The lake goes still, too still. The teen hauls once more, and a rusted shard breaks the surface, hanging from the line like a bad memory.
Caelan Thorne
That metal is old. Older than the dock, older than the road, maybe older than the war stories people tell badly.
The Teenager
What is that? It is not a fish.
Cold crawls over the dock. Caelan reaches for the line before the fragment can swing loose, steadying the rod with practiced hands.
The Teenager
You know what it is, don't you?
The boy studies Caelan's face, then the shard. His determination thins into unease, but he does not let go.
The Teenager
I was just trying to catch something normal.
✓ Quest Accepted
Teach the teenager how to fish
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the rusted shard
+ New Item Acquired
Fishing rod
+ New Item Acquired
Rusted fragment
“I do know what the metal is it's a metal the modern world has no knowledge of disguised as iron you see this is a type of sword *I pick up the metal knowing it was once a gods sword* once used by ancient people now shall I teach you the way of fishing pole”
SUCCESS (Great History, rolled +1)
Caelan lifts the shard between thumb and forefinger, turning it where the gray light can catch it. The teenager leans in despite himself, eyes fixed on the metal.
Caelan Thorne
It is iron, but not from any modern tool. Old work, older than the dock you are standing on.
He sets the shard against the gunwale, and its rust flakes off in a red smear. Under it, the shape is wrong for scrap. The curve looks deliberate, forged for a blade.
The Teenager
So it was a sword? That thing? Why would anyone hide a sword in a lake?
Caelan keeps his hands steady on the boat, then reaches for the fishing pole. The gesture is calm, practiced, almost casual.
Caelan Thorne
Some people throw away what they do not understand. Today, I will show you what to keep instead.
The Teenager
He sounds sure of it, like the answer has been sitting in front of both of them the whole time.
The teenager takes the pole when offered, fingers awkward on the grip but no longer recoiling from the boat or the water. The shard lies exposed now, identified and harmless in the open air.
The Teenager
Then show me where to put my hands. Start from the beginning.
Quest Complete
Identify the rusted shard