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Post by Max452 on Oct 6, 2012 16:56:44 GMT -5
Antien wiped the beaded sweat off his face as he finished the sword he had made for the day. He finished hammering it to the needed perfection and placed it into the water to cool. A sharp hissing sound filled the blacksmith's hut. Pleased with the outcome of the sword, Antien placed it on his working counter. It needed to rest for today and he will finish placed the hilt and jewels on it tomorrow.
Stretching, Antien's eyes studied all his creations. They were a wide range of weapons and shoes for horses, as well as other special requests. It was afternoon, which meant he had enough time to repair the weapons that were used for training the riders. The young elf took great pleasure in serving the new generation; it was dream come true as well as a test of loyalty for him. He picked up a broken sword. It looked like this one was bent awkwardly, no doubt by magic. He immediately went to work to heating it so the metal would soften for molding. It was in this process, he heard someone enter his humble forge.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 6, 2012 17:46:56 GMT -5
Eva stood outside the balcksmith shop, feeling nervous. The elf who worked here intimidated her. He wasn't mean, or crass, or stern. He was really incredibly nice. But he was from the war. Like her parents. But he had dealt with Eragon, had helped Eragon to build this place. She admired him, yet she felt clumsy around him. She had returned recently from her trip to Alagesia, in which she had received her riders sword. In the past, Antien had helped fix her broken weapons before. She thought it might nice to show him her beautiful new sword and let him know he wouldn't be seeing much of her anymore. Settling her sword on her hip more comfortably, she then patted her hair down, which she had set in a high, official looking braided bun. She had even placed a touch of rouge on her cheeks. Not that she thought she would need it.
Taking a deep breath, Eva stepped into the shop. It was warm inside, sweltering actually. She was half tempted to utter a cooling spell, but decided against it. She spotted Antien near the back of the smithy. When he looked up at her, she felt like giggling. "Hello." She said, giving him a smile. "Don't worry. I don't have any broken weapons for you to fix this time." Eva paused, not sure how to continue. Taking her sword in hand, she unsheathed it, revealing the pale yellow length of the short sword. The base of the metal was a darker yellow, and it lightened as it neared the tip. It reflected perfectly the shades of color in Eos's scales. The pommel was set with a Citrine gem, sparklingly beautiful. Engraved in the hilt was the name of the sword. Aiedail. The Morning Star. Eva thought of the dawn as a symbol of hope, and she would use the sword for that purpose. To bring hope and moral back into the hearts of the discouraged. "I've a Rider's sword now, you see." She said, and smiled, feeling proud. Of course, the journey to get it had been difficult. And there had been great loss. Her thoughts turned to Glory, and her heart sank. "Would you like to look at it? Being a blacksmith and what not, I thought you may enjoy it. Also, I personally think you'd be able to make rider swords yourself. You're very skilled." Her smile turned shy, and she proffered the blade to Antien.
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Post by Max452 on Oct 6, 2012 18:02:30 GMT -5
Antien immediately recognized the woman that entered. His eyes brightened and he placed the damaged weapon aside to go and greet her. "Argetlam Eva, a pleasure to see you." The elf smiled at her. "Ah, but I quite enjoy you visits, Argetlam." Antien brushed aside a defiant strand of hair from his sweaty brow. He smiled down at Eva, enjoying her presence. His forge always seemed a bit more brighter whenever she walked in and chatted with him. She had in the past, brought in more swords than the other riders, but he didn't mind it at all; they had interesting conversations and Antien found himself looking forward to her visits. "So, this is what shall keep you from seeing me, is it?" He teased Eva as he gently took the Rider sword from her hands. "It is a fine blade, Argetlam Eva." His eyes and fingers caressed and studied the yellow blade, his fingers tracing the glyphs. "Rhunon svit-kona has outdone herself with this one." He gripped the hilt and slashed the sword in the air, testing it out. "Mmm, good balance. Strong. It is quite beautiful." He glanced over to Eva, "A beautiful sword fit for a beautiful Rider." He humbly bowed and offered her sword to her, pommel first. "You flatter me, Argetlam. I am not worthy to craft such a fine creation; that honor is for Rhunon Svit-kona." He smiled at her. "Thank you for letting me see it. I noticed the glyphs on your sword. Why have you chosen that to be its name?" He asked her out of curiousity.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 6, 2012 18:14:27 GMT -5
Eva had been right. Rogue had not been necessary. She watched him examine the blade, almost tenderly, like a lover... She found herself thinking about things she thought she had been incapable of. She had to clear her throat to distract herself. Eva was glad when he asked about the name of her sword. It gave her something to think about besides Antien's physique. "Aiedail." She said, liking the way the word rolled off her tongue. "The morning star, as my people call it. I choose it for a few reasons, I suppose. You see, stars have a tradition of giving hope to people in my family. First, there was the star called Gladia. My mother used that one to give slaves hope during the Empire war. But that's another story in itself, which I may have hinted at before. Aiedail shall be my star for hope. That's what this blade will do. Bring hope to those who need it." Eva spoke with all seriousness. The symbolism was important to her. To have that resemblance to her mother made her feel complete. "And Antien." she said, giving him a smirk. "I insist you just call me Eva. We're friends, right?"
