me:
*a small goblin woman looks up with a grin as the elf enters the lean-to shack that serves as a shop* "Welcome! How can I help you? We have a very nice selection of gems and inscriptions as you can see - and if you're looking for something special, I'm sure we can make it!"
*a curtain in the back is pushed aside for a moment as a young goblin comes through and places a newly cut gem in place*
Jared:
*a slightly distorted voice emanates from the hooded figure* "Your establishment's reputation precedes it. My inquiry is one of a more dangerous sort." (his voice sort of sounds vocoded, or autotuned after the incident)
me:
"Dangerous how?" A gruff voice asks from the back
*Razzix pushes aside the curtain and comes up behind the counter to glare*
Jared:
"I have yet to find a craftsman willing to work with this material. It is... foreign... to them." *a sleeved arm lifts from the figure's side and places a small glass case on the counter. the crystal inside pulses with blue and purple hues, almost alive*
me:
*Razzix shifts his gaze to the woman and makes a motion with his head - she takes the hint and backs off, shooing a few kids with her* *he looks back to the crystal* "What is it?"
Jared:
"The only type of crystal capable of solving my... problem." *the figure pulls the heavy hood back, it folding into position on his shoulders. a blood elf male with strangely silvered hair. glowing fog pours lightly from his eye sockets, matching the colors and patterns of the crystal*
"It is arcane power fused naturally with that of the nether. Found in formations about Netherstorm in Outland."
me:
*Razzix looks impassively at the stranger's eyes - or rather lack of eyes* "you said this stuff is dangerous? Dangerous how?"
Jared:
"A trivial matter for a skilled craftsman. For those less skilled... Have you ever heard of a Mana Bomb?"
me:
*nods grimly* In that case I'll need a different place to work. And it won't be cheap.
Jared:
"Coin is negotiable." *the elf produces a schematic and two small mechanical orbs from a pouch, placing the items on the counter*
me:
*Razzix studies the items closely* "yeah, I can do this." *he names a price - as promised, it is not cheap, though only a small amount off of fair - negotiation being part of the game*
Jared:
"Acceptable terms. And, assuming you do not explode yourself, you may keep the excess crystal."
me:
"I'll pass" *Razzix somewhat gingerly grabs the materials* "I'll have to find somewhere to work - I won't do this here"
(he'll probably find somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Durotar - he doesn't doubt his skills but there are some risks he won't take)
"oh, and you'll be paying in advance"
Jared:
"Your trepidation is understandable - and admirable. The burden of family should, I hope, guarantee careful work. Oh, and take care my good sir to not touch the crystal itself with an ungloved hand... I'd hate for you to share in MY burden." *the elf's eyes glow a bit brighter as a pouch of coin is placed on the counter*
me:
"noted" *Razzix calls back over his shoulder* "hey Lyra, count the man's coin, will ya? I have a job to do - oh, and pass me [short list of tools] and a pair of gloves"
*looking back at the elf* "Shouldn't take long - just have to find a suitable spot"
Jared:
"I suppose a few moments won't cost me an eternity." *lifts hood back up, obscuring eyes*
me:
"Try hours - I need distance" *Razzix grabs the offered tools and gloves and shoulders past the elf and out of the shack* *Lyra grins up from her counting* "Apologies for my husband's gruffness, I am usually the one to deal with customers"
Jared:
"Oft the most skilled craftsmen hide behind a pleasant better-half. I do hope that remains the case.. for your sake, and that of your small ones." *the elf's voice changes pitch unsettlingly several times as he speaks*
me:
*her ears lower a bit, but her voice remains civil* I assure you, there is no better jewelcrafter in this city. He's a bit odd, and takes more precautions than necessary, but we make good money. We will be fine."
Jared:
"Your optimism is refreshing. Unfortunately I find it a difficult sentiment now. Many things are difficult after what I have... no, but I must not trouble you." *the elf turns toward a display and begins slightly feeling around for wares to inspect*
me:
"As you wish sir. Is there something you would like to examine? Please allow me to help"
Jared:
*turning, the elf's hand brushes against Lyra's. a small spark lights up the shop* "Gods, my sincerest apologies! Please, please tell me you didn't see."
me:
*Lyra jumps back, startled* "Wha... um.. you mean that light?"
