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Missing Atagi (Dev)

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Jun 7th, 2021
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  1. [15:11] Katrin gestures to the wide space.
  2. (Katrin Weiss)
  3. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4.  
  5. [15:11] Nikolai shrugs, before gazing around. A slow saunter bringing him from room to room.
  6. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  7. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  8.  
  9. [15:11] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "I like the layout."
  10. [15:11] Katrin Weiss says, "Workin' on expandin' in the future. "
  11. [15:11] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Has a real shop feel to it."
  12. [15:11] Katrin Weiss says, "...Need to improve my decoratin', but. It's gettin' there."
  13. [15:11] Katrin Weiss asks, "I design weapons and armor. Not interiors, y'know?"
  14. [15:12] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "I know someone that could help."
  15. [15:12] Katrin strolles back to the forge, already rolling up her sleeves.
  16. (Katrin Weiss)
  17. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  18.  
  19. [15:12] Katrin Weiss asks, "Yeah?"
  20. [15:12] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Tara Tuffam."
  21. [15:12] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "She's criticized my places a few times as well."
  22. [15:12] Katrin Weiss says, "Ah...I'd be happy to hire her. Good girl. Bless 'er."
  23. [15:12] Katrin Weiss says, "Gave her my old cave in Mox when I moved out. Class act."
  24. [15:13] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "She is."
  25. [15:13] Katrin Weiss asks, "So, you wanted to get started, yeah?"
  26. [15:13] Nikolai peels the hood off of his head slowly, revealing those same blonde-red locks.
  27. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  28. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  29.  
  30. [15:13] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "I did. I've managed to get everything."
  31. [15:13] Katrin Weiss asks, "Does what ya have for me have to do with that spear on your back?"
  32. [15:13] Katrin Weiss says, "Cuz that's a pretty lookin' thing."
  33. [15:14] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Not quite but it is nice."
  34. [15:14] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Here, take a look."
  35. [15:14] Katrin whistles softly.
  36. (Katrin Weiss)
  37. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  38.  
  39. [15:14] Katrin Weiss says, "Yeah. That's a nice piece ya got."
  40. [15:14] Katrin Weiss says, "I made a spear recently, too. Thinkin' of doin' some modifications yet, though."
  41. [15:14] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Stole this from Iris."
  42. [15:15] Katrin Weiss says, "Yeah. I figured. I can recognize Fireblooded work when I see it."
  43. [15:15] Katrin Weiss says, "...Ain't fond of it. But I recognize it."
  44. [15:15] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Mm."
  45. [15:15] Nikolai pyr Docro asks, "Who was the spear for?"
  46. [15:16] Katrin Weiss says, "Hm! Well. It ain't done yet."
  47. [15:16] Katrin Weiss says, "But honestly? For me."
  48. [15:16] Katrin Weiss says, "I've never made anythin' for just me and myself."
  49. [15:16] Katrin Weiss says, "Figured it was high time."
  50. [15:16] Katrin Weiss says, "Well...Nothin' BIG anyway."
  51. [15:16] The Docro starts laying out all of the materials he's found, one by one. The arcanium, the warcry gem and rare tyrium spear, then the more beautiful things he'd managed to get his hands on.
  52.  
  53. "Show me when you're finished, will you?"
  54. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  55. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  56.  
  57. [15:16] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "The magitech I told you about.. slightly different than I envisioned."
  58. [15:19] "I think it'll be worth somethin' showing off. It'll just take a lil'...personal sacrifice, yeah? The best things do, I think. I wanna do somethin' the other artificers ain't have the stones to do."
  59.  
  60. The artificer looks over all the items gathered, examining them. The arcanium, of course, she expects. Standard stuff, but it passes her judgement. The lodestone gaines her interest too, a pretty thing. The magitech? Beautiful- in a different way.
  61.  
  62. But the feather. She blinks, several times.
  63.  
  64. "Now, now...where'd you get that thing?"
  65. (Katrin Weiss)
  66. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  67.  
  68. [15:19] Nikolai smiles.
  69. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  70. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  71.  
  72. [15:19] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "I have my ways."
