Renaissance Faire - Tabula Rasa

Renaissance Fair (Temporary)

The Texas State Fairgrounds have been transformed into a Medieval Village for the Renaissance Fair weekend. Where there was once twenty first century Dallas, there are now colorful tents and pavilions where merchants sell food, jewelry, trinkets, toys and all manner of souvenirs for the Fair. From one end to the other, the grounds are two and three tents deep, with taverns, music, puppet theater and all manner of entertainment. Gold, green, purple, blue and red streamers flutter in the wind from atop pavilions where "knights" and ladies relax and chat with visitors. Jesters in tri-colored hats parade about, entertaining children and adults alike. There is a human chess board, jousting and other Medieval pastimes. Booths line the "streets," and performers sing, dance and encourage visitors to join in the rollicking fun. Ale and wine flow like water, and there's no modern traffic to take away from the ambiance. Day or night, rain or shine, this is a party like no other in Dallas. Come, join the fun. Come to the fair!


Skylar has played a little phone tag for the last day or so with Paige, working things out. Sadly, though, they have both been fairly busy as of late - Skylar especially. Between working at the Ren Fair, trying to repair the damascus steel weapon for a mystery vampire, and starting to work on Chloe's and Quinn's orders? Well, needless to say he's not only been hard to reach, but not getting much sleep - in fact, what sleep he did get last night was on the couch in his office at work.

—-

Now, however, he's at the Ren Fair once more, at the booth - currently dressed in his leather and linen blacksmith outfit, complete with apron, pounding away on the small portable forge and handling customers as they come in. The plan is to keep doing this for another hour or two, and then it's back to the shop to continue his work. No rest for the smithed and all that.

—-

And just as the poor blacksmith thought he might be getting a chance to breath, here comes another customer. All dressed for the occasion, in a new blue dress. Still in the more simple mode, but certainly not the dress he might recognize from the last time that he saw her. Oh, and look, she even rings the little bell at the 'door' of the shop, which, even when it's a real bell and not one of those desk bells, is just as annoying. Which, well, that could just be the point, really. But, at least there's a smile to go with it. And a simple wooden box, with a latched lid. All very period, yes indeed. Paige is doing the thing right today. "Sir William, are you free?"

—-

Skylar finishes tapping hammer to iron for a moment, despite the bell, sweat beading down his brow and his exposed arms and back (he's taken his shirt and vest off under the apron, due to the heat). At Paige's voice, however, he glances over, flashes her a smile, and dips the bit of metal into water, steam rising. Placing the tools down, Sky then approaches Paige after grabbing a cloth, dipping it in the water, and wiping his brow. "Heya, Paige. How're you? You look good - new dress?"

—-

"You're not going with the head-dunking this time? It's very dramatic." A flash of a smile, her tone making it clear that is is intending to tease. True to form, as with any business however, Paige waits until she's invited in, or not. "I'm doing pretty well, thank you. I'd ask how you're doing, but you look like someone worked you over with a stick. And it is a new dress. I had one of the ladies as the clothiers help me pick it out. You know how some people have a black thumb for gardening? I have a black thumb for shopping. I know, perish the thought. I handed in my girl card years ago." She promptly straightarms the box in your direction, holding it out for you to grab. "I am also your humble servant. No, wait. I am deeply apologetic. No. I'm gravely sor—…look, just take the box, would you?"

—-

"Apologies for disappointing mi'lady, I will surely endeavor to make it up to her in the future," Skylar says, dropping easily into the formal speech himself, grinning lightly as he takes a moment, after gesturing for Paige to enter, to strip off the apron and throw on his light linen shirt. As he does, Paige will likely notice that the beating with a stick comment may not be too far from the truth - his side has a large fading bruise on it, while some newer bruising is more evident along his torso as well. "I am fine, thank you - just been busy, that's all," he then replies in normal speech, grinning through the shirt as it drops over his head, and he pulls it down, barely even wincing with the movement. "Well, it looks nice on you," he manages to offer before the box is thrust is way. He raises an eyebrow, doing his best not to laugh, and instead busies himself opening the box and looking inside.

—-

"And well you should." Paige answers tartly, "I do not enjoy being disappointed." That's just about the right response, isn't it? Well, he was the one who apologized. Sort of. Still, there's also that Paige has enough decorum not to mention the bruising, even if, well, concern, yes, it's there. Even under the bright smile. A smile which fades, not to, well, upset, but to…uncertainty, perhaps, as you open the box? There is a trio of jars, a satchel of what looks like large-grain salts, and a bar of handmade soap. Actually, it all looks handmade. And it all bears the mark of Lady Elysia's apothecary. "I hope you got my message. About missing the dance? The young lady at the apothecary said this would make it up to you." It's all manly and you know, not feminine. There's a salve for burns, an ointment for muscle aches, and a salve for soothing rough skin. You know, useful stuff. "Although, now that I think about it…it also looks like a visual aid for 'How do you tell someone they need to take a bath?' which is completely not the point."