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Post by Max452 on Oct 6, 2012 18:36:28 GMT -5
"Thank you for honoring me with your story. Aiedail." Antien believed that name fit well with the sword. "It is a fine name...Eva." He smiled at the young woman, pleased to have her name roll from his tongue. "And it symbolizes a powerful thing. Hope." His eyes reflected upon his past. There were many things that Hope had helped him conquer. "Mmm," He pondered on the symbolism. "Without Hope, civilizations crumble, and the heart of men will falter - Hope gives motiviation and faith. A wise name." He smiled at Eva warmly. "You have become wiser since the first time we met, Eva. I am proud and grateful to have such a friend. You are a fine Rider and I can see you becoming a great leader." He crossed his arms and leaned against a table to better talk to Eva. "Have you tested out Aiedail yet?" He asked her, a glimmer in his eyes.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 6, 2012 18:48:28 GMT -5
"Exactly." Eva said, happy that Antien understood. He was always very smart. But was he truly glad to have her as a friend? It was possible he might just be humoring her. No, Eva thought not. Antien was too honest. She hefted Aiedail in her hand, marveling at how it felt like just an extension of her arm. He was right about one thing. She did hope to be a great leader at some point. And sh would have that chance. There was a new war to fight, and she new it better than most now. Glory... "No." She said quickly, blocking those thoughts. "I haven't had a chance yet to test it out. I haven't found anyone yet with free time to spar with. My brother would, but he's busy training with Castiel. And then there's Maude. She takes things too seriously though." Eva looked up at Antien, cutting off her speech. She got the impression that she was rambling. There was a look in Antien's eyes that made her feel giddy. "Unless... well I don't suppose you'd be interested?"
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Post by Max452 on Oct 6, 2012 19:14:13 GMT -5
Antien formed a humerous smile as Eva began listing off possible sparring partners. She didn't seem to understand his offer, perhaps he should have been more straight forward? But where was the fun in that. Finally, though, she seemed to understand. His smile grew wider. "I am always interested." He smirked at her. "Let me just clean up and we will be able to go. That is, if you desire to do so now. I am perfectly fine doing it when it is more convienant for you, Eva." Antien tilted his head, amused with the situation for some reason. It would be a thrill to test out Eva. Antien felt like he knew people better when they fought. How they held their swords, or the ticks and habits could tell him much about another. And he was quite interested in finding about Eva.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 7, 2012 18:14:04 GMT -5
Eva thought Antien was perfect now, without having to get ready. But she thought he might be more comfortable if he changed. "I am ready now." She said, giving her sword a twirl. "But I will meet you at the west courtyard, the one with the garden and the birch trees. We won't have to worry about an audience that way..." Clearing her throat again, Eva sheathed Aiedail and gave Antien a smile. "See you then." Not giving him a chance to respond, Eva flitted out the shop and back to Eos. The dragon waited for her in a half crouch, regarding her with amused eyes.
Since when do sparring partners need privacy? she asked with a chuckle. Eva glared at her as she went to mount the dragon.
I don't know! It was the first place that came to mind!
A pretty place. Eos remarked. Then added, Some might say, a romantic place.
Sh! Eva said, and Eos took the hint. She pushed herself into the sky and directed herself to the courtyard of Eva's choosing.
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Post by Max452 on Oct 7, 2012 20:58:38 GMT -5
Antien regarded Eva with amused eyes as she delegated their meeting spot. It seemed her infatuation had grown since their last conversation. Not that he minded it as he had noticed other females stare at him longingly as well. It was amusing all around, however, Eva was different. She had fire that others did not. And a part of him, seemed to like the attention that Eva gave. He shook out that thought. She was human, and he was an elf. She deserved someone that understood her better...someone...younger than he. He sighed. He could not deny the attraction he had for her, but, she deserved a life.
Antien snapped out of his silent pondering as Eva sprinted out. He couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his mouth. Perhaps he should see where this would lead, but he must remember to not make a mistake with Eva. He cared for her too much to toy with her emotions, let alone life. The elf returned to his work station and promptly cleaned the area. He hastily returned to his abode, a lot faster than he usually would, to wash himself quickly. Putting on fresh clothing, the elf strapped his sword to his back and headed off to the west courtyard.
As he drew closer, Antien slowed himself to a leisure walk. The courtyard was indeed one of the more beautiful training grounds. The dancing trees and lovely scent that eloped the area was a pleasant place for the elf to be. His grey eyes scanned the area, looking for his friendly, infatuated opponent.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 8, 2012 17:56:50 GMT -5
OOC: haha! I like how Antien knows Eva has a crush!
