A typical hot summer day in the East County. Or so the villagers thought
as they went about their business.
Heat and dust drifts off the ground in lazy waves causing everything to shimmer and wave about like a mirage. Everything seems to take on a life on its own dancing all about at its own accord. What seemed to be tangible has become less than real. Nothing seemed to be truly there. Nothing but for one thing.
A single browned foot wrapped in worn sandals. The foot's soles are hardened and blackened from the constant traveling. Its mate is of the same condition as they are after all a matched pair like all other feet. The only difference about these feet is that their nails seem to be pointed looking almost like claws. These particular pair of feet belongs to a young man wearing all of his seventeen years of age as if they are more than twice their number. Slightly shorter than average, this person moves with a weary grace brought on only by age and experience. Face mostly hidden by the wide-brimmed hat; he faces the entrance of East County. Glancing up at the 'Welcome' sign he gives a slight smirk revealing a curiously sharp fang. As he enters the public district of East County his heavy robes rustles slightly as he drifts into the dusty town carrying a strange box. Long and nearly as wide as its carrier, it seems heavy but the young man hefts it with ease.
As the stranger enters, several of the villagers catch a sight of the sandaled stranger in the wide-brimmed hat and heavy robe. The name 'Edo' is whispered as he passes villagers. Not one of the locals fails to stop and notice his passing with a certain respect and awe.
"I see he's back...and it's 'bout time too" groused Gheid the resident elderly grouch of East County. Sitting together with him on his front porch is his rather tolerant wife Ella. Both of them getting along with age, they like to see life pass by their home on hot summer days like this.
"Oh...leave that poor dear boy alone...he works so hard you know..." replied Ella as she keeps her eyes and hands busy with her crotchety absolutely not realizing who it is. In reply, Gheid gave a snort which sounded more like a wheeze and began on his favorite grumble about 'youth' these days.
The subject of their conversation had now arrived at the village blacksmith where Disc is busy at work forging and repairing. The one thing East County is ever famous for is its blacksmith. Claiming to be an old war veteran, the heavy bearded and moustached Disc produces the finest workmanship no matter the item be it an old plough or a war helm. However that is not all Disc can do. Disc has learnt the art of imbuing items with certain powers and abilities that no ordinary smith is able to do. That is why Edo has come.
Hard at work, Disc does not seem to acknowledge the visitor behind him and his forge as he pounds away on some piece of metal. Edo does nothing and waits patiently settling down his box down on the ground gently. While pounding with a steady pace, Disc finally speaks up in a rumbling voice.
"So you have returned....Edo..."
Face still hidden by the hat, Edo does not reply. Instead he crosses his arms in his wide sleeves while giving a bow. Although Disc has his back turned, he seems to grunt in reply even though there is no way he could have seen the bow. It is quite some time until Disc finally turns around and faces his visitor.
"Well, my boy, now what can I do for you?" queries Disc. Cutting an imposing figure at 6 feet 4 and broad shoulders Disc towers over his potential client dwarfing the young man with a stern face. Undaunted, Edo smoothly stoops and removes the covers of the box to reveal several curious pieces of gleaming metals. Frowning, Disc crouches down and carefully looks over the metals.
"These...." he breathes, "These are Kalthorium steel..." With a steady hand, Disc picks one of the pieces and gently inspects it with both eyes and hands. The more he examines it, the more excited he gets.
"It is actual Kalthorium steel...and it is untouched, unsullied... It is said that it is stronger than the steel from the stars. Harder even than the steels in the mines. All of it is in its natural form. Never have I ever seen such in this amount."
Unmoved by Disc's elation and excitement, Edo remains motionless as he waits for Disc to finish his inspection. All the while Disc pored over the precious metals; Edo remained motionless except for a little smirk playing around his mouth. Finally he speaks up.
"I need your skills and workmanship now old man. You have the materials; you have the tools, now get to work."
Edo's voice is not pleasant. It had a grating sound to it as if words do not come naturally to Edo. In a certain manner it is true. Edo is a half-breed. Born half as a Wildling and a Human, Edo's life has been difficult. Being neither complete of either race, Edo lives on a fine line as a half breed. Not knowing his own family, Edo lives as an exile accepted only by a few. It is only recently that the village acknowledges him as a person after he risked his life to save it from certain disaster.
Grunting his acknowledgement, Disc puts the precious ore back down gently and turns back to his forge, pumping the bellows causing the flames to flare up.
