[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

[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!

[vermified]

...My regular sword is as big as you are, Sokka.

[markofthewise]

And it's a perfectly good sword!

[vermified]

Why settle for less when you have the skills to improve it? If your sword was made of bronze wouldn't you prefer to forge one of steel?

[markofthewise]

Well, yeah. But I can't really top my own sword. [And not just for lack of materials.] Can you really do better than yours?

[vermified]

I don't see the harm in trying. Even if the blade I end up with isn't more powerful, the practice will be useful.

[It should be stronger, though. The materials he's using are far superior.]

[markofthewise]

If you say so. [He looks at the sketch again, a little more seriously this time.] So what details are you not sure about?

[vermified]

As I said, this design- [Edward starts sketching out a Celtic-looking knot design, with an arrow pointing towards the sword hilt.] I have the basic idea, but the symbol is quite elaborate, and no matter what I try, it always seems wrong. [It's very frustrating.]