Hammering away at the hot steel Ason hears the sound of a throat cleaning hard, looking to his entry he sees a man bearing the noble grade of title. “I apologies sir I didn`t hear you enter”

“No apology is needed at this meeting boy, only gratitude is needed to be shown and settled”

“I don`t recall any favour`s done”, the human man of elder age approaches to Ason`s side. “Do you recall the issue of a young girl in the gull-wing tavern a couple nights back?” Ason thinks.

“Oh yes, it came with an encounter of a less than pleasant and more than smelly bull on legs”

“My little Becca again wishes thanks, and putting a well-known name as her saviour the time I first heard of the incident brings to me a feeling to reward your claim”

“Really nothing is needed of you, she is safe then?”

“Aside from a well-deserved punishment for disobedience yes” Ason smiles “Then payment is done in full” the man places his hand to Ason`s shoulder, “Not so simple, my family has a life trade oath that is now upon you”

“I apologise sir nothing I seek is to your hand” the man looks to Ason recalling recent customer relations that in this area always are noticed. “There is held every five years a warrior festival in the castle ball chamber; invitation only and I hold one to my possession. I find them boring to my part not being a warrior and such a trade will end the link. Ason shakes his head lining up the heat-tempered blade on the stone for another strike “Mingling with nobles and pure bloods isn`t my idea of a good time” pulling back to a swing.

The man looks to the work Ason had mounted to his show wall sliding his hand upon the flat edge of a blade, “Ilaya will be there” Ason hits his thumb “Damnit!” tossing it to his mouth, holding it and a long look to the man who bears a thieving smile. “Son please you think such things can remain in the dark, my wife has garments made just down from hear and communing with the seamstresses do they have a knack for reading faces…even maiden ones. So tell me being at least a part man of war, if freedom from lavish life is what she seeks why come to hear when the fields of green and protective guards are to a single call” the man approaches as Ason submerges to surface a response, the man places to Ason`s hands the scroll issuing the invite. “Go or don`t either way the debt is paid on my part but let me say this. My daughter went to the tavern seeking freedom and once their returned thinking not to lose the one thing all risk anything for…and doesn`t your heart think the same risk is now for you to take” and the man departs dropping a bag of gold to Ason`s feet from the weapon now missing off his show wall.

Returning from a night of study Kityana opens the keep door reserved by the Valtesh in their prearranged arrival. Her keen enhanced awareness picks details from the room, Casavir was also here from his night out at the tavern and he wasn`t alone. Giggling fell upon her ears and shaking her head at his terrible stain of a talent she went about her evening time. Stumbling from the bedroom to the commons area, Casavir pulls another bottle of wine from his pack, catching the scent of cinnamon to his nose. “Kitty…you here?”

“Yes” she replied with a stern tone, Casavir stands merging uncomfortable silence “so how was studying”

“Disturbing this elven race has a very messed up history”, the tavern girl peaks out her head to Casavir`s lengthy absence “Cass what is taking so long…oh…hi”. Kityana doesn`t even look to her but placing her eyes to the interior of a book she comments, “You know you should maintain the habit of letting every harlot know to the places we stay, the tactics on it are weak”

“I`m not harlot and my name is Jochyen” Kityana looks to the girl “Spell it!” the girl raises her finger taking the stage, then puzzlement and hard thought take hold of her face. Kityana shakes her head “I rest my words and my case, now bed her already so I can get to my work” Casavir motions that he`ll be right there and the girl snottily shuts the door, he turns setting the bottle by the door looking upon his partner. “Kityana please I know that look you’ve found something what is it?”

“It can wait till you’re in better shape and less company”

“I`m not that far gone now spill it” Kityana possesses to a smile “Ilaya fancies Ason”

“No way she`s a noble” dismissed Casavir “it`s true I spoke to her”

“She told you this did she”

“Through certain words yes”

“You’re reaching Kit, she`s full blood high elf and nobility” Kityana presents to her feet “Think about it Casavir, she`s a noble and risks such reputation to exploit herself with no servants of guards at her side. To pick up personally a weapon order from a half-blood elven smith” Casavir put through to the scene just told “Wow you`re right but she is still nobility and drunk as I am right now I know my cosine. He won`t act on anything”

Kityana takes a seat staring to her rider “He has such a kind heart and deserves a women not afraid to line up her dignity”

“I can see his issue Kitty, the lady has much to lose being associated with him. As much as she might be willing to let it go, he isn`t. I don`t want to wage a verbal conflict when my to go meal is in the next room getting bored and very drunk on high grade wine, I’ll see you in the morning” Casavir takes his leave. Watching him go she takes to deep thought and past relativeness to her father that she sees and fears is in Ason as well. To her own mind she hold dialog “ I won`t let this come to pass…if Ason won`t fight for it then I’ll pick up the slack”.