—-

"Nor would I wish to disappoint," Skylar replies, with a smile, and yet also earnestly. He opens the box, peering in side, and smiling broadly after he recognizes what is inside. "These are perfect," he says, quite honestly. "And I doubt it would hurt for me to have a bath right about now," he adds, glancing down to himself. He likely smells of sweat, metal, and smoke at the moment - good earthy tones to him, but it's probably an acquired taste. "Thank you," he adds, looking up at Paige and smiling thankfully.

—-

"You mean that?" Of course he does, it's written on his face. The upside to being good at reading microexpressions? You always know when someone is lying. Which…well, is also quite the downside as well. Paige might not be a mind-reader, but being a face and body reader is almost as bad. But that's neither here nor there. "I thought to myself…what can I get for the man who has everything, including a closet full of women's clothing. Of course, toiletries." But the smile has returned, and she's genuinely pleased that he likes the gift, "And I'm sorry about, well, things. I've been acting pretty 'off my medication' lately. I'm trying to chalk it up to the stress of writing copy until I forget that it's 'I' before 'E' except after 'C'. Which is just about the worst rule ever, since it almost never applies." And she quiets, for a long moment, "Forgive me?" Yes, they've already said most of this over the phone, but it's not the same as doing it face to face, as seeing it, feeling it and not just hearing it.

—-

"Of course I mean it," Sky replies, closing the box and setting it aside. "I only wish I had something for you, now," he adds with a rueful grin. He's given her the dress, of course, but he considers that more spring cleaning then anything else. "Already forgiven," he then says, waving it away. "And thank you for forgiving me as well." They've hashed that out via the phone already, so no need to revisit that any more. "So, I take it you're enjoying the Ren Fair then?"

—-

"You do, but it doesn't come in a box." And when he waves away the question and the affirmation of the apology, Paige does what needs to be done. Because it is done. She sets it aside, to move on to better things. Dwelling on the past…there there be dragons. Or so they say. "I have been. I've been to see the glassblowing demo a few times. Don't be jealous. And there was a really great mock swordfighting duo. There was a very interesting mute tightrope walker. Some great music. Actually, I'm not sure if you'll be working later, but I'm going to try to catch the carillon performance in the afternoon."

—-

"I do?" Sky asks, bemusedly. "Pray tell," he inquires, smiling lightly. "And I'm glad - there's a lot offered here. I may be doing some sword demoing myself tomorrow - I'm actually disappointed I haven't gotten to do more. I usually try to take part in a melee or something of that sort. But between work at the booth, and trying to keep up with orders at the shop, I've been rather busy." Which would certainly explain the tiredness. "And yes, I will, unfortunately, at the shop. I have two special orders I really must get more work done on, and I'm doing repair work on an amazing piece - true damascus steel, in fact. It's quite an honor." He seems enthused when he talks about his work, especially about the damascus steel - it is clear it's a passion.

—-

"Lessons. I'm still trying to work out my schedule with Jared, and we're coming up on deadlines for turn-in, though. The news season starts airing soon, and the whole team's going insane. But you did promise to teach me a little more smithing." Paige quiets, as Skylar goes over his hopes for the end of the Faire, and she's quite interested, "You know I've never actually even held a sword? Unless… can I count the collapsible She-Ra sword I had as a kid? Probably not, right?" And there's even more interest as she hears damascus steel. She's no blacksmith, but she's watched enough of the history channel to know that that's sort of like…the Holy Grail. "Tell me about it? You don't have it here, do you?"

—-

"Ah, yes, you are right, I did," Skylar replies with a small grin. He didn't forget, not exactly - he's just been rather busy, and it hasn't really been a topic of conversation for them recently. "Really? Well, we'll have to fix that," he says, moving to one of the racks in the booth, and glancing briefly over a selection of swords before selecting one, and holding it out to Paige. It's a lighter sword, thinner in blade, and slightly longer then a proper short sword - well suited to a female or young man. "And no, I don't - but it's beautiful, truly."

—-

"There's no rush though, on the lessons. It'll be a while before I can get my schedule completely clear. It's very much like being a teacher, you know? You're dead busy for months in end, then as soon as everything's over, you haven't a thing to do, and you start thinking counting the cracks in your ceiling is a nice way to spend a Saturday night. And besides, you sound like you have enough work to keep you busy until Rapture." A frown, curious, as Skylar heads off to the racks and comes back with…a baby sword. And she accepts, turning easily away from Skylar. It's no rifle, or shotgun, both of which she's used before, but the principle still applies. Don't point the business end towards anyone, unless you plan on using it. She takes it one handed, and then with two, then back to one, "It reminds me of a roman sword. More for stabbing than slashing." Gotta love cable television.

