The sound of hammers hitting anvils was as prominent as the smell of charcoal that hung in the air. Neither cold weather nor snow stopped the work of the blacksmiths who were busier than ever.

"Miss Lyaria! What are you looking for in our blacksmith shop?” A young man with a face smeared with charcoal welcomes Lyaria, a little surprised.

“A sword.” She walks through the doorless front, giving a direct view of the street.

“Of course! We have a va-” The young man was about to bring the stored swords when a gruff voice catches his attention.

"It's a sword for that boy, isn't it?" A large man with a prominent beard comes out of the interiors of the store with sweat all over his body.

"Yeah, I'm surprised you know that.”

"You never liked swords after all."

"But that doesn't mean I don't use them." Lyaria smiles as she answers and hugs the man, not caring how much dirt or sweat covered him.

“I will miss you.” The man who was able to bend metal returns the hug as gently as he receives it.

“Me too...”

They both remain in this way for a few seconds until the man takes the initiative and releases his hug, putting on a business face again.

“Child! Be careful not to overheat the metal!”

“Yes sir!” The young man leaves in a matter of seconds, it was clear that he did not lack enthusiasm.

"So... a sword to cross the mountains? Kill beasts? Or maybe humans?” His voice deepens with the last question.

“Beasts, when we cross the mountains I hope he won't need to use it against humans.”

"Hmm... Normally it would have to be tested by the person who will be wielding the sword..."

“That's why I went to Torin, the best blacksmith I know.” Lyaria uses the old trick of flattering him a little, it always worked, Torin laughs and his humor rises considerably, it never failed.

“Ha ha ha! Luckily I managed to see the boy and I think I have a perfect sword for him.” Torin retreats to the back of the store until he emerges a few minutes later with a sizable sword.

"Considering his height and size... coupled with the fact that he's young and will continue to grow... I'm sure this is the best beast-killing sword I've got."

The first thing that struck about the sword in Torin's hands were the two lines that slid down the dull-gray blade, coming together at the tip. The hilt was wrapped in strips of dark leather from the base to the simple undecorated guard.

“It is heavy." A few slight movements are all it takes for Lyaria to notice.

“And a little longer than normal, it's still far from being a greatsword. Arguably a middle ground, designed to kill beasts.”

“It's a good sword.”

“It is!” Torin says it proudly as he slips the sword back into its black leather sheath.

Lyaria takes a cloth bag and places it on the counter, generating the characteristic sound of coins colliding with each other.

“No, no, no… it's a gift.” As soon as the coins fall, Torin rejects them.

“At least let me pay you for the expenses of the material.”

“Lyaria, my girl. This is the last time we'll see each other for a long time, at least accept this gift from an uncle to his niece.” The words and expressions in Torin were enough to know that he would not give in.

“Thank you.” Lyaria thanks him from the bottom of her heart.

“Just make sure you're careful behind those mountains. I know you have a lot of experience, but this time you will be alone.”

“No, I'm not alone.” She gestures, raising the sword.

“Right, I hope that young man is as trustworthy as you say.”

“It is.”

After a few more words and a last hug Lyaria says goodbye leaving the store. It wasn't long before darkness made the streets impassable, the thought of having to go home painfully looms in Lyaria's mind reminding her that she has no place to return to.

She walks looking at her feet immersed in her own thoughts, although when she raises her eyes instinctively, finds the person she most wanted to see. The hair that used to almost reach his shoulders now only protruded a few millimeters, this added to the new clothes he was wearing, gave him a more mature and serious air.

“Do you want to eat something? Although I don't know any place in town so... it's up to you.” Ezer immediately notices Lyaria's sorrow and tries to find something to distract her.

"Yes, that's a good idea. Would you mind giving us some space?" The question is addressed to the guard who accompanied Ezer all the time.

“Of course, miss.” She was the daughter of the Alpha and technically she wasn't exiled yet, so the guard gives in to the request and positions himself several meters behind both of them.

“There is an inn not far away, its food is exquisite.” Lyaria hides her sadness by trying to camouflage it with good humor.

“I trust your palate.” Despite his attempt, Ezer can feel the discomfort in the air, perhaps because of the looks of the people around him or because of the guard who was following them, it was not uncommon for Lyaria to feel isolated in the place that until recently called home.

They do not take long to reach their destination entering together and being greeted by an unusual silence, contrary to the normal bustle of an inn. Ezer hopes that at least one good meal will lift their spirits.

The room was spacious, so spacious in fact, that the innkeeper had a hard time lighting it entirely with candles once the sun began to go down. Ezer and Lyaria sit at one of the tables near the center where a campfire glows, fueled by logs that will burn all night.

“There are no other people apart from us.” Ezer says it finishes settling in his place in front of Lyaria.