A few weeks passed since Mirrin and Michiko uncovered decoded the fragment about Eldoria the Wanderer. Sadly, they had been unable to uncover anything else.
Elian and he went with Liliana and Sylvana to Cassius's shop. Liliana had suggested that Sylvana get her own weapon. Elian felt like knives were the best fit for her.
The forge was alive with the rhythmic sound of hammering and the crackling of the forge fire. The scent of hot metal and coal filled the air, making Kite think of home.
As the group approached, Cassius looked up from his work and greeted them with a warm smile.
"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite adventurers," Cassius said, wiping his hands on his leather apron. "What brings you to my forge today?"
Liliana stepped forward, her eyes shining with excitement. "We're here because Sylvana needs her own weapon. Elian thinks knives would be a good fit for her."
Cassius nodded thoughtfully, his eyes assessing Sylvana. "Knives, huh? I think that could work nicely. Quick and versatile. Usually the weapon of speedsters like Elara. What do you think, Sylvana? As a summoning mage, there aren't really much weapons that fit a summoner other than perhaps a whip or chains. But you don't seem the type to use those."
Sylvana blushed slightly under the attention but nodded. "Yes, I think that knives would be best. I want something that suits me."
Before Cassius could respond, a red-haired girl with a tomboyish appearance stepped forward from the back of the shop. She had a smudge of soot on her cheek and her hands were calloused from working the forge.
"Knives, huh?" the girl said, her voice carrying a hint of challenge. "You sure you're ready for that, girlie?"
"Everyone, this is Cassia. She's my granddaughter," Cassius said as he chuckled, patting Cassia on the shoulder. "Easy there, Cassia. Not everyone needs to be a warrior overnight. Sylvana's got potential, and we'll make sure she gets a weapon that suits her."
Sylvana met Cassia's gaze, her own eyes steady and determined. "I might not be the strongest, but I'm willing to learn. I want to be able to protect my friends."
Cassia's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "Alright then, let's get to work."
Cassius led them to a display of various knives and daggers, each one beautifully crafted. He picked up a few and handed them to Sylvana, telling her about their balance and weight.
Sylvana tested each one, feeling the cold metal in her hands. She moved her fingers across their handles to get a good feel of their grip.
Elian watched closely, offering advice and encouragement. "Remember, it's not just about the weapon. It's about how you use it. Find one that feels natural to you."
After trying out several knives, Sylvana finally settled on a pair of lightweight, elegantly designed daggers. Their blades were sharp and gleaming, and their handles fit perfectly in her hands.
Cassius nodded approvingly. "These should do nicely. They're well-balanced and quick, perfect for someone with your agility."
Cassia handed Sylvana a whetstone and some oil. "You'll need these to keep your blades in top shape. Take good care of them, and they'll take good care of you."
Sylvana smiled, feeling a sense of pride and readiness. "Thank you, Cassius. And thank you, Cassia. I'll make sure to take care of them."
Cassia glanced at Kite and smirked. "So, are you the famous golden sword boy?"
Kite blinked. "Golden sword boy?"
"Yeah, the one who is said to wield a strange sword. I heard about you from grandpa. He thinks you're special." She looked him up and down. "Although you don't look special. Your arms are thin and the only interesting thing about you seems to be your patch of red hair amongst black hair, and those golden eyes that resemble stars."
Kite frowned slightly at Cassia's blunt assessment. He was used to people underestimating him based on his appearance, but it still stung a bit to hear it so plainly.
Before Kite could respond, Elian stepped forward, his eyes flashing with irritation. "Hey, that's not fair! Kite may not look like much, but he's one of the bravest and most capable people I know. He's saved us more times than I can count."
Liliana's cheeks flushed with anger as she added, "Kite is special, not because of how he looks, but because of who he is. He's kind, courageous, and always puts his friends first. You shouldn't judge him just because he doesn't fit some kind of image you have in your head."
Sylvana, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped up and placed a reassuring hand on Kite's arm. "Kite is a very nice boy," she said softly, her eyes meeting Cassia's with a calm determination. "He's always there for us, even when things get tough. I wouldn't want anyone else by my side."
Cassia seemed taken aback by the passionate defense from Kite's friends. She looked at their earnest expressions and then back at Kite, who was standing with a determined look on his face despite the initial hurt.
Cassius, sensing the tension, intervened with a gentle chuckle. "Now, now, everyone. Let's not get too worked up. Cassia, it's important to remember that strength comes in many forms. It's not always about appearance or raw power."
Cassia sighed, running a hand through her messy red hair. "Alright, alright. I get it. Sorry if I came off harsh, Kite. Grandpa's right, I shouldn't judge a book by its cover."
