Luncheon Club [Zeek]

[Vala]

11th of Spring, 511 AV Kneading bread felt far more physically demanding than spinning a blow pipe or punty. It only took five minutes of straight pounding of dough before beads of sweat began to drip down Vala’s temple, staining her katinu. She closed her eyes, trying to take out all her pent up rage on the squishy ball, mass. She continued to push and squish, folding the thing into itself. She bit her lip angrily as the dough continued to stick to her fingers, making it hard to continue kneading smoothly. “Hey...” A chef whispered into her ear, breaking Vala’s concentration. Vala’s head whipped around. She nearly pushed the dough to the ground but managed to catch it before it splatted.“What?” Vala asked, flustered, as she put the dough back on her work station. She wiped the sweat on her brow with a nearby towel before looking to the chef beside her. She had worked with her before, at the chopping station. She smiled in acknowledgement, trying to cover up her earlier agitation. “Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to surprise you. Just wanted to give you a quick tip: it looks like the dough is sticking to your fingers. If you lightly dust your fingers with flour, it won’t stick as much. You can even put a very thin layer of flour on your work space to keep it from sticking to that. Just make sure not to use too much flour or your dough will dry out.” The older girl smiled at Vala, who smiled back, albeit with a little bit of a icy turn. She was grateful for the advice, but she certainly didn’t appreciate the slightly condescending tone, or the fact that she was caught not being perfect. Face: Cute and Appreciative: Bright (but not too large) smile, crinkle eyes, and head tilted slightly to the side and downward. Tone: light and cheery, with a touch of modesty. To prevent mental and emotional distress during fleeting, and somewhat unwaranted social interactions, Vala preferred to rely on her stock of perfected facades. “Thank you so much for your help,” Vala reached over to a nearby, open sack of flour and quickly dusted her hand and workstation, pinching out just a smidge too little, but it was better than getting a smidge too much. “I was wondering why everyone seemed to be having an easier time of it. I’ll make sure to remember this next time and always. Thank you soooo much.” Vala bowed slightly, bringing her hands in front of her. The other chef giggled in gratitude at Vala’s show. “You’re welcome. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t mess up, for Wind Reach’s sake.” She said before returning to her own work. Vala stuck her tongue out at the girl before returning to her own work. A couple more minutes of kneading, folding the bread to insert bubbles and what not, before Vala decided she was done. She, not so gently, plopped the malleable blob onto a stone slab and carried it to a rack of rising bread. Before taking another half finished dough to work on, Vala went back to the paper with bread making instructions to make sure she was following all the steps correctly: she didn’t want to mess up after they had given her more freedom in making bread. 1/2 cup sourdough starter 1 1/2 cups water 3 1/2 cups white flour 1/2 cup wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon salt Mix the starter and water together. Combine the flours and mix in. Let rise for twelve to eighteen bells. Sprinkle salt over and knead lightly. Let rise for a bell or two, until doubled. Punch down dough and knead until springy. Shape two loaves and rise for one hour. Bake in the bread ovens for fourty chimes. When she was sure she knew what to do next - more kneading, Vala grabbed another batch off the rack and began to kneed with a new wave of energy. oo0oo With arms like limp noodles, Vala walked out of the kitchens, after kneading five batches of dough and watching the master chefs put the dough in and pull the bread out of the oven. She had tied up the loaf of bread, slice of cheese, and fresh green apple in a napkin, before tying it all up into a makeshift sack with her only scarf, which she tied around her wrist so she wouldn’t drop it, since she couldn’t lift her arms to carry anything properly. Using her small stature and deceptive cuteness, Vala had managed to sneak around the kitchen and score enough tiny tastes from the different food stations, to get full, so that she could take her given, midday meal to go. The only reason Vala had worked so hard at the kitchens, was to meet Zeek again. It wasn’t that she liked him, liked him. She just found the fact that she knew so little about him interesting. He was still a mystery, a puzzle to be solved. He was her shiny new toy. It was still half a chime before the usual midday day meal; Vala hoped he hadn’t left yet. She wanted to surprise him at the Arms Gallery.

