Faolan walked out of the smithy, sweat dripping lightly down the side of his cheeks. He didn't look like he belonged there, and aside from the people who knew his family well, many would probably think that he was simply a begger come to look for a place to sleep for the quickly approaching evening.

But Faolan was no beggar. He was clean shaven and young, and rarely did he let his books out of his sight. No, he did not appear to be the son of a blacksmith, either. Never had he been even slightly adept in blacksmithing, having oftentimes burned himself or sliced open his hands when he tried. His father was greatly disappointed in the way his dark-haired son had turned out, but Faolan never let it get to him. At least he tried not to. But some things seeped into his mind whether he wanted it to or not.

He stood outside of the smithy, as mentioned above, his pale hands holding a book. Of course. Dark, solemn eyes watched the sea of people slowly ebb away as night fell. Twilight. It was always his favorite time of day, opening up so many possibilities much like when he opened up the book he held, a new world bursting to life on the pages before him. In a matter of moments the world would be quiet and then Faolan would have to return to the smithy to help his father clean. It was the least he could do.

Thundra was walking in the twilight, her brown hair glowed like bark from the tree's in the light. Her emerald eyes sparkled in the light. Her heels clicked on the cobble stone her long light blue golden trimmed dress dragging on the floor. Her sleeves came to points on her wrists and she lefted her skirts up walking arround looking for what she needed.

Thundra was looking for a black smith. She needed a ring. No she didnt have a man to wait for that was gallently out at war, nore was she about to get engaged. She simply wanted a nice ring to wear for fun. Something that showed her independance. Thundra looked arround then saw the sign that said 'black smith'. Thundra smiled before walking over her hair lightly brushing against her back as she walked.

A man about her age stood reading a book outside, sweat dripping down his his skin, hair flopping hap hazerdly from the work he had done. They were about to close. Thundra rushed over and put a light hand on his to not inturrupt him from his reading, she offten got engrossed in books also, the ink swimming on the pages, the storys coming to life right before your eyes.

Thundra stood a kind smile on her lips, her dress huged her small figure, strands of hair falling over her emerald green eyes sparkling. "Excuse me I hate to bother you but are you closed? I would like to place an order please." She said her High class lady nobility shining through in her clothes and good english. But she was still a free spirit.

Faolan jumped when he felt someone's hand upon his skin, and he hugged his book tightly to his chest. Why did he bother to pretend that he didn't have it with him? Surely this person here wouldn't care.

He looked at her for a moment, never fully meeting her eyes. She was dressed well, and Faolan flushed when he realized that this meant a customer who was willing to fork over a lot of money. His father would like that, and it was the least Faolan could do since the boy didn't have the ability to actually do any manual labor of his own. Technically the shop had closed, but with someone wanting to buy something (and someone who had her pockets clinking with coins), he knew that he would be a fool to turn her away.

Nodding politely, he said, "We're still open, ma'am." She couldn't have been too much older than him if at all, but she was no doubt of nobility by the way she dressed. He turned quickly and headed back into the smithy, his eyes quickly finding his father putting out a fire in the pit.

"Father," he said. "We have a customer."

His father, a big burly man who earned his large muscles after many years in the blacksmith business, looked up. He smiled at the woman. "Thank you, Faolan," he said. He set his tools aside and approached them, dismissing his son with a small wave. "How can I help you, Miss?" he asked the young woman.

A large burly man came out he had the persona of a black smith, large mucly, but in reality she wanted to talk more to the boy her own age, maybe he could have been a freind. But nonetheless her gaze followed the boy for a second then layed down on who she assumed was his father. "Thank you sir for staying open for me I apologize for the inconveniance. I would like a silver ring made with a diamond inset stone. maybe a couple stones by the main diamond. I will pay you a fiar amount. But if you dont mind, I would like him to help you." Thundra lifted a hand and pointed to the man who had origionly greeted her. She smiled warmly in his direction.

The man smiled. "He doesnt have the experiance I have, but if you wish he can help. It will be a costly ring ma'am. We can have it done in a few days. You must sign a few documents. Then when it is done I will give you the ring in return for over 100 pieces gold."

Thundra grinned. "Deal! I'm soo excited." She jumped up and down and clapped her hands before signing her name elegenlty in pen. Thundra thanked him before turning her attentions back to the boy.

Thundra took a couple hesitant steps toward him. "Whatcha reading?" She asked pointing to the letters on the page.

