A kid ran in the streets of Srotah, a very enthusiastic grown up kid. A kid named Aelar. While he was calling to his uncle to follow him, he himself was almost sprinting.
They met up with Artina too on the way, and looking at this kid of a brother, she seemed to understand immediately. She also became as excited as Aelar and dragged by both, was their uncle Ray.
They had started at the heart of the city, the market. But now they reached a small warehouse like shed. This was a smithy. Their smithy. And inside was what they wanted to show.
Being dragged by them, Ray entered the metal-mud building. Inside the heat of the forge remained though it was now un-light. There, on the table, was a sword.
Aelar, held it up slowly and gently. The bright blue wrapping on the hilt appeared beautiful. The sheath was polished wood and its dark appearance gave a ethereal feel to the sword hilt.
None of the three spoke. They didn't need to. Each of them were admiring the sword and each others' actions were understood.
Then Aelar slowly handed the sword to his uncle Ray. Ray gently and respectfully received it.
Looking at the sword again, Ray unsheathed the sword. As the blade was slowly touched by light, it shimmered. The blade patterns were clearly visible, and its sharpness could be felt just by looking at the blade.
It was an extremely good sword. Qualified to be one of the 7 great swords and may even evolve to become an ego sword, only 3 known, where the sword becomes an existence so powerful, that it gains a will of its own.
" We made this sword from your teachings. It name is ' Saathi '. We want you to take it." Aelar said with a proud smile on his face.
Artina looked intently at Ray, awaiting his decision.
Ray glanced at the sword. Smiled. And brought it down with a slash. Its curve beautifully danced through the air, making not a single sound. It was already a magical existence.
And then he sheathed it back and gave his signature, knowing smile. An...annoying one to many.
"Congratulations! Both of you! This is a great achievement!
This sword will become an ego sword and may even become a divine sword. But...I can not take it. It does not belong with me. It wants a different owner."
The siblings' eyes were filled with pride as he praised them. They knew their hard work, that they had put. Aelar had made the blade and steel, and Artina had done the inscribing, the details and art work. Both parts of the sword, which gave it character and strength.
But when he rejected it, they were heartbroken. The excitement drained from their eyes.
"Why?! You use that wooden stick as a sword, and instead reject this sword! Is it still not up to your standards?!"
"Calm down Artina. I am not taking it because it is destined for a different owner, not me."
"Then who is it?! Who is it for Saathi to decline the best swordsman?!"
"You'll know Aelar. Now ask me for anything else. I can't take this sword."
Ray remained firm.
"Then let it rain here!!" Both asked simultaneously.
"You have already asked that."
"What! Did we do something to make you hate us?!"
At these words, Ray helplessly looked at them with , and then firmly stated
"I do not hate you. In fact, I am very proud of your work- with both your town and this sword. You know that."
"Then why?!"
"Ask me something else that I can give. Take your time. I am leaving tomorrow afternoon, so tell me by then."
He walked over to Aelar and Artina and gently grasped their shoulders,
"Saathi' truly is a great sword. Good job, both of you."
And then he slowly left, leaving the two siblings in their smithy.
***
The next day, Aelar introduced the merchants to the group. It was a led by a short man with a pointy nose and beard. They introduced themselves, politely.
"You can come if you want. It'll take a day and half to reach the nearest teleportation port, if you have the money of course...he he. Or else you'll be with us for way longer than a month. It's all on the way."
"Thank you for taking us along." Kyle concluded the negotiation after offering the merchant a few gold coins.
'Was hitching a ride always so easy?'. Lily wondered as she looked at the pointy nosed man.
Then as if reading her mind, he said, "Thank the chief. If not for him, you will be hard pressed to get such a long ride."
Kyle and team locked eyes for a second, then she said, "Of course we are grateful, but don't worry we will only borrow your help till the port."
The merchant raised his eyes, as if reassessing, the group's finance.
***
After the group was done getting ready and making sure they had their artifacts and goods, Ray was called by the chief Aelar.
"Okay! We have thought what to ask. You can't deny us this time. All right?"
Artina immediately declared.
"I'll hear you out."
"We want you teach us. Teach me swordsmanship and-"
"-me magic."
Aelar said with Artina completing.
"Why didn't you both ask me to teach you both magic and the sword?" Ray asked slightly puzzled.
"We thought that if we did that, you might reject us again. We decided to teach each other whatever we learned. So...do you agree? Will you teach us?"
Aelar asked with anxiety.
"I'll teach both magic and swordsmanship. To both of you. After all I can not teach one without the other."
When the siblings heard these words, they were overjoyed. They had gotten a chance. A chance to become stronger and lift the curse themselves.
A chance to travel with their uncle and learn from him. The strongest person they know.
"Send a messenger when you are ready."
"Yes Uncle. It won't be long."
***
The time of departure had come. Ray bid farewell as he and his teammates went to board the carts behind the main carriage.
As they waved good bye,
'We will start preparing to leave immediately.' Aelar thought as he glanced at his sister, who shared the same thought.
Then something happened, which left the two elves in a daze. After sometime they looked up as drops fell to the ground. Tears.