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Post by hotarokaori on Feb 25, 2009 12:24:38 GMT -6
Bolverk: War held a momentary pause in it's need of men as forces gathered and the fate of Turas Lan was still being determined. The smith only knew what was moving about the city in rumors and gossip nonsense, so at the moment, he tried his best to let it be and not think so hard on it all. He was, however prepared should the war spill into the city or majority affect it. His son, Lucius, had moments to be home once more and time to spend helping his father when he could. It was not a well known thing that Lucius, squire of Kendrew, was the son of the local blacksmith and until Bolverk felt the need for it to arise, he wanted to keep it that way. It would only place a bounty on Lucius' head. Late afternoon saw the sun sinking below the hills and casting the lands into darkness with lanterns as they light. With fires going and the heat inside the stone hut, there was no need for lanterns. Sweat had long since been pouring from the smith's body as he finished his work on smaller daggers for a local fishermen. His tunic was relieved of it's duty to cover his muscular and scar covered form, having been replaced with a leather apron to protect his chest and stomach from sparks that came as he hammered. Leather gloves were removed from his rough hands as he looked to the small lad of 10 and asked him to open up the back door to let some air move through the place. Scrolls had come and gone, leaving the smith to know that Lady Kaori would be heading to his hut on this night with a new project, one he had shared with Lucius when the male had come to help for the night. A sword of different design, possibly from across the seas? One the smith was unsure if he would have seen before. Rumors had said Kaori was not of this land and looked very different from others.
Lucius: While there was time left, Lucius would spend it as wisely as he could. He was in Turas Lan again for the moment, but Lucius knew it would not last long. Despite his apprenticeship with the knight Kendrew, Lucius was not above helping his father when he needed him, not to mention it would prove to be some bit of bonding time. Many times before, since his father had taken up the skill of smithing, Lucius helped out, and while he was not as skilled as Bolverk, he knew basics of metal smithing. Lucius had no idea that his father was a wanted man, that had been something left unsaid to the young squire perhaps for the better. Lucius already had much weighing on his shoulders now outside of the war, and more..well it would simply knock him from his feet once more. It was not uncommon for his father to get special requests, but this one was unlike his many other tasks, at least those that he could remember. A request that would soon surprise them both. However, for the moment, Lucius wore a similar black apron about his frame, the sleeves of the thin shirt rolled up past his elbows. With the hammer in one hand, Lucius pulled the hot metal from the fire and began pounding it out, shaping it, before dipping it into the pail of water to cool. Hissing steam rose as the metal instantly cooled, and setting the hammer aside, Lucius inspected the blade that needed to be polished and sharpened still. With the back of his forearm he wiped the sweat from his brow, ends of his hair clinging to his face and neck.
Kaori: What did women know of war? What did they know besides singing and gossip and needlepoint? And certainly, the scholars were oblivious to such matters. Why, their focus was always the past, poring over history and committing the names of long-dead figureheads to memory. Be that as it may, Skye was a land of many, and in this land people from all walks of life were called and found themselves too enchanted to leave. Alas, the perceptions of many were both a blessing and a curse. She kept a lot of her past and her heritage closely guarded, but it was hard to suppress what she was trained to be. Kaori couldn't embroider. She couldn't be troubled with calligraphy. She couldn't describe to any of the women of court what it felt like to hold a sword... not physically, but internally. That rush that moved straight from her belly and into her head. The knowledge that she was skilled at something she had no Earthly right being skilled at. And while she wasn't permitted to join the battlefields and the soldiers... While she was needed in Turas Lan... She'd be damned before letting her hidden skill wither to nothing. And that was brought her to the open door of the small hut, a heavy cloak covering the blue dress she wore. Oddly enough, all she carried with her was a heavily polished walking stick. As she peered in through the open door, her eyes narrowed to try to adjust to the dim light. She found herself a bit at a loss. She had never seen such work up close... The work of men with their own skills. It positively amazed her. She reached up to lower the hood of her cloak, but would remain silent for now. Her culture was deeply rooted, and she knew better than to disturb men at work. She would speak when she was noticed and not before. (d)
Bolverk: The smith's own hair was damp about his neck line and slicked back from a earlier washing of the face. Dark eyes glanced to Lucius as he heard the hiss, but then returned to his own work to finish it. He trusted his son and had no need to look over his shoulder. The male had been doing work for a long time now such as this. Not to mention, the fisherman was not as picky as others could be. Casting his own dagger into the water, steam rose and it boiled about the blade, making the red burn out like a candle in the wind. Pulling it back up, he inspected it before looking to Lucius. ``If you are finished with your piece lad, bring it over here.`` Moving towards the front of the hut, he placed the blade in a small wooden box, made to fit it's shape perfectly and hold it's twin by it's side. In the morning, the male he hired to sharpen his blades would be here to do the rest of the work. The wooden door was seen open and eyes went to it as a hooded figure stepped in. Every muscle in Bolverk's body tensed and he waited until slender fingers were seen and the hood was cast down to show the frail looking woman. Features unlike many he had seen were looked over, inspected as well before he spoke. ``Good evening Lady Kaori. If you would, latch the door behind you should you want us in privacy.`` It was not really a woman's place to be within a smith shop, in fact many men would frown on it deeply, but all coin was the same, even if it smelled of perfume. Bolverk had no idea his son would know the woman, for this was the first time meeting her. ``You have brought the item Lucius and myself can look over?`` That deep husky tone spoke.
