[Open] The Finest Weapons And Armor

[kree_soldieress]

Who; Lauri-Ell
What; Doing Blacksmithing Work and Sales
Where; Bay Blades
When; Early June
Warnings; None

Summer, objectively the worst time of year to be a blacksmith, or worse, a blacksmith's apprentice. One might not think it, but it was true. While the forge was more or less at the same range of temperatures all year long, and that throwing off more heat than the summer sun could, the truth remained that in the other seasons you could walk away and cool down some. That was not true for Lauri-Ell in the summer.

For Forgemistress Gili it was easier, Lauri-Ell believed, for the dwarf admitted she was used to heated in cramped spaces. For Lauri-Ell, whose main experience before this world was service on a climate controlled planet, this was quite the experience. They had come up with a system, though, in the last summer she was employed, and that was in use now. Which was 'minimum public decency while working' attire. Given this was for Lauri-Ell a crop top, shorts, and her leather work apron and gloves, it was definitely both too much and too little all at once. She'd clearly already worked up a sweat, but at least she was getting a break as she was putting a finished peace in a bucket of water to quench.

Which is about when she notices the arrival of customers. Which was a better excuse than most to untie the leather straps from around the back of her neck, let the top half of the apron hang loose, and move away from the fires of the forges to see them.

"Welcome to Bay Blades!"

Hopefully the customer wasn't the sort to be scared off, or distracted, by a woman who was over six and a half feet tall, massively muscled, just this side of scantily clad, and most importantly, blue-skinned. Gili would be upset if she accidentally scared off another customer.

Comments

[orangewayfinder]

Terra was attempting to find something to do and he'd gotten around to going to that chocolatier. They even had caramel there which went into the ice cream for the Rockin Crunch, so he talked to the owner there about it. The man had looked thoughtful when the ingredients were mentioned and said he might make something like that.

Ice cream with this how hot it was getting was definitely going to be a treat. But in the meantime he'd managed to bring home a small stash of dark chocolates in a 'chocolate lovers' box because he liked them the best. This didn't get into the chocolate covered fruits he'd discovered and bought too.

So as he wandered around, he heard the ringing of a hammer. And of course that got him curious and he moved towards the sound. It obviously got louder the closer he got and Terra was fascinated to see what was going on. This was a sight he'd never seen before.

Blue eyes looked up at Lauri-Ell when she greeted him and he nodded. He'd never seen anyone like her before, but the smile was welcoming so that put him at ease. "Do you make all of the weapons here?"

[kree_soldieress]

IT was hard to see anyone like her, as there was no one else like her here. But Lauri-Ell was used to that. She offered him a nod of greeting, then looked shy.

"I do not. Most of the work is of Forgemistress Gili. She is a master blacksmith. I'm merely an apprentice. But I have been deemed nearly suited enough to be allowed to sell lesser blades of my own, and of course do other work. And I am authorized to sell all non-custom pieces."

[orangewayfinder]

"Oh." Terra replied, sounding a little surprised. He hadn't seen the dwarf, but if this lady was saying she didn't make the things, then he believed her. Still, the apprentice thing rankled on a personal level even if he just smiled at it.

"Apprentices have to start somewhere, right? And in time they become masters themselves and have apprentices."

Of course he's thinking along keyblade lines but it didn't detract from the statement.

[kree_soldieress]

"Yes," she agrees with a wide smile. "In the fall I will have completed my second year. Forgemistress Gili says I am very advanced and learning quickly, and I might be able to become a journeyman very soon. As a journeyman I will be able to sell more of my own work while I gain the skill needed to advance far enough to create and present a masterpiece to the guild."

And oh but she looked so excited over that. Beyond excited. It was far off, but if she was to stay here, she'd be happy with that.

[orangewayfinder]

"So if you become a journeyman and you present the masterpiece, do you become a master?" He wasn't sure how it worked as far as forging weapons went. And he was pretty sure his logic was on point, but then again he wasn't trying to become a master forger even if it did sound like fun.

