This image is unavailable on Donmai. Go to Danbooru or disable safe mode to view (learn more).
Artist's commentary
Wealth in Rust
Normally when someone searches for treasure, they’re typically looking for gleaming symbols of wealth such as gold and jewels, or objects of high value like relics and artifacts! Anything less than that is mere rubbish not worth wasting time on! However, as the saying goes: “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Something you see as worthless or useless may have a different sense of worth to someone else. While sparkling goods we can usually trust, some treasures are covered in rust! That is very apparent to an adventurer like Freya!
As Freya is a traveler of sorts, she usually gets her money by handling requests in the towns she visits or by receiving rewards from people as an insistent token of their gratitude for helping them when they are in need. However, as Freya is a resourceful gal, she has found a way to make even more money so her financial options are always available to her. As a way to make more money, Freya will often explore abandoned or ruined settlements and areas to scout for supplies and other such materials to trade and sell at whatever location she is currently traveling; thus, ensuring she is never without money to her name. It seems now that Freya is introducing Maple to this tactic now!
During one of their travels, Maple and Freya stumbled across the remnants of a small settlement, long abandoned and long since forgotten. A stir with excitement and curiosity, Freya suggested that she and Maple explore the area in the hopes of scavenging materials. Following her friend’s lead, Maple went along with Freya’s plan and began searching the tranquil ruins in search of salvageable materials and equipment. As Maple and Freya searched, all they could find were remnants of broken pottery, splintered remains of old tools and furniture, and various structures overtaken by nature. However, while most of the dwindling structures were devoid of any substance, the main building of the settlement: an odd-looking fort, appeared much more promising. Although weathered by time and ravaged by the elements, the fort stood somewhat proudly amongst the other structures.
Examining the fort, Freya noticed how the building appeared somewhat resilient when compared to the other remnants and felt it must yield something of remote value. As the duo approached the fort, the ruined and vine enshrouded doors were the first thing to greet them. Spear and sword in hand, both Freya and Maple began cutting away at the vines, freeing the entrance of its vegetative bonds; pushing past the doors with all of their might. The interior of the fort was deathly silent yet the atmosphere was almost welcoming with the peaceful sunlight flowing in from the various shattered windows. Entering the fort, Maple and Freya were treated to the stale musk trapped within the building. Pushing onward, Freya and Maple looked about the building only to see that it was just as barren on the inside with only a few scrapes of wooden remains left behind; that is until the duo stumbled upon the small stairwell leading to the forts second floor. Heading up the corroded stairs, Freya and Maple were pleasantly surprised at the various remnants that were left behind, along with intact wooden containers. In a fit of unrestrained glee, Freya quickly made her way to the various containers and remnants, inspecting every leftover object she came across, with Maple following close behind. As Freya examined the various objects, she was filled with jubilation to see that while the equipment was old, it still looked somewhat serviceable and would possibly sell for a decent price. From rusty intact weaponry, to old clothes, and even a few traces of money, Freya and Maple were able to gather a plethora of items to either sell or keep to make their journey much easier. Excited to find such treasures, Freya couldn’t help but gush over the duo’s find, with Maple happy to have helped her traveling companion.
To say that Maple and Freya were happy with their findings would be a gross understatement; and to think that had they kept on their way, they would have missed such a bounty. I guess Maple will be sure to look and explore old locations a bit closer so that she and Freya can gather more materials to sell. After all its because of Freya’s tactics and resourcefulness that Maple was able to buy her new leg guards, when she would normally be spending money to replace or repair something! I want to thank Kaeritai07 over on Twitter for doing such an amazing pic of Freya and Maple collecting rusty and old equipment to sell at the nearest town! I hope you all enjoy and be sure to use a bit of polish to make things shine again!!
*TRIVIA: Despite her name and not being a goddess, Freya has various traits that in some way relate to the Norse goddess. These traits include: her golden hair and blue eyes, friendship with Maple who is a cat, and her battle prowess.
Got a question? Ask it here: https://curiouscat.live/Soulblader