Lucius: Lucius learned from the best, and while he could not craft the larger and more complex weapons, he could at least help his father in other ways. After the dagger was sharpened and polished with a cloth, Lucius pulled the leather strip out and wrapped it around the end, finishing the hilt. Once it was fastened and finished, Lucius glanced over his shoulder and to his father. ``Yes, sir.`` Lucius replied respectfully as he sheathed the now finished dagger and brought it over to the wooden box to place it in with its mate. Out of the corner of his eyes, Lucius noticed the door opening and a cloaked figure standing in the doorway. Like his father, Lucius tensed, but when the hood was lowered and the lady's face revealed, Lucius could not hide the smile forming on his face. Kaori, the Lady of the Orient. Though, he knew she was from the East, precise location in the Oriental world was a mystery still to him. ``It is good to see you again Lady Kaori!`` Lucius greeted after his father, the smile still on his face and in his tone before he glanced to his father and quickly wiped it off, returning to the calm and placid expression. Clearing his throat, dark eyes turned back to Kaori as he waited for her response to his father's question.
Kaori: Kaori offered a somewhat timid smile before stepping inside, doing as the weapon smith instructed, she stepped in and latched the door, not yet realizing who worked alongside him. As he spoke, the corner of her mouth quirked upward in both a baffled and amused way. Why, a man such as this had no need for pleasantries and didn't even try to exercise them! She was not at all used to such a greeting, but it impressed her all the same. Then, the name he had used registered. Was Lucius a very popular name? It very well may have been, but that didn't change the fact that she was already well acquainted with the Lucius before her. "Master Lucius?!" she said as almond-shaped eyes widened. She then looked puzzled, though. She thought he was a squire to Kendrew... The question was all over her face, but her eyes moved to his... employer? "Oh, my weapon. Yes, of course. " As she approached her free hand grasped the polished walking stick and in one smooth motion, the hidden blade was revealed. The Lady High Scholar looked very comfortable with the weapon. As she had said, the blade was short, no more than 24 inches in length. It was also much thinner than the traditional swords crafted for the soldiers of this land. Also unlike the weapons here, the blade had a slight curve to it. Setting down the disguised sheath, she placed the flat side of the blade in both palms and presented it to them. When she was close enough for the weapon smith to take it, her head dipped and she had to force herself to remain upright and not drop to her knees. Old habits died hard, and it was a revelation that amazed her daily. (d)
Bolverk: It was better to see that Lucius knew the woman after all and while it did make a brow perk at how his son greeted her, he quickly lowered it and looked to his son for a moment. ``I am glad you two know of each other. It is alright for this is more of a informal meeting, though manners should be kept.`` The smith noticed Lucius' change and he did not want it. He wanted Lucius to be strong, but not haunted and secretive as himself. No good would come of it. Amusement did however come at the sound of 'master lucius' but it was held within. It had an interesting tone in it, stating he had named his son well. Looking back to Kaori, Bolverk waited for her to show her weapon, only to see it was concealed within the very cane she had helping her walk. All things were different, yet similar. The presentation was new, but the smith quickly reached out for the blade at handle and the edge of the blade itself, before plucking it from her palms. ``This is one of interesting design. Small, thin and able to slice quickly.`` Taking a few steps back, he moved towards the empty edge of the room where he sent others to test their weapons and began to swing it about. It was light, about to be twisted and flipped, turned and moved quickly, as well as stopped faster. The weight of a sword really did affect movements, but this one left very little to hold one back. Glancing up from his test, he turned the sword and gave it towards Lucius, handle first. ``Feel the weight on it, test it as well. Tell me what you think Lucius.`` While Lucius did so, he looked to Kaori and spoke. ``Will this weapon be hidden as well?``
