[Voice / Action]

[vermified]

To all new arrivals, or simply uninformed residents of the village- just as Winry stated earlier this week, we at the smithy are available for metalworking commissions. Currently we're lacking in projects, so if you have any desire for a weapon or some kind of crafted work, feel free to make a request. I specialize in advanced weaponry design and armor.

Additionally, I... request the advice of anyone who's had difficulty controlling the elements. Whether it is by way of this world's spirits, or your own world's magic- if you found it a challenge, and have since mastered the obstacles that stood in your way, how did you do it?


[Edward's going to be at the smithy for most of the day, working away on some sketches and developing new projects for the future- or present, if he gets no commissions. He's mostly designing new swords and armor.]

Comments

[markofthewise]

Why work on stuff nobody is going to use?

[Your logic failed, Edward. And you're really a bro helping him out with this.]

[vermified]

Why ruin stuff people will use?

[LOOK. LOOK AT THAT SWORD. IT IS A TRAVESTY. HE WILL THROW YOU OUT IF HE HAS TO]

[markofthewise]

Fine, whatever! [Sokka holds it out for Edward without the typical grace he affords swords.] Take it and give me a break.

[vermified]

[Edward takes the sword, looking it over. Pokes at a few of the nicks and scratches. Peeeeeeeeers.

...Sob. It's probably beyond repair. But after all that he's not going to admit defeat, setting it on the desk instead and focusing back on Sokka. The sword is safe. He can move on.]

You yourself have been kidnapped twice recently, and returned safely each time. What makes you think this will be any different?

[markofthewise]

That's not the point. I know she'll be back. But what's going on now? She already had to spend time imprisoned once! She shouldn't have to do it again.

[He remembers all that time he spent wondering what Azula had been doing to Suki, what horrible torture Azula was putting her through. It was terrible. And now it's just like that. Only this time he can't rescue her. He has to wait for 'Azula' to get bored with her.]

[vermified]

Chances are she was just as concerned as you are now during your own absences. Yet you've both endured just fine. If she's experienced an imprisonment before, she's probably better equipped to deal with it than most people here. Isn't that something in her favour, then?

[Soldier-logic is the only logic he's good at, sorry.]

[markofthewise]

Being used to it doesn't make it any better, Ed.

[vermified]

I'm not saying it's better. I'm saying it helps. [Which... almost makes it sound the same.] ...Dammit, you know what I mean!

[markofthewise]

I know what you mean. [A sigh.] Maybe it helps. Just not much.

[vermified]

[...Sigh, indeed. After a moment, Edward shakes his head.]

For what it's worth, I'm sorry she's been taken.

[markofthewise]

Thanks. [Well, now he has no weapons to ruin. So...] So what are you working on?

[vermified]

I'm trying to recreate the design of a famed blade from my homeland. Working from just memory is proving to be difficult.

[markofthewise]

So improvise instead? Or if it's that famous, maybe it's in the library?

[vermified]

I doubt weaponry designs from a lost civilization will show up there, but I'd considering checking it anyway.

[markofthewise]

Do you have a design already?

[vermified]

The basic design and measurements, yes. It's the details that I'm uncertain of.

[markofthewise]

Well if you can't find the details, make up your own. Just... make it your own sword. Why does it need to be a perfect replica?

[vermified]

...I take pride in my ability to replicate weaponry flawlessly. Altering the design would tarnish my reputation.

[markofthewise]

First of all, no one would know. Secondly, you'd be making it your own weapon.

[vermified]

What if it's not for me? [Though it;s probably obvious by the design that it's for him, or at least someone like him. There's not many who would carry a sword like that.]

[markofthewise]

If it's for someone else, shouldn't they know what it looks like?

[As Sokka has not yet seen the design, he doesn't know how ridiculous this sword is.]

[vermified]

That's-! [....That's a good point.] ...Look, I just want to get it right. It's important to me.

[markofthewise]

Well, what can't you remember? [Maybe talking about it will help him remember.]

[vermified]

[Edward offers out the sheet, tapping his pen against the section of the blade right above the hilt.]

There's a pattern here, designed on the blade itself. I can't seem to get it right.

[markofthewise]

[Sorry, he's a little hung up on the scale.]

Who are you making this sword for? It's as big as I am!