The lock clicks to a release and opening the well-used door Brynn first apprentice to the master of metal craft enters. The private chambers of his master was only assessable to the young acolyte through the passing will of his master, and as his heart is filled from the death of a mentor like father he only dreamed of having by blood. This was a sad day indeed. Brynn never saw the interior of this chamber but as the key lay now in his hand passed to him by means of a letter in his masters own hand, Brynn very much wished a look. The master`s most prideful works were to this concealing chamber, and moving around the room Brynn gains a chill on the air as if the spirit of his very mentor was now here taking him on the tour. Brynn felt overwhelmed by fear and anger, he wasn`t ready for this, not by his own judging mind. To fill the gloves of such a being would take years…decades of focus and discipline, Brynn has been repeatedly told; he was such a protégé. He rounded the iron work of a statue and his eyes filled with curiosity, ever going closer to a pair of glasses set to a table in the iron`s casting shadow. A feeling took to him that was conflicting, both to reach for them and stay from their power. His will to stay away was defeated however and to his hands, Brynn took up the pair of frames. He didn`t know what they were or could do but by quick assessment of their set up Brynn moved to place them upon his face. A bright flash filled his sight with momentary blindness; Brynn cried out in agony but stops his plea at the sight of his own form. Brynn saw himself running from something he could see, something dark and evil. Fear of sudden death filled his being, voices of a female and male echoed from his back as the lenses showed him running in terror. Brynn launched the frames from his face falling to the ground he started to shake. He knew what they were now as master Erza had spoken of the project before…Brynn just never thought his master could build them. The lenses of fate master Erza named them…the ability to see one’s own demise.

Night Comes to Pass…

He step through the threshold of the archway to the tavern called hollow ground, Ason hated this collection of wealthy and high titled sinners but his uncle loved it. Tristan welcomed the sight of study to the minds of ruthless evil and frequently poor put together backstabbing plans. To hear the fabricated tales of war heroes new and old pumping their reputation and even bigger ego`s. Tristan wished to hold discussion about a new order of weapons for Ason to conceive. As he took a fresh brew to his hand and his rump to a corner table seat, his reason for hating the place as he did just breezed through the doors. A high classed tavern it was, located in the middle of nobility row, his peace of unnoticed only lasted a short time, the boots through the doorway brought in elven pure bloods who hated Ason with equal passion enough to catch his sight moments after their entry. With his cloak, Ason hoped it would cover the silence of his presence and candle lit shade.

“Well look what we got here fella`s, seems a complaint is in order about the build-up of filth to the dark corners” Ason saw to the rooster that Ilaya and wishing to hold to his good natured behaviour Ason just took the wordful licks. “You’re not to be in here Taint, pure bloods only” spoke the ringleader of the group.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“This place is for fighters, warriors with stained to mind and blade from great beast and combat that fell at their feet” added one from the midst of the elvish party.

“Then as such credentials are needed I assure you he holds them all…and I’ll disregard the tainted comment, this one time” announced Tristan on his silent entry that brought the scolding posy to a quickened hush and the lady Ilaya to a smile.

“Lord Tristan I -

“Didn`t see or hear me approach, Ranger do that…particularly the good ones” Tristan boasted glaring judgment to them “What has been said about allowance here, what has he done?”

“The invitation here is made by law of the city, I speak the truth…Lord Tristan what has he done to have passage in here?” Tristan moves passed them to the bar gesturing for a drink, he steals some sweetened meat offered on a plate putting together his speech in his mind. “In one feat was he outmatched and unarmed in the forest, picking through rocks and rubble looking for metallic filings right Ason” Ason nods “He heard the cry of a man in terror and went to aid when he saw himself opposing the fierceness of a six headed hydra…or maybe it was eight. I’ll have to ask the scout who`s life he saved, Ason do you recall the situation”

“Uncle please it was a fluke and nothing further” Ason defends “Nonsense the man who`s life you spared stands right here” with Tristan pointing to a light armoured man aware of the conversation, Ason notices “Atone”

“Ason good to see you, truth is spoken here. If not for his aid to me I would not be here today”

“Bullshit, how does a mere smith of weak skill take on a hydra yielding death?”