Lucius: For a moment he had forgotten that his father had not met the Lady Kaori, and it was a good thing that he did address her formally in his father's presence, or he surely would make his father's brow arch high at the colloquial greeting. Best not to. But it was strange to see her here. The expression that crossed his features was a surprise that was not unknown to him, nay, he had seen it once before, though what followed that had been accusations of fallacies and an angry for deception, which of course was a misunderstanding. Master Lucius was hardly a title fit for him, and he had insisted that she call him Lucius. He had no title, not yet anyway. Lips pressed themselves together as he stared at her. ``Just Lucius, my Lady.`` Lucius would do just fine. Eyes glanced to his father for a moment before turning back to Kaori as she pulled out the strange sword, slender, but with a slight curve, not too drastic but it certainly was unlike any sword found here. Eyes followed the sword as he stared at it curiously, passing from Kaori's hands to Bolverk. ``And the blade is slightly curved, quite unlike European swords I have seen..`` Lucius muttered out loud as he watched his father test the blade. He was, however, shocked when his father turned the sword to hand to him. Why him? Lucius blinked, staring at his father with confusion in his eyes, but nonetheless, a large hand reached for the handle and grasped it. Moving toward the small area, Lucius felt the weight of the sword, tested it's balance, and twirled it a few times in his hands. Gripping it firmly again, eyes roamed the blade. ``Light to hold..slightly curved bladed and the tip is shaped different, more than used for piercing. The steel is much thinner than what you have made father...and the balance..`` He uttered, returning to the two and handing the sword back to his father.
Kaori: She had to bite her lip hard to keep from smiling at the way her weapon was handled. Europeans had different weapons and different ways of wielding weapons. Everything from the way they used them to their stance was so odd to her, but she had no right to ridicule. The first time she had been handed a traditional sword of Europe, she had staggered under its weight and nearly dropped it to the ground. Her eyes had moved to Lucius as he observed the weapon smith with her sword. She had commented on the correction he had issued at the title she always applied to his name. She'd continue to use it until he earned one better. As the blade was passed between the two, Kaori listened to their musings. She knew she should probably remain quiet, but he had asked her a question and she spoke to him in a respectful tone. "No, Sir. I would like to have a weapon that is not hidden." It was hard for her to speak of, but she decided an explanation was in order. "It was hidden because I was forbidden to be taught the art of the sword. My father broke the law to teach me after my mother... Umm, after my mother was assassinated. He wanted me to be able to protect myself as she could not. There it was forbidden for a woman to handle a sword. Here it is not. I wish to carry a blade that is not a secret. And any who wish to laugh at me may. I don't care about that. In times such as these, I'd rather be laughed and prepared than comfortable and unprepared." She looked from father to son, only starting to see the family resemblance.
