Rose's POV

It's been four days of blood, sweat, and tears. The first two days after I received the orders, I sketched and drew up every design with meaning that I had to give. During these past two days, I've been slaving away in the shop. My muscles are beyond sore from overwork, and my hand cramps up if I work too hard.

For Ambassador Theodore Declan, his order was not as complicated as some of the others. I melted metal in an elongated dagger molds and got the ink engraver ready like I did when I made my katana.

His first request was to have a design that showcased his two elements with a uniqueness to them. I sketched a drawing of a fire with a wolf in front of it. The fire behind the wolf symbolizes that the fire can be contained and controlled. I chose a wolf because nature masters are able to communicate with animals, and I thought it a good reference to the werewolf community.

When both drawings are combined, it shows how the wolf is looking outward to the fire, as if looking for the answers in the flame. This design will be engraved on the Ricasso and will be detailed enough to depict the separate yet unified design.



Ambassador Declan's second request was that there be a design that shows peace between beings engraved on the back of the handle. I chose to engrave an oak tree sprouting from a peace symbol. This represents the harmony within the supernatural community and the oak tree symbolizes that the ties between beings run deeper than what is shown.

In the example of a tree, there are roots far into the ground that absorb nutrients from the soil to support the life of the tree. This design shows the hidden wisdom and how history has benefited us from making reoccurring mistakes. As requested, this will be on the back of the hilt.



The Dual-Wielder's third request was that I design a surprise to be located on the front side of the hilt of the dagger. I decided upon a dove as a continuation of the peace reference. The sketch I drew was a dove because the birds are often symbolized as the bearer of peace between religions and other diverse opinions. A dove is delicate, yet beholds a mantra of harmony and peace.



The Ambassador's last request was that I engrave a design on the tip of the dagger. I sketched a few ideas and decided on marking two koi fish. Koi fish are often associated with good fortune, luck, perseverance in adversity, and strength of purpose.

As a whole, in Japanese culture, koi fish represent strength and perseverance. That is why I decided on the two animals for the surprise, because the elements of nature and fire are very hard to master and require lots of dedication and strength to wield.



Due to ensuring that the gold detailing was worthy enough and that the dagger exceeded the criteria, it took me a while to craft this weapon. In my signature letter, I explained the meaning of every design and how it's relevant to the requests. I packaged it up, setting it down in Mr.Gordon's office for final review.

The next order I completed was Ambassador Benjamin Collins'. His order was more complicated because obsidian is not an easy metal to engrave with, and my designs for his requirements were very intricate. As per request, I sketched out a beautiful design of a lake with a water reflection.

I thought it was fitting because Ambassador Collins is a water wielder and the design is unique. On the left sword was the 'top' of my sketch and on the right sword was the 'bottom' of my sketch. It was separated by a reflection in the water, so when you put the dual swords together, it shows one complete design.

My design was very difficult to manage because I had to overlap the engravings when an area had to be darker than another, then lighten up the pressure of my hand when the marking was fainter. Nevertheless, I completed the first requirement.







For Ambassador Benjamin's second and third requests, I completed them quickly. On the spine of the left sword was a family based quote in cursive: When we have each other, we have everything. It makes sense why he would include a family quote, after all, he is both a father and a husband.

On the spine of the right sword is a valued quote with meaning to its words: It all begins and ends in your mind. This quote shows that in order to be an advanced wielder, you must be capable both physically and mentally. I just engraved these quotes without the obsidian metal because it looks better, and it will be easier to read if it does not have a colored engraving for words.

As the last request states, I must think of a surprise to engrave on the handles of the dual swords. After some planning, I sketched a design of two hands barely about to touch. I did this with the intentions of portraying that even though both parties may be a force to be reckoned with apart, when unified, they are more powerful and stronger together. Each hand is engraved on their respective side of the swords, and this with a regular detailing because obsidian wouldn't work against the material of the handles.



Repeating what I did last time, I made the letter, packaged it, and left it on Mr.Gordon's desk to oversee. I thought that the turn out of the dual swords resulted very well and I am happy to say that I did not overuse the obsidian metal like I was worried I might do.

Now onto the bow and arrow that Ambassador Kareem Abdul ordered, it may seem easy, but it is a difficult task to shape and redesign the wood of the bow. I started by taking a couple of slabs of cherry wood and bringing them to the back. I immediately begin shaping out and carving the bow. It took me a little over an hour to get the shape of the bow right. I take the bow and begin smoothing out the rough edges of my work. I then begin my engraving of a dragon design. The dragon I sketched was detailed and will have an elongated tail to fit the bow. One thing I have to make sure of is checking that the details are fine and orderly.



