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'Hmm,' mused Garovel. 'I'd like to take some time and think about this name for a while, but we probably shouldn't delay, should we? You need the name in order to continue your work, don't you?'

"Yes," said Abbas.

'But you also mentioned something about the name being able to affect the Forge's capabilities, didn't you?'

"Theoretically, yes. In minor ways. A name will not change its fundamentally gentle nature, for instance."

'I see. And a bad name could end up being rejected by it a second time, I assume?'

"Indeed. Worwal is therefore disqualified from this exercise."

'I shall carry this resentment for the rest of my days,' said Worwal.

Garovel chortled but then fell quiet, thinking deeply no doubt.

Hector tried to do the same. This was probably the kind of thing that a proper lord should take seriously.

A good name for a big ass candle in a big ass tree... capable of creating objects of untold power...

Uh.

Uhhh...

"Hector," said Abbas, making the young man look up at the man again. "Perhaps I can assist. Come." He turned and stepped toward the Forge, motioning for Hector to follow.

Uh-oh.

Hector did as he was bid and found himself standing incredibly close to the Forge's enormous glass bulb again. Not since discovering what it was had he dared to approach it like this. While he appreciated what Abbas had said before about it not being the "type" of Forge that would suck out their souls and devour them, he couldn't help feeling pretty fucking anxious, regardless.

Abbas placed a hand on his shoulder as they stood there together. "Relax. It is dormant. It cannot possibly harm you. And your apprehension will do you no favors in witnessing the truth of its character for yourself."

"...Okay." Hector took a deep breath as he tried to steady himself. He watched Abbas place a hand on the glass and then look toward Hector expectantly.