Cold Steel (Tamaya/ Bee)

[Bee]

"Arrows again", spoke Bee with discontent as she hammered metal at a forge. The young maiden had finally gotten her dream job or rather dream occupation. She was working on becoming a blacksmith, just like her mother, and working with brilliant flames. So far the best work she had done was when she got smelt bronze. It was not used for a weapon, nobody uses bronze weapons anymore, but for a designed on a hilt of a sword. The process of forging this design was given to Bee, who at the time had only been making nails. It was her first big job since she started working and learning from Mr. Johnson, and she nailed it. The emblem on the hilt came out just as the order required. Mr. Johnson did not even have to use the correct emblem he forged if Bee had messed up. One would thing after such a success he would give Bee a more serious job, nope, she was kicked back down to forging heads for arrows.

"Well it is better than nails", spoke Bee as she struck the metal. The young maiden was not wearing her hair in her signature box shape. Instead it was pulled back and wrapped up inside of a piece of cloth. It was Bee's way of making sure her hair did not set on fire. The gel she used in keeping her hair straight was far too flamable to use around the forge, and her messy style, which was not really a style, was far to dangerous to have around the fire. So Bee had to adapt a new look while working with the flames.


Suddenly the bell rang and marked the arrival of a customer. Lucky for them Bee had just finished the arrow heads she was working on and had a bit of time to deal with customers. If not they would have been forced to wait in the front till Bee finished. Mr. Johnson did not deal in the selling of goods anymore. He had enough gold saved up to retire and would have stayed that way if Bee had not come along. The shop was only open to pay for material he could use to teach Bee how to smith and to sell the stuff she made. It was a pain to maintain, but it would be a even greater pain to try and train Bee if he did not have it open.

[Tamaya]

Tamaya left Shikoba harnessed outside as she entered the blacksmith's shop. A bell tinkled, but nobody seemed to be out front. From the back, she could hear the hammering of a blacksmith on his or her anvil, and the roaring fire of the forge. It seemed that whoever worked here was quite skilled; the weapons on display were impressive in their quality.

"Excuse me?"

The nomad woman looked around to see if there was any other way she could get the attention of anyone in the shop. She wished to have a fine weapon crafted for her, but she knew not how to go about doing so.

A bow... A bow that channeled the power of the mystics. A bow of great worth and great power. Tamaya wanted to own a bow worthy of legends. A bow like that of Hanon.

Her fantasies aside, she did want some arrowheads. Plus, she felt comfortable with her archery, and hoped to soon acquire a new bow. Whether or not it was the bow of Hanon or an equivalent was still far off... She would be content for now with the arrowheads. But if she could get a magical or legendary bow?

Why, she would be the happiest woman in the world. She would be able to fight like a true Cathecassa warrior, and she would become worthy of leading her clan. Her father and brothers would be so proud of her.

"Is anyone available? If it is inconvenient, I can come back later..."

[Bee]

Come back later, on no that would not due, thought Bee to herself. If her master found out that she let a potential customer walk out the store he would be quite upset. The shop was her job, she was suppose to look after it. Now that Bee was thinking about it everything was her job. Cooking, cleaning, and repairing, the work never ended. Being a pupil was hard work.

"No, that will not be necessary", spoke Bee as she walked around the corner. The young maiden removed the head band from her head and immediately her hair twisted back up into the knot that covered her eyes. She really needed to use her hair jell again. If only the stuff was not flammable. It was embarrassing for people to see her hair twisted like this, but she had no choice. "How may I help you", asked Bee as she prepared to deal with the customer.

As Bee waited she looked the woman up and down. Great a saceans, she thought to herself. Bee hated saceans, not because of there culture or some superiority complex developed by Bern citizens. Bee hated saceans because they knew what they were doing. They knew more about her craft than she did and whenever they came and bought something they would run circles around her. It was infuriating. They would user he lack of knowledge as a reason to negotiate a lower price. When her master would walk in to make the final deals he would give them a discount because of it. Even if the weapon was of fine craft they would still ask questions and still make Bee look foolish. Mr. Johnson would always say even if he forged it the seller must know how it is crafted. If you don't know then the blade is as good as a piece of wood. So he sold it cheap and would take it out of Bee's pay. She lost so much money because of them. Last month she had to pay the master, though he did give it back in the form of food.

[Tamaya]

"Oh! Hello... My name is Tamaya. I would like to buy some arrowheads. And, if possible, I would also like to speak with you about crafting me a bow... A special bow.

For the immediate term, iron arrowheads will be all I need. But if you could craft me a bow whose wielder could call upon the power of our natural world... I would be willing to pay whatever price it would cost. I wish to have a bow whose string sings with the wind, whose wood still hums with the earth, and whose arrows crackle with the power of the sky.

