"I'm sorry, but we aren't open yet. You'd have to wait another half hour, so I recommend you do some other task first," came a cheery voice from a boy, back facing Alija, placing helmets of various sizes upon a shelf. Alina nodded, not paying too much attention. She gazed upon the swords and daggers, examining the metalwork, trying to work out their strength without touching them.
"You must have missed heard me," the boy began again, Alija's attention suddenly snapping to him, "But we are terribly sorry that we are closed. Please come back later, whenever it is convenient to you."
"I'm sorry," Alija replied, smiling secretly, "But if I leave I'll be late for my job." The boy gave her a puzzled look, shaking his head slowly as if he didn't understand. "You see," Alija began again, "If I leave, I will be leaving my job, and I don't think its good to miss it."
The boy laughed, throwing his head back. "I alsmost belived you for a second! You are a good liar! But you don't work here, I do." Alija smiled back, getting a bit annoyed. Aleight, maybe she had ben the slightest bit cryptic, but laughing at her was a little rude.
"I work here now, I have the letter," she replied impatiently, bringing out the folded envelope. The boy looked at her for a second, puzzled, then returned to a friendly cheery mood.
"Well pleased to meet you, colleague! I'm Donovan, Donovan Smith," he stook out one hand, tucking the helmet he had been holdimg under the other arm. Alija took his hand, holding it firmly. "Alija. Pleased to meet you."
Donovan nodded, lost in thought for a second. "We better get you to Rals, sort out all the formal stuff. If you would follow me," he beckoned to the door behind the counter, leading the way, and holding out the door for her. "Ladies first," he smiled charmingly, "If you please."
"What the gentleman," Alija giggled back, curtsying with exagerrated movements. They both flew into a fit of giggles, before the door, no longer held, slammed shut onto them.
Alija turned to the forge, the familiar smells rushing to her nose. The fire was blazing on one side, the occasional spark flying out. Shields and swords lined the walls, and a monster of a man towered over an anvil, the metal covered in sparks as he smashed the hammer down, the sound of metal on metal echoing the room. Alija felt at home immediately; the sights, the sounds, the smells so familiar.
"I told you not bring visitors into the forge," he said gruffly, obviously annoyed, "Even if they are your girlfriend." Alija went red, and due to the fact that Donovan had turned away, he had too.
"We are sorry to intrude, but Alija is starting work today," Donovan apologised, handing him the envelope Alija had given to him earlier. Rals took it, tearing it open , and after quickly skimming through it, threw it onto the fire.
"You're in. Donovan, show her around ." Rals turned back to his work, leaving Donovan to smile apologetically. Alija didn't care. No more worries; she had a job now! |
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