Smith Office

This room has been striped of a mele of cots and toys which have been moved too the new children's room. The room is stark and bare except for a desk along one wall, and a few scattered wooden chairs along each wall. The shelves have been filled with papers and tools, ink bottles charsticks, paper, and other odds and ends. A well make portrait of the family hangs on the wall above the desk.

Baskets set into the wall are filled with sweet-smelling herbals.

Paric, Evan and Agrajag are here.

Agrajag walks into the office.

Agrajag towers over most people at about 6'1. His head is covered in blond hair which he tends to let do whatever it wants. His deap blue eyes show that he is almost always thinking, even if he does appear to be staring off into space at times. His mouth seems to be always smiling, especially when he's around friends. While his build may look lean, he has become quite strong from working as a Smith.
Sparkling on Agrajag's finger is a golden band.

Agrajag's double twisted red and white shoulder loop shows that he is a Smith Journeyman.

Agrajag is 20 Turns, 5 months, and 9 days old.

Paric is a handsome man, a couple of inches short of 6'. His hair, brown in color, is cut short, as he does not wish to bother with the hassles involved in having long hair. Looking at his face you notice that his eyes at first appear to be hazel in color, however, their color seems to constantly shift from brown to black to green. His forehead is wrinkled in apparent concentration of some matter of importance. He begins talking to himself, scratches his left brow and then while sketching something in a notebook he is holding in his right hand, grins and exclaims 'Yes...yes that'll work! Hmmm! But maybe there is a better way.' At which point he rubs his chin with his left hand and stares intensely at what he had just drawn.

He is wearing a very comfortable pair of forest green pants and a light cotton shirt with short sleeves, perfect for the hot climate of Ista.
Paric is wearing a heavy band of gold made lovingly by Cera. Recessed within the center of the band is a beautiful antique star sapphire. An exquisite display of blue fire resembling the sky at midnight erupts from the stone when the light hits the inner matrix of the large sapphire. Tiny crystal chips, like drops of rain, cascade down the sides of the ring interspersed with miniature marquise sapphires.

Paric wears the knot of a Smith Craftsecond.

Paric is 30 Turns and 11 days old.

Evan nods to Agrajag and motions him to a seat by the side of his desk.

On first glance this man seems unremarkable. Black, curly hair, cropped close to his head, blue eyes, and the beginnings of wrinkles make up an utterly unremarkable face. A slightly taller than average body, broad shoulders, well muscled arms, and callused hands make it probable that he is a Smith. However, upon a second glance, he is anything but unremarkable. Thick about him is an aura of authority and command that is seen in his expressions, the sureness of his steps, and his intense gaze. His soft, but sure voice speaks of a man who is accustomed to getting what he wants without trouble. As he takes a step, other things stand out. His lithe, light steps, and quick agile gestures speak of a dancer, but he is hardly that. Everything about him is silent, from his boots, which neither scrape nor thump against the floor, to his soft voice. When he walks he seems to glide. Upon a third glance, his eyes stand out more than anything else, for they are always darting about, searching. They never rest on anyone, or anywhere for long. Despite the swiftness of his glances, they are extremely intense, and his gaze can almost be followed by the succession of people who suddenly look disturbed, or anxious. Almost invisibly, one of his hands hangs close to a knife belt, fingers subtly twitching as if they ache to hold one of the knives. Finally, Evan's odd gracefulness is explained. He knows the knife, and knows it well. And, yet, there is still something odd about this man. A subtle suggestion that there is more to him than is visible.

Evan is dressed mostly in plain, unnoticable black. A pair of sturdy but worn black wherhide boots are mostly covered by a black pair of pants, although the gleam of a knife blade occationally appears from their inside edge. A black belt clasped with a buckle sporting a tongue made to look like a knife is crowded by several knives. Eight in all the knives are plain well made blades their hilts wrapped in black wherhide. The only mark of elegance is a well-cut gemstone at the pommel of each one, these knives are the trademark of this man. A dark red sissal shirt buttoned to the throat gleams metallicly. It is revealed by a black coat with silver buttons. Occasionally his right coat sleeve will fall back with the shirt to reveal a scar running from the man's wrist up his arm. Too clean and straight for a burn, it looks like a cut by a knife, intentionally judging by the length. The only mark of craft or rank about the man are two silver pins at the collar of his shirt, a knife on his left, and an anvil at the right. Evan wears a relitivly plain band on a finger, symbol of his marriage to Arakiel. Evan wears a pair of Golden Earrings. Although tiny hand work scrolls across them, it is all but invisible to any except the most trained eye.

