Post by Nicole on Feb 6, 2011 3:32:55 GMT -5
Eva
How fares thee tonight Mr. Torik?
Torik
"How fares I in an eve of chilled winds that cool the fires, making waste of material taxed thrice to have brought into the lands."
Torik removes his cowl with the slightest of nods. No disrespect unto the service girl, merely a sign of the ice within his cheeks not yet relinquishing an unforgiving hold.
"Though in comparison of many nights of the season, it fares well as any. To be expected of the wretched climate. I digress, my pardons on a rant that serves no justice save to unburden one's soul. In fairness, I fare as well as the fairest, now that the great oak has been sealed over the doorway for the night."
Eva
Eva listened with ever a slight smile curling at her lips. Her eyes lingered on Torik's for a time as she listened to his tirade. Ever for a moment she clasped the small package in her hands before her before she slowly extended it up to the silversmith.
"Then perhaps till will warm you soul as well as your belly Mr. Torik." she replied, handing the package over with a freshly baked pastry from the King's kitchen.
"I wish not to impose upon you my good sir, but I wish but of your services."
Torik
Lips curl gently to one side of his face, a mood lifting now that he has escaped the cold of his shop to the comfort of his home. These walls had been brought to question a number of times; for while Torik swung hammer to blade the long hours of any blacksmith, he certainly did not sleep as one.
"My gratitude Eva..." A lift of the package to his nose, Torik takes a moment to take in the scent before turning attention back to his visitor. While he is hungry from a day of work and cannot simply place the pastry aside, due manners continues etiquette as he draws a small dagger to cut the twine around the meal.
"The smells make my mouth growl and stomach water; confused as they are in want for a bite. While I made sure to build for myself an adequate kitchen in my abode, I have failed to reckon my lack of ability to build upon time in order to eat in a proper manner."
Setting the package upon a finely crafted entertaining table to the side of his hall, Torik draws a chair for the girl and motions for her to rest. A jar of wine rests there, well sealed but left convenient for visitors. The home is in a district that most craftsmen could not afford, and even then the Romanesque dwelling draws envy from his neighbors. However, he hires no servants to attend his needs as each of the other houses have and as such, keeps to an uncanny means of decor in order to have proper greeting without running about the home.
"I expected as much Eva. Though I rarely see you open the cobblestones before my gate, I could only assume that such a visit could mean only a request for my talents. Wine?"
Eva
"It is a pleasure as always Mr. Torik, a man of your fine skills should have such items in their meals daily." Eva replied, a small bow of her head. She meekly took a seat in the chair as it was offered her by the silversmith, her hands politely resting in her lap. She was a commoner, a nobody of importance. A fortunately girl who had caught the attention of one of the King's nobles at some point by her cooking abilities and requisitioned for the King's kitchen.
She motioned with her hand politely towards the pastry, " Please my good sir, do enjoy it while it is warm." she begged of him, her eyes were soon drawn to the wine as he offered her some of such.
"I must decline, I fear at this late hour a mere sip would have sleep upon me and I still have yet to travel home." she confessed.
"If you would like, however, I would be more than happy to fetch you a cup to drink some of it in." she replied kindly.
"I do have request of your talents Mr. Torik, but do not wish to impose of you if you hold not the time."
Torik
Torik waits until she has taken her seat prior to taking one of his own. Opening the package, he lays out the course paper that protects the pastry and creates himself a plate. Tearing off a small portion, he samples the pastry with a smile, savoring the blend of flavors.
"A point I shall not argue Eva, though I have little patience for the ongoings of the court that frequent the finer halls of dining. Last time the trickery of the devil lured me to such an event, I grew in exhaustion quickly for the bantering of the children of two emissaries wanting ornamental weapons inlaid, but each wanting me to ensure this his blade be finer than the boy sitting next to him. You must have the utmost of training to deal with sure types; or a fortunate gift to allow you to ignore them."
Taking another bite, he shakes his head at her offer to retrieve for him a cup. Torik finishes his mouthful and clears his throat before sliding a small tray out of the wall, revealing a set of five cups for use at this table.
