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 Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2013 2:59 pm
In the week since she had first met Last's lady smith, Rajani had been busier than ever. Somehow, even though much of Palisade's resources and people were focused on the Queen's Warden grounds in Oldcastle, the capitol seemed busier than ever. Perhaps it was because of the royal acknowledgement that war was coming, or perhaps it was simply that the city refused to be cowed no matter what happened.
Regardless, she had spent more time than she would have preferred with that bloody noble, sharing everything that she had learned and gaining a little information, a few assignments, and a large headache in return. When she was not sequestered with him, or out on an assignment, or providing entertainment at taverns, she was convening with Soibhan and Macaire about the Gaels woman's pet army. In what little time that left her, she had been tending to her own affairs and attempting to remain well-fed and at least moderately rested.
Today, at last, she had been able to clear a good half of her waking hours. There was only one errand that needed to be run that morning and Rajani considered it as much a social call as the acquisition of a tool necessary for survival. Today, she was to claim her very own, custom-forged blade. As unusual as it may be for her, Rajani could not help but feel a little flare of giddy excitement. Her very own sword. As Rosalie's shop came into view, she could only smile.
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Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2013 8:48 pm
The week since being swept off to the show by the younger of the Friedrichs had been interesting to say the least. Rosalie wasn't sure if she had ever felt so relaxed before, or at least so happy in regards to life. She hadn't been bothered once by any of the harassing men who felt the need to voice their opinion that she needed to be wed and close shop, though perhaps her antics with the fire poker and harsh words had finally gotten through their thick skulls.
She certainly had been busy though. This was the first time in quite a while that she'd had more demands for sharp pointy objects, most of which were swords, due to the rising drums of war. Men who hadn't come to her shop when the word of wolves reached Palisade certainly were now, and even a few ladies had plans to protect themselves. However, there was one lady in particular she had been slaving over the forge for, and she hoped that soon she would come and see what she had completed.
This particular day she was taking it easy, wearing her hair down from its usual bun, and leaning back in her chair, polishing up a few pieces that were ready for pick up, the most of which were indeed sharp pointy things. She'd take them to the grinder perhaps a bit closer to when she was expecting her guests, after they passed the most of their inspection at least. That wasn't to say they were dull, they were just not sharp enough for her standards.
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Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:22 pm
Knowing that he was, indeed, welcome inside, Oberon did not hesitate to follow Rajani through the door and into the shop, politely closing the door behind him. The pair of them took a moment to let their eyes adjust to the difference between the bright morning sunlight and the somewhat darker shop before turning to Rosalie.
"It looks as though you've been busy," the gypsy observed by way of greeting as Oberon offered her a slight nod. Indeed, where there had been a few trinkets here and there on her first visit, the quantity seemed to have multiplied considerable. Notably, there were many more blades than there had been before. "Are any of those mine?"
Even at so quick a glance, Rajani suspected that she would be pleased with anything the lady smith had forged for her. Nothing in the entire lot seemed to be less than quality material.
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Posted: Sat Jun 29, 2013 10:12 pm
The opening of the door draws her attention, though and she sits up, smiling at the familiar face. "Well, it's good to see you too." The table is absolutely littered with various objects, though in between the swords, there's a good number of rings of various sizes and colors. "Would you believe that it's wedding season? And of course, with that comes the season to challenge other men who happen to be courting the same lady...And war. War always brings them in." She stretched, getting to her feet as she leaned back, soothing her aching back.
"I did finish yours, but they've been over here awaiting your approval." Usually she reserved her display cases for usual stock, but these she was far too proud of to keep hidden away. "Go ahead and take a look. I tried to think of nearly anything you'd need to fight a real battle." The steel glinted through the glass, two matching swords and three daggers all at the ready. "I thought it might do well to have a few extras on hand in case things get knocked away." She opened up the display case, waiting for her to pick them up. "I didn't sharpen them yet, I wanted to make sure they met your approval first." She was the slightest bit nervous, gauging her new customer's expressions carefully, and even trying to guess what Oberon thought of them.
"Feel free to pick them up, give the balance a try. Oh, and if you're looking for a pistol, I'm sure there's someone who deals with firearms around here. I haven't experimented with those yet."
