aterat | [Open] The Finest Weapons And Armor

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[Open] The Finest Weapons And Armor

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.

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“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.

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."

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.

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."

At first Yusuke was a little worried that his concern had been valid, that it might not be something that could be done due to a lack of familiarity. It was only when she continued, though, that he felt some of those concerns ease. Clearly Lauri-Ell knew quite a bit about weapons and had a keen eye for details as she looked over his sketch. With a little more describing it, and some luck, perhaps it could be done after all.

“I see… I shall endeavor to describe it’s use in better detail, then.” It could be easier said than done, of course, given he could only use it thanks to his persona’s preference for the sword. Luckily, the teen had at least taken some time to read up on the art of iado, after comparing the movements he went through as he paid attention during fights and the muscle memory he’d built up in the last few months to videos he’d looked up.

Yusuke tended to be quite animated when demonstrating, gesturing occasionally as he described the blade’s use. Sometimes he went through a basic movement as he recalled it, even if some of his movements weren’t quite refined, all in hopes of giving Lauri-Ell the information she may need.

She watches, silent and quite attentive as Yusuke does his best to demonstrate and explain. There are no questions for a while, just thoughtful consideration. And at last she offered a nod as she thought she knew enough.

“While I have a concept for this, I want to be certain it is a good choice. I shall see perhaps if there is a suitable book in the Historium that might guide us in the crafting of such a sword. However I would need to know how long it should be.”

Yusuke smiled to hear that she already had a concept for the request, and the intent to make sure the choice was correct was only sensible. “If you would like to me to assist with locating such material, I would be happy to do so. I have spent a lot of time at the Historium since my arrival. It seems like a fountain of knowledge, though somewhat disorganized.” He liked it there. It was quieter than the orphanage and found it was a nice place to meet up for research projects.

At the question of length, Yusuke could at least answer, given he’d used both Tachi and Katana over the last few months and the difference was interesting. “Traditionally, the blade of a katana is about twenty-three and a half inches. They are shorter than a tachi by design for convenience in closer combat and to be drawn more quickly.”

“It can help to ask it,” she noted, thoughtful. Too bad she couldn’t ask Yuki, he was very good at research. So very, very good at research.

“That is very good to know. I think I need to do more research though. Hold, let me speak to Gili. Perhaps she will let me go do the research today.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble on my account. If she cannot spare you this moment, I can certainly go and see what I can find as well? Then we can reconvene at a later date.” He responded with a nod, knowing how inconvenient Lauri-Ell leaving the forge for some research at such short notice.

As much as he needed the sword after the almost encounter he’d been saved from on his first day, he did have other things to focus on and could try to stay out of trouble for now.

“I’ll wait, and have a look around at what there is to see while you ask.” He added, curiosity beckoning him to get a better look at the forge’s wares and take in the sight to commit to memory for reference later.

"Hold here for a moment," Lauri-Ell says, smiling as she moves off to see her master. And a few minutes later she returns, her apron and gloves off as she moves to a basin of water to clean her hands.

"We go to research. She doesn't know katanas and the other thing. We must bring her data. You will join me in this, yes?"

Yusuke let himself wander the shop to get a look at the different pieces and weapons that were already finished and waiting to be sold. A few of them made him think of members of his group, quite sure that they would be impressed by the items.

But then Lauri-Ell was back a few minutes later, and he turned to see what the verdict was from Gili. “Certainly. I would be happy to assist in locating the information needed.” It was for him after all. It wouldn’t be right if he didn’t at least help with finding what Lauri-Ell and Gili would need to know to take on the project. “It would be beneficial for me as well to know more about the blade I use, after all.” He waited for her to wash up so they could be off.

“Besides that, it wouldn’t hurt to know where they keep books of that nature for if anyone else should arrive and reference be needed.” It seemed smart to take the idea that others from his group might arrive into consideration. Having met Mitsuru and Shinjiro, it didn’t seem entirely impossible.

She nodded and reached for the massive hammer that was clearly a weapon, not a tool, and slung it over her shoulder. Even as she touched it a green fabric seemed to manifest on her, covering her body in a light fabric a bit more green than her skin but still clearly blue, and manifesting with a short skirt.

She'd been learning.

"Let us go."

“What an interesting ability…” He commented as she grabbed what appeared to be her own personal weapon. The clothing, though, was an interesting addition, and he wondered what sort of ability did that. His own clothing changed, even here, when he called upon his persona. Perhaps it was something like that? “The colours suit you.” Yusuke added, more as an observation than anything, falling into step next to the woman.

He wasn’t about to dawdle, after all. They had research to do, and he knew the way to the historium better than he did to other places, considering the amount of times he’d met Mitsuru there since arriving. “Of course, let us be off. I’m rather keen to see what we might find.” Hopefully something, even if they might need to ask the curator for assistance at some point. The man seemed helpful enough, at least.

"Yes, the Weapon is capable of many things," she agreed as they walked. "And thank you. It is the color of the Accusers, and thus it is mine."

