middaeg | [OPEN/mingle] Just like fire, burning out the way

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[OPEN/mingle] Just like fire, burning out the way

Who: The Forge-bros and YOU
When: Early July
Where: The Forge
What: They have an unsafe workplace and some unexpected fines to pay off. Garage sale time?
Warnings: None atm.

The Forge is located just outside the Bright Wall, a short distance down a well-maintained path on a patch of uninfected land, green and pleasant in the middle of summer. Except the yard in front of the forge is strewn with some large parts like a junkyard, and the forge is missing most of a wall that it almost definitely had not too long ago. The scorch marks on the ground and what remains of the wall are pretty telling of what actually happened. (Hiccup's newly-erratic magic and one of Percy's stashes of gunpowder happened.)

There was no denying it when someone from the city came out to make sure they weren't inappropriately using destructive magic where it could affect the slums and the Bright Wall, and they were summarily fined. Fair, honestly, even if outside the Wall should mean outside the law.

So a flier goes up on the notice board in Aefenglom telling everyone that they're having a sale of small items out at the forge, that they take commission work, and they're open for visitors. Need a new knife, axe, sword, or clockwork gadgets? Armor? Ammo? Inventions? Repairs? Come on down and see them sometime.

They're also accepting broken parts and scrap metal for trade. To make more things.

[ooc: Feel free to treat this like a mingle! Open not just to the forge-bros but to anyone who wants to come out and visit for whatever reason, even just to see what the hell exploded. It's usually staffed by Hiccup Haddock and Percy de Rolo, along with Lan Xichen.]

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[Explosion - Closed to Forge-bros & Associated]
[It's been a long night and day. Hiccup knew right away when Newt was drawn back through his mirror, because the snapping of their Bond was a white-hot lance in his chest that had him waking, gasping and alone in their bed. Since then, he's been out of sorts, dull instead of cheery, distracted, clutching at his heart when he doesn't catch himself. He's shut himself into the forge because that's where he feels the most at home now, to work on projects.

He isn't expecting his magic to suddenly go impressively sideways in the middle of a synthetic Gronkle iron test batch, sending globs of hot metal flying... some right into a stash of gunpowder stored up against the wall. He barely has time to yell before Toothless dives on him, protecting him under the leathery spread of his wings. The blast takes out most of the wall, and leaves Hiccup rising, leaning against Toothless, shaken and wide eyed.]

...I- I haven't lost control like that in months-

[i. Yard Sale]
[Hiccup has a table set out, outside the heat of the forge, with some items set up. Finely made but unadorned daggers, axes, and a short sword, some leather and metal cuff bracelets, and other small trinkets are arranged with price tags, and a sign above that proclaims this a sale to cover some unexpected fines. It also has 'enchantments available for extra fee', except it's scratched out with a stick of charcoal, because he's still trying to figure out if he trusts his own magic.

Just ignore the big black dragon sleeping curled on the grass, or the little green one flitting around trying to rearrange the wares. Sharpshot might hiss if you mess up his organization trying to look at something, but he doesn't bite, really!]

So, uh, what- what can I do for you?

[ii. Construction Time]
[So. There's a hole in the wall. A very large, scorched hole. At least it's summer... Hiccup regards it with a sigh from the outside, hands on his hips, soot or charcoal smudged on one cheek and his clothes rumpled. There is a stick of charcoal behind his ear, and some papers on the ground weighed down with some larger, shiny black dragon scales.]

I guess we could always... build out, right? Maybe it'd be good. We only have the three workbenches. [Is he talking to you or himself? It's hard to tell.] An addition... Maybe reinforced, to store the gunpowder and... and hazardous materials.

[iii. Wildcard]

[ The sound of the explosion had been hard to miss, muffled though it had been when on the other side of the city, Vex having been in the process of being fitted for new fashions that really didn't suit her. At least the clothier had agreed on that front, and with fresh measurements and an eye for the style of the half-elf's hunting leathers, they'd soon shooed Vex away and back out into the streets.