  73. [15:19] Katrin Weiss says, "Right. I ain't the type to pry too much. Curious is all."
  74. [15:20] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Ah. Well, let's say that sometimes people have unwanted items."
  75. [15:20] Katrin Weiss says, "Oh, 'course."
  76. [15:20] Katrin Weiss says, "Think I seen one like it before, is all..."
  77. [15:21] Katrin Weiss says, "But. How and why ya got it? Not what we're here for."
  78. [15:21] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Mm."
  79. [15:21] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Perhaps we'll corrupt it with the vial of blood and my occult, then hook it up to that magitech."
  80. [15:22] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "It's rather spiritual, so it'll give that touch of supernatural to the blade that I'm looking for."
  81. [15:22] Katrin Weiss says, "Mhm. That matches up with what I remember of it."
  82. [15:22] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "A way to cut people's mana, their bodies and their spirit if all goes well."
  83. [15:26] What they were here for was business. It was her craft, and that's where her honor lies. Though there is that flicker of recognition, a brief frown as she looks over the feather.
  84.  
  85. She has to wonder, momentarily, where that wistful fool had gone. Perhaps the same place all others tend to go when they vanish.
  86.  
  87. Yet it doesn't stop that slight, distant pang in her heart. Not her business. Her craft was.
  88.  
  89. "Here's my idea..." First she points to the lodestone and the Tyrium staff.
  90.  
  91. "You wanted a big broad sword. I'm thinkin' we make the core and handle from that. Heavy, rigid, adds weight to swings. Good for it. Give it thin arcanium edge. And use that lodestone towards the hilt or on the pommel."
  92.  
  93. Then she turns her sights to the feather, the magitech, and the rest of the arcanium.
  94.  
  95. "...Usin' the blood on the feather." A pause. Another pang. She steels herself. "And some of your occult. We add that to the magitechh with the rest of the arcanium. Make you a nice shiv to pair.
  96.  
  97. How's that soundin'?"
  98. (Katrin Weiss)
  99. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  100.  
  101. [15:29] There's a cant of his head as he sets his hooded cloak down on a box or something similar and ashes his cigarette. Preparing for the process that would soon follow. "Perfect," is all he needs to say. The idea matched what he considered in his mind.
  102.  
  103. "The feather remind you of something?" he asks, a cocked brow as he separates the items into piles for the bigger and smaller blade.
  104.  
  105. "I'll also have to attune this lodestone to my element but ah, should be an easy task. I've mastered earth magic."
  106. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  107. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  108.  
  109. [15:33] "Someone. They been gone for a long time now. Ain't much matter. The way of things, y'know?"
  110.  
  111. The artificer busies herself with the task at hand. She turns to her forge and, with a mere tap of her fingers, what were once dead coals flicker and burn with vibrant life. Ready for work, just as she is, as she puts a great, porous stone pot onto the flames.
  112.  
  113. "I can trust ya to do that then while I melt down the arcanium." And with that the hunks all go into the pot.
  114.  
  115. "You did say ya had payment, yeah? Mind if I see it?"
  116.  
  117. Too many times, one or two too many, had she done the work without seeing it before hand. And one of those times it had ended very poorly. For her, granted.
  118. (Katrin Weiss)
  119. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  120.  
  121. [15:34] {Item} Picked up a bag of 14000 dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro.
  122. [15:34] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "I'll give you the other 6,000 in a few days."
  123. [15:34] Katrin Weiss says, "'Course. That works...I can trust ya for it."
  124. [15:34] Katrin Weiss says, "This much up front'll be fine."
  125. [15:35] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Of course. And ah, if you ever need a favor, you know I'm available."
  126. [15:35] Katrin Weiss says, "...Though. If you wanted to part with that feather instead? I'd be willin' to give ya back what ya gave. But if you wanna have it put in still, it's your call."
  127. [15:35] Nikolai pyr Docro asks, "Mm, I'll have it put in. Who's it remind you of or would you rather not say?"
  128. [15:36] Katrin Weiss asks, "Fella I knew a good time ago. You ever heard the name Atagi?"
