possible because arcane energy innately contains neither shadow nor holy influences, unlike aforementioned good and evil elements. " The Crusader stopped for a moment, apparently pondering on how to continue, before resuming. "Something similar can be done with both shadow and holy magic as well... For example, shadow magic will not react very well to holy energy or any of the 'good' elements, and vice versa. However, when combined with an element of the same inclination the resulting energy is 'purified' of its impurities. It's the reason why Crusaders are capable of creating holy lightning and holy fire; by purifying the base elements with aforementioned holy energy one can destroy any and all traces of infernal energy, in effect fusing two pure elements. In the case of the holy element it's something only the most dedicated and true such as Crusaders, Paladins as well as the Monks of Ivgorod are taught... " The Necromancer once more gave the warrior a inquisitive look, and immediately got a response from the Crusader, all the while being shown one of his trademark cocky smiles. "The reason only certain people can pull it off is because of a couple of reasons. Most people have one or three elemental affinities. People with an inclination towards shadow and holy, however, tend to be disadvantaged when it comes to using the other elements. Which is how the stereotype you were led to believe in came to be, I suppose. Aside from that... a certain purity of heart is required to wield holy energies. Which is one of the many reasons why shadow and holy usually don't mix... " The Crusader ordered another tankard whilst the Necromancer mulled over the knowledge the man had just passed on to him. "I'd like to add one thing though - the Crusaders and Paladins of the Zakarum, and the Monks of Ivgorod are the only ones known thus far who have actually learnt to weaponize holy energies as its own element... most people - even those with the required inclinations, training and purity of heart - need to dilute the holy element with a base element such as fire, creating a hybrid weakened to the point that a fully fire-based attack is stronger. I'd imagine the same goes for the Demon Hunters and their shadow magic, though I haven't had the time to ask during the sacking of the High Heavens by Diablo... " The table fell silent as Whitestrake raised his tankard and started chugging.

Finally, the Necromancer was once more the person to break the silence. "As enlightening as the treatise on the elements was, that still does not explain why it could absorb your light-infused attacks. Or USE the element for that matter, with how much foul and evil magic was radiating from it." The man named Whitestrake put his mug down once more and started to formulate a response. "I guess it may be the same general principle as a nephalem's strength. Two opposites combined, granting even greater strength and canceling each other's weaknesses. Remember, we have no idea how this guy was created... for all we know someone has managed to find a way to combine angels and demons, " finished the Crusader whilst grabbing another piece of bread. "Also, you really are the shy type aren't you? " Ignoring the Crusader's lighthearted jab and taking a sip of his own pint, the Necromancer replied. "That is as valid a theory as any, I suppose. We will have to find someone knowledgable to see if it holds any stock. As for the necromantic abilities it exhibited... perhaps it used to be a Master Necromancer before it was turned into the monstrosity it ended up dying as... " Getting up from the table, he turned away from Whitestrake. "...And you may call me Goran. Master Necromancer and one of the chosen priests of Rathma. Now if you'll excuse me, I must pick up my equipment from the Vecin Mystic... I had commisioned a transmogrification for my mask, as well as a certain enchantment. " The Crusader nodded in acknowledgement. "Very well, Goran. Say hi to Miriam for me, will you? I need to retrieve my equipment as well, so I shall be heading towards the smith first. My weapons and armor were pretty banged up... " The Necromancer nodded in response and started walking away. The Crusader, on his part, cleaned the table and sat down to ruminate on past events a bit more.

Afterwards he started making his way to the main hall of the Stonefort, where a temporary smithy's forge was located. A brusque man could be seen, speaking in a somewhat annoyed tone to a young man, who appeared to be his apprentice. "No, no, no lad! I swear, this sword you are forging is going to be so brittle it won't even penetrate a lacuni's fingertip beofre falling apart. Do it again, and make sure this time to not let it cool off this much! " The young man nodded and started to get to work again, though this time looking rather dejected. Whitestrake raised his hand and gave the man a quick wave. "Haedrig! Still reminding me of the traumas I ended up suffering because of my old master I see. You really ought to give the kid a break - he's going to die of a stress-induced heart attack before he can learn your
craft, " stated the Crusader whilst chuckling. Haedrig turned around and returned the gesture with one of his own before speaking. "Hello there friend... I suppose you are here for your gear? Don't mind the boy - he has talent but he has to learn some bloody discipline... reminds me of my previous apprentice, gods rest his soul... " grumbled the blacksmith. Whitestrake feigned a look of surprise whilst recoiling. "Don't tell me... you were secretly a Vecin Mystic in hiding as well? " Haedrig let out an exasperated sigh and answered with a dour face. "Friend, I really wish you'd be more serious. But first off, how'd that makeshift set work out for you? "

The Crusader's signature flail and armour had been damaged during the trip to the fortress. The Necromancer and the Crusader had encountered scouts of the Angelic host and, at the time, did not yet realize they were hostile. This allowed them to get the drop on the duo and whilst they were quickly dispatched, they managed to give the two warriors quite a beating. Thus, he had to rely on makeshift equipment cobbled together by the smithy during the siege. Luckily enough, his shield - a legendary Crusader artifact named Jekangbord - was practically undamagable and thus he still retained some efficiency. Losing his shield as well would have been an issue - as most shields that were not custom-made for Crusaders could not bear the strength of their abilities, most regular shields were of limited use before breaking.

