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| Details |
| Author: | Athena |
| Summary: | While they're back in the Eastern Kingdoms briefly for another mission, Estel and Shun stop by Mordecai and Colson's to pick up a special order of field rings, and confirm what they would like for a personal order. It's time for ringsringsringsrings! Personal plot RP. 6500~ words. |
| Rating: | M for Mature 17+ |
The quiet street in Stormwind Old Town known as Restoration Row for its somewhat unusual architecture, a little different from the buildings around it with the Gilnean flair and modernized lines that sets it apart, has various participants in the holiday cheer of Winter's Veil. Some have embraced the holiday with open arms, others have eschewed all notice, one has overindulged to the point of some people perhaps wondering if they owe a significant debt to the goblin company or simply love Winter Veil that much, and others have taken a moderate approach of pleasant, lawful celebration.
The latter is the description of the house at the end of the street, a charming two-story townhouse, tastefully decorated, with warm and welcoming lights on in the gray and overcast mid-afternoon. Stormwind's winter has snowed already a handful of times, and it is considering it again for today, with the clouds hanging overhead dark enough to cast a gloom that highlights the cheery lights in contrast. It's practically a metaphor.
Adorned in a heavy cloak over his usual armor to fight against the winter's chill, Shun steps up to the townhouse, giving it a critical lookover. He takes note of the areas nearby; things both on the ground and up above their heads.
"This the place?" he asks to confirm as he continues to survey his surroundings.
Estel is in a dark navy pea coat with a peppermint-colored scarf that has thick red and white stripes, her gloved hands tucked into her pockets for warmth. "Probably, it's the one on the end."
Inside the house, Colson Aspenwood is dressed appropriately for a winter's day and a casual meeting with a friend and her partner, in a soft merino and mageweave gray-blue sweater, with dark gray wool pants, made by his sister (of course). The house has been warmed to toasty degrees for the comfort of his husband, so for the moment, Colson has rolled up his sleeves to a quarter up his forearms, which exposes part of the tattoos of his left arm, the words of faith of the Light. Aside from his wedding ring, however, the jeweler wears no evidence of his work.
He has in front of him, in their living room of their receiving area and intended space for the day, two boxes, several sheets of paper, and a notebook with a pencil. He has had this all out for over an hour, well before Estel or Shun have been expected to arrive. Colson reaches out and moves the notebook (not for the first time), forty-five degrees from where it currently is, perhaps just in case this orientation of it is a slightly better placement than it was just a moment ago.
As an added bonus, the house smells like fresh butter cookies. Mordecai peeks through the open divider window that separates the living room from the kitchen. He has confectioners' sugar on his cheek and a little bit dusted in his hair. "They need to sit for a little while before I take them off the tray. Are you still nervous?" He smiles at his husband. "Estel is one of the least picky people I know. She likes everything."
Colson smiles gently back, and he does start to leave his endless 45-degree-adjustments and cross the distance around the table to the kitchen.
Estel hurries on up to the door and knocks loudly before cramming her hand back into her pocket.
"Ah, well. I confess, it is not Estel's good opinion that I am concerned — " Colson begins, and halts at the knock at the door. "Ah."
He reaches up to touch his own face in mirror of Mordecai's, a gentle look in his eyes as he brushes his own cheek, taking the time without rushing though he is aware of the people waiting at the door. "Here, darling, on your cheek, some sugar."
Mordecai startles at the knock. "Oh." He smiles sheepishly at Colson. "Thank you. I'll wash my face if you can get the door?" He retreats to the sink.
"I haven't been here before. Their old house was, uh, park district. Deathwing got it," Estel says.
Shun blinks at that, "Well I suppose it is a good thing they were not home at the time."
Estel makes a face. "They, uh, were. Mordecai said. It was bad." It's a very late entry into the understatement of the year competition.
Without much of a shift in his expression, Shun only says, "Oh."
Colson inclines his head to Mordecai, and without rush, attends to the door, opening it politely. Even without his armor, there is something about the tall man with his stoic, neutral expression that exudes an aura of paladin. This is also possibly enhanced by the fact that he is literally exuding an actual aura all around him, Devotion, that subtly enhances the protection of those around him, which now covers both Estel and Shun, something that might be felt by those sensitive or familiar to the Light.