Are you capable of crafting me a magical bow? You seem young, but I have learned that youth often hides true skill and expertise. I expect that behind your sapling exterior hides the seed of a huge and mighty tree.

I have some sketches of what I would like the bow to look and feel like, if you would be able to help me..."

Tamaya produced a roll of parchment, which she unfurled on the counter. There were many well-drawn sketches on the paper, detailing the length, breath, and bend of the bow, the designs and runes to be inlaid, and the materials to be used. The measurements were precise, and their units were standardized - a remarkable thing, considering that Tamaya was used to measuring distances in paces and lengths in units of her arm or palm. She'd had a Lycian scribe help her transcribe the measurements.

"I have the design and the gold. I just cannot craft it myself. Would you be able to help me? I am willing to pay whatever price it would take."

[Bee]

Oh no another smarty pants sacean thought Bee on the inside of her head. The young maiden began to panic. She was going to screw up again and end up selling something at a lower price. The woman even knew how to make her request herself. Well she knew the design of it. Still it was infuriating. Why can't any sacean be stupid. Why did they all have to know so much and be so good at things. Was it because of the lifestyle or maybe they were just born crafty. It was so hard for Bee to remember everything. Sure she was good with fire and telling the temperature of metal by the color it gleamed, but she was not smart enough to know how to make everything.

"Well fist off", spoke Bee keeping her composure on the outside. The first rule of marketing was to stay calm and act like you know everything. That way you will seem knowledgeable. "You see I am not the master of the shop. I am the apprentice Bee. That is Bee spelled B E E, it is just like the insect, but I don't sting. Now I can help you with the arrow heads, but I am going to have to fetch the master for your request. Oh I almost forgot. If you do plan to acquire the master's services for a magical weapon it will cost you about two thousand gold coins. I know that is a lot, but forging magical weapons is a very strenuous process. First the bow would have to be crafted perfect and then a spirit would have to be bound to it. Such skill and patience does not come cheap."

Nailed it, thought Bee. Though she preyed the maiden would back down from the magical weapon. If she said yes Bee would have to go fetch the master. He was probably taking his afternoon nap right about now. When he wakes up he is always crank and as a result Bee would be doing some useless task like sweeping the dirt off the ground. He made her do that for four hours once. She really did not understand old people. Maybe there was something wrong with is head or maybe all old people's heads.

[Tamaya]

"Oh I almost forgot. If you do plan to acquire the master's services for a magical weapon it will cost you about two thousand gold coins"

Two thousand coins?! That was quite the hefty sum. Two thousand coins could buy a longbow and a specially-crafted shortbow... Was two thousand coins worth the investment?

No matter. She had to maintain her front. Perhaps more information would help her make her decision.

"I am glad to meet you, Apprentice Bee. I hope you will not mind all of my questions... But has your master forged any other magical weapons before?

Actually, how about this, friend Bee. Could you perhaps send for your master? I could then discuss the matter of a magical bow with him, and you and I could settle the matter of my arrows. I believe that would be efficient."

Tamaya looked around at the shop, appraising the many weapons that lined the walls. There was a lot to appreciate; the weapons seemed to hold up to her casual appraisal. They were finely inlaid and their designs were both classic and refined. They were not shocking or revolutionary, but that was acceptable to the nomad woman. She did not seek a weapon that was revolutionary... Although she did want one that was shocking.

The power of lightning... in her bow? The power to call upon the energy of the sky... To send pain through armor, to sear flesh with electricity... She had seen enough of the vicious thunderstorms on the plains. To harness that power would make her a legendary warrior.

[Bee]

"The master", spoke Bee as she attempted to keep her composure. She really did not want to wake him up. He was always so cranky. However if the customer wanted to speak with the master then she had no choice to, but wake him up. "Well I was trying to handle it myself, but if you desire to speak with the master smith of the shop then I will go get him. It will take a moment so please look around for a while.

Well there was one thing Bee liked about saceans, even though they cost her a lot of money. They were honest people. She never really had to worry about one of them trying to steal stuff, though it did help to be cautious. Running to the back to wake the master did not seem like a bad idea. She doubted the maiden would just steal things off the wall and run away, though it has happen once. It did not turn out well for that guy. The guards here are pretty good about hunting down weapon thieves and there is like two on every street.

