The Flower Maiden's promise
Hello viewers, welcome all. It’s time for the 3rd installment of the #IBASwordtember challenge from Inessa Burnell.
I’m loving this challenge! There are so many opportunities provided via the subject word and pictures. Day 3 is going to be a bit of a poser, as the subject word is: Flower. Let me show you what I came up with, enjoy the vignette.
“Power sword? I thought you said Flower Sword?” blacksmith Cheremay Garris asked, his bushy brow furrowing in puzzlement.
“I did,” the human woman with sky blue hair commented.
“At least have a flower at the center of the hilt, and make sure the sword is of the highest quality material.”
The middle-aged blacksmith nodded. “Oh aye, that I did. Sorry, my mind is going.” The blacksmith admitted in a sheepish tone.
The woman before him wore rather revealing blue plate armor. Most notable were the steel protrusions shaped like flowers on her plate boots.
“I take it you, like so many, worry about the Gargan Empire's invasion?” she asked.
The blacksmith shrugged. “Honored Flower Maiden, who wouldn’t be."
The man's face darkened. " They've been drooling over the Kardesh kingdom for ages. The Gods only know what might happen if they get hold of it.”
A troubled look crossed the blue-haired warrior woman. “Aye, this area of the kingdom is ripe with metals and precious resources. Our enemies do covet them. But I assure you my sisters and I will ensure they don't fall to the Witch Queen Mahzirit.”
The blacksmith fetched the two-handed sword and handed it to her.
The woman walked over to one of the wooden practice dummies.
He watched the warrior woman swing the sword a couple times. Then she took up position before the dummy.
It was over in a second as she lifted the blade, and in a blur of motion swung downward. The practice dummy dropped to the ground cut in half. The blacksmith walked over and nodded. “I’d say that was a clean cut.”
The Flower Maiden smiled in approval.
“Superb grip, good weight, excellent handling. You’ve outdone yourself Cheremay.” She stated.
The man waved it off. “I’d better have, you paid quite a bit of gold for me to make that sword. And I don’t disappoint my customers!”
The Orange-haired human walked over to a bench and grabbed the intricate sheath he’d made of fine leather. He walked over and handed it to her.
She sheathed the sword and put it over one shoulder. "I should go meet up with my sisters. We’ll be riding out for Vorgoth pass.”
“Mischa wait,” The blacksmith called.
She turned to the man. “You've come a long way lass. You’ve grown into a fine warrior and woman.
"Make sure you stay safe. If anything happens your Mum and Da’ won’t forgive me.”
Mischa smiled in an assuring fashion. She patted the headband with the lucky green Mingarr flowers on it.
“No one knows for certain what the future holds, uncle Cheremay. But on my word, I’ll do everything in my power to stay alive. Remember I am a Flower Maiden, one of the elite warriors of this land.”
The woman turned and walked away. Cheremay muttered to every God he knew to deliver her and her sisters to victory, then bring her home.