" Thank you Lord Gawaine "

" Thank you Lord Gawaine "

Preparing to get back to the carriage, I was interrupted by thanks of the of the couple. I continued without looking at or acknowledging them. I couldn't be bothered by some ... passerbys.

" Thank you Lord Gawaine ".

At the kid's voice, without stopping in my steps, I raised my hand as an acknowledgement.

" Pick up pace ". I said, passing by the coachman.

" Yes young master "

With that said, I entered the carriage and we departed.

****************************************

Looking at the bustling streets of Capsule city, my mind wondered as I thought of the blacksmith, trying to recall his name, Quapselpo if I remember correctly. No second name. Either a runaway, or foreigner. No matter, I wasn't interested in his past. Father did warned me about some eccentricity though.

" We are at destination young master " interrupted the coachman. Raising my head, I looked at the shop and read it's signboard.

' Weapons? '

Getting out of the carriage, I turned around, looking for nearest blacksmithy.

' The Macion's Blacksmith '

Ok ... That's a weird naming sense. Though it also makes sense, he sells weapons ... probably. Does he sell weapons only? Or is it just him not having a good naming sense. Like his name. Probably his parents didn't have any naming sense either.

Looking around one more time for another blacksmithy, I found none. Walking forward, I opened the door. Inside, I saw a man of towering build, more than father or uncle Capier. He was sitting in a sort of meditation room with some markings on the ground. I turned to Cole who shook his head, meaning the markings had no magical energy.

Walking forward, I paused when father's warning about eccentricity came to mind. I turned to a side of the wall and waited while wondering what kind of blacksmithy, no, not blacksmithy, any shop for that matter would place a meditation room at the entrance.

" How may I serve you "

" Mordred Gawain. My father, Hazard Gawain made an appointment for me " Opening my eyes from my own short meditation, I replied.

He nodded, turning to the door on the left.

" The reception hall is at the back " " Follow me "

' The reception is at the back? '. I followed.

At the reception hall, he took out a book, flipped through then stared at me.

...

" Why are your eyes different "

I raised my eyes at that surprised by his approach. Others, although surprised or curious would usually use more subtle approaches. Indirect questions or gazes. Others except other nobles of course. But given his direct method of asking, I replied.

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" Born that way. I see like every other person, I suppose, so I never really cared about it's cause "

The cause were my eyes interpreting colors slightly differently. They termed it ... something. Mother said it wasn't until my 4th birthday it became apparent. She immediately called for sir Sapolee who diagnosed me and determined me to be fine. He did say they may have magical properties that cannot be determined.

" Why are you do scrawny "

...

Looking at him staring at me I realized I had to answer.

" I am not scrawny. You are just too buff "

Staring at him, I answered and waited his reply which would determine our tone of discussion.

...

No reply. But he didn't seem to take my words seriously. Not that I could tell with that stoic face if his. Eccentric or not he was bordering rude. We are not acquainted. Elderly he may be, probably of my parent's generation but eccentric questions merit eccentric answers. Not that my answer was an essentric one.

" What is your preferred weapon? "

" Spear "

" Why? "

" I like it "

" But are you talented at it "

" Enough "

" Why not go for the sword "

At that, I paused. Realistically speaking, I could use both. Infact I am more talented at the sword than at the spear, but, my talent for spear is still good enough. I like the feel of the spear. Sir Moloen said it's better to use a spear which I was comfortable with than a sword where I wouldn't put in as much effort. Not like I would have listened to him if he said to use the sword anyway. With enough training I am now very, very proficient in it among my peers. Not like many of them use the spear.

" Show me the spear you feel most comfortable with "

Willing for it. A spear appeared before me. It was a basic spear, well one suited for me. I took it and walked towards him intending to have him view it.

" Throw it ".

I did exactly that.

I looked around, examining the reception hall. It didn't look like one at all. Well it did, if the reception you are talking about was that of a library. The books however were scattered on the shelves.

Standing just before the shelves I tried reading the title of some books. I didn't try touching them not knowing if it was allowed. They were mostly about forging. I wondered if the reception hall was also the reading hall. I realized there were no hitting sounds, or is it forging sounds?. Had he no apprentices?. Not rare but not common either. Walking around, I found a book titled "Forged spear". The choice if words meant it was not how to forge a spear or something on the line. Infact it didn't seem to have anything in relation to forging. Maybe a myth?.

" Can I "

I said. Pointing at the books. His gaze lifted from the spear to me.

" You cannot "

" You are taking way too long to examine that " I said after his refusal. He could at least give me some bluff reason not a straight denial with no reason.

" I am done ". With that said he turned and taking the door directly behind him. I stood there and turned to Cole who was arguably always by my side. In this case, behind me.

...

He stood there staring back at me.

" Young man, you are not awakened "

Turning back to the table counter, Quapselpo was back with a box and a spear and put both on the counter. I didn't reply at his that. No like it was a question.

" Come "

While approaching, I stared intently at the box. Black with purple markings. I then turned to Cole who shook his head meaning he detected no magical energy.

" Put your maleable hand here. It will perform some tests" he said, pointing at the box. Immediately I did I felt some trickling and tensed. The trickles were followed by a feeling wetness, then something tightening against wrist.

' what is going on? "

With the extremely suspicious tests done, the box opened, freeing my hand.

" What was that? " I asked, rubbing my wrist. Although I asked, I was not really expecting a reply.

" This young man is my creation " he said. I could detect some pride from that stoic face of his but I was annoyed at the same time. He hadn't said anything.

" Take a look at this young man "

I looked at the spear, then took it. Feeling the weight of the spear, I took some steps back and began some stances and a few moves to get a feel if it. It was on the heavier side. Heavier than the one I had given.

" It feels ... good enough. I came here knowing you will forge a spear for me. The ... tests were somewhat special but I am not impressed... Sir Quapselpo ". I said. " What's so special about it. ". I continued.

" The spear will be yours till you awaken. Much more durable than the one you provided. With the tests I have performed I have gauged your physical aspects and will forge you one you will surely be comfortable with"

" How can you claim you will be able forge a spear that I will be comfortable with once awakened, given that I am not yet awakened? ". I questioned. Many aspects change once awakened. Boost in physical is common. That aside, my magical signature will be available only once I am awakened. Magical signature to make the weapon exclusive to me.

" Come boy " He said and turned to the door behind him.