Bolverk: Bolverk never did anything without reason. If Lucius did not know what the sword felt like, he would not be able to do a double test when another was made similar to this one. It was in fact a blade not normally seen in Rome. Rome made blades straight and normally blunt so that one stab would end a man's life quickly. Lucius' over all inspection of the weapon was noted and he reached to take it back before walking towards the stone counter and placing it gently upon the top. ``Very well. Not hidden, so a leather holding would work nicely for it, no matter what the shape.`` pausing, he rose his eyes to look at her as she said she was forbidden to know the art of a sword. That was the case in many places. ``Yes, many men will tell you a woman's place is within the kitchen, yet women are just as affected by war when they stand in the kitchen, as we are fighting it. The only difference is, if they are attacked, they are ignorant on defending themselves. I am sorry for the loss of your mother.`` The last comment was said with a more softer tone, or as soft as his voice could get. He meant it, of course. ``Your father did well. laugh they might, but you gain more respect in the end, I can assure you. Lucius will help me before war takes him away again, so your design will be in proper hands. You need not worry, these men before you will not laugh.`` he looked towards Lucius as if asking for him to agree. Moments passed, before he spoke. ``Tell us what you would like to see in your new weapon and then, if you would not mind..show us how you will use it. We will need to watch to see how you handle it, how you will use it, where the weight should be right at for you and of course, Lucius will trace your hand so we know the size of the handle best fit for you. Let us begin.``
Lucius: Two worlds with two distinct cultures, and Lucius was learning both of them now. Technically speaking, Rome was of the Mediterranean province, and unlike Europe and Asia. Silently, he wondered how far the tang extended into the hilt, but all would be discovered in time. After handing the blade back to his father, Lucius' dark gaze turned to Kaori as she answered his father's question with a rather sad and somber tale that made him his brows furrow a bit. A mother slain..Lucius could not imagine how Kaori must have felt, let alone her father for losing his lover. Lucius had come close to such a thing, but thank God it had not come to that. Pressing lips together again, a soft sigh pushed through his nostrils. Personally, he did not understand why a woman could not learn how to defend herself at least. While they should not be bearing arms on the field, he would feel safer knowing a woman could at least fend off a foe. Her father did well in teaching her that. Dirt smeared hands and arms were crossed over his chest, his heart silently extending to Kaori as his eyes turned back to his father. All he could do was nod. Of course he would help his father, it was his place as his son out of love and respect for a man that did not have to care for him. Trace her hand? Of course. Again he nodded and unfolded his arms, but this time moved off to get the sheet of parchment and dish of black sooth so as to get an imprint of her hand. Returning, Lucius sat them down on the nearest table.
Kaori: As the weapon smith spoke, the heat in the room was finally becoming a bit much. She fumbled with the clasp of her cloak, glad to remove it from around her shoulders. It pleased her to hear he supported her father's decision to train her... More so, it relieved her. When he offered his condolences, a small smile appeared on her lips, her eyes closing and her chin dipping once in acknowledgement. "Domo arigato," was the softly murmured reply before he returned to the business she had come for. Of course, at the thought of a weapon demonstration she did feel her hands go numb. She had used a sword in front of other before, but never any type of demonstration for anyone other than her father. Still, she would not deny them. It was needed, not requested for entertainment. As Lucius directed her to a table for the tracing, she had to smile slightly. Her hands were tiny. She only stood 5 feet tall when she wore healed shoes. Not only that, they probably didn't often have to trace around the curve of nails. Yet, there it was. As she set her cloak down, she said, "As for the aesthetics, I understand its going to look different than what I am used to. Wakizashi are usually a sister blade to a katana for the daisho." Realizing that made no sense at all, she said, "It's a secondary weapon in case the first is lost. It’s often used for ceremonial purposes." She hoped she wasn't rambling as she let Lucius take care of the imprint. "As long as I can handle it as I can handle my first, I will be quite happy." She bit her lip, however. She had once seen a sword that had a pattern along the blade. She wondered if that could be done for this one and if it would sound ridiculous to ask. She had never commissioned a weapon for herself before. This was all so new to her.
Bolverk: Bolverk was not a solider, so he did not have the hard earned morals of them. He believed a woman should know how to at least defend herself, because when the male was not there, who then would protect the child or children? There was no one better to do such then the mother. Words were spoken as Bolverk listened and watched the woman, then his son and went back to the woman again as his son got the things needed to trace her hand. The first part did make little sense, so it was good that she said it in terms him and Lucius could understand. ``I have carried something similar, so I know what you speak of. Once Lucius is done, we would like to see how you use the weapon and he can help you draw something of the sorts on paper. I fear my hand is not steady enough for writing or drawing, like Lucius'.``
Lucius: Setting the paper down on the table, Lucius glanced to Kaori and smirked a bit. Her hands were so small compared to his, very small and almost delicate. One would never think that such slender hands could wield a deadly blade. Kaori removed her cloak due to the rise in temperature, which Lucius could understand. Sweat glistened on his brow and arms exposed. Wiping his hands on the apron, Lucius reached for her wrist and took it gently, though he paused when she made mention of strange names. His brow arched and he blinked a few times, confused. Thankfully, she translated, and he chuckled a bit. ``As we use sword and daggers.`` He noted, before dipping his fingers into the power and rubbing it on the palm of her hand, covering it completely until it was dark with the soot powder. His long fingers wrapped all the way around her wrist, though he did not constrict her arm. Once her hand was coated in the powder, he lowered it down to the parchment and released her wrist only to place his hand on top of hers and press down. A nice, dark print was what they needed, after all. ``Do not worry, your sword will truly be your own. Father makes the best weapons, but I am perhaps a bit biased in that statement. Nevertheless, his work is quality, you will be pleased.`` Lucius assured her before lifting her hand and seeing the print transferred. Lucius smirked and taking her wrist again, he led her to the wash basin nearby and picked up the towel, which was covered in smudges and spots of ash and coal.He washed her hand, wiping the powder off gingerly before shaking his arm to help the sleeve roll back down so he could dry her hand with it. Releasing her wrist again, Lucius rolled the damp sleeve back up past his elbow again.