"Estel, Shun, good afternoon. Thank you for coming, and please, let me wish you Happy Winter's Veil," he says as he steps aside to make room for them to enter into the warm house that smells like cookies, which is welcoming. His expression, however, doesn't alter, and his voice is calm, to a degree that might seem somewhat flat, without any excitement whatsoever.
The townhouse interior is humble, but built by someone who knows how to use space to create a sense of lightness and openness; and the Aspenwood men don't seem inclined to materialism. Their furniture is cozy, and simple, with few possessions. There are also few shadows for anything or anyone to hide in, few corners that make for easy lurking or blindspots, and the windows lead mostly to a fenced in garden. It's not the most defensible place, but Shun has definitely seen worse.
The house opens up into a small vestibule with two closets, a shoe rack, and space for one to take one's shoes - or winter boots - off. Estel stomps a couple times on the doormat and wipes her shoes off, then sheds her coat as soon as she feels how warm it is inside. "Hey, Cole! Happy Winter Veil!" She tosses her coat haphazardly over the large table that is usually used for armor removal and flings herself at Colson for a hug.
Though Shun has an equally stoic and neutral expression (though partially obscured by his mask), he has about the exact opposite of Colson's aura. He instead has more of the vibe of someone one ought to not encounter in an alleyway at night.
He lets out a grunt in greeting as the door swings open. As he steps in and wipes his boots, he immediately clocks the various features of the interior.
Colson, perhaps surprisingly given the vibe he may seem to give off of unapproachably reserved, readily accepts the hug without hesitation, and there is a hint of something that could possibly be a smile, more in his eyes than his lips as he returns it for an appropriate amount of time.
"How are you, Estel?" Colson asks. He doesn't seem bothered by the haphazard toss of the coat, nor the aura of Estel's partner. That might just be his face though. Kind of hard to tell.
"Great," Estel says cheerfully. Under her coat is a long-sleeved medium blue dress with pockets, and pants underneath that. She slings her messenger bag back onto her shoulder and heads further into the house, calling, "Mordecai! Happy Winter Veil!"
Mordecai peeks around the frame of the kitchen door. "Hello, Estel. Um, and Shun. Happy Winter Veil…" He has managed to get the sugar off of his face and hair.
Shun grunts once again, this time to Mordecai, as he lingers by the entrance for a little longer. After a few more moments, he moves to follow Estel.
"… Thank you for the invitation," he says, finally using words.
Colson inclines his head politely to Shun. "You are most welcome," he reaffirms. "We are pleased to have you here." He doesn't look pleased, but again, that really might just be his face. "Would you care for any refreshment first before we look at anything officially? And, please if you would like, come sit." He gestures gracefully to the chairs, with their comfortable cushions, awaiting people. "We do not have any other afternoon plans today, but if there is anything that we should accommodate with yours, please do not hesitate to say."
Estel bounces right on into her chair and sits cross-legged. "It smells like cookies and I want to eat them."
"They're still cooling," Mordecai says apologetically. "Um, soon you can - I'll bring some out when they're ready. Would you like, um, milk, tea, coffee?"
"Milk please," Estel singsongs, raising her hand.
Shun lightly dips his head in turn, "Water or tea would be fine for me."
After Estel picks out a seat, he pulls up a chair beside her. So far, the mask stays on.
Mordecai visibly stalls out. He has been given two options and he doesn't know which one is the most correct one. He looks at Colson, then back at Shun. "Um, which… would you prefer?"
Shun blinks once, then says, "Tea. Please."
Mordecai smiles softly. Asking the clarifying question has yielded results and no one is mad. Success! "All right," he says, and disappears back into the kitchen.
Colson takes his seat now that the lady (technically) is seated, in that graceful way of his, settling his hands neatly in full view on the table in a polite fold.
"So, then while we wait, I have two rings for you to test out that are meant for the field," he opens with. "I hope that they are useful, and adhere to your specifications as you desired. The designs are compliant with all the strict enchantment tests we've conducted. They are rated for abyssal depth and kraken proof." His tone is extremely serious, and he likely very much is, but there is a lightning-fast movement of his eye, so fast that it is very missable that might have been a wink, a tiny hint of a joke.
But really, they are. Colson is only joking about the rating being called kraken-proof and abyssal depth.
Shun turns his attention to Colson, keenly listening to what he has to say. He nods once as he removes his gloves for the time being.
"That sounds promising. How might we test them?" he asks.
Estel drums her hands on her lap, vibrating in excitement. "Rings rings rings rings rings." (Mordecai was right. She isn't picky.)
