Muireen was pleased that Nani Gaidin did not think that she was an absolute fool; her rigid posture deflated with her relief, and she stumbled to her feet. She nodded eagerly as the Gaidin assigned her specific exercises that would increase her dexterity and finesse with these stances, and tried not to look too intimidated by the obstacle course. It made sense that this sort of weapon would require pushing her body in ways that she was not used to, and it would all come in time. Surprisingly, the young woman found that she no longer envied the Drin that were able to heave their swords, but that she was perfectly thrilled with being Nani Gaidin's to shape and mold: the Borderlander would make a warrior, out of her.
The tiny Drin expected to be excused for the day, sent off to work on her flexibility and her grace until she was prepared to try the stances again another day, but Nani Gaidin had another surprise in store for her. "Come on Muireen," she said smoothly, with a wining smile. "We've got a bit more time, I'll be teaching you how to construct the fans, and procure you your own set. From there, I will finalise your training schedule, and schedule another day for us to work again." The Murandian tried not to look at the Warder with her mouth agape - she was already getting her own set of fans? But surely, she thought, her slim brows furrowed, I'm not ready for that. Nani Gaidin seemed to disagree, and lead her off towards the Tower forge.
Unsurprisingly, the forge was sweltering and loud: Muireen felt like she had been dropped into a sauna, and she could not help but close her eyes each time hammer struck metal, but Nani Gaidin seemed unfazed by the atmosphere. She was clearly familiar with the atmosphere, and though Muireen was cautious, she assumed that she would become accustomed to the forge as well. After a short explanation and no further ado, the Gaidin handed the Drin a heavy hammer - Muireen's shoulder sagged, and the weight was a bit of a shock - but she shook her head silently when Nani Gaidin asked if there was going to be a problem. No, she thought stubbornly, glaring down at the metal that would become a spoke, I can do this.
The heavy lumps were heated to the correct temperature: the women were silent while they waited for the metal to glow, until it was a rosy orange color, and Muireen tried to keep bouncing on her toes with anticipation. It was still difficult to believe that anyone was taking her seriously and here was a fully trained Warder offering to teach her all the secrets of her craft. Once the metal came out of the heat, Muireen was cautious; even when she was not touching it, it felt hot enough to melt her face off. She swung the hammer. The first blow was clumsy - it skidded off the metal with little effect. She blushed, huffed beneath her breath, and was grateful that her cheeks were already reddened by the heat. Nani Gaidin was quick to correct and guide her - and perhaps an hour later, they had a handful of spokes between them. The Gaidin seemed pleased - they arranged to meet again, to hammer out more of the required pieces for a set of fans, and arranged to train a few times a week.
By the time Muireen left the forge, she was sweaty, exhausted, and glowing with the thrill of triumph.
The tiny Drin expected to be excused for the day, sent off to work on her flexibility and her grace until she was prepared to try the stances again another day, but Nani Gaidin had another surprise in store for her. "Come on Muireen," she said smoothly, with a wining smile. "We've got a bit more time, I'll be teaching you how to construct the fans, and procure you your own set. From there, I will finalise your training schedule, and schedule another day for us to work again." The Murandian tried not to look at the Warder with her mouth agape - she was already getting her own set of fans? But surely, she thought, her slim brows furrowed, I'm not ready for that. Nani Gaidin seemed to disagree, and lead her off towards the Tower forge.
Unsurprisingly, the forge was sweltering and loud: Muireen felt like she had been dropped into a sauna, and she could not help but close her eyes each time hammer struck metal, but Nani Gaidin seemed unfazed by the atmosphere. She was clearly familiar with the atmosphere, and though Muireen was cautious, she assumed that she would become accustomed to the forge as well. After a short explanation and no further ado, the Gaidin handed the Drin a heavy hammer - Muireen's shoulder sagged, and the weight was a bit of a shock - but she shook her head silently when Nani Gaidin asked if there was going to be a problem. No, she thought stubbornly, glaring down at the metal that would become a spoke, I can do this.
The heavy lumps were heated to the correct temperature: the women were silent while they waited for the metal to glow, until it was a rosy orange color, and Muireen tried to keep bouncing on her toes with anticipation. It was still difficult to believe that anyone was taking her seriously and here was a fully trained Warder offering to teach her all the secrets of her craft. Once the metal came out of the heat, Muireen was cautious; even when she was not touching it, it felt hot enough to melt her face off. She swung the hammer. The first blow was clumsy - it skidded off the metal with little effect. She blushed, huffed beneath her breath, and was grateful that her cheeks were already reddened by the heat. Nani Gaidin was quick to correct and guide her - and perhaps an hour later, they had a handful of spokes between them. The Gaidin seemed pleased - they arranged to meet again, to hammer out more of the required pieces for a set of fans, and arranged to train a few times a week.
By the time Muireen left the forge, she was sweaty, exhausted, and glowing with the thrill of triumph.
- Spoiler: show