Kaori: As Bolverk spoke, she nodded. She was hoping she would be able to show them anything at all once it was time to move on to the demonstration, even if it was a short one. She had never had to do such a thing before, and there was a small voice inside her head screaming at her, demanding she abandon this quest at once. She ignored it however, and let Lucius work. She felt like assuring him she would not break as he was so gentle and careful in each step, but she appreciated it too much to make mention of it. Of course, when Lucius at last referred to the weapon smith as Father, revealing the relationship, Kaori had softly gasped. Now it all made so much more sense! "You are his son," she said, her eyes finally seeing the resemblance for what it was. Once at the basin, she looked from Lucius to Bolverk before saying, "Well, I have all the testament I could hope for that you do indeed produce excellent results." Once her hand was dried, she moved to retrieve her sword. Why was she so bloody nervous? As she grasped the hilt, she adjusted her hold on it a little bit, trying to get comfortable. She was suddenly happy her mother had taught her how to use numb hands. She had been trained to dance before learning to fight, and stage fright always resulted in numb hands. Oddly, when she had danced for audiences she had never experienced stage fright. This was entire new. "Just tell me what you'd like to see, Master..." Her brows furrowed. "Forgive me, I have yet to learn your name."
Bolverk: Silence took over the smith as he moved towards the stone counter and reached under it to get his own parchment out, though this one was more for writing then getting a print on. Bolverk began to look over the sword before him and itched it quickly while he listened to Kaori and Lucius speak. He hoped his work was good enough, but only time would tell. His son's pride was a honor to hear, one Bolverk might never thank him for, but hoped it was a given. Notes were made on how light the item was, how slender the blade was. Looking to Kaori, he rose a brow at the word master. ``Smith, there is no need for another title or name then the duty I offer you. Please, use it as you would if you were fighting or defending yourself. Before you do though, tell me of the design you wish to see.`` Sliding the paper towards Lucius, he pointed to his note of lightness and then handed the quill to him so he could take the notes since his hand writing was much better then Bolverk's.
Lucius: Lucius never spouted to the world that Bolverk was his father, but he certainly did not hesitate to say that he was. Lucius did not know Bolverk was trying to keep the fact that he was his son a secret to save him assassination, so he found no reason not to call him anything but 'father'. With his sleeved rolled back up, Lucius moved back to the table and sat down in the vacant chair to watch and record Kaori's sword on the paper that Bolverk slid toward him. As his father gave the name he wished to be called, Lucius chuckled, taking the quill from the man and turning his eyes to Kaori. ``Smith, or Smithy. He goes by nothing else. I don't know father, Master Smithy has a rather pleasant ring to it..`` He mused, glancing to his father as he dipped the quill in the well and began to jot down a few other notes about the sword and sketch a quick drawing of it. ``Perhaps it would be easier if she had an opponent to spar with, father.`` Lucius suggested, lifting his gaze from the paper as he leaned forward a bit, one elbow on the table as his free hand began to fiddle with the pendant hidden under the shirt and apron.