"Well, now that you gave me the ore, what would you have me make? With these, I can craft the finest armor or weapon. Have your pick."
"...Have your pick."
Edo heard it but chooses not to respond. Instead he bows his head while closing his eyes under his hat and seems to concentrate. In a manner of speaking he is. As Disc waited patiently for his answer, he prepares his forge for shaping the newly acquired ore. After a good minute of thought Edo finally gave his answer. Dropping to a kneeling position, he murmured the ritual
"Give me a blade and the hands to wield it. Give me the coldness of steel with the heat of the forge. All this I need with the strength bestowed upon me."
With that response, Disc could only respond the only way he could. The boy has set the ancient ritual into motion. Disc could not dishonor it no more could he turn out a bad piece of work. As such he intones
"Then let it be so. A week hence and thus shall your new strength be forged. Such an undertaking shall require your presence as your strength of old will create a new strength"
"I understand. Let the forging begin."
With the ritual complete, Edo got to his feet and bowed once more to Disc. Now it but begins.
The forging began the next day at dawn. Both Disc and Edo are up. The forge is being fired up by Disc and he fans the flame to higher levels of intensity. Meanwhile, Edo stands just outside concentrating. He has removed his hat. Unfettered his hair falls down past his shoulders flowing smoothly. As the sun rises, Disc walks towards Edo.
"Its time"
Edo gives a barely imperceptible nod. Planting his feet solidly on the ground, he puts his hand together forming a seal. Tensing his body, Edo calls up the spiritual energy within himself. The spiritual energy which others call Chakra. Chakra is generated by living things be it plant or animal. Each living things lives in harmony where chakra melds with the physical. Chakra is life, while life is chakra. Humans and other beings have learned to harness the chakra within them and wield it like magic for many purposes such as to kill. Most chakra-users have to depend on the chakra generated but not Edo. Thanks to his strange parentage, the blood of the wildings gave him a bond with nature which allows him to draw chakra from his surroundings. As long as there is some form of life, Edo can absorb its chakra and use it for himself.
Concentrating as hard as he can, he calls up his own chakra while reaching out for the life he felt in the surroundings. He reached below him where beneath there are sleeping plants waiting for the right time to sprout. He reached around himself feeling the chakra of the nearby scrubs and trees. He reached above him trying to draw as much chakra to himself. And his eyes widen as he suddenly found an incredible source of chakra. He has found it. He has found the eternal chakra of the sky. The boundless energies of the sky pours itself into him like an incredible waterfall, relentless and almighty Edo found himself struggling to control the growing amount of chakra inside him. In a matter of moments, the chakra began overflowing out of his body is such amounts that the physical surroundings are affected. Sand and dust begins swirling around Edo as the Chakra spiraled around the young man as he draws yet even more power to himself. Edo's robes themselves began flying about as if blown by the wind. The forge's flames grew even higher attaining higher levels of intensity changing from red hot to a blinding white. Edo's breath began coming out in short gasps as he struggles to control the overpowering tide of power and energy within him. Through gritted teeth he manages to speak.
"Disc, you had better hurry up, I can't hold on any longer"
Watching Edo is a marvel, but this did not stop Disc. Standing just behind Edo, he begins a series of hand seals.
"Dog, Ox, Rabbit, Tiger, Dragon!"
"Ancient Art: CHAKRA TRANSFER!!!"
As Disc calls out, he frees his hands and places his palms on Edo's shoulders. With a grunt of exertion, he applies pressure and concentrates with his eyes closed. As Disc concentrates on the chakra within, a blue glow emits from his hands until his hands seem to shine with an iridescent blue. As the chakra held within is finally given an outlet, Edo's tensed body and mind begins to relax as Disc draws out the turbulent chakra. Finally Disc opens his eyes and nods approvingly as he studies the chakra held within his hands. With exaggerated care, he melts down the ore into his forge, making sure that everything remains at the same consistency.
"Boy, you have done your part, you may now leave the rest to me. Go home and rest."
But Edo is not listening. Exhausted beyond any expectations, Edo could barely listen much less respond to Disc's dismissal. Due to the strain, Edo's body does not respond to his commands. Muscles trapped in convulsion, the pain threatened to boil over. Edo could barely let out a groan to relieve the tension.
Instead he let his now-weak knees collapse, dropping him on his back as he gradually begins to lose his consciousness.
"Rest now Edo...you have given more than enough.....rest...."