[Zeek]

Zeek withdrew the red hot iron from the blazing coals. He could feel the intense heat they threw off, it was intoxicating to him. He would loose himself in the rhythm of his work, swinging the heavy hammers high, smashing down on the rough metal. Reinserting the steel once the glow of orange left making it impossible to forge. It was his life. Looking up as he slammed his hammer down, sparks flying of the raw material. He was working on a simple candle stand. Roughly four and a half feet tall, rather simple in design and easy to move wherever needed. He glanced up momentarily, checking his work station before bringing the hammer smashing down again. Zeek had seen far to man careless acts cost someone pain, he always double checked his area. Moments passed and he worked rhythmically. His motions practiced and precise. If Zeek had his way he would move into his own private work station deeper into the Arms Gallery. As a boy he had dreamt of becoming the greatest Endal in Wind Reach. But as time went, and he was never chosen to take flight with the famed Giant Eagles. Once he began working within the forges though, a new desires grew inside him. Zeek was determined to become the greatest smith Wind Reach had ever seen. A wall of steam rose as he shoved the iron into a barrel of water which was stationed behind him. He had to quickly turn his head from flying sparks. “Hey!” He yelled, his voice raspy from breathing so much of the hot dry air. “Watch where you are doing that!” He continued to raised his voice, the guy seemed to be ignoring his words. Zeek removed the piece he had been working on, shoving it rather forcefully back into the hot embers. He took a step toward the guy flinging the hammer recklessly. Zeek dodged another random back swing, this time he forcefully grabbed the arm holding the weapon. A boy of roughly 17 turned around wide eye “What?” He asked dumbfounded. A blank expression filling his young features. Zeek smiled softly, he remembered his mistakes, everyone made them from time to time. “Just pay more attention to what your doing kid” He spoke loud, only to be heard over the constant metal on metal noises. “I’m Zeek. If you need help or pointers, my station is right behind you.” He turned quickly halfway to his previous position though he steps and looked back. “More reason to be careful!” He said very loudly, with a friendly expression on his face. While the iron was heating up, Zeek decided to perfect another candle stand he had nearly completed. He retrieved it from the floor, where he left it lying the day before. Out of the way and taking up no space. He knelt down, reaching down into the hole he had carved in the stone, he used it to store tools and such. Puling out a smaller hammer, and a fine pointed chisel Zeek stood back upright. Zeek set the project on his anvil, the most well lit area of his station. He leaned in close, determined to prevent any mistakes. He set the chisel in the desired location, and gently tapped it with the hammer. The iron gave way to the hardened tip of the chisel, creating a soft dimple where he placed it. Zeek would continue to perfect his work until midday meal. Which he hoped would be coming shortly, Zeek had acquired a rather enormous hunger in the last few hours.

[Vala]

