"I, umm, haven't even formally introduced myself. I am—I mean, my name is Listenia of the High Elves of the island of Seven," Listenia said nervously.
I was just completely blown away by the change in her personality the moment she knew I was skilled. This kind of woman was a gem, and I would be making more trips back here in the future; that was a given.
"My name is Galio, Partner to Countess Eliza. I have no homeland or memories before today, but I have my knowledge and my desire to protect it. That is all I need, along with a few good weapons! That's why I came to see you. The moment I laid eyes on the magical craftswomanship of the building, I just had to meet the creator!" I explained, and Listenia brightened and turned, waving for me to follow.
"I see. You are the talk of the town, and now I can see why every woman is dying to talk to you. You are lucky that you have Eliza to at least create a line for you. If it wasn't for her influence, I am sure women would be trying to abduct you already!" Listenia laughed and glanced back at me before quickly looking forward again.
"I guess that goes for you? Maybe I should be careful going into dark back rooms with you?" I joked, and this time it was Listenia who shrugged.
"You are safe this time, but anyone with as much knowledge of weapons as you must have amazing fingers. Next time, you might want to consider bargaining with me for a better service. I am quite good with my hands, if you can't already tell," Listenia said as she brought me into a room with fewer weapons, but they were all beautifully made.
"Don't worry about that. I will be coming back here regularly if this is the type of product your services produce. I shall do my best to really drive the price down on some of these, of that you can be sure!" I said with a grin, and Listenia smiled warmly.
"I look forward to it. I am not the type to deal with hagglers, but I will make a special exception for you. Now, what can I interest you in?" Listenia asked, and I scanned the items.
I really could use all of them, but I couldn't carry them all. The first thing that caught my eye was the Blood Steel daggers.
"You can wrap up the Blood Steel daggers. I would also like to take a look at the kite shield and the Mithril broadsword. If you have angled back sheaths for the daggers, I will take those as well," I explained, and Listenia came over and pulled me into a kiss that I wasn't expecting.
I wrapped my arms around her petite, strong body and returned the passionate kiss. It didn't last long, but it left both of us breathing heavily.
"I am sorry. You are just too much. You know too much. I just want to tear your clothes off so we can devour each other! It's been so long since I have desired another person like this, but I have to wait, I know. Still, I will be waiting for you to return," Listenia said, staring into my eyes with a serious look, and I nodded, smiling.
Listenia turned from me and went over to get the shield and sword for me while I collected my thoughts.
This woman was really something else! A master of everything except her passions, but I wasn't going to complain that a beautiful elf who smelled like spring wanted some sugar from me!
"This sword should be able to channel magic well, but if that is truly what you wish to do, I will have to craft you something new. This sword will break after about a week of use, less if you are as strong as they say you are," Listenia said as she offered me the sword, and I took it, nodding.
"It is a nice blade, and it seems to have an affinity for… fire?" I asked rhetorically as I pulled Pure Magic into the blade, and it lit on fire.
"I just can't. You have to be a monster or a Goddess in disguise or something! I just… can't," Listenia said, at a loss, and I handed her the sword back, extinguishing the flames.
"Shh! Don't tell anyone about that part! I am no god, just a normal traveler who has more years under his belt than it may seem, nothing more!" I complained, and Listenia nodded, straightening up.
"Your secret is safe in my heart. I would like you to keep me as your personal smith, if you wouldn't mind? I also own the armor shop on the other side, and I can help you with all that when you are ready!" Listenia offered, extending her hand to me, and I took it without hesitation.
I could tell that this woman was serious, and this was exactly what I needed. Weapons and armor that magic channeled through always had an expiry date and would eventually break.
"I look forward to working with you in the future! You can just wrap all three up, and we can head back up to sort out the money," I said, and Listenia nodded.
"You will owe me for this one, but I will take five gold as a down payment. I am sure that you will pay me the remaining fifteen gold in no time," Listenia said, and I nodded.
"Sure, I will have to come back for armor tomorrow after I go out hunting, and we can talk prices then," I said with a wink, and Listenia nodded.
"That sounds good. Maybe sometime we could go out together? I enjoy a good hunt," Listenia said as she began to get my weapons packaged so I didn't have to wear them home.
"That would actually be really nice! Are you any good with a bow?" I asked with a laugh, and she rolled her eyes at me.