ooc;; -pettles Saluce- poor lickle boy!

A month had come and gone and Saul was still alive and kicking. There were some plus sides to the end of this month that he had not had the benefit of having last month. He was no longer on his own, he belonged to a pack. He was reunited with his brothers, although his sister was still missing. He was slowly learning to hunt, having missed out on these vital lessons when he really needed them. He had learned to shift, his optime form one of alien nature at the moment and one he didn't really like using. But he would get there, he would grow to see the uses of this form when he began to seek out teachers. It had come to the young boys attention that he was lacking in skills that would make him a useful pack member. Though he was still a pup, or adolecent as he now wished to be referred to as, he wanted to start building himself from an early age. Saul was, apparently, very big on self achievement.


It was late afternoon by the time Saul set out from home. His morning bath had been frosty and cold, the cold air of the morning not helping to dry his fur like it used to. He considered briefly changing his routine having his bath after his run. It was a big step for the young male, who not only severly relied on his routine to get him through the day, but was developing a bit of an obsessive personality. Before he left, his bedroom had been returned to the neatness he wanted it to be in- the small single bed made with pristine care so the brown blankets hugged the mattress severly. The small wooden dresser and footstool tucked neatly against the wall as always. Saul hadn't started to collect any clothing yet, since he preferred his lupus and secui forms over his optime right now. But a wardrobe stood tall facing his bed on the far wall by the door. A small treasure trunk lay at the foot of his bed. He had removed an item before leaving, keeping it firmly in his mouth as he left.


His nose guided him through Wolfville, the dark and musky scent of fire and metal leading him to where he wanted to go. He wanted to find the blacksmith, although he was yet to learn his name. The dagger in his jaws had been a present from Gideon, given to him by Bris, from their father and who knew how many relations before them. He wanted to know what it was, and despite his pacifist nature, how to use it. He didnt wish to fight with it, but he realised just how vulnerable their house was if both Conor and Bris were out. They were all puppies at one stage of development and they neede protection when the adults were away. Saul intended to do this. Green eyes searched as he reached the shop, taking in the soot that clung to most surfaces, noticing the gleaming silver that clung to everything else. It was like a wonderland in here. Nervously, Saul called out.


""Hello? Is there anyone here?"


He didnt even know that the blacksmith would be there, but he had figured a systematic search would be better than a random one. If he wasnt here, Saul planned on searching Wolfville before moving on to the outer lands of Dahlia. He was determined to protect his family, whatever it took.


word count;; 587

"speech"

ooc;; <3

There was a certain tangy scent to this place that Saul found both familiar and totally alien. Taking deep breaths and trying to figure out where it was coming from and what exactly it was, the young male remained clueless. In ways, his brain tried to tell him it was blood that the place stank of, the thick irony scent clinging to most surfaces. But the black soot and the darker scents that he couldn't gasp were tantalising his tastebuds. He was lost in this world of metal and fire, for he could just see the dancing embers in a fireplace some ways away. He dared not walk any further into this unknown world, for he knew very little about the man he came to seek. He didn't even know the male's name. Still, he would put on a brave face and get the information he needed.


A deep voice rumbled in his ear and Saul jumped around with a shocked look on his face. He had been expecting the male to appear from the inner depths of the shop, not from behind him. Green eyes took in the dusty grey of his coat, the largeness of his body and tried not to tremble. This male reminded him briefly of an aggressive female he'd met in the wild- she hadn't been very kind to him at all. Words caught up with him and he processed, although the first word the male spoke was completely foreign to him. Saul was just a youth and had been born close to Nova Scotia anyway. There was very little language skills in his mind other than pure english. He couldnt even have told you what language it was, let alone what it meant. Green eyes lowered and his head dipped in a respectful way as he spoke.


"Good day, sir. I came to ask your help... I-in protecting my family."


He stated simply, stuttering just once. Despite the friendliness with which this male greeted him, Saul was just a little wary of him. He had been in Dahlia for just over a month and almost all the creatures he'd met had been female. Still, he forced himself to look at the male in front of him and was almost shocked with what he saw. A weight was dragging this male down, something heavy seemed to be pushing down hard on his shoulders. His eyes were filled with such sadness that he couldnt look in them for more than a moment. Something bad had happened to him, although Saul was ignorant to what. A deep sense of sympathy for the warrior in front of him gripped him and he lowered his gaze once more, trying hard not to despair on what might have happened to this male.


"I have a knife... a dagger I think, that was given to me. I don't really know what it is or how to use it. I w-was wondering if you could teach me? Or at least give me a few pointers?"


