Forged by Fire

The house was quiet as I slipped into the kitchen to grab a muffin and then headed out the back door. I had thrown on some trousers and an old shirt planning to work for a few hours. My short hair was pulled back into a ponytail although a few wisps couldn't be contained.

The sounds of clanging rang through the air as I set out for the workshop behind the house. My papa was in the middle of shaping a dagger when I arrived, so I sat on top of one of the tables to watch him while I finished my breakfast.

"I've got to take some swords into town today," he said without looking up. "I've got about a dozen that need polishing that you can take care of while I'm gone."

I rolled my eyes. "Good morning to you too."

He rubbed his arm across his sweaty forehead and then finally glanced up at me, his eyes shining. His eyes were the same color blue as Carney's. Walking over to me, he placed a kiss on my forehead with a chuckle. "Good morning, dearie."

I smiled up at him. "There, that wasn't so hard now, was it?"

Ignoring my response, he began gathering his shipment. "Your sister didn't get into too much trouble last night, did she?"

I didn't bother asking him how he knew we had snuck out, he never revealed his secrets. "No, last night was a bore and a waste of time. I think she gets a thrill from the sneaking out part more than anything else."

"Well at least that's all," he replied with a sigh. "Thank goodness she has you to look out for her." I smiled down at the ground.

"I best be off," he announced. "I'll be back in a few hours."

Hopping off the table I circled around him so I could place a kiss on his scraggly check. "As long as you're back for dinner. Carney is cooking tonight."

He groaned. "I'm glad she doesn't give up easily, but in this case, I wish she'd admit defeat. She's never going to learn to cook."

I chuckled in response and then bid him farewell. The next few hours I spent working, not even bothering to stop for lunch. By the time I was finished my hands were black and my face sweaty. I swiped at my bangs for the tenth time and groaned as I realized my mistake. My forehead was probably covered in filth now.

After locking up the now clean swords and daggers in the back, I headed for home. As I rounded the corner of the workshop I smacked into a broad chest, stumbling back. Hands gripped my shoulders before I fell, steadying me.

"I'm so sorry," I mumbled bowing my head slightly. When I looked up my eyes met those of the captain.

"Are you alright," he asked, not removing his hands from my shoulders.

A fluttering started up in my stomach. What was he doing here? Gods and I was a mess. "I'm fine," I replied. "Can I help you with something?"

Finally dropping his hands, he smiled. "I was looking for your father. My sword needs sharpening. Is he here?"

Shaking my head, I looked down at his sword which was strapped to his side even though he wasn't wearing his uniform, just khaki pants and a short-sleeved linen shirt. I tried not to stare too long at the muscles his shirt revealed. "He had some errands to run in town. May I take a look?"

With a smile he unsheathed his sword to hand to me. Taking it from him I turned it in my hands to study the hilt and blade. Finally, I checked the balance, laying it across my palms.

"What's wrong," he asked looking down at the sword to try to see what I could.

I hesitated. "What makes you think something is wrong?"