Cassia sighed as she walked back inside the smithy. Why did her grandfather always worry about her? She could take care of herself. Not like she needed friends to be happy.
She smiled at her tools and picked up the hammer. All she needed were her tools and she was happy.
Her smile faded somewhat. Although there was one person whom she did consider a friend.
---
[Two years ago]
Cassia was working late at the forge, helping her father with some smaller tasks. While she wasn't allowed to handle the heavy hammer yet, she was quite adept at sorting tools and making sure everything was in its proper place. The glow from the forge cast long shadows, creating a serene yet somewhat eerie atmosphere.
As she finished organizing a set of tongs, she heard a faint rustling sound coming from the alley beside the smithy. Cassia paused, her curiosity piqued, and listened intently. The sound came again, this time accompanied by a soft, almost inaudible gasp.
Curious and slightly on edge, Cassia set her tools down and quietly approached the alley. Peering into the dim light, she saw a figure darting from shadow to shadow. The person was small, likely a child, and their clothes were tattered and dirty.
Cassia's heart softened as she realized the child was likely a pauper, trying to survive in whatever way they could. She stepped out from the shadows and called gently, "Hey, you there. What are you doing?"
The figure froze, then slowly turned to face her. It was a girl, no older than Cassia herself.
"I'm not gonna hurt you," Cassia said, raising her hands in a gesture of peace. "What's your name?"
The girl hesitated, her eyes darting around as if looking for an escape route. Finally, she whispered, "My name is Aurora."
Cassia smiled gently. "Hi, Aurora. My name's Cassia. You look like you could use some help."
Aurora's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Why would you help me? Everyone else just looks the other way."
Cassia shrugged. "You look like someone in need and we got food to spare so why not share it with those who have nothing? Come on inside; I can give you something to eat and maybe some clean clothes."
Aurora hesitated for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. Cassia led her into the smithy, the warmth of the forge providing a stark contrast to the cold night outside. She handed Aurora a loaf of bread and some cheese, watching as the girl devoured the food hungrily.
"You're really kind," Aurora said between bites, her voice filled with gratitude. "Most people just ignore me or chase me away."
Cassia felt a pang of sadness. "Well, you don't have to worry about that here. You can come by anytime you need something."
Aurora's eyes filled with tears, and she quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand. "Thank you, Cassia. I... I don't know what to say."
Cassia reached out and gently squeezed Aurora's shoulder. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that you're not alone. Come on, let me show you to my place. I'll ask mom if you can stay."
Cassia led Aurora to the living quarters behind the smithy, where her mother, Constance, was busy preparing dinner. Constance looked up, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw the unfamiliar girl.
"Cassia, who is this?" Constance asked, setting down a bowl of vegetables.
Cassia blushed, glancing at Aurora and then back at her mother. "This is Aurora. She needed some help, so I brought her here."
Constance smiled warmly at Aurora, her eyes softening. "It's nice to meet you, Aurora. Any friend of Cassia's is welcome here."
Cassia's cheeks reddened further. "We're not friends... yet."
Aurora looked at Cassia with a small, hopeful smile. "Maybe we could be."
Constance chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on Cassia's shoulder. "Well, you can use the shower. I'll get you some clean clothes, too."
Aurora smiled. "Thanks, miss."
Cassia nodded, still blushing but feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the forge. As they led Aurora into their home, Cassia felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. Maybe her mother was right – friends were important, and perhaps Aurora could be the first of many.
After a warm shower and a change into some clean clothes provided by Constance, Aurora looked almost like a different person. Her matted hair was now a shiny chestnut color, and her eyes, free of dirt, sparkled brightly.
"Thank you," Aurora said softly as she sat down at the dinner table.
Constance smiled warmly. "You're welcome, dear. Now, eat up. There's plenty more if you're still hungry."
Cassia watched Aurora with a mix of curiosity and fondness. It felt good to have someone new around, someone who seemed to truly appreciate the help.
As the evening progressed, the conversation flowed naturally. Aurora shared bits and pieces of her life, careful not to reveal too much. Cassia, in turn, talked about her days at the forge and the things she was learning from her father.
Eventually, it was time for bed. Constance set up a cozy corner for Aurora with a spare mattress and some warm blankets. As they settled down, Aurora looked at Cassia, her eyes full of gratitude.
"This is the first time I've had a guy friend," Aurora said with a small smile.
Cassia's face turned red. "I'm a girl, not a boy."
Aurora's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I just assumed because of how you dress..."
Cassia sighed, but her expression softened. "It's fine. People make that mistake all the time. I like wearing pants and working in the forge. Dresses just get in the way."
Aurora nodded, looking relieved. "I understand. I'm really sorry, Cassia."
"It's okay," Cassia said with a small smile. "Just remember for next time."
Aurora grinned. "I will. And hey, maybe we really can be friends."
Cassia felt that warmth in her chest again and nodded. "Yeah, maybe we can."
As they drifted off to sleep, Cassia felt a sense of contentment she hadn't known she was missing.
The next morning, Cassia and Aurora were enjoying a hearty breakfast prepared by Constance. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, making the small kitchen feel warm and cozy.
As they chatted and laughed, there was a sudden knock on the door. Cassia and Aurora exchanged curious glances before Constance went to answer it. Standing at the door was a man in strange fancy robes, his expression stern but polite.
"Good morning," the man said, his voice crisp and authoritative. "I am looking for a girl with purple hair and indigo eyes. Have you seen anyone matching that description?"
Cassia instinctively glanced at Aurora, whose eyes widened with a mix of fear and resignation.
