Chapter Text
Clang Clang
The ringing of metal reverberated through the otherwise quiet workshop. It was empty save for Levi and the professor, with most students having left earlier. Levi moved from the anvil back to the forge to reheat the small blade he held in his tongs. The forge, no larger than a picnic basket, breathed to life. Its low, steady roar was a welcome companion, as comforting as a cat’s purr. As the knife inside began to glow a bright cherry red, Levi removed it and dipped it into the quenching barrel where he was met with a satisfying hiss.
He moved the blade in careful, controlled motions, quietly counting to ensure a proper quench. Up and down, up and down.
…seven, eight, nine, ten.
Steady hands gripped the tongs that he used to lift the small knife from the oil, placing it on a work table.With his free hand he raised his goggles to inspect his work. Bringing the knife to eye-level, Levi inspected it for any signs of warping, cracking, and malformations. Nothing visible. When he felt the trickle of sweat down his nape, it was only then that Levi released the breath he was holding.
‘Thank goodness’
The knife shone. Layers upon layers of fine steel folded and fused together created a ripple-like pattern. A river captured in steel. It was his most ambitious project to date, and also a gift for his dear friend Furlan. Levi knew that Damascus steel was exceptionally difficult to make, prone to chipping, snapping, and warping during forging due to the sheer amount of times the steel needs to be worked. The risk of failure increased with each fold; if the forge wasn’t hot enough, if the anvil used too much, or too little force, the steel wouldn’t weld properly. He was concerned that he would not be able to complete the present before Furlan’s birthday.
He had somehow convinced Levi and Isabelle to go with him on a rather challenging hike and overnight camp once the semester was over. That, and his own graduation, was just a week and a half away.
Furlan, who had become obsessed with camping since the three of them moved in together. Being surrounded by dense forest, snow capped peaks was a literal breath of fresh air and a far cry from the rougher neighbourhoods of Mitras where they’d all grown up together.
It was then that a familiar voice called out. “You’re still here? Isabel’s already gotten the booth set; hurry up or else we’ll be late! The market opens in an hour!” Furlan’s shock of blond hair poked through the door of the Metalworks shop.
“Leave that to me, I can put it away once it’s cooled completely.” Professor Pixis had risen from his seat. The older professor made his way over and inspected the knife before him.
An older gentleman, approaching his mid-sixties, Professor Dot Pixis was a retired military general who, after service, took up blacksmithing simply as a hobby. Over the years he became renowned for his expert craftsmanship and worked with numerous museums and film studios, creating replicas and prop pieces. Rumor has it that he had even been commissioned for one-of-a-kind pieces for Paradisan royalty.
“Exceptional work as always Mr. Ackerman. Your craftsmanship is second to none. Though do be warned that as impressive as it is, you’ll not be getting any favouritism.” He chuckled. Blink and you’ll miss it, there was a mischievous glint in his eye.
“I don’t expect any less, sir.” Levi responded.
“I shan’t keep your friends waiting for too long, you know well the importance of these faires.”
He was right. Levi quickly wiped the sweat off his brow and collected his belongings from the workshop’s locker.
As he turned to leave, he heard Prof. Pixis call out from behind him.
“Please tell your mother I send my regards and wishes for a speedy recovery.”
“Thank you sir, I will.” With a nod, Levi took one last glance around the workshop and stepped out to meet Furlan.
“Geez Levi you couldn’t have been slower?” Furlan sighed. His arms were piled high with boxes and baskets, filled to the brim with merchandise and decor.
“Give me some of those. You’re clumsy enough already, can’t have Isabel tearing you a new one if you broke everything she was planning on selling today.” Levi poked back. He took several boxes from Furlan’s arms, having no intention to risk ruining Isabel’s big day. “As long as you don’t trip over your own damned feet”.
“Levi, I can’t believe you think so lowly of me”. His friend sighed, thick with a dramatic flair.
Furlan proceeded to trip no less than three times on their way there.
—----------------------
As the two men made their way over towards the main student life building, they passed by old academic buildings with old cobblestone facades. Ivy crawled up the walls wherever it could find a hold, a constant reminder of the prestigious institution that was The Royal Mitras University.
While Mitras’ School of Art and Design, and The Royal Mitras University were two different institutions, they shared one large campus. Formerly a military fortress, it grew as the land around them developed and turned the region from a hub of military might to one of research and innovation.
Over time, the walls of the star fortress were torn down and rebuilt to accommodate the growing campus. Today, the Mitras School of Art and Design takes up half of the outer bastion, with the remainder, including the original heart of the fort belonging to RMU. Parts of the original boundary remained, demarking the boundary between the two schools.
Levi caught the scent of lilacs on the breeze. It was a warm May morning and a perfect day for a market.
As the two men approached, the area was already buzzing with activity. Isabelle had managed to secure a space outside in the bright May sun.
“Took you long enough! The table’s ready; all it needs are the finishing touches, and, of course, the merchandise.” Isabel teased. Their table had been lined with two cloths, spring green on one half and a deeper blue on the other. One for Isabel’s jewelry and one for his metalwork. Floral adornments and wood carved accessories accented the table, bringing a storybook like charm to their corner of the market. It seemed appropriate, after all. A jeweller and a blacksmith, two staples to any fantasy town.