She clearly knows the way to the Historium, and she leans the hammer against her shoulder, pulling back the cowl of her armor so she can let her hair fall free. Which means taking out the leather thong she used to tie it back.

“I see, so it’s the weapon that allows you to change your clothing with such sudden ease. It is convenient, in my experience.” He mused lightly, finding himself rather intrigued. There were so many kinds of people in this world, from what seemed to be such varied worlds… There truly was an unfathomable amount of realities out there… and so many people from them gathered in one strange place.

“Of course, I can’t help but notice when shades complement each other.” He responded with a smile, but curiosity won over again as he watched her as they moved towards the historium. “And what is an Accuser?” Was it some sort of law enforcement position in her world? It was… really an odd sounding title.

"It is part of the powers of the Universal Weapon granted to me. They are much limited here, though. I make use of it in the summer so I can retain light clothing for the forge, but still be 'appropriately dressed' for the rest of the city."

Human decency standards made no sense to her if she was being honest.

Still, his question might have a disturbing answer. Some did not like it.

"We were the law and justice of my people. A calling perverted that I wish to see restored to honor."

“So it can do more than call forth clothing?” Considering her height and build, that was probably still pretty convenient. Clothing that fit properly probably needed to be specially made for someone like her. Yusuke liked nice clothing, and he had a very strict eye for traditional clothing and if it was worn properly with respect or not… But he was aware of how modest most people’s views were of the how much skin was shown. He realized that for some reason, on occasion, that it was equated to being immodest and displaying a particular intent.

“I see… I had wondered if it was something similar to the police or other law enforcement agencies.” Which were quite often quite useless, considering how many things slipped by their attention, were ignored or mishandled… He wondered if it were something like that for her, if she was trying to restore it to something better, as she said.

“That is a noble endeavor, I’m sure. Justice for people who need it is important and so often neglected.” Still, he wondered what her stance on his group would be considering the way the law saw them… Maybe she would have a better understanding of their motives. But he was keeping that detail to himself with everyone, anyway. As much as he could, anyway, considering how prone some he had met already seemed to be at probing questions.

"Much more. The armor it forms is relatively simple in its list of what could happen. However it can be useful while I need additional time to get new summer clothes. I had a limited selection last year."

Still, his comment earns a nod from her. This was true. It was similar.

"Justice is complicated. The Accusers used to force our laws on others who were not of our people or in our territory. It was wrong."

“That’s very impressive?” He responded with a small hum. Really, it was clearly a versatile ability given she seemed to imply there were many more things it could do. Still, it was sad to hear she was still having an issue finding things an entire year later.

It was then that something about what she said struck him rather by surprise. Not the weapons abilities or clothing, so much as the duration of time she’d spent in this place. “You’ve been in this place for an entire year? That is a rather long time to be away from home.” And he doesn’t like hearing that, even if time wasn’t going to pass in his absence? He didn’t want to be away for such a long time. It was starting to sound like a long stay was closer to the norm than a short one, though…

"Oh, more than," she answered. "I have seen two winters. Kree do not have winters."

So why were quire the experience to her.

More than… Two winters… Yes, Yusuke liked the sound of that less and less. People being in these worlds for long seemed to be becoming the more common trend than hearing of those who’d been here for a short time before leaving. He would have to consider this going forward, to be prepared for such possibilities, as much as it pained him to think of being away from the others for such a long time. “If the kree do not have winters, then I expect that must have been quite the adjustment. The climate of the place you come from must be quite different.”

"It was. I encountered snow for the first time and was very confused. But I also got to know hot chocolate, and that was nice," she says, grinning.

Though she supposed she had had learned a lot more than that.

"Yes, the Kree worlds are climate controlled."

“I’m sure it was quite shock to your system, though it sounds as though you found some of the more pleasant points to winter.” Yusuke found he rather liked the season. The cooler weather and the beauty of the freshly fallen snow were a sight to behold as the sun came up. Fitting for someone with access to ice spells, perhaps, but it was better to him than sweltering heat.

He tilted his head slightly, “Climate controlled? That must be quite advanced compared to most places, I expect.”

"It was. I was cold, and it was EVERYWHERE!"

She laughs as she considers it. Her friends had helped her adjust to it.

"Oh, we are. We are a space-faring people."

It was hard to not smile a little at the description. Snow was like that after all. When it fell, it coated everything in the storm’s wake. At least she seemed to find it amusing enough to laugh about now, so there wasn’t any lingering animosity towards the weather. “It is that, certainly. I’ve always found the chill it brings rather refreshing, but I can see how it would be less so for someone who has never experienced it before.”

The explanation gets an interested hum as they moved down the streets. “Space-faring? So you live in a climate controlled ship, or the technology has advanced enough to keep your planets climate that way.” Yusuke had a lot of questions, perhaps, but he was trying to picture this place she was from and he was trying to understand more about the people around him as much as the world.

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