shellphones | [VIDEO] Accepting Commissions!

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[VIDEO] Accepting Commissions!

Type: Video
Sender ID: forgeabettertomorrow (Darin Altway)
To: Public
Subject: Darin's offering his smithing services!
Warnings: None

[You may have seen this very loud blue-haired man around. He's new, but he's hard to miss considering his size and bombastic nature. Right now, he's puttering around some shops on Eltrut...specifically any shops that offer custom goods. He's clearly assessing quality.]

Still figuring out how to use this damn thing...is it on?

[He stops a random passerby to inquire and...yes! They confirm that his video is sending! The hurry along their way because who just asks random strangers things? Weirdos, that's who.]

Alright! So, I've been around for a month or so and I think I've got my sea legs well enough to take the plunge here. For those of you who don't know, name's Darin Altway and I just happen to be a Master Blacksmith! What does that mean for you? Well, if you need tools or gear, then I'm your man! And trust me, my work is affordable and of the utmost quality. Even better news, I come from a port town so I know my way around a ship! So if you need something for your ships that those around here just can't provide...

[He leans in towards the camera conspiratorially.]

And from what I'm seeing...that's a lot...

[He leans back out.]

You should totally hire me! My goal is to open up my own forge somewhere so I gotta get striking the iron while it's hot!

Also, if you've got the scoop on where to find some quality, rare materials and need someone to help you gather them, I'm your man!

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Master blacksmith, you say? We could certainly use one of those around here.

[ He was alright sharping his own sword from time to time, but never quite had the expertise. ]

I was unsure of who to turn to with my own trusted smith no longer on the same star.

I was hoping someone might say that. A world like this seems like it's got a use for people who know their way around an forge.

Sounds like you need some maintenance done, friend. I'd be happy to help if that's what you're in the market for.

Despite the circumstances that brought us here, I am glad to see someone of your talent here. Your skills will be sorely needed.

As a matter of fact I am... if you have the time. I have the coin to provide, as you requested.

Damn, you sure know how to make a guy feel welcome!

I've got nothing but time right now. I'm down on at the docks on Eltrut if you want to come meet me. I'll take a look at your gear and see what I can do for you.

Alright. I can meet you there shortly.

Is there a particular face or detail to know who I am looking for?

Edited 2024-04-14 21:39 (UTC)

I've got spiky blue hair. You honestly can't miss me if you try.

Spikey blue hair? Alright. I can look for that.

[ That was... and odd choice, but honestly he's seen stranger. Especially here. So with that last message he quickly begins gathering both coin and material to meet him at the docks!

Blue hair... blue hair...

Oh. ]

You weren't joking. [ Clive comments as he approached with a soft smile. Sure enough, it certainly was a good indicator. ]

I'm Clive Rosfield. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[Darin laughs when Clive approaches and introduces himself.]

Honestly, I've found it's one of the first things people ever notice about me. Makes it easier to stand out in a crowd, both for better or worse.

[He holds a hand out in greeting and to shake the other man's hand.]

Good to meet you, Clive. Now, do you want to get down to business here or would you rather talk over a drink?

[ Clive glances to the hand, and with his smile softening will reach out to the other and take hold of it. Giving Darin a nice, warm handshake. ]

I'd quite fancy a drink, if you were up for it? The first round is on me.

[ He'll release the hand soon after, motioning his his head in the direction of the wooden building along the port. ]

Shall we?

You sure know how to do business with a smith.

[Darin grins wide and starts to make for the bar.]

Let's get to it then!

[Once there, Darin finds a nice table away from the door where he drops himself into a seat.]

So, Clive. Tell me a little bit about yourself. I like to know who I'm working for so I can bring the best out of the metal. Whether it's forging or maintenance, if I know who it's for I can tune my approach.

[ Clive has to chuckle at that. His dear smith at home wouldn't even speak to him at first without the offer of an ale. So let's just say he may know his way to a smith's heart—

Bribery aside, he makes his way into the bar along with Darin and settles himself into a seat before calling over to one of the attendants for his promised first round.

So while they are waiting, the man will blink up curiously. ] Fair enough. I— [ He pauses, not entirely sure where to begin. He's had a long history and many things he's experienced, but... never before has he really had to talk about himself?

The slight shift in his chair adds to the awkward strain in his muscles before attempting to continue. ] —I'm not certain where to begin. I was raised in a Duchy, but spend the better half of my life living under the title of an "outlaw". Outcasts, more like.

[Darin crosses his arms over his barrel chest and rocks his chair back on its back legs.]

Duchy, huh? Well, you definitely don't look the part...

[Darin has some...complicated feelings on nobility in general and that likely comes across as his wide grin turns a bit more serious. Still, he won't turn away work at this point. Plus, Clive being an outcast and an outlaw meant that there was more to his story for sure.]

So, what made you turn to a life of questionable legality?

[ Clive can't decern at which point Darin's face fell. Whether it was to the nobility or the ladder, people can interpret both to be either good or evil. Yet he doesn't feel the need to hide behind either— it was his story, a difficult one, but his story all the same.

... And to help with that story the ale is soon presented to their table. He'll take a small sip of it before continuing. ]

There was... an incident that occurred one night when I was a boy. An encroaching army lead by what I later found out was my own mother, had stormed our fortress. Many died that night, including my father— [ and for a long time he thought his own brother. But he takes a deep breath. Don't need to go into every detail... not now. ] —and I was forced into their military as no more than a throw away. Branded, and seen as lesser.