Faolan felt himself blush when the girl insisted that she wanted him to help with the ring. Didn't she know how to mind her own business? Faolan was quite lucky that his father humored his son so often and wasn't the type of parent liable to beat him simply because they differed in opinions otherwise Faolan could have found himself face-down on the cobblestones outside all due to the girl's insistance. But his father agreed that Faolan would help, which was probably even worse.

What did the girl know? Faolan had no desire to be a blacksmith. As a matter of fact, he was the most horrendous blacksmith in all of Arda. He could barely hold the hammer straight, let alone make a ring. Well, maybe his father would assign him the task of keeping the fires going or some other menial chore which normally would be assigned to a boy of no more than eight. The thought of doing a child's chore was grossly humiliating, but his father never put him down for it though he often tried to teach Faolan tricks of the trade. It was all futile, of course, but Faolan struggled to do his best.

And his best lay in the fact that he was a reader and a writer, not a do-er. And now the girl stared at him expectantly, waiting for him to answer. He opened his mouth to say something and it took a few moments for the words to get out. She had caught him off-guard first with the insistance that he help with the ring and now the curiosity about his book. "It's the dictionary," he replied carefully, his words chosen with great precision. Not too many people found it normal that the son of the blacksmith would read the dictionary. But it was one of the few books the family owned, and Faolan's father was quite proud of the fact that he was able to give it to his ever-appreciative son.

Faolan's silent eyes watched the girl now. He wasn't afraid, but he was sure confused. A woman of nobility talking so casually to mere blacksmiths? How odd. Surely this was a strange day! He found himself at a loss for words, not wanting to offend her.

Thundra smiled a little, her eyes dancing. He looked rather shy and kind of angry at her, she thought he would have liked to work on her ring. No matter if he didnt want to she would simply as his father to not let him help. But that may just make him mad that she hurt his dignity. She had made a fine mess of things now. AND he read the dictionary. She loved to read also! What a great thing to have in common. But she didnt have the patience for the dictionary. She would have to tell him of other books she have read.

His dad wanted to close the doors so she took him by the wrist and quickly walked outside while trying to hold up her skirts with one hand. When they were outside and the doors were closed she spun arround once and breathed deeply. " I love the twilight, it is a very nice part of the day next to dawn of course. And the dictionary!? For that I must congratualte you. You must have great pateince for that is something I lack. I read also, of vampires, fiarys, adventure romance. All of that stuff."

Thundra was one that could not keep still she spun a couple times before sitting on the edge of the main fountian in the square and crossing her legs drumming her long fingers on the stone. Her eyes looked arround at all the stores then at the shy boy clutching his book for dear life. Aw man, I've scared him away. Darn. I really wanted a new freind..maybe there is still hope! "If you like I can pay you with a book instead of gold!" She said smiling at her grand idea. She was rather proud of herself for coming up with it.

Faolan let out a surprised "oomph!" as the girl grabbed him and yanked him out of the smithy. He clutched his dictionary to his chest with his free hand until she let go of him. The door closed behind them, and Faolan could have sworn that he heard his father chuckle. Figured. His father was always telling him to get his nose out of the books and get into the real world. Easier said than done.

But now he was more impressed than anything else that she had read such things about vampires and faeries. What he would give in order to be able to read books like that! Ah, but the books his father had in the meager library consisted of the dictionary, a volume of an encyclopedia, and two volumes of history books. Foalan had never been able to get his hands on a copy of a fiction book for more than a few minutes when he had been inside the bookbinder's shop down the road aways. He watched as she flitted away to the fountain, musing over her words and her frivolous actions. It was as though she had not a care in the world. And, thought Faolan with a bit of annoyance, That may very well be true. He didn't know much about nobles, but he did know that they had much easier lives with plenty of time to do things such as read and always lots of food on their tables.

So when she offered to pay him with a book, he felt his heart leap for joy. A dream come true? Ah, but not so! Faolan shook his head and said realistically, "No, thank you." His family would have no use for a book, though Foalan himself would get much pleasure out of it. One could not eat books and one could barter very little with a piece of paper. Gold went much farther, and 100 gold pieces would benefit the family greatly.

For a few more seconds Faolan stood there quietly. He ran his hand through his dark hair and glanced nervously back to the door of the smithy. His mother was no doubt in the kitchens of their small apartment, chatting with her father about Foalan and the girl. A noble? Why not. Until her parents found out that she was frolicking around the town with little more than a peasant. He turned back to the girl and said, "I'm Faolán." He offered her a shy smile.

