So, he had found himself split, and part of him soon found its way to the Inn. It was odd? he was spending more time around that place as of late. Much more time than he had in many a good year. Perhaps it had something to do with Des being around there. Perhaps it was the others he had not seen in ages and it made him feel younger. There could have been many possibilities.

Two such were Jewel and Lenika. Jewel was always a flirt, and he often found himself drawn to test her limits. He would not let it pass more than just a harmless flirt, but still, the challenge was there to see how far it would go. Trust a Dragon to test the limits and push them.

Lenika, however, was a different matter. She was with Panther, a friend, and former boss from many years ago. This night, she was more forward than she had been before. It had troubled him? to begin with, and still did now.

?Tass, you know about swords, hmm??

The question had thrown him off. So, he recovered the best he could? with a joking comment. ?What are you plotting that will be the downfall of my existence??

The mirth, however, was lost on her as she took on a hurt look. ?I would never want you hurt.?

Silently, he cursed himself, then drew on a smile and leaned in, stealing a kiss to try and smooth matters over. ?Good. I wouldn?t want you to hurt me? well? I would, but never mind that part.?

The joking, this time, wasn?t lost as she gave an ?hmph?.

He waved the free hand as she did, as he other was occupied in hers, acting much like he was clearing the air. ?Enough of the teasing. What may I do for you, m?lady??

Her smile came then, relaxing a bit. ?You don?t need to call me that. But anyways, do you know where I might find a good quality sword??

Of course he did, but the question had brought up queries of his own. ?Perhaps, but the question is, what would the lovely one need it for??

She was, of course, obscure with her answer. ?Well? you know, sword uses.?

Obviously. ?They have many uses, which then would define what type and kind of sword is required.?

She continued to be obscure, going with the simple answers. ?Well, nothing terribably big. It?d have to be something I could carry and lift.?

Well... a sword properly made would have to fit those criteria.

?I could try a practice one first to see which one is best.?

The question still burned in his head, though. ?Still, why would you need it, sweets??

Her obscurity never cracked. ?Well, I?m trying to learn how to use a sword, Tass, and it would help if I had one to use.? He could of mentioned that there were many practice swords which to use rather than trying to find a proper blade? but he didn?t. ?I use to have one, but I can no longer find it.?

He looked her over and thought a few moments. If she wanted a sword? it would be best to give her one that matched her mood. And he would see to it that she was protected. ?I can come up with one for you. When would you like it by, m?sweets??

?As soon as you are able. I don?t want to rush you.? Which meant that she had need of it quickly, and for something urgent.

Well? it was never good to keep a lady waiting. Reaching into one of his sleeves, his hand found and wrapped around the hilt he knew was there. Well, it wasn?t there. It was in the forge back upon the Isles, but it didn?t detour him from reaching into his sleeves to retrieve it. Out came the finely crafted blade, complete with a twin asset of flames; blue and yellow/orange. ?I think this will do nicely for you.? It was all he could say if she would say no more.

Obviously, it took her back. Though, if it was the blade, or the means of retrieving it, he was not sure. ?How did you do that??

Well, he too, could be obscure. ?I have certain? connections? to a forge.?

Her gaze turned from the blade to him, and he could see that she was studying him? assessing him. ?That?s amazing, Tass.?

?Nah. Seeing you master it will be, though.? It was the truth. The blade was still untested... and the magic could be wild if not controlled properly. He would see it controlled until she, alone, could do it.

?How much for the sword??

?A kiss and a promise to see you in the basement.? He did want to see her master it, both for her own sake, as well as his.

?I shall have to find a good teacher fist, then.?

He, of course, knew of a few, being one himself. ?There are many about. The General, Xenograg, is a very good one. I, myself, have been known to apprentice. Tis merely a matter of asking about till you find the right one.?


?I wasn?t simply talking about the duels.? So, she was needing the blade for something more. He would have to watch this closely.

?Neither was I? Again, he turned to the obscurity she had started.

There was a bit of a smile that came to her. ?I wouldn?t want to be a bother to any of you. Well, no more than I am already.?

That truly was funny. She could never be a bother to him, and she knew it. ?You are more than welcome to come and bother me anytime. The Library is more than just a place for books.?

?Thank you, Tass.? Her smile spoke of the gratitude she had felt within.

?I do mean it, Leni. If you have the need, or just the want, the Library is open to you. It is over in the Old Temple district, just a few streets down from my Baronial manor.

She nodded, remembering the information. ?I shall remember that.?

His smile came and he leaned in once more, delivering a soft kiss. ?Be safe hun. Oh, and welcome to the horde.?

He had finally caught her off guard, and she blinked a couple of times, trying to process what he had just said. ?What horde??

He just delivered to her a wink as he turned. It would not do to inform her that the dragon had claimed her as one of his treasures.