As Bee walked into the back she opened a double door that lead to a room filled with gilded tiles, silk cloth, and suits of fine armor. Her master had a weird taste to her, but she could not deny he loved to show off his wealth. Though he never really showed his room to anybody. Mr. Johnson and Bee were the only people to ever come back here. So it was more like reminding himself that he has money than showing off to everybody else that he has money. Still Bee was not here to try and understand how Mr. Johnson thought. She was here to fetch him to the shop.

The young maiden walked up to a large bed draped bed with four posts and a whole lot of pillows. Lying curled up in a ball of silk sheets was Mr. Johnson, who at the time was having a very nice dream.

"Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson", spoke Bee as she shook the man. It did not take long for him to awake from his slumber. He was a very light sleeper. Like a bear he roared from his sleep as he turned around in a attempt to grab Bee's head. The madien knew better than to step close. The last time she did he nearly pulled he hair out with that iron grip of his. She knew she had to wait a bit before trying to talk to him. He was not always all there wen he woke up.

"Bee, what do you want and what time is it?"

"It is after noon and there is a customer who wants to see you?"

"After noon", spoke the rugged old man as he looked around at the windows. "Man my head hurts", he spoke as he rose from his bed. "Right, right, give me a moment and I will be in the shop", he spoke.

"Understood", spoke Bee as she walked out and headed back to her work station. "Sorry for the wait he will be here in a few", spoke Bee. Two minutes later the old grizzled bear walked in. He wore a pair of thick leather pants, made from Wyvern skin, and a pair of steel toe boots. His shirt was filled with holes and his hair was a complete mess.

"You wanted to talk to me", spoke Mr. Johnson as he looked the young girl up and down. "Hopefully it is about something important. I was enjoying a good nap."

[Tamaya]

Tamaya looked at the man quizzically. He seemed to be not a famous or skilled smith, but a common street bum. It was confusing, especially given that he was supposed to be the master of this establishment.

"Yes... I am Tamaya of the Cathecassa. I seek to buy a bow... A magical bow. I would like a bow that can call upon the power of the raging skies. I would like a bow of storms. I seek a bow imbued with the power of lightning."

Tamaya showed the smith her plans, carefully unrolling the large sheet. The bow was to be large, a greatbow, whose gentle curves matched an ancient Sacaean 'secret' formula for ensuring straight, true flight. The wood of the bow would be covered in runes that she could not understand or divine, nor did she have any wish to attempt to decipher them.

"I had all of the measurements done precisely. I just lack the skill myself to craft such a bow. I was wondering if you would be able to help me. I have the gold; I have the design; I just don't have the ability to bring create such a weapon. If you would be so kind as to create it for me, I will be very indebted and grateful, and you will be, of course, handsomely paid."

Tamaya was cautious. She didn't know if this man was a truly great smith or just a man masquerading as one. She was impressed by the other weapons she saw, though.

[Bee]

Mr. Johnson looked at the young girl for a moment as she spoke of magical weapons and the power within. The old man scratched his unkempt beard and began to stare into the young maiden's eyes. "Bee go brew me some tea", he spoke suddenly as he pulled up a stool and began to sit down a a nearby desk. The demand was so sudden that it took a moment for Bee's mind to process it. Then as it all pieced itself together bee jolted off to get the deed done.

"Understood", spoke Bee as she rushed off. Her master was now serious, she could tell. He only drank tea when he was working on something difficult and when he was upset. She did not do anything wrong so she knew he was not upset, well as far as she thought. She was not sure, but the customer could have insulted him in some way that she did not notice. Either way Bee had a job to do and she knew just how to do it. Tea was easy to brew if she used her tome and it would provide excellent training for the day.

"You know for a second there I thought you wanted a wind blow. Excalibur is a rare spell to be seen with a bow. However you chose lighting, or better yet Thoron." Mr. Johnson stopped and looked at the plans drawn by the maiden. His eyebrows frowned as he looked over the drawing. Something in it upset him, but at the moment he let it go. "Do you know what you are asking me to make, young women. A magical weapon is not simply a twig with magic inside of it. It is a instrument of mass destruction, the power of nature sealed inside of a physical form. Essentially when a blacksmith makes a magical weapon he gives great power to individuals who do not truly understand it."

Soon Bee returned with his tea and the old master quickly snatched up the cup. In a single gulp he downed the hot brew and told his apprentice to go back and make some more. Obediently Bee retreated out the room realizing she was not suppose to have returned that fast. The old smith coughed for a moment allowing his throat to recover. "The price for this weapon will be two thousand golden coins. It is a fair price for such a weapon. However do not expect for it to be done in a few days or maybe a week or so." The old man picked up her blue prints and examined the paper. "The process of creating such a weapon in a long one. It will take me at the very least a month or two. Also some of your runes are wrong on this", spoke Mr. Johnson as he pointed toward a few marks on the paper. "Who drew up the runes for this plan", asked the aged man?

