Blacksmith's child

Ch1. Unexpected arrival

A woman entered the small blacksmith shop through the servants entrance and slipped quietly to a corner waiting for the blacksmith to have time. A few moments later the older man turned to look at her, he was sweaty but had muscles to spare from his work, one eye was scared shut clearly the result of some work related incident. 

“Can I help you miss?” He said gruffly, it was clear he was trying to be polite but wasn’t very skillful at it.

“I’m looking for a man that once lived her, his name was James.” She said quietly in a musical voice that was familiar to him as if from a long ago dream. He couldn’t see the woman clearly as the cloak she wore had a hood she kept up while she stood in the shadows.

“Hello Holly, I didn’t expect to see you till I was on my heath bed.” He said a little surprised.

“I’m not Holly, sir.” The girl said shaking her head.

“Ah I see, same sweet voice,” he said getting lost for a moment then he seemed to catch himself. “Anyway I am James. The human blacksmith whose life is changed to this forge and this town.”

“A life you’ve chosen and asked for nothing else, perhaps this might clear things up for you.” She said handing you an envelope with her gloved hand.

“What does it say?” He asked glancing at it then going back to his work.

“I…I’d really prefer if you’d…” She trailed off not sure if he would stop to read it. He huffed and grumbled in setting the hammer down and shoving the sword back into the coals. She was distinctly reminded of other older men, they got angry when pulled from their work. She lowered her hand after he took the letter watching him squint is remaining eye as he read while is mouth formed the words as if that would help him with them.

    If you are reading this it means I am dead. The young woman before you is the product of our love. Since I am of Lunarel I did not need to have sex to breed with you. I would ask that as her father you at least give her a warm meal for the night. I’m sending her to Lord Isaac.

Thank you, Your moon child.’

“Let’s get you a hot meal, my daughter. Come, come, let’s eat together.” He said, she hesitated a moment then went with him reminding him of her mother. Upstairs in the kitchen he cooked her a large meal, but it was clear he didn’t know what to make and soon the table was covered with scrambled eggs, ham and cheese over steak and pasta.

“What did your mother name you?”

“Lilly.” She whispered.

“You look and sound like your mother.” He said kindly, she nodded. It was clear small talk was not going to work so he simply served her dinner and showed her to her room. Perhaps in the morning they could talk.