prontissimo | avalon inbox

[ Lan Wangji hasn't even seen Alberto's penmanship yet and he's already planning writing and reading lessons. Oh, boy. ]

gentile sig. lan wangjii,

ok.
i need to walk sofia first then
see you in20min

ciao,
Alberto

[ It does not take him twenty minutes... He leaves Lan Wangji waiting an extra fifteen minutes, and arrives looking a bit harried for it. He's a bit out of breath because he ran a ways here, feeling so bad he ran late because of his pet being stubborn, though he quickens his pace when he spots Lan Wangji outside the place requested, his breath forming thick clouds before his face in the cold air. He's dressed for the weather at least, though, thoroughly prepared for the snow now, clearly — even excessively so... He's wearing a slightly oversized raincoat over a brightly colored blue-and-purple striped pullover, brown gloves and a thick, red plaid muffler, a leather fur-lined bomber hat, classic yellow rainboots despite the utter lack of rain, just to protect himself thoroughly from snow on the ground, as well as embroidered blue jeans that are most definitely designed for little girls, but, uh... he liked the butterflies. No shame. He has almost zero inkling about human fashion norms, and received many disparate donations from kind souls concerned about why he has no winter wear; so basking in his new wardrobe, he's just been choosing individual articles of clothing he likes and throwing them together because he likes them, regardless of if the garments match each other or not. He lives for the now in every sense... even his fashion sense...

He's panting a bit by the time he approaches Lan Wangji, letting himself obviously rest before him once they meet. Running was probably entirely unnecessary, and he could have just sent a text saying he's gonna be a little late, but... that's not his style. No, no, his style is this, showing up in a ridiculous outfit out of breath after a long sprint for no real reason. ]

S-Sorry! I'm late! Signor! Sofia... tried to escape again...! I caught her. She's fine. Whew!

[ He straightens up, glancing around as he composes himself, a curious look coming over his face with an arched brow. ]

...What is this place?

[This is why the 'no running' rule exists. Not only is it disruptive and unseemly, it also leaves one flushed and incoherent, unbalanced in mind and body. By the time Alberto catches up with him, notably foregoing any greeting, Lan Wangji may seem just a little unimpressed by his conduct. At least he can appreciate the importance of attending to his pet and securing her, so his lateness is excused. He did ask for Alberto's company on very short notice.

Alberto's choice of clothes is as odd to him as just about any Avalonian garments, so he is prepared to overlook the garishness of some of the items. It's... functional, at least, and if this somehow allows him to leave the inn, so be it. Lan Wangji himself is dressed for the cold with a thick white coat clasped around his shoulders as the only addition to his usual attire.

The building behind him is unassuming, no storefront to advertise its purpose, only a name plate above the door to denote who lives here. Lan Wangji had been forced to ask around to learn of and locate this person, a personal sacrifice probably only Wei Ying could appreciate. Or tease him about. Probably both.]

Bladesmith. In future, give notice of delays. No running.

[ Alberto has literally never heard of any "no running" rule. He runs all the time, to make up for tardiness, out of excessive excitement and eagerness to get somewhere, or, sometimes, out of sheer boredom... He can't imagine not running — he runs somewhere pretty much daily, always taking time to run with Sofia, too. Alberto has way too much pent up energy to walk everywhere every time, every day...

Regardless, that subtle unimpressed look on Lan Wangji's face is not lost on him, and it's to much the same result as when they'd first met. He nods quickly, eyes askance before his gaze finds the ground, an uncomfortable hand searching for his other arm to hold, his body language shrinking at the slightest suggestion of being "scolded." He seems a little gruffer for it this time, though, his tone of voice a bit tauter... He said sorry. And he only ran because he was sorry! So his expression is less sheepish than before, a soft frown tugging his lips, brow barely knotting as he avoids eye contact. ]

Yes, Signor...

Edited 2022-01-23 21:15 (UTC)

[ He lets out the tiniest sigh through his nose, composing himself once more, regaining some of his confident facade. He brings his eyes up to the building first, rather than to face Lan Wangji, examining their surroundings. He doesn't look as excited as one might expect to be told he's visiting a bladesmith. Mostly because: ]

...I don't know what a bladesmith is...