"My thanks, but even if you are on business, anyone who steps across my mantle, regardless of class or rank, is regarded a guest. I will have no talk of you running errands for me within my own walls."
Pouring a bit of the wine for himself, he takes a sip, cleansing his palette before enjoying another bite. The silence lasts a moment, but this is much to the delight of Torik, having listened to the sounds of the marketplace in between the clanging of his own metals from the time of sunrise.
"My time is restricted only during hours of the sun, please, let us discuss your true intent of this visit."
Eva
Eva bowed her head slightly, her eyes parting away from Torik's for a moment. "Of course." she replied to him, her eyes slowly returning back to the man's for but a moment as she contemplated the words to express, to convey what she wished of him - even more hindered by his tale of the children of the emissaries.
"Forgive me my good sir, but I wish but a sword of your making." she replied, a small linger of her words. "A gift I wish to bestow for someone of deserving abilities." she replied.
"It need not be inlaid with jewels, or fit for a King, or a Prince, but worth paying coin for it to be above common stock." she added.
Torik
"Ah, a blade for one that knows how to use one, this is why I carry on my profession. In truth Eva, the jewels requested by many a noble do nothing but serve to weaken a blade. It pains me that one would desire a symbol of power, and then encumber the cutting edge to be nothing but a shiny club in the case of actual need. My blades, at least, are still made to be sharp. I have seen those from other such smiths that I would not see fit to slice this wonderful dinner you have brought me."
Torik slides to Eva his working dagger. While showing signs of much use, and having had the blade resharpened enough to partially grind away the engraving; it is clear that even on such a small item much time was taken for perfection.
"I mean not to bore you with an abundance of words of the craftsman, but if that whom you would have a gift craft is one that would put the blade to use...my recommendation is to keep to a style as such. The etchings upon the blade are pure cosmetic; no holes drilled to add jewels and stones that detract from the construction of the blade. A full tang of a single alloy so as not to weaken the joint of blade and handle, along with covers for the hand that may still be rich, but ensure a sturdy grip. If you would like, I can with each place a trail of silver or gold within the etchings for appearance."
Eva
Eva's hand extended out, while not a pristine lady, her touch with still soft, not worn. Giving but a gentle glance over Torik's as she took his dagger, her finger lightly trailing along the engravings upon it. Studying it's design, and while she knew very little about weapons, her ears listened to the expert as he spoke of what he could do.
Her eyes rose back to him as she offered but a smile, "It would be put to use." she eluded.
Her gentle touch returned the blade to it's owner, it's crafter, it's artist. Her eyes ever innocent of what Torik spoke to her of, though as he explained it seemed to fit perfectly for that which she had come to him for. A smile rose again as she fleeted her glimpse away once more.
"I fear Mr. Torik that you have read my wishes well. I could not have in good means explained what I wished more than you have offered." she gently brought her eyes back up to him.
"Certainly a weapon of great value, it remains to tug my curiosity as to the matter of payment for your services."
Torik
Removing the dagger from the table, he slides it back into the folds of his winter cloak. It was an odd request to be sure. Torik was well used to having those inexperienced to the deadly aspect of his craft making requests, but she was not of the position that was generally sent to make sure a request.
"Before we discuss how one would pay for such a weapon, I must know what soul this blade is to be born with. You are no sword steward, and while I could envision one of my blades being a grand wedding present...I expect to hear rumors of such with the loose lips of the court regardless of how I attempt to avoid such rumor."
A weak excuse he knew, but what truly peaked his curiosity is the use of the blade. It was rare question, and generally only ones he heard from lords of war in attempt to keep their sons from becoming soft like most royalty.
"No matter how you intend to pay for my services, you cannot do so without knowing a value. No matter how I intend to tell you a value, I cannot do so until I truly know what it is I shall craft...and for what cause."
Eva
Eva's eyes lingered on Torik's for long moment. Her breathing grew a bit faster as he implored her to tell him of whom it was for and for what purpose. Her fingers clasped with each other in her lap as she kept her eyes on the silversmith.