Perched on Evan's shoulder is Lazy.

Evan is 36 Turns, 10 months, and 15 days old.

Agrajag nods to Evan and takes the seat, waiting for Darman to show up.

Evan nods to Paric and motions him to the chair to the chair next to his desk oposite from the one Agrajag is in, and hands them both a sheaf of papers... mostly garbage, but the top few contain the history of Darman's work in the Craft.

Evan says, "Let me know when you're ready and I'll send for him."

Agrajag takes the sheaf and starts looking through the first few, familiarizing himself with the parts of Darman's work he didn't already know.

Paric smiles and nods as he makes his way to the chair taking the papers from Evan, then sitting down. He begins reading through them with some familiarity then turns them over and places them on a corner of the desk.

Paric glances over at Evan and nods, "Yes...I think anytime will do."

Agrajag takes a moment longer to finish looking over them, then places the sheaf on the desk as well, then nods at Evan, "I'm also ready"

Evan nods and turns to the blue firelizard sitting on his desk, and frowns for a moment, concentrating.

Feisty suddenly disappears ::between::!

Darman strides into the office.

A 5'6 tall male with a gaunt build. His posture is near perfect as his gate is fluid and almost graceful. His brown hair is well groomed and clean, though a good eye would make out a faint beginnings of a bald spot developing towards the rear part of the top of his head. His facial features are all well pronounced. His eyes are deep brown that seem piercing and scrutinizing everything they see. Around the eyes are bush eyebrows and crowsfeet from the corners. It appears that his eyes are the most aged feature of his face. His nose is a little on the bigger side in proportion to his head but not as to appear ugly. His cheeks are baggy, thus giving him the appearance of having 'jowels'. His mouth is somewhat small. His hands are big and somewhat strong, but they are ever so gentle.

Darman wears a fine green tunice with golden thread woven into the neckline in an intricate pattern. His tunic is of a fine black color that seems to fit him perfectly. His boots are well shined and polished. He also wears a black vest. This vest has red thread about all the seams and white thread through the button holes and through the polished brass buttons. Around his neck is a locket. Perched on Darman's shoulder is Randle.

Darman wears the knot of a Smithcraft Sr. Apprentice

Darman is 26 Turns, 9 months, and 22 days old.

Evan frowns for a moment while they wait, "Do we want to play this as 'you're about to be dismissed' or 'you're about to be promoted?'

OOC: Evan says "Darman... that was just a tad fast."

OOC: Darman says "well you said NOW"

OOC: Evan says "sure... but I'd swear you @jumpped. :>"

OOC: Darman says "Fine I'll play it out"

Darman walks out.

[Smith] Evan (to Darman): Nah, you can come back in. :>

Darman strides into the office.

Darman walks in and looks around nervously. "Apprentice Darman, here as ordered, sirs."

Evan nods to Darman and motions him to stand upon the seal at the center of the floor as he continues to leaf through a large stack of papers before him.

Darman moves to the center of the room and stands nearly rigid. He's obviously been thinking all day about this moment, as there is sweat beading upon his brow

Paric reaches up and rubs the back of his neck and nods at the apprentice. "Good evening, Darman."

Evan grumbles to himself and finally sighs. He looks up, a slight glare in his eyes as he scanns Darman. He turns slightly and nods to Paric to begin.

Darman says, "Good evening Paric"

Agrajag nods to Darman as he enters, his hands resting comfortably in his lap.

Darman looks at Paric and Evan only. Everything else seems to be a blur. He nervously wipes some sweat that has run down into his eyes

Paric glances over at Evan for a breif second then reaches for the papers on the corner of the desk. "Darman, " he begins turning to the apprentice, "If you would please remove your senior apprentice knot and hand it to Agrajag."

Evan hands Agrajag a knife, "Make sure you deal with it appropriately."

OOC: Darman says "how you take not off again?"

OOC: Evan says "just pose it Darman."

Darman takes his Knot off and hands it to Jag, noticing him for the first time.

Agrajag takes the knife from Evan with a nod, then takes the knot and slowly cuts it into small pieces, just letting them fall on the floor for now. The knife is placed on the edge of the desk for Evan to reclaim whenever he pleases.

Paric nods. "Very good. Today you will be explaining what Evan and the other masters and journeyman have been writing in these, " he says his hands prominently displays a stack of paper. "In any case, you will not leave here today as an senior apprentice of the Smithcraft. Do you understand me." he says with a grim tone.