It hadn't taken long to catch up on the news; bad news, much like Percival's gun, travels far very quickly.

At least Percy had had the good sense to message her ahead of time, reassurance that he was whole and hale, but she still worried, and so it is that Vex is ambling down the path towards the wrecked forge as Hiccup emerges with yet another round of weapons to lay out. Perhaps its with a mind to count out their remaining stock, because Gods help us, that's a lot of loose bricks scattered across the small courtyard.

She does slow down, then stop moving entirely, when the curled black dragon napping on the forge is noted; She's never seen a black dragon quite like that one - and he's very sleek looking indeed!. There follows a thump against the back of her legs as Trinket walks into her, and there's a mournfully confused sound as he peers around her.

Right, right. She was here for a reason. ]

Oi! Hiccup, yeah? [asked, as she lifts a hand in greeting. Does he remember her? Percy's probably mentioned her, right]

[It's a bit of a disaster. At least maybe they can expand...? Hiccup still isn't entirely sure what happened, his magic reacting poorly to something he's done before and Percy's gunpowder getting set alight. He feels awful.

He feels awful in general. A broken Bond does that.

Still, when he looks up, there is a definite spark of recognition for the woman being followed by- is that a bear? That's a bear.]

O-oh, hey! It's- it's you, from the market the month before!

[ A "bit". But at least the house beside it is still in one piece. ..It is in one piece, right? Or did something blow out the windows there, too?

The dangers of gunpowder can never be understated, and Vex can't help but remember the little shack in Vasselheim, and the small crazy man who had done himself so much damage mining it all..

She shakes her head a little, dispelling past thoughts, and gives a wider smile in return. ]

That's right. Vex'ahlia.

[she'd offer a hand to shake, but your hands, and arms, are a bit full right now. And you look more tired than she remembered from last time -- then again, an exploded forge might do that.]

I've been reliably informed that it's been about a month since we "unmirrored", or whatever they decided to call us, were sent back. [shoulders shrug] Not that long ago on my part, but apparently this time, the 'right' sort of Mirror brought me back.

[Luckily the house was built just far enough across the yard that it should be unaffected. Or, more accurately, Hiccup built the Forge just far enough across the yard that it would take time for a fire to spread from one to the other. One of his smarter ideas.

He manages a tired smile, dropping his armload on the table, where Sharpshot squawks and starts rearranging them to his own preferences. That means sheathed daggers mixed in with woven cuff bracelets, and don't you dare separate that spyglass from the axes. Hiccup just looks fondly exasperated.]

Yeah, that... that sounds about right. I guess you need to come through a mirror in the Looking-Glass House to stick around. So- so I guess you're here for a while then, huh? [A while, but who knows how long that could be, a little voice whispers in the back of his head.] It's good to see you again.

[He tries to crack a joke.] I- I think the Goblin Market vendors have moved on so I don't think you can terrorize them anymore, though.

[ Judgement, rather than luck. The sort of planning someone used to the hazards of fire would keep in mind of. Magic, of course, well, was an entirely different sort of hazard..and it does look like the Forge got the brunt of it.

At least no one was hurt. ..Were they? For a moment, her heart flutters with worry, though her face doesn't betray any concerns rising. ]

So it would seem. I recognised a couple of others who showed up last time, but there were many many faces. They seemed surprised by it. [the magic is a bit beyond her, though she did at least try to follow the basic logic being assumed at present] I can only hope to stay longer this time.

[that does startle a laugh from her] Them? They were rather easy pickings, and unfortunately, I don't have the coin I earned before vanishing any more. But I'm sure I'll find a good bargain somewhere around here.

[ Gaze drops, and she smiles at the critter rearranging the offerings. She remembers you, Sharpshot.

The bear, however, does not, nor does he know the young man across the table. Having waited patiently, Trinket shuffles forward, armor and all, and snuffles at the iron work laid out before him. ]

[As far as he knows, no one was hurt. Small favors.] Yeah, normally the groups that show up are- are smaller? But people leave sometimes too, so eventually it... evens out... [He trails off a little, frowning at the thought of people leaving, before he visibly tries to shake off the gloom.]

