The Tale of the Huntress

8. A Mother's Heart

Nova's hands, calloused from working and strong from drawing a bow, parted to uncover her latest piece of art. The leftover ruby eye sat delicately between golden vines as it hung from a necklace stand. The rays of sun that hit the jewel cast a reflection of beautiful red shades across her work station putting a smile upon her lips. Armageddon popped his head up curiously from under the desk and she moved away to give him room. They examined the pendant together that was nearly identical in style to the one that Aurous had been gifted. Her heart skipped a beat as she latched it around her own neck letting the powerful tear drop rest against her collar in memory of her departed son and husband.

"You make jewelry too? I must have you make something for my daughter's coming of age!" A boisterous plump lady exclaimed. Nova looked up in surprise at the customer that she hadn't noticed walk into her workshop. Since her run in with the Ivud and her renewed leg, she was a much more efficient huntress. The larger amount of pelts that she sold as well as the new traps she was able to create led to a steadily growing supply of coin. Her savings inflated until she was able to afford an abandoned shop in the heart of the village with a home upstairs. It was further from the forest in which they hunted but since she was able to walk without any help, this was no longer an issue.

"It is a hobby. I have never created jewelry to sell before," Nova replied honestly. The woman made her way closer to the counter where she worked to scan her scattered pieces. Armageddon slinked back down to hide beneath his partner's feet as he was still untrusting of visitors that might fear him. Nova couldn't care less anymore if anyone saw him as she had been in the village long enough to be comfortable with prying questions. The lady let out a whistle at an ivory carving of an Ivud and pulled Nova from a moment of distraction to glance up at her.

"I've never seen such a creature before. What is it?" She asked with her fingers twitching to touch the small figurine. Nova picked it up and placed it in her hands to give her permission to inspect. The woman's eyes grew as her mouth formed an "O" shape at the intricately crafted sculpture.

"An Ivud. The wish granting myth," was her response. A primped eyebrow rose on the woman's features and Nova figured that it was not a familiar beast of lore in this area. "It is a large white furred beast with eyes like rubies and two sets of pointed ears. The myth states that if one were to kill an Ivud, they will gain it's eyes that grant wishes." Her emerald eyes washed over the ivory she had carved with painted red eyes on its regally lifted face. The lady seemed impressed not only on her art work but also by her foreign tale.

"Simply marvelous," she said with a smile before setting it back in its former spot. "How much for an ivory neck piece? Something with rubies just like your little sculpture."

Nova was more than surprised at the ladies interest and sputtered out a number that seemed acceptable and not too expensive for the piece of jewelry. The woman stared back in shock and the poor girl nearly went back on her price when she let out a high pitched squeak of glee. Armageddon cringed at the noise and barely stopped himself from growling at the woman who was reminding them more and more of a curious pig.

"What a steal! I'll pay in full now then." A portion of coins were plucked out of her purse in mere moments and placed directly in front of Nova. This was the first of many women that came to Nova over the course of a few months also wanting a piece of her unique jewelry. Her shop continued to prosper as well as her newly growing jewelry business. Eventually she and the elusive Axius partner of hers became well-known around the town. On a particularly calm day in the shop, the pig lady returned with a few friends all wearing wide smiles.