[ But as he hears himself speaking aloud, something clicks, slowly at first, mumbling to himself thoughtfully. ]

...Bladesmith...

[ His eyes grow wide suddenly, and he gazes up to Lan Wangji again finally with a look of disbelief. ]

Edited 2022-01-23 19:04 (UTC)

Bladesmith?! Wait— That's—

[ Ah. There's that burst of his usual exuberance, the bright grin most anyone who knows Alberto has come to expect, though he seemingly can turn this energy off and on like a switch when he's rubbed the wrong way. But this? As soon as the meaning dawns on him, he's over the moon. ]

That's someone who makes swords! A-And knives and stuff! Right?!

[ Oh, the dazzlement is mounting. There's no doubt that Lan Wangji's done a very good thing here. ]

[Of course Alberto has not heard of all 4000 Lan sect rules. Alberto is not a Lan disciple, and Lan Wangji would not enforce this rule as if he were, would not forbid him from running for exuberance or play. Even if he considers it a sensible rule to choose to follow, himself. He did mean exactly what he'd said - with notice of delay, running would become unnecessary. But perhaps he'd been slightly too sparing with words, to be mistaken once again for scolding when he had meant to be instructive. He would never be looking for mindless obedience, and can't even be certain that Alberto is taking his words to heart when he's being like this, or only doing whatever will let him avoid further criticism. What a waste of unasked for contrition and a kind of respect Lan Wangji does not want. His expression softens a little ruefully, not that Alberto is even willing to meet his eyes to see it.

But it is reassuring to see once again that Alberto's spirit cannot be stifled for long, and his own rises in turn at the boy's clear excitement once he realizes what they're here for. He offers a small smile and nod in return, now making an effort to be... less easily misunderstood.]

We are here to choose a suitable sword for training.

[ Though it might have seemed impossible, Alberto's smile grows even wider and brighter, now making very deliberate eye contact with Lan Wangji and staring at him as if the man had just handed him 100,000,000 Lire — a look of pure dazzlement and disbelief. ]

Really!? I get to pick it out?! Any sword I want?!

[ That's... not what he said, Alberto. But the kid's so excited, he's practically bouncing where he stands, were it not for the barest shred of self-control. He can't even control his own volume, oops... Too much? Too much. ]

[A little much, yes. But Lan Wangji is hardly going to risk silencing him again so quickly, so he weathers the increased volume stoically. And if the bladesmith objects, it will be an important lesson on being courteous to customer service.

Though truthfully, seeing Alberto so overjoyed, he is liable to stop at nothing to give the boy what he wants. Still, he clarifies, voice patient and soft enough that Alberto may be inspired to also adjust his volume a little before they enter.]

A suitable sword. I have already chosen a selection.

[So not quite any sword, but he will have the last word on which sword feels right in his hand. And he can be assured that his selection only leaves the best.]

[ Alberto at first instinct is ready to be disappointed that Lan Wangji's already made his selections, but after a beat, nope, that slight hesitation melts away — still just as exciting. He's no less jazzed for it. He trusts Lan Wangji's probably picked out the best ones anyway, certain he's an expert, even without much basis for comparison to prove it. He can just tell from that first time he saw him with his sword. He's confident in the man's expertise, and even more enthused now to think he'll have the cream of the crop, if not the pick of the lot. So his smile fades only a slight hint, and for only a slight second, before becoming just as bright again.

He does pick up his cue and follows suit adjusting his volume, though, containing himself a little better under the man's gentle influence. ]

Okay! Heh, benissimo, let's go~ Heheee~!

[ He collects himself, though he fails to stifle a light little laugh, still grinning ear-to-ear, taking a slight step or two toward the building coaxingly, just out of sheer anticipation, but lets Lan Wangji lead the way. ]

[Alberto's unadulterated delight and impatience are all the more endearing for his attempt to contain it, all his energy and excitement simply boundless, though he does his best nonetheless, as expected. It is all the coaxing Lan Wangji needs to consider Alberto as prepared as he is going to get for their task, to spare him any more waiting and take the lead into the building.

