05/31/21 - A Gift of Metal

[Blue]

Blue recalled why she wasn't a fan of traversing Ul'dah on her own. The winding corridors and the loud noises of crowds moving through them left the girl to hug the walls and slip towards new openings that appeared through groups of busy people. She was glad she hadn't brought the little one along this time. This place felt a lot more confusing to Blue, and finding an adventurous girl among that crowds and stalls and chambers would be an exercise in futility.

Still, Blue was here for the little girl she harbored, and when her eyes caught upon a room of what looked like many people tinkering and chipping away at metal, she thought she may have found the space at long last. The goldsmith's guild.

With a sigh of relief, the Xaela walked through the archway that led into the room…and stared. How did people commission people? Everyone seemed so busy..

[Kallo]

Kallo' was over in his corner as usual, looking over some plans he made for a project of sorts. He tapped his chin while thinking, tap, tap, tap. He was fairly idle in this moment compared to his peers

Kallo' had his black jacket and pants. He was more professionally dressed than his peers as well, whilst not dressed like a Goldsmith particularly, he seemed to stand out more as some businessman in a way

Letting out a sigh as he stood up, he had been reviewing and redrawing his plans for a couple hours now, and looked around the room as he stretched. Kallo' laid eyes on the seemingly overwhelmed Xaela, and recognized a customer in her being here

Noticing his peers were all lost in their own worlds, he gestured to the Xaela with a friendly smile to come talk to him, his black and white hair rustling a little from his simple shoulder movements

[Blue]

Observant eyes noticed the gesture, and with a slightly anxious smile, Blue made her way past other workers, taking as much care as she could not to bother them while they worked.

Still, she wouldn't help but watch with avid fascination, earfins flicking at the sounds of the hammers striking trinkets, building and forming rings and baubles of all sorts.

When she finally reached Kallo, she offered him a friendly wave and tilted her head.

“Do you work here too? You're not dressed like the rest!”

[Kallo]

Kallo': Why yes, I do work here~! I'm more at a freelance level rather than learning under the guild being part of my outfit standing out.

Kallo' opened up energetically, but still subdued enough to not bother the others. He quickly pulled up a stool for the Xaela to sit in as he gestured for her to sit

Kallo': So, have you come in for a commission by chance?

[Blue]

Blue took the offered seat. She was dressed in what looked to be a traditional Au Ri gown, fiddling at the feathers dangling from her waist as she observed Kallo.

“Yes! I've never really done a commission before so I'm not sure how it works…but I'm looking for something to be made for the child I'm-” She paused and corrected herself. “For my child. A little toy just for her.”

[Kallo]

Kallo' sat down and noticed the context hint that slipped out. He had a soft spot for those who would take children in as their own, making him smile brightly as he tilted his head in interest

Kallo': Ah, that's a wonderful thing~. It must be a special occasion then. …Well, how commissions normally work is the client brings in their idea for what they're looking for, and if it's within our power, we forge it for them. Typically, we normally direct all commissions to our Guildmaster, however since I'm not working directly under her, I tend to take commissions I am willing to work on.

Balmung started simply as he gestured an open palm to the Xaela, speaking in both body language, hand gestures, and tone very carefully Balmung: Now, did you perhaps have a specific present in mind for the child? If not, we can perhaps brainstorm some ideas together until you are satisfied with the commission itself?

[Blue]

Blue beamed. “Well…everyday is a special occasion for her! But I don't have too many toys at home and she could use something that is just her's.”

The Xaela seemed to settle somewhat, perhaps more at ease now that there was just one individual to focus on, muting the noises of the surrounding workers tinkering behind her.

“Well, she's an adventurous girl that always wants to explore and discover things. Was afraid if it was a stuffed animal, it might just rip, so I was wondering if something small but tough could be made that she can carry in her pocket or in her hands.”

[Kallo]

Kallo' began stroking his chin as he thought about what the Xaela requested. Something durable, small enough to fit in a pocket, but it's still a toy. While it narrowed it down very little, he did have some decent ideas rumbling around in his head. He leaned in with a more focused expression now, his arms crossed

Kallo': While that's a start for your idea, there's quite a few things I could do that fit those categories.

Kallo' opened up before something she said stood out to him. He perked up a bit as he leaned back again with a finger pointed to the air, as if an idea struck

Kallo': However, you said the child is the adventurous type…yes?

[Blue]

Blue nodded. “She wants to learn about everything and thankfully my husband and I keep up with her pretty well, cause she loves to run off and discover new things.”

