A Knight Needs A Sword

[mithrarin]

Who: Agrias and Dust.
When: March 30.
Where: Agrias's temple.
What: Agrias gains a weapon.


A chance encounter, a collaboration of need, and it all came to this somehow.

Dust felt out of his element and adrift, but those were familiar feelings, ones he ignored to keep moving forward. 'Forward' in this case was fairly literal, as he approached the temple of -- Sanctus? He probably ought to be certain about that, at some point...

Comments

[cleansingstrike]

Agrias was inside the temple, simply doing a little of cleaning and upkeep. The temple was far too big for just two people, but she would still have it well kept and organized. With the main hall looking satisfactory, she opted to step back outside.

And lo and behold, there was visitor!

"Ah, well met, Dust. What brings you here today?"

[mithrarin]

"Hey, Agrias."

No lie, this was a bit awkward. Dust folded his arms, fingers curling up his sleeves.

"We... worked together well. Really well."

[cleansingstrike]

"'Twas because of your fine vessel that we were as successful as we were." A sword would've been of little use without someone to wield it. Likewise, a sword that was handled by the careless and inexperienced would only serve to endanger oneself.

"Your god must be very proud, to have such a outstanding shinki."

[mithrarin]

"She... isn't that good with a sword yet." Dust didn't really feel comfortable saying things about Marinette that could be perceived poorly -- but he had to do something, something had to change. "And more importantly, she really isn't interested. In fighting with a sword. Or fighting ayakashi."

[cleansingstrike]

"Then allow me to offer mine apologies, had I but known..." It seemed like ill-suited pairing, in her eyes, though she would not voice her thoughts as such. Agrias did not feel as though it was her place to make such commentary.

"Should you ever want my hand to wield your vessel once more, you need only ask. I can offer that much, at least."

[mithrarin]

Dust was silent a moment. His hat, as always, kept his expression hidden... but when he spoke, the quiet intensity of his voice made up for that.

"I spent my entire life in battle. From the moment I woke up, to the moment I died. I cut through countless monsters, an entire army, and the general at the top of it, to save the lives of others from senseless genocide. That was just a matter of weeks. And here... I've been here almost a year, and that was the third time I assumed my vessel form, and the first ayakashi I've ever struck down."

His hand was pale, the strength with which he clenched it making his skin white beneath his thin fur, and it trembled.

"So I did come to ask... if you would want another weapon."

[cleansingstrike]

Agrias listened to his story, finding it unfortunate that a soldier such as himself had such strong feelings. She could understand, truly, that feeling of... inadequacy.

"'Twas said once already. Yours was a fine blade that I had the opportunity to wield. That you would ask me to do so again... I would be honored to have the privilege."

Agrias' words were always honest and earnest. Many a god and goddess resided in these lands, yet here she was, a chosen one out of many.

"Yet I ask of you, Dust." She stepped forward, closer to him, regarding him sternly.

"Is this what you truly want? I would continue to see myself in the front lines, blade ever at the ready. I would ask you to put your faith in me, and I would put mine in yours."

[mithrarin]

A faint smile touched him, brief but genuine. "I was... literally created to fight. A soul that craved battle and challenge, bound to a soul that craved justice and ideals. So you're not discouraging me by warning me of fights ahead."

[cleansingstrike]

"Conviction as strong as yours shall serve well in the battles to come." Agrias wouldn't have accepted any less. Not from herself, and not from one seeking to serve under her.

"Very well, I accept you as mine shinki. I am to bestow a name upon you now, correct?"

[mithrarin]

"Right. Just like when we fought... except you don't revoke it this time," he said, allowing himself a little smile.