Dragging my feet back to my room, I thought about the senseless conversation between the two. I need more details. Uncle will not give those to me. This is not the same as the academy. There is no order to listen.
As I walked in, I realized Theo has already been in the room. The mess I left was gone. All my things were out of my bag and placed in specific areas in the room. My shawl on a hook. Silver, I found in the desk. My vials were outlined on a shelf taller than me. I grabbed Silver and opened the door to leave. I heard the rumbles of the gnomes underneath my bedframe. I closed the door and laid on the floor, scuffing my arm underneath the frame. Three things came out from underneath: a leatherbound journal, a silver metallic engraving, and a compass with no clear destination. Uncle is a neat freak; he needs to stop rearranging my things.
I grabbed three things and glanced at the wall mirror. I flushed my hair as I walked out.
I passed by the mess hall to snatch a quick bite and rushed to the blacksmith.
I knocked and entered the busy man's workshop, "excuse me. I'm back."
No response. I walked further in and saw the elf and a darken demon. I flattened my smile and waved them both down. Once either of them saw me, I kept my hand up and flattened-er my lips. "Hello. I'm back. Sorry to interrupt."
His customer turned around to me and his horns lightened, "it is quite alright. Its not like it was top secret."
I smiled.
Four bright, rigged horns adorned his wide head. "You are quite young to be an officer. I do not think we have met." He moved his hands to me for a shake.
I lost my smile for only a second and reciprocated his gesture. "If that's a joke…," I hesitated for a second and chuckled, "My name is Sapphire. I am Theo's ward."
"Ahh, yes. I've heard of you. This is a great opportunity for your," his horns lost the spark. "Agenda."
I cocked my head and licked my lips, "it is, isn't it?"
He let go of my hand and walked out quietly.
The elf cleaned off his hands with the towel, and started to talk to me, "you just met one of my repeatable customers."
"That must mean your work has merit."
"Sapphire, correct? I inquired about you, and you are an elementalist, correct? Why do you want this kind of weapon? A staff would be a better choice with your gift."
I traced my finger on one of his counters, as he cleaned off his station. "Staves are used to control your magic, your elements. I may have random moments of feeling unchecked, but I'm controlled. In training, I learned a few new things that I have a hard time with. This weapon will help me overcome that."
He threw the towel to the side and moved closer to me, "honestly, if you have the materials, I will gladly create it." He moved one of my hair strands away from my face and continued, "go ahead and place the karambit and vial on the table over there."
I avoided his touch and moved closer to the table. I took Silver and the metamorphica vial on the wood, along with the engraving. I faced him, "if possible, can you connect this engraving to the chain."
He pushed me aside and snatched the vial, "such a novelty indeed. I must ask, where did you get this?"
"The placard?"
He put the liquid down and grabbed the engraving, "it might be possible to put it either on the chain or on the karambit."
"I would prefer on the chain."
"Like I said. We will have to see. It will be a difficult task with the sensitivity to heat iridium has. It has a great tolerance, but it will only work with certain temperatures. I'll send my apprentice to call for you when this item is completed."
"Thank you."
"You told me your son got this for you, correct? Where did he find it?"
"In a cave. He was on an excursion."
"It's a remarkable find, especially…-"
I cut him off, "He has more luck on his side that the usual being."
"Interesting." He moved his fingers underneath his chin, "this will take a few days to complete. When done you should be able to have at least a day to practice with it."
Shuffling my feet away from him, I shined my teeth, "thank you again. I appreciate this."
Before I could walk out of the room, he asked me how I will be paying while grabbing my waist.
I left his grasp and mentioned by coins.
He gave me a polite counter, "if you don't have enough, there are definitely other ways."
"Oh, that's perfect to know. But I do have enough."
I left successfully and bumped into my uncle and the lieutenant.
Theo pointed at the blacksmith's door and grunted, "were you just in this shop, out of everyone who have?"
"Yes. Why?"
The lieutenant began to walk backwards, slowly step by step.
Locking my eyes on the lieutenant, I leaned on the wall. "I found it. Is there a problem?"
He pitched his nose bridge, "he is known for his twisted behavior. A deviant."
I covered my eyes to roll my eyes. I pointed out, "I've heard he's a great toolmen."
"You are not wrong. I should warn you though. I have read many reports where he enjoys young adults."
I couldn't help it. I tried to hold it in. I knew I wasn't supposed to reply arrogantly. It just came out, "honestly, I do enjoy a man who knows his tools." I said it so energetically. I instantly started coughing to distract both.
The lieutenant rushed both his hands to his cheeks. Both his cheeks and ears turned a deep red, as he stayed silent against my uncle.
On the other hand, Theo raised his voice, "how dare you –. What are you even saying? How could you –".
I cut him off and tried to laugh petitely, "uncle, I'm just playing."