OOC: Darman says "Is reading that post over again to make appropriate response"

Darman regards the stack of paper with thinly veiled curiousity. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before nodding to Paric

Paric nods. "Now that we are understood about your situation." He turns and nods to Agrajag, "If you would begin."

Darman looks to Agrajag

Agrajag nods to Paric then looks a Darman with a completely blank face, "What do you have to say about your time as a Smith?"

Darman says, "My time as a Smith is not at an end...but I shall say that my time thus far as a smith has been good, but not easy by any means. It was a very educational experience for me"

Agrajag frowns at Darman, "if that is all you have to say about your time as a Smith, your time as a Smith might very well be at an end."

Evan raises a brow, "That's nice..." making the 'experience' sound worthless. "Please briefly summarize your accomplishments... and failures." The 'failures' is subtly emphasized.

Darman says, "I... I don't know what else to say! Smithing is my /life/! I know nothing else. "

Darman turns to Evan, definitely shaken a little bit. "My accomplishments are that I completed all my projects to the satisfaction of you, Rand, and Paric. I have had numerous commissions of every kind and it is only a matter of being around that I get more. I sold 8 Marks worth of knives to the Trading Shop on its grand opening as well.

Evan raises a brow slightly at that and makes a note upon a piece of paper.

Evan nods... "Interesting. What have you done as a Smith that has most embarrased you?"

Darman says, "I have embarrassed myself many times... Most of which coming at the very beginning of my Smithing career and towards the time in which I stand before you."

OOC: Darman says "Damn return key"

Paric's body leans back slightly to allow his elbow rest on the arm of the chair while he absentmindedly rubs his chin with his hand as he listens to each of the answers and questions.

Darman looks both ways and down to the floor then continues. "My first embarrassing experience was the first time I met you, Evan. I felt embarrassed that I was my age. I felt embarrassed that I took you away from your duties. Then there were other times

Evan shakes his head... "That's not what I meant... Tell me about something you have done, as a Smith not a person, that brings you shame."

OOC: Evan says "er... not merely a person that should read."

Paric's eyes stare intently at the apprentice awaiting his answer.

Darman says, "There was these Golden Marriage marks. I...I did a shoddy job on them and had to do them over. It embarrassed me because I should be able to do those easily! "

Evan frowns for a moment before continuing, "And what accomplishment, as a Smith, are you the proudest of?"

Darman says, "That would be the sale of four knives to Trader Elyssa, and a knife to Alethia on the same day, during the Smith fair I held with Chiarra."

Evan nods, "If you were a Journeyman, what would you say about your accomplishments as a Smith?"

Darman says, "That the gateway of becoming a Journeyman would make the hard times of being an Apprentice worth it. That everything I did was worthwhile."

Darman smiles a little bit, wiping some hair from his eyes

Evan shakes his head slightly... "My apologies... I meant if you were a Journeyman and were looking at your accomplishment from a 3rd person's vision. If you wer in Agrajag's place for instance."

Darman says, "I would say a career of modesty flecked with hard times and sweet ones. Integrity would also be noted"

Evan raises a brow at at that and murmers, his head descending slightly as he writes on the pad before him agan.

Agrajag continues the questions during Evan's brief pause, "Out of everything you have learned as a Smith, what do you feel you need to most work on?"

Evan glances at Agrajag with what might almost be... approval? Must be a mistake.

Darman says, "Well.... there is not much I have truly mastered. I endeavour to become a better smith all around. To do that, I need to work on everything"

Agrajag nods, "so you say you have learned everything in our Craft at the same rate, nothing seemed harder than everything else to learn?"

Darman says, "I have not learned everything. "

Agrajag sighs as Darman seems to be avoiding the question, "I asked 'Out of everything you have learned', not 'Out of everything you might learn'!" his look turns into a glare as he awaits and answer to the actual question.

Darman says, "Atfirst it was all hard. With constant study and evaluation, it gets more routine"

Evan scowls one of his hands tightening, obviously greatly displeased with the answer.

Paric's head drops down into his hand, his head shaking in disbelief.

Agrajag doesn't move, other than to say, "You're avoiding the question. Answer it!"

OOC: Darman says "Ok, perhaps I don't know what you mean oocly?"

OOC: Paric says "if you were to rank what specialties you have knowledge of...what is the one on the bottom of the ranking..."

Darman says, "The area I have most trouble accomplishing is using metals of exquisite and expensive in nature, like gold and such."

Evan states quietly, but extremely firmly... Ice in his voice, "The next question you avoid like that ends this interview... with a negitive result."

Agrajag sits back in his chair, relaxing just a hair, "And what are you doing to keep that from being a problem?"