Terra did notice how excited and happy she seemed to be, so he went along with it. "I didn't even know they had guilds for that sort of thing."

[kree_soldieress]

"Yes, if they deem my skill shown in the masterpiece sufficient," she agrees with a smile. She already had an idea for what she wanted to do. But that was a long way away. "Before then, though, when I have passed enough time as a journeyman, Gili has said she will take me as a full craftsman here at the shop. Now I must get her approval for the pieces I want to make and sell, and she reviews them. This is how I learn."

And oh she seems so proud of that. So very proud of the work she has done to get here.

"There are guilds for many crafts apparently. I was shocked by this. I would think competition would make the crafters not talk to each other."

[orangewayfinder]

"That sounds pretty awesome." Terra replied. He nodded as she went on about how she had to graduate so to speak and what was needed so that mastery could be achieved. Talking about this still gave him hope that he could go home eventually and become a keyblade master himself.

After all the boy who was supposed to be his apprentice had mastered it.

Cocking his head to the side at hearing about the different guilds had Terra puzzled too, but he tried to reason it. "Maybe they're just being friendly and trying to advance the craft?"

[kree_soldieress]

Why shouldn't he be able? Sometimes one can grow after more experience in ways they couldn't when younger.

"Maybe," she says, tilting her head as she considered it. "I suppose it is just not what I am used to."

[orangewayfinder]

He nodded. "Competition is good, but maybe they do things like that differently here." Sometimes he wondered what his life would've been like had he passed the Mark of Mastery all of those years ago.

But sometimes he doubted he'd pass with how much he'd done and all of the pain and heartache he'd caused.

[bufubulous]

Yusuke hadn’t really been sure what he was expecting when Yuki had told him about Bay Blades and his friend who worked there, aside from the mental image of actual forges he’d seen depicted on television or in books in his world. As he wandered in quietly, it certainly didn’t disappoint that mental image… The willowy teen looked around absentmindedly as he took it in, from the tools and the atmosphere to the woman working near the fires on something as he entered.

Honestly, she was probably what stood out the most to him. How could she not be? His eyes widened somewhat with both surprise and something else… Inspiration? Yes, definitely that. Yusuke had never seen such a tall, impressive looking person before. Lauri-Ell was, indeed, truly a sight to behold as she worked. Out of habit, his hands raised to form a frame as he considered what kind of piece one could paint of such a scene.

Sorry, Lauri-Ell… He isn’t trying to be rude, he’s just like that sometimes. A little socially awkward, but well meaning. At the very least he wasn’t afraid of her, which meant Gili wouldn’t have to worry about a lost customer… Which he intended to be, once his focus finally shifted again.

It’s only a moment or two after she speaks up that he stops, dark hair slipping in front of an eye as he tilted his head slightly to nod in greeting as he finally brushed it aside and lowered his hands. “Good day! Are you by chance Laur-Ell, friend of Yuki Sohma?” He asked, polite and to the point as he adjusted the black leather satchel over his shoulder.

[kree_soldieress]

Good news, she would be less likely to notice social oddities. What she knew about socialization she learned here, in part from Llewellyn and Yuki, neither of whom were truly talented with other people.

The mentioning of Yuki's name earns a beaming smile from Lauri-Ell.

"I am indeed. I expect if he described me at all that would be certain. There are no other Kree in the city."

[bufubulous]

The confirmation gets a smile, pleased that he was correct in his guess. Yuki hadn’t really described her by appearance, of course, but by her talent. “That’s a relief to hear, I’m still learning my way around the city and I had hoped I found the right place… Sohma-san described you as a talented metal smith when I was inquiring if there was such a place in the city.” He supposed her talent remained to be seen, but she had certainly looked like she knew what she was doing when he entered. Not that Yusuke himself knew what went into forging.

