pendantry

Ten

I have new things for sale.

[Raven picks up the book, to turn it around and show off her new merchandise; some of it is jewelry, some of it is just her playing with metal - metal that came from stuff she took apart after finding it in the item shop. Then there is a row of decorative things. Kyle is visible on the other side of the counter, with a specific focus on the metal leaves and flowers of her potted "plants".]

Mmh, I shouldn't say "for sale". They don't cost anything. If you like them you can have one. [Most don't have any kind of attribute either, due to their just-plain-metal nature. The plants occasionally have gems and crystals as part of the flowers; there are a half-dozen birdnest objects, some with stone eggs inside and some with crystal eggs.

Raven's growing fear of being left alone makes her a clingier employee and, surprise surprise, a friendlier salesperson.]

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[That was true enough, but somehow Eley had expected to give something in return. Perhaps he would think of something later, to say thank you. Provided what he has in mind even goes ahead of course.]

Some kind of pendant, or amulet. Something containing a pure stone of some kind. It... needs to hold something important. You might call it 'spirit', or 'essence'.

Do you have an example? [Often, in dealing with crafting-and-magic from other worlds, it helps a lot to see what people mean when they try to describe a thing.

And what did it mean to "hold spirit" anyway? Does he want a hollow stone?]

I am afraid not... Even in my world, examples are said to be rare, assuming that they exist at all. They may very well be stories created by humans.

Yet... I wish to attempt something. Perhaps it would be easier if we met in person. Would you have any objection to that?

No. You should come anyway, it's easier to understand in person.

[And maybe she's up for a challenge.]

Very well. I will make my way over there.

[He's pretty sure he knows the way, especially considering she'd shown her wares through the journal. Finally he spots the collection of goods, as well as Raven, and approaches. Seeing the objects in person was certainly different and he can't help but be a little distracted by the glittering metal.]

You made all of this? How long have you been working with metal, I wonder?

[The smithy is pretty hard to miss. Raven looks up when he enters, putting down the crystal she started to polish.]

Years. [She doesn't even remember how many.] There isn't a lot to do here besides make things.

...I suppose you have a point.

[Though he doesn't have a particular talent for making much of anything, Eley had found himself trying to dabble in crafts from time to time. It was a good thing to do to occupy his time.

Anyway, that wasn't why he was here now.]

I am here to discuss that pendant with you, if you would not mind. What do you need to know?

[Business talk. Good. She's better at it than social talk.]

You said "pure material". What do you mean by that?

Well... forgive me if I am incorrect, but I believe that many materials harnessed by humans are tainted in some way. They are mixed together or hold imperfections that could harm the spirit. In the worst cases, they may be cursed.

I believe that some form of clear crystal or gemstone could provide a suitable vessel provided it has no imperfections. Though if no such pure material exists on its own, I am sure there are others here who could purify it for you.

["By humans", he says, implying that he is not one. Raven is suddenly much more interested.]

Metal comes out of the ground impure, and so do some crystals. Even "pure" ones don't look that way to most people, because they're used to seeing them polished and cut.

[Two whole, real sentences. That's a lot for a new face.]

[Eley wouldn't mind however many words she gave him, he's just grateful she seems interested in assisting him right now.

He listens carefully to her words.]

I see... then is it possible to take impure materials from the ground and purify it using other means? I do not mind where it comes from. If you have any examples I could look at, perhaps I can identify something suitable.

Working metal is supposed to purify it. [Making things out of impure bits of metal is a great way to ensure they break.] Just come look.

Ah, really? The simple act of working it into something else can change its properties?

[While he disliked weapons, Eley did find himself wondering more about what could be made from such a substance. He really wouldn't mind watching her work if he wasn't intruding too much.

As for looking... well, he'll do just that then.]

Do you have anything with a blue stone?

[Raven doesn't make weapons, though being in the smithy means anyone would be surrounded by them.

She thinks she's not doing a great job of explaining how to smith, either. But fine. She's no teacher anyway.

Pulling something out from under her counter, Raven offers a small basket of blue-colored stones for inspection. Most are of the semiprecious variety, and rather small themselves, and unpolished.]

[It likely didn't help that Eley was a rather difficult student at times!

The Spirit moves closer to the basket, picking up each stone in turn and inspecting it closely. And likely doing it again... and again, as if he can't quite decide what would be the best choice.

Eventually he settles on the largest piece of blue topaz he can find and offers it to her. Not that he knows what stone it is, he just knows it's pretty enough for him~]

Could you do something with this?

[Ah, a shiny one. Raven takes it from him, turning it over in one gloved hand.]

It won't be this big when it's finished. You...wanted it to be hollow?

[He gives a nod of understanding, as well as confirming his wishes.]

The size does not matter a great deal. If this is going to work, I am sure it will suffice. And... yes, if you are able to. I would be very grateful if you could set it as a pendant of some kind. The rest of the materials will not matter.

You want it to be hollow and a pendant at the same time?

[This is verging on the intricate and fragile, for a single stone. Other ideas exist in her head already, but she can't just overwrite what a customer wants if she doesn't need to.]

[Eley senses that there might be something rather more... difficult, or a problem with his suggestion however.

He knows nothing about crafts such as this so in this instance he's certainly willing to listen to her suggestions.]

If there is a better way of using it, I would not be opposed to listening to your ideas. You know far more about this than I.

It might break if I try to make it hollow. [Landing them right back at square one, with more frustration.] What are you putting in here, again?

[Ugh, that would certainly defeat the object of his plans. He wonders if perhaps he can show her exactly what it is he's intending to put in there. The Spirit raises a hand with an open palm and concentrates, rather like he would whilst trying to assume his dragon form. After some time, a small ball of light blue energy forms in his hand.]

My essence. The very fabric of what I am made of as a Spirit. Will this help?

[It's definitely a surprise.

Raven's eyes widen in tandem with her half-step backward. Magic of that sort is- unusual, at best.]

That's-

[Seeing her reaction, Eley drops his hand, the light fading with it. Was it wrong to show her that? Should he have been more careful? He had been met with such warm or at least indifferent reception by those he had met in Luceti that he failed to think that there may still be some who would meet him with such surprise.]

Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you...

That's you?

[She doesn't know anybody who can do this light show and also claim it's their...their soul, or...

Really not the best reaction from someone who fears reactions of her own.]

It's...isn't it dangerous to...put it somewhere away from you?

[Eley's tone turns a little more serious at that question. He'd almost hoped that she wouldn't question it at all but it seems that somehow... for some reason... she had suddenly taken somewhat of an interest.]

It can be dangerous in the wrong hands, yes. But... that is why I hope to keep it and give it to one who I deem worthy to carry a piece of my essence. It presents a risk, but it could also prove useful. For example, should I be destroyed, this part of me may yet live on away from the danger.

I wish for it more as... a token of protection, however. For another. I am still not sure if it will even work as I had hoped.

Ten

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