“Just the other day she was wanting to pet a buncha orobons…but they're really grumpy fish and don't seem to like being petted.”

[Kallo]

Kallo': Hmm…maybe something less of a toy, and…more of a helpful trinket?

Kallo' began suggesting as he sifted through some papers in his bag under his desk and pulled out the designs for a compass, offering the paper showing the designs to the Xaela, a friendly smile on his face

Kallo': Do you think this might tickle her fancy? It'll be made from Hardsilver, so it should be considerably durable.

[Blue]

Blue blinked a little bit before she took the paper from him, bright eyes scanning over the various designs etched out.

“A compass….” She tapped the scales of her cheek with a finger before smiling.

“I think that's a great idea! Less of a toy but something that changes when she moves around and can show her the direction she needs to go to find..”

She looked down at the paper again thoughtfully. “My husband used to be a tracker so he'll have quite a fun time showing her how to use it!”

[Kallo]

Kallo': Well…excellent!

Kallo' replied just as excitedly, clapping his hands together before he began pondering something with a curious expression

Kallo': Perhaps…it would be wise to add some kind of personal touch to it as well? I could give the lid of the compass a sort of small picture frame for it to have sentimental value?

Kallo' asked with a small smile on his face while leaning forward, looking over the Xaela's facial features

Kallo': I would only need a picture you would prefer that would fit the compass.

[Blue]

Blue seemed just as excited, humming happily as she passed the paper back to Kallo. The Xaela's facial features were well of the blue-toned variety, with a brighter hue of blue framing her forehead and eyes. If one looked for too long, it would be quite apparent that it was not face paint, for the color seemed to faintly ebb and flow in intensity.

“A picture for the front of it…hum…well. I think it should maybe be a bird, or a feather. Something free.”

[Kallo]

Kallo' paused in thought for a moment. While he didn't personally agree with the Xaela's choice of picture, he wasn't going to push it either. This was a customer, not a peer to debate with

Kallo': Very well…perhaps a bird in flight would be an ideal picture then.

Kallo' replied as he took out a smaller piece of paper and began writing stuff down on it

Kallo': To who am I making the commission out to, Miss…?

Kallo' asked while gesturing to the unnamed Xaela, a smile striking his face once more as he awaited her to greet herself

[Blue]

“Oh, I'm sorry! My name's Blue! It's nice to meet you!” The girl fidgeted in her seat, clearly excited for the project to be realized. The tip of her scaley tail was batting against the side of the chair.

“How long do you think it might take for the compass to be finished? No hurry of course..gives me time to get her the second present.”

[Kallo]

Kallo' turned fully toward Blue and gave her a bow in his seat, his hands just above his knees, similar to how they practice in Kugane

Kallo': My name is Kallo'. The pleasure is all mine.

Kallo' replied respectfully before she could ask her question

Kallo' pondered a moment before looking to the diagram for the compass

Kallo': Well…if I stick my nose to it heavily, 3 days at most. I need to put forth a request for glass after all…and check my supply of Hardsilver.

Kallo' replied in earnest as he was confident in his abilities, and recognized the real problem would likely be the resources

[Blue]

Blue watched the bow with some curiosity.

“Ooh..are you from the East? I came back from there not too long ago…but nice to meet you Kallo!”

She then brightened.

“Only three days? That'll be more than enough time then! If you don't have enough of the hardsilver you need…I could maybe find some…or at least get enough to help you resupply. Depends on what my friends are up to, reallys!”

[Kallo]

Kallo' was caught off guard she recognized his mannerisms, and opted to let her finish before tilting his head, keeping his smile up

Kallo': I lived in Kugane for the later half of my life before returning to Eorzea. …That was another time though…

Kallo' tried to casually reply to the observation of his past without holding interest before he thought over Blue's offer

Kallo': I think I still have quite a bit from the last time I gathered materials out in the East. …I believe the real challenge will simply be waiting for the glass I require.

[Blue]

Blue waved her hand up in the air excitedly as he admitted to having lived in Kugane.

“Oooh! I traveled and stayed there for a few moons to do some training and things. It's really pretty out there…so many different lands and customs and people. I wouldn't mind visiting again someday.”

She smiled and dropped her hand into her lap once more.

“I hope the glass comes in soon then! Though if it does take longer than three days, it's okay. I don't mind!”

[Kallo]

Kallo': It shouldn't take longer than that.

Kallo' replied matter-a-factly as he gestured to his peers

Kallo': It's just under a bit of limitation at the moment due to how many orders of glasses we have been getting lately, to avoid running out incase some kind of rush order comes in.

