Work Text:
Two days after the tavern visit, Anthony Howardson looks up with a smile of welcome on his lips. He bows immediately on recognizing who stands at his forge.
“My Prince, you honor my establishment.”
“Howardson, I have heard you do fine work. My brother suggested you. I need a few items crafted.”
“If my Prince would list what he wishes made, I will craft it.” Anthony agreed readily.
A sheet of parchment was passed to him. Anthony scanned the multiple item order and nods carefully. “All of this is easily done, is there anything in particular about any of this that you require more attention paid to?”
“Gold and silver accents, they will be sent from a jewelry smith, unless…?”
“I have done decorative accenting before, my Prince. I can work from designs given to me, or incorporate other’s work into my own. Whichever you would wish.”
“I will send you a few pieces because they are meant to match existing items, Howardson.”
“I thank you for your interest, and the opportunity, my Prince.” Anthony said, bowing again before the Crown Prince left. His gaze went to the list and sketches in front of him.
Humming, Anthony turned towards the stack of various blanks that were waiting to be made into something useful.
* * *
Three weeks elapse before Anthony is able to send a message to the Crown Prince that his items are ready for perusal. When Thor arrives with a pair of servants, Anthony once more bows and steps over to the display table, various projects shrouded under heavy cloth to protect them from the soot and smoke of an active forge. He pulls off the heavy black weave, presenting the more… mundane offerings with a slight flourish.
As Thor is inspecting the two shovels, one in common metal, the other accented in gold and silver creeping vines and roses, Anthony merely waits. A matched trowel and shears also lie next to the shovel.
The remainder of the order is still concealed under another cloth. He watches as Thor picks up the plain shovel, examines it minutely, and then returns it to the table. There is approval in the other Aesir’s gaze.
"Your reputation precedes you, Lord Howardson. And I see it is well deserved. The daggers?"
Anthony pulls the cloth away and steps back again, patiently waiting for the one that made the commission to examine this last bit. Thor does so and nods with a smile. The golden horses had been carefully married to the hilts of both daggers, adding to the grip without throwing the balance of either blade.
"Very good. My brother will enjoy these greatly."
"I thank you, my Prince." Anthony murmurs, still curious, but not asking.
The bag of gold clinks softly as it is dropped on the table and Thor wraps the daggers, trowel, shears, and accented shovel in their cloths and hands them to the waiting servant. The plain shovel still lies on the display table. Thor picks it up and stares at Anthony for a moment.
"This will be the last thing you ever see, should you harm him, Howardson."
Anthony is left staring after the back of the Crown Prince as he leaves the forge, plain shovel propped over his shoulder. He swallows once.