"Estel is my best field tester. I have long relied on her friendship for some of the more difficult ones and unusual circumstances," Colson says. "These were tested using one of the submarines to bring them to the depths to ensure the enchantments on other testing rings did not break. We had two that did break, and were therefore reinforced, which delayed these, and I beg your forgiveness for that delay, but I believed that it was important to ensure that I could speak with certainty."
Colson picks up one the boxes, and carefully, without any sense of hurry despite Estel's vibrating excitement, patiently opens it, revealing —
Oh, two ordinary silver bands of rings, one thicker than the other?
That is a little anticlimactic.
Well, maybe until Colson turns the box, and the rings, suspended by the pinched setting of velvet, reveal on the turn that on the interior, a glittering band of a strip of polished wood set inside, alongside two bands of gemstones. The thicker band has a delicate cut red inferno ruby on one side, and yellow quick amberjewel on the other, meant for precision and speed; the thinner one has a sparkling ocean sapphire on both sides for greater mana and spirit. They are like reverse rings.
"Oh, shit," Estel says, leaning forward to stare. "They're actually inside out, that's so cool."
Shun leans forward to get a closer look at the box's contents
"Damn. That is… rather impressive handiwork," he remarks.
There's a tiny touch of color on Colson's high cheekbones, a faint pleased blush at the high praise. "Thank you. The designs are, of course, of other's make, not my own creation, and it was her idea for a request for a ring that would be simple on the outside, but more interesting on the inside, and I was pleased to find options that fit within Estel's preferences. It was only a matter of adapting to the exact specifications." He makes no mention of the skill it took to know to look, or to put it together. "There is also this, which is another form of something similar, and something you may want to consider for the other designs in complexity for what you may wish for a wedding ring."
He opens the other box, and again that first view is hitting that initial impression note: wow, two plain silver rings. Much jewelry.
Turn, and there is the actual wow factor. There is an entire interior world inside these two rings. A strong, and simple pattern of an engraving has been etched in the form of crossed daggers in the larger ring, the hilts set with two cut delicate inferno rubies, and the blades with the quick amberjewels. The smaller ring has been carved to have another strong, simple pattern of the symbols of the Light, set with the sparkling ocean sapphires. Once again, it's as if the rings have been turned inside out, complete with little gems set inside.
"Waitwaitwait does that mean I can get more than one ring? I can have two inside-out rings?" Estel looks very excited. "And Cobalt Company will pay for both of 'em?" She audibly gasps as she sees the inside of the second pair. "Shun, look!"
Mordecai peeks through the divider window while he waits for water to boil for tea, watching Colson display the rings with a proud smile.
"Yes. These are two varieties, and also you can use both to wear at the same time; they are within acceptable thresholds that the enchantments will build on each other, and not have diminishing returns," Colson explains, setting the box down. "Both are covered within the official requisitions, and are functionally no different than any other ring I would make, that would have the exterior showing the gem. It is simply a reversal of expectations. They are to your sizes as labeled within your files. You may try them on. They are yours."
Estel snags the first ring with the two bands of sapphire and slides it right onto her ring finger, where it fits perfectly. Her ring size has not changed. She scoops up the matching one in the pair and turns to Shun, holding it out. "Hey, will you marry me?"
Mordecai's eyes go very wide. He is not holding any breakable objects, so there is no noise.
Shun's eyes widen a touch as he sees the second pair. As Estel offers him one of the rings, he accepts it and nonchalantly says, "Sure."
It sounds like he's answered this question multiple times.
Colson, who might have had any number of thoughts, shows none of them, and says nothing, turning a mild, neutral expression on Shun and Estel as a third party observer of this ritual.
"Fantastic," Estel says, putting the ring on Shun's finger. She doesn't seem surprised. "Okay, second rings!" She picks up the one with the engraved daggers and puts it on her right-hand ring finger. It is too big. "Oh, this one's probably yours then," Estel says, and passes it over to Shun.
Mordecai turns away to start plating some cookies.
Shun nods as he accepts the second ring. Before placing this one one as well, he takes a moment to get a better look at the engravings on the inner band. Once satisfied, he slides it on so that it sits next to the other one.
Estel picks the last remaining ring up, admires the ocean sapphires, and puts it on. "These are awesome, Cole."