  129. [15:36] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Ah. No."
  130. [15:36] Nikolai pyr Docro asks, "Were you two romantically involved or..?"
  131. [15:36] Katrin Weiss says, "Oh, no no no."
  132. [15:36] Katrin Weiss says, "Just a pal."
  133. [15:36] Katrin Weiss says, "I'd see 'im sometimes when visitin' the graves."
  134. [15:36] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Ah."
  135. [15:37] Katrin Weiss says, "Must've been a decade or so since I saw him last, now that I think on it."
  136. [15:40] The Docro moves over to the prismatic lodestone, grasping it with a single hand and bringing it over to the table. With a latch to it from his other hand, there's a deep pulse of magic that leaves each of Nikolai's fingers. The once shimmering, rainbow stone starting to react to the clear unwavering earthen touch that the eldest of Alexei provides.
  137.  
  138. "You mentioned you've been busy. Had some tough times, what happened?" he asks, with a more solemn, serious touch than he perhaps outwardly displayed.
  139.  
  140. This rainbow crystal starts to burn away the access and shines duller, earthen colors.
  141. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  142. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  143.  
  144. [15:45] The artificer minds the cauldron of stone over the flames, attached to hooks which make it easier to maneuver and tilt this way and that.
  145.  
  146. When the arcanium within has melted, what few impurities are in it boiled and bubbled into oblivion, she tilts the contents into a set of waiting trays beneath it. Four hunks of arcanium, four ingots of the metal when it's all said and done.
  147.  
  148. A second tray is prepared as she reaches for the staff. It's given a final examination- thorough, as is befitting one of her expertise- and into the cauldron it goes next. Its rigid metals will make for a fine core with good heft.
  149.  
  150. "Hmn...Well. Short version? People tried draggin' me into their politics.
  151.  
  152. I ain't take kindly to that sorta' thing. Bein' used by any person...Any city. Any faction. It ain't matter."
  153.  
  154. The artificer snorts softly. Smoke drifts from her nostrils and there's a flicker of something ugly and foreign behind her golden eyes.
  155.  
  156. "That's why I like my shop here so much. Why I plan on expandin' it. Think it'll be good for me. What 'bout you?
  157.  
  158. Sounds like you've been havin' a rough go of it lately too, eh?"
  159.  
  160. She casts a sympathetic look over her shoulder to the Docro.
  161. (Katrin Weiss)
  162. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  163.  
  164. [15:56] The Docro nods slowly. His lips flat line while the smell of the arcanium ore fills the room. A nicer aroma compared to mythril, tryium or even bluesteel.
  165.  
  166. The attunement of the Prismatic Lodestone Chunk to the earthen element takes time but it becomes clear Nikolai's in no rush. He's slow and methodical with each pulse of earthen mana that leaves his fingertips. He'd been given it by his father so naturally he held it in high esteem. A beautiful thing that Ema Okabe helped to make and that was now being used for his sword.
  167.  
  168. "I had to fight both of my brother's for the position of Don. A rather new thing.. My father was chosen by Luca you see? He had no trials or tests but ah, my father's different..
  169.  
  170. I lost narrowly after defeating Seth to Ilya and so, here I am now. In part why I'm having you forge this blade actually.
  171.  
  172. I'm going to make my father regret his choice. I want it to be singlehandedly the worst mistake of his life, not choosing me like Luca chose him," the sheer spark of competitive drive and ambition can be seen clearly in those jade eyes which smoulder with silent passion.
  173.  
  174. The Lodestone Chunk responds in kind, as if Nikolai's magic intensified. And then that rainbow crystal starts to shed these small clear crystals, leaving only this deep grey-ish brown. A brief white flash marks the conclusion of attuning it with his element of choice: Earth.
  175. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  176. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  177.  
  178. [16:03] And as the eldest Docro tends to the attunement of the crystal, Katrin minds the forge. Four ingots of arcanium. Then, after the well-crafted staff is melted down, about six of the alloy of Nyeshk and Tyrium. It was surely within her power to separate them. But, for this project, they remain together and lend a dark purple sheen to the resulting blocks.
