Through The Fractured Lens

Lucian

The sunlight penetrating the window fills my eyelids, forcing me awake.

Grateful to not be tackled away by an old drunk at the crack of dawn, I shoot up and head over to the door.

I head out of the room, and down the stairs, where Draven and Thorne are already sitting down, as Draven already has a drink in his hand.

Not surprised.

"So, you ready?" Draven asked, getting up from the couch off to the side.

"As ready as I could be," I replied.

Draven shot me a grin as we walked off the door. We waved Thorne goodbye, before heading out and down the winding pathways to the gate of the manor.

Looking back for one last time, I admired the manor and all of its beauty. It was truly a sight to hold, something I've never really seen much before. However, I was now stuck with a raging alcoholic who is surprisingly strong.

I knew Draven was a spirit user, that was obvious ever since the bandit attack. His movements and swordsmanship were sharp, and reflexes were strong for someone who seems to hyperventilate without a bottle for more than 10 minutes.

We went through the gate, passing by the guard from yesterday, who seemed to stiffen his posture at the sight of us.

Leaving the residence, we walked back onto the main pathway and followed upwards to the higher zones.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

Draven looked over. "To get you a blade, then we will leave the city."

I smiled back at him as we continued walking up to the next zone, which was considered a 'commercial' zone, covered with shops, markets, and more importantly, the blacksmiths, which is where we are heading.

"You know what type of blade you want?" Draven asked.

"Something lightweight so I don't trip on my own two feet in battle," I replied.

Draven's amusement became clear from my reply. "Yeah that'll be good, don't want you getting captured by bandits again."

"One of these days I might just suffocate you in your sleep," I shot back.

"Nah, you'd never. You love me too much."

"Love is a strong word gramps, I wouldn't be too surprised if you croaked one of these days with all that alcohol you're consuming," I muttered.

"That isn't any way to treat your caretaker," Draven exclaimed.

"I have an odd suspicion I'll be more responsible than you," I groaned.

As we entered the next layer, the crowds of people diminished just slightly, which was a bit surprising considering it was mid day.

We continued onward for just a moment before stopping in front of a building to our right with steam pouring out of it's roof. People came and went, as children flocked to the display cases out in front, marked with some of the most pristine and well crafted blades I've seen.

I looked up, reading the title of the shop.

[ Vorrak Blacksmith ]

Entering the building, we were created by a thick cloud of fumes that poured out through the open door behind us.

"Someone's been busy," Draven shouted, echoing through the currently empty store.

"Ah, if it isn't my favorite loser," a voice sighed as the blurry silhouette in the back of the store came into vision, slightly fogged.

A girl stepped out from the fumes. She wasn't nearly as old as Draven, likely in her 20's or 30's if I had to guess. 

She wore a tight black apron, which despite it's black color, was clearly splotched and stained all around. Thick gloves covered her hands along with her tall leather boots on her feet. Her hair was hung in a loose ponytail, hanging to the side.

"So, what do I have the displeasure of servicing you today, Draven? And what's with the little brat? I ain't running a daycare here y'know..." she snapped, already pissed.

'Someone's having a bad day,' I thought to myself.

"Actually, I came here in hopes to get the boy a blade of his own," Draven spoke.

"Him? Blade?" The girl replied.

"Yes. While he is only 7, he's a spirit user himself. And he'll be accompanying me on my travels, so I can't have him throwing fists," Draven explained.

"Spirit user at 7? Seems like you found quite the interesting one," The girl sighed.

"Anyway, what did you need? Any ideas?"

Draven glanced over at me, encouraging me to speak up, which I did. "Something thin—lightweight, if possible."

"Anything is possible in my shop, kid, just ask Draven," the girl began laughing, even though I couldn't understand what she meant.

Although, by the way Draven's face flushed red with embarrassment, I was able to catch a pretty decent idea.

Without saying another word, the girl walked over to the counter and hopped over. She looked down underneath, throwing open cabinets, looking around. She continued to do this for a few minutes before she stopped moving, finding something.

"Aha! Found just the one!" She exclaimed, before jumping out of her hole.

As she stood up, she revealed a thin blade with a smooth hilt. After blowing off a bit of the accumulated dust, she threw it over to me.

The tip of the blade glistened in the light pouring in from outside.

I spun and tossed it around, getting a feel for its weight and movement. I let out a few swings and moved around just a touch to get a bit of experience with it as well. After testing it out, I looked back up at Draven, then at her. "It'll do," I affirmed.

"You should be more appreciative kid, Draven brought you to the best blacksmith on the continent. Many wish for a blade crafted from my hand," the girl retorted.

 "Loosen the ego, you're work is mediocre at best—," Draven whispered under his breath.

Before he could finish, however, a rusted and broken dagger was hurled at Draven's face, as he just barely ducked under as it slammed against the wall.

"And that's for mediocre," the girl groaned.

I let out a chuckle, amused by their childish interactions, despite their age.

"Well if you guys are done flirting, I think it's time we head out, how much was the blade? So Draven can so graciously cover for me," I asked.

"Don't worry, it's on me. I had the unfortunate burden of having to owe Draven a favor, which is now gone," the girl explained.

As we walked out, Draven threw away another empty glass of liqour.

The sun had only been out for a few hours...

We continued farther, this time, instead of going up to the higher layers, we went around to the side, following around the rim of the commercial zoning.

"So, where to?" I asked, looking over at Draven.

"A question with no answer, kid. Only time will tell," Draven replied as he opened another bottle with his teeth, spitting out the cap.

Before I could reply, he continued.

"Just keep up and don't die. If you do those two things, I can guarantee at least half of your limbs will remain intact," Darven finished, laughing at his own statement.

"I'll remain... cautiously optimistic," I replied.

As we set out, I wondered...

This life... how different would it be, compared to the rest?