Forged With Fire And Blood

Stepping back from the table, Fern looks to Kione and nods her understanding as he explains. She listens, following his eyes to the steel and iron that close by. The wild dog is swift and metal would be hindrance, so when he suggests making claws to put over his paws, the gray girl nods in approval. Calling over a blacksmith, Fern asks for some boiled leather that would fit around Kione’s forelegs before asking for hardened leather for herself. With a dip of his head, the worker moves off to gather the requested materials. When the wild dog asks if she is making anything for herself, the gray wolf smiles and nods, saying, “Believe it or not, I have been training. Artorias is teaching me how to wield a sword. While I don’t think I'm ready to trade my wooden one for a steel version, I do think it is time to make myself some real armor.”

Moving with Kione over to the leather strips, Fern adds, “You know, after you attach the claws, you could wrap the skin of the dragon around the braces. Might look cool. Oh, and you’ll need some buckles to hold the braces in place…” Moving away from the strips toward a wooden box filled with punched leather and metal buckles, the gray girl gathers a mouth full before returning to Kione’s work table and depositing some there. Then she moves toward another empty table, laying out the rest before moving to gather some leather strips for herself. The wolf who she had asked to bring them leather returns and places the boiled leather on the wild dog’s table before placing the hardened pieces Fern’s table.

Dipping her head in thanks, Fern asks the metal worker, “Can you spare a couple wolves to help us make these?” He nods before whistling and two wolves appear ready to help. He offers them both a small bow before excusing himself to go back to work. A large black female steps up next to Fern and says, “How can I help you miss?” A bright smile appears on gray lips as she explains her idea, “I want to make some hardened armor. I have the leather, strips, and buckles. Will you help me?” The black wolf nods before moving to the side, gathering some small steel rivets while instructing Fern on how to begin. The leather needs to be layered over each other and, together, the two female wolves use the strips to fasten one layer over another. They stop often to check that is fits her frame, making adjustments where needed and using the small metal bolts to keep the armor in place.

When they have covered her chest and part of her back, the pair work on making a pauldron to cover Fern’s right shoulder once more layering the bits of leather together. Once done, they work on adding buckles, lengthening and tightening where needed. When the armor is almost complete, Fern turns to the black wolf and says, “I have one more favor to ask.” Quickly she explains her idea, asking her to etch a trileleia bulb into the pauldron with a fern wrapping around the stem. The black wolf’s eyes sparkle happily as Fern ducks her head. The woman assures the gray girl that it will be done before taking Fern’s newly made armor off to complete her request. Stepping over to Kione’s table, Fern asks, “How’s it going?” while inspecting the wild dog and his helper’s work.



Fighting Seasonal Prompt
Post Word Count: 583
Total Word Count: 1316
Goal Word Count: 1500

"Fern"