Soulweaving training is going well. Under Tomix's tutelage, the Hero's skills are growing and while the training is nothing like the 'traditional' teachings offered at Edelia – what with both Tomix and the Hero using their SpiritLooms in battle making them considered Chaosweavers under Edelia's rules – it works well for the two of them, with Tomix mostly focusing on the combat side, due to the Hero's profession, but also working on the more artisan side, and the Hero learns quickly every time they travel down to Ravenloss to meet up with the Soulweaver.
"Soulweaving is an art," Tomix explained to the Hero. "It can be used in combat, as we are training to do, and to help with afflictions of the soul, as was the case with your friend Vayle and the Darkness Orb, but it is mostly used for creation. Soulwoven clothes are always a perfect fit and they will never tear."
"Sounds useful," the Hero grinned, looking down at the basic Soulweaver's uniform they were wearing, which the two of them had managed to acquire when they visited the Weaver's Emporium to forge the Hero's SpiritLooms. "Are we going to make some Soulwoven clothes, Tomix?"
"That is the intention," Tomix replied. "We may be focusing on combat but I would like for you to learn all aspects of Soulweaving if possible. Pandora can help as well, but my goal for you is to be able to weave your own uniform; to make it yours. First, allow me to demonstrate the technique."
The Hero nodded eagerly, their whole attention focused on Tomix as the Soulweaver inhaled and exhaled deeply, his hands flexing with SoulThreads forming around them – the same colour as his soul-hands – before moving rapidly, muttering a low incantation, as the SoulThreads spun and interwove with each other, before shimmering as Tomix finished his incantation, revealing that they had formed a belt.
Tomix handed it to the Hero, who whistled appreciatively. "For you, my friend. Woven with a small segment here," he indicated a part of the belt with three spaced out studs, "that should work well to hold Pandora's cube."
"Thank you Tomix," the Hero breathed, threading the belt through their fingers. "This is perfect. Pandora, what do you think?"
The cube by their side let out the now familiar flash of yellow light that heralded Pandora's arrival and the Elemental Spirit leaned close to examine the belt. "A simple yet effective design, woven with the skill that befits such a Master Soulweaver. And you're correct; it will do well to hold the cube." Turning to Tomix, she bowed her head in thanks. "I agree with the Hero, Tomix, it is perfect. Thank you."
Tomix coughed and moved as if to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. "You're both welcome," he said a little gruffly before clearing his throat. "So that was a basic weaving technique. I shall walk you through the movements and the incantation, and as I said earlier, Pandora can help, and then we can potentially look to attempt some weaving."
"Sure thing, Tomix!" the Hero chirped, jumping to their feet as Pandora disappeared back into her cube after directing an appreciative smile at the Soulweaver.
Tomix laughed. "You are very eager to learn, Hero."
"Because I have a great teacher," the Hero grinned.
Of course, despite their frequent visits to Ravenloss, the Hero still has pressing matters to deal with on the surface, the most important of which being their race against Sepulchure for the Elemental Orbs, but they also have what they call their 'day-to-day heroing', be that helping around Falconreach or questing outside the town. Sometimes it seems that they barely get any time to themself…
"Hero," Pandora folded her arms as the Hero jumped and glanced round a little guiltily, their hand still raised to push the door of their house open. "Where do you think you're going? You've only just got back from removing the ghosts in Serenity's Inn."
"I know, Pandora," the Hero rubbed the back of their neck. "But I heard about some bandits in Surewould Forest…"
"Bandits that can be taken care of by Robina the Hood or the Knights," Pandora replied, her expression softening. "Your desire and drive to help people is something I admire deeply about you, Hero. After all, you helped me in the Plane of Elemental Spirits when no one else bar Aegis would. But you need time to rest, to look after yourself. Go and make yourself a warm drink, curl up on the sofa with your dragon and relax. After all, it wouldn't do any good if you were too exhausted to be able to help others with their problems, would it?"
"No…" the Hero admitted, lowering their hand and turning away from the door. "You're right, Pandora. I probably should have a break. I'll go change out of my armour. Maybe we can have one of our talks? We haven't been able to for ages."
"I would like that very much," Pandora smiled as she watched the Hero make their way to their room. Since they had met in the Plane of Elemental Spirits, their bond had been growing ever stronger as they spent more time together, whether it was during Soulweaving training with Tomix or the chats that the Hero mentioned, where the three of them (Pandora, the Hero and the Dragon, who was usually snoozing) would sit and talk for as long as it was safe for Pandora to be out of her cube. Pandora can't remember much of her life from before she was an Elemental Spirit, but she can tell the Hero about the vast landscapes and the ethereal beauty of the Plane of Elemental Spirits (at least, the parts she's been able to explore before something inevitably goes wrong and she has to return to her domain) and the Hero can tell her about all the adventures they had prior to meeting her.
Pandora cares for the Hero deeply, almost maternally. They were one of the first and only beings to see her for who she was, rather than just the First Chaosweaver and Elemental Spirit of Woe, and she adores their company and how they're so willing to help anyone who needs it (even if she does have to remind them to take care of themselves as well). And the Hero cares for Pandora as well, listening with rapt attention to her stories and advice, and loving weaving with her under Tomix's watchful eye.
And of course, where there's the Hero, there's also the Dragon.
"Strictly speaking, I'm meant to be evil," the Dragon commented to Pandora, the bond with the Hero allowing her to understand draconic.
"I know exactly what you mean," Pandora replied, as the two of them watched the Hero training the new skills they had learned in DragonsGrasp in between solving the mystery of Vilmor. "Theoretically, as the founder of Chaosweaving and the Elemental Spirit of Woe, I should probably also be evil. And I think I may have been, back when I was alive. I can't remember my old life, but I know I released the Seven Corrupt Spirits so I probably caused some sort of misery."
"And I'm the dragon from the Black Dragon Box, prophesised to destroy the world," the Dragon nodded, exhaling smoke. "But even though it seems that we should be evil, we're not."
"We're not," Pandora agreed. "Our bonds with the Hero and us helping them allows us to subvert these expectations and do good instead of harm."
"Yeah!" the Dragon chirped, beating their wings. "Of course, being the World Destroyer, I'm still very important and high ranking and powerful."
"Oh of course," Pandora bowed her head, eyes twinkling. "Truly one of the mightiest dragons on Lore, nay, in the universe!"
"Precisely!" the Dragon said, puffing themselves up. "I'm glad you recognise my stature, Pandora! And offerings are always appreciated."
"Why naturally," Pandora laughed. "Although as an Elemental Spirit I am unable to provide the likes of scratches and such."
"Persuading the Hero to give me more Dragon Snax will suffice," the Dragon smirked.
Things were relatively peaceful for the Hero, the Dragon and Pandora as they continued with their Soulweaver training, pleasing Tomix with their proficiency in combat and getting more used to the artisan side of Soulweaving, until one day when the Hero pushed open the door to their house and made a beeline for their armour closet.
"We've had an urgent letter from Guardian Fortuna. Gorgok has returned. We need to go to Willowshire!"
Disclaimer: DragonFable is owned by Artix Entertainment.
