Lokedall's workshop

Five minutes later, in the hall, they say goodbye to the receptionist and go out into the street, with Isabel leading the group.

While strolling through the streets of Dhismiar, Eva, Lucien, and Leah enjoy the views of the city, since, despite the bad smells, the hustle and bustle of the city, it gives the feeling that the city is alive.

"About four blocks from here there's a market. Although there are no valuable things like the ones that you can find at the Auction House, there are sometimes very good things at very good prices," Isabel says, pointing in that direction.

"Maybe we can go and see what we can find," Eva suggests.

"Later, after the visit to Lokedall," says Lucien.

They continue walking, this time with Leah and Isabel at the head of the group, talking to each other, followed by Eve and Lucien, both very quiet. The former is doing everything possible to ignore her, while the latter, although not looking at her, is aware of every movement she does.

From time to time, Leah and Isabel turn their heads to look sideways at the couple and then giggle. And every time they do, Lucien chuckles and Eva turns red.

Finally, they arrive at Lokedall's workshop. Like the Auction House, it is surrounded by skyscrapers. While the skyscrapers are made of iron and steel, the workshop is made of wood. On the facade of a sign, also made of wood, gives the building its name: Lokedall's workshop.

When they reach the door, Isabel comes forward and knocks on the door.

Knock! Knock!

"It's unlocked," says a voice from inside.

Isabel opens the door and gestures to the others to follow her inside. Once inside, the sisters and Lucien are surprised to see the inside of the workshop.

It is an interesting mixture of a craft workshop and a mechanic. On one of the walls, the shelves are full of projects to be finished. In the other, the work tools hang from the walls: from woodworking tools to metalworking tools. In the middle, the work tables are empty.

They continue walking through the carver, admiring the half-finished pieces.

"Lokedall, where are you?" asks Isabel, as she enters the shop looking for him.

"In the warehouse. Five minutes and I'll come out," a voice is heard all over the workshop.

The trio, still looking at things in the workshop, go around trying to find out where the voice came from.

"He used the loudspeaker," Isabel explains.

"Well, Isabel, you still haven't told us what your relationship is with Lokedall," says Eva curious.

Leah and Lucien stare at her.

"What? I know you're wondering, too," Eva says.

"The truth is, he adopted me and made me his apprentice when he found me on the street," Isabel says.

They all remain silent, assimilating Isabel's comment.

A couple of minutes later, a dwarf shows up. His hair is long and dark with many braids like his beard. The ash stains on his face show that he is working on something when he has been called. He wears a work apron, like those of blacksmiths, which is also stained with ash.

"Oh, wow. I didn't know we had guests," he says.

"Si, these are mis amigos[1]. Eva, Leah, and Lucien," Isabel says pointing to each one.

"Welcome to my humble workshop. I am Lokedall. Isabel's friends are always welcome," says Lokedall.

"Thank you very much, sir. I'm a great admirer of yours," Eva says excitedly.

Lucien chuckles and Eva turns red.

"Oh no, kiddo. No sir. Call me Lokedall," says Lokedall.

"You have an amazing workshop," Leah says, gesturing the building.

"Thank you, kiddo. My whole life is in here," says Lokedall looking at the shelves at the walls where his inventions are. "Well, do you want anything?"

"I think they'd be interested in the armor you're working on. Eva is preparing to fight in the Arena. She will fight on behalf of the Rugarith," says Isabel, proud of her new friend.

"Ah! Yes!" says Lokedall as he gets closer to Eva and surrounds her to see her better. "Yes... I think it might work."

Then he moves away and turns to go where he came in. He disappears and can be heard wandering around in the warehouse.

Our heroes look at each other in confusion.

"Aha! Here it is," Lokedall says, entering again with a box in his hands. Then, he places the box on top of one of the tables.

"I've been working on it for a couple of weeks. It doesn't have an owner yet, but I think it would be perfect for you," he says as he looks at Eva.

Then, he removes the lid from the box and takes out the armor.