  179.  
  180. "Heard whispers 'bout that along the grapevine," she drawls. As the Tyrium and Nyeshk cool, she turns to handle the arcanium slabs. Two are set aside for the edge of the broadsword.
  181.  
  182. The other two she takes in her gloved hands, in a display of her own magical workings, heats them in her palms. Once more the metal glows and softens; Katrin works it right there on the anvil, creating the body of the dagger.
  183.  
  184. "See we've both had some things happen that got us bearin' a few grudges, huh?" she says with a smoky, hoarse laugh.
  185.  
  186. "Heard a lotta' things about your father lately. Almost makes the blood bein' added...fittin'. Y'know?"
  187.  
  188. If the artificer is a sucker for anything, it's irony and poetry in her works.
  189. (Katrin Weiss)
  190. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  191.  
  192. [16:14] The Docro's face rarely shows what he feels, a rather dry, uncaring man on the surface with an occasional enjoyment in entertainment. He was not enthusiastic like Seth and not a hollow apathetic like Ilya, more a mix, and so, there's a time when words cause a shift in his expression. The faint signs of anger with a furrowing of his brow and the drop of his lips in a frown. The conversation and Katrin's words elicit that.
  193.  
  194. "Ah, yes.. Fitting. It's likely spread all over the country now but he's a good father," he says as if the vampiric curse was some flaw. It definitely was in the eyes of many.
  195.  
  196. While she works and continues smelting the arcanium, the Lodestone, now a potent rock chunk, is set closer towards her, his fingers leaving it's beautiful, resonating edges.
  197.  
  198. "Who tried to drag you into their politics? You have my attention now," he says.
  199. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  200. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  201.  
  202. [16:21] "I just hear what I hear." And she heard a fair bit. Words traveled fast on Esshar, where people made a habit of bloodshed and gossip. At the same time, if they could.
  203.  
  204. She draws the arcanium masterfully into the basic shape of a dagger; sure, she knows her magic well, but the craft has been her calling for so long now. It's a magic all its own at this rate.
  205.  
  206. "You see, Nikolai. I travel. I used to travel more. Ever since I came down to the valley, I'd go all over. Coast to coast. Where ain't matter; all that matters is my work, y'know?
  207.  
  208. So I understand that most places ain't so welcomin' to vagrants. And they still ain't, all told."
  209.  
  210. It's not hard for her to keep up banter as she labors. Simple stuff, really. The fine details haven't even begun yet, only the groundwork.
  211.  
  212. When the base for the dagger is made, set aside to cool, she reaches next for the tryium and orchliacum mix. It's more like putty in her hands in the face of fire and torrential magmatic fury.
  213.  
  214. With the base of the dagger completed, next she begins the core of the broadsword, what will give it its weight and sheer, brutal chopping power.
  215.  
  216. "I been called plenty of things, folks have tried to run me out of all kinds of places. But the folks in Mox...well. A lot of 'em tried to be real welcomin', for a time.
  217.  
  218. That's how they drag you in, I suppose. Ya show a little bit of your underbelly, and they go right for it."
  219.  
  220. The artificer shrugs. But with the potent heat that washes off of her, perhaps she has not quite forgiven the transgressions. From her expression it is not readily clear.
  221.  
  222. "The folks in the 'good' cities like to paint themselves different sometimes. End of the day? It's all the same mud."
  223. (Katrin Weiss)
  224. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  225.  
  226. [16:24] {Item} You picked up Arcanium. Dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro..
  227. [16:24] {Item} You picked up Arcanium. Dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro..
  228. [16:24] {Item} You picked up Arcanium. Dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro..
  229. [16:24] {Item} You picked up Arcanium. Dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro..
  230. [16:25] {Item} You picked up Essence Stabilizers. Dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro..
  231. [16:25] {Item} You picked up Prismatic Lodestone Chunk. Dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro..
  232. [16:25] {Item} You picked up Crystal Feather. Dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro..
  233. [16:25] {Item} You picked up Remembrance. Dropped by Nikolai pyr Docro..