"I fear sir, if you knew the extent of emotion behind my request, that the value of such a blade to me would be above even the abilities of the King to purchase." Eva replied.
"It is but my best to assure you that it will not be made a grand spectacle, but the recipient is a soldier, adequately skilled in the ways of welding such a fine blade." she replied, her eyes glimpsed to her lap for a moment.
"A man whom, like yourself, is far too greatly undervalued for his abilities." she replied, bringing her eyes back up to his.
"I wish but a gift to convey my genuine appreciation for his kindness."
Torik
"Kindness...is generally not a reason to purchase a blade that would be worth as much as one of the finest horses in the lands. It would be difficult even for a noble to purchase a blade from myself, much less on wages known for the King's kitchen. Pardon my abruptness, for I place no merit on falsified ranks, to which no doubt the court rumors have spread through with disdain from those who refer to themselves as 'superiors' of men."
A calming breath and a grin.
"There is a reason you came to me, Eva. If you wanted but a blade of function for but a soldier, there are half a dozen blacksmiths in the city. Why look to spend the extra coin? Why look for a weapon so easily recognizable?"
"My questions on this blade only drive up the price. You have no doubt seen the trickery of the merchant class as those with more gold frequent your hall. Do your work Eva, sell me on why I ought make this weapon available."
Eva
Eva's eyes lingered on Torik's for a moment, saddening as he but indirectly told her she would never amass such a coin to pay for one of his swords at her own meek wages. She broke her gaze away from his as he asked why she'd come to him, why spend the extra coin.
"I came before you because I knew your work was of quality. That to hold one of your blades was an honor." she replied, her head titled slightly.
"But you are correct, there are others of similar ability nearby." she replied, gently bringing her hand up to touch over Torik's for a moment before she smiled.
"There are other bakers too." she replied, gently withdrawing her hand. "Perhaps you could find one who would gift you pastries. Yet I believe none would be as sweet as one given to you by someone whom cared." she replied, gently rising up.
"I would seek to give the one I love the very best, as I am but far from a prize. But I am confident he'd love a butcher's knife if I were to buy him one, sword or no." she smiled. "But I am no beggar."
Torik
Torik raises a hand to his chin, watching Eva, considering her words and her request. He nods slowly then raises his glass, finishing what he had poured.
"I mean you no disrespect in this, only that my curiosity was peaked at the request. We can work on payment that will afford you a masterful gift."
At her mention of the baker he smiles, taking a final bite of the pastry.
"These before anything...I do believe more could very well reduce the amount of gold I may require."
Folding the crumbs into the wrapping, Torik sets the rubbish aside.
"There may be something else you could assist me with that is worth far more than gold. That is something we will need to discuss at a later time; however, as it may be a...delicate...matter. I expect that you will want to come by my station during the day to work out details of the weapon. We can converse on the other matters of my payment then."
Eva
Eva's eyes lingered on Torik's, a gentle nod of her head. Her hands gently clasped back before her once again. "Any assistance you could give me in my request would be most sincerely appreciated master Torik."
Her eyes glimpsed to the pastry, or rather the crumbs of such before she smiled with a soft chuckle, "Then you shall have a King's share of them master Torik."
Her brow rose slightly at his request, a small questioning look lingered for a moment before she nodded, "Of course sir, I would be more than happy to assist you in any way that I may for your kindness."
"Yes, I will of course venture here during the day, if but to deliver you a meal and thank you always once more for your kindness."
Torik
"Ah yes, a meal during the day would be fantastic. My normal meals through the craftman's square being an apple if lucky, or those legs of lamb a day past prime if not. One day, I may be forced to take an apprentice, if for no reason other than to fetch for me something more proper to eat.:
Torik stands, checking the hour by how the embers have grown less bright within the front hearth. He takes a monet to stir them to bring about more heat and light into the hall before turning back to the girl.
"Tomorrow we discuss only the blade. I am more than certain this will provide us plenty of discussion for the order to fill one conversation. Speak not of the favor I will ask of you, and reveal to no one any fluctuation of the price. There are those that would prefer me not have my home or shop within these city walls, though their tongues have cost me no favor with the King nor his people, I assure you."
