RP:Cerinii's Hammer

{Alvina left Hollow for a time in search of her missing Fiance, Linken. Before leaving, she had been offered an apprenticeship under Cerinii in the arts of metal working and Engineering.}

Alvina rubbed her slightly shaky palms against her robes. It had been quite a while since she'd come back to the lab, where Cerinii had begun teaching her the ways of an Engineer. Standing outside the door, she couldn't help but wonder if she should knock. Had her absence lost her the privilege of walking in unannounced? The bard waited just a moment before deciding that foolish. The knob creaked as it turned, and a small wash of light entered the room. Small pillars of dust exploded in surprise to the light and moving air. Laughing a little, she stepped inside see if Cerinii was indeed here after all...

Cerinii was, in fact, here. She was sighing softly, looming over the large metallic table that was covered in dust. She sighed, weighing her trusty hammer in her hand. She heard the creak of the door, turning to see who was there. Her student. She couldn't help but smile, "Hello, Alvina." Cerinii offered a faint wave of her hand, before murmuring, "I, er.. I have something for you. I wanted to give it to you before your absence, but er.. Y'know."

Alvina smiled, stepping further out of the beam of sunlight she'd let in, and closer to the avian. The wave is returned before her hands push the door closed. A look of complete surprise rushes her features, "I...teacher, you didn't..." Her voice trails off, guilt already flooded her thoughts. She'd left all these things in an effort to regain what she loved most. It was hard to remember, while gone, that there were those here who still remembered the bard's name or smile.

Cerinii turned and approached the dust laden drawers, pulling one open and rummaging around. Cerinii took a few minutes to find the box she was looking for. It wasn't fancy or anything really, just a pine box with a velvet cover inside. She presented the box to Alvina, murmuring, "You're the only student I have had who is deserving of this." She holds it out to Alvina, "Take it."

Alvina knew the instant Cerinii spoke that this was important. Very rarely (and understandably so) was she ever offered any praise for her work. She'd expected to be refused when she returned, her training having ceased. Small tears built up around the corners of her eyes as she takes and slowly opens the box handed to her. "Oh..." she breathes, pulling the hammer from it's chamber, "...it's..." A pause, followed by a small sniff. " Thank you...I will work my fingers to the bone to prove I'm still worthy..." Of both the object...and the compliment. Teetering on the fence, the bard finally decides to lay the hammer back in it's box and hug her teacher happily.

Cerinii smiled softly, "I am pleased to hear it." She patted her back at the embrace. Cerinii sighed, pulling away after a moment. "I want you to train. Much more than you did before, Alvina, do you hear me? I mean it, I want you working until your wrist is in pain - und then working more!" She seemed to become incredibly serious. "Seeing as one hand is metallic, you will work with your fleshy hand more. But you still need to train the other. I need both hands working perfectly und with expert power."

Alvina smiled, even as she was presented with what might have seemed an impossible task to anyone else. Alvina knew better. If she'd learned anything under Cerinii, it was that she was stronger than she'd given herself credit for. If Cerinii could ask it, then the Silver Bard Alvina could do it. "Yes teacher." Her voice rang, in familiar chorus to the woman.

Cerinii said to you, "You will study. Und you will help Lucien, to ein degree. Competition is always good for the soul."

Alvina nodded, "I'll do my best, he seems eager enough."

Cerinii gave a nod of her head, "He does. Very excitable." She smiled at the idea, before eyeing Alvina over. "I need to know you are committed to this, Alvina... I'm married now. Mein priority is Araina, und whatever she wants. I do not have the time or patience for time wasters..."

Araina had been here a few times this week, tidying up certain things and emptying out drawers she hadn't gotten around to the first time. Pleasantly surprise to find there were already two familiar faces, she murmured, " Talking about me again." Winking playfully at Alvina, she leaned up to kiss Cerinii's cheek, " Hey there stranger."

Alvina nodded, "I'll give it my all," came her reassurance of being up to the job when Araina entered. She turns to offer a slight wave." Good afternoon, Lady."

(note; Hammer is 300 years old But it's one of Cerinii's hammers, from 300 years back. So, it's worn but trustworthy.)