Ahiru

Seven types of wood, forty-two carving tools, and an endless fascination with ducks. In The Crystal Highlands of Armaria, where wizards move monoliths with their minds, this collection was considered heresy. Ahiru was meant to pore over ancient magical texts. Instead, they used their tactical goggles for the fine detail on a duckling’s wing, protecting their eyes from flying woodchips. The other apprentices scoffed, whispering behind their hands. But then a child from the lower city traded a shiny river stone for a little wooden mallard. Soon, a tired guard bought a whole flotilla for their own kids. Ahiru’s supposed heresy was simply the quiet magic of making something small and joyful. Their workshop is now the brightest spot in the fortress’s shadow, especially when the sunset glints off a newly varnished beak.