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Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 12:42 am
An inelegant snort escaped the gypsy. "I imagine you have the war to thank for a few of those rings, as well." Some men would use any excuse to wed a woman - of course, the same could be said for women and matchmaking parents. Rajani preferred to remain just as she was, thanks all the same. Not that there were any significant men in her life, anyway, nor did there seem to be any sign of any in the future. Well, if she died a spinster, who would care? Certainly not her.
Eager to see her new toys, she followed Rosalie to the display case. Oh, but they were lovely. By the sheen alone, the steel was fine quality. The blades were no-nonsense and serviceable, but still managed to carry a certain elegance. "I've no use for pistols," she said absently. Guns made loud noises. They did not agree with her (mostly) former profession as a thief.
Rajani hefted the first sword and tested its weight - lighter than it looked, but it still had a good heft behind it. The balance was phenomenal, as well. Stepping back, she gave it an experimental swing, then a few strokes and twirls. "I think she will sing," she murmured.
Picking up the second sword, she found it to be of similar quality, though perhaps... "Could we shift the balance just a hair higher?" She glanced at the smith as Oberon sniffed at the blades in the case.
As a Guardian, he had little use for or interest in them as a general rule, but these ones would be used to defend his Chosen's life. As such, they surely deserved his attention. From what little he knew about blades - knowledge gained from both Rajani and Macaire - they seemed good enough to him.
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Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 12:55 am
"Oh yes, I'm more than aware about that prospect as well. It's a good excuse too, for some couples who are far too shy to do such on their own terms." The fondest customers of hers had actually come together, a young bookish girl and a strapping young man, who had grown up together and the war had given them both enough strength to propose and soon be wed. "I've heard a few good love stories."
It thrilled her when Raj picked them up, especially when the woman said she had no use for pistols. It only reinforced the respect and admiration she already had for her, and hopefully only made them better friends. After all, who else was she to go to about the antics of a certain pair of twins? Speaking of, she made note to try and avoid the subject for certain reasons that would later come to light.
"I'm glad they suit you well. Pistols probably would do little against the wolves, there's not enough control in them for my tastes." She had tried one once. Never again. Damn things didn't hit their target often enough, which was good for the men that used them to duel, not so good for those defending themselves. However, her comment on the balance... "Just on the one, or on the both of them? Ah, give the daggers a try too. Just in case...I can fix these right here if it's the case."
She didn't even think when she grabbed the ribbon off the table to tie her hair up. She didn't even pause to think this might be a bad idea. It didn't even hit her that she had left her hair down for a reason, especially that Raj had come to the shop. While from a distance she might be safe, the lady smith didn't even think anything of coming closer to take the second sword from her. If Raj had even glanced up at her, a number of red to purple marks spotted her neck, a few looking older than the others.
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Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 1:26 am
The most the talk of the marriage and romance of strangers elicited from her was a noncommittal hum. It was not that she necessarily had anything against the idea, she just had no use for it unless it concerned someone close to her. Given that there were precious few such people, it had never really come up before. Well, unless one counted the new-found romance blossoming between Last and the lovely Rosalie.
"Just this one," she said, eyes already drifting toward the daggers. However, when Rosalie came to take the blade, Rajani glanced up...and her eyes found something most telling. Rather than allowing her eyes to linger, she offered the smith a brief smile and took the first dagger from the case. Good length, decent heft. It was more suited to wielding than throwing, given the balance, but she thought it could do well enough if the need arose.
"You and Last seem to be growing...closer," she said casually. With a practiced flick of her wrist, she sent the dagger flying narrowly past Rosalie and into one of the support beams across the room where it stuck, vibrating with the force of the throw. Yes, it would do.
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Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 4:15 pm
"I'll take care of it right away then." She replied, turning to head back to the forge, when she got a rather unexpected greeting. The smith didn't think that she had upset Rajani so much to have a dagger thrown almost at her. However, soon enough, she managed to get past the point that there was a dagger in her support beams, and that Raj had actually told her exactly why. Oh. Well s**t.
"Oh, those....I...ah...Forgot about those." She laughed nervously, glancing back at Raj as she put a hand up to cover the ones on at least one side of her neck. She didn't really know what to say about it that wouldn't make the situation worse. That had been why she had left her hair down. But, in all truth, she wasn't going to risk getting injured by having her hair down whilst working. God, she wasn't sure what to do at this point. Ignoring the subject was likely to incur more daggers narrowly missing her, and talking about it...well....Maybe just carefully treading on the subject would work out better. "I guess.....I guess you could say we have."
