Keystone nodded his thanks and took a gulp of water. For all of his efforts this morning, he was more thirsty than he'd realized. He continued until the mug was half-drained before breathing a muted note of gratitude. The mug was handled rather awkwardly in the process as Keystone hadn't bothered to remove his new knuckle dusters. Much like a kid with a new toy, he had no desire to remove them just that instant, inconvenience be damned.  

The mug found its way to a flat surface just as the illusory dummy appeared. While not startled, Keystone's defensive instincts leapt to the forefront; his hands raised and his stance dropped slightly, one foot drifting behind the other before he was fully aware as to the details of his situation. All of this freely used magic tended to irk him. He was beginning to trust this spellcaster, with some apprehension, though it was hard to suppress his more ingrained initial reactions. 

A glance toward Saran and Avar assessed their own reactions to the new thaumaturgical arrival. Mild amusement (probably at him) hinted at safety, before Keystone realized fully what was expected of him at the moment. A slow grin developed on the elated brawler, birthed partly of foolishness and partly childish glee at getting an opportunity to test out his new acquisition. He snapped into a stance proper and executed a textbook example of two-step infighting. 

From a middle stance, Keystone drew his back leg in close and back out wide in front of him, effectively dropping his stance mid-step. Using the momentum of the lateral movement to reinforce his attack, he executed a classic counteroffensive combination - a flowing parry block batted away an arm of the magical construct, opening its defense to accept a near simultaneous backfist, connecting with its temple a tenth of a second later. 

The striking hand immediately turned into a three-fingered claw, looping into its clavicle (or reasonable facsimile thereof) which was quickly followed up by a side facing forefist to the sternum. A chest splitting blow against a human opponent, Keystone took a half step into the hit and rotated his torso as the punch developed. 

Ordinarily, this combination called for a palm heel strike; his passive Ironfist Technique would still be effective thusly, but the curious pugilist wanted to experience the full effect of his new armament connecting with a target at optimal impact.  

***

Keystone smiled broadly at Avar and Saran in turn. "I bloody well hope I don't have to fight another Glith. Rotten bastard near did me in. Then again... I didn't have these last time."

An idea suddenly hit Keystone, birthed of the bits and pieces from their conversation. Source of gold ale and gold, magical constructs, even his own reluctance around the arcane arts. While not a full fledged plan, it was the embryo stage of a course of action. 

"Gen'rous hosts, by your leave, I'll be ruining your kitchen for a while. Bread pudding for starts, bean soup and fresh brown bread, maybe a roast duck or three with oat muffins and sugar yams come suppertime?  Oh! And I have the most lovely turnovers in mind for tea. Remind me, do your people take tea? Tea proper, I mean. Lovely meal, that. Either way, tons of stuff mostly prepared, it'll be done in short order."

"And..." he began in lower tones, "Once we're all done for the day, I might know how we can get some extra gold together and me some answers, though I'll need help. Let's talk come suppertime, eh?" 

He gave a look to both Saran and Avar, acknowledging the both of them, again enacting his ritualistic gesture of bowing his head slightly and tapping his knuckles together. Habits, hard to break. Especially after a morning of exercise, forms, and abusing a magical sparring dummy. The clink of his knuckles this time was more muted, prompting an amazed shake of his head and smile. 

"Trade secrets, eh? Can respect that, Master Smith. This alloy, what do you call it among lay folk like me, so's one might request the material when more gold comes 'round?" 

Keystone smiled, nodded, and made his way indoors to dress and begin the day anew with his culinary prowess.