He explained, still a little intimidated by the male's presence. Saul would have to get used to others he knew, but it would take time. He shifted slightly so that he stood precisely opposite the male, the dagger at his paws and neatly aligned so that everything was neat. This was a feature of Saul's personality that he had no control over- he was becoming some kind of perfectionist with most aspects of his life. Green eyes gazed at the warrior's chin, not only out of respect but also from the inability to meet his tortured gaze. What had he gotten himself into now.


word count;; 607

"speech"

ooc;; <3

Saul was acutely aware of the scrutiny in which he was being assessed by the blue eyes of this male. He was pretty sure his name began with an 'S' as his did, but Saul had never outright been told the blacksmith's name. He assumed he would introduce himself in a moment, but the critical eye of the male held his tongue. As though he were being assessed, evaluated and Saul didnt know what to do with himself. So he straightened himself out once more, head coming up to look the male in the eye for a moment before dropping his gaze to the mouth of the male in front of him. He wanted to appear mature and ready to be told how to use the knife that had been given to him, even if his stomach flipped at the thought of actually using it. He doubted he would ever have an opportunity to use this knife, he doubted he would ever have reason to use the skills the blacksmith would teach him. But it was better to be safe that sorry.


Rumbling words intruded his pondering once more and Saul understood immediatly. While he was most comfortable in his lupus form, his optime form had the advantage of opposable thumbs and actual hands. It took just a moment of his concentration this time to feel the shivers race down his spine. He grew although he wasnt massive like Gideon had been. He stretched quickly, shaking out the shivers with a quick shake of his back. Green eyes watched the grey male walk to the back of the shop, they widened easily as the blacksmith drew the swords from his back and placed them in their rightful place. They looked so dangerous the young male didnt want to go anywhere near them. Picking up his dagger gingerly in his hand, Saul walked towards the male.


"I'm Saul, by the way."


He stated simply, not knowing what else to say. He had told the blacksmith why he was here and what he wanted. It was up to him to either accept or reject him. Saul wasn't sure what he wanted to happen to be honest- he didnt like the dagger he held in his hand and would rather walk away. But he needed to know how to defend not only himself but his family. So he swallowed his doubts and hardened his spine, waiting for the blacksmith to speak once more.


word count;; 410

"speech"

ooc;; <3

His breath seemed to catch in his throat and the young male didnt truely understand why he was feeling so nervous. The blacksmith could either accept his asking or reject it, and if it were the latter then the Stormbringer would walk away. It was as simple as that. But some puppy selfishness in him didnt want to be rejected, he didnt want to walk away empty handed. The hand that held the knife gingerly towards the grey male clenched softly, holding tight to the weapon that he had been informed to be a family heirloom. He wanted to know how to use this weapon just as much as he wanted to keep it safe for his children, in the future. A soft tinkling brought Saul's attention to the masses of iron that clung to the walls- half made swords and daggers that needed further decoration or finishing of some sort. He hadnt noticed these before and he wondered why.


Scathing words cut through him and Saul realised that this wasn't going to be all fun and games. He had realised, of course, how serious his request was and the enormity in which he undertook the task to protect his family. But he hadn't seriously considered killing someone with the dagger. Injure or seriously harm them, most probably. But the concept of taking another's life rebelled against Saul's very core. He was a pacifist and only wished to learn these basic moves for protection- he would strive to keep the peace before dagger's were drawn. But he wanted to know what to do with this dagger should the need arrive.


"I know better than to play with such a weapon. I am prepared to protect my family, whatever the cost. If that means taking another's life... so be it."


He whispered seductively, voice sombre and serious. He was trying to look strong and independent in this mans work place, trying not to show just how badly it was costing him to learn these things. But he also understood that it was necessary. Green eyes watched as the man walked into the darker depths of his shop, past his projects and other knick-knacks that had no home. He had the strange feeling that this male was going to reject him, was going to send him away. Saul's gaze hardened for a moment. If this male was not prepared to teach his pack members to protect themselves, he wasnt a very good packmate. Something akin to frustration threatened to break through his control before the male spoke once more. Hardened in his decision to learn this, Saul whispered seductively with a curt response, feeling angry at the male for threatening to deny him protection.


"I seek only to protect my family. However, if you are not up to the task of teaching me to protect myself, I will take my plea elsewhere."


He stated simply, green eyes meeting blue with a sharp steeliness that was uncommon in the peaceful Stormbringer. Perhaps it was simple maturity that had turned his happy-go-lucky nature into something more serious but there was no doubt the young male was growing up and thinking seriously about the repercussions of his actions.


word count;; 533

"speech"

ooc;; its fine deary! It was a lovely post!

