Liridia

Chapter 3: The deal

Liridia
_________________
I didn't exactly have to sneak into, or break into, for that matter, Markus' blacksmithery.

He left the door wide open, but to get the steam and heat out while he was working, not to allow anyone inside or anything like that. I walk into the parlour and already start to sweat from the intense heat coming from further inside. I clear my throat to state my presence and he shouts from further inside, "Welcome! What can I do for you?" He walks out, sees me and stops.

He watches with his hazelwood eyes and sighs. "Well, well, well. Look what the devil dragged into my shop, why are you here Liridia? Did you break in? Wait, don't tell me." Markus asks, rolling his eyes and wiping his dirty hands on a rag.

"Why do you think I'm here Markus?" I answer, cocking my head and blinking slowly.

"You did it, didn't you? Killed that monster?" He stares into my soul with his deep woody eyes, searching for an answer.

"Yes, he's now in a grave six feet under the tree his mother planted for him as a child. Poisoned, like you insisted." I say sitting on the small wooden stool, propping my elbow up onto the bench and resting my head on my hand tiredly.

"It got messy, didn't it? I can see it in your eyes. It was someone as old as you, wasn't it? You are particularly sensitive about them." He asks flatly, sitting on the other wooden stool across from the bench.

"Yes, but the job is done. I avenged your brother, that awful king is dead and you should be celebrating... Now about that favour." I finish, a smile creeping up onto my face. He rolls his eyes so I see the whites in his eyes surrounding the orb of brown in the middle.

"What about it? I don't have much." He says, fiddling absentmindedly with the rope of his apron.

"No, I want you to do something for me. Something very important." I say lowering my head from its perch and crossing my arms, he looks like he will slap me.

"What do you want me to do? And stop being cryptic." He asks plainly into the still air.

"I need you to get me an invitation to the 5th king's balle." I smile mischievously.