[Tamaya]

"I considered Excalibur. But my studies and my conversations have convinced me that the power of wind is best left to mages, or confined to weapons that are used in short-range situations. For distance attacks, I have been told that Thoron is unbeatable. The power of the lightning, used to shock opponents and addle their senses with bursts of electricity. The power to kill with a quick blast of the sky's might. And... Once I gain skill... They tell me I will be able to call down lightning to shock many opponents at once. What power I will possess!"

The nomad smiled, looking at the wizened old man.

"I understand, sir. You may take as long as you need to forge the weapon well. I trust in your expertise. I will await word on its completion."

When Mr. Johnson pointed out errors in the runes, Tamaya shrugged.

"I worked with a Lycian scribe, who claimed to know what to place where. If they are in fact incorrect, I bow to your judgement. You may make any corrections you deem necessary to the runes, their placement, or the balance of the bow. I only ask that you maintain its shape, as that is a form that my tribesmen have passed down for many generations. It is a tried and true curve that ensures strong, straight flight. I have used such bows before, and can attest to their strength and aim."

Tamaya slid the diagrams over to the man, nodding in respect.

"I will allow you to work, and will pay you once the weapon is complete. Until then, I am sure I can find employment around here or in a nearby town; I will return every month to check on the status of my bow. I thank you for you efforts, sir.

Is there anything else you need?"

[Bee]

"The man who drew the ruin up is not bad", spoke Mr. Johnson as he once again looked at the paper. "However the man has not crafted a magic weapon before. They work well for a scroll or maybe something like a sword, but for a bow it is different. The wood bends as it is being formed and when it is being pulled. This type of rune would bend out of shape and cause the spirit in the weapon to be released. You need a less complex one. Also while we are on the topic of the spirits and magic you should know that I can not tell you exactly how the magic will work. For starters the amount of power one can gain from such a weapon depends on the user and the force in the thunder itself depend on the spirit. A good example would be a Volcanon axe. I have seen one that spits magma at its opponent, while another shoots out pillars of fire. It truly just depends. I can however guarantee that there will be power in it, but as for specifics I could not tell you."

As the aged blacksmith finished speaking Bee returned with the tea. The man motion for her to pour some for the customer as she asked if he needed anything else. "I have no more questions, but please have a cup of tea before you leave", he spoke as he rolled the drawing up and began to walk toward the back. "Bee to our guest I have work to do", he spoke as he walked away. What in the world got into him, Bee wondered, but she kept that to herself. It was weird for him to push her out the room while he was talking about magical weapons, but then again maybe he did not think she was ready to hear about that. Magic weapon forging was suppose to be long and dangerous work. Maybe he did not want Bee attempting it on her own and decided he was going to keep her out the conversation altogether.

"Here let me give you some tea", spoke Bee as she poured a cup fool of the hot leaf juice and offered it to the maiden. As talkative as Bee usually is her voice was silenced at the moment. She was completely curious about the magical weapon and the process of making one. Even if her master did not think she would be ready to forge one she still wanted to watch. She was going to have to be extra sneaky for a while if she wanted a look. Still Bee needed to practice her own magic craft. She was starting to fall behind.

[Tamaya]

As Mr. Johnson explained the problems with the runes, Tamaya nodded, impressed. This man truly did understand what was going on, and so she was happy for his assistance and his knowledge.

"I thank you for you help. The man was only a scribe, so he did not have the knowledge you have of rune-crafting and magical weapons."

Then, the smith went on to explain the nuances of her bow, and how its power would likely be different from what she imagined. It made clear sense, and Tamaya nodded, understanding the concept.

"Yes. Thank you."

As Mr. Johnson rose and left to go begin the weapon, Tamaya also rose and bowed to the man. Then his assistant came back in and offered her some tea. Graciously accepting, Tamaya sat with the girl for a while, sipping the tea and thinking about her weapon. It would be a great boon once it was complete, but until then, she needed great patience. Even after she had a magical weapon, though, her elders had told her that it took a while to become adjusted to it and to become one with the spirit that made its residence in her bow. Until then, she would not be able to draw its full power, and it would likely seem discouraging or disheartening. But Tamaya was no stranger to hard work, and eagerly anticipated the challenge.

Finishing the tea, the Nomad rose and bowed to the assistant before taking her leave.

"Thank you for the arrowheads and the tea. I will remain nearby and await the completion of the weapon... Thank you again for everything."

With that, Tamaya exited the shop, mounted Shikoba, and rode off to await her weapon and earn some coin.

[Thread End]