Dagger delivery

Zuigrii lifts his head and a smile fills his face. “ I’m glad it is acceptable. Thank you. As for seeing it in action, that would be perfect actually because I can also study how Ikaru fights so I can better specialize his weapon in the future as well.” Zuigrii fully steps back to give the two space. 

The clang of steel echoes in the training yard as Ikaru lifts his sword and spreads his feet apart. His stance was steady, shoulders square, every movement deliberate. Across from him, Julien twirls his new adamantite dagger with a grin that is all mischief.

“Ready to dance, love?” Julien taunts, already circling.

Ikaru grins in response. "Are you?"

His eyes follow Julien's footwork, waiting. When Julien darts forward, quick as a snake, Ikaru pivots, blade sweeping down in a clean arc meant to cut the attack short. Steel flashed—Julien was already gone, slipping under the swing and rolling behind Ikaru.

Ikaru spins, raising his sword just in time to catch a flurry of dagger strikes. The parries came heavy and sure, the shortsword forcing the rogue backward step by step. But Julien didn’t resist; he flowed with it, retreating just enough to lure Ikaru into a committed thrust.

At the last second, Julien pivots, blade scraping Ikaru’s sword aside and slipping close enough that Ikaru feels the kiss of the cold blade at his ribs.

“Dead.” Julien whispers as he glides passed Ikaru.

Ikaru's brow furrows, but instead of anger, a smile tugs at his lips. He steps back, lowering his blade. “Again.” he says.

Julien laughs, already sliding into motion. “Gladly.”

Julien darts in low and Ikaru raises his sword, ready to deflect the coming attack but Julien twists at the last second, gliding in close under Ikaru's blade and pressing the dagger against his gut. There is a flash from the dagger and Ikaru suddenly freezes in place. Julien doesn't stop moving, using his own momentum to swing around Ikaru. As soon as he is behind the bigger man, he reaches an arm up and wraps it around his throat, poking the dagger lightly into Ikaru's back.

"Dead again, ráhka munnje." Julien chuckles in his ear and kisses Ikaru's cheek. 

Ikaru remains frozen in place as Julien turns back to Zuiigri, twirling the dagger in his hands. "This is excellent craftsmanship, Zuiigri."

Julien looks over his shoulder and chuckles at the imprisoned Ikaru. "He fights better with a spear, I swear. Though it wouldn't help him against someone like me. I'm too fast."

Julien turns and walks up to Ikaru, tapping his shoulder and releasing the imprison. Ikaru's sword finishes it's downward swing and Ikaru stumbles forward. He spins and swings his sword at Julien's neck but Julien deflects the blow with his dagger and hops back several times.

Ikaru grins. "Oh man, Jules. I missed watching you fight."

Julien chuckles and Ikaru closes the distance between them then pulls Julien to him, kissing him soundly on the lips before he steps back and looks at Zuiigri.

"So, once I have an idea what I want. I'll come find you. That's a helluva dagger you made there." Ikaru smiles and rolls his shoulders. "He's right too. I do fight better with a spear. Need one to practice with while I work out the details on a custom made one but I'm sure they've got one around here somewhere that'll do the trick."

Julien walks back up to Zuiigri, examining the dagger and poking the tip with his finger. "I'll never be defenseless again now. Thank you, Zuiigri."

Zuigrii watches the dance of blades as the two spar, taking mental notes as they do. 

As the bouts end and they acknowledge him, Zuigrii speaks up. “Oh I can tell a spear would be more your speed. In the bind you are more susceptible to quick feints and jabs. You are definitely a strong warrior though. Keeping opponents at a distance is definitely something I could see you excelling at. Do you have armor for when someone inevitably gets past your guard though? Do you have that extra layer of protection? Same goes for you Julien. Do you have armor that allows you to survive getting past the blade of a superior fighter? You are both excellent with your chosen weapons. I can fully see that. If you don’t already have something to cover your shortcomings though, please allow me to work towards solving that blind spot.”

They exchange glances and then turn back to Zuiigri. 

"I'm not used to wearing armor. Didn't have any or any way to acquire any in Leib Olmai." Ikaru shrugs. "I'll think on it though. Armor isn't a bad idea."

Julien nods. "Me either but I'll consider it. Can't hurt to have something at least."

Julien examines the dagger some more and smiles. "Thank you again, Zuiigri. I'll take very good care of this."

Zuigrii lets out a soft chuckle. “I’m not talking about normal armor. I’m talking about armor as strong as steel with a fraction of the weight. I can also make it for cheap with your help.” He pulls his tabard aside to show off his own armor. 

“Ikaru, would you say you’re a more straightforward fighter? If so this would work but so would most armors. Julien though, you are a hit and run kind of fighter so lightweight armor is imperative. This material can’t be enchanted very well but it doesn’t need to be. It holds up and I know for a fact that the material components lie within this swamp. Insect carapace. I already have some I can use, but it’s a limited supply. If you decide you want any pieces, let me know. I can give discounts if you give me your word you’ll go with me to hunt down some more at a later date. Just let me know what you decide.”  

Zuigrii stops for a moment before continuing. “I am glad I could provide a fitting weapon into your hands. I hope it serves you well for as long as you need it to. If it ever falters, bring it to me and I will do what I can for it. As for a name for it, do you have one?”

Julien smiles. "I do actually. I'm going to call it "Mesen'kar". It means "Hand of Mesen'ke" in Haltijan."

Ikaru chuckles. "That seems... Appropriate."

Julien nods. "I want the Order to know which clan stands against them. And that it was by my hand they fell."

Ikaru watches as he straps the dagger to his hip. "Just don't go inviting trouble, Jules. I just got you back."

Julien smiles at him. "I'm not inviting trouble. Just expecting it." He turns back to Zuiigri. "I'll keep you in mind if I decide to get some armor. Especially if it's as lightweight and flexible as you say."

Ikaru looks to him as well. "I can always go hunting with you. Provided I'm not wrapped up in something else. It's what I specialize in anyways. But first, I need a good spear. I'll worry about armor later."