Despite his general dislike of campus activities, the Student Market was essential for anyone enrolled at Mitras’ School of Art and Design. It was an opportunity to showcase one’s work to faculty, peers, and potential employers alike. To stage galleries, display works in progress, and to make some extra cash on the side. Some extra pocket money for the three of them wouldn’t hurt. Mother’s Day was coming up, and Levi planned to return home to see her. They would dress up and go have brunch at Kuchel’s favourite café, a tradition between the two of them for any occasion worth celebrating. His expression softened briefly at the thought before returning to the matter at hand.
As they unboxed the last of the decorations, Levi glanced at his friend beside him. Isabel had been working tirelessly over the last few months to grow her small business as much as she could.
If there was anyone who deserved success today, it was her.
For most students however, there was one final aspect of the market on their mind. Every year the lucky few who caught the right eye, said the right pleasantries to the right people got scouted by film studios, museums, and clothing labels for an internship or permanent position upon graduation. A faculty-wide battle royal for the slim number of job positions in the Arts. A rare commodity nowadays, Levi thought dryly. Isabel was one such student, which is why both Levi and Furlan were so adamant in their own ways on making sure she’d get her golden ticket.
With regards to his own self, Levi wasn’t desperate for employment. On the contrary. His own work these last four years and a few words of recommendation from Prof. Pixis had landed him a position with Trost Museum of Military History upon graduation. It was a junior level position in tandem with the Department of History to create display replicas of artifacts for their exhibition on Heijō Era Hizuru.
His phone buzzed. A message from Erwin.
“Where are you set up? I’ll come by after my office hours.”
Ah, so he will be dropping by today. Levi had wondered why Erwin had been so persistent in asking him if he’ll be participating in the market this semester. He quickly typed out a response.
“Southeast corner of the student life building, outside.”
A few minutes later, his phone screen lit up with a notification.
“Looking forward to seeing you then.”
Glancing at the time, they had roughly twenty minutes before the market officially opened. Just enough time to grab some much needed caffeine to get through the rest of the day.
“Going to go get a drink. What do you guys want?”
“You really don’t have to Levi. It’s okay I have my water bottle right here.” Isabel looked up from the display of earrings she was setting up.
“Don’t be a brat Isa, just tell me what you want.”
She hesitated for a moment.“They have a new drink I’ve been meaning to try— a lavender latte of the sort? Thank you Levi.”
“Awww thanks Levi, if you’re treating us I’ll get an iced coffee. The usual.” Furlan chimed in. Always the eager one to get a freebie if he could.
As Levi turned to head inside, a gentle hand tapped his shoulder. “Drinks on me next time, okay?” Furlan shot a quick glance towards Isabel who paid the two no mind. “You already cover most of the rent man, you don’t have to buy us anything.”
“Shut it; Like I told Isabel, don’t be a brat Furlan, let me get this. Just get me a box of tea from your work if you’re feeling so inclined to repay.” Levi nearly rolled his eyes at his friend.
While they all worked to afford classes and living off campus, Levi was fortunate enough that his job paid quite generously. He could be sour but he wasn’t stingy, especially not towards his friends who were, in all but blood, family.
He pushed open the doors to the student life building. It was alight with a buzz of activity; the atrium was packed with people from wall to wall, a mix of students setting up their own booths and those looking for a space to relax before their next classes began. A steady queue formed in front of the aptly named Morning Brew café where most got their caffeine fix for the day.
Levi scrolled idly on his phone when a sheen from behind the glass caught his eye. Just then, a tiny notification popped up on his phone. Perfect. He was hoping for that.
Some minutes later he returned to their little corner of the market with a tray of drinks in hand and a little parchment bag.
“Oh my god, drinks and a snack? Is the heat getting to you?” Furlan gasped. Again with the dramatics; typical theatre kid.
This time Levi did roll his eyes.
“Points.” His tone was as neutral as ever, but a smile touched the corner of his lips.
Setting the tray down on the table Levi laid out some napkins to use as plates and cut into the flaky raspberry danish. Isabel’s layered purple drink next to Furlan’s iced coffee (double double, yes he made sure), and his own Americano. Realistically he would have preferred a strong black tea but whatever excuse for tea they sold at the cafe always tasted burnt and stale.
“Wait wait wait!” Isabel rushed towards the front of the booth, phone in hand. “Don’t touch, don’t move!” As quickly as she moved, she snapped several photos before Levi had any time to react.
Oh god. Why now? The instant she finished taking her photos, Levi could feel the layers of grime and sweat from the workshop seeping into his bones. He had managed to ignore it while being absorbed in setting up but now it was undeniable. He was sweaty and felt disgusting. Normally he would have showered after working but the last set of folds on the Damascus knife took longer than he expected.
Now he’ll have to sit and suffer. And interact with people. While filthy.
Levi sunk into his seat. It was going to be a long afternoon.