*CLANG* *CLANG* Another nail made. Smiling to herself, she tossed it in the pile with the rest she made that day. One day she would make her own weapons, yes, yes she would. "Lorie!" The man she called father was calling for her. She barely remembered her father, and had no memory of her mother. She ran up the stairs. "Yes papa?" She said a little breathlessly."How many nails did you make today?""Good girl. I have something to give you, and someplace to take you.""What and where papa??""You will see, little one.""Aw, papa, tell me!" The man lead her out of the shop. Up the road, and around the corner. The tattoo shop where she often would visit her friend came into view. She shot her father a look, but said nothing. They entered the shop, and her father said nothing, but gestured to the chair. She looked at him and sat. Her father took all her hair into his hands and tied it back, then removed the chain and its charm from her neck. Looking at the tattoo artist he spoke. "This Eagle, right here." He pointed to a spot on the side to Aloriah's neck. The tattoo artist merely nodded and began to prepare. "Papa..""Hush Lorie, it's almost time..." After a bit of time, the tattoo was on Aloriah's neck. Lorie hadn't moved, winced or made a sound during the whole process, something her father seemed rather proud of. "The Eagle, strong and true. Grant me strength and courage in all I do. Like you on the wind, allow me to fly high in my endevears." She whispered her prayer as she stood. Her father lead her out of the shop in silence. He lead her to their home, the only one she could remember. In their home, he lead her to the backroom. There, he gently closed her eyes with his rough hands. Standing there, blind, Aloriah waited. Moments later he spoke softly. "Open them, Lorie." Aloriah opened her eyes and gasped. Before her was a shining suit of armour. Highly detailed engravings met her shining eyes. At the armours side was a sabre of the finest quality. Aloriah simply stared. "Are they not to you liking, Lorie?" Her fathers voice was so soft, and cracking. "Yes papa.. but ...""Hush. They are yours. You are to live the dream I didn't. You are to live the dream you have yourself." He spoke, almost crying."...to be a knight..." Were Aloriah's only words. Aloriah stepped to the armour and grapsed the sabre... In a voice almost too soft to hear, her father said "It is time."

Bright blessings, and blessed be.