  234. [16:25] Katrin Weiss has placed Crystal Feather into the chest.
  235. [16:25] Katrin Weiss has placed Prismatic Lodestone Chunk into the chest.
  236. [16:25] Katrin Weiss has placed Remembrance into the chest.
  237. [16:25] Katrin Weiss has placed Essence Stabilizers into the chest.
  238. [16:25] Katrin Weiss has placed Arcanium (x4) into the chest.
  239. [16:31] As Katrin works, commanding the arcanium and metal as if second-nature due to her countless years of skill and hardwork, Nikolai listens in. Relaxing some now that the first piece of attuning the crystal had been done.
  240.  
  241. When she mentions Moxtli, there's a slight shift of a smile and then a slow shake of his head.
  242.  
  243. "I could have told you that. There's a reason I was raised to dislike them, they're snakes in the grass. And not the charismatic kind," he says with a gesture of his hand. The heat from her work touches his face and he welcomes it, resolute in the face of the flames.
  244.  
  245. It ran in his family after all and if not attuned to earth magic, Nikolai would easily have a skill with fire.
  246.  
  247. "I don't know how much you like Achyon as a whole, or my family. You're rather smart, professional whenever I see you around but despite our darker roots.. we're logical. You're a good person, loyal, have the traits of a human instead of some blind zealot? We'll treat you right.
  248.  
  249. Now, do you need me to start working on something?"
  250. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  251. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  252.  
  253. [16:37] "...Think a part of me knew, yeah?" she mutters, running her tongue over her gold capped teeth. "Few there I'm still in decent shape with. But another few...
  254.  
  255. That kinda' thing ain't just forgiven immediately."
  256.  
  257. They had dragged her into one of the things she loathed so dearly, and thereby infringed on her freedom. Politics. And Katrin did not treat well with anyone or anything- human, spirit, god, mortal, immortal- that tried to take such freedom from her.
  258.  
  259. "No. I ain't a zealot. And I like doin' work of all kinds, really."
  260.  
  261. The base of the blade, the very core, readily takes shape. She begins, next, molding an edge along its outer perimeter. Arcanium, perfect for conducting magic and holding its sharpness for a long time to come.
  262.  
  263. "Eh. Don't get me wrong. I fall more in line with their ideals than most places. But I've had a few people there give mesome charitable names to." 'Freak'. 'Creature'.
  264.  
  265. "...Also Nidaz gives me the fuckin' heebie-jeebies."
  266. (Katrin Weiss)
  267. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  268.  
  269. [16:40] "I'm sure I already know who," he says with this knowing glance. The touches of anger to his expression had simmered since the talk of the Don subject and his father, replaced by the more focused, business like conduct Nikolai usually held himself in.
  270.  
  271. As she works on the arcanium casing for the herculean blade, the bigger, heavier twin to the smaller mechanical, technical dagger, he finds a finger tapping against his thigh.
  272.  
  273. "Yes. Nidaz is rather out there. We'll leave it at that," he says with a slight, knowing smile.
  274.  
  275. "Mm. Balmung, the Fireblooded, how close are you with them?" he asks, tilting his head.
  276. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  277. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  278.  
  279. [16:43] "You're welcome to take a few guesses. 'Course, some of 'em, it was a while ago. Before my name got out there and I got real good."
  280.  
  281. Wasn't it just the way, she thought. Once she'd shown her worth they clammed up. At least in front of her.
  282.  
  283. "Well...See. I grew up Fireblooded. Way up in the north."
  284.  
  285. She gestures vaguely before taking the attuned lodestone. The hilt of the gargantuan sword is heated. Just enough to allow her to press the earthen crystal into the metal.
  286.  
  287. "But me and some of my ancestors? We ain't care much for 'em- the Weiss line, 'course. Why you ask? I know. Everyone thinks I oughta' love 'em cuz of what I am.
  288.  
  289. I ain't really."
  290. (Katrin Weiss)
  291. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  292.  
  293. [16:47] "Cedar, Ektu, Sibyl," he takes a guess with this stoic, quiet confidence. Though, he very well could have been mistaken. Upon her words about the Fireblooded, he nods.