Torik takes a breath, pausing a moment. He is unsure of whether he can trust this girl as of yet, but knows she may be in a unique position to answer his quandaries.
"It is known already I am not one to frequent the church. I know already the God has no belief that I exist, and therefore I shall return His favor. I will not divulge details at this point, but I must ask since you are in a position of information, albeit most often gossip. How oft do you hear speak of the cardinal and his minions?"
Eva
Eva's eyes lingered on Torik's for a moment, a small questioning look still remaining though a small tilt of her head of acceptance to his wishes. "Of course master Torik." she replied. "and I would be more than pleased to feed you proper. There are many items in abundance left over from his Majesty's meal preparations, I would be glad to see they brought to someone of deserving skill.
She listened to him still, a nod, " You have my word master Torik, what you and I have spoken of will no pass beyond my lips to anyone other than you sir."
Her eyes held another questioning look as she heard him speak of the church, God, and the Cardinal. Even so, she was not of plotting mind, so she could but only answer in truth.
"I serve all of the Lords and Ladies of the court their meals. I hear speak of many items, the Cardinal and the others of the church are sometimes spoken of." she replied.
Torik
"Of course, Eva. We shall be able to speak in greater detail of the specific information I desire at another point and there is no need to burden you with such details at such a late hour."
Torik pushes aside a heavy curtain to look upon the snow drifting in over the streets. The winds did not seem too bad, though it was difficult to tell through the wax coated screens that stayed over his windows in the winter.
"Tomorrow then, I will show you examples of some blades. Perhaps you can bring along a sample that the recipient of the blade might use that I can match to its weight. Should none be available, try to feel so that you might compare. We shall be able to go over such things then. I am sure you will enjoy the result."
Eva
"Of course master Torik." she replied, her eyes lingering on him by the window before she adjusted her cloak around her shoulders some.
"Thank you for receiving me at such a late hour sir. I shall see you by midday tomorrow, till then, may you have a wonderful night master Torik." Eva replied, giving a curtsy down to him before moving to the door and leaving out into the cold snowy night.
How fares thee tonight Mr. Torik?
Torik
"How fares I in an eve of chilled winds that cool the fires, making waste of material taxed thrice to have brought into the lands."
Torik removes his cowl with the slightest of nods. No disrespect unto the service girl, merely a sign of the ice within his cheeks not yet relinquishing an unforgiving hold.
"Though in comparison of many nights of the season, it fares well as any. To be expected of the wretched climate. I digress, my pardons on a rant that serves no justice save to unburden one's soul. In fairness, I fare as well as the fairest, now that the great oak has been sealed over the doorway for the night."
Eva
Eva listened with ever a slight smile curling at her lips. Her eyes lingered on Torik's for a time as she listened to his tirade. Ever for a moment she clasped the small package in her hands before her before she slowly extended it up to the silversmith.
"Then perhaps till will warm you soul as well as your belly Mr. Torik." she replied, handing the package over with a freshly baked pastry from the King's kitchen.
"I wish not to impose upon you my good sir, but I wish but of your services."
Torik
Lips curl gently to one side of his face, a mood lifting now that he has escaped the cold of his shop to the comfort of his home. These walls had been brought to question a number of times; for while Torik swung hammer to blade the long hours of any blacksmith, he certainly did not sleep as one.
"My gratitude Eva..." A lift of the package to his nose, Torik takes a moment to take in the scent before turning attention back to his visitor. While he is hungry from a day of work and cannot simply place the pastry aside, due manners continues etiquette as he draws a small dagger to cut the twine around the meal.
"The smells make my mouth growl and stomach water; confused as they are in want for a bite. While I made sure to build for myself an adequate kitchen in my abode, I have failed to reckon my lack of ability to build upon time in order to eat in a proper manner."
Setting the package upon a finely crafted entertaining table to the side of his hall, Torik draws a chair for the girl and motions for her to rest. A jar of wine rests there, well sealed but left convenient for visitors. The home is in a district that most craftsmen could not afford, and even then the Romanesque dwelling draws envy from his neighbors. However, he hires no servants to attend his needs as each of the other houses have and as such, keeps to an uncanny means of decor in order to have proper greeting without running about the home.