Those tiny little touches of color on his cheekbones and the faint smile, more in his eyes than lips, are the only indications of emotion in Colson. "I am pleased that they have met your expectations," he says. "And I would be most honored to have the great privilege to prepare your wedding bands, if you should find a design that suits your preferences accordingly. I have assembled a few choices that I thought might be some options to consider, which are more generalized concepts that can be discussed." As Colson says this, he moves the papers assembled on the table a few degrees closer, in case they are ready to start inspecting them.
"There are, of course, more, and many traditional designs that I expect you are familiar with, that I am capable of reproducing. These are not your only choices. I intend only in the smaller amount offering to not overwhelm. I remember well when looking through for Mordecai's that there was an incredible abundance of options." He glances back over at Mordecai as he says this, and there! An expression! A gentle, and visible, smile graces the paladin's face, and it is obvious in it that there is genuine, true loving feeling for his husband. He turns back to face Estel and Shun, expression returning to the mild neutrality. "And, of course, if you have anything that is beyond my skill, or if you have changed your mind, I will recommend another jeweler."
"Given what we have seen thus far, I am confident you will do just fine with any decision we may make," Shun states.
"Wait, we get even more rings?" Estel stares at Colson. "So you made us four whole rings and there's even more rings we can get? I thought we were just gonna wear these - there are more rings?" She leans forward to look at one of the pieces of paper with designs.
Colson blinks. "Ah. Yes. These are the field rings, for the field work, as requested," he clarifies. "These are the designs for wedding rings that are decorative, not yet finalized, meant for input. These can be enchanted, and I have made notes where some designs or gemstones will be limited through those enchantments accordingly, but if you prefer aesthetic only decisions, the options are greatly expanded. Forgive me, I understood the two as separate requests. I can, of course, have these returned, and we can work from another of these, to accommodate a combination. It would have been my error."
Estel clutches her hands to her chest. "No, I don't wanna give these back, I love them," she says, frowning faintly. "It's just, you know, if they're not for work - how much do wedding rings cost?"
Shun lightly furrows his brow as he looks between Estel and Colson, remaining silent for the time being.
Colson glances from Estel to Shun, and there is a compassionate understanding, as he reaches out a hand towards her, though it doesn't go so far — it rests on the table between them, palm down. "Ah. Estel, this is my own work. I would be purchasing the materials myself, and this is my own labor. I would be the one setting the cost. I would understand if you would also wish to pay for some of it, but it would not be necessary. It would be my privilege and honor that, if you would allow it, to make it a wedding gift. It would cost nothing. That was my intention."
"Are you certain of this?" Shun asks.
"Yes," Colson answers mildly, without hesitation.
"Oh!" Estel brightens up. "Well, in that case, that'd be real sweet of you and I super appreciate it." She has no shame about accepting charity or gifts.
In the kitchen, the teakettle starts to whistle.
Colson inclines his head. "It will be my pleasure to do so, to express both my gratitude for your many years of friendship and kindness, and my sincere wish for your happiness together." This matter of cost settled, he sets the papers out where his hand has rested, to show the designs.
There are four (4), as mentioned, in a stack. The topmost is a design that shares a similarity with the first field ring in that it uses a degree of the inside out bands concept. This one, however, offers many more options for customization. The exteriors may be of most common materials, including matte blacks, or deceptively simple silvers or golds. The interiors may have bands such as titanium, jades, and gemstones, all of which can be layered and polished in varying ways to create complex patterns. One of those potential materials, for example, is diamond and titanium dust that would create a sort of sand band that would glitter, as well as focus energy. Another is a tungsten with gold flecks that would resemble the black night sky with stars. And yet another demonstrates how multiple gems could be stacked to create a rainbow all around through the interior. The focus is on the materials being significant, choosing colors that resonate with the couple, perhaps for also the longevity or sturdiness of the materials themselves.
The second is a design that uses a similar principle as the second example field ring, which is of engraving as a principle concept within the interior. Here, several examples are given to show possibilities that illustrate how the wear of the ring's inside will affect options long term — certain designs cannot be done on a ring that will be worn daily, but depth and strong lines are possible, and certain enchantments are linked to particular designs. Examples are of knives, the symbols of the Light, mountain silversage, a sun and moon, and two people's fingerprints linked together into a heart shape. The possibilities are significant, and the engraving options extend all the way along the interior band, with the focus being on whatever shapes or designs the couple finds important, and a minor importance on any inclusion of material that might be added, such as any gems.
