vermified | [Voice]

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[Voice]

My lord? Your request is finished. I can bring it back to the house with me if you like, or you could come examine it yourself.

To those who requested that items be made, I apologize for the delays- my first order took much longer than I thought it would. I'll begin as soon as possible.

My offer to take commissions is of course still open.

....

Does anyone have answers in regards to the mass disappearance throughout the village? It seems like most people have returned, but that doesn't help us deal with the situation.

[There's another awkward pause, because he feels bad about being so useless since the whole mess happened, but...]

...Katie? Are you feeling any better?

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[Spotting this, Edward pauses, then lifts his hands to give Sigmund's shoulders a brief massage, hoping he's not overstepping any boundaries. Nothing soothes stiff muscles better.]

...Would you prefer that I not get involved?

[Sigmund likewise pauses, and then leans subtly back into the touch. It's in a context he can understand and be comfortable with, and it's much appreciated.]

Thank you, Edward. The convenience merely didn't seem worth the trouble, that is all.

[That slight movement would be impossible to miss as it happened beneath his fingers, so Edward prolongs the motion, checking each muscle to make sure he's catching all the tenseness to be found.]

I didn't know you were so interested in boating, my lord.

[Edward spoils him terribly, that's what he does. Not that Sigmund particularly minds. If he was a cat, he'd be purring right now. And well, he wasn't interested, really, until recently. Or he was, keenly, and then he wasn't, and now he is again. Or... or just maybe thinking too hard about these things never bodes well for him, and so he will not.]

It would have made travel faster.

[Ed probably enjoys making Sigmund happy about as much as Sigmund enjoys getting spoiled, so it works out. He keeps it up as long as it seems appropriate before finally going back to the armor, crouching down to remove the leg pieces.]

We could still try, if you want. It would be something to do.

[Sigmund rests a hand on Edward's shoulder to stay steady, and then lifts his foot to ensure that all of the various clasps and buckles are in easy reach. No need to make this more difficult than it has to be, especially when Ed is offering to indulge his silly, bratty whims.]

We could. We must occupy our time somehow.

[Plus we wouldn't want Sigmund to fall over, then they'd both have that awkward moment of "brb pretending it never happened" or something.

Edward sets aside the first of the greaves before starting on the next.]

Sokka's offered to give advice about the construction. I'm sure it's nothing we can't handle.

[ : | He isn't that clumsy. And switching feet.]

Did he? [...This is the sort of thing he would usually tell Eugene, and no one else, but Eugene isn't here and it's not a nice feeling, having no one to confide in. So-] ...I don't think he likes me very much.

[Edward ponders that for a moment, removing the last piece and waiting for Sigmund to regain his balance before he straightens up.] I think the problem is that he feels the same concern about you, my lord.

[...To be fair, Sigmund actually likes very few people and it's not an unreasonable assumption. He turns to the new armor, running his fingers over the details.] I do not dislike him, though his opinion matters little to me. Enough of that - let us see how your hard work has turned out.

[Well, he tried, and the offer has been made. If it works out, or it doesn't, he'll deal with it. He follows Sigmund back to the new armor, watching as he examines it for a moment before lifting the first foot out of the box and kneeling back down to help Sigmund into it.] How is the fit, my lord?

[Once everything is all fastened up, Sigmund stretches his leg out and then pulls it up behind him, to see how it feels in motion.] A perfect match for the other, it seems; but it is hard to judge a whole suit on a single greave. [Don't get overeager, Ed.]

[He's trying not to, but it's hard :c Sigmund has a good point, though, so Edward nods and keeps working, going from the other greave, to the chestpiece and backplate, then his shoulders... and so on, obviously. Each piece is attached with care and focus.]

[Once he's all armored up again, Sigmund tries to get a feel for the new harness. He stretches each limb in turn, walks across the room and back... but someone will probably die of nerves if he doesn't say something soon.] You have outdone yourself.

[Someone was trying desperately not to die of nerves, but when Sigmund speaks up, Edward is immediately relieved, a broad smile crossing his lips.] I'm so glad they meet your standards, my lord! I wanted nothing less than the best for you.

[Sigmund gives him a companionable clap on the back. He clearly worked himself hard to do this, he deserves a proper show of gratitude.] I must thank you. It is an honor to receive such a masterwork.

[Not for the first time, it takes every ounce if Edward's self control not to bounce. There is so much glee it can't be expressed.] N-no, my lord! The honour is surely mine!

[It's nice to see Edward so happy, especially after that extended period in which he was probably fantasizing about pushing Capell off of tall buildings. Sigmund takes him by the shoulders and looks him in the eyes.] Edward, you are an exceptional smith, and this is some of your finest work. Few will ever be so fortunate. I am grateful.

[At this rate you're going to give the poor man a heart attack.]

...M-my lord? Thank you...

[Maybe he should put this praise back into charted territory, before Edward dies of shock. So Sigmund lets go of his shoulders and gives him a dignified nod.] You are welcome. I am pleased to have such a skilled follower.

[He's just soaking up the compliments, here, thanks.]

It's always been a pleasure to serve you, my lord. I'm just glad to be of help to you.

[Good, because if Sigmund has learned anything in the last year or so, it is that Edwards need food, water, and praise. Remember, kids: give your pet fanboys lots of attention and positive reinforcement, or they may become moody and aggressive and try to maul your family members.

He turns to look at his other armor. That's going to have to be packed away until he comes up with some armor stands, isn't it? It feels a bit weird to even consider it. But he's not going to just... toss it in the box. His poor armor. brb, raiding the storage for spare linens.]

[Unless said family members save them from sudden death and monster fits.]

My lord, do you want a stand for the other suit? [Believe it or not he's somewhat prepared for this.]

[Edward are you psychically predicting his needs before he even- ...actually, no, that's not at all surprising.]

Yes, I do.

I have one at the smithy that might work. I used it as a model for your new suit. It's light and easy to work with- a strange material, though. I think it was called 'styrofoam'.

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