The large cavern, that was the Arms Gallery was still quite intimidating for Vala, with the near deafening blows of hammers against steel, the excessive heat, far hotter than that of the glass reverie, and the fact near all the blacksmiths were large burly men. She was more comfortable visiting now, since her last appointment with Camriska there, no more than ten days ago, had forced her to actually learn how to navigate the numerous caverns and outlets. She walked up to an older man, watching two yasi, probably their mentor during their bendi. “Excuse me sir, may I ask you a question.” Vala had to yell to be heard over the noise. The man shifted his body to face Vala, but still made sure to keep an eye on the two boys working by a furnace. “Yes?” He asked gruffly. This was not a time to be cute. Vala needed to know where Zeek was before he went out to lunch himself. She didn’t know his schedule, nor his eating patterns, but she was determined to make an impression. She stripped herself of her normal, flowery facades, and for once actually spoke like a regular, straightforward Inartan. “Are you a blacksmith?” Looking down, with a raised eye brow of incredulous indifference. “Yes.” Vala looked it him straight in the eyes. She wasn’t going to let herself feel intimidated just because he could probably punch her face in. “Do you know Zeek?” “Who?” “Zeek. I believe he is a blacksmith as well. He has blue eyes, red hair...” Vala stopped, realizing she was being an idiot. “Uh, he’s pretty tall..” She coughed, unable to come up with any really startling distinguishing features. “So would you happen to know him, or anyone who could help me find him?” The man needed to get back to work. He didn’t want to waste anymore time with the sprite girl. “He should be down that section there, where most of the blacksmiths work. He should be somewhere in the middle. I need to get back to work now.” He turned around, obviously dismissing the chiet girl. Vala nodded in thanks before going off to find Zeek, and present him with the most expressive form of affection - food. It took her a while to navigate amongst the many Blacksmith Avora, before finally finding him. She walked up a little tentatively to his station. Butterflies fluttered angrily in her stomach as she gathered the courage to actually follow through her plans: Vala may not have really liked Zeek... but she definitely wanted him to like her. “Uh... Zeek?” Vala squeaked out, barely audible above the clattering of tools.

[Zeek]

The sweat from work was beginning to agitate his skin. Being a firm believer in self cleanliness, Zeek had a major pet peeve about being dirt for extended periods of time. He preferred to bath as often as possible. Who liked to stand around and associate with someone who produced such a foul odor? No one, that was who. Lost in his train of thought, he did not noticed Vala approach his work station. His eyes were focused on the chisel tip. Zeek was a perfectionist. It drove his mentors crazy waiting for him to release finished products. He overlooked every detail a dozen time over. Once released though, he had never heard a complaint about his craftsmanship. Which is what drove Zeek, he loved having people approval. Her soft words were barely audible. They could have been screamed, and still have been barely audible in this room. The noise was constant and loud. He looked up glancing around the room for his visitor. His eyes quickly scanned the room, nearly missing her directly in front of him. A smiled spread on his gritty face, he was genuinely surprised to see her familiar face again. “Vala!” He said ecstatic to have a visitor. Zeek lifted the chisel and placed it on his work station, followed by the lighter hammer. If she was hear for something it would impossible to hold a normal conversation over the noises in the Arms Gallery. He pointed toward an empty space, there they could discuss what ever she wanted. It was where a master craftsmen would work. Though it was uninhabited as of yet, they could easily slip into the room and block out most of the noise. “Follow me!” Zeek said rather loudly, making sure she could understand him clearly. He made his way to the area he had designated. He kept a close eye on Vala as she followed him. He was slightly scared for her safety her, being so small most craftsmen wouldn’t notice her behind them. She could easily get side swiped by a heavy hammer or someone turning a piece of hot metal over in their area. Thankful she made it safely with him. He turned the corner, the noise almost instantly dropping to a lower decibel. “Better?” He asked with a smile on his face, genuine surprise still evident in his features.

[Vala]