“I have never met someone of the… You said kree?” He tilted his head slightly at the explanation. “But I can honestly I have not seen with such an impressive presence before, in this city or elsewhere. If he had described your stunning features in further detail, I’m sure I would have recognized you upon entering.” Remembering his manners again, trying to not get caught up in the sudden inspiration he found himself with, he introduced himself with a light bow. “My name is Yusuke Kitagawa. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you.”

[kree_soldieress]

That was kind of her, even if her talent was meager compared to that of Gili.

"Yes, the Kree. Most Kree are blue of skin like myself. Some are pink-skinned Kree, they look more like you humans. But I am definitely larger than many of either group. But it is my pleasure to meet you, Yusuke Kitagawa."

[bufubulous]

“I see, so I suppose in that case there would always be a chance I’ve met one and not known if I happened upon one whose complexion differed to yours.” Yusuke mused thoughtfully, knowing full well that there was more to most worlds than one knew on a surface level at this point. For all he knew, there could be kree in his world and he wouldn’t even know it, even if he’d never seen one with blue skin as Lauri-Ell was. If not, then she was at least from a world where humans were as common, and so proving there were more worlds again that were similar and yet so very different.

Still, Yusuke was rather tall compared to his peers, so looking up was proof of her impressive stature. Introductions out of the way, though, he glanced at the fires she had just been working at. “I do hope this is a good time to speak, I wouldn’t want to keep you from something that needs your attention, but if you have the time I should like to discuss a request that Sohma-san thought you might be able to assist me with?”

No, he’s not entirely sure how this should work. Did one make appointments first? Or perhaps if she was agreeable to the company, he could speak with her while she worked. It would be rather convenient that way. Perhaps it might give him more ideas as well. Watching others work and go about their days was something of a habit of his.

[kree_soldieress]

He is very respectful, like Yuki. She likes that.

"I can listen. If it is beyond my skill, I can impress upon Forgemistress Gili to render assistance," she tells him with a nod. That should hopefully be enough. "Please, tell me what you seek."

[bufubulous]

That was certainly enough for him, that she was open to trying and consulting the Forge mistress if need be was a good sign that he could at least expect to have some ideas before he left on what he might need to do about securing what he needed. “Thank you. I appreciate your time and hers if it comes to it.”

Yusuke finally shifted the bag on his shoulder, digging through it for his sketchbook where he’d worked on a likeness of the weapon he was looking for. “It came to my attention rather soon after my arrival that securing a means of defence is wise… But I did not arrive with anything beyond my art supplies, given I was between classes when I was taken.” He nodded to the satchel. Finally pulling out his sketch bad, flipping through the pages and past various works in progress, he stopped on a page with a detailed sketch of his own sword.

Does this string bean of a teen look like he knows anything about wielding a sword? No, but he’s pretty confident by his tone.

“I’m hoping you might be able to provide me with a katana if you think that would be possible? I’m also accustomed to a tachi as an alternative, if not.” He explained, pointing between the blades depicted on his page. Yusuke wasn’t entirely sure how common such swords were in this world, given its overall aesthetic; but he was rather hopeful given Yuki had indicated it was possible.

[kree_soldieress]

How interesting. She looks at the sketch. It's a nice enough blade, and she has to think about it.

"I will need to know more of this form of blade. It is not one that Gili or I have made before. It looks to be for cutting. And with the curve of it, your primary cutting point isn't the whole length, but here."

She reaches out to tap a point higher up the length, which indeed would be the prime point to aim with for cutting. How interesting. For while Lauri-Ell may never have seen a Katana before, she was a warrior, and could determine at a glance what was meant.

"You need good sheer resistance upon the face of this, but given the build, probably good tensile strength too. What of the guard... Tell me how this weapon is used."

[unknownmoirai]

Inesa didn't look as if the sun or heat touched her. Her skin remained perfectly pale without any scaring or tan that might indicate that she spent a great deal of time outside. Her long hair was tied into two large loose braids with ribbons twisted artistically through them and her attire was modest and sweet, aside from the fact that her back remained exposed in case she wanted to fly. All except a few pieces of clothing have been altered for her wings now that she had access to the sky.

