prontissimo | avalon inbox

[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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