Seven years have passed since the war on Kanto grounds ended due to the sacrifice made by Sir Aaron and Soul Fraverden. While their legacy has been immortalized by the people of Kanto, not everyone has completely moved on from such a tragic loss. Qu...
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The following morning, Nicholas, Haku, and Hope sailed to Heiwa Town's harbor. As promised, he had left his advisor in charge of affairs for the day. The plan was to hitch a ride from one of the local carriages after coming off of the ship and head to the Merchant Plaza where a certain blacksmith's shop was located. It's been quite some time since Nicholas last visited the owner, and he was certainly looking forward to seeing his old friend.
Hope, on the other hand, felt a little bit antsy. This was her first time going to the Mainland since her arrival on Kanto. There were times when Nicholas offered to bring her with him when he had opportunities to leave Sirena's Island for business, but she always refused. She had this underlying fear of getting lost in a sea of strangers in an unfamiliar place. Plus, there was this feeling in her gut that her appearance might also get her into unwanted trouble. After all, that was partially the reason why the local knights of Nebesa Town arrested her on the spot.
The Lunar Wing around her neck was hidden under her peach-colored shirt. Wearing something so rare was a risky decision, but Hope felt safe wearing it. Just as the stories she heard back home, it warded away the unwanted nightmare. She decided to keep it hidden when she dressed for the day. Her outfit was completed with a pair of earth-colored trousers and a beige cape.
Fifteen minutes went by before the carriage came to a complete stop. The driver opened the door for the group. Out came Nicholas, then Haku, who helped Hope step out of the carriage. Once the heel of her boots hit the ground, the driver shut the carriage door and signaled his two Ponyta to go. Hope was welcomed with the sight of the busy yet lively nature of the Merchant Plaza.
It was an intimidating scene to take in just from afar. Hope made sure to stick close to Haku and Nicholas as they entered the Merchant Plaza. The area was littered with all kinds of shops and stands, some family-owned, part of a larger company, or ran independently. The laughter of children echoed the air from playing with a new toy their parents bought. Hope almost shrieked when a Pikachu and a Vulpix zoomed passed her feet, followed by a teenage boy and a young girl chasing after them frantically. A few customers were not as lucky as her when an accidental bump made an elderly man drop his basket full of bagged berries.
Hope had the urge to go help him, but a few people around him were already helping him pick up his merchandise. It was nice seeing people helping each other in this manner. Sure, it may take a few unsupervised rascals to make it a little bit chaotic, but there were people within the community that were kind enough to lend a hand.
"Come on, Hope." Haku pulled her by her wrist, snapping her attention away from the group of people. "You're falling behind."
"S-Sorry," she apologized.
Haku shook his head, his jet black fringe swaying with him. "Don't worry. We're almost there."
In a matter of minutes, they arrived at the blacksmith's shop. The front of the store was simple-looking. There was a sign that stuck out of the front with the words "Thorin's Weaponry & Repairs" in big black bold letters. A painting of a cartoon man ready to hammer down a block of metal on a forging table was decorated on the window next to the door.