Paric rubs the back of his neck then interupts. "Then you are saying that you know less about working metals than about wood?"
interview oops...sorry...

Darman looks at both of them. "I read up on the subject. I make use of each and every resource I can get a hold of. Gold is too expensive to practice on however. And Paric, no, I just interpretted the question as being within my subcraft.

Evan frowns and asks, "Darman... of all the things you have worked to learn in this craft... both within and outside of your specialty, what has given you the most difficulty."

Darman says, "Then either gemcrafting or glass crafting would be my choice."

Agrajag starts to speak, then stays quiet as Evan takes the words out of his mouth.

Agrajag nods to Darman, "and the second part of the question? What are you doing about it?"

[Smith] Evan (to Darman): be glad Agrajag asked that Question... the way you were answering it, Evan would've been all over you... but since t was Agra's question, it was his to deal with.

[Smith] Agrajag is ICly trying to give the same type of interview he recieved :)

[Smith] Agrajag: okay, so I'm wanting to give the same type of interview oocly as well ;)

Darman says, "I observe, read, and study whatever I can get my hands on."

Agrajag nods then glances at Evan and Paric. He is done asking questions, at least for the moment

Paric shakes his head as if he expected a better or different answer from the young man. Standing up from his chair, he walks behind Darman and begins pacing back and forth, the sheets of paper still clinched in his hands. "Darman, As you know, I am not an expert in metalsmithing. So educate me and describe the importance of metallurgy as it pertains to knives and other edged tools."

Darman says, "With knives, metallurgy is extremely important. If you have a bad forged metal, the edge will not last very long and the blade itself could snap in half near the handle"

Paric frowns and begins pacing back and forth as he asks his next question. "Please describe to us the purpose of the bevel on an edged tool and what degree of bevel in general used for the various type of edge tools."

Darman says, "With other items like pots, for example, could melt under heat "

Paric again studies the papers in his hand while he awaits Darman's answer.

Darman says, "A bevel is the angle between the edge and the flat part of the blade face. Without a bevel, the edge cannot be formed or maintained and the knife would be useless"

Evan asks, "Why do different tools have bevels at different angles?"

Paric glances back over at Darman, "And...?"

Darman says, "Different tools have different bevels to suit a purpose. A chisel has a steeper bevel than a knife.."

Evan blinks, "you've got that one backwards."

OOC: Darman says "Fudged..."

Evan says, "But the gist of my question was: What kind of things are steeper bevels good for, and what kind of things are flatter bevels for"
Darman says, "Steeper bevels are good for cutting while flatter bevels are good for chipping or chiselling"

[Smith] Darman: Damn, forget it. I guess I'm not ready at all

Evan nods and motions to Paric.

Paric reaches back and begins to rubs his neck as he stops in front of the apprentice. "As you are no doubt aware, Darman, the flame throwers are a vital tool in the irradication of thread. Can you please tell us the fuel used in their operation. Second, please tell us the how this chemical accomplishes its destruction of thread. And finally, please describe any benefits that are known."

Darman looks over at Evan and then looks to Paric. "Agenothree is the chemical involved in the eradication of thread. It does this by burning it up similar to that of dragon's flame except through chemical means. "

Paric frowns, "And?" he prompts awaiting the rest of the answer.

OOC: Darman says "missed the last part"

OOC: Paric smiles, "Last part of the first question?"

Darman says, "Agenothree has the benefit to the farmers of being a natural fertilizer"

OOC: Darman says "the last part of you post"

Paric frowns and shakes his head, "That is just two out of three. What is the other way the Ageenothree works to destroy thread?"

Darman looks at Paric, fear in his eyes, almost broadcasting his not knowing the answer. "I.. I can't remember."

Evan glances to Paric to see if he is done with his questions...

Paric shakes his head, his hand going up to his face. "You can't remember... Darman! After spending all the time out at the holds and you can't remember that Ageenothree also drowns the thread!" he exclaims placing emphasis on the word drown for the apprentices benefit. He turns and nods to Evan then sits back down in his chair.

Evan nods at Paric's answer, "However... I'm glad to see that you were honest and didn't try to make up an answer. Now this should be easy as you are a Metal Smith... Oil, Water, and Salted water are all used to quench tools after they are forged. Which gives the softent quench and which the hardest?"

Darman says, "I would say that salted water would produce the hardest quench and oil would be the softest."

Darman looks nervously expecting the worst

Evan nods, "Which of the three would you quench a sword in? and Why?"

Darman says, "I have never made a sword, sir.."