Oh, well, if you- you know, need to borrow money for anything, just let me know. Toothless sheds like crazy, and some craftsmen in town will buy dragon scales for a ton of money, so I have more than I ever spend. [He's really not good with finances, can you tell? It's just a blessing he lucked into an easy way to make money.

The bear catches his attention, and he smiles brightly.] Oh! Hi, bear. Is- is he yours?

[ Small favours indeed. ] I'd met someone who mentioned they'd been and gone a couple of times. I don't get the impression that's a very common occurrence, though. [she notes the gloom, filing it away when he shakes his head; she won't comment on it if he doesn't]

And we've only just met again. That's incredibly generous, Hiccup. [scales are worth a lot, eh? Vex's kingdom for the bag of holding and its excess of white dragon hide and scales..] Not to sound ungrateful for the offer, but can you really be that casual about such a thing?

[There's an affirmative grunt from the bear, but seeing Hiccup smile gets one in return.] Yes. This is Trinket. He's been with me since he was cub. A very valued member of Vox Machina, I'll have you know. [and no Scanlan around to declare otherwise]

Not very often, no, but it's happened. My, uh, my... former... Bonded's brother was here and gone twice. [And it had sucked both times he left, but Hiccup is a big boy, he understands that most don't want to be stuck here.

A wince.] Okay, maybe- maybe now isn't the best time, considering the fines and repairs, but I'll- get the money built back up eventually. Gotta keep the forge running anyway! Percy even has an apprentice now, sort of, and we're uh, not the best at selling. [They're the worst.

He is delighted by the bear, though, smiling a little wider and bowing in greeting.] I'm sure! Nice to meet you, Trinket. I'm Hiccup. [To Vex,] Do you think he'd get along with Toothless?

[ His former..? Oh. Oh dear. There's an inward wince, while outwardly, there's a hint of sympathy in her expression ] Percival had mentioned you were Bonded. I'm sorry. [she didn't mean to touch on a sore subject.]

[ And speaking of Percy: there's a slow arch of an eyebrow when he mentions "fines" in addition to repairs. An apprentice isn't new news, but her other brow lifts to join its twin in due course. ]

What sort of fine are we talking here? And, you're both clearly experienced smiths. How can you be bad at selling your wares?

[ Even as she says it, she can't help but feel a touch of dread - Vex had always been called up on to haggle on some matters, but usually Percy was quite good at handling his purse. And yet...

Fortunately, there is a bear distraction: he's busy snuffing at each weapon Sharpshot rearranges, trying to identify which ones belong to PercyDear, and which had this other human's scent. Said stranger human gets a grunt of acknowledgment, which in turn gets
a chuckle out of Vex. ]

He's usually quite agreeable. But I don't believe I've met Toothless? Percy mentioned him to me once, but I only knew of this little fellow. [fingers wiggle towards the terrible terror]

Yeah, I was. It's... It's okay. Neither of us ever planned to stay here forever. I thought we'd leave at the same time, but... [He smiles weakly.] I think it's throwing off my magic. Thus the... mess... You're a friend of Percy's though, right? From home? I bet he was happy to see you.

Just, just a little fine, for 'unsafe magical environment'. [Just a little fine. It's fine. Totally fine.] Hahaaa, well, I guess maybe he's not, but I am? Sometimes people just can't pay for things because they're new! And I never had to back home, we'd just... make people what they needed. Small village, you know?

[He laughs, rubbing the back of his neck, watching Trinket check things out.] Toothless is- he's around here somewhere. Hey bud! Come meet a new friend! [Suddenly, large wings shadow the grass, and that sure is a Night Fury hopping down off the roof, prancing in a circle and peering at the guests. He's a lot bigger than Sharpshot.]