"I expected as much Eva. Though I rarely see you open the cobblestones before my gate, I could only assume that such a visit could mean only a request for my talents. Wine?"
Eva
"It is a pleasure as always Mr. Torik, a man of your fine skills should have such items in their meals daily." Eva replied, a small bow of her head. She meekly took a seat in the chair as it was offered her by the silversmith, her hands politely resting in her lap. She was a commoner, a nobody of importance. A fortunately girl who had caught the attention of one of the King's nobles at some point by her cooking abilities and requisitioned for the King's kitchen.
She motioned with her hand politely towards the pastry, " Please my good sir, do enjoy it while it is warm." she begged of him, her eyes were soon drawn to the wine as he offered her some of such.
"I must decline, I fear at this late hour a mere sip would have sleep upon me and I still have yet to travel home." she confessed.
"If you would like, however, I would be more than happy to fetch you a cup to drink some of it in." she replied kindly.
"I do have request of your talents Mr. Torik, but do not wish to impose of you if you hold not the time."
Torik
Torik waits until she has taken her seat prior to taking one of his own. Opening the package, he lays out the course paper that protects the pastry and creates himself a plate. Tearing off a small portion, he samples the pastry with a smile, savoring the blend of flavors.
"A point I shall not argue Eva, though I have little patience for the ongoings of the court that frequent the finer halls of dining. Last time the trickery of the devil lured me to such an event, I grew in exhaustion quickly for the bantering of the children of two emissaries wanting ornamental weapons inlaid, but each wanting me to ensure this his blade be finer than the boy sitting next to him. You must have the utmost of training to deal with sure types; or a fortunate gift to allow you to ignore them."
Taking another bite, he shakes his head at her offer to retrieve for him a cup. Torik finishes his mouthful and clears his throat before sliding a small tray out of the wall, revealing a set of five cups for use at this table.
"My thanks, but even if you are on business, anyone who steps across my mantle, regardless of class or rank, is regarded a guest. I will have no talk of you running errands for me within my own walls."
Pouring a bit of the wine for himself, he takes a sip, cleansing his palette before enjoying another bite. The silence lasts a moment, but this is much to the delight of Torik, having listened to the sounds of the marketplace in between the clanging of his own metals from the time of sunrise.
"My time is restricted only during hours of the sun, please, let us discuss your true intent of this visit."
Eva
Eva bowed her head slightly, her eyes parting away from Torik's for a moment. "Of course." she replied to him, her eyes slowly returning back to the man's for but a moment as she contemplated the words to express, to convey what she wished of him - even more hindered by his tale of the children of the emissaries.
"Forgive me my good sir, but I wish but a sword of your making." she replied, a small linger of her words. "A gift I wish to bestow for someone of deserving abilities." she replied.
"It need not be inlaid with jewels, or fit for a King, or a Prince, but worth paying coin for it to be above common stock." she added.
Torik
"Ah, a blade for one that knows how to use one, this is why I carry on my profession. In truth Eva, the jewels requested by many a noble do nothing but serve to weaken a blade. It pains me that one would desire a symbol of power, and then encumber the cutting edge to be nothing but a shiny club in the case of actual need. My blades, at least, are still made to be sharp. I have seen those from other such smiths that I would not see fit to slice this wonderful dinner you have brought me."
Torik slides to Eva his working dagger. While showing signs of much use, and having had the blade resharpened enough to partially grind away the engraving; it is clear that even on such a small item much time was taken for perfection.
"I mean not to bore you with an abundance of words of the craftsman, but if that whom you would have a gift craft is one that would put the blade to use...my recommendation is to keep to a style as such. The etchings upon the blade are pure cosmetic; no holes drilled to add jewels and stones that detract from the construction of the blade. A full tang of a single alloy so as not to weaken the joint of blade and handle, along with covers for the hand that may still be rich, but ensure a sturdy grip. If you would like, I can with each place a trail of silver or gold within the etchings for appearance."
