After Lunch:

  The children eagerly devoured their food and even ordered a second meal, much to the joy of the tavernkeeper.

  “That was so good,” Alice mumbled as she patted her stomach.

  “Yep, it was delicious,” Bell said, while Aki nodded in agreement.

  Alfia watched the trio with a small smile on her lips and a softer expression than usual. “Good, I’m glad that you liked it. We have one more place to visit before we start your training again,” Alfia said as she looked over the children, who nodded back.

  The group finished their lunch and walked out the door, thanking Cecilia for the meal. She nodded back with a smile.

  Alfia led the group towards the commercial and industrial section of town. They approached a great blacksmith’s shop. The clanging of hammers and the smell of molten iron pervaded the air. Alfia led the children to the entrance.

  The blacksmith’s shop was a sprawling forge, its stone walls blackened by years of smoke and heat. Inside, the heat was intense, and the rhythmic hammering echoed like a heartbeat. Men and women worked tirelessly at their anvils, shaping glowing ingots of iron into weapons and tools.

  Alfia walked up to the desk and addressed one of the receptionists. "I wish to speak with the Gods Brokkr and Eitri. I want them to forge a weapon."

  The receptionist looked up, her eyes flicking from Alfia to the children standing behind her. "May I ask who is inquiring for Lord Brokkr and Eitri?"

  "I am Alfia. Both of them will understand once you say my name," Alfia replied, brushing off the receptionist's skepticism with an air of confidence.

  "Very well, wait here a moment, please," the receptionist said, her tone more cautious than before.

  It took only minutes before the receptionist came running back to the counter, her demeanor completely changed. "Please come this way. Lords Brokkr and Eitri will see you immediately," the winded receptionist said.

  "Of course they will," Alfia said, staring down the receptionist, who gulped immediately but opened the door at the back to the forge and offices.

  The group followed Alfia through a series of hallways that grew warmer with each step. The sound of metal clanging against metal became louder, and the air was thick with the smell of molten iron. The children’s eyes widened as they took in the sight of intricate machinery and the glowing forge fires that illuminated the path.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Upon entering, the clanging grew so loud that Aki scrunched her face in discomfort and covered her ears. Alfia winced as several veins started to emerge on her forehead from the noise. Seeing this, the receptionist hurried the group through the hallway to the offices. A great door at the end bore the crest of the Brokkr and Eitri familia: twin dwarves wielding great hammers striking metal on an anvil. The craftsmanship of the crest was so perfect that it appeared as though the scene would come to life at any moment.

  Alfia pushed open the door and entered. The room was simple, yet everything in it was of the highest quality imaginable. Every decoration showcased the mastery of the artisan responsible for it. At the back of the room was a great desk that allowed the person seated there to have a clear view of the forge. Brokkr and Eitri, legendary smithing gods, radiated an aura of power and craftsmanship. Brokkr, tall for a dwarf had arms like tree trunks, while Eitri, shorter and more slender, exuded an air of meticulous precision.

  "Well, well, if it isn’t Alfia? Never thought I would be seeing you again. What brings you by?" Brokkr said as he sat at the desk said, looking up at Alfia. Meenwhile Eitri reclined in a seat by the hearth, drinking a tankard of mead.

  "I want a set of weapons forged for these three. Come on, you three," Alfia said, glancing back at the children, who emerged from behind her.

  "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lords Brokkr and Eitri," the children replied, bowing their heads respectfully.

  Lord Brokkr laughed heartily, his deep voice echoing through the room; "GAHah! So young and yet well-mannered. We have two little rabbits and a kitten that wants some claws." Beside him, Lord Eitri chuckled fondly.

  "But why come directly to us, Alfia?" Lord Brokkr continued, his laughter subsiding. "There are many smiths in our familia who could forge a weapon for them. You don’t need us to do it."

  Alfia stepped forward, her expression unwavering. "I want a living weapon for them."

  Both gods straightened, their eyes sharpening as they focused intently on her. The air grew tense with their sudden seriousness.

  "Now that is an interesting request," Lord Eitri said, his voice low and thoughtful. "But where did you hear that we could forge something like that?"

  Alfia's lips curled into a slight smirk. "I was informed by the pervert."

  “Ahhh, Zeus then. Damn that codger,” Eitri muttered. “Since it is you asking, we will consider it, but first, I want to hear why you three want to fight. That will determine if we accept.”

  Both gods eyed the children, waiting for their response. Bell and Alice immediately spoke in unison, “I want to protect my twin and my friend.”

  As they spoke, each grabbed one of Aki’s hands and pulled her forward to stand between them. Aki looked at the twins, their smiles encouraging her. She blushed and said, “I want to protect my friends and stop bad people from doing bad things. I don’t want anyone to go through what I have ever again.” She began to tremble as memories resurfaced.

  Both gods closed their eyes and nodded. “A fine answer, all of you. Very well, we will forge you the finest weapons we have crafted in an age,” Brokkr said. “Now, Alfia, we will need quality materials from the Dungeon. What we have regular access to is insufficient for these weapons.”

  “That is fine. I know of a safe house or two that should have the necessary resources nearby. I will also retrieve some personal items that are in safekeeping. The children all use swords currently. They will likely need to transfer familias in the future when they head to Orario. Here is a down payment as well.” Alfia withdrew a large stack of Guild certificates from her bag.

  She presented thirty Guild certificates, each guaranteed for 10 million valis. Eitri, who had begun to sip his mead again, started coughing violently at how casually Alfia threw around 300 million valis.

  "I believe this should be sufficient as a down payment," Alfia said, looking at Brokkr.

  "Yeah, that is more than sufficient. This should cover about half the total cost. If you provide the materials, it will more than account for the rest. We’d be happy to accept payment in materials as well. One thing: for a living weapon, we will need a vial of their god’s blood," Brokkr replied, sighing.

  "Very well. I will have them to you within the next few days, along with the rest of the payment," Alfia agreed.

  "Thank you, Lords Brokkr and Eitri," the children said, bowing.

  "Gahhh. No trouble, little ones. We will get started as soon as we have the materials," Brokkr responded, while Eitri nodded.

  With their business concluded, the group left the shop. The children, excited at the prospect of their future weapons, chattered happily. Alfia led them back to the Halls of Valhalla to start their afternoon lessons.