**One**
“How much for that?” I asked the merchant, pointing to the sword hanging on the wall. “10,000 Kunas.” He replied. It made sense. “The talent is incredulous. Do you make these yourself” I looked around, talent dripping from the work. “No ma’am. I hired a young lad, a blacksmith. He makes the majority of these. Some of ’em are shipped from New Delilah.” He had a really strong accent making it hard to actually understand what he was saying. “How old is your blacksmith?” I leaned in. “15” He turned away. So he’s the same age as me. I thought. “Where could I find a boy?” I tilted my head, and he turned, glaring. “Why would you care?” He scoffed. “Dunno. So where is he?” Maybe he could have an adventure with me. I’m tired of being alone. “Out back. No funny business.” He glared once again at me. “Alright, thanks!” I rushed out back and saw a gleam of dark red hair blow in the fall wind. His hair wasn’t quite red, but not maroon or crimson. The merchant didn’t give me his name.“Um, hey!” I called out and he turned around and the most beautiful eyes gazed into mine. “Hi, do you need anything?” He asked. “Oh, no sir! I was just admiring your talent there. You’re so young, how are you so good, if you don’t mind me asking.” I asked. “Thanks! You’re too kind. I observed him, Mr. Bellon, my uncle, and he had no time to teach me, so I just watched. I was self-taught I guess.” He smiled. “I’m Emma Barlowe.” I put out my hand. “My name’s Eijiro Kirishima. You’re the only one around that’s my age.” He took my hand in return. “Agreed. I’ve always been stuck babysitting for some houses here, and I don’t have any friends.” I reassured him and he sighed. “I can be your friend! I’d like company too. . .I mean both of my moms died. One giving birth to me, and the other in the war when I was four.” He sniffed. “I’m so sorry. Do you want to come over and meet my parents? I mean-” “Of course! My uncle hasn’t been treating me very well for the past week. . .so a change would be better.”
“I’m positive my parents will take care of you!”
“What?”
“Sorry, only if it’s okay with you..”
“Of course it’s okay! God bless you!” He rushed over and hugged me. I was in a swirl of happiness. “No problem.” I replied and hugged him back.
***
Later on, I took him to our house. It was covered with flowers, my mother loves flowers, so that’s probably her doing. “Mom! Dad! I have someone I want you two to meet.” I smiled. “God bless! Emma, do I see you smiling? That’s wonderful!” My mother said she has long red hair and green eyes, her accent was scottish. “That’s brilliant, isn’t it Marnia!” My father replied with a strong British accent, he has long attractive blonde hair that reaches his shoulder blades, and his eyes are sky blue and pretty. “Mom! Dad! You’re embarrassing me!” I sighed, “This is Eijiro Kirishima. He’s a black smith, you know Mr. Bellon’s shop with all the swords and daggers in it?” they nodded, “He made those!” Kirishima blushed and they gasped. “Seriously, it’s no big deal..” He laughed and was interrupted by my Dad. “Young man, that’s pure talent! For all God knows you could make weapons for royalty!” Dad exclaimed. “Thanks. . .” He smiled. “I was wondering if he could stay.” I asked, “Of course he can! You’ll have to share a room with Emma though, if that’s alright.” Mom replied, and we looked at eachother and blushed. “That’s fine, thank you ma’am.” He sighed and I grabbed his arm and ran to my room. “Home sweet home!” I giggled and layed on my bed. “This is really nice, Emma. I think we’ll be great friends.” Kirishima smiled and I nodded in agreement. “So. . .you can sleep on my bed, and I’ll sleep on the floor. Don’t protest, it’s just polite.” He nodded and sat on my bed with me.
***
In the middle of the night, I was reading my book on fairy tales. Eijiro woke up really sweaty, and started to cry. “Eijiro! Are you okay? What happened?” I put down my book and stood up, but he just continued crying. “It’s okay Eijiro. . .you’re safe here with me.” I sat next to him and hugged him. A few minutes later he wiped his eyes and looked me in my eyes. “I’m so sorry for waking you. I have nightmares every night. It’s like a disorder or something. I think it’s getting worse. I’m terribly so-” I hugged him tighter. “You have nothing to be sorry about. Nightmares happen. I was already awake. You just startled me a bit.” I said, stepping down from my bed, as I layed on the floor and stared at the ceiling. “Can I ask you a favor?” He asked. I raised an eyebrow. “Can you um. . .sleep up here with me??” He blushed, fiddling with his fingers. I felt my face feel like it was burning. “W-what if my parents walk in? They’ll suspect something!” I stuttered. “I’ll explain it.” Kirishima swallowed. “I don’t want you to have any more nightmares.” I climbed up into bed, and pulled him into my arms.
