Closed A Little Work (Ricky)

[Alija]

62nd Spring 515

Syna's rays had not yet touched the world when Alija entered the blacksmith and began her day's work. It was her turn to light the fire, to prepare the forge, and to ready the shop for that day's customers. What it meant was that she would have to wake hours before dawn, to be the first to arrive and to be the last to leave. Perhaps when she first got the job she would have been unwilling and reluctant, but know it was second nature to her: unlock the shop, the forge, the store room, bring out any metal required for that day, readjust any show pieces that had moved, clean out the fire and relight it, get the tools ready, get yourself ready. They wouldn't be expecting customers until later that day, but they had to be prepared.

The blacksmith, having done the previous task, brushed out the ash and soot from the fire of last night, relighting it with her flint and steel. The spark slowly turned into a small flame, which grew and grew each time Alija added a little more fuel, and pumped the bellows a little harder. As she let it grow, she cleaned the tools of her trade, brushing off remains of previous work. Using a simple brush, she brushed off the little pieces of iron left on the anvil, before tending to the fire once more.

Less than a bell later the first customer arrived, but he was easy to serve, as all he wanted was to examine the show pieces and buy something ready made. Alija was glad for the lack of work needed, as it was early, and the fire hadn't yet reached the desired heat and size. The show pieces, all marked with the severed wings, were some of the best works, and most were fully usable too, ready to be sold in an instant. This man was a sailor, his ship ready to sail, and he wanted to make some last minute purchases. Even if Alija was willing and able to make something from scratch, he would have stopped her, knowing it would take too long.

After the first customer, Alija began to prepare for real work for when the next one came round. On came an apron, already coveree in soot, and Alija then added more coal to the fire, long enough to last another several bells if not more. She stood patiently behind the counter, watching people go past and hoping one of them would think to visit the shop she was in.

[Ricky Maze]

There was just something that existed within him today that brought about a need to buy arms, a purpose that called for him long ago that he intended to answer very soon now that he donned his uniform once more. Yes with the return to the Wave Guard he served, Ricky found that now had to be the best of all times to prepare. Training would ensue and with it the hard work and practice of different styles and techniques, quandaries he found before wouldn't stand a chance as he would hone both mind and body for his role once more. He wanted to rise up after all and ambition had to be the key, yet there also had to be a strong resole that backed his perseverance through it all. Thus the first step in beginning this was to make a trip towards the smithy, a place he hadn't thought to visit before hand but now... well it was certainly called for at least.

While he possessed a fine longsword he earned for his rank a while back, he lacked a proper secondary to use in his efforts to practice dual wielding. Then of course there was the idea of learning how to use a shortsword, which definitely came across as plausible granted it could serve useful later on. Then there was of course a consideration for ranged attacks, even though he had magic to cover that however he still deemed it best to invest in something at the very least. Thus while he'd made the trip towards the Armed Scholar he did so with garbs that suggested a lax attitude about himself today, with naught but a vest and trousers that ended at the knee his skin practically welcomed the fresh salty breeze. That was the fascinating thing about Zeltivan weather; it always felt great to wear loose clothing during the warmer parts of the year. When he arrived at the front door to the smithy he did so casually as a couple of men would exit the store, a simple stroll beyond took him inside to visit the first room that all would enter into.

Needless to say he'd found himself moderately impressed with the amount of weaponry and armor that could be seen, at first glance there looked to be plenty of things placed neatly within the showroom. No doubt the owner here took pride his own work, he did after all build a pretty decent reputation. Yet Ricky didn't have time to dawdle on such presumptions, since he had much to plan and lots to work for after all. Still while he knew two of the three things he needed, he hadn't any idea what the petch would serve as a ranged weapon for him. "G'day." He bade the shopkeeper well when he noticed her, a smile sent her way as he walked closer to the rows of weapons to browse. Already he found that his eyes fell onto the longsword on display, its quality of steel no less than perfect also. Indeed a steel longsword was the first thing he needed to compliment a secondary fighting style, and while he felt his fingers twitch for the hilt, he delayed all thoughts of further examination.

"Not a bad lookin' blade really." He admitted as he did allow himself a slight closer look, indeed he quite liked the work that had been put into the sword. Finally he decided to go ahead and approach the lady at the counter, a friendly smile on his face as he kept his hands dipped into their pockets. "Pardon me lass, any chance Oi might be able t' purchase a few weapons?" When he addressed her he did so warmly, almost with an infectiously positive attitude.

