escordvi | AUGUST CATCH-ALL

Who: Darin Altway and You!
Status: OPEN
Where: The Starmetal Forge and around Eltrut and Nogard depending on the quest!
What: The Starmetal Forge Grand Opening and MANTA Board quests!
Warnings: None!

-STARMETAL FORGE GRAND OPENING-

[It took longer than he would have liked but after months of hard work, he's finally managed to do it. He'd saved up enough money and made enough connections to rent out and properly refurbish a big enough workshop then applied for his formal business license. And now, finally, after all of that and months of preparation, he can finally say:]

Welcome to The Starmetal Forge! Whatever your wish may be, with this hammer, I'll forge it into reality!

[The workshop isn't massive. It's actually rather modest, but Darin's invested all of his time into preparing for this day. The forge is fired up and he has two very meticulously organized and cleaned workstations ready to go with pristine tools. There's plenty of space for people to come and watch him work and even a sizeable storeroom for more rare materials; including the small horde of elemental gems he'd recovered from the Abyss.]

[But the crown jewel of this endeavor is the sign above the door. A sign bearing his personal emblem; a shooting star whose tail curls into a perfect circle with the handle of a smith's hammer coming from the comet itself, as if the star was the hammer's head. It's an emblem he'd kept ever since he took up the hammer. One he'd hoped would adorn his own forge some day. And now, the day has finally arrived.]

[He'd placed a MANTA board request specifically for this month. Anyone with any rare materials and wish for new items or equipment could bring it to him and all he'd charge is a small labor fee. He can't wait to see what people bring in!]

[When you come to check the place out, he's already tinkering with something or other. But you'll catch his attention soon enough and he lifts his head, smiling.]

Hey, welcome to The Starmetal Forge! Name's Darin Altway, Master Smith and Forgemaster! What brings you in today?

-GEMSTONE RESEARCH-

[With an abundant supply of Gemstones at hand, Darin has already been tinkering with ideas. But first, he needs to see just how powerful these stones are and if their various elemental effects can be combined.]

[Darin has had in mind a variation of a grappling hook for some time now. Something that can be fired with some sort of propulsion mechanism and retracted with a small motor. But he'd like to incorporate some of the gemstones as a way of magnetizing the grapnel. Something that will allow him to grip metal surfaces as well as wooden or stone.]

[So he's in the testing area, working on a glove with an elemental gem of wind and lightning slotted into the back of the hand to see if he can create some sort of magical, magnetic effect. This surely won't end poorly for anyone who wants to look over his shoulder.]

-TRAILING DAWN-

[Darin doesn't spend as much time on Nogard as he should. Honestly, being a Corsair never really sat right with him, but it was better than being a Paladin. Just another instance of never seeming to fit anywhere specifically. But since he's on Nogard doing some testing of his gear, he's decided to take some time and wander the beaches like he used to do back home in Kenmore.]

[When he finds the large, deepwater fish dead on the beach, Darin finds himself kneeling and examining them.]

What the hell are these doing way up here...? Deepwater fish don't usually wash up on shore...

The hell is going on...?

(OOC: I am open to other threads and quests so feel free to ping me on Discord at bitterbearface or Plurk (

bitterbearface)if you'd like to do something else!)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Do you...want to remove the Eikons from you and Benedikta...?

[A wry grin.]

It had been a thought, and I would be good to know if that was an option should ever need it. But no, it's a different problem.

[This is...a bit delicate to speak about, and there's a contemplative moment before he continues.]

A problem that you would become more aware of and somewhat involved in should you join the crew.

[Darin nods.]

....I can't lie and say I'm not intrigued, Cid. And...honestly? No one's ever asked me to be a part of anything before. Hell, my old man had to fight tooth and nail to get me admitted to the smith's guild and then I had to double the output and skill of every other smith just to rise in the ranks. I had to prove to them I was one of the best smiths in the kingdom before I got my master certification because they didn't want to be seen giving someone who looked like me the certification I deserved.

So...I guess I was taken aback at first. No one's ever actually wanted me. And I want to pay that sentiment back in kind.

But, if it's all the same to you...can I think a little bit more on it. There's...actually someone whose opinion I'd like to hear.

[He quickly puts his hands up reassuringly.]

N-Not that I plan to tell her about you and Benedikta's little problem! I just...

I want to do right by you. By everyone.

[There's a bit of a smile at his hesitation, and warranted given his background. He didn't expect an answer this time, either, though he's satisfied that it seems he's become a bit persuasive. What he said from the beginning remains true: he is more interested in Darin's talent for smithing than whatever power he yields. However, now that he's heard that story and knows more of his situation, he is more inclined to want to help him find a place where he can feel comfortable, perhaps even belong until he can stand on his own two feet.

It's one of the goals of his crew, anyway.

...However, there's a spark of intrigue in his eyes at hearing about another person potentially involved.]

"Her"?

[Oh yes he caught that, and while he won't make hasty assumptions—]

Friend of yours?

[—a young man seeking the opinion of a lady? There are very few reasons for that so Cid is very intrigued.]

Huh...?

Oh...yeah. She's uh...She's the first friend I've ever had. She knows about what I am and...

[Darin runs his hand through his hair, a nervous tic he developed as a child but never fully lost.]

She's...been really patient with me. And I know I don't make it easy. And while I trust myself to know if I'm doing the right thing or not...

Well...she's a lot smarter than I am. And I think I owe it to her to include her in big decisions. That's...how it works with friends, right?

[................................................

Cid just stares at him before his hand goes to half cover his mouth, though it does very little to hide the very amused smile. Well not that he's really trying.

Ah, these young lads.]

In some ways.

[Yes and no—

Still, again best not to make too much assumption so he won't pester Darin.

This time.]

But very well, let me know what she says. She's also welcome to join if she's so inclined.

[Darin just...tilts his head.]

Oh...you know, I'll ask her. Honestly, if there's anyone out there who can find a way to help you guys, it's her. Her name's Zelda. You should look her up.

[Darin just laughs. Cid's look was strange but...it's not like Darin said anything weird, right?]

And...I do wanna say that I appreciate the offer, Cid. Moreso because you see me for a smith before anything else.

...That means a lot.

[His gaze softens a bit at that.]

Of course. And like I told you.

[He taps the corner of his eye with a grin.]

I have an eye for these things.

[He then reaches over for his mug to finish off what's left of it.]

That said, don't feel too pressured, Darin. Whether you join or not, I'd still like to use your services, and you'd be welcome aboard the Enterprise II or even visit the Roost should you ever need it. And if you ever need an ear or someone else to help you with your little "problem," you can reach out whenever you wish.

It's your choice, Darin. This world has granted many a second chance in life in some shape and form, and that includes you. Choose how you want to live without regrets.

I...definitely want to give it some thought. I've never really 'belonged' anywhere so the temptation is definitely strong. Plus, not to sound too cozy but you remind me of someone from back home. In a good way.

But, I'll say this: I'm notoriously bad with authority. You sure you want a dark god with a knack for getting into trouble running around with you and yours?

[He just laughs at that.]

Darin, lest you forget, I became an outlaw and led a rebellion full of misfits and miscreants opposing authority myself.

[A wry grin.]

I'd say you'd fit right in.

...Words I honestly never expected to hear in my life but...

Welcome nonetheless.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need another pint. The bastard renting room inside of me makes it so I can't get drunk so I might as well take advantage of it.

[Another laugh as he raises his mug.]

I can drink to that.

[Cid raises his voice to a louder bellow.]

Oy, another round over here!

AUGUST CATCH-ALL | OPEN TO ALL

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