It was dawn. Narkio hiked away from her camp. She was on a secret mission given by her father. She already knew he didn't believe she was the one destined to weld the Heavenly Sword. She still wanted to do what she could to help her tribe so she agreed to help her father again. That's why she was on a mission to find a hidden map that can locate the chosen one. Master Shen said that there were rumors the map was buried in the mountains.
Narkio hiked for the day and the afternoon and then set up camp on the mountainside in the evening. She appreciated the peace and the scenery around her.
On the second day, she found a temple and asked the people there for help. An elder there told Nariko that what she seeks can be found by speaking to a man higher in the mountain with a shimmering blue sword. She thanked the elder and left.
Another day's journey brought her to the middle level of the mountain. She woke up the next morning to screaming and smashing metal. She looked around and saw a man fighting off thieves.
Nariko quickly jumped to his aid. Running towards the attackers she noticed there were three thieves vs the man. They were all on a ledge below her.
As the man was fighting off two thieves, Nariko jumped and landed on the third attacker. The second one came at her and after dodging his sword she quickly retaliated and knocked him down. She looked around and noticed the first thieve and the man were gone. Then she heard metal crashing and yelling.
Man: "Let go you thief!"
First Thieve: "I'm not dying today!"
Nariko looked down. The man was hanging on the ledge and the thief was hanging from his leg. The thief climbed up the man and then got back the ledge.
First Thief: "Thanks for the help, goodbye now."
Right before the thief swung his sword towards the man Nariko gave him a swift kick from behind. The first thief went flying off the ledge. Nariko lay down and motioned for the man to grab her hand. He did so and climbed up.
Man: "Wow you are a literal life saver."
Nariko: "Are you alright?"
Man: "I am now. I'm Roy and I can thank you enough for saving me."
Nariko: "Don't mention it."
Roy: "Well at least let me make you breakfast."
Nariko hesitated. She was on a mission, but a change of food would be really nice. She agree and followed him back to his camp. As they walked back, Roy told Nariko he was in training to be a guard for his tribe. Nariko told Roy she was on a mission to find a hidden item but had to find a man with a shimmering blue sword to know where to look. They got to the camp and both ate. Roy made an amazing breakfast. Nariko hadn't eaten that well in a while.
Roy: "So, you're looking for someone that carries a shimmering blue sword? I might be able to help you."
Nariko: "That would be fantastic!"
Roy: "Yeah, there's a legend that the last guard in my tribe found a shimmering blue sword. It was years ago but it was legendary for cutting through metal and rock. The trick is, the sword only works as long as the welder doesn't get injured. If you do you have to left go and then pick it back up."
Nariko: "Interesting. Well I'm going to need to go to your village and learn more."
Roy: "Sure thing. I'll take you there. I'm headed back there in two days."
Nariko was excited. She knew what to do and made a new ally. She would prefer to get to his tribe sooner but for now she was enjoying the food and company.
As the day progressed Nariko and Roy got to know each other better. They both had family that didn't appreciate them and were working hard to please them to no avail. They had both been trained to fight at a young age but never given any special treatment.
Nariko was very happy to meet someone she could so easily connect with. She also had to admit that she liked him. Relationships were basically forbidden in her tribe to make sure everyone focused on defending the tribe.
Nariko: "You know Roy, I would really like to thank you for the meal and for all of your kindness."
Roy: "Well it's my pleasure. I'm just thankful you came when you did, otherwise I might not be eating here with you."
Nariko: "Well then, let me thank you for the meal."
Roy: "How?"
Nariko leaned in close to Roy and gave him a passionate kiss.
Roy: "Oh, okay."