bravenewworld | video;

[the warp band video is as grainy and black and white as always. When it comes on, it's pointed toward the kitchen table. Laid out on the table are feathers. Three of them are about three feet long, and another four are between a foot and six inches. Even without color, it's possible to tell that these aren't just any ordinary feathers. These feathers seem to be made of gleaming metal, the individual barbs at the base coalescing into solid steel just a few inches higher.

Then, Eren speaks]

Hey. I'm finally done molting, so I have a new crop of feathers to sell or trade. Molting sucks. But at least I can make some money off of it. I used two of them to make new swords for myself, and then payment for the blacksmith, and then a few weren't really high enough quality to be used…

uh. Oh! If you don't know, Skarmory feathers make some of the best swords ever. They're light and just flexible enough to not break, and they hold an edge like no one's business. [Eren turns the warp band to himself, and he draws one of his swords. It only vaguely resembles the feathers on the table] You just have to take them to one of the blacksmiths in town and you can get whatever kind of hilt you want on it. The smaller feathers make good knives and stuff.

Anyway, prices are negotiable, but don't expect to get these cheap. They're worth a lot more than you'd think, but I'd figure I'd try and sell them over the warp bands first. I know there's lots of Guards and Rangers and [he makes a small gagging noise] Swords check the warp network a lot. [pause] Even if you don't need a blade, they make good gifts.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The dagger-sized ones are off the table now, so... the big feathers are $700 each. The swords I had before are for sale, too, for $200. They're used, but they still work.

[Eren's eyes flick to the pokémon] Your honedge is jealous.

Ah..haha.. [Whow, talk about some hard cash. Cress would really have to save up for something like that.]

Gungnir? Nah, I think he's got other intentions. [The sword can be a hard read.. then again, this guy is a shifter.] Are you jealous? [Sorry, but you can't be Cress's sword -- he'll control his own actions, thanks. The Pokemon just staring as usual, damn.. Honedges..]

Anyway, ahahh... That's a little high for me. [Blacksmithing fees and all considered.] Ever make a sword out of your own feathers? Maybe I'll save up for one if I know the end product.

That's the price the blacksmith told me they were worth, and I need the cash to repair my apartment. So if you don't have it, or something worth the same, then I guess that's too bad. Maybe if I can't sell them at this price, I'll have to drop it. But I hope not.

Yeah, I have some right here. These are the new ones.

[Eren lays one of the swords on the table next to the feathers; it's still recognizably in the shape of a feather, but smithed to be stronger. There's a pretty basic, unadorned oval guard and a hilt wrapped in leather. The hilt completely covers the bottom, fluffier parts of the feather] Doesn't even look like it came from a feather, does it?

[Looks like Cress will be waiting this one out.. though, that doesn't mean he can't enjoy a fine sword when he sees one!] Wow, no it doesn't! That's way sharper then I expected.

[All glassy eyed.] Sorry about your apartment but maybe I'll give you some business some day! .... [He shouldn't pry but..] What happened to your apartment? Mind me asking?

It's pretty awesome. As long as you keep it in good condition, it'll hold an edge forever.

[he sighs. He figures the price is pretty steep, but he's had a few nibbles anyway] ... My sink is leaking like crazy. I think the plumbing is fucked up. I could also use a new floor in the kitchen, the tile is all cracked and broken and just missing in some places.

That does sound like an awful lot of repaires, I understand the price now.. [Pondering to himself, poor guy, Cress wouldn't know how to help him but at the same time it felt needed to lend his support.] Well... as a member of the Sword of the Savior just let me know if you where to need assistance with labor, free of charge.

[He doesn't know how to fix sinks or lay new tile but if the materials were there how could Cress not try and help his fellow man? He's just that much of a JRPGing protag.]

Uh... Well. That's... nice. [Eren doesn't seem impressed with that. He's not sure he wants a Sword's help with plumbing] I think I'd rather hire a professional, though. I mean. If it's all the same to you.

Right, that would be for the best. You just mentioned having no money for repairs, so I offered what I could. [Can't please everybody, not that Cress is upset. He's more happy with himself for working up the nerve to offer, that's what The Swords should be about -- helping the people of Union.]

I wish you luck! I'm going to keep the sword in mind.

Well, yeah. But I think that's part of why I'm in this predicament in the first place. Trying to fix it myself... I'd rather just have an expert do it.

[it's a surprising offer, to be sure. Eren doesn't expect any Sword to actually be helpful. ]

[He gives the Swords salute.] Right then, if you would ever need assistance in the future that only a Sword could provide please keep me considered.

[He did all he could.] Again, good luck!

[Eren offers a somewhat half-hearted Ranger salute because he's trying really hard not to roll his eyes at the comment about "assistance only a Sword could provide". Yeah, right.]

Thanks.