The dagger was just going to have to stay there for the moment, she had a sword to adjust, with perhaps a very unhappy guest. She made note, carefully, that maybe she should go warn a certain person that Raj wasn't pleased about a few things, especially since she can throw daggers like she hasn't seen before. "S-So shift it a little higher, you said?" Work never scared her, but she now knew someone who did.
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Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 5:33 pm
"Yes, a little higher," she said, selecting another dagger for inspection. "She ought to move quicker that way. Speed is important, you know, for gaining an advantage over one's enemies." She tossed the dagger up in the air, where it flipped end over end several times before landing neatly in her palm. Yes, she could get quite used to these daggers. They were already feeling comfortable.
Once again, Rajani deigned to acknowledge the marks on Rosalie's neck. Instead, she toyed with the dagger, bringing it close to her face and tilting it just so in order to observe the sheen. "Are finding his companionship to be pleasant?"
Wise in the way of males of any species, Oberon stayed well away from the conversation taking place between the females in the room. Instead, he busied himself by sniffing at objects lying here and there about the room.
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Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 5:59 pm
"Especially against wolves, if what we've heard is any indication. A split second can make a battle a winning one." She replied, calming down as she stuck the blade into the hot coals to be heated. "Was there anything else you wanted made? I can get it done within 2 days if it's more of those...daggers." She had paused, watching in horror as she tossed it, catching it perfectly each time.
Her question caught her a little off guard, though, and perhaps her earlier mental note should come in handy. "You're....you're not going to harm him are you?" He already had enough scars in her opinion, and didn't need another to be patched up. As amusing as they were, she didn't need him, didn't want him to be maimed. "Because I rather am enjoying his companionship, it's rather welcome in my opinion." However, she recalled a few comments from earlier, and grinned. "Or are you envious? You know, First seems rather lonely."
Nearly everything smelled of Aelius. Even Aelius smelled like Aelius. The buck didn't mind being nosed and sniffed at, even though he was also trying to stay away from the two ladies. However, if Oberon was curious enough to note, a certain book on the table smelled like flowers. Every now and then he would stumble upon the faint scents of customers, though it wasn't anything strong.
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Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 6:37 pm
Rajani's brow twitched and the second dagger joined the first, landing just below it. "Last is like my baby brother," she said, less casual now, and more heated. Envious, indeed. Why would she be envious of Rosalie and Last's relationship? Clearly, the smith has been spending too much time over the heated fumes of her furnace. The gypsy had no interest in a relationship of any kind, let alone one with someone who was like family. She was simply looking out for him. "I trust you will treat him well." Though Raj was growing fond of the smith, she would be damned if anyone treated family ill.
"And I fail to see what First has to do with anything. I am certain he can keep himself entertained if he is bereft of all the time his brother is spending away from him."
Oberon did indeed take note of the different smells that were interspersed here and there between Aelius and Rosalie's pervasive scents. However, he had no interest in sniffing the other buck. Instead, once he reached him, Oberon simply examined him, trying to decide what to make of him.
Rajani gently ran her thumb across the blunted edge of the final dagger. "I could do with two more," she decided.
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Posted: Sun Jun 30, 2013 7:00 pm
"Ah." That's just about the only noise Rosalie could make for the moment, wincing at the sound of the dagger hitting the wood. Good thing she hadn't made 10 of those, or else she'd have a collapsing home on her hands, or so she dreaded at least. Family though, perhaps that's why she was just the slightest irritated. Either that, or she hadn't listened enough to what warnings had been given. "To be honest, he's the one spoiling me rotten." She sighed, reminding herself to perhaps get on a few promises she had casually made to both of the brothers. "I'm planning on at the very least making each of them another small item when I have the time. What would you suggest?" She's making a note to not bring up First ever again, unless she wants to keep her head.
"Ah, I wasn't aware that you two were more like family than friends. I might have mistaken a few of his expressions for something more, I apologize." She hoped it would be enough to spare the rest of her neck.
Aelius wasn't sure what to think of tall, proud, strong Oberon. He certainly wasn't up to his standards, he could tell that much. But instead of shrinking back, he stayed put, meeting eyes and blinking slowly at the awakened buck. Perhaps he could smell fear.