After engraving the dragon on the bow, I put a protective layer of clear polish to refine and sturdy the bow. I set the completed bow aside and begin grabbing the materials I need to make a quiver. I grab the burlap leather, an ink engraver, and sewing materials.

It took me a couple hours to finish sewing everything together and completing the quiver itself. I decided for the gold detailing that there will be a dragon head sprouting out from an oak tree. The dragon, of course, represents apart of who the Ambassador is, and the oak tree represents a lifetime of care, humility, and wisdom.





I wrap the final crafts with great care and set them down in Mr.Gordon's office. I stayed at the shop till late to complete the first three orders. I am waiting till tomorrow to craft the katana that Elder Alistair Finley requested. It will take a while to concentrate and design the katana, and I am dog tired after crafting three separate orders for 8 hours straight.

It is a little past midnight, and I had skipped dinner just so I can complete these orders today. I decide that I will sleep in the shop, seeing as how I am already here and have somewhat personalized my area with blankets, pillows, and little decor.

I clean my workspace table, put away everything, then get ready for bed. I grab my emergency kit from my backpack on the floor, and use the restroom in the blacksmith shop to brush my teeth. I change my undergarments with the spare clothes I had in my bag and set my hair in a braid so that it is easier to do in the morning. After I fed the chimeras an early dinner, I came right here after school and have been working since. I close up the shop and pull a blanket over my form. I sit down on my chair, setting a pillow against my table. It doesn't take long for my worn out body to put itself to sleep.

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I wake up surprisingly without a crick anywhere in my neck. I stretch out my limbs and see that I only have an hour before my studies start. I pack up my blanket and pillows, then rush to the sanctuary to feed and bandage up the chimeras. I am left with 20 minutes to eat breakfast, so I make my way to the cafeteria. I stack my plate with food and join my friends at the table. I apologize for not being at dinner yesterday, and for being late today. I say grace for myself before I begin devouring my food.

"The food isn't going anywhere." Jake jokes. I wipe my mouth with a napkin.

"I skipped out on dinner because I worked 8 hours straight in the shop trying to complete prioritized orders. It was midnight till I finished the ones I planned to, and just decided to sleep in the shop at my workspace." I tell them, returning to my food.

"Rose." Tony sighs out. "You have to pace yourself, you can't just skip out on meals." He tells me.

"Who are the 'prioritized' orders for?" Andrea questions. I forgot that I didn't tell them.

"Ambassador Theodore Declan, Ambassador Benjamin Collins, Ambassador Kareem Abdul, and Elder Alistair Finley." I say. The table goes quiet.

"You mean to tell me that the reason you have been working so hard is because a few of the top upstanding members of the magii community have placed an order?" Jaxson asks. I nod.

"Why can't Mr.Gordon do it?" Oliver curiously looks at me.

"They specifically requested that I be the crafter... and that I receive 20% of the profit per their orders." I state.

"Wow." Danny and Daniel say in unison. I laugh at their twin moment.

"So how much will you be getting total?" AJ asks me.

"A little less than $2,600." I mutter. The table remains silent.

"I still think you deserve a raise." Ryder says.

"I agree, hasn't the business gone up with you now being a crafter?" Andrea questions.

"I want a raise too, but remember that this is only my first month working in the shop." I nod, recalling the countless nights of hard work.

"Oh right! Today is payday!" Mikey squeals.

"It is?" I question.

"Rose, with how much you have probably made, I would assume that you would keep up with things like this." Jake chuckles out. My friend group is very lucky, we are few of the only year 1's to land jobs. I think that 9 year 1's got jobs, 7 of them from my village. I, of course, have two jobs. Ryder was accepted to be a stable worker because he shows promise with handling dragons. Liam and AJ both got part time jobs at the library, like Clay but for a lower pay grade.

You have to be in a Level 1 elemental class in order to apply for the jobs that need you to use them, so Oliver was disappointed at that. But, he surprisingly picked up on a few of my recipes and is now a part time chef. Mikey is excited as well because he works at the boutique, since he has always had a good fashion sense. Andrea landed a job at the items gallery, although he is one of the two who were not from my village that landed jobs.

Arthur too labors as a stable worker because of how early his egg hatched compared to the rest from our year. And the other kid from year 1 that got a job I do not know of.

"Imagine when we go into a human town, it will be so much fun!" Mikey starts rambling on about how much he would love to see the lifestyle of one separate from ours.

"Mi interessa vedere quanto hai." Andrea tells me, referring to my bank account. [ T : I am interested to see how much you have. ]

"Anch'io." I say. [ T : Me too. ] As the day drags on, my body is feeling more used. Since today is Friday, I have individual training with the dragons too. I could have collapsed by the time Mr.Howard dismissed us.

