voice; 8/12

[bibliophilicbells]

[A slight clearing of the throat, followed by a soft, heavily-accented voice. Prim, almost. And serious.]

I, ah, understand there's been some talk of firearms and their usefulness lately, but — well. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience in the art of blacksmithing? Or might know where one could hypothetically acquire a sword? A shortsword, specifically.

Erm.

Thank you... in advance.

[Awkward pause goes here.]

— this is Aziraphale, by the way.

[Another pause.]

Very good, then.

Comments

[thermalwind]

Don’t worry about that. I have a few back up weapons. This sword hasn’t seen any use since I got it. I’m happy to give it to someone who needs it.

[bibliophilicbells]

Well, then, in that case... thank you. Consider this a favor owed, mister...?

[thermalwind]

Keith. So long as you take care of it and keep yourself safe, that's enough for me. Where do you want to meet so I can hand this over?

[bibliophilicbells]

Mister Keith.

[Wait. That's not what he meant, is it?

Ah, well. It's out there now.]

The library, if you don't mind?

[thermalwind]

I know where that is and it’s a good place to meet. I’ll be there shortly.

[And true to his word it will arrive in short order. Keith is a tall man, his dark hair pulled back from his face. He’s built like a soldier and moves with the brisk pace of one. If Aziraphale isn’t there already he waits for him in a seat and outside the library a giant blue wolf almost the size of a lion slumbers near the door.

If he is there Keith nods,] Aziraphale, right? [He unclips the sword belt from around his waist and removes it and the short sword with a plain grip and guard. He holds the sheathed sword and the belt out.] If you’re got questions about this island or anything, I can try to answer them while I’m here. I got the time.

[bibliophilicbells]

[Aziraphale is there. He's made a second home for himself within its walls, helping as needed to justify his occupancy — and reading, and reading, and reading.

He spots Keith from the desk he's currently occupying and smiles, bright and warm and welcoming. There's some curiosity in his gaze, too, as he pushes himself from his chair and approaches.]

Yes, hello, thank you — [Reaching for the sword, Aziraphale finds himself hesitating. In all his millennia of existence, it's never been this easy.] — I'm sorry, I have to ask just one more time. You're sure?

[thermalwind]

[He accesses the other man at a glance. People here are full of surprises but one can get a bit of an idea about them from first meeting. It's all in what people share of themselves. He's always guarded, his steps light and eyes sharp. Like a blade ready to be drawn.

Keith pauses as well, Then he reaches for the white U at his side edged in black. The moment his hand closes about it purple light suffuses the object and it warps into a long slightly curved blade not unlike a kukri.]

I'm sure. This is one of the two I use. [The object reverts and he puts it back on his belt.] And I meant what I said. I'd rather a blade seeing use to keep someone else safe. Or who they choose to be safe.