  294.  
  295. That earthen crystal finds it's home, slotted into the hilt of the blade and Nikolai watches with a glance.
  296.  
  297. "No particular reason. Not in terms of politics or anything like that.. I plan to get my hands on that blade someday and I'd like you to have a look at it for me.
  298.  
  299. I'll pay of course but ah. Seeing as it wouldn't offend you, it could be a treat for you to have a look at. A legendary blade," he says with this casualness as if taking a god-forged blade was an everyday thing and in Nikolai's mind it was. To him, nothing appeared out of his reach.. only out of his reach for the time being.
  300.  
  301. And here, in the smoke, forge-filled room is where he finds himself better at home. Doing business.
  302. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  303. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  304.  
  305. [16:52] There is a pause. A hiccup in her work. However brief it is. Her eyes, golden and glittering in the light of the forge, slowly draw up to Nikolai to regard his face.
  306.  
  307. "...Gal's gotta' wonder what birds are out there twitterin'. And to wonder what birds are twitterin' at all."
  308.  
  309. If more were speaking of it, even just names, it could mean the worst.
  310.  
  311. But she turns back to her work.
  312.  
  313. Her focus turns, it shifts, back to the armbands. She carefully cuts the loops, making them two long lengths of material. Katrin presses them, carefully, along the blades exterior.
  314.  
  315. The idea? When the blade enters someone, it will come into contact with the workings once meant to circulate mana- and, instead, take from it. A hungry thing indeed.
  316.  
  317. "Wouldn't mind that. Might've grown up Fireblooded...but I also grew up on stories 'bout how they took so much from us. It'd be a treat, really."
  318. (Katrin Weiss)
  319. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  320.  
  321. [16:55] "I learn a lot myself but ah. That there was a simple guess," he tells her, "I've heard less than savory stories of them," he vaguely says, meeting her gaze and explaining how he found out.
  322.  
  323. As she works on crafting the magitech mana stabilizers to the length of the dagger, like a mechanical thing, Nikolai nods. "I'll send a letter then. Perhaps you can leave your own imprint on it," he gives a half-shrug from a single shoulder.
  324.  
  325. Until they're onto the next step.
  326. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  327. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  328.  
  329. [16:58] There's another soft snort. She aligns the runic etchings that were lain upward now onto the dagger's exterior. All that remained...
  330.  
  331. Was the finalization. And the final defilement of that precious, holy feather.
  332.  
  333. "Just wanted to be left the fuck alone." To be left alone and to keep her freedom. Things they all so, directly or indirectly, tread upon.
  334.  
  335. "Got no grief with Ek though. The others?...They ain't precisely made up the wrong they done to me yet." Would they ever? Up for debate.
  336.  
  337. "Right. Feather. You wanna twist it and add it to this thing? You start it off."
  338. (Katrin Weiss)
  339. [21:12] With the majority of the work done on the herculean broadsword, encased in a lining of arcanium, next came the shorter dagger. Perhaps the one Nikolai was more fond of. It had this mechanical lining of those stablizers he retrieved down in the Academy Basement.
  340.  
  341. Taking the vial of vampiric blood between his fingers, he quietly ruminates on the next step. A glance then taken to the crystal feather, a part of Yggdrassil, "Now, I've changed my mind I think," Nikolai says with this glance towards her.
  342.  
  343. "The crystal, while corrupted could be useful, I think another object would fit the weapon better and ah. Perhaps part of me understands it'll better suit your spear or whatever you planned to use it for, yes? That is if you planned on using it for something," the Docro says, understanding that while the feather could help himself, it could serve better to gift it over to Katrin.
  344.  
  345. That was Nikolai's style after all, a cunning grace.
  346. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  347. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  348.  
  349. [21:17] The artificer braces herself for the final steps. Her expression is hard to read as she looks between the vial and the crystalline feather. To do what had to be done for her labors.
  350.  
  351. It is not hard to see. It is not quite relief. It borders on it- gratitude. She can still recall Atagi's fervent wishes for that feather. Even after all this time.
  352.  