Vala flinched at the alarming sight of sparks flying towards her from a nearby blacksmith’s tools. She was too afraid to step back and hit something so she brought her hand up to her face, hoping Zeek would notice her soon. And notice her he did. He called out her name, loud enough to force her to pay attention and bring her hand down. She smiled brightly at him, a touch of fear at the edges as she warily watched the many tools flying around her. Sensitive enough to avoid touching her, especially with his very dirty hands, Zeek was kind enough to lead Vala away from the fearful noise and movement to a more secluded place. She had no idea where he was taking her but it was open enough to feel safe from overt advances. “Yes, much better.” She sighed thankfully. Vala used the back of her hand to wipe her forehead, which was sporting tiny droplets of sweat; Vala scowled, for just a second, before putting back up her pleasant smile. The scarf sack filled with food was still tied at Vala’s wrist. Using her other hand, she struggled to untie the knot, and finally hold up the simple, yet very heartwarming gift of lunch. “I know it’s very simple and you’re probably used to a more filling meal as an Avora, but I thought you would enjoy some food now instead of having to walk all the way to the kitchens and wait in line...” Vala bit her lip. She had spend two days planning the little stunt, but now as she was actually doing it, she had no idea what had been going on in her head at the time. She felt so silly. He was probably going to be annoyed that she distracted him from work for just a simple loaf of bread, piece of cheese, and a green apple. She wanted to shrink away. It had only been a moment, no more than three heartbeats, and Vala was feeling the full force of her apprehension. Her hands curled open, closed, open closed in her anxiety. She looked to the side of his face, refusing to make eye contact. Her heart fluttered, almost painfully. Vala bit her lip again, nearly drawing blood. Her hands begin to shake, holding out the proffered gift. She forced herself to remain steady, she forced herself not to fall prey to weakness. She was too nervous in her presenting, for Vala to notice Zeek's obvious and genuine open stance. Even if she had, she probably would still have psyched herself out and her paranoia would have convinced her that he was just trying to get into her byrda. (Even though it was her who stalked him)

[Zeek]

Zeek watched Vala intently her cowl came s a surprise to him. He was going to ask what was wrong, but she returned to her natural smiling self before the words formed in his mouth. Perhaps something was troubling her? He would save the personal question for a later date, he was curious as to what brought her here today. He smiled once she managed to untie the knot holding the food. It was genuine move, one he would greatly appreciate. “You brought me lunch?” He asked amused. Had he made more of an impression on her than he though? If so, he would need to tread carefully as to avoid upsetting the girl. “Vala that is very sweet of you.” He said eyeballing the food. It was simple, it would not fill him up. But he was not concerned with that. It was the thought that counted right? “Nonsense, I would prefer the food you specifically choose and brought. Plus, now we can we can enjoy a meal in peace, without the constant noise of others interrupting our thoughts.” It was true, in a matter of moments the majority of smiths would be departing for lunch themselves, leaving the Arms Gallery all but deserted. Today’s lunch would be the best he had in a long while, despite the lack of abundance. Watching her, he could tell something was troubling her. “Relax, I love it.” He said smiling, arms outstretched welcomingly. He motioned toward the work station, long since abanded. It would be well enough suited for a table top. “Come, sit.” He said tapping the station. It was big enough that the two could sit on, while picking from the food in-between them.

[Vala]

Zeek took the meal from her shaking hands. As soon as the weight was lifted, an icy manner swiftly took control of Vala. She looked up at his face, watching every minute expression. She watched him, head tilted to the side, eyes narrowed into predatory slits. He unraveled the package to reveal the bread, cheese, and apple. Time slowed, or rather her mind sped up, to analyze every micro expression that flitted through Zeek’s face. She caught something, a tilting of his brows, a rise at the end of his thin lips, gone in a second. She wasn’t observant nor fast enough to analyze what she had just seen, but she knew, well she felt, that it wasn’t all good. His tone, well his tone was friendly and appreciative, but there was something wrong - there wasn’t enough food. She knew there probably wouldn’t be, she hoped he would look past that, and he did. As soon as he said “nonsense” the coldness retreated from Vala’s mien and was quickly replaced by the cute, bubbly facade she had reserved for Zeek, and those like him. He patted the workstation, welcoming her. It wasn’t dirty, but it wasn’t as clean as a regular table, nor even a glassblowing station, but it was probably far better than what the Dek were use to. She sat down gingerly, brushing the spot where she would sit, not achieving much. She tried to be subtle of course, it would be rude of her to insinuate that it was dirty. She had never expected to get this far. Vala had honestly expected to be dismissed. She had would never have predicted to actually be invited to eat with him. He was being friendly, not in an oppressive way, but it was almost as if he was treating her as an equal. She looked up at him a little flabbergasted, trying to come up with some simple conversation that could keep the moment going. She wondered if it was all some elaborate plan to get in her pants, she was a chiet after all; her smile drooped just a fraction. Vala continued to face Zeek, making sure not to angle herself away from him accidentally, as her eyes darted subtly, to watch the other blacksmiths begin to leave their stations. “I hope its not too little.” She tried not to bring up her lower, and vulnerable ranking. “I thought I would be able to get it earlier to you, more as a brunch snack or something; it wasn’t meant to be a full lunch... since you’re a big blacksmith and all.” She covered her mouth daintily, motioning that she was already full.