[Blue]

Blue nodded, before bringing a hand up to her cheek, musing quietly to herself. She looked to Kallo again, smile wavering slightly.

“I just hope she likes it. I know it's not really a toy…but it is a gift. It's kinda hard to know what children might like. When I was a child, well, I didn't really have any toys. Just played and wrestled and explored things with my sister.”

“And even now, with gifts and things, there's not many things I carry around with me to cherish.” She reached up and tapped at her colorful flower pin. “A gift from the Shoud.” She moved her hand back to tug at the yellow ribbon in her hair. “A memento with a lot of memories..”

Blue shrugged gingerly. “Kid me would have delighted in a compass though!”

[Kallo]

Kallo' chuckled a little as he leaned in, speaking softer to Blue. His tone was gentle, and a little bit passionate as he put a hand over his heart

Kallo': Children delight in presents with strong sentimental value, Madam. Their hearts are pure, and full of things like love in ways we've adults seldom taken for granted.

Kallo' almost seemed to speak from experience a bit as he then gestured to the compass designs

Kallo': In all honesty…a compass of her family would probably give it infinitely more meaning than that of a bird…wouldn't you agree?

[Blue]

Blue nodded softly at most of Kallo's words, though at his suggestion to change the image upon the compass-in-making, the Xaela stiffened and frowned.

“I….I'd rather have the bird please..” The expression on her face was one of inner turmoil. Her earfins flattened against her head. “Till I know we can be her family..that something or someone won't take that away, I don't want to do that to her.”

[Kallo]

Kallo' absorbed her words, and nodded softly in understanding

Kallo': Apologies…I…suppose I got carried away in suggesting such a personal thing.

Kallo' gave Blue an apologetic smile as he paused for a few moments, as if…thinking maybe

Kallo': Perhaps I should take 1,000 lashes~?

Kallo' asked in a joking manner as his smile grew bright, a slight shift in his personality, but an endearing one to defuse the mood with sarcastic humor

[Blue]

Blue's lips were still pursed in a concerned frown but she seemed to loosen up a bit at his latter words. The Xaela blushed and shook her head.

“No, it's alright! I'm sorry. Maybe if things change for the better I can commission you again for something like what you say. Then you'll have me as a customer again.”

She offered a flicker of a smile before moving to stand up from her seat.

“Is there anything else you need? How much do you think this project will cost?”

[Kallo]

Kallo' was happy and relieved that he eased the air, and chuckled to himself when Blue asked about the cost

Kallo': Normally, something like this runs up to roughly a thousand gil or so, but…I'm willing to discount it by half, since it's such a special present~.

Kallo' replied in both honesty, and enchantingly as he gave Blue a little wink

[Blue]

Blue clapped her hands together.

“That would be great! Just a sec!”

The Xaela felt around for a small satchel at her waist before pulling it open and unlatching the top.

Within, one could see sprigs of gysahl greens and one thick krakka root. She felt around for an even smaller bag, the familiar jingle of coin hinting at what was inside.

Blue passed it over to Kallo. The bag itself seemed incensed in various herbs.

“I think there should be enough gil there..”

[Kallo]

Kallo' was a bit surprised as he was offered the Gil upfront. He chuckled a little before waving it away in reassurance

Kallo': With bigger commissions like this, I like to exchange the finished product for the Gil. I enjoy the work moreso than the coin.

[Blue]

Blue's eyes widened, before she reluctantly put the money pouch away again, nestling it within her satchel and settling it back on her person.

“Oh okay. I'm not sure how all this works, so just wanted to make sure. I'll bring you payment when it's finished then!”

She smiled and curtsied for the man.

“Thank you very much for taking this project. I can't wait to see it!”

[Kallo]

Kallo' nodded to Blue as he gave her a bright smile

Kallo': How payment works will vary from person to person on commissions. As an independent, I prefer to accept payment when I actually have the product for the customer.

Kallo' clarified once more before standing up and taking a bow respectfully to Blue

Kallo': And thank you for hiring my services. I hope the compass turns out to your delight.

[Blue]

“I'm sure it will. I'll return in a few days, so look forward to seeing you then!”

Blue smiled brightly and nodded before swinging around and making her way back to the entranceway to the goldsmith's guild. She took one more look over her shoulder at Kallo, gave a merry wave, and disappeared once more into the Ul'dahn crowd. Well, as much as one with bright blue hair could disappear.


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