Whitestrake answered with an slightly annoyed look. "Well, for one the balance on both the armour and the hammer were both a bit off. The hammer did somehow manage to survive my enhancements and strength, however. As such, you deserve praise for that. It would appear that discussing metallurgy and alchemy with a wizard has greatly improved your ability to create and maintain items like these, something I can only commend. And I do take things seriously... it's just the way we Crusaders treat things, I suppose. At a certain point you'll have seen so many things during the crusade that you stop being surprised at anything at all and start seeing humour in any and all situations. " The blacksmith nodded in acknowledgement and motioned for the Crusader to follow him into an armoury, leading him towards a stand on which the Crusader's repaired armour rested. Shining brightly with an impossible-to-miss sheen, it consisted of a set of heavy black armour with white cloth woven into the chestplate. The cloth bore the holy symbol of the Crusaders, furnished with the finest black silk. The craftsmanship on the rest of the armour was impeccable as well, radiating a sense of divinity and stout resolve to all who beheld it.

Whitestrake took a look at it and whistled approvingly, placing his hand on the armour and inspecting every nook and cranny of it. "Colour me impressed, Haedrig. I already knew the ladies call you Mister Miracle, but it would appear that the order of Crusaders will have to do the same. To think that you managed to restore it from that torn-up state... you have my eternal gratitude, friend. " The blacksmith smiled. "Think nothing of it, friend. I have bad news regarding your weapon however - it was so utterly damaged neither might nor magic could fix it. " Whitestrake raised an eyebrow in response. "Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to like this? What happened to the remains of my master's flail? " The blacksmith coughed and offered up a nervous smile. "Well... you are wearing it right now. Myriam and I reforged Hellhewer into the missing materials needed for your armour. " Haedrig continued on whilst the Crusader was inspecting the set, describing the procedures he'd utilized during the repairs, its quality, and anything else he could think of. "I have a feeling - nay, I stake my pride as a smith on it! - that you can pass down this armour to your apprentice and, in time, it will become as legendary as the one wearing it. One more thing, by the way... It appears that during the reforging, aside from the general strengthening it received from the enchanted steel, it also inherited Hellhewer's ability to emit scorning holy light when enemies draw near. "

Whitestrake displayed a pleased grin. "Haedrig my man, if I were a woman I would have married you already - such is the extent of my gratitude. But unfortunately, the only gifts I can offer in return are my continued patronage and the honour of christening this armour - for it is because of you, that it now unifies the legacy of both my master's flail and his own late master's armour. You have not just assisted me - you have left the Crusaders a new set of relics to be passed down. " The blacksmith found it impossible not to crack a smile at the praise he was receiving from the stout Crusader. "Well, " said Haedrig whilst rubbing a speck of dust off of the chestplate, "First off - you do me too much honour. I would have helped you even if I hadn't known you were a Crusader. Second, I am one of the many indebted to you for your help during the attack in New Tristram. And aside from that... friends should assist each other, right? " The blacksmith started to sink into thoughts as his ally - nay, friend - Whitestrake nodded, all whilst comfortable silence descended upon them. An enthusiastic murmur eventually shattered the comfortable silence between the friends as Haedrig started to grin. "How does the name Silver Abyss sound? " After what may have been almost a minute of deep consideration Whitestrake nodded in agreement. Putting his hand to his chest in a gesture of salutation whilst straightening his posture, he formulated his reply. "Very well. Henceforth, I swear - Akarat and Akkhan as my witnesses - that my armour shall from this day onward be known as Hellhewer's Silver Abyss. You have done me a great service, friend. One that I may not be able to repay. " As the friends exchanged firm handshakes, the smithy had some words of his own to say. "And nor do you need to, friend. Just promise me you will keep fighting for a better world. " After letting the smith's last words sink in and exchanging some general talk, the two said their farewells.