[Alija]

Another man entered the shop, strolling casually as if he didn't have a care in the world. He was tall and muscular, sporting messy thick brown hair. He was dressed for warm weather and sun, wearing only a vest and short trousers. Both arms had tattoos on, but Alija didn't care for what they were depicting.

He gave her a friendly smile and a short greeting, but didn't continue a conversation, instead turning to examine their wares. Alija stood uncomfortably behind the counter, unsure whether watching him would be considered rude. She decided to keep an eye on him despite feelings that it would, pretending to be looking at some notes at every slight movement of his.

He lingered by a longsword, and Alija made a mental note. A warrior then? She wouldn't be surprised at him belonging to the Wave Guard, with his physique and the interest in a weapon only strengthened her suspicion. Hands in his pocket, a nonchalant look about him, the man strolled over, smiling at the blacksmith.

"Pardon me lass, any chance Oi might be able t' purchase a few weapons?" he asked, a a layer of positivity in his voice. Alija replied with a sweet smile, spotting the Chevas mark on his neck. It was a shame - nice men were hard to come by, at least for Alija, and this one seemed nice enough.

"Good day, sir, my name is Alija. May I ask what yours is?" she started, ignoring his question to fit in a standard greeting. She paused a moment, before answering what he had asked, "And of course you may purchase a few weapons - if you have the coin to pay for them that is!" She gave a friendly giggle, hoping her customer wouldn't feel offended. Just in case, she continued talking, pulling the attention of the little joke. "Any items for show are also for sale, so if anything catches your eye it is ready to be bought. Of course, I can also craft you some now, if you'd prefer. Anything specific you are after?"

[Ricky Maze]

At first he'd found his thoughts compromised by the very indication that he'd forgotten a step, then again he probably never even considered a self introduction to be in order, not at least in a business such as this anyways. "Oh, Ricky's me name. It's good t' meet ya Alija" He concluded with a nod as the friendly smile returned once more, a chuckle to follow as the lady seemed to tease with him about bringing coin. Interestingly well enough to drag his full attention more on her now, rather than the previous task he had in mind. She looked to be young but certainly not too young, her features complimented with a mess of darkened yellow hair and hazel eyes. Overall she looked to be like any other ordinary lady, aside from the fact she didn't seem to hold herself in the same aspect.

Her own body language suggested that she didn't care about the idea of what others thought, that really she would more or less just did whatever it was that she wanted to do. He could see it in the ease of her shoulders as she didn't stand so entirely tall, nor did she appear stiffened to uphold her appearance either. Then again... she did work in an blacksmith's shop, likely proof enough that he'd started to read too much into it. "No worries lass, Oi've got all de coin Oi'll need!" He teased with a widened grin and a wink, he then crossed his arms when she explained the deal with the display items. So they were all for sale anyways, and if he wanted to have something crafted, she at least felt inclined to help with that. "Hmm," He brought his left index finger and thumb up to his chin, eyes went up to the ceiling as he arched an eyebrow in thought, "well Oi know Oi only need a couple o' basic weapons. A longsword and a shortsword made of steel, in fine quality would be preferred o' course." He chuckled along with the tease he shot towards her, hopeful that she wouldn't mind the witty banter he'd likely engage in her with.

"As fer... well Oi dunno what else Oi want. What 'ave ya got d'at's good fer ranged combat?" As he inquired this he lowered his hands down to the counter, a sort of lean in his posture to follow, as he soon found himself comfortable enough to stand there and talk for however long need be. For some reason he kind of liked chatting with this girl, and seeing as how there didn't appear to be anyone else to bother her, he didn't see much harm in killing what spare time she might have before his purchase.

[Alija]

"Oh, Ricky's me name. It's good t' meet ya Alija," the man introduced himself with a nod, still with that friendly smile. He gave a little chuckle about her comment of money, grinning and giving her a wink. "No worries lass, Oi've got all de coin Oi'll need!" As he did so, he seemed to examine her and think, but Alija didn't mind. She was doing the same with him, sizing him up, trying to read his body language.

Ricky crossed his arms, hand on his chin in thought. "Well Oi know Oi only need a couple o' basic weapons. A longsword and a shortsword made of steel, in fine quality would be preferred o' course." He gave a chuckle to that last section signifying the joke. Alija smiled back, nodding her head. She had only half heard the statement, deep in thought about the two weapons. Would he want her to make them or not? Alija hoped so, wanting the work. She was after all hired to be a blacksmith, not a clerk.

"As fer... well Oi dunno what else Oi want. What 'ave ya got d'at's good fer ranged combat? he added, leaning on the counter. Alija smiled, quickly listing the items in her head. She knew every item in the store like the back of her hand, and she knew what she could make too. Despite this, she turned to an old inventory, pretending to leaf through the pages. Alija wouldn't mind a quick conversation first.

