Post by EymberFyire on Feb 13, 2010 7:22:02 GMT 10
Title: Weighing the Cost
Rating: G
Length: 548
Competitor: Lalasa
Round/Fight: 1/F
Summary: The cost of piece of mind is always worth its price.
It’s how much? The sum shocked her – it was more than three months wages.
A Gold Noble and five Silver, Ma’am.
Lalasa works carefully in the predawn light, sewing with tight, precise stitches on the cream shirt she holds. Running a hand through her hair wearily, she sighs and glances outside to judge the time.
It’s expensive because it’s the best, Ms. Isran. You’re paying for duration and strength. I guarantee it will last at least three years – much longer than this war with those northern savages.
She is exhausted and anxious. Her back aches. Her eyes are burning. She has been living in her shop for a week, allowing Tian privacy as she gathers her things and leaves their shared rooms, but there is nowhere quite comfortable to sleep here, and she usually winds up working well into the night to distract herself.
What do I need to do?
Sew a small pocket into each tunic or shirt. Place the charm in this pocket along with something containing a sample of your magical essence. It works best when fresh, mind you – I’d do it the night before he leaves.
She finishes the final row of stitches on the last shirt just in time and checks her work. The pocket is nearly invisible, and the charm is secure in the double rows of stitches. It is good work, but not her best. None-the-less a tall shape is darkening her doorframe and it will have to do.
Ms. Isran? You have to understand – If the Black God decrees that it’s his time, no magic can keep him safe. But as long as he wears it he won’t sprain an ankle or fall off a horse. His armor will hold when struck. There will be no such thing as a “lucky arrow” that gets him killed.
“You didn’t have to do this, Lalasa. At least let me pay you…”
“Lady Kel, hush.” She smiles up at surprised hazel eyes and for a moment the shadows of exhaustion and worry drop away. “As if I’d let those sack stitchers at the palace dress you.” As Kel fumbles for her belt purse, Lalasa reaches across the counter and grabs her hand. “Not a copper bit. I won’t hear of it.” She drops Kel’s hand after a moment. “Let me just get you a bag.”
None of these spells will work if you don’t truly love him. Will this be a problem?
Kel looks around before leaving, and Lalasa smiles inwardly. Kel has never been good at goodbyes.
“You cut your hair.” Kel pauses awkwardly for moment before continuing. “It suits you.” She picks up the sack and turns to go.
Lalasa’s smile is answer enough as she counts coins into his palm and the mage nods his wordless understanding.
After Kel is gone, Lalasa sags against the counter, holding her hand to a chest that suddenly hurts. It will be hard for a few months with her savings gone. It is worth it.
The tranquil still of her shop will soon be broken by dozens of people. She will have to let go of her fear and be strong and capable then, radiating confidence and skill. Before that happens, she offers a prayer quietly into the calm. “Goddess keep you safe, Keladry.”
Rating: G
Length: 548
Competitor: Lalasa
Round/Fight: 1/F
Summary: The cost of piece of mind is always worth its price.
It’s how much? The sum shocked her – it was more than three months wages.
A Gold Noble and five Silver, Ma’am.
Lalasa works carefully in the predawn light, sewing with tight, precise stitches on the cream shirt she holds. Running a hand through her hair wearily, she sighs and glances outside to judge the time.
It’s expensive because it’s the best, Ms. Isran. You’re paying for duration and strength. I guarantee it will last at least three years – much longer than this war with those northern savages.
She is exhausted and anxious. Her back aches. Her eyes are burning. She has been living in her shop for a week, allowing Tian privacy as she gathers her things and leaves their shared rooms, but there is nowhere quite comfortable to sleep here, and she usually winds up working well into the night to distract herself.
What do I need to do?
Sew a small pocket into each tunic or shirt. Place the charm in this pocket along with something containing a sample of your magical essence. It works best when fresh, mind you – I’d do it the night before he leaves.
She finishes the final row of stitches on the last shirt just in time and checks her work. The pocket is nearly invisible, and the charm is secure in the double rows of stitches. It is good work, but not her best. None-the-less a tall shape is darkening her doorframe and it will have to do.
Ms. Isran? You have to understand – If the Black God decrees that it’s his time, no magic can keep him safe. But as long as he wears it he won’t sprain an ankle or fall off a horse. His armor will hold when struck. There will be no such thing as a “lucky arrow” that gets him killed.
“You didn’t have to do this, Lalasa. At least let me pay you…”
“Lady Kel, hush.” She smiles up at surprised hazel eyes and for a moment the shadows of exhaustion and worry drop away. “As if I’d let those sack stitchers at the palace dress you.” As Kel fumbles for her belt purse, Lalasa reaches across the counter and grabs her hand. “Not a copper bit. I won’t hear of it.” She drops Kel’s hand after a moment. “Let me just get you a bag.”
None of these spells will work if you don’t truly love him. Will this be a problem?
Kel looks around before leaving, and Lalasa smiles inwardly. Kel has never been good at goodbyes.
“You cut your hair.” Kel pauses awkwardly for moment before continuing. “It suits you.” She picks up the sack and turns to go.
Lalasa’s smile is answer enough as she counts coins into his palm and the mage nods his wordless understanding.
After Kel is gone, Lalasa sags against the counter, holding her hand to a chest that suddenly hurts. It will be hard for a few months with her savings gone. It is worth it.
The tranquil still of her shop will soon be broken by dozens of people. She will have to let go of her fear and be strong and capable then, radiating confidence and skill. Before that happens, she offers a prayer quietly into the calm. “Goddess keep you safe, Keladry.”