While waiting word from Petra that the job was complete, Cailin busied herself by visiting the market in Stoneport, buying the various supplies she would need for the road ahead.  Remembering the blacksmith's words that it may be a few days, she brought the items back to her room at the inn and arranged them neatly into her packs.  Late afternoon on the third day, Petra sent one of her apprentices to notify Cailin she had finished and Cailin could come pick up her new blade.

As Cailin entered the smithy, Petra presented her with the sword and matching scabbard, "me finest work ever", her face beaming like a new mother to her just born child.  "It wasn't an easy task, wore down three of me best grinding wheels putting an edge on 'er, but she'll split a hair down the middle just dropping it on 'er", Petra continued with a smile, " here, give 'er a swing or two."

Cailin took the blade from Petra's hands, stepped back a few paces and began performing some rudimentary movements.  As she moved, Cailin felt an odd sense wash through her body.  " I see ye know a bit about how to handle a sword," Petra remarked as she watched Cailin's motions, gliding like a dancer as she appeared to be sparring with an invisible opponent, each move graceful, smooth and precise.

Surprised herself, Cailin replied to Petra, "my father taught me only some basic things... it's as if the blade itself is controlling my movements, feels almost as if I were standing back and watching somebody else."  "Hmmm... ... ... interesting," Petra remarked.

A few moments later, Cailin ended her invisible sparring match and held the sword in front of her, admiring the craftsmanship.  "It's beautiful, perfectly balanced, light as a feather and the engraved runes are exquisite... what do they say?", Cailin asked.   "What runes?", Petra inquired, obvious perplexed by the girl's question, "I didn't put any runes on the blade."  Cailin turned toward the dwarf and showing her the sword, said, "these runes."  In an instant, Petra's expression went from confusion to astonishment, "what in the... could the legend actually be true?"

"What legend?", Cailin asked, "what are you talking about?"  Moving her eyes from the blade to look at the girl's face, Petra replied, "the legend of Moonsteel, lass."  "No, I'm afraid I haven't.  What is this legend, Petra?", Cailin further pressed the woman.

Petra began, "it's said that the ancient Elven Goddess of the Moon, Araluna, if I remember... yes, Araluna it is, taught the first elves a technique of forging common steel and using the blessed, magical waters of the Moonwell to create Moonsteel.  The legend goes on to say, that when one of her children who is pure of heart and spirit, takes possession of an item crafted from the metal, be it weapon, armor or anything else, the goddess 'erself blesses it with 'er own hand, inscribing it with the Language of the Ancients."  Taking a breath, Petra continued, "but for any of that to happen," with curiosity now gripping her, Petra slowly raised her hand to Cailin's face and with a gentle touch, pulled the hair back from the side of her head, exposing her right ear, "ye hafta be an elf... ... ..."  Upon seeing Cailin's ear, Petra, matter of factly stated, "huh, ye be an elf."

With a look of fear in her eyes, Cailin backed away from the dwarf, placing her hand to the side of her head in a vain attempt to hide the discovery.  Petra looked at Cailin and with a slightly puzzled expression said, "what be the matter, love?  Ye look like ye seen a ghost."  In a sheepish voice, Cailin spoke,  "half elf, my father was human...you hate me now, don't you?"  "WHAT?", Petra sputtered, "what in the burnin' hells makes you think that, child?"  Still fearful, Cailin replied, "it's well known that dwarfs and elves are bitter rivals.  There's no love loss between them."

Suddenly with a bellowing laugh, Petra stepped over to Cailin and throwing her arms around the frightened girl, gave her the warmest, most loving embrace since her father's arms held her that one last time.  Looking up at the  still frightened young woman's  face, Petra's voice changing to a soft coo, "my dear, sweet... ... ... wait a moment, ye never told me yer name."  Her voice meek and shaking, Cailin replied, "my name's Cailin."  "Well, dear, sweet Cailin," Petra softly said, "that might've been true long ago, but since the Battle of the Blood Gates, much 'as changed amongst the peoples of Aeranor.  Old hatreds and grudges were buried that day.  Oh sure, there be a few pitiful souls around here and there that still hold onto them, but they be a dyin' breed, thank The Light."


Releasing Cailin from the embrace, once again placing her hand to Cailin's face and gently cupping her cheek, Petra continued, " I never felt that way toward anybody, love.  I've always judged a person by the content of their heart, not the package it be wrapped in.  Half elf, half human ye say?  Guess that explains why I was bewildered by the blade's reaction to ye... every elf I've ever known was tall and blond.  Any way, ye still be a child of Araluna and it appears the legend be true, after all.  I knew from the instant we met, I liked you and the blade proves me right."

Feeling more at ease, no longer frightened, Cailin knelt before Petra so that the two would be equal in height and be able to look her directly in the eye, whispered, "thank you Petra, you are truly a wonderful woman and it is my honor to have known you.  Your kindness, loving heart and wisdom will be with me always, I'll miss you when I leave Stoneport.  Now, we still have the business of your fee I need to pay, so that I may continue on my way in the morning, how much do I owe you, Master Blacksmith Petra Ironbeard?"

Petra stood there a moment, her hand rubbing her chin and appearing deep in thought when she said to Cailin, "tell ye what, darlin', we'll talk about that in the morning when you come to get yer horse from the stable.  We can settle yer total fees then, meanwhile it's late and we've both had a tiring day, a good night's sleep is what we both need.  Go back to yer room at the inn and relax, what happened here tonight is our secret and me lips are sealed."

Completely at ease, Cailin embraced Petra and whispered, "good night dear friend, sleep well and may The Light bless you."  Giving the dwarf a light kiss on the cheek, Cailin rose to her feet and began walking to the inn...

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