The first noise that came from the grey male was one that Saul had not expected. He laughed and at once the timber wolf was enflamed. Saul was vividly reminded of his trip to the outer skirts of Dahlia, closer in the Ethereal Eclipse region than Dahlia. The pale female who had laughed at him for his brave attempts at defending his territory. The scowl was too slow to form however and the male's gruff voice stilled him. Green eyes were momentarily distracted by the blacksmith's fiddling with intrusments and objects on a desk before his ears took over and his brain concentrated on the words. What he was saying made sense, but at the same time Saul was confused. Surely the male could understand, could see, that Saul was not seeking this knowledge for power or control over any other creature. He wanted to learn this so that he could protect. However, Saul swallowed his automatic response and thought through it. The blacksmith might have been telling him that despite his intentions right now, the knowledge would still be there if he ever decided to use it for unhonourable things. He didnt need to think about whether he would chose the right path- Saul didnt intend to use these skills on anyone other than an attacker. He nodded softly, green eyes hardening in his resolve.


"I am prepared to chose the right path"


He stated simply and though his voice shook slightly, the determination on the young mans face might be enough for his sceptical teacher to believe him. Trying hard not to take a step back as the blacmsith strode towards him, Saul held his ground with a pounding heart. He usually avoided conflict at any cost and this fact might mean he never had to use the skills he would be taught. But to leave himself so vulnerable and weak was not responsible of the male and therefore he was here. The green eyed male didnt even think about resisting as the dagger was taken from him and inspected by the gruff man and the male held his breath to see whether he would comment on the dagger itself. He didnt and instead spoke more about the knowledge he seemed unwilling to hand over. He was talking about his own experiances and Saul now understoof completely what the male had meant about paths. It seemed the blacksmith had not been so straight on his and did not want it to happen to anyone else. The caution with which the grey male clutched the knowledge to his chest now made sense and Saul felt his frustration at the mysterious nature of this creature fade away. He seemed to have good reason to be unwilling to teach.


"I understand. And I am willing to do whatever it takes, including killing another."


He reassured and altough he knew he had already spoken these words Saul felt as though he were saying them for the first time. With understanding came reservations but he pushed them aside and followed the male deeper. The place seemed to be a labirynth and Saul had lost sight of the door and his way out. However, the words that followed made his stomach flip and a small, humble smile to grace his lips. The male would teach him. But not now, it appeared. Saul could live with that, he was a patient creature and it almost excited him to be given the opportunity to help out the pack. He might even learn how to use metal to make things, if the male would let him. Doors seemed to be opening all around him and despite him having come her to learn to fight his heart felt better for learning a new trade such as metal work. His tail flashed softly back and forward as he gave an eager nod.


"I would love to assist you here- thank you for the opportunity. Would you like me to come here every day to help out or just once or twice a week? I don't mind, I like working... Thank you Mr--?"


His words gushed out like they hadnt before and the young male snapped his mouth shut when he realised he had nothing to call the grey male. He hoped the blacksmith would fill in this gap in knowledge, if not he would refer to the male as Sir. In his mind, his routine was shifting nicely- he would still rise and bathe before taking his morning run, but he would return through Wolfville instead and come help out in the shop. He would be learning and training at the same time, which was a bonus. He couldnt believe his luck at the moment and a smile spread across his cheeks at the thought. He was growing up, although was it too fast? He didnt care.

word count;; 808

"speech"

ooc;; <333

The males name was given and Saul was pleased that the gap in his knowledge had been filled. Saluce was the blacksmith's name. When the gruff male went to confirm that his name was Saul, the young man simply nodded as confirmation. He'd already given his own name so he needn't comment on the fact that Saluce was checking. Green eyes watched as expert hands weighed his dagger, noting how Saluce balanced it on his fingers and how it tipped towards one side. It was an interesting thing to do and Saul noted how his own dagger fell backward on the hilt side. He began to speak, and Saul smiled at the memory his words gave. Standing in Gideon's bedroom, waiting to set off on an adventure. His brother tell him about the dagger.



"My brother gave it to me... My father gave it to him before."


He interjected and although the information was totally useless Saul couldnt help but feel proud of his families dagger. He didnt have much time to think about this however as his own dagger and another were thrust into each of his hands. He was told to tell the difference. At once he thought he couldnt do it. His natural instinct was 'I can't'. However, he didnt think Saluce was going to take 'I can't' or 'I don't know how' as an excuse. He held them both lightly in each hand, noticing how both of them weighed roughly the same amount. Neither was noticeably heavier than the other. They appear to be roughly the same length as well. He thought back to what Saluce had said about purpose and tried to finger weighing thing. A smile crossed his lips as his own dagger tipped backward on the hilt, while the borrowed knife tipped forward.


"I would guess that this one is for slashing, not stabbing. All the weight it on the blade..."


