Blight you uncle! You curse in your head as you hurriedly make your way to the blacksmith’s shop. You immediately apologize to yourself for using such vulgar language, ashamed that you even know it. But seriously, why couldn’t your uncle tell you that he was going to be stopping by that particular blacksmith before departing for the estates.

You barely stop before also cursing yourself for sleeping so late. It might not have mattered that your uncle had only left you a note this morning about the meeting time and location if you had been awake soon enough to prepare accordingly. As it was, you barely had time to get dressed and run to the stables for your horse. Even now you were going to arrive a little after the appointed time.

You ride your horse to one of your Uncle’s attendants and throw her the reins as you jump off and run to the shop. You stop outside just long enough to fiddle with your hair and regret that you hadn’t put on any perfume today. Then you push through the door before you lose your nerve.

“Sorry I’m late Uncle!”

Your eyes are immediately drawn to the young smith who is standing next to your uncle. They have on a travel pack and look for all the world like they are preparing to go on a trip with your uncle. You can’t help but grin at the thought that they might be coming with you.

“Oh blight!” they exclaim, but you’re too excited to be offended.