The man's stern expression softened into a smile as he spotted Aurora. "Ah, there you are, Princess Aurora. We have been searching everywhere for you."
Cassia's mouth fell open in shock. "Princess? You mean Aurora is a princess?"
Aurora sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. "Yes, Cassia. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I'm a princess from another land. I snuck away from my guards because I wanted to experience life in our host country without all the restrictions."
Constance placed a reassuring hand on Cassia's shoulder. "It's alright, dear. Sometimes people need to step away from their roles to find themselves."
Aurora looked at Cassia, her eyes pleading. "I didn't mean to deceive you. I just wanted to be normal for once, to make real friends."
Cassia's initial shock gave way to understanding. "I get it, Aurora. I just wish you had told me sooner. But you're still my friend, princess or not."
Aurora smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you, Cassia. That means a lot to me."
The man in the suit cleared his throat politely. "Princess Aurora, your parents are very worried. We must return to the hotel immediately."
Aurora nodded, then turned to Cassia. "I have to go, but I'll never forget the kindness you and your family showed me. And I'll find a way to visit again, I promise."
Cassia gave Aurora a tight hug. "You better. And next time, no more secrets."
Aurora laughed through her tears. "No more secrets. I promise."
As Aurora left with the man, Cassia watched her go, feeling a mix of sadness and hope.
---
As Cassia hammered away at her work, she thought back to that morning two years ago. Aurora had never shown herself again. As a princess, she was probably busy... At least she hoped that was it.
Part of her feared she never came as she was just the daughter of a blacksmith, not worthy of being a foreign princess's friend.
She sighed. If only she knew what kingdom she was from, maybe she could write Aurora a letter or two.
Her face warmed up. She wasn't even sure why she was so hung up about a girl she barely knew. They only interacted a bit.
Suddenly, she heard someone bump into something behind her. Cassia turned around and saw Kite, the young man she had sparred with recently.
"What are you doing here, Kite? Here to gloat over your victory in our last spar?" Cassia asked, narrowing her eyes.
Kite shook his head, his expression surprisingly sincere. "No, I was actually worried about you."
Cassia scoffed, picking up her hammer again. "I'll be fine. I don't need a stranger worrying about me."
Kite stepped closer, his voice softening. "Cassia, I'm not a stranger. We've sparred together. You don't have to push everyone away."
Cassia paused, her grip tightening on the hammer. "It's just easier that way."
Kite sighed, leaning against the workbench. "You know, it's okay to let people in. To have friends."
Cassia glanced at him, her eyes conflicted. "I've heard that before."
Kite smiled gently. "Maybe you should listen this time."
Cassia sighed, setting down her hammer. "Maybe you're right. It's just... hard."
Kite nodded. "I get it. But you don't have to do everything alone. You yourself called us friends."
She blushed and grumbled. "T-that was from the heat of the moment."
He took a seat and smiled as he stared at the trinket she was making. "It's pretty. And surprisingly girlie. I took you as a tomboy."
Cassia grumbled. "I-it's not for me! It's for a friend!"
The boy grinned. "Ah, so you do have friends."
She sighed. "Well, sort of. She was only my friend for a few hours before she had to go back home."
He blinked. "Why not visit her?"
Cassia shook her head. "This friend isn't just any person. She's a princess from another kingdom. One whose name I didn't even catch."
Kite sighed. "Too bad, I bet she would enjoy your gift."
Cassia sighed, setting down the trinket she was working on. "Yeah, I bet she would."
Kite leaned forward, studying her face. "You really care about her, don't you?"
Cassia hesitated, then nodded. "I do. She was the first person I felt a real connection with. And now she's gone, and I don't even know where to find her."
Kite's eyes softened. "Well, maybe there's a way to find out. We could ask around, see if anyone knows which kingdom she might be from."
Cassia looked at him skeptically. "You really think that would work?"
Kite shrugged. "It's worth a shot. Besides, you never know unless you try."
Cassia considered his words, a small spark of hope igniting in her chest. "Maybe you're right. It's better than just sitting here and wondering."
Kite grinned. "That's the spirit. We'll figure it out together."
Cassia felt a warmth in her heart that had nothing to do with the forge. "Thanks, Kite. I appreciate it."
Kite grinned. "No problem. I'll be sure to tell you if I get any hints."
She felt her face warm up. "Y-you really are an odd boy."
He sighed. "You don't have to keep repeating that. I know I'm a bit unusual."
Cassia nodded. "Yup!"
Kite looked at Cassia with curiosity. "So, what kind of magic do you have? I heard you're pretty skilled."
Cassia raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the sudden change in topic. "I have fire magic, construct attribute!"
Kite's eyes lit up with excitement. "Fire magic? And with a rare attribute too! That's amazing! I have fire too. Although I'm unsure about my attribute still. Maybe you could teach me a few things."
Cassia huffed, crossing her arms. "My fire magic is pretty advanced for someone my age. I don't think it'd be suitable for a little boy like you."
Kite narrowed his eyes and grumbled. "You do remember that we're the same age, right?"
Cassia rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Fine, fine. I suppose I could show you a thing or two. But don't blame me if you get burned."
Kite grinned. "I'll take my chances. When can we start?"
Cassia considered for a moment. "How about tomorrow morning? The forge gets pretty busy in the afternoons, and I don't want any distractions."
Kite nodded eagerly. "Sounds good to me. I'll be here bright and early."
As Kite left the smithy, Cassia felt a sense of anticipation. Teaching someone else her magic was a new experience, and she couldn't deny the excitement that came with it. Maybe Kite was right; maybe it was okay to let people in and share a bit of herself.