Broken dreams

Narrowing his eyes, he took a step towards Artem before speaking, "Well, wherever you come from, there must be no blacksmiths then, or at least none of any skill. Because here in Dalen, every blacksmith dresses nicely. We don't constantly walk around in our forgewear."

Despite how close the big orc seemed up close like this, Artem didn’t back down, but just looked up at him with a disarming smile “Allright, whatever you say, Gular”. He might not be scared by the orc, but he didn’t want any trouble with him either, especially not in his current state.

Looking Gularzob over once more, her head turned towards Artem in an unbalanced fashion. “I don’t think he’s changed.”

Having ignored Winifreds initial joke about him he wanted to get the last word in their little discussion over Gularzobs clothes. ”But he is” Artem just mumbled in annoyance, because she apparently hadn’t noticed at thing, not that it really mattered.

Then the new guy, Isai, spoke up, seeming to be a bit annoyed by Artems little joke "Do you think it intelligent to make such crass statements when I am holding your survival in this city in my hand? Now, sit tight and quiet until I ask you for details about your life.". Holding out his arms as to show he meant no harm, the still smiling Artem took a small step back “Relax, I was just trying to be funny. You guys really don’t have any sense of humour.”. He then looked around for a chair and took a seat.

While sitting there he now noticed all the different weapons and armour pieces that were on display all around the shop. One thing in particular caught his eye; a sword made out of some kind of dark metal, with gold imbedded into the pommel, hilt and guard. He glanced down at his own, worn out sword that was hanging from his side, before getting up. Now that Gularzob appeared to be distracted by Winifred, Artem walked over and took the sword from the wall. He might be slightly drunk, but there could be no doubt; the sword was perfectly balanced and actually lighter than he’d expected, a true masterpiece. He’d clearly underestimated the orcs skills as a blacksmith. If only he had the money to buy something like this.

Still holding the sword in his hands, admiring it from every angle, his mind began drifting off. He remembered the promise he’d made that day, so many years ago together with Matteo. When thinking back on it was really silly, but at that time it wasn’t; they had sworn to become knights and protect the kingdom and its people from all kinds of evil. He smiled faintly at the thought, but then put the sword back. It had all just been a stupid dream and now all of it was gone.