By the time they returned to the blacksmith's shop, Rion and Maria had finally gotten over Ezra's past entanglements, deciding they'd press him for more details later.
Frank looked up, noticing them coming in, and stood from the forge, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"There you are!"
He hurried over to the front counter and pulled out two items from beneath it. The first was a sack of nails, which he carefully handed to Ezra lest he poke himself. The second was Ezra's hammer, now reinforced and looking brand new.
Frank ducked under the counter once more before emerging with a small wooden box.
"And this one's for you."
He turned to Rion, who accepted the box and slowly opened it.
Inside was the ring.
It had a polished metal loop with a small red gem set into its center, sparkling in the light. It was beautiful.
"Is this... a ruby?" Ezra asked.
Frank nodded.
"A mana-infused ruby. If properly infused, it'll calm any excess mana splitting off and draw it back toward wherever you're wearing the ring."
Rion's smile widened as he quickly slipped the ring onto his finger. Raising his hand, he drew some raw magic into his palm.
Sure enough, it felt easier to control.
It wasn't life-changing, but it definitely helped.
I wonder how much better a larger ruby would help, Rion thought. Though I'm sure that'd cost a fortune.
"Thank you, Mr. Frank," Rion said with a huge smile.
Frank grinned. "Frank is fine."
He then turned to Maria.
"Sorry I couldn't make you anything, missy."
Maria quickly waved her hands in front of her.
"No, no don't worry about it... although after we beat the wyvern, don't be surprised if I come back to ask for something."
Frank chuckled. "I'll be waiting."
Ezra stepped forward and clasped Frank's hand.
"We're off now. Wish us luck."
Frank gave him a firm nod. "You've got this."
With one final wave goodbye, Lost Keep departed.
Frank watched them leave before looking up at the ceiling.
He wasn't exactly the religious type, but he sighed, clasped his hands together, and quietly prayed. "If there are any gods out there... please watch over them."
----
They stopped by Ezra's house one last time on their way to the Mines.
Ezra's mother was already waiting outside.
Ezra jogged over to her. "Ma, how long have you been standing out here?"
She shook her head. "That's not important right now, Ezra."
She stepped closer and, standing on her tiptoes, gently cupped his face. "My sweet boy..."
Tears welled in her eyes, though she managed to hold them back. "Stay safe... I love you."
Ezra sniffled. "L-love you too, Ma."
With that he wrapped her in a long embrace.
When they finally pulled apart, she turned to Rion and Maria, taking each of their hands.
"You two stay safe as well. You're going to love my breakfast tomorrow morning."
Rion and Maria smiled, their eyes becoming glassy.
They each stepped forward and hugged her.
"EZRA'S MOM!"
"MRS. RAIN!"
Ezra watched the three of them, laughing.
With their final goodbyes behind them, Lost Keep set off toward the Hearan Mines.
(And thus, Lost Keep's adventure continues…)