Rosalie tried to keep her mind off that final dagger, she really did. She pulled the sword out, the metal glowing softly in the air, before going to work on it. It certainly wasn't being pounded the hell out of it, more of careful, soft nudges at where the balance currently lay. She swore to god, if Raj threw that dagger she would mess up. And then she'd have to reforge the whole damn thing again, and she'd likely end up needing to go out for a drink.
Luckily, it didn't take to long, and once she cooled it down, she herself, checked the balance, holding her arm out straight, shifting the angle of it in her hand for a moment, before handing it back to Raj. "Try it out now." She sighed, crossing her arms. "And are you sure you don't want seven more? A set of ten is always good."
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Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2013 5:47 pm
The most that Rosalie's apology elicited from the gypsy were narrowed eyes and a dubious hum. However, she seemed willing to pretend that the whole thing had never happened, though for whose benefit it was unclear. Regardless, she turned her mind instead to the puzzle of what the Twins might want. Oh, they indulged in their luxuries, and there were few things that they could not acquire if they put their resources to it. So, it was less a matter of what they did not have and more a question of what they would enjoy.
Of course, it was tempting to be a little wicked and suggest outrageous jewelry. Their line of work called for subtlety. Though their clothes were of quality make, they were hardly flamboyant. She could just imagine them being forced to wear gaudy things lest they offend Rosalie. However, that would hardly be fair. So, she gave an honest opinion. "You might try something easily concealed," she said, thinking of all the scraps they got into and the uses of hidden weapons.
Oberon was pleased with the other buck's bravado, if nothing else. Still, he recalled Aelius's lack of interest in the war to come and could not entirely approve of him.
Rajani set the dagger she had been holding back in the case and accepted the modified sword. She tested it while she considered Rosalie's offer. The gypsy had many knives to her name - some more suited to throwing than these, and some more wicked in a more direct fight. However, she was growing fond of this particular design already. Where she was going, there was no telling whether any would be lost to her forever. Three would do for most situations, five just in case, but there was a war to be waged. Perhaps a few extra would not hurt, after all.
"Better," she said, pronouncing judgement on the sword. "And I think ten might be just what I need."
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Posted: Fri Nov 01, 2013 1:17 pm
It worried her for quite a while as she watched Rajani hum, especially after she took the sword. While it had only been daggers before, a sword, especially that one, could do so much more damage to her home. She glanced to the two in her support beams, but was quick to look back to Raj, especially as the answer to her question came. "I think that might be perfect...Thank you." Anything to just move past what just happened, just to get off the subject quickly. Something small, and if First had anything like Last had, a set of tiny daggers might work well....For now she wasn't going to divulge that information though. She didn't need Raj sealing her comment with that last one... Aelius continued to stand his ground, unsure of where to go from here. He wasn't as well suited to war, like Oberon! He was...not the best soldier. And he didn't think his lady had a place on the battlefield either, no matter how full of fire she was. But her weapons certainly did! She stood back as she watched Raj test it, curious if it had been adjusted enough to her liking. It was such a slight adjustment, she was worried she hadn't gotten what she wanted on the nose. If not, back to the forge it went... "Better, but is it exact?" She cautiously asked, eying her own work. At least it wasn't visible...Not to an untrained eye at least. "And seven more it is. I'll have them done in 2 days, I don't want to make you wait much longer." She'd be slaving away for a long time, but if it meant Raj not being....well...like this, it was worth it.
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Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 8:19 am
The gypsy had no qualms about letting Rosalie squirm - neither about the brothers nor the sword. However, both of her questions deserved answers. They concerned serious topics, after all. The first she had already given, as to the second...she swung the blade in a final, quick arc and seemed satisfied.
"You may as well sharpen them for me," she said, handing back the sword. Though she had hardly handled either sword or dagger, all of the blades were quickly becoming comfortable to her. Already, she could tell that they would become favorites. It seemed Rosalie was a lucky find, indeed, if the rest of her work was half as good as this.
For the moment, Rajani set the matter of Last aside. What with neither of the twins present and her present advantage in the conversation, it seemed a good enough time to continue the conversation that had been delayed upon their first meeting. "Now that we needn't worry about the boys' delicate sensibilities, perhaps you would care to discuss the matter of the war?"
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