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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[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'.

[an elegant little shrug] If you believe it will be suitable. This should be cleared from the bed for now.

[A quick salute! And Edward starts carefully packing the armor back in the scraps of fabric in the box. Sigmund's not allowed to work today, ohoho.] I'm glad you're pleased with the armor.

[But what if Sigmund wants to work? What if he demands to work? What then, Ed? What then? And he thinks he's probably reached the limits of praise Edward can take without dying of embarrassment, so his next words will have to be chosen carefully. He circles around to the other side of the bed so he can sit on the edge while he ponders this for a moment or two.]

I would expect no less from you.

Edited 2010-05-28 04:43 (UTC)

[Then Edward will let him do as he pleases but watch him like a hawk so he doesn't overwork :| He nods quietly, pausing as he lifts the last piece of armor - the chest piece - before delicately setting it in the box with the rest. Then he pauses, looking lost in thought.]

My lord... may I ask you something?

[Sigmund will gallantly refrain from pointing out that he already has. He's studying the detailing on a gauntlet, getting used to it after two long years with the others.]

If you wish.

[Oh, snarky, Sig. Edward fidgets slightly.]

Have you... given any thought to your future? About... staying here, or trying to return...

[Sigmund freezes, and then looks up at him after a few moments. It had to be this, didn't it? He should have known this was coming. He stares at Edward, or maybe through Edward, while he tries to put this into words.]

[No. He can't find a way to justify this. He knows how Edward is going to react. He knows it isn't fair. But he also knows - no, he feels that it is the right answer. The only right answer, in fact. That still isn't enough to keep his chin from sinking towards his chest in resignation.]

I have... accepted my fate.

[...It's upsetting, and Edward's not sure how he should be reacting. All he knows is that he can't contain what he feels at that sort of statement.]

But... my lord! You're alive and well here- brought back from death twice now! Surely that's enough reason to hope...

[Even if he had all the time and eloquence in the world, Sigmund's not sure he could make Edward understand; partly because he suspects that Edward wouldn't want to understand, even if he could. He looks at the ground with a peculiar expression, almost a sad smile.]

Our world must change. I have done all I can for it. It is time to entrust it to others now.

[There's a pause - a long one - as Edward considers his response to that.

And then he says something that has the potential to knock Sigmund's socks off.]

...That's wrong. That has to be wrong, my lord! ["You're wrong."]

[Sigmund presses his lips together in a thin line, which has a way of making him took drawn and old. He's clearly angry, but- He knows this subject can't be an easy one for Edward. Even so, the idea of his eventual death was one that Sigmund had two years to get used to, and one that Volsung accepted seventeen years ago. So... Simple, cold, sharp, and regal-]

No.

I can't accept it. I can't! Someone like you shouldn't just... die. It isn't right, not when you're... [Not when you're Sigmund. Not when you're brave and strong and wonderful and a hero and everything to certain people, everything that matters.

It isn't fair.]

[Sigmund narrows his eyes and takes a deep breath, ready to tear into Edward for being so pig-headed, and then... doesn't. His shoulders drop and he tucks his chin towards his shoulder, facing away from Edward.]

Everyone just dies, it is inevitable. How long would you have had me wait? How many would you have let go in my stead? [The words are harsh, but the tone isn't, even and measured and calm.]

[Wait? He was waiting for it? Did that mean...] ...My lord, are you... do you want to...

[How can he say it? How can he even think it?]

...Did you welcome it...?

[Was life so unbearable?]

[What? No. No, that's not what he meant at- He shakes his head, and motions for Edward to join him. Come sit down, this is a complicated question.]

It is true that I gave my life, it was not taken from me; but I couldn't let Ca- [He falls silent abruptly, closes his eyes for a moment and swallows hard. Let Capell die? No...] For his life, mine was a small price. I do not regret the decision, and I will not.

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