"Rose!!" My combat teacher barks out. I was about to leave, but I guess I will be delayed for a few minutes. "Did you sleep in the blacksmith shop this past night?" He asks.

"Yes sir." I answer, wondering how he knows.

"I was headed into the shop to talk to Gordon when I saw you cleaning up your workspace with blankets. I entered his office and he informed me that you may have stayed the night, why?" My superior asks.

"I worked 8 straight hours last night completing 3 of the orders. I skipped dinner last night just to finish. By the time I finished for the day, I realized that that it was past midnight." I inform. Ever since the incident, I have been carrying around spare clothes, necessities, and a few weapons in my bag along with everything else.

"You didn't eat dinner?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.

"No, that's why I felt famished this morning." I state. My muscles are begging to be soothed, but I must finish my conversation with Mr.Howard, then train with the dragons until dinner. My combat teacher nods and dismisses me. I am confused as to why he was asking those questions, but I appreciate the concern. I make my way to the dragon stables to train with my elements. An hour and a half later and I am covered in sweat.

'You aren't as sharp as you usually are. The force of our attacks could have easily knocked you off balance if you were anymore tired.' Nightshade comments.

'Yes Rose, usually you are able to keep up with our attacks, but today was different.' Ampiere inputs.

'Little one, did you sleep well?' Belvedere asks.

'I got good sleep, it just wasn't in my dorm. I spent the night working in the shop after 8 straight hours. I immediately went to the sanctuary to do my job before I left for the shop, I didn't even eat dinner. I guess my muscles are just sore from the constant use in the shop and during my classes.' I recall.

'That isn't healthy Rose. You have to eat all of your meals and rest your body.' Oceanus fusses like a mother hen.

'Yes my quis fortis, please take a rest soon.' Apollo requests. [ T : strong one. ]

'Today is the last order I will craft for a while. I will take my rest soon, I promise.' I say. I bid the dragons goodbye, getting Arthur to put them back in their stables. I take a quick shower and get dressed in warmer clothing for dinner. I chat with my friends, them showing me their bank statements and talking about the human town. I haven't collected mine yet because I need to stop by the sanctuary and blacksmith shop.

I make way towards the Chimera enclosure and feed them. I sing a few songs before taking a quick peek into the wetlands enclosure. It has become a normal thing for me to check in on Seraphina, given that she is a few months away from labor. I then knock on Miss Evelyn's door, waiting for her to call me in. I am surprised to see Mr.Everglade in an armchair when I walk in.

"Ah, Rose! Sit and we will talk about your pay." Miss Evelyn instructs. I sit in the chair across from her desk, waiting to hear what she has to say.

"You have been a great addition to the sanctuary and are a wonderful tamer." She starts off. "Everglade and I saw your reports and documented time stamps, you are one of the few who come in to work everyday." She tells me.

"Yes, I am very impressed with your performance so far." Mr.Everglade says. "Here is your bank statement." He hands me a paper. My eyes bug out when I see the amount of money this job has acquired me within the month.

"As you can see, you were compensated with $3,000 for saving Everett's life. You also earned a payment of $200 for taming the feral Chimera earlier this month. According to your evaluated time stamps, you have worked around 2 - 2 and a half hours everyday, which means you have earned at least $54 everyday since you started working here. This does not include the other animals you have tamed when you were not the original paged tamer, that portion of your pay is under overtime. These are the reasons why you have a deposited sum of $4,564 in your bank account from this job." Miss Evelyn explains.

"Thank you." I smile widely.

"That's not all," Mr.Everglade starts. "Evelyn and I agreed that since the beginning of your time working here, things have been running smoother. That is why we have decided to increase your pay grade and pay you $30 per hour you work. We understand that as a year 1 you are under a lot of stress, having another job and maintaining your status makes it that much harder, not to mention having 3 dragon companions." He says.

"Us two see incredible potential in you, and we are not the only ones. When we gathered at our monthly faculty meeting and requested to have your pay grade raised, Headmaster Jackson did not oppose whatsoever. In fact, other teaching staff asked Headmaster if you could work certain jobs part time as well." Miss Evelyn tells me. I just nod in response to everything she is telling me.

"Thank you so much." Is all I manage with how overwhelmed I am, paired with my exhaustion.

"It was really no hassle, keep up the good work." Mr.Everglade says, dismissing me. I nod and thank them once again, heading out to the blacksmith shop. Holding my sanctuary bank statement, I go to my work station.

"When you finish in here will you come to my office?" Mr.Gordon asks me. I respond with a yes and begin gathering the materials to make Elder Finley's katana. The first design that I sketched was one that represented nature, water, and air. I came up with a trifecta sort of drawing that has a tree in the middle, the element of water to the left, and the element of air to the right. This will be right above the Habaki at the base of the blade.