"The swords will be fine. Were there any that caught your eye, or do I need to make them?" she started, flicking through the pages slowly without actually looking at them, "May I inquire why you desire all these weapons? Part of the Wave Guard, I guess? Hmmm..." Alija turned around, the book abandoned. "You could have an axe, I suppose, one that is designed to be thrown, or throwing daggers of course. A chakram could also work, as could some Bolas. A harpoon too, but that is mainly it. Other weapons you could find elsewhere, I presume, but not here."

Alija smiled once more, "If you have any other ideas, or wish further information on a certain weapon, please feel free to ask."

[Ricky Maze]

He remained engaged with the lady as she started to turn over several pages, the manner suggested she already knew what they had in stock already, yet of course her soft smile hinted she wasn't against the idea of chitchat. She decided to ask him whether or not a couple of pieces caught his eye inside the store, or if she were rather to go ahead and make one for him instead. "Well Oi really did like de longsword over t'ere, but if ye feel up t' it ya can craft me a shortsword! Best steel shortsword ya can make!" He encouraged with a chuckle afterwards, a couple of fingers tapped while he listened to her next question.

He wondered if it'd been so obvious or if she just usually had members of the Guard frequent the place, although they didn't have their own blacksmith located within the headquarters. Still he allowed himself the capacity to find humor in the question and followed up with a modest answer, albeit rather easy and direct compared to the usual runaround banter. "Aye ye guessed roi 'bout that, Oi've joined back up wit' de Wave Guard. Returnin' from a break Oi needed an' now Oi need me self a few new weapons." He changed from the finger taps to a simple rub of the index forefinger over the counter, a minor bite of the lower lip to follow as she listed what ranged weapons he could use. He had to consider what type of battle styles he could learn with these sort of weapons, as well as how effective they could serve his own particular physique since that had to be accounted for.

An axe or daggers that could be thrown could work but they were disposable by default, and the idea of throwing in general didn't quite stick with Ricky. Sure he had the arms to hurl things hard, but hardly the dedication to maintain precision with his throws. The chakram wasn't something he exactly knew about, but since that would have to be thrown as well he labelled it disposable. Really those things could easily be used against him too, one bad throw and that would be all his enemy needed. Bolas definitely weren't a good idea for him because he'd just plain hurt himself, even if he practiced throwing one he'd still likely do so, knowing his bad luck with projectiles and their trajectory. Harpoons however proved an interesting suggestion to consider, it wasn't something he'd thought off hand but it did provide a bit of range. Still he didn't feel as attached to the idea of it, at least not right now anyways.

Maybe one day he would try and see it, but the harpoon would be a mental note for later. Right now he wanted something with a bit of a longer range, and could work with him a little more fluidly, something that could move like water as well as pack its sting. "Hm. That's it t'en huh?" He stroked his chin while he still contemplated the suggestions, yet at the same time thought more on what weapon could reflect his idea. Finally the idea seemed to hit him unexpectedly after he thought on it, and he certainly hoped they might actually have this weapon in stock. "Ah! Oi know, how 'bout a whip? Whips 're good wit' range an' might actually be what Oi need." He enthused as he leaned against the counter once more, with a look of curiosity on his face.

[Alija]

"Well, Oi really did like de longsword over t'ere,but if ye feel up t' it ya can craft me a shortsword! Best steel shortsword ya can make!" he replied with a chuckle, and she nodded, taking note. At least she would be making something this visit. A shortsword was simple and easy. She felt confident that it wouldn't take her too long to make.

"Well, when we have the final weapon agreed on, I'll set of and make that sword, and you can take a look round, try that longsword out a bit more, and even get something else done. Should be done by this evening, if you don't mind it not being the sharpest possible!"

Ricky changed from tapping his finger to rubbing it on the counter, annoying Alija a little. He had some weird habits, that was for sure. She tried not to show it as she listened to him say that he was in fact part of the Wave Guard. He then listened to her list the ranged weapons.

"Hm. That's it t'en huh? Ah! Oi know, how 'bout a whip? Whips 're good wit' range an' might actually be what Oi need," he said in response, stroking his chip. Alija frowned. As far as she knew, whips weren't the classic weapon to find in a blacksmith. Perhaps she could ask Rals about it later on, but at the moment, she had to use her own knowledge.