  353. "'Course. Your weapon and materials after all, yeah? I got somethin' I got a thing or two I could use it in. Dunno if it'd fit in the spear, of course." She scratches her head a bit.
  354.  
  355. The spear, too, was not meant to be a kind thing.
  356.  
  357. "I can give ya back what ya paid then, in the interest of fairness. What were ya thinkin' to put in instead? We can still infuse it with the blood, 'course. And your occult. Think both'd go a long way."
  358. (Katrin Weiss)
  359. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  360.  
  361. [21:23] The Docro nods. It would be more thematic without that spiritual feather tainting the blade anyway. Something darker would be more appropriate. At least to the man's understanding.
  362.  
  363. "Well, we'll work out the cost after since you like that feather. Reminds you of some friend," a gesture of those long fingers. "We'll run the blood through it, those stabilizers were originally used to pump serum so the blood lining their circuits.. well, in theory it can't hurt. You're the artificer though," Nikolai says.
  364.  
  365. The vial is held over towards her, allowing her to do the honors. "I'll likely be back someday with something else to rig up to it but for now, this'll do."
  366. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  367. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  368.  
  369. [21:28] The feather had once been meant for great and beautiful things. She remembers when she'd seen it. Yet now it had lost the crystal casing and the arcanium backing.
  370.  
  371. She shakes the visions from her head. A different time. A different woman.
  372.  
  373. Katrin takes the phial of blood and nods.
  374.  
  375. "Y'know. Makes sense. Can rig it up so it'd inject just enough of the blood to weaken your opponent. Then have it draw back in with the mana," she muses, head tilting.
  376.  
  377. "It's powerful poison, this stuff. Well, powerful poison in small doses. That sound agreeable to ya?"
  378. (Katrin Weiss)
  379. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  380.  
  381. [21:30] The Docro nods, "Perfect. Let's see how it turns out," Nikolai says, always willing to try new things and this scenario wouldn't differ. While those jade eyes shift onto the dagger, he stands in watch and wait.
  382. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  383. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  384.  
  385. [21:34] Katrin, likewise, was always eager to try the new. Though it was a profane and awful thing, there was an excitement in pushing her boundaries. What other artificer could claim to have made something like this?
  386.  
  387. Few. Very few.
  388.  
  389. The bands, before she'd taken them off their cuffs, had been meant for delivering liquids intravenously. The needles for delivery were now poised along the daggers tip. And on the other end, towards the hilt, reservoirs were found empty and waiting.
  390.  
  391. She unstoppers the flask, holding it at arm's length, then dips the tip of the dagger in. A switch, which is lain now at the base of the smaller weapon's hilt-in easy thumbing range- is flipped.
  392.  
  393. The magitech device activates and it begins to pull in the blood from the phial. All the profane liquid pools into its mechanical workings.
  394.  
  395. "Alright...See here, this switch? Flip it one way to pull in. Another to push out. Easy, yeah?"
  396. (Katrin Weiss)
  397. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  398.  
  399. [21:39] The work amuses Nikolai who has always had a fascination with these Barsburgian like designs. There's a tilt of his head, those jade eyes shifting down the contraption as it whirls to life, somewhat like Yahoel's own mechanical engine.
  400.  
  401. "Perfect. I'll let you do the finishing touches and we're mostly done.. Oh, one more thing.
  402.  
  403. Can you etch in a single word along the large blade, 'Family'."
  404. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  405. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  406.  
  407. [21:44] Alike but, in the end, meant to surpass. And a fitting name that he'd chosen for it too with that intent in mind. Katrin was still, after all, a sucker for poetry.
  408.  
  409. "'Course. Your sword. And I think it's only fittin', ain't it?"
  410.  
  411. She tests the security of the reservoirs, of the tubing that runs along the blade, and the needle at the dagger's point, ensuring it's all up to her exacting standards.
  412.  
  413. Then she turns back to the great slab of a blade. The larger sibling of the more delicate mechanical angel. With an implement that looks much like a rusty spike, but is handled with an artisan's touch, she carves the single word.
  414.  
  415. 'Family'.
