The Prologue to Something Sweet

"Your sake, Harune. Would you like something to eat?" The voice of the owner of the small restaurant interrupted her thoughts. The bright blonde would nod her head and give him a small smile. It wasn't uncommon for people from this village to know her by name now, especially given her rather borderline problem when it came to alcohol. She basically had to have at least one drink a night, perhaps developed through the years of being a Shokku. Like one had a caffeine addiction, but she was with plum wine. And there was nothing to not like about the liquid, slightly sour, sweet and acidic. There was no way of drinking it that wasn't pleasant, although she, herself preferred it on the rocks. It was the best way to taste the alcohol at its finest and purest.

‘Kisatsu-tai…’ she thought to herself, picking up the tall glass of wine, the ice cubes bumped into one another inside the glass, creating music of its own. The female looked absent-mindedly at her drink, twirling her hand so that the substance turned with the motion. She took a sip from it and closed her eyes. The first taste that hit her tongue was the sourness of the plums, which then turned into almost sickly sweet as it traveled down her throat. Harune's body felt warm when the liquid slid down her throat and made it into her system. Just as good plum wine should. She put down the glass gently on the counter, her mind wandering to recent events lately.

Was she extremely diligent? Not exactly.

Did she really want to be a ninja? Not entirely.

Harune had become a shinobi because it was the right thing to do, as a Shokku, and having been from the purple lightning-release family. Unlike most of the others who joined, she had no personal qualms with other nations, none of her family were really attacked by them for her to feel any type of way. Besides those that follow in the beliefs of Jashin. The same thing could be said about her as well. She merely took another sip of her wine and signaled the owner for another, careful not to drink his entire stock of plum wine.

TWC: 373

The Forgemaster entered the restaurant, box in hand. This was one of the few instances that they would end up at a location to drop off a commissioned piece but the customer wanted to inspect it and would be using it almost immediately upon delivery. Fosters’ Forge had slowly been making a name for itself shortly after the rebranding of the forge. Though most individuals native to the village were aware, many who came later either from other locations or Sunagakure weren’t as familiar with the forge’s work. Today’s delivery was to a popular evening spot for those we refined or even sweet taste. Quinn had gone here a few times themselves to try the place out and because they arrived one of those times, the chef had requested their services.

The box was about a foot long and wooden with clasps keeping the box closed. Walking to the counter, Quinn flagged down the nearest staff member explaining they were here to make a delivery. Quinn sat as the commissioner needed to wait for a break before being able to come out to pick up their piece. Once that time had come, the box was laid upon the counter before being spun around so it would open towards the chef. The Forgemaster would release the clasps allowing the lid to be lifted to reveal two well-made chef’s knives, one 9-inch and the other 7-inch, as a matching pair. Elegant and sleek folded steel laid in the box, polished and secured in the box. Quinn would give a light bow as the chef, ecstatic, grabbed the box and rushed into the back to prep a meal with the new tools of the trade.

Now waiting, the eyes of the Forgemaster wandered the location. The restaurant was not too busy nor was it empty. A rather decent crowd owed to the credit of the owner’s and chef’s hard work. Looking out of place, they remained at the counter awaiting something to occur. Their eyes lingering on each individual in the restaurant before pulling out a small stack of business cards and flipped the stack making a ruffling sound. Though the sound was drowned by the idle chatter of the restaurant, Quinn fidgeted as their eyes lingered upon the neck of Harune as she sat and drank at the counter. A smile etched its way onto Quinn’s lips as their focus moved on from Harune. “Another Genin. So many. Growing fast.”

The words came out short, direct, and forward. Quinn’s outfit being their traditional outing wear of a nice button up shirt covered by a finely made red vest. Black slacks adorned the long legs of the Forgemaster though the only thing that hid the heavy calluses on their hands was the fact they kept their hands in their pocket. Even with the decently dressed up appearance, a belt with a holster was equipped around their waist, a lone worn hammer slotted and restrained inside. Eventually a glass of water would be placed beside them and so she drank, awaiting for whatever to come to come.

WC: 513

The conversation and laughter of patrons and employees alike sang in harmony around her, sipping on her drink as the symphony of life sang around her - until a new rhythm joined the chorus and chose a seat beside her. She wasn’t averse to this seating arrangement of course, instead she found herself feeling something more akin to being impressed. Turning her face slightly to the side she would take the figure in - they weren't much taller than her and they exuded maturity in all aspects - looks and mannerism; open. In an attempt to match them, Harune would warm slightly in her body language, growing more relaxed as she did and even sliding a smile onto her face.