The third is of writing on the interior, with explanations of limitations again of how deep the inscription would need to be, and the expectation of the wear of the ring (and that it may require the occasional upkeep), and how it can be interspersed with gems on the inside. Examples given are of vows, names, and so on, with gems put in at intervals of between words, at periods, and so on. It allows for the greatest customization, with the focus being on what the couple wants to have it mean for them, and their own words to each other, as the space within the interior.
The fourth is a complex ring that combines many of the elements of the other three. It is the most inside out ring of them all, with a side inversion that sets gems into the interior, with the bands forming another inside rim, and inset within a carved and raised internal band that allows for a more full engraved ring with gems and complex shapes of fully articulated ring shapes that would be what could be done as an external ring. The warning on this one, written in the paladin's neat hand, is that it will be a challenge to clean, and keep clean, and it will catch debris and substances in it easily. (This is Colson for it is going to get blood on it and blood is going to get into every single nook and cranny every single time and it will be constantly needing to be deep cleaned after literally every single time.)
Shun shifts the papers closer as he examines and studies each of the design types carefully. After taking time to look each over along with the notes for each of the four, he glances over at Estel.
"Probably not the last one," he states.
Colson makes a hmm sound of acknowledgement. He understands.
"Hard to clean, yeah," Estel says. "Pretty as hell, though. I don't know a lot about rocks or metals. What black ones make good rings?"
"Ah. One of them may be of some sentimental interest," Colson says. "There is a form of what is called 'black gold,' which is an alloy, and can be achieved by combining cobalt with gold and using an oxidation process invented by the gnomish chemist Fithi Lockmix. There is also a titanium process, which can be better for sensitive skin types, and is more lightweight than the gold."
"Black gold…" Shun repeats, "That sounds promising."
"Oh, that's cool," Estel says. She leans over to look at the designs again. "You can do some crazy stuff with rings, I guess. Are engravings a pain in the ass to clean?"
"Ah, not any more than any other ring with a design would be, which may be something of a matter of opinion for effort applied." That's Colson for 'pain in the ass may vary.' "All rings beyond a simple band require general cleaning, but these, as they will sit fairly close to the skin, will generally only pick up the occasional necessary cleaning maintenance over time, and it may be a personal preference how often you attend to it." Despite the paladin's profession, he doesn't appear to be sitting in judgement of what that frequency might look like for someone.
"Engravings in general do require some upkeep, both in brushing and cleaning on occasion for best appearance, and you may want to see a jeweler every few years to maintain it as some wear of the design is natural and expected, but these are designs that take that into account. You will note that unlike the field rings, meant for shorter term use, these are intended for longevity, and the examples take that into account, but there is great freedom in what those designs can be, and many can be adapted," Colson explains, unhurriedly and patiently.
"Do you have something in mind, Estel?" Shun asks.
"I could write something like 'Don't die' in yours," Estel says offhandedly. "Hmmm. Do we have stuff that's… symbolic? To the two of us?" She looks at Shun, tilting her head.
Shun folds his arms, thinking. "Aside from the whole light and darkness thing?"
Colson listens patiently, without interruption, as it's a personal decision between the couple. He glances back at Mordecai in the kitchen with that same gentle, obvious loving expression again, the only time it's easy to read the paladin's face.
"Well… yeah, that's the obvious," Estel says, and boops Shun on the nose with one finger.
Mordecai exits the kitchen carrying a tea tray. In addition to the tea and tea supplies, it has two extra glasses of milk and a plate of crescent-shaped butter cookies dusted in powdered sugar. He makes his way to the table with it, waiting for Colson to clear a spot before setting it down.
Estel reaches for a cookie. "Thanks, Mordecai."
Colson carefully and deliberately ensures a clear spot for the plate, making certain that there is a generous extra ring of safety for any what if anxiety that doesn't require perfection. At this point, the designs can be easily moved closest to Estel and Shun, and the boxes that held the field rings moved away. Colson waits politely for the guests to take a serving before he takes any himself, his gaze following his husband with obvious fondness and affection.
"Thank you, love," the paladin says.
"There's, um, walnuts," Mordecai says to Shun, indicating the cookies. "In those. I don't know if you have any allergies. Estel doesn't."
"No allergies. I do not have much of a sweet tooth though," Shun states. He reaches for the tea to pour himself a cup. After giving it a moment to cool, he takes a careful sip.
