The Bear Forge (pt. 1/3)

In loving memory of my cub (1997-2023)

Author’s Note: Today is the second anniversary of my cub’s passing, which is why I’ve decided to start sharing this series. There are three parts and each is written in an entirely different style. This is the only one he had the chance to read, as well as the only one that’s seen the light of day elsewhere. I hope you enjoy it as much as he did.

PS - This is from the world of Islands of Nightsea, a children’s book series with an extended world that’s less child-oriented (though not necessarily child-unfriendly). The overall series is currently on hiatus, but you can find two Tales from the Nightsea on Amazon for a few coins.

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The Bear Forge

Hello, young one. Welcome to the forge! It was a strange and twisted fate that brought you into my care, for which I am deeply grateful. We come from vastly different places and I know yours has not been an easy road, but I am pleased that it brought you to me. This forge was built to host an apprentice but has never before had one, so this journey will be an adventure for us both. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited!

While you know that everyone has their own forge, my forge is different. It has been my life’s work to create this forge, as big and vast and unique as it is, for I have a rather different perspective on the craft than most. Yes, everyone has done their own forging, but so many fear the elements, which stops them from seeing their true power and beauty. So while you have surely done your own forging here and there, I am confident to say that this forge is unlike any other.

Before I introduce you to the forge, I must first tell you why I forge. I have always found the element to be one of the most fascinatingly misunderstood yet beloved things. While the element is universally praised for its power, the methods in which it is forged often leave numerous impurities behind, on purpose or ignored. I have sought to delve deeper into the element, to work with it in its basest of forms in order to free it of impurities, to forge it into its purest and most powerful, indestructible form.

We both know that forging comes with risks, as it is clear that we both bear some scars from past incidents. That’s why I seek to teach you how to forge here with me, as an apprentice and equal, rather than a subordinate. It may be hard to trust me, since this forge is so different from normal and we only just met, but remember that I have been devoted to making this forge my whole life and while my life’s work is never done, I do know its quirks inside-out. It may take a little more effort to learn its ways than a basic forge, but I can assure you, it is worth the extra time. The elements made here are stronger and more powerful than any other, so I hope you are as enthusiastic to learn its ways as I am to teach them to you. I cannot express how much it means to me that you are willing to entrust an element to my forge and that you are willing to learn to work it with me.

So, do you feel ready to start forging? Wonderful, put on your goggles and secure them tight. I’ll put my element into the forge first so you can see how it is done. There, now your turn. Ahh, that was wonderfully gentle, thank you for your care!

Now, let us observe them.

Do you see that? They are drawn together, instantly! What good news, these elements will be wondrous to forge. It’s like they were meant to be together. Don’t take that to mean it will be an easy job though, as most unwitting new forgers might think at this point. Zoom your lenses and look a little bit closer.

While outside the forge, the two elements shine and burn so brightly that they are nigh indistinguishable; here, when we use our tools to look more closely, we start to see their individual characteristics shine and how different they are from one another. Both are full of impurities already, which is quite natural. Here, this element is peaceful yet volatile, while the other borders on feral at times. As these two elements interact, there is reaction after reaction, not all positive, yet look how drawn they remain to one another. Normally, smiths will exclusively focus on the parts that are drawn together, but my approach comes from the other side of things. What do you think might happen if we looked even closer at the flaws? My aim is to understand them and work them out of the element with time.

To tell you the truth, I’ve never quite seen two elements react like this before, so I’m very excited to get started with you. Are you sure you’re feeling ready? Once we start, it will take time for us to finish, so take all the time you need to consider it.

If you’re certain, let’s see what we can do to forge these two elements into one, shall we?

It is generally known that elements form all the time, for a variety of reasons, and are ever-changing, yet they are the strongest when they can be forged together with another. As each element is unique when it comes into creation, this results in infinite possibilities when elements interact. If we take the time to understand why these two elements are so drawn together, we can then find out what is causing the clashes and reactions, and nurture them with time until they release and meld together.

These elements we have before us have many similarities to them, but not in the more commonly known ways, which allows for a unique teaching experience during your first time here. You see, most forging is done in a way that unwittingly tries to sculpt the elements into a preconceived form. I, however, like to guide the two elements together and allow them to find their own form as they interact.

Now, as I said, these elements are reacting more strongly than usual, for better or for worse, so I’m going to need you to work side-by-side with me as we get started. I’ll do the talking, you just follow suit. If you don’t understand, slow me down. If it’s getting to be too much, we can ease out and take a break. And, most importantly, if you have any instincts or if anything catches your eye about these elements as we get to work, let me know so we can explore them together. I can see from the look in your eye that you are ready, so shall we get started?

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Oh good, you’re awake. I hope you were able to get some rest. You learned a lot of new things today, but I’m proud of you for paying attention and doing your best. Your hands were shaky, but you were so strong. Come, I’d like to show you what we made.

It’s hard to recognize, isn’t it? Before, as separate elements, they were too intense and vibrant to look directly at without our lenses, yet now, though the intensity of the elements as individuals remains, the work we put into guiding them together today has created beautiful borders and firm foundations that allow them to flow in synchronicity with each other, rather than clashing as randomly as before. What a beautiful thing to come from our nurturing, together.

This new element is my gift to you. While it is fully functional as it is, this is only the beginning of what I hope will be a long time spent forging it together. We won’t always be in the right place to work on the element and there are limits to how much time we have to dedicate to such active, precise care, yet I hope you are as encouraged by this as I am by how well they work together in spite of their individual flaws. Even now, I am astounded by the elements’ power and I can’t wait for all the lessons we will teach one another as we explore it together.

I’m so glad you’re here.

Read The Bear Forge: The Broken Anvil here!

Custom image by Henriikka K-C - a small detail, but the leaf on the cub’s goggles is a tribute to the leaf tattoos on my cub’s face

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Note from the Author: Thank you, deeply, if you read this.

If you enjoyed this bit of writing, perhaps you might enjoy reading life stories set in a fictional world where balance and deep healing journeys are central to the narrative. If that sounds interesting, please check out my novella series, The Vitmar Chronicles… a slice-of-life coming-of-age series that follows two brothers as they navigate life’s ups and downs.

Read the free sample here — Learn about the series here — Find it on Amazon (EU link, but you can find it in all countries), Google, Kobo, and the Draft2Digital Network! Volume II is coming in August, and Volume I is available FOR FREE during Smashwords’ summer sale!