Eva
Eva's hand extended out, while not a pristine lady, her touch with still soft, not worn. Giving but a gentle glance over Torik's as she took his dagger, her finger lightly trailing along the engravings upon it. Studying it's design, and while she knew very little about weapons, her ears listened to the expert as he spoke of what he could do.
Her eyes rose back to him as she offered but a smile, "It would be put to use." she eluded.
Her gentle touch returned the blade to it's owner, it's crafter, it's artist. Her eyes ever innocent of what Torik spoke to her of, though as he explained it seemed to fit perfectly for that which she had come to him for. A smile rose again as she fleeted her glimpse away once more.
"I fear Mr. Torik that you have read my wishes well. I could not have in good means explained what I wished more than you have offered." she gently brought her eyes back up to him.
"Certainly a weapon of great value, it remains to tug my curiosity as to the matter of payment for your services."
Torik
Removing the dagger from the table, he slides it back into the folds of his winter cloak. It was an odd request to be sure. Torik was well used to having those inexperienced to the deadly aspect of his craft making requests, but she was not of the position that was generally sent to make sure a request.
"Before we discuss how one would pay for such a weapon, I must know what soul this blade is to be born with. You are no sword steward, and while I could envision one of my blades being a grand wedding present...I expect to hear rumors of such with the loose lips of the court regardless of how I attempt to avoid such rumor."
A weak excuse he knew, but what truly peaked his curiosity is the use of the blade. It was rare question, and generally only ones he heard from lords of war in attempt to keep their sons from becoming soft like most royalty.
"No matter how you intend to pay for my services, you cannot do so without knowing a value. No matter how I intend to tell you a value, I cannot do so until I truly know what it is I shall craft...and for what cause."
Eva
Eva's eyes lingered on Torik's for long moment. Her breathing grew a bit faster as he implored her to tell him of whom it was for and for what purpose. Her fingers clasped with each other in her lap as she kept her eyes on the silversmith.
"I fear sir, if you knew the extent of emotion behind my request, that the value of such a blade to me would be above even the abilities of the King to purchase." Eva replied.
"It is but my best to assure you that it will not be made a grand spectacle, but the recipient is a soldier, adequately skilled in the ways of welding such a fine blade." she replied, her eyes glimpsed to her lap for a moment.
"A man whom, like yourself, is far too greatly undervalued for his abilities." she replied, bringing her eyes back up to his.
"I wish but a gift to convey my genuine appreciation for his kindness."
Torik
"Kindness...is generally not a reason to purchase a blade that would be worth as much as one of the finest horses in the lands. It would be difficult even for a noble to purchase a blade from myself, much less on wages known for the King's kitchen. Pardon my abruptness, for I place no merit on falsified ranks, to which no doubt the court rumors have spread through with disdain from those who refer to themselves as 'superiors' of men."
A calming breath and a grin.
"There is a reason you came to me, Eva. If you wanted but a blade of function for but a soldier, there are half a dozen blacksmiths in the city. Why look to spend the extra coin? Why look for a weapon so easily recognizable?"
"My questions on this blade only drive up the price. You have no doubt seen the trickery of the merchant class as those with more gold frequent your hall. Do your work Eva, sell me on why I ought make this weapon available."
Eva
Eva's eyes lingered on Torik's for a moment, saddening as he but indirectly told her she would never amass such a coin to pay for one of his swords at her own meek wages. She broke her gaze away from his as he asked why she'd come to him, why spend the extra coin.
"I came before you because I knew your work was of quality. That to hold one of your blades was an honor." she replied, her head titled slightly.
"But you are correct, there are others of similar ability nearby." she replied, gently bringing her hand up to touch over Torik's for a moment before she smiled.
"There are other bakers too." she replied, gently withdrawing her hand. "Perhaps you could find one who would gift you pastries. Yet I believe none would be as sweet as one given to you by someone whom cared." she replied, gently rising up.
"I would seek to give the one I love the very best, as I am but far from a prize. But I am confident he'd love a butcher's knife if I were to buy him one, sword or no." she smiled. "But I am no beggar."
