There wasn't a time in Maric's memory where he had put so much care into crafting something. This gift for Nimue had to be perfect. The knight slaved away for hours over the forge, honing the blade's edge as finely as he could. By mid-afternoon, the blade was finished and Maric had rested it in a stand before draping a cloth over it. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Maric took a swig of water from a pouch as he sat down to rest. Thankfully, Nimue had not been snooping around the forge area so she shouldn't know of the sword. However, Maric still worried that she would find it.<br/>When he had finally rested enough, the paladin got up from his bench and set on his way home. He'd probably have to tell Nimue that he was helping build their house to cover up the surprise. That was something that Maric hated to do. Lying was something he never liked, but lying to Nimue made him feel even worse. Hopefully, it would be worth it in the end and bring her some happiness. That was all he wanted for her; happiness. If he could bring her any measure of that, he would be happy himself.<br/>"Sweetheart, are you there?" Maric called once he entered the house. "I'm home. Did you have a good day love?"