Eveline

The next day, I got permission from the Swordsmaster for leave for the day to the Upper City to either buy or have a short sword and shield made for me. He was happy someone had finally got through to me, but I couldn't help but disappointed in myself for not being able to use the sword meant for my brother. After three years, you would think I would know my way better around the city, but I didn't as most of my time was spent in the Lower City. I followed the sound of a hammer pounding an anvil and finally found my way to one forge.

The blacksmith didn't look up from his work at first and seemed to not even notice my presence. He was an average height with thick muscles that rippled under his shirt and dark brown hair that was cut short. His oval face was covered in soot. After a few moments, I cleared my throat. He looked up with a look of displeasure on his face.

"Can I help you?"

"Aye..."

He straightened placing one hand on his hip.

"What are you here to pick up, miss?"

My face reddened. He didn't know I was a sword wielder myself.

"I'm training at the castle and need to switch to a short sword and a shield," I said evenly. "How much would this fetch towards that price?"

I undid my long sword from my side and handed it to the blacksmith's outstretched hands. He slid it from its sheath with ease and tested the edge.

"It's in need of a good sharpening and the leather on the hilt needs to be redone. For what you ask along with your sword, I would need a hundred gold and thirty silver nobles."

My heart almost dropped out of my chest. I didn't have that kind of money. I may be high borne and from a Nephilium line, but by no means was I given that kind of money to run around with.

He obviously saw my disappointment and handed me back the sword.

"That thing is a relic lass. It won't fetch me much. If you change your mind, your welcome to come back."

I nodded not knowing what else to say as I fixed it back to my side. Perhaps this was a sign I was supposed to stick with being a long sword user.

"Is there any other blacksmiths?" I asked. "I only got leave from the classes-"

"Nay. Not in the Upper City," he said cutting me off before going back to his work.

It hadn't occurred to me to try the Lower City due to my blood. Would they see me as a threat or had word spread that I had helped Aslan and I was trying to help them? It was worth a try to see what their blacksmith would charge.

I weaved my way through the bustling city towards the gate that stood between the Upper and Lower City.

"What business do you have in the Lower City?" asked one of the guards.

"I need to go to their blacksmith. The one here I can't afford. Please," I said. "I only have leave from classes today to try to get this done."

He looked at his partner.

"Strange for a Nephilium," he mumbled.

"Not all of us are as rich as you think," I said. "Please."

They shrugged and opened the gate. I didn���t know that the guards asked about our business before. Was this a measure put in place by the King to try to help the Lower City citizens? I looked around almost confused from the site in front of me. I wasn't used to seeing the Lower City in broad day light, but it seemed almost more down trodden them at night. The gate closed with a loud bang behind me. The few citizens that were out were skittish of my presence. Where would Sasha be at this hour? I guess I would start at her hut and go from there.

I swerved through the streets feeling eyes on me and hushed whispers. As I neared her hut, a small pebble was hurled at the back of my neck by a group of small Halfling foxes that took off as soon as I turned to see where the rock had come from. It had hurt, but not as much as it pained my heart to know of the rift between Dark bloods and the Beautiful Bloods. I knocked on her door. There was some banging around and small howl of pain before the door opened slightly.

"Eve?" she asked with bewilderment right before a yawn that she covered with her hand. "Come in."

She opened the door wide and allowed me in. Twill was curled up on his cot still sound asleep even through Sasha clambering through the small space.

"What brings you here so early?" she asked tiredly.

"I came to ask if you knew someone that could make me a sword and shield cheaper than a hundred gold and twenty silver nobles plus my long sword? I can't afford it," I said biting my lip.

"The blacksmith here might, but aren't you missing classes?" she asked scrunching her brow in confusion.

"Aye, but I got permission so that I could improve- everyone has been trying to get me to switch to a short sword and shield, but I didn't want to."

"Your build is better for that combo," she said. "Why wouldn't you so you weren't beat to a pulp every day?"

How did she know that?

I tapped my hand against the sword. "This sword was meant for my twin- it's the last piece of him I have. I know it���s silly, but I feel as if I'm failing him by not wielding it."

Sasha nodded not saying anything as her gaze fell on Twill for a brief moment before me.

"Your not. Failing him would be to fail your training as a Guardian. Not keeping his sword, Eve."

Her words helped ease a weight off my chest.

"Let me get dressed and I'll take you to him alright?"

She gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze before rifling through a worn trunk for clothes for several moments till she found something she liked. She dressed like I did in men's tailored clothes. Once she was dressed for the day she gently woke up Twill enough to let him know she was leaving before we headed out.

"It's different seeing you during the day," she said as we weaved through the sunken streets.

"Aye. The whole city looks different."

"Worse is probably the right word."

Everyone tended to step out of our way as we passed whispering and gossiping about the pair of us, but it didn't seem to bother Sasha much. Soon we were at the blacksmith.

"What can I do for you two-" he started then sniffed the air. "Nephilium? What could you possibly want?"

"I came to ask if you could fit me for a new sword and shield, sir," I asked.

Telling from his amber eyes, I knew he was a werewolf.

"Isn't there one in your city?" he growled. "Your kind bring nothing, but trouble."

"This is the Lady Guardian in training," whispered Sasha. "Please make an exception."

His eyes glimmered with a new light when he looked at me.

"My apologies," he said quickly. "Are you hoping to use your sword as part of the payment?"

I untied it from my side in haste. Word had traveled about helping Aslan. "Aye."

He slid it out much as the blacksmith in the Upper City did running his callused thumb over the steel before looking up at me.

"Was this sword properly balanced for you?"

The question caught me off guard.

"A..aye," I said. "I believe so anyway."

He slid it all the way out of the sheath and placed it in both hands offering it to me. I took it from him looking at him perplexed.

"Take your stance," he said.

I did and he circled once around me looking the sword and me over intently. It was heavy holding it in that position for so long. After several long moments, he offered his hands again and I happily obliged.

"It is properly balanced for you, but too long for your stature. I could shorten it, add a new and better edge, new hilt leather and make a shield for you for around forty to fifty gold nobles. Is that a deal, Lady Guardian?" he asked.

I was short even at his price.

"I only have thirty," I whispered feeling embarrassed. "How long will it take you to do the work?"

"I have one other customer ahead of you. I can be done with yours by the new moon."

Five days.

"If I give you thirty now, can I pay the rest when I return? Your price is fair and I mean no disrespect at all-"

"That will work," he said kindly cutting me off.

"Thank you," I said shaking his outstretched hand.

He nodded. "I will expect to see you then."

With that Sasha gently nudged my shoulder and I handed him the small amount I had on me before we headed away. I knew the Upper City blacksmith had been trying to swindle me, but I didn't realize by how much. Sasha didn't say anything the whole walk back to her hut and I appreciated the silence as I tried to figure out how to come up with the rest of the money I needed.

"Thank you for helping back there," I said as we came to her door.

"Aye of course," she said offhandedly. "You're actually trying to make a difference for us."

I smiled. "I better get back so I don't have too much work tonight."