Torik
Torik raises a hand to his chin, watching Eva, considering her words and her request. He nods slowly then raises his glass, finishing what he had poured.
"I mean you no disrespect in this, only that my curiosity was peaked at the request. We can work on payment that will afford you a masterful gift."
At her mention of the baker he smiles, taking a final bite of the pastry.
"These before anything...I do believe more could very well reduce the amount of gold I may require."
Folding the crumbs into the wrapping, Torik sets the rubbish aside.
"There may be something else you could assist me with that is worth far more than gold. That is something we will need to discuss at a later time; however, as it may be a...delicate...matter. I expect that you will want to come by my station during the day to work out details of the weapon. We can converse on the other matters of my payment then."
Eva
Eva's eyes lingered on Torik's, a gentle nod of her head. Her hands gently clasped back before her once again. "Any assistance you could give me in my request would be most sincerely appreciated master Torik."
Her eyes glimpsed to the pastry, or rather the crumbs of such before she smiled with a soft chuckle, "Then you shall have a King's share of them master Torik."
Her brow rose slightly at his request, a small questioning look lingered for a moment before she nodded, "Of course sir, I would be more than happy to assist you in any way that I may for your kindness."
"Yes, I will of course venture here during the day, if but to deliver you a meal and thank you always once more for your kindness."
Torik
"Ah yes, a meal during the day would be fantastic. My normal meals through the craftman's square being an apple if lucky, or those legs of lamb a day past prime if not. One day, I may be forced to take an apprentice, if for no reason other than to fetch for me something more proper to eat.:
Torik stands, checking the hour by how the embers have grown less bright within the front hearth. He takes a monet to stir them to bring about more heat and light into the hall before turning back to the girl.
"Tomorrow we discuss only the blade. I am more than certain this will provide us plenty of discussion for the order to fill one conversation. Speak not of the favor I will ask of you, and reveal to no one any fluctuation of the price. There are those that would prefer me not have my home or shop within these city walls, though their tongues have cost me no favor with the King nor his people, I assure you."
Torik takes a breath, pausing a moment. He is unsure of whether he can trust this girl as of yet, but knows she may be in a unique position to answer his quandaries.
"It is known already I am not one to frequent the church. I know already the God has no belief that I exist, and therefore I shall return His favor. I will not divulge details at this point, but I must ask since you are in a position of information, albeit most often gossip. How oft do you hear speak of the cardinal and his minions?"
Eva
Eva's eyes lingered on Torik's for a moment, a small questioning look still remaining though a small tilt of her head of acceptance to his wishes. "Of course master Torik." she replied. "and I would be more than pleased to feed you proper. There are many items in abundance left over from his Majesty's meal preparations, I would be glad to see they brought to someone of deserving skill.
She listened to him still, a nod, " You have my word master Torik, what you and I have spoken of will no pass beyond my lips to anyone other than you sir."
Her eyes held another questioning look as she heard him speak of the church, God, and the Cardinal. Even so, she was not of plotting mind, so she could but only answer in truth.
"I serve all of the Lords and Ladies of the court their meals. I hear speak of many items, the Cardinal and the others of the church are sometimes spoken of." she replied.
Torik
"Of course, Eva. We shall be able to speak in greater detail of the specific information I desire at another point and there is no need to burden you with such details at such a late hour."
Torik pushes aside a heavy curtain to look upon the snow drifting in over the streets. The winds did not seem too bad, though it was difficult to tell through the wax coated screens that stayed over his windows in the winter.
"Tomorrow then, I will show you examples of some blades. Perhaps you can bring along a sample that the recipient of the blade might use that I can match to its weight. Should none be available, try to feel so that you might compare. We shall be able to go over such things then. I am sure you will enjoy the result."
Eva
"Of course master Torik." she replied, her eyes lingering on him by the window before she adjusted her cloak around her shoulders some.
"Thank you for receiving me at such a late hour sir. I shall see you by midday tomorrow, till then, may you have a wonderful night master Torik." Eva replied, giving a curtsy down to him before moving to the door and leaving out into the cold snowy night.