[ His hand subconsciously goes to large scar on the side of his face. Tracing its outline with a staggered breath. ]

Many years I had dealt with their torture and abuse. But I later fled, and was taken in by a group of people who were in very similar circumstance. So I worked with them to free people who were like me. I became an "outlaw" who those would deem our kind expendable.

[Darin listens to the story attentively and has to refrain from interrupting when Clive reveals that his own mother essentially sold him into slavery.]

[It's the bit about being seen as 'lesser' that makes Darin reach for his drink to take a nice, long swig so he can swallow that bitter pill he knows all too well.]

[When Clive summarizes, Darin chimes in as he lowers his mug.]

Well, in the interest of full disclosure we're pretty similar on the 'outlaw' front. Got a bounty on my head back home for a crime I didn't commit.

[And, since Clive was being so forthcoming, Darin didn't see the need to not meet him halfway.]

Real culprit was my twin brother who was supposed to be dead.

[ ... So it would seem the two of them had something to drink to.

Yet as Darin speaks, the look of surprise is almost unmistakable across Clive's features. ]

—Pardon? You said your twin brother? [ And someone who was suppose to be dead. Well, that would make two of them on the "siblings who were suppose to be dead but are not." Perhaps they were more similar than first thought. ]

Yeah. I saw him cut down along with my dad with my own two eyes when we were kids. I only barely survived.

After that, I was bounced around a lot for about a year. No one really wanted me until an old friend of my dad's picked me up. He was a smith and taught me the trade.

[He's glossing over a lot. Specifically how people said he was cursed and a monster, which is why no one wanted him. But that's certainly a conversation for another time.]

I dunno how he's back but...he's aiming to ruin my life.

[And bring about the end of the world via an ancient prophecy centered around the two of them but hey, that's hardly talk for drinks, is it?]

[ As Darin speaks, Clive takes his own initiative to down the better half of his tankard at the mention of both his father and brother's supposed death. The scenario was far too similar to his own that he felt both hands clench tightly around it for security. ]

... I see. [ He begins, averting his eyes briefly to stare into his mucky reflection of his drink. ] I, too, have a brother thought to have died on the night of my father's. Yet that is were our paths diverge, as I am more than grateful he is alive and breathing.

[ Yet... back home... ]

This brother of yours. Is he here?

Gods no. If he was, trust me, everyone would know it. He's not exactly discrete.

[To be honest, neither is Darin. But Dromas is a lot more...theatrical. Especially with the powers Darin is trying so deeply to keep on the down low.]

I'm glad your brother is alright though. [He offers Clive a warm, genuine smile as he raises his tankard to him. Darin's not the type to covet other people's happiness.]

Is he here too?

Then I'll know who to keep an eye out for should he decide to cross into this plane. [ Just look for the blue hair, right? Good thing he stuck out so much because of it.

He was already agreeing to help work on his equipment, so that alone was more than enough reason to make sure he was well and protected. ... And even in this short amount of time he could tell how genuine Darin actually was.

So with his own tankard raised there immediately is the slightest shift of expressions that begin to form across Clive's face. His eyes grow a bit softer- his lips curled into a tiny smile and shoulder instantly begin to relax. It's just the effect that his brother has on him!! He loves talking about his dear brother!! ]

He is. His name is Joshua. [ The man remarks as his fond gaze turns to his cup. ] He is very gifted, and above all equally as kind. I could not have asked for better sibling than he.

[The look on Clive's face is unmistakable. If Darin had any family left, he'd probably have the same expression when talking about them. Though, he wonders if he has the same sort of soft fondness on his face when he talks about his adopted father, Acteon.]

[There's a pang in his chest. He and Dromas were once inseparable. Dromas was always the one protecting Darin from the people who'd curse at them for looking different. Now, Dromas is a force of destruction who wants to end the world.]

[There's a little envy in his heart, but not so much that he can't be genuinely happy for Clive, considering the man was betrayed by his own mother.]

[So, the man does what he does best. He paints on a wide grin despite some of the complicated feelings in his heart.]

All the more reason to keep your sword in good shape. The best weapons are the ones we take up to defend the people we love.

I could not agree more. [ The smile remains, but knowing the complicated history of Darin's own family does put a slight damper of worry behind his eyes. He knows more than many the pang of betrayal, especially from those whom you had come to expect as family.

Yet through that empathy came a strong level of respect. Because through adversity would someone's true colors show... and it would seem that Darin had come out from the other end of it better than most. ]

Would this make me your first customer?

I think it does. And, in accordance with every smith tradition I've had hammered into me, that entitles you to a discount.

And since this first round is on you, I think that more or less covered maintenance on a sword. Consider my services yours.

[ Oh. Ah. But- ]

Are you certain?

[ He may be smiling a little bit behind the question, but he still wants to be courteous of this man's profession- ]

I don't know how many smiths you know, but any good one will tell you that they don't do it for coin. Money is a means but it never ends well, if you get my meaning. At least, that's what my old man would say.

I don't do this to make money. I do this because it's the best way I can protect people. My weapons and armor...they're my way of making sure people come home. To their husbands and wives. Their sons and daughters.

[He glances up at Clive and lifts his mug with a grin.]

To their brothers.

I love what I do and I do what I love. So yeah, I'm sure.

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[VIDEO] Accepting Commissions!

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