The mask stays on.
Colson's lips twitch, for some reason, though it might be difficult to parse a reason for it. He eats a cookie, holding a hand below to catch any stray crumbs, although it turns out to be unnecessary; he's a neat eater.
Mordecai nods to him. "That's fine. Some people don't. The tea's all right, though?"
"The tea is excellent," Shun replies.
Colson finishes his cookie, and wipes his hands methodically on his napkin, and then genteelly blots his mouth. He lifts his tea to take a sip, and when he sets his mug back to the table, he cushions it with his pinky landing first to guide it down, so the cup returns to place completely soundlessly.
Mordecai touches his husband's shoulder with a small smile. "Enjoy," he says, and steals a cookie of his own to nibble on as he returns to the kitchen.
Colson touches Mordecai's hand in turn, a brief but heartfelt second.
Estel eats three cookies, dunking them in milk, before she says, "We don't have to pick the same design, yeah? We could each get somethin' different?" She licks powdered sugar off her fingers.
Colson nods at Estel's question. "Yes. We can always unify the bands with the same external material color, if you wish, but there is also no law that governs the appearance of the bands, inside or out, to match in any way." He would know. "Even in other traditional external designs, couples rarely have the same precise designs. One may have gemstones, and the other not, for example. Some might be of one material, and the other of another, though the colors may be similar. The rings are symbols of your union and the vows you are taking, and thus, are often chosen as a reflection of that, and it is a personal decision."
Shun quietly sips his tea as he mulls over the options. As he stares down at the diagrams and their notes, he lightly taps his finger against his teacup.
"I am thinking… plain exterior. Possibly daggers and moon on the inside?"
Colson shifts his notebook closer, and opens it methodically and carefully to an empty page, taking the time to press the paper into place without stressing the binding. He makes a note in that same neat, practical handwriting that speaks more of a military man than a nobleman, and nods. "Do you have any preferences or considerations on gemstones at this time?" he asks.
"What's that thing that's like pearls but isn't? The inside of the shell? Mother-of-pearl? That's a good Estel color if you wanna, for the moon," Estel suggests to Shun, snagging another cookie.
"That sounds promising, if it is possible," Shun nods, "As for the dagger… Perhaps something like amber, topaz, or citrine? Or perhaps cut obsidian…"
Colson nods. "There are moonstones that have what is called adularescence, and mother-of-pearl, also known as nacre, which is iridescent. Both have various uses, and can be enchanted in different ways, and have different wear patterns in jewelry. In general, nacre is relatively more fragile, though on the inside of a ring will give you far more longevity than the outside would. However, regular contact with anything that can wear it down, or extreme temperatures, will wear it down significantly faster. Unlike a gemstone, it's a natural material, and it will slowly wear away. It requires diligent care, and is best for those who do not use their hands in daily work.
"Moonstone, as an alternative with a perhaps similar appeal, is still a softer stone, which often makes it vulnerable on external rings, but when used on the inside, makes it a more viable option, and it will not be subject to the same wear. There is also fire opal, which can be found predominantly white with many shades of yellows, blues, oranges, and turquoises similar to a pearl, and it has a relative hardness to the moonstone.
"Obsidian, while beautiful, is a type of volcanic glass, not a gemstone. It can be used in jewelry, but, forgive me, I would not recommend it for a ring, especially not one meant to stand the test of time. It is easy to scratch and break with relatively little force, and it would take but a single hard blow to the hand for it to shatter in a setting," Colson reports diligently with regret but honesty.
"Moonstone!" Estel grins. "That's a good one."
Shun nods in agreement, "Moonstone, then. And not obsidian."
"Amber, topaz, citrine all have various points of benefit and if you would like to see examples, I have all available at hand, and all can be enchanted if you would like to explore those options, though I am obligated to point out that if worn with other field rings, you may potentially arrive at the point of diminishing returns, where the enchantments reach a critical point of reactivity amongst themselves and do not add any further benefit," Colson says. "My own wedding ring is not enchanted, as an example. I enchant my field rings only, for situational purposes, and as new technologies and techniques emerge."
"The field rings you made here would be my only other ones. So there may not be too much of a concern for that," Shun states.
"These two field rings are strongly enchanted, though meant for dual wear together, as previously stated. I would not advise on a third strong enchanted ring in addition however, especially if you have other enchanted gear," Colson says. "Although, new techniques are always being explored on how to enhance and push past previously established barriers. The choice of both gem and enchantment should not be based purely on what is possible now, for that reason."
