vermified | [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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From:

vermified

[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?

From:

chaincutter

[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.]

From:

vermified

[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.]

From:

chaincutter

[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.

From:

vermified

[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.

From:

chaincutter

[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.

From:

vermified

[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!

From:

chaincutter

[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.

From:

vermified

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

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

From:

chaincutter

[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.

From:

vermified

[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.

From:

chaincutter

[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.]

From:

vermified

[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.]

From:

chaincutter

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

Yes, I do.

From:

vermified

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'.

From:

chaincutter

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

From:

vermified

[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.

From:

chaincutter

[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 Date: 2010-05-28 04:43 am (UTC)

From:

vermified

[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?

From:

chaincutter

[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.

From:

vermified

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

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

From:

chaincutter

[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.]

From:

chaincutter

[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.

From:

vermified

[...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...

From:

chaincutter

[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.