"Congratulations, Auntie." Aran needed sheer willpower to hold back his laughter as he hugged her. "It's a staff!"
***
To avoid any future trouble, Menadion introduced the new Sage Staff to the rest of the family. Everyone who knew about Solus' real nature understood the truth and avoided glancing at Jirni and Orion before congratulating Ripha.
Ryla and Garrik had little understanding of the Forgemastering arts, yet they still found in poor taste the use of Balor's eyes for the artifact.
"Ewww!" The young Fomor said. "That's disgusting, Uncle Lith. Balors are still humans, you know?"
"Meanie!" The Sage Staff sobbed, shedding fat elemental tears from its eyes. "Garrik no friend. Garrik bad!"
"It talks?" Everyone said in surprise.
"Yes." Solus scratched her head in embarrassment. "It's still young, so cut it some slack and don't be surprised if the Staff says something silly."