"Noted. In that case, what potential benefits would the three gems provide?" Shun asks.
"Ah." Colson shifts in his seat, setting down his pencil lightly. "All three have benefits and possible drawbacks, depending on what options you are interested in.
"Amber is not a gemstone, strictly speaking. It is very soft. It can still be used in rings, and especially internally where it will be relatively safe from scratches of daily wear, but you will need to be aware of rubbing wear over time. Amberjewel, which is a gemstone, is formed through enchantment of amber, and while much harder, it has a starker appearance. Both can be enchanted for quickness and intensity.
"Topaz is the hardest of all three, at an 8, and can take an extraordinarily fine polish for smoothness, which you may find preferable for an internal gem setting. It will not wear down the way other gemstones might. It is also more flexible in color, but I am assuming from your other choices that you are looking for a yellow to orange topaz color. It can, however, be found in whites, grays, browns, blues, greens, and even reds. It can be enchanted for a variety of abilities, namely for added speed and precision.
"Citrine, is also a hardy gemstone similar to topaz, and may have an appeal to you in color for having a possible combination with smoky quartz, a naturally black quartz, which when put together, produces a gold and shadow effect. Though this will be more difficult to see in smaller gem settings on an interior if in a small cut form, it will be more visible in larger strip bands where the 'smoke' can be seen in contrast. Citrine does not hold strong enchantments as well as other gemstones, but can still be given enhancements for precision, speed, and intensity of strikes."
Shun tilts his head, tapping his fingers lightly in thought. He looks to Estel, "Amberjewel or smoky citrine?"
"Citrine's nice." Estel shrugs. "This one's yours, so. You get to decide."
Shun nods, "Citrine, then."
Colson picks up his pencil once more to make additional notes. "I will construct a design based on these specifications, then," he says. Once done, he sets his pencil down once more, and turns a patient look on Estel for any possible questions or decisions.
"Okay," Estel says. "Black outside, and then… maybe the inside could be half one thing and half the other thing? I like moonstone, and then maybe one of the things with the flecks to look like the night sky? Cause that was real cool."
"Ah, yes. This one here," Colson confirms, gesturing to the example ring on the paper. "This is tungsten with gold that would cover a wide base of a ring inside. If you are looking for a gemstone of something that might resemble a night sky specifically, there are options for that, such as lapis lazuli, which is around medium hardness, but would be suitable for an inside material. It is naturally blue, indigo, violet and with gold flecks. Both are good options, and can easily be done as half, and half."
"Doesn't gotta be a gemstone. Tungsten would work, if it's dark." Estel shrugs.
"It can be, yes," Colson says. He makes several precise notes in his notebook. "Would you like each half to be of a particular design?"
Estel shakes her head. "Just the colors, thanks."
Colson makes the notation. Moonstone on one side, tungsten and gold on the other, half and half, covered by the black gold to match Shun's, a combination of Light and Cobalt. He smiles faintly. "Of course. Is there anything else?"
"Mm… we're gonna be back in Pandaria soon," Estel says. She looks at the amount of cookies remaining and leaves some more for Colson. "You guys want anything from there?"
"It is very generous of you to offer. I believe I am content with all that we have at present, thank you," Colson says, and he looks to Mordecai as a question.
Mordecai has retreated to the kitchen, but he peeks through the divider window and shakes his head no.
Colson echoes the shake. "We are content," he confirms. "We were grateful for the tea you sent. I hope that you also have everything you need from here with you in preparation for your return to Pandaria? Is there anything that we might aid you with from here?"
Shun thinks about that for a moment, then shakes his head, "I do not believe so. We should have what we need."
Colson inclines his head. "Then I shall work on these, and when they are ready, I will send word. We will pray for the Light to guide you in the days to come for safekeeping, and for strength as you both walk on your path in the Light," he says. Coming from most people, it might sound sanctimonious, or even possibly a sideways implication of disapproval, but the paladin speaks the words with such genuine, sincere faith that it may be that he truly means them, as they are meant to be spoken. In the words are more than only the words — there's also a sense of true blessing, as a magic settles on them both, a [Blessing of Kings].
"Fuck yeah," Estel says, grinning at him. "Thanks a ton."
Shun rises to his feet and dips his head in thanks to Colson.