Kite's frown softened into a small smile. "It's okay, Cassia. I understand. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. I'm just trying to do my best, like everyone else."
Cassia nodded, a hint of respect in her eyes. "Fair enough. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you can do, golden sword boy."
Elian and Liliana relaxed, their anger dissipating as the tension eased. Sylvana gave Kite's arm a reassuring squeeze before letting go.
Cassius clapped his hands together. "Well, now that we've settled that, let's make sure Sylvana's knives are ready for action."
He demonstrated how to properly use the whetstone and oil, ensuring Sylvana understood how to maintain her new weapons.
Cassia, now more reserved, watched closely, occasionally offering tips from her own experience.
Cassius handed Sylvana a small leather sheath for her daggers. "Here you go, Sylvana. Keep these close and take care of them."
Sylvana accepted the sheath with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Cassius. I will."
Cassia smiled at Kite. "So, Kite. Up for a spar with me?"
Kite gasped, taken aback. This girl might've been more blunt than Liliana.
Kite gasped, taken aback by Cassia's sudden challenge. This girl might've been more blunt than Liliana, and that was saying something.
Liliana raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "A spar, huh? You sure about that, Cassia?"
Cassia smirked, crossing her arms confidently. "Absolutely. I want to see what this 'golden sword boy' is made of."
Elian glanced at Kite, his expression mixed with concern and curiosity. "Kite, you should go for it. Show her what you're capable of."
Liliana nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining with excitement. "Yeah, Kite! This is your chance to prove yourself. You've got this!"
With both of his friends encouraging him, Kite felt a surge of determination. He had been underestimated before, and he had always proven his worth through action. This was no different.
With a deep breath, Kite nodded, his golden eyes meeting Cassia's with resolve. "Alright, Cassia. I'll spar with you."
Cassius chuckled again, clearly enjoying the spirit of the youth. "Let's keep it friendly, kids. No serious injuries, alright?"
The group moved to a cleared area outside the forge, where the ground was packed down from years of foot traffic. Cassius and the others formed a loose circle around Kite and Cassia, giving them enough space to move freely.
Cassia picked up a practice sword from a nearby rack, tossing it to Kite. "Here, use this. Let's see how you handle it."
Kite caught the practice sword and gave it a few experimental swings. It was well-balanced, though not as familiar as his own golden sword. He took a deep breath, centering himself.
Cassia took her stance, her red hair flickering like flames around her face. "Ready when you are."
Kite matched her stance, his eyes focused. "Ready."
Cassia lunged forward with surprising speed, testing Kite's reflexes. He parried her initial strike, their practice swords clashing with a satisfying ring. Cassia's movements were quick and aggressive, but Kite kept his cool, blocking and countering with precision.
As they sparred, Kite began to find his rhythm. His years of training with his unique sword had honed his skills, and he moved with a fluid grace that belied his slender build. Cassia, for all her bluster, was a skilled opponent, and the two of them danced around each other in a blur of motion.
The onlookers watched with rapt attention, their excitement palpable. Elian and Liliana exchanged glances, clearly impressed by Kite's performance. Sylvana, meanwhile, watched with quiet admiration, her hands clasped together in anticipation.
Cassia's expression shifted from one of challenge to one of genuine respect as the spar continued. She pushed harder, trying to find a weakness in Kite's defense, but he met her blow for blow, his golden eyes never wavering.
Finally, after a particularly intense exchange, Cassia stepped back, lowering her practice sword with a grin. "Alright, Kite. You've got some serious skills. I'm impressed."
Kite lowered his sword as well, panting slightly but smiling. "Thanks, Cassia. You're pretty good yourself."
Cassius clapped his hands, his face beaming with pride. "Well done, both of you. That was a fine display of skill and sportsmanship."
Liliana and Elian rushed over, their faces alight with excitement. "That was amazing, Kite!" Liliana exclaimed. "You really showed her what you're made of."
Elian nodded, his admiration clear. "You did great, Kite. I'm proud of you."
Sylvana approached Kite, her eyes shining with warmth. "I knew you could do it."
Kite blushed at all the attention and compliments.
Cassia extended her hand to Kite, her earlier bluntness replaced with genuine camaraderie. "Looks like I was wrong about you, Kite. You've got what it takes. Friends?"
Kite shook her hand, smiling. "Friends."
Cassius smiled. "I knew if Cassia made any friends here, it would be you kids."
Cassia grumbled. "What's that supposed to mean? Did you think I was gonna have a hard time making friends, Gramps? Hmph!"
He chuckled nervously. "Sorry, dear. It's just... Your personality is a bit."
She sighed and walked away.
Kite felt like there was a story behind Cassius's worried besides just his granddaughter's personality.