[ Is it okay? This may be their second meeting, but Vex is very perceptive ~~(24 FOR INSIGHT CHECK)~~ and what he doesn't say is as important as what he does, along with the body language display. She'd like to give some form of reassurance..but really, what does she know about it in comparison? She just got here, for the second time. ]

I was told bonding could help with handling having magic. You're saying that, [a nod to the forge] was due to not having that bond any more? Are you sure you're okay? [Magical injuries aren't always as obvious as the physical after all.

...Vex can't say she'd considered the possibility of never going home, however, and that's a cold bucket of water dumped on her thoughts, stalling her a moment. Before she snaps back to attention. Talking about her friend is preferable by far. ]

I do. I've known Percival for several years. [there's a slow, warm smile] I had no idea the Percy you mentioned that time was my Percy. I might have found him sooner that time if I had, but I was very glad to see him once I did. I think he felt the same way. [he hugged her back. a big deal indeed, from where Vex is sitting, but Hiccup doesn't need to know that particular detail]

Do you have a log of what you've given and received in exchange for things you've been making? Or does Percy handle the receipts? [ Ah, money. A subject Vex is very knowledgeable of, at least in terms of barter and selling. Little villages taking care of one another makes sense. But Aefenglom is no ordinary city, and while the Mirrorbound community certainly had no problems looking out for one another here, who was looking out for the Forge and its masters? ] ...How big a "little fine" are we talking here?

[ Then. There's a flinch as shadows swoop over, wings overhead, and for a moment Vex freezes in place. The majority of her experiences with dragons have not been...positive ones, even setting aside J'mon Sa Ord. But at least she's not reaching for her bow! Beside her, the bear sits up, ears swiveling forwards as Toothless hops down. Before he shuffles over to one side, putting Vex between himself and the dragon, peering around her legs with what can only be called a worried expression - as though forgetting he's a full grown bear in armor, and not a bear cub.

...Yet the night fury isn't at all what Vex was expecting, not once she's gotten a good look at him. She's seen Drogon in the woods, and they are nothing at all alike. And this fellow...he's far more elegant than Sharpshot. (Sorry, little guy!) ]

...Why Toothless? [asked, while eyes never leave him. The name isn't obvious, to her mind]

[Lan Xichen is thankfully in the middle of sorting out some of the pieces of various projects outside, moving them into a somewhat neater area just so people can move between them. He only hears the yell and the explosion that follows as they happen, and he's really lucky he didn't try to dive inside to help or he would be caught in a serious blast.]

Chief Hiccup! [Standing in the now open area where the wall used to be, he stares at the destruction inside the forge.] Are you all right?

[Hiccup is just kind of staring, alarmed, at the mess he's apparently made. Luckily no one should have gotten hurt, because then he'd feel really awful (more than he already does).]

That... That wasn't supposed to happen... [He says in a small voice when Zewu-jun speaks, and Toothless rumbles mournfully, nosing at Hiccup's side.] I've never... I mean, not for a long time-

It's- I'll rebuild it. I promise.

[It's definitely more destructive than Lan Xichen was expecting even having worked with Hiccup and Percy for some time now. There have been mistakes, but never anything this large scale in front of him. He stands there, first concerned about Hiccup's safety after the blast, then relieved when he sees that he's at least unhurt. Although what caused that eruptive spell is still a concern.]

Never mind the wall. Here, come outside. You should get some fresh air first.

[Forget the hole, Hiccup. That's not important at the moment.]

Are you sure you are not hurt?

I'm- I'm okay, really... [Toothless is all too happy to mrr in disagreement and help nudge him outside after Lan Xichen, where he just kind of still seems stunned.

After a moment, he glances down at his hands.]

I... It must be because I'm not Bonded now, I normally have better control...

Please.

[He's worried that the shock will really catch up to Hiccup after all of that. Trying to work with Toothless to lead Hiccup to a place to sit, Xichen gets him water and encourages him to rest.]

For now you should focus on breathing. What was it you were working on? I can check on it for you.

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[OPEN/mingle] Just like fire, burning out the way

Hiccup Haddock | OTA

i. yards and sales

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explosion

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