“I shall tell you” addressed the scout, the tavern buzz calmed to nothing as all wished to hear the tale. With addition of enthusiasm and a little boast of being eccentric the scout brought the story to life, all eyes were to the scout but Tristan`s. Occasionally his wondered to the lady Ilaya who was completely taken in her sight passed from the scout to Ason and back.

“Weren’t you scared Ason” Ilaya asked, “there is no time for fear at such times milady” spoke the scout spot taking Ason`s stage, ultimately saving it. At conclusion, the group rises with short disgust to take their leave, Ilaya remained seated. “Ilaya were going,” she huffed in conflict.

“Korbin we just got here”

“And I refuse to remain,” with reluctance did she comply cracking hidden with all but him a smile followed by a wave he didn`t return, just a gestured tip of his goblet to show appreciation. The rules were set in stone at such conductivity. Nobility could address commoners in public times but never could they show it back.

Ilaya never wished to leave but as a lady of the court she held a duty to hold company to those she was assigned to for the evening, her departure was changed by the arrival of the scout sliding up a chair joining his and Tristan`s table and company. “Thanks for that show” Ason slithered downing his ale.

“All words were meant Ason” Ason held a stern hold to the scout “What about the part about me slipping, attempting to run from it. I was lucky to grip that tree root stopping me off over the Cliffside”

“Ason that was after what I said…so I didn`t lie, I’m glad it went over and you remained. Besides you told me yourself you just never saw the other seven heads” Ason glared taking another swig of ale “It was a big bush”

“Courage was there nephew showing on top” Tristan added, Ason saw no win to his own sabotage and gave the debate to the scout ending the topic. Tristan and the scout hold a smirk to one another as a planning confession grew upon them, “So who`s the girl”. Ason looks around, “The one who was here with the boys, has beauty beyond compare,” the scout added. Ason answered.

“Ilaya”, “Oh she has a name” harassed Tristan “Worth dreaming about” added the scout; Ason looked to him straight “Forming to a daily nightmare”. Tristan laughs, “Thought on her are that often eh”

“No worries uncle she`s a noble, I don`t pretend to think she has interest”

“No interest, my boy I know women and a look like that hold more than wishing for a husband full of glory, keep her if you can son” Ason rebuttals with no comment and Tristan changes the subject “To business then” as Tristan waves to have another round brought to the table.

Morning light comes to the window of Brynn`s chamber, he takes a deep breath as today was his first active day without no master Erza to his shoulder and side. He readies himself for the day and with first light duties attended to heads to the metalwork chambers. The door shuts for only seconds when a knock comes to it; Brynn stops in inquiry “Can I help you”.

“I need to speak with one called Brynn” Brynn`s blood runs cold, the voice echo`s through his head in recall as one from his vision while wearing the glasses. He moves to the wall with silence and looks through a lenses created by Erza for a peephole, Kityana and Casavir are to the outer reaches and knowing the images he panics. “Uh uh Brynn`s not here”

“May we come in sir it concern`s his welfare”, “You damn right it does” Brynn heaves off his breath moving items from the secondary exit way. “He is perfectly fine and fair as he is” Brynn replies. Casavir looks to Kityana, “Move, I’ll take down the door” Casavir lines up a boot kick.

“Casavir wait the door…” (WHAP!) The door does not budge and Casavir crinkles his lips hiding the pain to his foot, “Oh my god that hurt”

“The door is locked by metal and magic…sorry forgot to say something” Kityana grinned using her powers to slide the locks open. “Forgot…right kitty” Kityana turns with a scorn, “Stop calling me Kitty…Cassy”

“Where did you learn that? never mind that get the kid and…no ones in here” as Casavir scans the chamber.

“He ran off, double back Casavir to the street I’ll go through here, he doesn`t know what`s going on” with Kityana following through the second exit. Her draconic speed caught Brynn in the third adjacent chamber in his evasion, “Brynn wait” cried Kityana just catching sight of his form and huffing with heavy breath he stopped. “So your Brynn, you need to come with me” Brynn turned looking around the room for options. “Brynn I’ll explain everything just not here it’s not safe”.

Brynn gripped some powder from a bag attached to his belt, “I agree” tossing it onto some statues beside him; Brynn again took to a run. “Let’s find out if you’re as strong as you are fast” Kityana held puzzlement and again gave him chase. Her sprint ended fast as an impacting fist from a brought to life statue took her by surprize, “Damn it” looking up just to see a second fist strike her across the face lifting her air born into some wooden crates.

