Harley's Smithy

Although the exterior of the shop looked a little worn out as if age had matured it like fine wine, the interior of the building begged to differ. It was spotless, and a variety of weapons were laid out both on a fairly large table and by the walls. Some equipment such as helmets and bows are seen hanging off the walls.

To the right was a wooden counter top which stood a woman from behind, she seemed to be in her late thirties had her arms leaning on them. She was currently wearing a bandana on top of her frizzy black hair, her attire was somewhat casual as she wore a green shirt and blue pants. Behind her, sounds of hammer could be heard clanging onto metal.

"Oh? Customers, ay? Welcome. Feel free to look around."

"Thank you."

"Wow, a polite one. Haven't got those kind of kids in a while. Usually they're the stuck-up stuffed nose nobles wanting some Excalibur-like sword."

'What? I've only said thanks.. Excalibur exists here?'

"Is Harley here?", Liz asked. Hoping to have a quick chat with her former ally.

"When is he ever not here? Do you need something from him? If not, he's busy, as you can hear in the back."

"Oh no, nothing important. Just wanting to see an old friend. That's all."

"Old friend? You look younge- Wait a minute.

Are you Elizabeth?"

"That's right. Do you know me?"

"Who doesn't? Give me a second, I'll get him for ya."

"No-no, it's fine if he's busy in the back."

"Ah geez, he's on it most hours of the day. He needs a break or two and he could do so with an old friend."

Not long after, a man who's of short stature is seen walking out of the door. He had a long and scruffy ginger beard and a bald head, which had safety goggles resting on them and, he wore white and thick flame resistant clothes. He was being accompanied by the lady who had been resting by the counter top.

"What did I say about interrupting me when I'm busy with my metal? Don't tell me it's another one of those noble young'uns.", he proclaimed as he walked out, only to be greeted by a lady wearing a white top and beige shorts, paired with a brown trench coat. The style was very minimalistic. She was with her son, who had short black hair and grey eyes, wearing a plain black tee and pants.

"Liz? My, I never thought I'd see you here. Welcome. What brings you here? Don't tell me you came to visit me?"

"Haha, I'm afraid not, sorry to say. I've brought my son here to purchase him a training sword and a few other equipment."

"Son? Ah, you must be Avel. I heard you had a son not too long ago, he seems to be growing up fine and I heard he's polite."

"Hello, mister."

"Well, go and have a look around, sonny. I'm sure there's something that'll suit you."

[As I walked away from the three individuals, they began to continue chatting and reminiscing of the old times that the two former allies had.]

'Hm, if possible I'd like a one-handed sword that's at a comfortable and balanced weight. Along with a parry knife or something like a bayonet.'

'I'm not too interested in bigger swords since it's unlikely that I'll face against a warrior and not use my magic. Nonetheless, I would still have to get used to having something to protect myself with, in the case where I'm unable to use magic. A short knife and a one-handed sword will do just fine.'

Shortly after, Avel is seen carrying a black sword which looked similar to a katana which was was about 80cm, longer than his current arm's reach and, what seemed to be a close resemblance to a black bayonet. Happy with his findings, he placed them on the counter top.

"Kid, call me a psychic but is your favourite colour black? What's with all the dull colours? Don't tell me you're going through that phase so soon."

"Nope. It's pink. It's the closest to what I require. Also, do you have a strap or belt that I can wear around my stomach which holsters this knife in a sheathe? I'd like that, please."

"Hm, we usually don't make those here as they're commonly sold in a general shop, along with generic potions that'd fit in them. However, I can make a custom one specially for you since you've been a good sport. Come to the back so I can take your measurements. I'll have it delivered through a carrier when it's done."

"Oh, thank you very much, Harley."

"No need, you can settle the payment with me wife while I take the kid's measurements."

After a quick measurement and transaction taking place, Avel and his mother were seen leaving the shop. He had both his training sword and bayonet in their own respective sheathes. They then head towards a restaurant that they've came across earlier and wanted to try out.

In the midst of walking however, they were met with a man who seemed to be homeless given by his ragged attire and greasy look, carrying a sign which translates, "THE END IS NEAR". Upon seeing the two individuals walking towards his path, he approached them and began yelling.

"The end is coming! Is your son prepared for the calamity we are about to face?! Why is the kingdom not doing any preparations for the end?! You must be prepared! The signs, have you seen the signs? The calamity will soon be upon us!! You must prepare for the end!!"

Confused and bewildered, Liz protected her son from any further approach coming from the man. Muttering words such as, 'don't listen to him', to prevent any sort of anxiety or worry her son may face from hearing such claims.

However, Avel decided to question the claims that came from the man.

'Signs? What sort of signs are there? The last calamity happened in the year 1000. If by chance another calamity were to approach, it'd be in the year 10000. That's another 14 years away, what signs does he speak of?'

'Fucking hell. He could've at least said one of the signs that he's noticed. Now, I'm just curious.'