Walker was still worried while he waited for the system to respond to his all around appraisal skill, what he saw pop up was enough to stop his heart for a moment.
'Earth dwelling shield (occupied)
+25 def, +20Mdef, +35hp, mana storage: 50, Earth fortress skill
This is a first of its kind dwelling weapon. This creation came from the union of a spirit and a master smith. The earth elemental mana is drawn to this hexagonal spiked shield constantly. There is a strong bond with elemental earth mana allowing an earth elemental spirit to freely bond and rest with the shield. The skill earth fortress can only be used by the wielder when the spirit is present. The earth elemental mana constantly enhances the shield's defensive abilities and even adds to the wielder's hit points through mana replenishment.
Earth fortress- 5 mana cost from shields' mana storage
The earth will form near instantaneous walls in relation to the elemental spirits activation of the skill. The walls will completely encompass the wielder. The earth elemental spirit can instantly crumble the walls when needed. Using this skill increases defense by ten and magical defense by ten. This skill is unique to certain systems that involve high control of earth elemental mana.'
Walker ever so slowly read this out loud. His breath was caught up in his throat when he spoke of the elemental spirit being able to dwell within the shield at will for rest. That meant that it could also leave the shield when it desired. "Walker?" Gil saw that Walker had lowered his face. He had cupped it in his hands and was breathing heavily.
After a few moments, Walker raised his head and showed a bright smile with only a few traces of tears. "We didn't trap a spirit. We didn't forcefully bind an elemental spirit. We didn't burn anyones' soul. We succeeded in something new. It may not be a sentient weapon but we have something amazing." His laughter started breaking away the tension. He was overjoyed that things had turned out in the best possible way.
"I thought…" Gil shook his head feeling that his shoulders were free from all the weight he had not even realized. After scanning the room Gil even found that Midnight had come right behind Walker and was still frozen on the spot without moving. She was shivering slightly.
"Sorry, I was just a little surprised. Then when I felt all the stress melt away I realized I had just risked my very being. But this...is amazing." Walker had put himself back together and realized he had let his emotions take control. Walker reached back and softly placed a hand on Midnights' head. "I am sorry for worrying you. I know that I just stopped your heart. Please let me apologize properly."
Midnight came back to life after feeling Walkers' touch. She leaned in to his hand and shuddered slightly. She thought that this entire process was about to result in the loss of her family member. The person she held the most trust in out of everyone she had ever met in her life. The person that she held most dear.
While Walker and Midnight had a moment to themselves, Gil was able to turn his attention to the elder who was still looking at the earth dwelling shield. It appeared that he could not believe what he was looking at. The look of wonder and awe was still plain to see.
"That is real you know. My brother is willing to put his soul up for bet if that shield means dwarves will come together for a better future. We may not be blood related but we are family and share more than I can say. So what do you have to say?" Gil waited for the response that was sure to come.
Hearing Gil the elder moved his working arm and looked at the other, "We really managed to live then. I can't believe this just happened. I forged with a spirit and created the most powerful weapon I have ever held…." The elder was still partially convinced he was in some form of a dream. This may not be a true sentient weapon that he and the dwarves dreamed of but it was very close to what they had strived for.
"I have been part of something that has brought my people closer to our goals. I still have more to the quest i was given. I must research more and craft more. I need you to stay, or someone who can speak to spirits at my side." Believing more that this was reality, the elder was already planning the next forging endeavors. Now that there was a new avenue to explore it needed to be done.
Walker finished his moment with Midnight and it appeared that he had made some promises to apologize to her. She was much happier and wanted to stick right by his side while he moved to speak to the elder. "First let me check on the spirit. I am sure it is tired."
Walker softly touched the shield and felt the earth elemental mana steadily being pulled in to it. This was the spirit bringing itself back to full strength after using a lot of its' mana reserves. "Hey, are you alright in there?"
There was a fluctuation in the earth elemental mana and a small clay body started to build itself on the ground. Walker could feel the mana from the elemental spirit doing this. After some time the spirit moved from the shield and back to the clay. "Yes! I have a place to sleep!" Thank you! It is better than before." The spirit seemed much more pleased. It was amazing how natural the spirits could act even though it was just trapped. Spirits went with the flow of nature and that meant that they were not creatures to hold grudges