Halloween II, for Ilsa and Nall.

[velesdonnersen]

[Tarvek has been busy-busy-busy making costumes.  He's got one for Ilsa, a beautiful knight's armor, weapons and accessories for Nall, and he's working on his own costume, chuckling over the details.]

[The house is now occupied once more by drones and Tarvek, and he's taken advantage to convert every bit of space he can reasonably ransack to his work, but the main costume shop is in the garage.  He's taken over the drone Betty-Luka's sewing machine, her iron and ironing board, he's usurped her laundry area.  He's got dummies he's constructed all over the place.

Today he's sitting cross-legged on his own workbench, tailor-fashion, as he carefully creates the graceful curve of a coat lapel for himself.]

[He's expecting Ilsa, and possibly Nall to come on over and see what he's up to.]

Comments

[velesdonnersen.livejournal.com]

Hi, Nall!

[He gestures to Nall's nearly complete armor. It's awesome: check it out! The lines are a flashy blend of both European and Asian armor, with shining sheet steel and gleaming lacquer-over-formed-bamboo melded to create a shimmering jewel of a suit. The armor has been designed to hint at a dragon -- but a very human dragon. When Nall wears it, he will peer out of a helm designed to protect his face while still leaving it visible to his friends, with a sleek dance of steel rod blocking all but the most precise attack and echoing the lines of a dragon's face. The back of the helm blossoms with a chrysanthemum of feathers and tendrils, like the mane of a Chinese dragon. The shag of color and fluff cascades over the wide shoulders of the armor, a touchable bit of silken poof among the glowing jeweltones of the lacquer and the fancy shine of the etched steel.]

[Yes. It works. It's a costume -- but it's also real battle armor. That's what happens when you let a Spark (even a recovering spark whose talent has not yet returned) make your Halloween costume.]

There's even a sword... if you like.

You're going to be a heck of a handsome knight, my friend.

[Sneaks a bit of tuna noodle casserole. Not bad... though he still thinks it is a very odd food. And, being biased, he thinks Ilsa would do it even better. But he thinks Nall has done a very good job with it. It's yummy!]

[catslooklikeme.livejournal.com]

I... Tarvek, this is insane! It's... probably the best damn looking armor I've ever seen! If it functions even HALF as good as it looks, Mayfield isn't going to be able to scratch me... ever!

[He grins hugely.]

There's a sword too?!

[velesdonnersen.livejournal.com]

[He shrugs, and blushes, delighted to have someone like his work.]

Yes. It's not as good as some of the special swords I've seen people carrying here. But it's not bad.

But it's just armor. It's not magic or anything. And we need to try it on and make sure it all fits as well as I hoped. If not I can adjust it so it's perfect.

[catslooklikeme.livejournal.com]

Can I see it? The sword, I mean??

[Excited little boy voice/expression.]

[velesdonnersen.livejournal.com]

[Mischievous enthusiasm bubbles up in his eyes, and he grins in shared glee.]

It's a Grosse Messer. There's one like it in my Fathe...in my... in the old armory of my...my...my palace. What was my palace. It's a European style, but it's enough like the lines of some Asian swords that it seemed like a good choice for this...and it can be used one or two handed, with a nice long hilt to give you some leverage. You're not so big that a bit of leverage won't be welcome.

[The sword looks like this: http://www.rockynational.com/3410_88GMS_Cold_Steel_Grosse_Messer_Sword_with_Leather_Scabbard.html. It is, however, more elegant and refined: the hilt has been bound in leather, then tight-wrapped with a grid of silk cord binding to give traction and stability to the grip, and there's a bold pommel cast as a steel dragon with enamel detailing to match Nall's new armor. That's one nice thing about getting your costume from a Madboy: it tends to be designed and engineered to WORK.]

[Of course, it's a good thing Tarvek's talent hasn't really come back in full, yet, or it might WORK quite a lot more oddly and excitingly...]

[catslooklikeme.livejournal.com]

Wow... [Nall is dumbfounded. This sword would be worthy of a Dragonmaster... And you clearly put a lot of thought into making it for him in specific.]

Could... could I keep these? They're awesome... I'd find a way to pay you back for them...

[velesdonnersen.livejournal.com]

Of course you can keep them, idiot! [Goofy smile] I made them for you, after all -- no repayment needed.

Welllllll....[He's born and trained sneaky and used to dealing the deal. He can't help it. He does give with true generosity, but he's not against storing up favors.]

Well, perhaps if I need help someday, you'll remember this, eh? And in the meantime, maybe help me with a *little* favor?

[catslooklikeme.livejournal.com]

[Nall gives you a blank stare for a moment before grinning, chuckling and giving you a pat on the back.]

Now you're being an idiot. You know I'd help you with whatever you need whenever, Tarvek. Although I sure will remember this for a loooong time. [EQUIPMENT. IS. AWESOME.]

What can I do for ya?