An Unexpected Detour

She'd done lots of thinking since Tiffany's memorial, and had decided nothing. It was frustrating, not knowing which way to turn, spoiling for a fight yet having no energy to waste on one. The only thing she knew for sure were two people, each special in her life were gone. Neither death was explained, neither and/or both could have to do with her past chasing after her. She knew, deep in her heart, that she was trouble for anyone who came into contact with her...she just didn't know if that trouble lead to their deaths.

Her line of thought did lead her to conclude that she needed to be better able to defend herself. If her cousin, or anyone from her past came looking, she wasn't going to put someone else in danger, she'd deal with it herself. Unfortunately, she'd been kicked around so often that she'd only learned how to block pain, and minimize the damage to herself. She could hunt, but had never gone after big game...even if she had, big game didn't have the intelligence and cunning man did, she'd need more than agility, speed and a dagger against someone so much bigger and stronger than herself.

It was with this in mind she'd commissioned Harlan to make her a sword. Something she'd never attempted to lift, let alone use, but something that might come in handy if she was caught by surprise. Pleased when the lad delivered the note, she made haste to Harlan's shop, hoping she might talk him into a few lessons as well.

Pillow's excitement was infectious, stifling the nerves that were overtaking Aasha. She'd not seen Kerri much since the memorial, only in the taverns where there were enough others to act as a buffer, keeping discussions light. But as tight as Kerri and Harlan were, there was a distinct possibility she might see the lady at his shop. She wasn't sure if he knew what had been said, not that it mattered. He'd not said anything in their brief meetings either, and hadn't questioned her request when she'd made it.

The walk wasn't long, she took a steadying breath then knocked firmly on the door of the forge to announce her presence, then peered around to see if he was busy. It's Aasha...am I int'ruptin' somethin'? Gots yer message...