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You hold the sword in your hand. The warmth of the metal dulled by the leather sheath it confided in. The handle poking out from the opposite side was spiked. Not to a dagger of any means but for additional grip on the blade. Holding it in your hands was ethereal, like it was made to fit right within the folds of your palm. The delicate craftsmanship and the details along it, all gorgeous in their own fitting way. The only problem with the blade was the large branding in the center of it.
‘GS’
You thought the enormous initials burnt into the handle ruined the overall feel of the blade. Your fingers sliding over it every time the weapon spun in your hands was so distracting it began to cost you. Losing a battle every now and then hurt your pride but you drew the line at it costing you dinner with what should’ve been an easy kill.
So you returned to the blacksmiths door with a bit more money in pocket than usual, this time requesting a custom made weapon. It was to be crafted just as your old one but with no branding. A simple request that shouldn’t be difficult because he’d already done it before.
“No.”
Your eyebrows furrowed as you look at him in bewilderment, “What do mean ‘no’?”
The blacksmith had always been so full of himself and many say for good reason. One of the best, if not the best, lookers and blacksmith within the Kings walls. Blinding white hair dulled by the immense amounts of stray ash caught in it. Pale but rosey skin accompanied with streaks of black grime. A slender yet strong build constantly covered by his bulky leather apron. And his alluring ocean blue eyes, so captivating and charming as if he made them himself. But all of it coincided with an ego of an average King.
“I mean what I’ve said. I’ll be keeping my branding on all on my weapons.”
You bring your hand to gesture at the extra sack of gold on the table, not quite understanding what he meant, “But I’ve brought you extra gold. Surely you could have this done for a higher price.”
“Surely I cannot,” A cheeky smile raises on his dirt ridden face, “As the best this kingdom has seen in the arts of blacksmithing, I need to make sure that all my product can be traced back to me. Brings in new customers.”
You scoff, “There are plenty of other blacksmiths within the kingdom. Don’t act like you’re the best one."
"Then go to them if they are just as good as me!" He shouts, walking away from the front counter. You wrap around it and follow suit.
“I cannot! You were the one that crafted this blade! It requires your skills to be remade.” You argue.
He spins around, “Really?”
“Yes!”
“Let me see it.” You throw the sword down in his empty hand and he inspects it, flipping down his dirty lenses to better see. He hums and turns it over, seemingly very inticed by his own craftsmanship.
"Yes this is definitely my weapon." With two swift movements he puts the sword back in your hands and dissappears behind some unknown door.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
You knock after him, feeling a direct stab to your dignity after having a door slammed in your face. You knew you couldn't leave. You couldn't bare to have to explain why you returned with what you left with to another knight.
"No one's here." Was he playing you for a fool?
"I just spoke with you and I hear you speak."
"We're closed."
You sigh as you feeling you temper begin to run thinner, "Open it."
This time he doesn't answer. You knock at the door again, and again, and again but to no avail. How could he possibly turn down a deal from a knight? You indirectly save his life on a day to day basis. It was your job to put your very own life at risk so the citizens could live in peace which included him which also made the entire interaction that much more... confusing, as the frustration had began to dissipate.
"He's readying his carriage out front. Hurry if you'd wish to catch him." A black haired employee of his speaks. You thank the boy and run out of the shop to find Gojo purched up on his horse.
You dash infront of the cart with your arms spread wide on either side of you, " HALT!"
"Wow, you must really like my swords."
"Could you just, make it smaller or something? Please, I beg of you."
"I do enjoy when people do that... How about I think about it, hm? I'll just get back to you the next time you're in at my shop." The both of you knew that was probably never. He is rarely present at all while you have a tight and busy schedule. The chances of you running into one another were slim to none.
"I'll escort you round her higness' castle!" You screw your eyes shut. Shame washing over you as a crowd began to form on the road.
The blacksmith smirks, "And why would that make me change my mind?"
"The queen has the finest chef's! You could go to every Kingdom in the land and never have a sliver of the delicious food sold here!"
"Sold? For me to remove a piece of myself from my art should not come at a personal cost!" He fails, holding his hand to his chest as if he were wounded.
You deflate, "But who will pay the chefs if not you?" His dead silence answers your question.
"Alright. It's on me." You state, embarrassment beginning to sit as the bystanders around two of you watch the strange interaction. The blacksmith smirks in triumph and visibly pumps out his chest. "It's a date."
Without another word he guides his hourse and carriage around your stunned figure, a split forming in the crowd to let him pass. You couldn't help but look back at the man as he'd left you in awe. Flustered and defeated with two full bags of coin and a sword in your hands.