Kaori: She really wished the men wouldn't treat the word "Master" as some great titled reserved for others. She referred to Aodhan as Master Aodhan constantly. She even referred to the Campbells' charges as Master and Mistress, and they were not royalty! Kaori really held no stock in titles. She knew queens that were prats and paupers that were far more noble than most with the title. She referred to everyone with respect until they proved they didn't deserve it. With Lucius' words, she had to laugh lightly. "My sword would never stand up to the swords of this land, that much I know. These swords aren't about parrying. We dodge attacks more. Speed and efficiency are key." She wet her lips before continuing. "As for the design, it's fairly simple. I'd prefer a leather bound hilt so my grip wouldn't be as compromised as it is on this blade or I imagine it would be against metal." She knew well that hands sweat under threat. "Even wakizashi that aren't disguised haven't a... Umm..." She thought, her left hand moving in a circular motion as she tried to find the word. "No guard... Umm... Shield? Oh! Umm, pommel?" she asked, looking from Lucius to Bolverk uncertainly. She hid her accent remarkably well, but that didn't change the fact that Eigo wasn't her first language. "Other than that, I'd like the same blade length as it's what I'm comfortable with." She hesitated before saying, "I once saw a blade with a flowering vine designed into it. It may sound silly, but I really liked it. If it can't be done, I'll understand. I just..." She shrugged, uncertainly. "I was fond of it."
Bolverk: Eyes shifted Lucius as he spoke of the other name he liked and then added his own comment of 'master smithy'. To that, Bolverk smirked at his son and rolled his eyes. ``No need for that, good ring or no.`` his arms stayed crossed over his chest as he looked back to Kaori while shaking his head at his son's comical jest. ``Sometimes speed is better. A leather bound sword can be done with ease. The grip will still be metal, but I can grate it before we wrap it of course. Guard is the correct term. If you would may lady.`` He waved his hand and waited for her to show them how she will move with the item. It was for better understanding. ``Because the sword is small or holds a small blade, it should not take longer then a weeks time to be made. Will that time suit you?``
Lucius: Lucius knew his father well and that his father had a sense of humour, otherwise he would have never made such a jest. Lucius grinned somewhat at his father as he expectantly refused the title 'Master Smithy'. His gaze turned back to Kaori and the sword. Lucius' gaze danced from his father to Kaori, waiting and watching as she moved the lighter sword. Speed would be good, especially for a woman. ``And for one of your stature, Lady Kaori, speed would be your best asset.`` As it would be for all women, as they were naturally more agile than men. Silently, he wondered if his heart knew how to wield blades. It never took Bolverk long to craft a sword, his father had the talent and skill, and from he looks of it, this sword's make would not be so hard to craft..it simply needed to be studied.
Kaori: Ah, little did either know that in Kaori's head Master Smith was already the tag he'd earned. As she hesitantly moved to the area the men had tested the sword in, she nodded in reply to the question. "A week is sooner than I could have hoped for, so that would suit me perfectly, thank you." Once she was in place she looked hesitant. She didn't feel right. As a matter of fact, she looked like a clumsy novice that wouldn't know what to do with any blade. She inhaled a deep, slow breath through her nose and exhaled it through her mouth, closing her eyes. Slowly she forced the setting to change. She was a teenager again. She was in her father's training room. He was watching her and waiting. And he did not stand for nonsense. Before her eyes opened her stature would change, her hand holding the sword with more confidence. And as her eyes opened, it would be rather easy to see the samurai she was forbidden to be. Suddenly the sword was hissing through air in more circular arcs, the movements fluid. There were no staggered movements with such a weapon. It was about getting the weapon where it needed to be as quickly as possible. Despite the fact she was in a dress that had to be restraining, it was hard to tell. She moved effortlessly, bending back as if dodging an invisible blade, her hand bringing the sword upward in an arc as if countering an invisible foe. For a short amount of time she was dodging blades, sidestepping and slicing the air, spinning and dropping down before coming back up effortlessly. And just as soon as it began it ended, Kaori frozen in a defensive position, the sword held over head and pointed toward an enemy only her narrowed eyes saw. And suddenly she was back, looking a little timid again. Her eyes moved from son to father before she asked, "Was that adequate?"