For the yin and yang design, I came up with two entangled dragons that represent polar opposites. There will also be the actual symbol between the dragons. This will be between the designated spots requested in the order form.



For Elder Finley's third request, I melt enough gold in an ink engraver, then write: LIFE can only be understood backwards but it must be lived forwards. I engrave this with the gold metal in cursive, along the Shinogi. I finish the katana and am proud of how it looks.

Now, for the hardest designs yet, the Saya. I decide to go with my cherry blossom theme covering the entire katana casing, but in the middle of the Saya, on it's front side will be a design. I don't know how to explain it well, but I thought it would symbolize the different directions life may take us. Represented by the phases of the moon, there will always be a new day, a new beginning for us to take advantage of.





I engrave the more complicated design in gold on the Saya first, then fill in the empty space with the cherry blossom designs. I package the order after completing it, on my way to Mr.Gordon's office. I look outside the window and notice that three and a half hours have passed since dinner. It is near 20 minutes till 10 o'clock. I enter his office and set down the package. Mr.Gordon smiles upon my entry.

"Very well done Rose. It only took you five days to craft every weapon to perfection." He says. "I wanted to give you the summarizing bank statement and a copy of every order you have completed. This is so you can track how many weapons you have made, along with verifying the correct monetary amount has been placed into your account." He states, handing me a single sheet of paper and a file container with all of my previously completed order forms.

I look at the order forms first, skimming through the stack. I then gaze at my bank statement. I almost faint from the total amount of money I have received, but something isn't adding up. I run the numbers in my head and speak up to Mr.Gordon.

"I have an extra couple hundred dollars in my account." I tell Mr.Gordon, handing back the sheet.

"Yes, I was wondering when you would figure it out." He smiles at me. "Rose, you are a crafting prodigy. On the sheet, it shows you how much money you have earned per order. As you can see, you never earned less than $75 for every order you did. I made sure to give you anything that ranged from $500 and above. You have increased the sales dramatically, thus increasing my salary. It is shown that you handled 38 orders within your first month of working here. You are a diligent worker, and every weapon you craft is given many compliments."

"I have received so many letters from your customers complimenting my 'prodigy student'. Even Headmaster Jackson recognized how much money the shop has been gaining with you handling the exports. It is because of this that I have been granted permission to increase your pay grade by 5% per order. Now, for any order you complete, you will receive 20% of the profit." He finishes.

I thank him repeatedly. My bank statement shows that $6,719.35 has been deposited into my account from this job. That means that my bank account currently holds $10,833.35 from my two jobs. I clean my table and head back to my dorm when I am dismissed. I put all of my files in my desk and take a couple of books to the dragon stables. I say goodnight to a few of the younger dragons who are falling asleep while making my way to my companions' stables.

'How's my little troublemaker doing?' I ask Artemis. He mentally laughs through our connection.

'I am doing quite well thank you. My brother is wondering what you will be reading to him today.' My black dragon responds. I open my mind only to my companions.

'Hello my little bookworm, miss me?' I ask Apollo. He sends me a mental image of him smiling.

'Always my quis fortis.' My gold dragon says. He started calling me that after the assault. 'What shall I bear to listen to this fine night?' He asks, saying it like he doesn't want me to read to him.

'Alright, I guess I will just talk to Belvedere then.' I say, walking out of his stable.

'Wait! I mean, uh ... I guess you could read to me ...... if it makes you happy.' Apollo says hurriedly. I mentally laugh, sitting down in front of him.

'It is okay my little bookworm, your secret is safe with me.' I tease. Apollo sends me a mental image of him rolling his eyes.

"So today I thought we could learn about some of the cultures derived from Latin." I say, bringing out the book Jason gave me. I begin reading to my dragon about the Spanish culture, starting to learn how to speak the language as well. I have also been asking Marquez some questions regarding the language, helping me memorize a few things.

Learning new languages has always been a hobby of mine, thus why I started reading and learning about Sankrit. It's an extremely hard language for me to understand because there is literally nobody to help me with it. But, I feel as if I am a few practice sessions away from being completely fluent in the language.

I can feel the twins getting sleepy. Even though Artemis likes to act all tough, I know he listens in on the nights I spend reading to Apollo. I leave my books in the corner of Apollo's stable where I am borrowing a basket from William. I kiss my baby dragons goodnight on their foreheads.

'Sleep well my twins.' I softly say. I enter Belvedere's stable and kiss him on the forehead too. He is already resting his eyes, so I make myself comfortable in the designated area I have for when I sleep in his stable.

'Good night my stubborn dragon.' I say to him, drifting off to sleep.

'Good night my feisty little one.' Is the last thing I hear before I am well into a deep slumber.

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