[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]

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.]

[markofthewise]

Sigmund and Capell wouldn't know, huh? [Unfortunately trying to recall specific stuff like this? It's a bit out of his depth.]

[vermified]

[Oh dear.]

...Lord Sigmund... might know. I'm not sure. But... for reasons I can't explain, he may find it uncomfortable to share it.

[markofthewise]

[So much for that. He slumps back.]

Fine, fine. But... that's all I've got. Sorry.

[vermified]

...That's fine, don't concern yourself with it. I'll figure it out.

[markofthewise]

[He gives a nod as he starts towards the door.]

I'll catch you later. I'm going for a walk. [Even with your distraction, he still has a lot on his mind.]

[vermified]

[...Yeah, he can understand that. Edward leaves him be for a long moment, at a loss for what to do, then he mumbles, almost too quiet to be heard,]

If there's anything you need, please... don't hesitate to ask.