"I don't know about that. Whips aren't usually metal, are they? Correct me if I'm wrong, of course, but I don't think we'll have any. Although we might have one hidden in the store room - we do occasionally have other weapons," she smiled politely, hoping that they did have a whip or that Ricky would change his mind. "I'd be happy to check for you, or I could suggest heading down to the harbour to look around, as I make your shortsword?"

[Ricky Maze]

"Aye! Sounds good lass, Oi wouldn't mind checkin' out de longsword a lil' bit more." He agreed with a hearty chuckle as he stood tall once more, the news on the whip being something likely not in stock a little discerning to what he had hoped for. If they hadn't any in stock then he might have to check elsewhere, seeing as how it wasn't officially anything metallic for a smith to create. It lessened the grin on his face as he seemed to fall into consideration, unsure of whether or not he'll have much luck looking for it elsewhere. That and he probably would've already started to sound like a difficult customer, wanting something specifically rather then settling for anything less. That kind of trouble always clouded ones day however bright it may be, hence his reason for the mental debate on the topic altogether.

When she offered to look in the back though the corner of his lips turned once more, a polite grin now on his face as he hoped it wouldn't be too much trouble. "If it's not too much t' ask, could ya check an' see fer me? Oi'll just 'ave t' look elsewhere if Oi dun 'ave any luck 'ere." He reasoned with a slight shrug of his shoulders, hopeful that he wouldn't be a further irritation to the girl. Odds are if they didn't have any whips like he thought, he could check the general store and see what Mr. Clarke had in stock there. That would likely grant the lady Alija however long she needed to prepare and make the shortsword, which in turn could work out for the both of them if he did find something.

oocSorry this post is short after such a delay, I'll have more to go with next time for sure.

[Alija]

Ricky agreed to her first comment with a hearty chuckle, glad to get another feel with the longsword. It was best for them both, as it would allow Ricky to ensure his satisfaction with the weapon while helping to ensure the deal. However, his smile fell at her remarks on the whip. Luckily, it returned at her mentiomed at looking around for one. "If it's not too much t' ask, could ya check an' see fer me? Oi'll just 'ave t' look elsewhere if Oi dun 'ave any luck 'ere." Aliia smiled, hoping for him that there would be a whip. She didn't want to trouble the man by forcing him to look elsewhere for it. And it would also be beneficial to the Armed Scholar as it would mean more to sell.



"Well then," she began, "I'll cast a look around for the whip while you try out the sword. Then if it isn't there, you can look elsewhere while I craft the shortsword. If it is, you'll have some spare time on your hands. Alright with you?" The question was rhetorical as she almost immediately hurried into the store room, immediately glancing at the section were odd tools were stored. The shop occasionally took trades, or bought a few tools they couldn't make to serve customers they shouldn't be able to. If they were in luck, a whip would be there.



To her amazement, there was a whip coiled in one corner with an old cage placed on top. Alija cast her mind back to the ownership. Ah, she remembered. Donovan had spoken of serving a rather... peculiar gentleman, who had been demanding iron collars. He said they were for his dogs, but Donovan had claimed that they were odd measurements for dogs. He seemed much more like a slave trader. But business was business, and the man paid well for what he bought. There was no proof proving his illegal acts, so they had let him be. Now the whip would hopefully go to a man with a better sense of law.



Alija hurried back out, placing the whip on the counter. "You're in luck! We have one right here! It's used however, but should be good. Feel free to look for another if you aren't satisfied." She hoped he was. The whip did look in good shape. "Anyway, try the whip and longsword out while I make a short sword. Leave whenever you please, and come this evening. Just don't take the other weapons!" Alija smiled, before leaving again, this time into the forge. She had the rest of the day to make a short sword, and she doubted it would be long enough.



When she entered, she was surprised to see Donovan working on a sword similar to the one she was going to make. In fact, she was surprised to see him at all. She couldn't remember him ever entering. He glanced up with a smile, "Hey! I heard about a short sword, so I thought I'd start for you!"



Alija thanked him, taking over. He had formed the main shape of the sword, including the tang and point, so all she had to do was sharpen the edges into points, which had already been done anyway.



She heated up sections of the sword each time, before slowly hammering at the edges, moving the metal to thin out at the end and thicken at the centre. It was good steel, easily worked with too, and the process went flawlessly. She stopped occasionally, brushing off the sword to make sure no foreign materials entered the metal, causing faults or flaws.



After pounding the metal for several bells, Alija turned to Donovan, who had finished making the handle, grip, guard and pommel, or had found some anyway. "Mind giving me some help? What now?" Donovan came over, showing Alija how to sharpen the edges with a rough file before smoothing them out a little with a finer one. Then, they reheated the sword, before submerging it in oil. Alija frowned when Donovan told her to do that, but did so anyway, knowing that he knew more on making sword than she did.



