Beautiful Blades

The Ruby and the Sapphire

The butler arrived with freshly brewed tea. Paintings by the finest local artists adorned the left wall of the study. Bookshelves fortified the wall across, with literature ranging from historical documents to fantastic epics.

The master sat staring out the window, tapping the table with his fingers. He gazed at the little town of Avon Hope off in the distance. He could just barely see the specks of people going about their lives in the streets. He eyed every one of them intently.

"What ails you, good sir?" asked the butler, setting down the tea tray.

The master continued to stare out the window.

"Sir?"

The master spoke at last.

"I was rudely insulted today. At the bladesmith, I had just received back my sword, when a particular fellow walked in. His attire was a pleasant red, and he was accompanied by an odd black cat.

We struck up a conversation over swords. Our knowledge was as equals, and I was impressed to meet a stranger who knew the history of blades well. I showed him my newly honed sword, but did you know what he said?

'I have seen swords much prettier than this'

I was outraged. I am still outraged. This rat thinks he knows a beautiful blade? His sword was pathetic. It could snap so easily!"

The butler gave a quiet sigh. "Let not a stranger's opinion cloud your mind, my good sir."

"But that cat," the master's fingers tapped even faster, "That did not look like any ordinary cat. It had a white spot on its chest, not to mention it looked my way in a manner unfit for a regular cat."

The butler looked off to the side. "Do you believe them to be fairies, sir?"

"Indeed! Fairies have no place in this town, let alone the right to disgrace my name! I shall deal with them tonight! Would you be so kind as to summon them?"

"Yes, sir..."

That evening, Robin and Dewayne retreated to their inn after spending the day perusing the town. Their room was small, containing only one bed and a desk. Dewayne snuggled comfortably in the middle of the bed.

"I cannot believe you humans sleep in these!" he said, "I'd like to rest here forever."

"So long as I have the coins to afford it," said Robin, "I fear we may eventually have to do work." He sat in the corner of the room reading a book. The black cat rolled over, taking notice of the book's cover.

The Fae-folk Compendium and Survival Guide

"What are you reading?" Dewayne asked.

"The documentation of the fairies of Mag Mell," said Robin, "it was written by our great grandfathers who came to this land."

"Humans, always the knowledge seekers."

"Haha, such is in our nature."

"Is that why your kind followed us here?"

"We did not mean to come here. Our destination was another land. But fate struck upon us and our ships were taken here. We thought God had given us a paradise. Alas, Mag Mell has proven to be anything but."

His book was turned to the page on cait sith. According to the compendium, the cait sith stole the souls of the recently deceased. Robin looked up at Dewayne.

"Why did you save me from that kelpie?" Robin asked.

Dewayne wriggled his whiskers in thought.

"No reason. Your kind die so easily, I guess I pitied you."