The new person’s statement caught her off guard. It wasn’t that she didn’t expect it, it was that she was expecting it right off the bat. A couple simple sentences weren't even simple… in the minor pause after their statement, Harune’s response allowed her to swallow her drink. “It seems my newness is that obvious to the role.” Settling herself into a position to better speak to the redhead, left elbow on the countertop and fist under her jaw as she turned to look them full in the face - drink still clasped in her right hand. “I haven’t seen the likes of you around, have you’ve always been here?” She withheld the niceties of asking for permission for asking, skipping right to the trade deal of information the individual had unwittingly agreed to. Before she would give them the chance to speak, she would give a sweet smile, speaking again, “Don’t tell me someone with such a striking appearance was home grown in the village of sound. If so, then this village has been hiding more than its existence from the world.” As she ended her words she would take a far deeper drink from her glass, gearing herself up for more interactions would require her more innate nature to be quelled.

The bartender would approach her again, “would you like another glass,” he asked.

Keeping her tone polite though she would order, “How about instead, I will take whatever your strongest darkest liquor is, money is not a problem either. I am trying to get acclimated, and alcohol is usually the best way to calm nerves.” She would only glance at him for a moment before averting her gaze away again to her new partner that sat next to her. “And one for my friend.” She said with a smile to the redhead before turning back to look at the bartender. With a curt nod and a gruff sound, he would step away to the back and return with a wax sealed dark bottle, pour her a glass and set it in front of her. “This is best enjoyed at room temperature.”

With a small smile she would unfurl one hand from under her chin and take the glass in it, raising it in thanks before taking a gentle drink - of which caused her smile to widen even further. It burned at just the back of her throat, but the flavor was something she hadn’t experienced in the last couple of years, “aged to perfection.”

“So, the name is Harune, and yours is?” She gently asked.

TWC: 918

As the younger woman spoke up to Quinn's commentary, they were pleasantly surprised by the forwardness of the individual. It was obvious they had taken to the the glass to allow for more openness but that did not turn Quinn's mood sour. "Born. Raised. Trained. Learning still." Their retort would match with a smirk towards the obvious remark of being a hidden gem within the village. "Before shinobi even." They inclined to include as Harune voiced up towards the barkeep. A drink shared between new individuals was indeed one way to conduct business as Quinn learned over the years of growing with the forge. Making friendships and sealing business deals tended to lend itself to inebriation sometimes. Giving a slight bow, "Gladly." the Forgemaster said upon the words given that one would be served to them as well.

"Friend? Already? So fast. Drinking for woes? Drinking for stress? Drinking to Drink?" The taller woman would press on Harune seeing them become more open to discussions and more accepting of the idea of companionship this evening. Once the introduction came up, Quinn pondered lightly. "Nice choice Harune. Better than sweets." they included at the end taking a light sip of the alcohol present post raising the glass presented to them in match of Harune's motion. Feeling the sensation of the liquor hit the back of their throat, a warm smile would creep its way onto Quinn's face. "Quinn Foster. Forgemaster. Business Owner. Academy Student. Maker of Chef Knives."

Admiring the liquor in front of them, Quinn relaxed their posture and fully sat down now that the delivery had occurred successfully. Payment had been given prior to the acceptance of the commission and with the promise of now a free meal and drink, there was no reason for the Forgemaster not to indulge on the company, food and drink. Once the plate of food came out, Quinn would maneuver it to the middle of them and Harune, offering a utensil as well. "Help yourself. Don't mind sharing." From there, they would enjoy the meal presented with the company of Harune. It seemed to them that she was more welcoming and open to talking than Quinn was for longer bouts, which worked in their favor as they enjoyed good company on nights like these.

WC: 387, TWC: 900

“So, your entire life. How intriguing,” she said with a curious smile. Harune wasn’t exactly new, but she wasn’t born and raised in this part of the world as her family fled the massacre that ended up taking the life of her sister. Fortunately, they did find a small community here that welcomed the Shokku Clan. Although, due to her trauma, Harune seldom left the confines of her home; so, that is the most likely and logical reasoning for not being aware of the people that occupy this now major village.

“Let’s take a shot to the great village, Otogakure,” she said with a smile before waving over the bartender to order them both a single shot of Shochu. Bartender nodded to her and began pouring their drinks, placing them respectively in front of them.

Now, an empty glass dangled delicately from her fingertips. The shot of Shochu she had just taken left a very rancid taste in her mouth. Harune placed the glass back down onto the surface of the countertop. The Shochu they served here wasn’t even bad, to begin with, it was just that her mind was wandering off into a place she didn’t really like. The thoughts she wasn’t so passionate about were beginning to ruin her buzz. She had to focus on the more important and brighter things in life. “I suppose you can say I’m drinking for the effects, but you got it all wrong, the sweeter the better.” She said as she let out a small chuckle as she sat the glass back down and scooted it to the edge near the bartender.

“Forgemaster and business owner, eh? I assume you own a shop around here, and hopefully you make more than just chef knives?” Harune casted another smile at them before picking up her glass of whiskey once again taking a small sip of it while the bartender approached them with a plate of assorted goods. The smell infiltrated her nose and began to make her stomach slowly rumble. Fortunately, Quinn was a kind individual indeed as they offered to share.