[Zeek]

Zeek fiddled through the meal for a moment, examining it’s contents. Though the amount of food was small in portion, it was all very delicious and among his favorite foods. He liked the simple things in life, nothing extravagant caught his eyes. The smile never faltered from his face. He easily managed to sit himself on the work station relatively close to Vala. He was not meaning to intrude in her personal space, he just needed the extra space to eat peacefully. “So Vala I must have really tickled your fancy huh?” He said jokingly. No harm in a little fun right? He was willingly to push this new found friendship to the limits, if only to judge Vala’s reaction. Zeek liked to know people, how much they could take, their fears, weakness, joys. Every detail. He saw people as an elaborate blacksmith puzzle, one you could never quite figure out.

OOCSorry its crappy. Dealing with alot right now, just wanted to keep the thread moving.

[Vala]

Vala began to loosen up when Zeek actually began to dig in, though she did still feel a little wary at how close he was – just inches away from an accidental brush against her exposed forearm arm. Her stomach churned when he called her out on possibly fancying him; Vala drew her arms and legs closer herself, trying to make herself smaller. She tried to giggle off the discomfort she felt, making sure never to let her smile waver. As Zeek’s mouth was full, Vala decided to take a more active role in the conversation. “To be honest,” Vala piped up as more and more blacksmiths continued to leave for the midday meal. “I’ve never really been in the Arms Gallery before. Let alone at a Blacksmith’s station. Maybe you can even teach me some stuff!” Her gasped excitedly. “I always finagled my way out of bendis with blacksmiths… that and I had always been too small to handle the tools anyway, but I still would like to learn a little about the tools, at least.” Not having bothered to do any research at the Enclave beforehand, Vala felt severely unprepared and clueless in Zeek’s station. She tried to name what she could. She saw the large, open oven, which was a glory hole or a batch oven for glass blowers like her, but something that started with an F for blacksmiths. She nodded in satisfaction when she knew the large, heavy thing with a pointy end was called an anvil. After the anvil and the hammers, Vala realized she really didn’t know much at all. Two blacksmiths, a little older than Zeek and Vala, passed them, too engrossed in their conversation to notice them. Vala brought her hand to her mouth, feigning to secretly whisper to Zeek; she giggled girlishly. “Is everyone here usually so burly?”

[Zeek]

Zeek smiled watching Vala, she had a way of lightening his mood. Perhaps it was the way she as always smiling? She seemed to enjoy the little things, never taking much for advantage. Most people could not honestly say the same, most people take everything for advantage They never think of the things others have to day to keep their lives going accordingly. Rising from the work station, the rough surface making him uncomfortable. “So you wish to dive into the daily life of a blacksmith?” He said it with a sly smile, obviously joking with her. “You wish me to reveal all the secrets of my trade?” He waves his arms around glamorously, acting as if he was a master illusionist or magician of sorts. Then a serious look came over his face, “I cannot do such a thing.” He said toying with her, walking closer to her with each heart beat. By the time he stopped his approach his face was only a finger width away from hers. His mouth close to her delicate ear. He exhaled slowly, his warm breath blowing her hair in a wave. “If I told you everything, how do I know you would come back?” He asked quietly, only audible to her ears alone. He backed off a little, his eyes never faltering from hers. His face was directly in front of his now, a small smile playing at his lips.