Edo's last vision before he gave up trying to stay awake was the blue sky.
Heat and dust drifts off the ground in lazy waves causing everything to shimmer and wave about like a mirage. Everything seems to take on a life on its own dancing all about at its own accord. What seemed to be tangible has become less than real. Nothing seemed to be truly there. Nothing but for one thing.
A single browned foot wrapped in worn sandals. The foot's soles are hardened and blackened from the constant traveling. Its mate is of the same condition as they are after all a matched pair like all other feet. The only difference about these feet is that their nails seem to be pointed looking almost like claws. These particular pair of feet belongs to a young man wearing all of his seventeen years of age as if they are more than twice their number. Slightly shorter than average, this person moves with a weary grace brought on only by age and experience. Face mostly hidden by the wide-brimmed hat; he faces the entrance of East County. Glancing up at the 'Welcome' sign he gives a slight smirk revealing a curiously sharp fang. As he enters the public district of East County his heavy robes rustles slightly as he drifts into the dusty town carrying a strange box. Long and nearly as wide as its carrier, it seems heavy but the young man hefts it with ease.
As the stranger enters, several of the villagers catch a sight of the sandaled stranger in the wide-brimmed hat and heavy robe. The name 'Edo' is whispered as he passes villagers. Not one of the locals fails to stop and notice his passing with a certain respect and awe.
"I see he's back...and it's 'bout time too" groused Gheid the resident elderly grouch of East County. Sitting together with him on his front porch is his rather tolerant wife Ella. Both of them getting along with age, they like to see life pass by their home on hot summer days like this.
"Oh...leave that poor dear boy alone...he works so hard you know..." replied Ella as she keeps her eyes and hands busy with her crotchety absolutely not realizing who it is. In reply, Gheid gave a snort which sounded more like a wheeze and began on his favorite grumble about 'youth' these days.
The subject of their conversation had now arrived at the village blacksmith where Disc is busy at work forging and repairing. The one thing East County is ever famous for is its blacksmith. Claiming to be an old war veteran, the heavy bearded and moustached Disc produces the finest workmanship no matter the item be it an old plough or a war helm. However that is not all Disc can do. Disc has learnt the art of imbuing items with certain powers and abilities that no ordinary smith is able to do. That is why Edo has come.
Hard at work, Disc does not seem to acknowledge the visitor behind him and his forge as he pounds away on some piece of metal. Edo does nothing and waits patiently settling down his box down on the ground gently. While pounding with a steady pace, Disc finally speaks up in a rumbling voice.
"So you have returned....Edo..."
Face still hidden by the hat, Edo does not reply. Instead he crosses his arms in his wide sleeves while giving a bow. Although Disc has his back turned, he seems to grunt in reply even though there is no way he could have seen the bow. It is quite some time until Disc finally turns around and faces his visitor.
"Well, my boy, now what can I do for you?" queries Disc. Cutting an imposing figure at 6 feet 4 and broad shoulders Disc towers over his potential client dwarfing the young man with a stern face. Undaunted, Edo smoothly stoops and removes the covers of the box to reveal several curious pieces of gleaming metals. Frowning, Disc crouches down and carefully looks over the metals.
"These...." he breathes, "These are Kalthorium steel..." With a steady hand, Disc picks one of the pieces and gently inspects it with both eyes and hands. The more he examines it, the more excited he gets.
"It is actual Kalthorium steel...and it is untouched, unsullied... It is said that it is stronger than the steel from the stars. Harder even than the steels in the mines. All of it is in its natural form. Never have I ever seen such in this amount."
Unmoved by Disc's elation and excitement, Edo remains motionless as he waits for Disc to finish his inspection. All the while Disc pored over the precious metals; Edo remained motionless except for a little smirk playing around his mouth. Finally he speaks up.
"I need your skills and workmanship now old man. You have the materials; you have the tools, now get to work."
Edo's voice is not pleasant. It had a grating sound to it as if words do not come naturally to Edo. In a certain manner it is true. Edo is a half-breed. Born half as a Wildling and a Human, Edo's life has been difficult. Being neither complete of either race, Edo lives on a fine line as a half breed. Not knowing his own family, Edo lives as an exile accepted only by a few. It is only recently that the village acknowledges him as a person after he risked his life to save it from certain disaster.
Grunting his acknowledgement, Disc puts the precious ore back down gently and turns back to his forge, pumping the bellows causing the flames to flare up.