Eva sat on a bench near the birch trees, awaiting Antien's arrival. In her mind she went over all she new about sparring and swordplay. It was a good deal. She'd been training since she was a little girl. Having parents who were veterans from the Empire War gave her skills many other girls her age would be lacking. Eos lounged nearby, looking about the flowery courtyard with some interest. This was a place people went for relaxation and peace. Dragons didn't often come here, for some reason. Perhaps because they were afraid of destroying the place with their scales and talons. Eos had made sure to land very daintily so as not to cause any destruction.
There he is. Eos said, spotting Antien first. Eva's eyes flew to where Eos pointed, and she felt her heart skip a beat at the sight of the tall, handsome elf striding her way. She felt somewhat frozen, until Eos gave her a mental push. Getting to her feet, Eva went to meet Antien halfway. She felt suddenly grateful that the courtyard was currently empty. "You clean up nicely." She said, hoping she wasn't being too obvious. "Shall we?" Unsheathing Aiedail once more, Eva placed her fingers around the blade of the weapon and uttered the dulling spell. The edges became blurry from the ward. Eva twirled her sword in a short warm up routine as she took a fighting stance opposite of Antien. "When you're ready, blacksmith." She said, unable to help but feel playful.
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Post by Max452 on Oct 8, 2012 20:06:00 GMT -5
OOC: I thought it would be a fun change. lol
Antien smiled when he spotted Eva and Eos. "Greetings again, Eva and Eos." He inclined his head respectfully. He chuckled lightly at Eva's compliment. "Thank you, Eva. I wanted to look my best for you." He replied honestly, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "I will be delighted." He unsheathed his elegant sword. "Gëuloth du sverd!" Antien's fingers gently hovered over his sword, dulling the blade. Once done, he examined it for another moment, making sure that it wouldn't cause any harm to the young rider. Satisfied, Antien postioned himself across from Eva. He gave her another bright smile. "As you wish, Eva." And like a blur, the elf moved to Eva's left side, sword ringing in the air as it drove for a strike to her ribcage.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 8, 2012 20:25:32 GMT -5
Antien moved faster than any rider Eva had ever sparred with. She had to react as fast as she could to parry him in time. Their blades peeled as they struck together. This would be more of a challenge than she thought. And why should she be surprised? It was no secret that Antien had fought in the Empire War. Had even been lead under the famous elf Blodgharm's banner. And he was one of the founders of New Doru Arabea. He was a legend, in all rights. Eva felt a wave of nerves wash over her. This was a hopeless case. How could she ever hope to impress him?
Feeling determined now, Eva retaliated with a quick twirling repetition of sword thrusts to his chest, stomach, and abdomen.
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Post by Max452 on Oct 8, 2012 20:58:47 GMT -5
Fighting with ease, Antien's trained eyes followed Eva's movements. His blade just as easily blocking the young Rider's attacks. "Good, Eva. Those are strong strikes, but make sure you do not open yourself for an easy attack nor make your attacks seem easily predicatable." Antien couldn't help but tutor. He allowed her to be on the offensive for a moment longer before he twisted his blade and his torso to the side, watching Aiedail smooth pass him, and swung his blade upward toward Eva's leg.
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Post by Trinn on Oct 9, 2012 12:39:22 GMT -5
Eva listened to Antien's instruction with a bit of frustration. Why wouldn't he regard her still as a student? Young and naive. Show him that you are not... Eos suggested, in what sounded like a challenging tone. Twisting her arm down, Eva blocked the slash at her leg. She then pushed back on Antien's sword, hoping to take him off balance. Breaking free, Eva attacked again, going into the most complicated sword strokes she new. She fairly twirled around Antien, slashing and thrusting. He wanted to get on the offensive, but Eva wanted to show him more of her offensive first. When it came to sparring, she always felt more agrressive. And more than anything, Eva did want to show Antien that she was more than just a young human girl.
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Post by Max452 on Oct 9, 2012 14:18:56 GMT -5
Antien felt the pressure from Eva's sword as she tried to push him off his feet, but his strength was deceptive; he didn't budge but watched as she drew back and assualted him again. Antien hid a smirk as Eva's attacks had become more aggressive after he had spoken. He hoped that he hadn't angered her with his words. He was just trying to help. He sighed. It was as if she was trying to prove something; it was not necessary - not with him. Antien continued to block her attacks with a flick of his wrist here and there - his graceful features making it look incredibly easy. His eyes studied her, watching as she integrated complex attacks. He smiled; he was impressed. A glint of excitment flashed across his eyes and Antien quickly ducked from an attack and rolled off to the side to avoid her blade to his side. His lips danced playfully at her as he charged for an attack toward her left side again, but switched sword hands to confuse her at the last moment, aiming to strike her opposite side.
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