The interior of the bladesmith's business is far more workshop than a store of any kind, with the forge prominently at the center and an anvil, workbenches and tools arranged in every available space. Only one wall is spared to display a selection of the master's finest works mounted on it, swords and daggers of various shapes and sizes in elaborately crafted sheathes gleaming in the flames of the forge. It's clear this bladesmith values his craft above all else and only sells to those who come looking for him.

The master himself is at another workbench, polishing a newly forged axe head, though he does glance up to acknowledge Lan Wangji and keep a not so unsubtle eye on the boy. This is not exactly a place set up with child safety in mind.

Lan Wangji, for his part, will head without hesitation for another corner of the room, where a few simpler swords are already set out.]

[ Alberto's staring with wide eyes and mouth agape as soon as they walk in, spinning in a circle just past the entrance to get a 360 look around. He lets out a soft, low whistle, impressed and amazed. The master bladesmith hears that little whistle and raises a brow dubiously. Alberto's eye lands on the man himself next, and he gives a little start, not expecting him, nor his size, nor his discerning raised brow. He's immediately getting flashes of Massimo — which is a plus, in his book. Big strong guys with lots of knives, yeah, he's into it. He offers the man a sheepish grin and a little wave of his hand, not really sure what the decorum should be here. He simply follows Lan Wangji to the corner where the swords are set up, standing beside him with his back straight and his posture balanced, alert and head held high, arms safely by his side — his "good kid" stance. He manages to swallow a bit of his smile to match the airs in here, but he's still buzzing inside, try as he might to contain himself. He looks up at Lan Wangji expectantly, never ever more excited in his life to receive instruction...! A surprise in itself. ]

[Alberto's amazed whistle is also not lost on Lan Wangji, whose stride does not falter but his gaze does cut to the side to watch the boy out of the corner of his eye. But Alberto does not stray, and Lan Wangji notes his self-restraint and attentiveness with not a little satisfaction. It's obvious this matters a lot to Alberto, and what matters to him earns his full dedication. Good.

Lan Wangji has already chosen the swords best suited to the basics and style of swordsmanship that he can teach Alberto. All of them are single-handed, straight and double-edged swords with sharp, pointed tips. The task now is to discover whether he would benefit more from a lighter, faster blade, perhaps even a relatively short blade, since he is tall for his age and can afford to lose some reach in favor of speed. Or if a heavier blade would give him the feedback and the focus he requires, would ground him and force him to slow down, in favor of building up the strength he had already shown fighting the cursed pumpkins. Lan Wangji has no doubt that Alberto has the potential to be a powerful swordsman, excelling in both strength and reach, indeed much like Lan Wangji himself, if trained correctly. So he has his opinion on the matter already, but equally if not more important is Alberto's own choice of whether he wishes to prioritize agility or power.

But that choice is for later. First, he must simply be introduced to the weapons. So Lan Wangji rests his own white jade-sheathed sword gently against the table, before picking up the lightest, shortest blade to start. It has a plain sheath, though the hilt and guard are decorated with exciting, swirling engravings. With both hands, he offers it to Alberto.]

Draw it.

Edited 2022-11-08 20:50 (UTC)

[ Alberto's eyes widen once more at the sight of the sword as Lan Wangji offers it to him. He takes in the swirling designs, hesitating half a second to take it from Lan Wangji's hands. But when he does, he holds it gently but firmly with both hands, and draws it quickly but carefully. His gaze follows his hand on the hilt, watching the silver edge expose itself, until it's fully unsheathed, and he pauses to marvel at it. He's never held a nice weapon — or, well, really, anything nice like this... There's something austere in the air in this moment that even Alberto can't tune out of it, pausing to examine it. His eyes dart up to Lan Wangji's uncertainly, but after a beat, he readjusts the sword in his hands, and begins testing its weight with cautious swings side to side, up and down. He's not really sure how to test out a sword, he realizes now that the awe is starting to settle. He can trust his gut feeling all he wants, but he has no real knowledge of what qualities he should be looking for in a weapon. After those couple slow, aimless slices through the air, his eyes following his blade, he turns back to Lan Wangji with a tentative tone tugging his voice. ]

Um— What am I looking for, exactly...?

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