After a long walk through the woods, they come to a small clearing and Sherly points at a bed roll and a campfire set up and says "camp. I will take first watch". The sword mage smiles at her and pulls a stone out of thin air and sings then throws the stone at the camp. Suddenly a cottage builds it self right where her camp was. He smiles and walks in. on the inside it's a cozy cottage it has a kitchen with a cold room with food in it a wood stove to cook with and counter space with cabinets with dishes in them and spices, and a sink with running water both hot and cold, there is a living room with a couch and chairs and 2 bed rooms with beds in them and a bathroom with a toilet that flushes a sink that has both hot and cold running water and a bath tub that is waist high and has hot and cold running water. As Sherly walks in she sees all of this and is filled with wonder. "How is this possible"? The sword mage responds" it's magic" and he laughs "your bedroll and other things are in the room on the right. And you might want to take a bath wile I make us something to eat". Sherly takes the que and goes to the bathroom and strips and gets in the bath and cleans herself and relaxes in the hot water. After an hour she grabs a towel and heads out of the bathroom and sees the sword mage has a plate of steaks and potatoes on the counter. Sherley, in a moment of vulnerability, drops her towel as she rushes to retrieve her food, emphasizing a relaxed and familiar environment. The sword mage, observing her, comments with a touch of humor, "You sure don't seem to have any issues running around naked," which introduces a lighthearted tone to their interaction. Sherly responds with laughter, remarking, "It's only us, and from the sound of it, I have been carrying you around for three years," indicating a shared history and a close bond between them. The sword mage, in turn, laughs and reflects on his past, explaining that he was once deaf and mute, cursed to a blade, which prevented him from witnessing the world as he does now. This revelation adds a layer of tragedy and mystery to his character. He mentions that he has already eaten and plans to take a bath, expressing hope that she will be dressed when he returns, which underscores mutual respect and familiarity. He then proceeds to the bathroom, where he notices her clothes and armor on the floor. Using a magical singing spell, he cleans, mends, and neatly arranges her belongings on her bed, demonstrating his caring nature and the use of magic to maintain their environment. Afterward, he sings again, causing his clothes to dissolve, and prepares a bath by draining the tub and refilling it with fresh water. He relaxes in the hot bath, lost in thought. His mind drifts to a past love, a sapphire dragon named Annabell, who was both bold and beautiful. She was tragically killed while he was guarding a prince. Upon returning home, he performed her burial rites and took her core, a powerful artifact. He also picked up her sword, crafted for him, unaware that it was cursed and contained her father's core. This cursed sword and the dragon core within it became a source of solace and sanity for him, symbolizing a deep connection to his lost love and the sacrifices he endured. The melding of the dragon core with his being signifies the enduring impact of love, loss, and the burdens of his past, shaping his present and future actions. and kept him alive he took stock of his body and realized he was in his late 20es, he noticed he still had the muscle and flexibility of his body but there were some changes, he was taller and more defined and well he was endowed nicely. He also felt like he could cover himself in scales like an armor and yet he couldn't remember his name he could remember his training his master his friends but could not remember his name. All these memories and the song spells were flowing easily but he could not remember his name. After the bath he sings and clothes wrap around him and he walks to the living area and tells what he remembers and says to Sherly that he will need a guide for a wile if she was willing. Sherly laughs and says "it has been months since I enjoyed a bath and food like at an inn. I would love to travel with you forever if it meant I could always enjoy a warm night's sleep and a bed". Then the sword mage cleaned up and went to his room, and shut the door and went to bed. Sherly sat there and thought of all she learned of the sword mage and felt truly sad for him, and was intrigued by his way of always seeming peaceful and powerful at the same time. His binding with the core of a dragon could mean he is a dragon hybrid. This will be interesting I can't wait till we can cross blades I bet I can beat him. He can't know how to weld a sword and do magic that great can he. The next morning the sword mage made eggs and bacon for breakfast. Sherly walks out and smells breakfast and ask "what's cooking" he hands her a plate and digs in they eat and notices he is very quiet he finishes and says "get your stuff and we will head out". Sherly gets her pack and everything and heads outside. The sword mage sings and the cottage turns into a single stone and flies back to his hand. Over the next three days this was how they slept at night comfortable and safe as they traveled to the dwarven mine and town. As they traveled, he told her the stories of his adventures and how he made friends in every race. He explained no one group of people are evil just some misguided fellows who believe their way is the only way and try to force such on others. After listening to his tales Sherly looks at him and tells him that "there is a hoard of evil beings now and nones knows how to stop them they are like shadows and whisper evil in people's ears and whisper evil into people's mind. Some even say they possess people". The sword mage looks up and says "so they never were truly vanquished. The shadows were stopped by a mass song before I was a sword mage we were taught the songs of truth to stop them if we ever came across someone who was possessed, we were to sing it away most of us thought they were a myth. I am the only sword mage this is not good". As they passed through the woods and came to the base of a mountain, they could see the dwarven town.