By now the Crusader had suited up and donned his new armour. It was a strange sensation to be sure - tradition dictated that Crusaders took up the gear of their fallen masters. In a way, he was still adhering to that tradition - yet in his own unique way, unifying old and new as the armour contained quite a few of his own designs as well, alongside the fragments of his master's ( and his master's master's ) gear. Whitestrake decided it was something worth pondering on, but not at the moment. Thus, he headed to the Vecin Mystic, a kind and mysterious woman named Myriam. No sooner had he arrived there - as her workplace was located in the same hall but on the opposite side - than did he hear a kindly voice calling out. "Celdo, how sweet of you to come say hi to old Myriam. Have you come for more stories or are you here for business like your colleague was? " The Crusader flashed her a bright smile. "Both, Myriam. I wish to thank you for assisting Haedrig in forging Silver Abyss. I was wondering about it's properties as well... " The Vecin mystic raised her hand as if to swat away the thanks she received. "Nonsense Celdo. No need to thank me. I merely thought it would be beneficial to all of us if dear Haedrig could utilize some of my arts, for I may soon have to return to my people. " The Crusader froze in his tracks and had a rather peculiar expression on his face. "Indeed? How come? " "Now now, young one. It is not proper to ask a woman about her secrets, " Myriam replied - complete with her trademark cheeky smile and a wink.

If there was one person whom the Crusader could not fool - or tease with his usual snarky antics, for that matter - it was Myriam. Having met her after arriving in the Stonefort during the siege, she immediately took to him as a loving mother. Something that rather embarassed the Crusader, for he was used to acting tough - such things as friendships and families were not conductive to the crusade, and often ended in tragedy and pain for all parties involved... As such, he had developed a rather thick facade that he, only since he had gained his own apprentice, had managed to even slightly lower. "Celdo, you cannot fool me. I know - as well as your other friends do by now - that the Crusade is not the only reason you keep fighting. " Whitestrake let out a nervous laugh and held his hands up in the air, as a sign of capitulation. "Alright. You got me. Should've known this would happen though, considering you are one of the only people I - not entirely voluntarily, might I add - end up lowering my guard for... " The old woman let out a hearty laugh and replied after she was done laughing. "Celdo, you know this to be nonsense as well. I saw right through you, from the beginning. You may pretend to be a big strong man, but deep inside you are still a softie. " Nervously coughing, Whitestrake ended up trying to change the subject a couple of times. But the mystic was as tenacious as she was wise, and it was about 30 minutes later that he finally managed to steer her away from the embarassing subject.

"As far as I can see, Celdo... " Myriam stated whilst observing the armour worn by the Crusader, " It has indeed absorbed the effects of the flail. However, I sense something else entirely as well... the spirits of your master and the masters before him have blessed it. You can likely expect the armour to become even stronger. How and why, however, I cannot tell you at the moment... I can give you the basics but that will be it. " Whitestrake nodded and started to absorb the information, learning that only by wearing in battle it would accumulate enough energy to have its latent potential unlocked. As to why this change had happened, she could not tell - though knowing her second sight, she might be hiding something. After a round of discussing smaller things, the Crusader had to leave or risk missing lunch again. Bidding her a heartfelt farewell, Miriam replied "Farewell Celdo! Come visit my village if you happen to nearby. " After thanking the mystic once more and wishing her Akarat's blessings, he turned on his heel only to be greeted by a familiar Necromancer. "Goran!To what do I owe this honour? Fetching new mask by the way. Really like the skull design. Brings out... eh... your... deathly... errrrr... charm? "

Before the Crusader could finish his sentence, the Necromancer interrupted with a serious expression.

"Forget it, Whitestrake. We have to go. Time is wasting. "

Author's Notes

Probably my personal favourite chapter to write so far - I had a blast writing the character interactions whilst trying to keep them in character.
I'd appreciate it if you guys could let me know if I succeeded and / or point out what could use some work.

And that about takes care of the reformatting / cleaning of these three chapters! To keep a long story short for those new ( or just too plain lazy to read the notes ) to this fic - due to circumstances I was forced to write these chapters using the mobile app for Android. Which, as far as I'm concerned at the very least - is a lot better suited for reading then the actual writing. Formatting ended up all over the place, though it looked good on paper...

Which, of course, you only notice when it's already published and you read it once more to see how the readers will see it... -_-

At any rate, I spent a bit of time correcting the formatting, grammar and rewriting certain other things in these three chapters ( since I can finally work with a friggin' keyboard and mouse again ). As such, I hope to start on chapter 4 soon. In the meanwhile... thank you for reading! Please leave a review - it would be much appreciated as this is my very first fanfic and I could use the input. Dito for any questions or suggestions - I may be able to find some use for them or answer any questions you have.

Till the next time, folks!

14th of September 2017: Hopefully the final revision. Changed some things so they would make more sense, and fleshed things out a bit. Aside from that - general layout edits, as well as slight grammar changes.