Kityana took to her feet reassessing the issue, the two statues moved toward her. “Animation dust…why didn`t I foresee that, Kityana he`s a Artificer girl think”. Wiping the blood from her mouth Kityana spell spoke forming a hammer to her hands; she took to a bolt toward one winding up a swing. With all force she had it thrusts to an unshaken halt. Slamming hard to the outer carapace Kityana`s body vibrated from the returning hammer stall, “Damn it, magic immunity” she spoke as it belted her again to the air. Her hammer dissipated as she pounded to the ground, “Smart kid” she commented readying for a battle that would take some time and lose her target yet again.

He looks to his rear seeing no one in pursuit, “Finally that should keep her busy” but starting to move he stops peering through the busy crowd at the sighting of Casavir in scout mode. “Shit the other one” Brynn changes his feet keeping sight on Casavir but moves right into a on passing women who struck out with a minor startling shriek, Casavir`s eyes toss to the sounded commotion. “Hey you” and Brynn bolts to a run with Casavir giving him chase.

Pivoting around the busy market crowd Brynn navigates in panic; roads and walk sides jumbled, mixed to his mind. Seconds slow to the feeling of hours and with Casavir closing the distance like a hunting cat on his prey. Brynn in a fluster of wrong turns leads himself to an ally with no way out, “Nowhere to go now Brynn”

“I won’t let you take me alive, killing me won’t stop anything” he spoke in self-preserved defence. Casavir panic in response “Whoa Brynn I’m not going to kill you”

“That what the other one said, then she attacked baring a magical hammer”

“Kityana, where is she did you harm her” Brynn smirks “she`s busy right now” as he combed the area biding his time with talk until an item caught his eye “As now you are” tossing again the animation powder.

The sky to the elven city darkens, street torches lit and candle light now signals the halls of taverns. The door to the Valtesh reserved room opens and to his sight came his mount, housing dried blood to her face, hands and arms.

“Kityana my god what happened are you alright” raised Casavir with great worry to his face. “I`m fine, our target had more skills than I first anticipated” she groaned as she leaned to the now closed door rubbing her neck, the sight of a young women came from the wash chamber baring a wet cloth and Kityana`s thoughts ran with disgust. “Casavir for one night could you keep these women from this haven of lust”

“Relax” calmed Casavir as the scene unfolded with the women not lusting like a lost dog, she took from Casavir a bloodied cloth replacing it with a new one steaming from heated water. “She`s helping me dose my wounds”.

Kityana looked to her figure and face, “Much prettier than the usual order, far from your reach anyway. What happened to you?”

“The same as you, I cornered Brynn tried to explain when he conjured something to attack me”

“What was it?”

“This thing was huge Kityana, like eight or nine feet and thick…never have I fought anything like it” the girl stopped in her leave to clean the bloodied rags “you’re not talking about the horse trough that came to life and attacked you are you” Kityana started to giggle. Casavir glared in half embarrassment “At least I caught him” pointing to his bedchamber where she glanced to see their target tied up and unconscious.

“He said you attacked him,” Kityana snapped to defence “Attacked him!”

“He said you had a hammer”, “To defend myself from the two iron statues he put me up against” she speared in recoil.

“Hey don`t snap at me I thought you were smart enough to talk him to submission”

“I am he was skittish, at least I had a real challenge”

“Hay that thing was long and moved fast”

“Mine were iron and had magic immunity, yours was made of wood Casavir” Casavir stared seeing no words to regain his pride, he change the topic. “I tried to unarm him but he only had that belt on him and a set of bracers that either could be removed”

“He`s a Artificer Cas, we`ll have to watch him close and wake him” Kityana concluded moving to Brynn`s side. Casavir looked to Brynn holding puzzlement “What are we protecting him from anyway”.

“The seers never said directly, just to keep him from straying down the dark path” she replied combing her hand over Brynn`s face speaking some soft words in draconic. Brynn`s eyes open wide at full alertness, “Relax Brynn we mean you no harm”

“Why am I tied up then” Brynn questioned with Casavir rising to his feet with heat “Cause you assaulted us you little beast”

“Not helping Casavir” spoke Kityana waving her hand to spell ward the door closed. “Forgive us Artificer, we took the wrong approach on you, there is something after you and we were dispatch to keep you safe”