Jared:
*sighs in relief* "That wasn't the half of it. Last time that happened there was entirely far too much explaining to do."
me:
*Lyra rubs her hand* I'm pretty sure I don't want to know. Lets not do that again"
(editor's note: leaving these OOC bits in for clarity)
Jared:
(sometimes part(s) of what he saw in the nether get transfered through contact.. why he told razzix to wear gloves.. but he can't actually see yet so he has to feel around but try not to touch anything living)
me:
(ah, well that's gotta be awkward)
Jared:
(hence the reason for the magitek eyes)
me:
(heh, well wasn't sure just how blind he was - though Lyra did manage to stop herself from asking if he wanted to "see" anything)
Jared:
(yeah, he kinda has like arcane sonar at the moment but no real vision, just shapes)
me:
(so he can fake it decently - makes sense)
Jared:
(lets him get around but has to be careful indoors and around people obviously)
me:
*Lyra shakes herself and attempts to resume her saleswoman persona - though being careful to avoid contact now* *deep breath* I'm sorry sir, you wished to lo.. examine some of the wares?"
Jared:
(anyway, he translocated his vision to the realm of the old gods... tentacles, eyes, mouths... tends to upset people. and they saw him as well as he could see them)
me:
(eek)
Jared:
(doesn't affect people that share the memory, it's just really upsetting)
me:
(good that the effect is limited)
Jared:
*grabs a stool and sits in a corner of the shop* "No.. please. The risk is too great, I impose myself enough already."
me:
"ah, as you wish sir... um, can I get you anything while you wait? Or would you prefer to return later?"
*hastily shoos away a child that had gotten a bit close*
Jared:
"You have been a most pleasant hostess, but I will gladly wait in solitude. Your craftsman brings the return of my sight with him."
me:
"Very well, sir" *Lyra goes and grabs an older child, giving quiet but firm instructions to keep the rest of the kids away from the elf*
*after a few rather uncomfortable hours, Razzix returns with the completed eyes*
"here ya go - I left the gloves out in the desert, wasn't sure if there'd be somethin' left on 'em"
Jared:
"A wise assumption. The devices remove a significant portion of the handling risks. Please, just.. place them there." *hands withdrawn*
me:
*Razzix shrugs and places the eyes, and the vial with the leftover crystal, on the counter* "Good craftsmanship on the orbs" *Razzix crosses his arms and waits for the elf to take his items*
Jared:
*feeling his way across the counter, finally finding the items* "Ah. Yes, many months I spent searching for a tinker skilled in.. fine mechanics." *uttering a few words best not heard, the strange mist flows from his eyes into the orbs. as the mist fills the orbs, they spring to life and ratchet closed.*
me:
*Razzix watches with mild interest* "I trust I completed them to your satisfaction."
Jared:
"We're both about to find out." *picks up the orbs and inserts them into his eye sockets* "Ah, yes. Perfect. It is wonderful to finally see again."
me:
*Razzix nods and heads back to his workshop behind the curtain. Lyra sighs and rolls her eyes in exasperation* "Thank you for commissioning us, can I interest you in anything else?" *bright grin to the elf*
Jared:
"Yes, in fact I will take that excellent roguestone piece I was pondering earlier." *eyes fill with the same blue and purple flicker as he produces a handful of gold coins from an inside pocket* "Oh, and I should probably put these back on. *slips on a pair of blue silk gloves*
me:
"A fine choice, sir. We also have a number of mage glyphs you may be interested in?"
*Razzix sticks his head back through the curtain* "Make sure he takes the rest of that shit with him when he leaves. I don't want it anywhere near here" *Lyra covers her face with her hand, then turns and glares at him, he ducks back out of sight*
Jared:
"Your concern is noted. I have no further use of 'this shit' but I shall not endanger you or yours by leaving it. I'm sure someone may be interested in powering their home and tools for several years." *places crystal remnants back in the case*
me:
"Their funeral" *comes from behind the curtain*
*Lyra looks like she wishes she had a handy rock to throw at Razzix*
(Lyra would happily take the stuff off his hands, at least to sell, but she knows where not to push Razzix ... chewing him out about customer service on the other hand... XD )
Jared:
"Results speak for themselves, either way. Thank you both very much, but it seems I have reached the ends of my welcome. Should I have need of further work I shall return." *shoots Lyra a knowing, apologetic glance as he turns to leave*
me:
"Of course sir, though you are welcome to stay as long as you wish" *glares at the curtain* "But if you are leaving, please do come again"