Evan nods, "A good knife then. The reasoning is the same."

OOC: Evan says "don't worry if you don't know this one... it's to test how you can puzzle things out."

Darman says, "I must study that question further, sir. I cannot give a definite answer."

Agrajag frowns at Darman, "you were so happy about selling those knifes, but can't adequately describe how to make one?"

Evan nods, "Take a moment to think about it."

Darman says, "I always used water to quench my knives. I never tested salted water or oil"

OOC: Evan says "Here's a tip however: harder metals hold an edge very well, but might break and carry vibrations extremely well. Softer metals don't hold and edge as well, but can be worked to a much sharper edge."

Evan shrugs, "The best knives and swords are quenched in Oil, because the softer metal can be honed to a much sharper edge."

Evan says, "Why don't you heat steal until it is white-hot?"

Darman nods. "I am sorry I did not answer to your satisfaction

Darman says, "That would be because it would go beyond it's critical temperature and become brittle"

Evan nods, "Good... WHY does it become brittle?"

Darman says, "Because the grain comes out wrong. "

Evan almost laughs, "Grain in a metal?"

Darman frowns and looks down at his feet

Darman says, "Yes.. grain. "

Evan sighs... "It's because the carbon added to the Iron gets boiled off." (OOC: convert that to Perneese Terms... it's clearer in earth language) He looks to paric and Agrajag to see if they have anything to add, or any quetsions.

Paric shakes his head and glances over at Agrajag.

OOC: Darman says "drat"

Agrajag says, "Take a look below your feet, tell me what you see and what it means,"

OOC: Agrajag reminds you that you are standing on the seal

Darman says, "The Seal of the Smithcraft"

Agrajag nods, "and the second part of the question?"

Darman says, "It means honor, service, quality, and pride."

Agrajag nods, "What are the watchwords of a Smith Apprentice?"

Darman fidgets a little

Darman says, "Knowledge and Honor?"

Evan nods, "what do they tell you to do?"

Darman says, "Strive to learn as much as you can and be true to the craft and others"

Agrajag nods, "and the tools?"

Darman says, "Hammer and Quill"

Evan nods, "And what do they symbolize?"

Darman says, "The hammer symbolizes strength and productivity. The Quill stands for knowledge and information."

Evan shakes his head, "Close...

Evan says, "The hammer is to break open closed minds so that they can see the truth. The Quill is to write down and remember knowledge that is gained."

Paric sighs and glances over at Evan giving him a slow nod while shaking his head back and forth as if in answer to a unasked question.

Evan nods to Paric, 'IF you would do the honors?" he reaches into a drawer and hands paric a small box.

Paric shakes his head as he takes the small box and opens it. "I don't know Darman. You surprise me sometimes. I think that you surprise all of us. You have been here a short while and have .... well... All I can tell you is to remember these two words, "Judgment and Service". I expect great things from you as we send you away from this hall...."

Paric glances back over at Evan and Agrajag and winks before turning to face Darman with a grim face and hands the young man the box.

Darman takes the box and looks at it carefully

Paric smiles and places his hand on Darman's shoulder. "This is ... a parting gift ... Something I'm sure you'll remember as you leave the Crafthall," he says of the box with its contents. "Please look inside and make sure that everything is in order."

Evan shakes his head slightly... amused.

Agrajag does his best to supress a chuckle and keep a straight face. Hopefully Darman is paying to much attention to Paric and the box to notice.

Darman opens the box and smiles as the Jman knot is revealed to him

Darman says, "I made it..."

Paric grins, "Well..don't just stand there gawking...put the thing on!"

Darman puts his new knot on and smiles to all assembled

Paric extends his hand to Darman and grins, "Congratulations! Journeyman Darman!"

Evan nods, "Aye... Congratulations indeed."

Agrajag grins as he stands up, then waits for Paric to finish before shaking Darman's hand, "Congratulations!"

Darman grasps Parics hand and smiles. Then Grasps Jags in turn. "Thank you all. I was worried a great deal"

Agrajag chuckles, "I think we were all worried during our orals." he then nods to Paric and Evan before stepping out the door.

Agrajag walks to the Craftworks.

Paric looks sternly at Darman, "Worried? As well you should be. Because now the responsibilty and dutes that accompany that little piece of string will weigh even heavier on you as well as those two words. But enough of that for now, " he says with a chuckles and smiles, "I think it is time to have you find your new quarters in the staff area."

Paric nods to Evan then turns to Darman, "Well..Darman...let me show you too your quarters..."

You step out of the office.