Thundra smiled. He told her his name! And he even smiled! He was becoming fare more freindly. This was good. But he looked at her with eyes that said she was simply a rich girl with no problems. If only he knew. She was a fallen angel, her powers and wings were stripped from her and she longed to have them back and tried in vain every night. But it never worked. His face glowed when she said a book, but it was quickly deminished. Had she made him feel like she was pittying him? Well she hadnt ment it that way.

"As you like it, I would have though I have many copies I dont read though there are some I dont think I could bear to part with! My name is thundra its a great pleasure to meet you Faolán." Thundra stood up for a fleeting moment to curtsie then sat back down again crossing her legs this time putting her elbows on her knees and cupping her face in her hands. She couldnt help but wonder what it is he really wanted to do, did he infact want to be a blacksmith like his father or pursue another path? But this was not the time to ask. That would be terribly rude.

The night sky was geting darker, soon the pubs would be filled with riots, dancing, and playing. She fully intended to go dance with the other pesants and commoners where they had fun, spilled all there drinks and laughed. He didnt seem to outgoing so she passed on asking him allong. "I wish you would play with me in the fountain, or do you not wish to get a little wet?" She said a glint in her eye.

Dear heaven almighty, what was this girl's problem? Faolan stood there for a few seconds, eyeing her carefully as though he did not quite believe what she said. Did she seriously just invite him to come hang out inside the public fountain? Didn't she know that was where all of the beggars liked to bathe for lack of better places? He refrained from shuddering at the thought but instead simply shook his head.

"You know, I really ought to be getting back," he told her, but for a few moments, he didn't move. She was a noble and had the opportunity to go hang out in baths and fountains of much more elegance, and now she was about to go swimming right here and now. Faolan shrugged. "I'll see you later, ma'am," he said finally, turning on his heel and heading back to the smithy before things got too bizarre.

Thundra shook her head. The man simply would not give in, but no matter that would be ok. she would send him something to change his mind. He probably thought she was insane, weird, and unusual and not at all lady like. But she didnt care, she was still going ot be herself. Thundra laughed and put a hand in the water splashing and drenching the sleeve of her dress before running off in the direction of the manors and estates to get home.

Thundra's dreams plauged her again, the deep laugh, the plunging toward earth with no wings, it was all there she woke up with a start to see the dawn. The light brought relief and chased away what scared her.

The next day Thundra went again to the smith and asked for the boys father. He came out and she smiled and curtsied. "I would like to know how my ring is coming I'm far too excited to stand it."
The man frowned. "I havent even yet the band ma'am."
Thundra smiled. "Youve already started! and the band isnt here but it shall be and I cant wait until it is. Thank you again." Thundra walked arround for a moment, her dress today was deep green and made of light fabrics that flowed with her and allowed movement.

Thundra saw the boy in the corner with is nose it a book, walked over, ruffled his hair then walkded outside and wandered through the square watching as people passed.

Faolan retreated into the smithy and walked into his house only a few steps away, noting that all of his closing chores had already been completed. He hated living so close to the smithy for the sole reason that at any moment the smithy could go kabloom and so could they.

His parents watched him carefully as he entered and washed up in the basin. He couldn't get over the fact that they seemed to try to probe his mind as he wiped his face on the cloth near the basin. He pretended that he didn't notice as they raked his brain. No, he told himself. He was imagining things; he had spent far too long in the land of fiction.



The next day Faolan helped his father open the shop. The boy was a bit absentminded today for some reason, but his father didn't seem to think anything out of the ordinary. But then again, Faolan often spent long periods of time staring off into space, his mind in a completely different realm. So today, he supposed was no different.

But he couldn't stop thinking about the crazy girl they had encountered yesterday. A noble she was, but a noble she did not act. For awhile, Faolan thought that she had been nothing but a dream, a fleeting figment of his imagination. Maybe he had spent too long last night reading the dictionary. But when his father started to prepare the equipment in order to make a ring, Faolan knew that something was amiss. And it had to do with the girl.

So needless to say, he was slightly startled when she came back to check on her project. They had not been open too long for the day; did she really expect them to be finished so soon? His father had given him a break for a few minutes, no doubt hoping that Faolan would find something productive to do. But didn't he know that the boy would do nothing but sit there and read his book? Faolan watched the girl over the top of his book, and jumped when she came over and ruffled his har. He raised an eyebrow as she left, the doors swinging closed behind her.

His father looked up at his son and said, "Faolan, come help me with this."

