Ethereal

chapter two

Airlea and Kyna spent the next few hours in Airlea's home pouring over every map they had of Listonia. Drina had told Airlea that it was important for them to know the land well so they wouldn't get lost on their journey. She also told them that they would need weapons for protection and hunting. Feeling that they knew the map as well as they could, the headed toward the blacksmith, Irisel Stonion. Blacksmith Stonion had always been kind toward Airlea, so she was excited to see him. She was always excited to see people that didn't treat her oddly or distantly. The same couldn't be said about Blacksmith Stonion's son, Kasen. Kasen had always been one of the people to be outwardly cruel to her, because her mother was such a respected healer not many treated her in such a way. Kasen had no problem with it though. Perhaps it was because his father was as equally respected as her mother, or perhaps he was just rude. Kyna believed it was because he was just rude. Well, even though the feelings between them and Kasen weren't exactly amiable, they knew that they would probably run into him asking his father to make their supplies. 

"Well," Kyna started, standing up and dusting off her skirts, "We best do this sooner rather than later, will Drina be coming with us?" 

Airlea looked over at the beautiful tiger resting in the corner of her mothers sitting room, she looked so at home that it was almost comical. Drina lifted her head up.

Yes, you will probably be left alone in your quest if I am with you, and we want this done as quickly as possible. 

Airlea nodded her head. "She's coming," She told Kyna. 

The trio made their way into the town. Airlea noticed more stares and whispers than normal. Most of the people looked terrified and kept a large distance between themselves and the threatening beast walking casually among the streets. They came up to Blacksmith Stonian's workshop and rang on the bell outside. 

"Comi-" He froze coming outside upon seeing the large, deadly animal. 

"Um, Hello, Lea, care to introduce me to your, um, friend?" He asked. Blacksmith Stonian was known for not letting much affect him, but even this seemed to be a little much. 

"Hello, Blacksmith!" Airlea smiled at him widely, "This is my new friend Drina, and actually she's part  of the reason that we're here, you see, I need a new bow and arrows and my daggers need to be sharpened and Kyna needs a new sword. One that's like her fathers, but smaller, and lighter. Can you help  us?" She asked politely.

"Well, of course, but you do plan on telling me why, right?" Airlea nodded at him, "Alright, then, why don't you come in to my house for some tea. Kasen is out, so it will be just us in the house. Well, us and Marjorie and I don't believe five year olds count?" 

Two cups of tea later the story had been told and Blacksmith Stonian was sitting back in his chair contemplating. Marjorie was sitting on Airlea's lap playing with a straw doll, oblivious to the world.

"I believe you." He stated, putting his cup of tea down.

Airlea grinned widely, "So you'll help us?" She asked him. He nodded standing up.

"Yes, but there's no need for me to help you with the bow and sword, I will sharpen your daggers for you, but I already have what you need." He left the room and returned a few minutes later carrying two wrapped items, he laid them on the table, first unwrapping a sword. The blade was long and slender, a gleaming silver. Its handle was pure gold, engraved to look like vines and flowers worked their way from the end of the handle onto the blade. Kyna's breath caught, her brown lit up in excitement, her father had been training her since a young age to use the blade and she was quite skilled. 

The next package was what excited Airlea. A golden bow, with the same engravings as Kyna's sword lay in front of her. It was simple, yet beautiful, and just her size. She picked it up in her hand, it was light enough for her to easily carry around on her journey. She grinned widely looking up at Blacksmith Stonian. She gently put Marjorie down and jumped into his arms. He was taken by surprise but recovered quickly, wrapping his arms around her.

 "Thank you! Thank you so much!" She excitedly exclaimed. 

"Of course dear. I'm happy to help you. Do your parents know about this journey?" He asked them, sitting back into his chair. Marjorie put up her arms and Airlea lifted her up, settling her onto her lap as she sat back down. Marjorie quickly went back to playing with her doll. 

"No. I plan on telling mama tonight and Kyna will tell her parents as well. Mama will understand, it's Kyna's mother we're worried about, but her father should be excited."

"All right, I suppose. Well I wish you both luck and safety on your journey, but, Lea?" He asked her.

"Yes?"

"There is one other thing I would like you to take on the journey..." He started.

 "What is it?" She asked, wondering what else he could possibly want them to take with them.

"Father?" She heard Kasen call from the front door. 

"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear." Blacksmith Stonian grinned at her.