  416.  
  417. "Hm. You want it filled in with some kinda' inlay...Gold? Mithril?"
  418. (Katrin Weiss)
  419. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  420.  
  421. [21:45] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "No, a simple engraving will do."
  422. [21:46] The Docro watches on from his tall height, eyes drifting down the blade in watch. When the final test is complete for the most part and the y is engraved, Nikolai seems pleased with a slight smile.
  423.  
  424. "Wonderful work. Gives an appreciation for artificers, doesn't it?" After the quip, he moves to grab his cloak, setting it along his shoulders.
  425.  
  426. "Let's wrap this up or is there a part I've missed?" he asks, admiring the beauty of the twin blades from afar.
  427. (Nikolai pyr Docro)
  428. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  429.  
  430. [21:50] Katrin, likewise, seems pretty pleased with her work. She was not a good woman; nor did she ever claim to be. But she was a woman that knew her craft. Truly, all she'd ever wanted. For the most part.
  431.  
  432. "Sure does. Gives me a reminder of how far I've come. Started out shinin' swords for scraps. Now look at me," Katrin muses with a smile all her own.
  433.  
  434. "What's left is to let these settle and anneal. Gotta' let the metal cool for a while so it stays sturdy. So for the work? We're all done here." A nod.
  435.  
  436. "'Course, I won't short change ya. What do I owe ya for the feather?"
  437. (Katrin Weiss)
  438.  
  439. [21:51] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Mm. We can work something out."
  440. [21:51] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "You normally charge 20,000 for this work.. and add the vial of blood."
  441. [21:51] Nikolai pyr Docro asks, "How much would you estimate it costs?"
  442. [21:51] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "The phial that is."
  443. [21:51] Katrin Weiss says, "Hm. The phial?...I'd say 'bout five thousand. But I'm always willin' to negotiate."
  444. [21:51] Katrin Weiss says, "It's got a pretty niche market."
  445. [21:52] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "25,000 then, roughly.. "
  446. [21:52] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "The feather, how about we say.. mm."
  447. [21:53] Nikolai pyr Docro asks, "Well, let's say it costs 10,000, 15,000. You can keep my previous payment and we'll be squared off.. yes?"
  448. [21:53] Katrin Weiss says, "That sounds more n' fine to me."
  449. [21:53] Katrin Weiss asks, "...Did ya give me 15,000, or 16,000?"
  450. [21:53] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "If you disagree, do let me know."
  451. [21:53] Katrin checks her purse.
  452. (Katrin Weiss)
  453. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  454.  
  455. [21:54] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "I gave you 14,000. I'll probably throw in a tip once you make the delivery."
  456. [21:54] Katrin Weiss says, "-Ah, good. I make it a habit of bein' honest with my business."
  457. [21:54] Katrin Weiss says, "Then yeah. Once it's in your hands. I ain't gonna stress a thousand."
  458. [21:55] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Right. Well, get your rest. I'll be off."
  459. [21:56] Katrin Weiss says, "'Course. Pleasure speakin' with ya and doin' business, Nikolai."
  460. [21:56] Katrin Weiss asks, "Take care of yourself now, yeah?"
  461. [21:56] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "As always. Goodbye."
  462. [21:56] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "And ah, don't worry too much about Moxtli."
  463. [21:56] Katrin Weiss asks, "Yeah?"
  464. [21:56] Nikolai pyr Docro says, "Mhm."
  465. [22:01] The artificer waves off the Docro, her latest client, and looks down to what is left.
  466.  
  467. The malign weapons. Wrought by her own hand. The awful things that people so often requested. But then the feather, the shimmering plume, a pin point of light in her otherwise dark forge.
  468.  
  469. She knows in her deep, dark heart it will not break, yet she cradles it in her cupped hands and hangs her head over it. Her eyes grow misty and her fingers curl about it.
  470.  
  471. "...Had such hopes for your work, Atagi. Me 'specially," she mumbles. "I'd hoped you'd make it good. I hoped you coulda' had a hand in makin' me right again..."
  472. (Katrin Weiss)
  473. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  474.  
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