[IRP] The Dead One Calls

[Swift_Assassin]

Shad made his way to the blacksmith, more or less with blinders on. He could probably make his way back perfectly fine, but everything along said path would be a blur. He wouldn't be able to point out anything, especially things that would stick out in his experience. If he can jump into something immediately, he does. Otherwise, he speculates on thing to various extremes. But right now, his concern was making his sword appear like a proper sword. The time for hiding was done in Lycia. He wasn't going to pretend to be some cripple on a cane to avoid a conflict.

He found the blacksmith, noting some set-up outside, before heading in. An overwhelming heat hit him at first, following the sounds of metal on metal. The blacksmith had his back to the door and as Shad approached the man, he coughed a bit, hoping to get his attention. He kept striking the metal he was working with, despite Shad's efforts. When he had finished, he dipped it into a reservoir of water, shooting steam into the air. Shad coughed again, now that he was done. He almost jumped in his skin at the sound and turned towards Shad. "Oh! Sorry, sorry. Give me a few, will ya?" Shad nodded and stepped away. He was happy he was in this sacaen outfit. His old coat would be absolutely dripping with sweat in this heat. He looked around and saw various tools on the walls. Farming implements mostly. Shad hoped this guy had some experience with weapons. He actually kinda felt stupid assuming the blacksmith had such knowledge in the first place. Shad almost jumped in his skin when a large gloved hand plopped itself down on his shoulder. "Let's speak outside." The pair moved outside, with Shad almost freezing now due to the difference in temperature. He led them to an anvil outside and motioned for Shad to sit while he leaned against the building. "So what can I do for you?"

Shad pulled out his sword and the basket hilt. "I was hoping you'd be able to replace the hilt with this one." The man took the Schiavona and examined the sword carefully. He examined a multitude of angles, examining the craftsmanship, before examining it's hilt in detail. He then took the basket hilt and gave that a look over as well. "You see, my father wanted to step away from combat, but still have a weapon on hand. So he had the hilt replaced so the sword looking like a walking stick when sheathed. When I inherited the blade, I couldn't find the original hilt. But one of my friends found it and gave it to me. I kinda want it to look like a proper sword again."

He looked back the man who gave Shad a very puzzled expression. "You're a weird one aren't ya, kid. You sound like those people who took up residence in the castle, but you dress like one of those savages. And you have this expensive looking sword to boot."

"Don't call them savages. I have cousins who are Sacaen. This is..."

"'Course you do, kid. You Etrurian, right? Good way to get prying eyes off you. But putting that hilt on this sword would kinda work against you kid." Shad kept squeezing his hand tighter and tighter every time he said 'kid.' Perhaps it was because, subconsciously, he was expecting to hear 'pup'. That was tearing him up inside, despite hating that nickname. "Sure, I'll do it. Shouldn't be too hard."

"Really? Do you have much experience with weapons?"

"Not particularly. Occasionally some of the men from the castle would bring some of the gear to be mended. That's the most experience I've had with weapons outside of my apprenticeship. I still have some outstanding work for them." Shad was about to make a comment, but he cut him off. "And that's not me bragging. I have some unfinished work is all. Want to come back inside? This shouldn't be too long."

"Uh, sure." He replied as he followed the large man back inside. The heat was actually not that bad this time. He let the man go about his work as he looked around. He actually saw what the blacksmith was working on when he got in. Chains? He looked some more and saw several other chains as well. In fact, some looked a bit like shackles at the end of it. Yeah, right. As if bandits would actually put in an order for chains from the blacksmith. Perhaps this is used on the farm, or somewhere around town. Perhaps it's an export. He stood there thinking to himself as he waited. His thoughts, however, went back to the chains. And how there were almost undoubtedly meant for the castle. Shad slapped himself. My imaginations too much for my own good. Without the guards, there couldn't be more than ten people in the castle. They'd be no need for chains and shackles with that much. He rationalized. Then his mood soured as he reminded himself he wasn't freeing Maria right this second. Please hurry up.