"Hello Lauri." Inesa smiled warmly, noticing the temperature change between the inside and the outside but not truly feeling its affects. "I was able to get a suggested blade design for me. I was wondering if you would look at it?"

She pulled a piece of paper from her pocket that detailed out a very thin blade. "Do you think this is possible to be made?"

[kree_soldieress]

It was almost unfair the way that the woman manages all of this without truly being overheated. Even Lauri-ELL’s tolerance of heat wasn’t nearly as impressive as that. But she offers a nod and smile at her friend.

“Lady Inesa,” she says with a smile. “I’m glad a suggestion has been given. Please, let me look.”

She takes the paper and considers it. Most of it is simple enough.

“I can help with the blade, but Forgemistress Gili will need to handle the accents. I am still learning to work with wire as fine and yet sturdy as this will require. And I do not set stones.”

[unknownmoirai]

Inesa watched Lauri a bit nervously. She wasn't sure if the design would be possible but her heart was set and hopeful. "You think so?" Her light blue-gray eyes lit up. "I can provide stones. Actually. Perhaps...Could you make them out of metal? If they are of a different material I might be able to use them to hold a bit of magic."

She walked over to a dagger and gently placed her palm over the blade. She focused and after a moment of concentrating on the heat of the surrounding area she gently tugged. The air shifted and a thin glow of misty white light gathered in Inesa's palm before seeped into the simple metal blade. When she takes away her hand the blade has a misty chill licking off of it, emanated a cold radius around it. "It worked!" She smiled, looking rather surprised at her own ability. It'd be much harder if it was smaller but she was willing to practice.

With excitement Inesa looked up at Lauri. "What do you think?"

[kree_soldieress]

Well this is an interesting thing to see, and more to consider.

"I'd have to ask Gili if we have metal suited. I know there are ways you can treat metal to evoke colors. I have not learned these yet. But it would be something we might be able to do together. I should talk to Gili about it."

It's worth considering though, and she likes the idea of learning.

"We could talk to her. But tell me, are there metals that better take your magic? It is beautiful."

[unknownmoirai]

The angel's lips pursed thoughtfully before gently shaking her head from left to right. "I do not know. This was an idea that was given to me by another and I have not tested different materials. I do not know a lot about metal. I can test it but I do not know how." It was something to consider but Inesa didn't want to make her request unreasonable.

"I have money to pay for whatever it takes. I think any metal will do so perhaps we should select a material that is easier to work with?"

It would likely be beneficial to speak to Lauri's master since Inesa really had no concept of what she was asking for.

[kree_soldieress]

“Another? They are familiar with weapons?”

How interesting, that someone else should have a better idea for the woman’s magic than she has herself. Still, this might be another thing Gili could help on.

“We are blacksmiths. Working with metal is what we do. And making you happy with a good blade would be our pride,” Lauri-ELL noted with a smile. “You deserve that. A weapon you wish to take pride in.”

[unknownmoirai]

"No. They just asked me a question about my magic and it made me think."

Inesa leaves the enchanted dagger and steps closer to where Lauri is standing. "There is much about my magic I have not thought of and I never finished my training. They asked about the magic I could use and my limits. I then thought of this. Metal... I think is the only thing hard enough to hold the magic without being destroyed." She hadn't had the heart to try on anything else since her magic could be volatile if misused.

Lauri-Ell's final remark summoned Inesa's smile anew. "Thank you. I don't know anyone else I would rather make me a blade. Thank you Lauri and please thank your master as well. Um... should I leave a bit of money now? If you need to purchase special materials."

[kree_soldieress]

Lauri-Ell tucks the dagger away, because they need to see how long that will last. It's important to know.

"Do you know how long it will last? What will it do? There is a change Gili may commission some things if it is not problematic for you."

There is so much potential to consider here.

"No money yet, we need to be sure we can do this for you."