Bolverk: There would be no judgement here. Bolverk remained silent as Lucius assured her speed was better for her in any case and she said a week would be faster then she had thought. Waiting was well worth the effort as the woman took her stance and seemed slightly unsure at first. Patience was always needed when it came to times like this. Bolverk tried to render himself ready for any thing and when she began, he had much respect for the woman. She moved as a woman should, fast and nibble, able to move more then a male, as well as bend and dodge. The sword left little weight which made it cut through the air quickly, able to turn as well with a flick of her wrist and move bottom to top fast. The movements were very different then his own and others he saw, almost like a dance of sorts. Still, he had no doubt in what it could do when places in live action. A lift of his hands and he gave a polite clap once to her when she asked if that was ok. ``It was spell bounding. A dance of death as they say. Very different from what I have seen, but it gave good light on the way this sword should come out to be.``
Lucius: Lucius watched Kaori move, almost in awe and daze. Never before had he seen such swordplay before in his life, and yet her style of fighting--which mirrored that of her people and father--was well demonstrated here. Unblinking, he watched; spellbinding was not even the word for that demonstration. Kaori was nimble and quick, moving in seemingly flawless motion. One after they other, as if rehearsed many times and without difficulty. Lucius was truly mesmerized. When she was finish, Lucius blinked a few times, still unbelieving at the strange style of fight, but the corners of his mouth curled upward into a supporting smile. ``Spellbinding indeed, Lady Kaori..I have never seen such a way with the sword..far more than adequate, my Lady...truly extraordinary..`` He replied, setting the quill down and clapped lightly for her.
Kaori: As she lowered the sword, she realized the twist that had been so carefully pulled up by Corey this morning was now a loose wreck. Figuring it didn't matter at this point, she reached up to pluck the pins from her hair and loose the black sheet so it could cascade down her back. She was only dimly aware of how the fabric of her dress was clinging to damp skin. She didn't care if she was a mess when she returned to the castle. It was worth it. She let out a shuddery chuckle as the men actually clapped. It hadn't intended to be entertainment, at least. "Thank you, but it’s not necessary. In the end it’s the same as what you do in battle. Just make sure you're the one left drawing breath." Kaori knew what she was talking about. She had claimed the life of an unsuspecting assassin when she was only 16 years old. Her father had kept his daughter alive with what he had done. He had felt it was worth the risk and proved correct. "So, you have what you need to begin crafting it?" she asked, walking over to pick up the sheath from where she had left it. In a few seconds time the sword was once more an unassuming walking stick.
Bolverk: How much simpler her words were then the actual action itself. To make sure you are the last one standing and drawing breath. ``It is truth, for we are men who do not wish to lie. Yes, that is all we need. The rest, will come from the mind and what things you have given us. I would ask that you come by in two days time, take a look at what we will have so far and make sure it is to your liking. Thank you for thinking of my shop for such a project. I am honored.`` The claps were well given to the woman.
Lucius: Compared to the dirty, and sweaty father and son she was in the company of here in the blacksmith shop, she was of the more presentable. When the twist that once held her hair was released and came flowing down like a dark waterfall, Lucius was pulled into a silent memory, flashing before his eyes fondly, before he blinked a few times and soon it was gone. Sighing to himself, his eyes lifted to Kaori and his father, as Kaori prepared to leave and his father assured her that they had everything needed to start on her sword. Rising from the chair, the feather was set back in the well and Lucius moved to fetch her cloak and place it over her shoulders. ``As am I, Lady Kaori. We are both honoured.`` He added, glancing to his father for a moment and then down to the sheath, noticing its shake and make. Hmm. Stepping away from Kaori, he moved back to the table to stack the notes and the print of her hand in a pile and put the quill and well back where it came from.
Kaori: She smiled at Bolverk and then Lucius with their words. "Just as I am honored that you are willing to undertake the project." She picked up her cloak but would not put it back on until the night air chilled her damp clothing too much for her to be comfortable any longer. "I'll come back in two days, then." It was funny to look at her now. It was almost like looking at two different women. She was so unassuming for the most part. She was even somewhat meek... Then again, twice Lucius had seen the other side to her. Once when they had been rather informally introduced, the other during a very uncomfortable exchange. "Thank you both. Mast-" She sniffed and shook her head. She was no longer in any position to deny them what they had requested as far as titles were concerned. They were going out of their way to help her. "Lucius, it was good seeing you again." Her eyes moved to Bolverk as she said, "It was very nice meeting you... Smith." Gads, that just felt wrong! She dipped a curtsey and left through the door, closing it behind her. As she started for the castle, the metal piece at the bottom of the walking stick tapping over cobblestones, she had to laugh. If the old curmudgeons in the Scholar's Hall that thought she was too jovial had seen that![/color]
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