A moment came, an odd moment, where Erasmus felt they could wish something for Alek. It was easy for the vampire, to figure out what to wish for, because it was something they had thought of but knew not how to fulfill.

I wish Alek had a good purpose to occupy him while he waits for Onyx-Three, Erasmus would wish, knowing how unfulfilled Alek had sounded, how uncertain he was about what to do.

It was a simple wish, yet not simple at all.

The magic that came over in the moment was familiar to Alek, and he wanted to wish for something good for Erasmus, but he lacked an exact wish for half a second.

But then Alek recalled Erasmus's easy compassion, mourning over a dead gembound they had never even met, cradling the Hiddenite close.

I wish Erasmus's kind and gentle heart stays safe, for at least a while longer, Alek wished, unsure how to fulfill this wish himself.

They were separate now, even if they would always be family to each other.

old friends and new - echoes of wishes

A moment passed: a beat as if of thought, but it was not conscious thought. Instead, their intent, their very Will, pressed through that magic and shaped it.

A suit of armor clinked gently to the ground about a foot to the left of Erasmus. It had come from nowhere visible, yet it seemed perfectly fitted to their body. It was a full set: helmet, chestplate, legs, boots, gloves. Soft leather straps fitted shining white metal, gilded with gold and inlayed with polished ivory. It was, however, lightweight. It would not hinder movement overmuch, yet likewise, its physical protection was mediocre. Scrapes and bruises might be blocked, but a determined blunt hit would badly dent it. No; its power lay in something other, something Erasmus would sense instinctively. There was latent magic in it, a magic that would be drawn forth only through enchanting. Once the item was enchanted by another Gembound, this would develop its powers. But it was up to Erasmus to find an enchanter; and it was up to them to choose what magic they wished to empower it with.

Alek would feel something wholly different. A distant, weary, sad call for aid. A help that he could provide, if he so wished it.

A vision, a glimpse of Tunnel M: of a series of five red ancient gemstones in pillar formation, and a weary, four-eared creature struggling to press a heavy, gray stone upright. She pushed back, as though exhausted, her head hanging low.

An odd gift... but purpose ever was.

Unidentified Item!

Erasmus has received an unidentified item from a Wish.

1★ Pureheart Armor A shining, but relatively lightweight, suit of armor of shining silver, polished ivory, and gold. Its full effects are not yet known. A GM should be tagged upon enchanting this item.

☆★★★★★ Pureheart Armor A shining, but relatively lightweight, suit of armor of shining silver, polished ivory, and gold. It provides some physical protection, but a strange magic permeates its metals, as if waiting for something. Its full effects are not yet known. ELEMENT: unknown MAGIC LEVEL: ?? DURABILITY: 100 SPECIAL: This armor is primed for enchantment. MATERIAL: Metals, Ivory ATTACK: N/A ADDED: N/A DEFENSE: N/A WEIGHT: 20 EQUIP: Armor Currently owned by: Erasmus

@Erasmus

Erasmus studied the armor that appeared with a curious air, a knowing somehow that it was special, and it would become more special somehow once magic was applied. Though Erasmus did not like fighting in the least, they could guess at what Alek's wish had been, a wish to protect them. Armor was a protective force, after all.

They would respect that, and they would seek out magic for the armor to make sure it worked to the fullest. But nothing had appeared, at least visually, for Alek, and Erasmus worried their own wish had failed. "Erasmus... wished purpose, to occupy Alek for time," their raspy voice was half a question, half a statement.

Perhaps they had wished something too complex, they worried. They didn't know the rules of wishing, nor had they even known such a thing could occur before it had.

Alek, meanwhile, was startled to receive a vision of the cave. When the vision faded, he observed the armor with a sense of hope that it had special attributes that would keep Erasmus safe. But he did not know, and he did not ask.

Instead, Erasmus spoke up, apparently not having shared in his vision, and stated what they had wished for. And Alek's multi-eyed gaze softened further. "I received a vision," he told Erasmus. "Perhaps it is where I will find purpose. Thank you, Erasmus."

He could almost feel Erasmus's anxiety about having failed, so he was glad he could honestly reassure the vampire. "I will investigate, after I let someone in Chaos Forge know that I will be returning, so Onyx-Three does not worry if he arrives back sooner than later. I hope my own gift to you helps, Erasmus," he said.

But he did not leave right then, soon yes, but not immediately, the two existing beside each other in comfortable peace until they were both ready to part. And when they did, it was with a sense of peace still.

[Exit Alek and Erasmus]