Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Earth - Midnight Calls and Mayhem Introductions.

(snip)

“Crimson and Gray! Nice blending of clan colors, don’t ya think?” Blaire yelled back. “Or we go the exact opposite and do all black. Maybe with gold. Make a statement he ain’t here to be pretty. What do you boys think?”

Blaire

Oddvar considered. There was good cause for both choices, but he didn’t know Mike well enough....For Hearth and Home were the words Mike had chosen earlier at dinner. “Crimson and grey. It’s for family and clan he’s doing this.” Terje nodded, waiting for the knuckles to heat again, then he punched the last three letters. “If we tell my brother, Isak, he can make the scabbard match.” Oddvar grunted, took a tracing of the blade and left only to return soon after. He attached antler to the tang and then began wrapping a storm grey leather around the handle, sewing it tight around with crimson lacing. Every few stitches he criss crossed the lacing around the whole thing providing texture to allow for a firm grip. “What do you think Blaire? Should we have Seamus test it out?” Terje meanwhile had finished the brass knuckles, quenched them, and was cleaning them up.

Oddvar

Blaire smiled and said “In a while. First, I want you to try this.” She held up a knife made of the same Damascus steel as the sword. It was wide-bladed with a finger-hole in the middle and a wicked looking gut hook. Polished wood handle with brass fixtures completed it. “Made it between layers of the sword.” she said with pride. “Go on, try it out on that scrap leather. It’s for you, Master Oddvar. As a thank you.”

Blaire

Oddvar held his hand out for it and took it, holding it up to the light and inspecting it. To not do so would be an insult to the skill and talent Blaire had put into the blade. He carefully ran his finger down the edge and gently tested the joins and finish of the handle. Then wrapping his fist around the handle, to find it was a perfect fit for his large hand he drew the edge across the leather, and it cut through like melted butter. “Blaire, this is a magnificent blade. I am honored. Thank you.” and he gave a very respectful salute. “Your clan is truly blessed.” He spent several more minutes ‘playing’ with the knife, testing it on different materials and looking for all the world like a kid who got exactly what he asked for from Santa.

“Oddvar!” Isak came walking into the forge carrying a large leather scabbard, the same storm grey and stitched in crimson. He saw Blaire and nodded, “You must be Blaire. Welcome to Bømlo and the clan. I’m Isak, Terje’s older brother.” He held out his hand to her. If he noticed how attractive she was it didn’t show nor seem to phase him. Terje wished he was like his older brother.

Oddvar

Blaire took his hand in a grip like… well… a blacksmith’s… and shook it once. “Pleasure.” She eyed the scabbard and said “Aye… that’ll do.” and she took it and walked to the blade. Looking back over her shoulder, she said “Wanna see it?”

Blaire

Isak nodded, “I’d be honored. I have no talent for the forge, but Master Oddvar and I collaborate often.” Oddvar nodded, “Aye, your family has always had skill with the leather, but I’ve never seen anyone work it like you, Isak. You’re an artist with it. Don’t sell yourself short.” Isak shrugged. “We each have our own talents. I’m glad Terje has you, he loves working the metal and no one else in our family has the knowledge to teach him.” Isak gripped Terje’s shoulder with a nod. He could tell his brother was eager to show him what he’d been allowed to help with and he’d take the time to really look and appreciate it. He was proud of Terje, the lad worked hard at home and then took extra time to learn here with Oddvar and follow his passions.

Oddvar