"The fire burned hot and in the glowing coals of the divine forge of Bibanimuto's on Mount Yashkala lay a piece of Olasimbi, the hardest metal ore on the continent. The god operated the bellows and the ingot glowed. The air smelled of smoke and cold metal, which met the sweet scent of glowing ores. Bibanimuto pulled the glowing ingot out of the coals and put it on the anvil. Sparks flew as he worked the metal several times. His helpers knew that the god was in a deep trance when he was forging and could not be disturbed. Only in this way could he bring the object to life with the most divine of all powers - the breath of fire."
Tiala turned the page of the book where she was reading about the creation of the most legendary sword in Layidian history. The next page showed a drawing of the sword that was said it had once belonged to Tiala of Halibiki, the first leader of the Layikani. The drawing showed a handle made of obsidian. According to tradition, the blade was probably the sharpest and was surrounded by a thin layer of never-hardening lava, which flowed through the fine chiseling of the blade and formed the veins of the sword. The fine punchwork revealed feathers of the mythical firebird and iris flowers interspersed with fine lines reminiscent of flames. It must have been impressive to see the lava flowing through the lines like liquid gold.
The student paused and imagined her namesake's power making the sword's lava lines brighten and the hot fire giving life to the decorations from the fast-flowing lava. It was as if they were channeling their owner's magic. In Tiala's imagination, she saw the warrior practicing with the sword by going into battle against shadows - using the power of the sword to kill her enemies and strike down dangerous mythical creatures.
On the next pages Tiala read some of the myths and legends about the Amazon of Halibiki - "Tiala and the Fire Serpent", "Kiss of the Sun Goddess", "The Expulsion of the Spirits of the Dead" or "Sword Dances". In the appendix she found some more traditions about what became of the sword after the queen's death. The sword is said to have been brought back in a procession to Mount Yashkala to be given over to the fire again. It was said, that at the foot of the mountain, her followers have erected a statue of the queen, who raises her sword in the air to show every woman the predetermined path.
Tiala closed the book and quickly left the room. Her path led her to the small arena, where Seyami Nandisa was already waiting for her, holding two sticks in her hands. "Have you read what I advised you?" Tiala nodded and Seyami threw her a stick. "Then, let's start training!"
Tiala of Halibiki and the sword by Blue Fairy 74 -
Lovely art and the sword looks really cool. Lava flowing like liquid gold is beautiful imagery.
Thank you so so much, this means really a lot me, especially because I always admire your art so much.