He stated, not at all sure if he was right. Before he had time to see if he was right or not, he glanced down and noticed the two swords on the desk. Slipping his own dagger into the waistband of his cut offs and placing the borrowed dagger on the desk, Saul picked up the swords. There was a more obvious difference in these two- one was shord and stocky, the other was longer, slightly curved and elegant. But Saul already knew that Saluce was not looking for visual differences in the blades. He tried the balancing technique again but he was lost when he almost dropped one of them. Words began to distract him and he gave up after a moment, holding both swords by the hilt in each hand.


"I'm afraid I don't know the differences between these two... aside from obvious visual differences."


Was his only response to his teachers words about peacetime and knowing your opponant. Then again, there wasnt all that much he could say about it, it wasn't a question he could answer. So instead he waited for Saluce to point out what was different between these two swords that he couldnt guess.

word count;; 518

"speech"

ooc;; Yarhar!!! 100th post!

The gruff man had, at first, been rather unwilling to speak to Saul and had been harsh when the young man had asked his questions. He didnt seem to want to teach Saul what he knew, seemed only to want his own company and no one elses. It was for this reason that Saul had expected a reprimand when he had been unable to answer his second question. He didnt know what the difference in usage for the two swords was, aside from obvious cosmetic differences. However, Saluce did not scoff or scorn him, instead a note of surprise entered his voice when he asked whether Saul could truely see no difference. Of course there was, but his hands had not been trained as Saluce's had in handling weapons.


"I don't know much about these kinds of things, so my answer would have been that one is long and slender, curved slightly, whereas the other is short and stocky with obvious use for strength rather than skill."


He had surprised himself with his answer about the broadsword. Now that he thought about it properly and picked up the swords once more in each hand, he could see how the shorter one might be used. He was no warrior and his teenaged mind had never thought to consider an actual fight. He hadnt ever had to think analytically about an opponant because up until recently he considered himself completely at peace with most creatures. He had been wrong, but he had also never considered another's weaknesses before. Saluce's voice washed over him as he tested the broadsword again, imagining an opponant rushing towards him.


If the opponant were larger than him and certainly more powerful, Saul would have wanted the broadsword. It was stronger and sturdier than the longer sword and he imagined that it would take more of the brunt of the power of an attacker. The broadsword was much heavier than the longer sword now that he weighed them again in his hand, reincofrcing the idea in his mind that the broadsword was for wrecking much more damage than the longer sword. He then imagined that his opponant was faster than him and more agile. If he had a longer sword that could reach further he would be able to slice at an opponent whilst still defending himself. This was further reinforced by how much lighter this sword was to the broadsword- one could easily swing this long sword through the air to slice, but the broadsword was far to heavy to be used long distance. He tried to get this out in one big sweep to let Saluce know he may had understood.


"The broadsword is heavier and has more power than the curved sword and I would imagine it being used on an opponant that is bigger or more powerful than myself. On the other hand, the curved sword is lighter and longer and I would imagine it being used for slicing at an opponant that is too scared to come closer."


He answered, hoping his answer was right. He didnt enjoy being wrong or not knowing the answer, especially because he liked to think himself rather intelligent. Eyes sought blue as he waited for his teachers assessment of his answer.

word count;; 544

"speech"

ooc;; pleasums!

The broadsword was gestured for and Saul happily handed the blade back. He didnt want to think like a warrior anymore, didm't want to think analytically about killing someone. It repulsed him to think that he had actually thought like that. On the other hand, it was all for the benefit of his family, for his pack. If they were ever invaded or attacked, he didnt want to have to sit on the sidelines or be the weak one. So despite the fact that he wished to remain neutral, he had to learn it. If he thought this way it would make it easier to deal with later when he was actuallty facing someone who might kill him- he had learnt these things through neccessity, not vanity. That made him feel at least a little better about this. Saluce was talking once more and the young male listened again.


He nodded, absorbing the information and storing it away for a time when he would need to again. When Saluce had asked for the other sword he had obliged, handing the slightly curved blade back without hesitation. They both had felt wrong in his hands. He also took back his dagger that had lain on the counter top alongside the other dagger Saluce had handed him. He tucked it quickly into the waistband of his trousers, wishing to get home quickly so he could return it to the trunk at the end of his bed where he always kept it. Not for the first time in the past few weeks Saul thought briefly about trying to find his own place to live, or building a whole house to himself. Saluce asked him to help but away things around the shop, a sport Saul partook in eagerly.


"Sounds good to me Saluce"


He answered before setting loose on one of the worktops. He sorted and shifted and organised until there was a completely open space on the surface with only a few choise tools neatly placed around the outside. Everything he had taken off the desk was in a place of its own. Eyeing the table next door, he began to do the same thing, allowing his neat freak nature to take over his mind while he worked. He would be home soon and he could ponder on this meeting some more. But there were dirty worksurfaces everywhere and he wouldnt leave here until some semblence of order was in place.

word count;; 409

"speech"