"Well, now that you gave me the ore, what would you have me make? With these, I can craft the finest armor or weapon. Have your pick."
"...Have your pick."
Edo heard it but chooses not to respond. Instead he bows his head while closing his eyes under his hat and seems to concentrate. In a manner of speaking he is. As Disc waited patiently for his answer, he prepares his forge for shaping the newly acquired ore. After a good minute of thought Edo finally gave his answer. Dropping to a kneeling position, he murmured the ritual
"Give me a blade and the hands to wield it. Give me the coldness of steel with the heat of the forge. All this I need with the strength bestowed upon me."
With that response, Disc could only respond the only way he could. The boy has set the ancient ritual into motion. Disc could not dishonor it no more could he turn out a bad piece of work. As such he intones
"Then let it be so. A week hence and thus shall your new strength be forged. Such an undertaking shall require your presence as your strength of old will create a new strength"
"I understand. Let the forging begin."
With the ritual complete, Edo got to his feet and bowed once more to Disc. Now it but begins.
The forging began the next day at dawn. Both Disc and Edo are up. The forge is being fired up by Disc and he fans the flame to higher levels of intensity. Meanwhile, Edo stands just outside concentrating. He has removed his hat. Unfettered his hair falls down past his shoulders flowing smoothly. As the sun rises, Disc walks towards Edo.
"Its time"
Edo gives a barely imperceptible nod. Planting his feet solidly on the ground, he puts his hand together forming a seal. Tensing his body, Edo calls up the spiritual energy within himself. The spiritual energy which others call Chakra. Chakra is generated by living things be it plant or animal. Each living things lives in harmony where chakra melds with the physical. Chakra is life, while life is chakra. Humans and other beings have learned to harness the chakra within them and wield it like magic for many purposes such as to kill. Most chakra-users have to depend on the chakra generated but not Edo. Thanks to his strange parentage, the blood of the wildings gave him a bond with nature which allows him to draw chakra from his surroundings. As long as there is some form of life, Edo can absorb its chakra and use it for himself.
Concentrating as hard as he can, he calls up his own chakra while reaching out for the life he felt in the surroundings. He reached below him where beneath there are sleeping plants waiting for the right time to sprout. He reached around himself feeling the chakra of the nearby scrubs and trees. He reached above him trying to draw as much chakra to himself. And his eyes widen as he suddenly found an incredible source of chakra. He has found it. He has found the eternal chakra of the sky. The boundless energies of the sky pours itself into him like an incredible waterfall, relentless and almighty Edo found himself struggling to control the growing amount of chakra inside him. In a matter of moments, the chakra began overflowing out of his body is such amounts that the physical surroundings are affected. Sand and dust begins swirling around Edo as the Chakra spiraled around the young man as he draws yet even more power to himself. Edo's robes themselves began flying about as if blown by the wind. The forge's flames grew even higher attaining higher levels of intensity changing from red hot to a blinding white. Edo's breath began coming out in short gasps as he struggles to control the overpowering tide of power and energy within him. Through gritted teeth he manages to speak.
"Disc, you had better hurry up, I can't hold on any longer"
Watching Edo is a marvel, but this did not stop Disc. Standing just behind Edo, he begins a series of hand seals.
"Dog, Ox, Rabbit, Tiger, Dragon!"
"Ancient Art: CHAKRA TRANSFER!!!"
As Disc calls out, he frees his hands and places his palms on Edo's shoulders. With a grunt of exertion, he applies pressure and concentrates with his eyes closed. As Disc concentrates on the chakra within, a blue glow emits from his hands until his hands seem to shine with an iridescent blue. As the chakra held within is finally given an outlet, Edo's tensed body and mind begins to relax as Disc draws out the turbulent chakra. Finally Disc opens his eyes and nods approvingly as he studies the chakra held within his hands. With exaggerated care, he melts down the ore into his forge, making sure that everything remains at the same consistency.
"Boy, you have done your part, you may now leave the rest to me. Go home and rest."
But Edo is not listening. Exhausted beyond any expectations, Edo could barely listen much less respond to Disc's dismissal. Due to the strain, Edo's body does not respond to his commands. Muscles trapped in convulsion, the pain threatened to boil over. Edo could barely let out a groan to relieve the tension.
Instead he let his now-weak knees collapse, dropping him on his back as he gradually begins to lose his consciousness.
"Rest now Edo...you have given more than enough.....rest...."
Edo's last vision before he gave up trying to stay awake was the blue sky.
