===================== Blacksmith ====================

People quite often start their story from a far, telling you how was the day, then they mention whether, and their inner feelings for 'that' moment. Doing so, people describing an atmosphere. Yet let me start my story a bit different.

Was this day more sunny than usual? No. Was there any rain or heavy blows of wind, perhaps snow storm? Neither of that. It was a normal day, similar to any other day lots of lords already lived through, and there among 'lots of lords' was one specific lord.

Mentioned lord, who claimed his name as Vyugo, is kind of a newbie at the lands of Westeros. Today he decided to visit his castle's blacksmith.

Do you expect some reason why he is visiting a blacksmith? Well, if so there is one. Vyugo is quite cautious lord and he always want to be at his finest, ready for anything. Plus how often are you visiting blacksmith? I don't think there is even a slice of shame in wandering around the castle and sometimes, checking on your equipment.

Vyugo approached the blacksmith. With a side eye, he briefly glanced at the weapon rack and several other racks of equipment that Smith had made, and approached the Smith guy for advice. Vyugo still wasn't sure what exactly he need at the blacksmith. To be honest he wasn't even sure why he came here. Yet for some reason, he had a weird feeling that it's a perfect time for a visit! And you know what..? I can't say that he was wrong:

Lord Vyugo, fancy seeing you near the forges once again! Looking for new steel, or just sniffing the fire of one of the Seven Gods, the God of all Smith's?

Not particularly, though the steel you have here shines as an eyes of a young dire wolf! I reckon it’s time for me to get a proper armor set. One that speaks before I do. Not just from sticks and stones like the old Champion set, but some real one.

Aye, you’ve come at the right time then! Got a fresh set hammered out yesternight — plate strong enough to turn a wildling axe, and light enough to ride with.

Vyugo steps closer, eyeing the work — Not bad... though I want something more than just a shell of steel. Something that sets me apart and makes folks think twice!

Hah, now you’re speaking like a man with coin! You might be wanting the Glorious set, then. Finest work I’ve ever done — and it comes with a little extra, if you’ve got the purse for it?

Vyugo's arches brow — Glorious set, you say? I heard rumors about this set while talking to other lords... Not so many lords are wearing it on daily basis, and even less are capable to keep their purse and fighting abilities match each other to afford it. To me it seems to cost more than my whole castle! You trying to up dress me like a Braavosi banker right now?!

Smith grinning — Exactly, m’lord. You seemed to ask for the best out of best! To me it really sounds like a Glorious set.

Vyugo catches that he was being lightly mocked by this Smith — As of now, I wear coin like I wear armor — close to the heart and definitely not for the showings. If that Glorious set made for sun gold nobles and parade ponies, then give me something with teeth. Something real.

Smith admiringly nods, wiping some soot from his chin with a smirk — Aye, I thought you might say that. Then maybe the Royal Kingsguard set is more to your liking? Not as flashy as the Glorious, but damned near as strong — and tested in blood, not just in words.

Vyugo raises an eyebrow, arousing interest — Royal Kingsguard? Sounds like a name with some weight to it. What makes it so good that it's near as strong as the Glorious one?

The Royal Kingsguard Set was first designed for the Crown Guards - back when the Wall had battlements and kings themselves rode into battle, and not just to feast... The triple-hardened steel specifically designed to fit any type of troops you like, and the helmet has enchanted feathers so your troops could march faster than a running Reindeer.

Vyugo steps closer, dragging his fingers across the cold metal — And how is it compared to that Glorious set? Be honest now.

The Glorious turns heads, no doubt. It’s a red carpet before every man. But the Kingsguard? That’s the armor of a warrior — the kind that ends tales, not just looks pretty in them.

Vyugo grins, pleased — Now that sounds like armor meant for a lord, and not a... how i called them earlier, parade ponies?

Smith softly chuckles — haehe, that it is, m’lord. And for a less coin, you'll still look like a man whose blade speaks first and last.

Vyugo nods — Wrap it up. On the next battle i will ride out in real steel, and not crunchy twigs of grass not the shiny gold tongue tales!

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As Vyugo was about to leave the blacksmith thinking he got exactly what he came for, Smith got a weird feeling in his head. You often get this feeling when you starting to think that you forgot something. You checking the pockets (was pockets even invented in Westeros..?), checking your purse or bags, or whatever you left with... Your thoughts are anxiously rushing over each other and a strong feeling of realisation suddenly pops in! You in fact forgot to mention to your wife that your favorite type of meat — chicken, was all eaten this morning and there is nothing left at home!!

For some reason Smith had the same, yet quite similar feeling. He stopped Vyugo to tell him something. Something that is time limited and worth it's price. People say it's almost magical! He believed that it should be worth it!

Smith clears his throat, his voice dropping a little, as if he's about to speak about something not meant for the common people — M'lord Vyugo, before you start swinging your steel and zeroing potential enemies... there's one thing I almost forgot to mention. And I wouldn't forgive myself if I let you leave without even hearing about it!

Vyugo turns halfway, brow already rising — Seven hells, don’t tell me you’re trying to sell me a matching cloak now...

Smith chuckles, shaking his head — No cloak, no bracelet, not even a belt. I meant to mention about a little treasure called the Health Badge. It’s a badge, aye — but not for show... This one’s forged with runes, rare stuff from the eastern mines past Pentos. Incrustates right into the chest plate. Gives your body a bit more… how to put it… meat where the enemy blade strikes.

Vyugo eyes him skeptically — A badge that makes me harder to kill? Sounds like something a hedge wizard would sell in the Flea Bottom.

Smith smirks, stepping over to a small iron lockbox behind the anvil. He opens it with care, revealing a smooth, bright golden coin-shaped badge with a silver heart piercing it — This ain’t no alley magic, m’lord. This comes sealed by the Iron Bank itself — limited crafts, commissioned for high command. Meant for men who lead from the front lines, not behind a table.

Vyugo steps closer, gaze narrowed — Iron Bank, you say? Quite strange crafting as for these bankers..

Smith shrugs, picks up the badge with tongs and holds it up to the light — Gold goes where power grows. They had their own smiths forge this in partnership with our guild. Blessings from old priests too, at least i was told so. Adds a bit of life to the wearer. Not enough to make you a god, but if you collect few of such kind, would be enough to outlast most men in the great battle sets!

Vyugo folds his arms, lips curled in amused thought — And the price...?

Smith’s grin slowly widens — A single badge is just a sliver of what the Glorious set would cost you (200 Black Diamonds). But for that price, you will wear the Kingsguard set and the heart of a lion beneath it!

Vyugo laughs to himself, shaking his head — Oh the Sevens! You are a devil of a seller! Alright then. Incrust it. Let the next poor fool who raises a blade against me wonder why I'm still standing when his blade breaks.

Smith bows slightly, already turning to his tools — With pleasure, m’lord. Someday you will be a storm in steel, crowned in iron and unbroken in blood.

That day, young and still not much experienced lord as claimed his name to be Vyugo, left the blacksmith. He didn't had any leftover thoughts or unidentified feelings anymore... And yet he still has a long way to go and a lot of stories to tell. One of which could be about what, or rather who, possibly had an eye on him. Maybe it's one of the Sevens? Maybe so called Old God? Or even a Devil himself... As of now — this who, will keep guiding young lord Vyugo further on his journey.

=============================== The End ==============================

After reading such story, did you got a feeling or even a need, to go and check for something? Maybe one of the Sevens have an eye on you as well? Or maybe it's just your bubble will drop soon?

Remember that in GoTWiC you are not only playing the game, you enjoy the stories and people around you! →_→

AlexHarret