The Owner

"Who are you?" Astra demanded in a threatening tone, raising Hubert.

The man blinked, paused, blinked again, then replied "I could easily ask the same of you, young lady."

"Fair enough," Astra conceded. "I am Astra, Princess of Aqualaria. And this," she said, pointing to the blade before her, "is Hubert, the Talking Sword."

"Talking Sword?" the old man grumbled. "What are you talking about? I crafted that weapon and all the others in that drawer myself. There're no more magical than a potato. I'm B'Thine the Dwarf, craftsman, tailor, and drink mixer. I work down here." B'Thine extended a hand. "Pleased to meet you."

Astra ignored the gesture. "No, you don't understand...It really was talking..." She looked at the sword. Suddenly, it appeared different. Less...magical. Could she have made the whole thing up? And the rod? Good God, what was happening?

"Well, I don't know about any talking sword, but I'd be glad to let you have that one. I don't really have a use for the stuff I make other than givin' it away to all the folks that wander through here."

Astra continiued to ignore the dwarf. How could she tell what was happening? Then, she remembered the curse.

"The curse!" she said abruptly. "I can test the curse!"

"What?" replied the dwarf, confused.

"Tha sword," she explained, "as I recall, anyway, put a curse on me to keep me naked. If I could only test it..." Astra turned back to the chest. She started digging through the clothing drawer, looking for something adequate with which to test the curse. She finally settled on a small green blouse. "Here goes..."

1. She puts the top on and nothing happens. She must have been dreaming...
2. She puts the top on and instantly feels an incredible burning creep up through her skin. The sword must have really talked...

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