Finally came the polishing. Alija had very little time left, and the sword still felt incomplete. She worked as hard as she could, but the result wasn't the best. Perhaps it would have been better to allow more time, but Alija wasn't one to change her mind from a agreement that easily.



Taking the sword, she hoped Ricky wouldn't mind too much. In fact, she would provide a wire brush to complete the polishing, if he wished, free of charge. Alija had no idea what RIcky had gotten up to. If he was waiting, she would greet him with a smile and show him the sword, if not, she would wait.

oocSorry if it is a little rushed, but I didn't have much time to do this (and apologies for the wait!), and I'm trying to finish up all the threads as quickly as possible. I also realised halfway through that Alija has basically no points in weaponsmithing. Hopefully this should suffice! =)

[Ricky Maze]

oocNo worries! I can understand the plausible need to move our thread forward as it is a job thread, and I'm probably not helping much by my later-that-usual replies. I'll try to make sure this thread stays atop my priority list, so that way we can wrap it up and earn you those wages.

With the notion that she would in fact take a look around and see if they had a whip in the back, Ricky presented a graciously humbled smile as he nodded to her in appreciation. It appeared as though the request wouldn't project too much trouble for her after all, and she in turn seemed to wish him less hassle in the search for one as well. Got a good spirit in 'er, she does. He admired that sort of quality in other people, the fact that a person would go out there way for another, encouraged him even further to approach his own personal agenda. After almost a chime had passed where she had left, Ricky stood patiently with only the sounds of movement further in the shop to signal activity. It didn't take much longer until finally the kind lady brought back with her the item he'd asked for, one that appeared in a much better condition he expected also.

"Well Oi'll be damned, looks good t' me!" He admitted without hesitance as he accepted the chance to examine it, though he hardly knew practically anything about whips he felt pretty sure it would work. As far as he could tell it was in good condition just as she told him, so he pretty much only had one thing left now that his other two quarries had been found. At Alija's instruction to check back closer within the evening Ricky once more nodded with a grin, a few tough pulls on a section of the whip tested its resilience beforehand. "Aye, Oi really do appreciate it lass!" He reassured her as he laid the whip and longsword down at the counter, he figured it wouldn't hurt to post them there for his return when the shortsword finally came to completion. Once she'd disappeared further into the back once more Ricky figured he would wait around for a time, and further examine the other weapons they had stocked while the sounds from the smithy rang in a bit.

Good hard workin' folk 'ere, Oi'll definitely 'ave t' refer me mates 'ere later. He mused as he touched a couple of knives and daggers, admiration quickly found in their work when he barely pressed a thumb the metal's edge. They had all sorts in stock by the looks of it, plenty to choose from and it made Ricky wonder about personalized weapons. If they did take on orders for custom designed tools then he would definitely have to come back later on, but for now it didn't look like Tanroa would be kind enough to speed time up in this place. Wouldn't hurt t' check on Telion an' Martin, spend de rest o' me wait lookin' after 'im. He came to reason as he moved along for the door, he gave a short glance over the shoulder however to see if he were still alone, briefly as far as he could tell room showed an all clear.

Thus he went out and onward to do his usual daily routine, running a little errand here or there, making sure the wife and son were both happy, and of course getting a nap in with the child as the day progressed just a little bit. Finally when the time seem to come around for him to pick up his order, Ricky hurried back in a orderly fashion in an effort to avoid keeping Alija waiting. So far all that remained now was to receive his new toys and make a transaction for them, and then from there he could assume a new approach to training come the time. Once the door to the smithy finally came within reach Ricky gave the knob a twist, swung the door ajar and proceeded into the establishment once more, and then found that Alija in fact stood at the counter likely waiting on his return. Shyke, Oi hope Oi din' took t' long. He provided the same friendly smile from before to hide the thought, happy to see that both she and his requested items were all present before him.

"Sorry if Oi kept ya waitin' long, looks good from 'ere t'ough!" He encouraged as he walked up to the counter, there he finally managed to lay close eyes upon his newly made shortsword. "Really good in fact, rather glad Oi asked fer one." He chuckled with the murmur as he gripped the hilt, while its design seemed simple and basic its feel felt much different, the lighter quality of the steel weapon didn't compare to that of a longsword. Another adjustment Ricky would have to make, other than that though he already loved the weapon. "Aight t'en, guess d'is means Oi give ya me coin." He mused as he placed the weapon back down, his free hand already dipped for the pouch of coins in his pocket. "How much should d'is cost me?"