Starlight And Mist

Silverwing

After obtaining thorough directions to the nearest blacksmith shop, Eiris left the shop of oddities, promising to see Einar again soon. She wasn't sure she would be here in three days, but what he didn't know couldn't hurt him. She felt a pang of guilt at lying to him, but what else could she do? She followed his carefully laid out directions, turning right by a large spruce wrapped in colorful ribbons, no doubt decorated for the upcoming ceremony. She made her way up a winding wooden staircase, marveling at the intricately engraved stairs. They depicted simple deere and flowers, with an occasional rune or foreign language she didn't recognize. Sometime after she had left Einar's shop, Grimm had reappeared behind her silently. She had given up asking questions or trying to converse, as every query was met with cold silence. She ignored him as she made her way up the winding stairs, climbing higher and higher into the tree tops. She reached a large, wide landing, and to the left was a large store boasting colorful anecdotes and cures, a silver banner fluttering in the breeze about the rounded front door. She was amazed that it barely swayed as she crossed a suspended bridge. She focused on her hands gripping tightly to the rope handrails, her forehead damp with nervous perspiration. She had never been one for heights. She made it across, down a half flight of steps, and turned left to find a shop front with a great sword hanging above it, just as Einar had said she would. She entered the shop tentatively, looking around. Her jaw dropped when she laid eyes on a large crystal case containing velvet pillows, an intricate sword laid carefully across the top. The handles were like none she had ever seen. Some were inlaid with sparkling jewels, and some had fine leather grips, each polished and shiny, ready to hang ceremoniously from a sash or be displayed over a mantle as a conversation piece. She glanced longingly at a long sword, the metal glinting invitingly. She looked at the walls lined with cooking utensils, tools, farming equipment, and horseshoes. There were tables laden with odd objects she didn't have a name for, mixed with statues made entirely of gold. Right then, an elderly man entered the room. His silver hair was short and curly, and his face wrinkled like a crumpled piece of paper. His eyes were a faded blue, and a pair of wire-rim spectacles sat atop his beak-like nose. Despite his age, he was in excellent shape. His stained tunic was rolled up at the sleeves, revealing strong arms and large, calloused hands.

"Can I help you find something, ma'am?"

Eiris started, forgetting temporarily that she was disguised as an elderly lady.

"Oh, yes. Good afternoon. I'm hoping to purchase a dagger."

"Well, you've come to the right place." He gestured to one of the cases, ushering her over to it. He removed a few of them, turning them in the early morning sun. They were truly beautiful. But the one that caught her eye was a smooth, pearlescent dagger with an antler handle.

"I'll take that one if you please. It's beautiful."

"An excellent eye, ma'am. This one here is imbued with ancient magic from the mountains. It's said never to miss its true target."

Eiris smiled, recalling the stories she had heard about the Arrani merchants. They would sell their wares at twice the price and often tell tall tales about the products' origins or abilities to make them more appealing. Even without the added stories, their products were still known to be the best across the kingdoms.

"Thank you, sir."

"That'll be 30 crescents."

"Oh, um, I'm staying with a friend of mine, Lorien. He told me to charge him for my purchases." She gave him a watery smile, her palms starting to sweat. What if he said no? What if he took the knife back? What if he threw her out?

"Certainly, miss..." He raised a brow quizically, his faded eyes staring into her soul.

"Miss uh..."