—-

"Thinner then a gladius and a bit longer, closer to a fencing weapon really. It's meant for quick thrusts and airy maneuvers but does more damage then a traditional foil or epee - it's also a good starter weapon for someone who hasn't yet built up the proper muscles, calluses, or reflexes." It's not an insult, not by any means - like the woman said herself, she's never held a sword before. Skylar smiles, nodding to it. "It's yours, if you like it, or I can try and find something better." See, he has a gift for her after all! "We can always include weapon lessons as part and parcel of smithing ones." As for her work schedule… "And that's fine, just let me know when you're available. I don't mind being busy, myself, but it's nice to take a break now and again." Apparently teaching someone is a break from his usual business.

—-

"Well, I am most certainly one of those. And don't worry, I'm not going to re-enact The Highlander. Pirates are nice and all, but I don't think it's a good look in a blacksmith." Paige turns the sword on her hand, so that it's now hilt-up, point down, the smile she offers the blacksmith caught somewhere between happy and well, surprised, perhaps, or humbled, "Thank you, Skylar. And no, no, it's perfect. You chose it. I'd love to learn how to sword fight. It's amazing that you'd be willing to teach me. And it would certainly be a really great change from work." And there it is, just on the edge of her expression, that same look she had the night you asked her about her job. Some manner of unhappiness that never, usually, makes it to the surface. Like a swimmer, trapped under a frozen lake. "I need to a scabbard, too, don't I? Or a cloth to wrap it in? If only to get it out of the faire. Unless you'd prefer to keep it with you."

—-

"You're welcome, Paige. I'm more then happy to teach you." Sky takes the blade when offered, and even before she asks he's moving behind the 'counter'. "Yep, just about to find one for you," he says. He sets the blade gently aside for a moment, rifling through something behind the counter. He glances at the tag on the sword, which on the back as a small number. A moment later, he pulls out a scabbard with a matching tag, and sheaths the sword home. The scabbard itself is rather well done and matches the leather wrapping of the hilt - a deep, dark cherry-brown hue, done in a braided style that again matches the hilt. "There you are," he offers with a smile, holding it out to Paige.

—-

And for a while, as she watches you, Paige is completely silent. There's an intensity to it. A focus, as she traces your path through the shop, around the counter, into your stockpile, and then back, fading only once you start back on your way to hand her the sword, which she settles for hugging against her chest. "I really appreciate that, Skylar. You just don't know." But she does recognize that she interrupted his work, and she steps back to the edge of the shop. Not leaving, but rather…getting out of the way of anything which might set her on fire. Like…oh, an errant spark? Dresses are good like that, "Would you mind if I stayed and watched you work for a while? You could tell me about the things you're working on. And maybe a bit about swordfighting?"

—-

"Like I said, you are most welcome, Paige." Considering he's willing to drop a couple grand on charity, it shouldn't be -that- surprising that he's willing to give a gift that likely goes for a few hundred dollars (not that she'd know for sure, since he made sure to take off the tags before giving it to her). Especially since the gift is something he himself likely made. "You're of course welcome to stay as long as you like. I'll be here another hour or so, and I wouldn't mind the company. Mind you, I'm not working on anything specific, just busy work. When you came in I was just making some arrow heads. Not that I make arrows myself, but I know someone who is a fletcher - we trade each other in kind. Arrowheads for arrows, that sort of thing." He smiles at her, gesturing over as he moves to remove his shirt once more and put the apron back on. "As for sword fighting, we'll save that lesson for another time - words only get you so far. It'll have to be a physical lesson to actually do much good. It's not just your mind we have to train, but your body."

—-

"I'd be glad to keep you company, for as long as you like." No, she doesn't know how much it costs, but she's fairly certain, if you'd be willing to teach her to fight with it, it's no late-night informercial special, either. And more than the sword, it's the offer of his time that she appreciates as much, and perhaps even more. But, once he's getting ready to go back to work, she moves to a safe distance, she hopes, and settles, resting lightly by the railing that separates the shop from the rest of the street, "I imagine most craftsman must do that that, share their work, trade or barter." She accepts his choice not to discuss the swordfighting today as any good student would. Without questions. Years of studying with her own family, though what she learned there was something entirely different, have made Paige a model pupil. And years of everything else have made her a good listener, as she settles in to offer company and a willing ear, and Skylar finishes up what work remains, before he gets back to business as usual.

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