The young man looked up and nodded. He climbed to his feet and carried his book over to the hearth before nestling it between two loose stones where no flames could lick it. It was his own private hiding place, though no human eyes did the book fear. The fire's tongue did far worse things. Faolan headed over to his father and took up a few of the instruments. It seemed today they were working on a horseshoe.

He glanced at the small box which held the pieces of the girl's ring so far. His father didn't often do much silverwork; that was the job of the silversmith, of course. But he couldn't pass up the money, which they really needed right now. Faolan sighed; he would have to find a real job soon, something so that he could help them out until he moved out. But where would a bookworm--

"Ow!" he cried as the fire bit his skin. He jerked his hand away and cradled it in his other hand.

His father looked over at him. "Faolan, you must be a little more careful," he said slightly perterbed.

Faolan nodded, ashamed. Of course. "Yes, father," he replied. He grabbed up his tools and started to help his father again, but once more did his mind begin to wander. About what, he couldn't recall, but when the fires singed his flesh once more, his father said,

"Faolan, go outside and get some fresh air."

Faolan nodded again. It wasn't a good thing his father had told him this. He only sent him away like a child when he knew that he was doing more damage than good. But who was Faolan to argue? His father was an expert, an artisan. Faolan was just there to help out and right now he wasn't doing too much in the ways of helping.

He put down his tools and grabbed up his book, heading outdoors. His mind buzzing, the warm late morning sun burst across his skin. He shied away from it slightly, his eyes used to the darkness of the smithy. Skirting the booths and the balconies for shade, he headed towards the fountain in the center where he could get a few moments alone in the crowd. Watching all of the people was something he enjoyed; sometimes he liked to make up stories about them as they went by, living their lives as they ought to be lived. He sat down on the bench next to the fountain and opened up the book to where he had left it.

((Okay, that's the last post for me tonight. Thanks for RPing with me. :] ))

Thundra walked into the book store and smiled at the shop keeper. She wanted to buy a book for the boy but tell him it was an old one of hers. She didnt want to offend him. But if some one loves to read like him their imagination should flourish in fiction. She ran her fingers over the backs of the books lovingly. Then she found on that a boy might like. It was one she had read about a boy who falls inlove with a vampire girl and in the end the girl cant control her vampireism killing the boy.
"Hello!" Thundra said to the shop keeper while walking to the desk. "I would like to purchase this book." She said putting the book on the table.
" A good choice for a lord ma'am. Not a lady. But I shall let you buy it, 40 gold." He said keeping the book before she gave him money.
Thundra smiled put down the peices and gently took it out of his hands and placed the book on the table opening the front page and writing on a blank side:

I hope you like this, I know I did! Your Friend - Thundra.

Thundra ruffled the pages and badgered the book a little so he wouldnt know it was new. the shop keeper looked at her like she was crazy before she ran out thanking him.

Just as she had expected! the boy was sitting with his dictionary at the fountian.
Thundra ran to him picking up her skirts and smiling. "Hey! Faolán." She said gasping while taking a seat right by him on the stone. She couldnt wait to see his face. Even though he was nearly a complete stranger she couldnt help it.
Thundra place dthe boook in his lap. "Open it already!!!!" She said clapping her hands together.

Just when Faolan was finding out about the meaning of the word "Abhor," a book fell from nowhere on his lap. He jumped and grabbed it before it could slide to the cobblestone floor. Glancing up, he saw the girl who had ordered the ring standing there with a grin on her face.

Frowning, Faolan took the book in his hands and held it there carefully. He looked down at its cover. It looked fairly new as though its owner hadn't put too much time in reading it. His hand slid across the leather cover and he opened it carefully. Hand-written words jumped to his face and his eyes read them carefully before he closed the cover of it. For him? No--it was too expensive. He could not accept a gift such as this, even if it was just a loan.

"No, thank you," he said, handing the book back to her. "Thank you, but I cannot." He stood up and started to head back to the smithy, taking a few steps before glancing back at her. What a strange person. He appreciated her generosity, but he could never accept a gift such as that.

Thundra sighed, she had tried so very hard, and it didnt work. He was not her freind. But you never know what fate has destined for you. Thundra stood up her dress flowing behind her, she walked to her home in the gardens where she lead a life of comfort and luxury, but still she was wise and hostpitable, uknowing of the great power that lay inside her.

((OCC I'm chaning my char AGAIN permanitly this time. so I will start a new topic for us and pm you about it when she is set up, look 4 me in the cbox!!!))