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"Yes," the man chuckled, leading Miyuki back over to the wall where the staffs were mounted. "You see, you can handle a certain amount of weight without losing control of your hands. When your hands dip when you catch the ball, then the ball is slightly too heavy. But when your hands almost drop, then the ball is far too heavy. The balls are of specific weights, and knowing which ball you can catch and throw easily without it being too heavy, I can know how heavy your staff needs to be in order for you to handle it well."

He pulled a few staffs down and measured them against Miyuki for height. "Now to find one the proper height as well ..."

The man set a few different staffs next to her. "It should be just the slightest bit taller than you," he murmured as he examined them. He put a few back on the shelf, then pulled down a few others. "That way you'll be able to execute all of the moves properly - at least once you learn how - and it will give you a tiny bit of room for growth."

Earendil bit his tongue. There was no point in mentioning that when she grew, it would probably be quite a bit.

"There," the man smiled finally, holding several staffs of different types of wood and design. "These ones are the proper weight and height. Choose one that you like best. Test the grips a bit."

The man smiled and returned the rest of the staffs to the shelf. "An excellent choice," he said in an impressed sort of tone. "Very good. Then all that is left is to pay for it."

"I'll take care of that," Earendil said quickly. He turned to Lin. "Will you take Andarien for a few moments? And I think we can let Iorlas know that we're just about ready to go, too."

Iorlas was on the other side of the shop, looking at a jewel-studded dagger that was little bigger than a letter opener - though much sharper and deadlier. She glanced over her shoulder as she heard Miyuki approaching her, and she smiled warmly at her.

"All set?" she asked cheerfully.


Andarien giggled at Lin and reached up to poke her nose, something he had learned from his father.

Earendil laughed. "I'll be back in just a moment," he grinned, heading towards the counter with the new staff in his hand.

Iorlas looked again at the dagger and smiled. "Nothing I could ever afford," she replied, "though it costs nothing to look."

She pointed at the dagger. "This would cost a king's ransom, I wager," she said. "Rubies, sapphire, some emeralds, and the hilt is made of pure gold. Even the blade is littinum. Add in the amazing craftsmanship and this piece would cost a fortune."


Andarien squealed and giggled, and taking it as meaning that Lin wanted to play, he poked her again, also on the nose. "Sih!"

Iorlas shrugged and looked back at the dagger. "Some people like to wear them to show off their wealth," she suggested, "and others just because they like them."

She tilted her head and smiled gently. "I just like to look at it."

Earendil rejoined Lin just then, smiling as he tucked his purse away.

"Celeb was right," he chuckled. "We did get a discount for being referred by him. Which I have to say is a good thing, there's a reason that staff looks so good."

"Very much so," Iorlas agreed. "But come, I shan't keep you here. Shall we get back to your parents so that we can continue? The day is pressing onwards, and I'm sure they're probably about as ready as I am to have some lunch."

it had been a rather long morning, really.


Earendil chuckled. "It's of such a good quality, many would call it princely. It was VERY well made."

He made a face at Andarien, who was looking up at him, slack-jawed, wondering what was going on.