“Thank you, don’t mind if I do,” Harune gleaned as she took the utensil from them and took a bite of the food that had been presented to her. Flavors and seasoning worked their magic inside the sun user's mouth as sedation began to take place inside her abdomen. “Wow, this is fantastic, what is it?” She asked the redhead before taking another bite.

 “So, you said you’re an academy student? Are wanting to become some sort of weapon specialist as well, since, you know, the forgery and all; or do you just want to stick to creating?” Harune questioned, trying to get a deeper understanding of what this person is all about.

TWC: 1,380

Reveling in the idea of travel and adjusting to life elsewhere did not tickle the fancy of the blacksmith. There had been many a time there was the consideration of moving shop but Quinn was happy that they remained here. Seeing that Harune was less likely to also have been born and raised within the village, Quinn took note and moved from it. A lot of people recently arrived, found some benefit from the academy system with what experiences they had, and moved a lot likely due to it. The smaller continent within the world was slowly catching up with the world of shinobi as more began to migrate over and find refuge and stability within the quieter nations of the world.

Upon hearing the idea of taking a shot for the village, Quinn would be pressed to not celebrate the founding and development of the shinobi side of the village. "To Otogakure!" they proclaimed once they had received their shot glass. There was much to be thankful for, for the blacksmith found their way into the shinobi world due to the change of demands and needs of the surrounding individuals. The advancement of the business was all due to Quinn and the development of the village. This was more than enough to warrant shooting back a shot in celebration of its growth. Once done they would mirror Harune's action of pushing it back to the side of the barkeep.

Shaking their head, the Forgemaster chuckled at the words of 'sweeter the better'. Sipping more of the whiskey that was provided, Quinn was pleased that Harune also enjoyed the food that was provided. It was a simple charcuterie of meats and cheese that were finely cut from their original sources, evidence of the new knives that were brought and put to swift use. Partnered with honey and a spicy hatch pepper jam, Quinn's pickings leaned towards the jam over the honey. "Sweet is acceptable. Hotter the better," was their response, giving a wink before taking a larger bite of assorted goods from the plate with a large pile of the jam on top.

"Knives. Blades. Armor. Training swords. Gauntlets. Etcetera." Quinn would begin to list before stopping themselves looking up when they began to think and consider the idea of the path they would take as a shinobi. "Family practice. Partner with a profession. Learn methods. Learn ways. Learn needs." Explaining Quinn would sort the try and poke at different meats on the plate. When saying 'Learn needs', the utensil in hand would tap where the meat Quinn was primarily grabbing at was a smaller pile than the other two. "Good practice. Know what is needed. Tools? Materials? Labor? Keeps business," expanding more they sighed lightly. "Not sure. Probably both. Like the idea. Contributing to something bigger. Seems like good business." They smiled softly taking another slow sip of the whiskey but letting it sit on their lips in contemplation.

"Will do both." They broke their silence following the explanation as a strong affirmative, "Sweet business deals? Always good. Sweet treats? Ehhh. Not me." Moving the honey towards Harune to offer more of the local honey that was cultivated on the floating village itself. Making a rather bold statement that they would opt out of having any with their selection of cheese and meats. Relaxing in a friendly environment with a shinobi was a nice and different pace of what to transpire with expectations Quinn had. Having done business deals, missions, training, and now gearing up for the graduation recital, the Forgemaster has had their fair share of interactions with other shinobi. This was likely the first in a more casual setting. Though Quinn remembered the small gathering that occurred some time ago that they left abruptly from. There was just too much going on that day and Quinn felt it was time better spent not worrying about waiting on others to interact with a few.

WC: 656, TWC: 1,556

A small smirk formed over the female Shokku’s lips as she raised her head off of her hand, “so, you like things a little bit…spicy,” she said as the last word sounded more seductive than those before it. While the redhead might have preferred spicy over sweetness, Harune liked both equally, depending on the mood she was in. Some days she would just need something to ease her cravings, and other days, something sweet. All in all, she was not picky whatsoever. Well, unless it came to things that had no seasoning of any type. Bland foods and bland personalities really rubbed her the wrong way.

As the conversation shifted, Harune began to learn more about what this woman does and items she makes. It appears that they are a well-rounded smith as they can make a plethora of weapons, armor, and other items. Matter of fact, they reminded her of the old craftsman that used to live in her old village. He was the one that made the very weapons that her father uses today, and he was an excellent blacksmith. A sole product maker for the whole village of Furano. Harune highly respects those that take that skill underneath their belt. “The patience and artistry that go into making armor and tools are something to envy. A trait I wish I had,” Harune said as she threw a genuine smile at the other.

As Quinn talked, the more Harune thought that perhaps they didn’t do it for the enjoyment but more so for the sustenance. Almost, like her with being a ninja, not really doing it because she liked it but for other reasons, maybe job security so to speak. Harune furrowed her brow at the thought. She knew she only did it because of her parents and just wants to give back to Otogakure in the way of service.

“That’s good…keep yourself busy. And the deals that come with it, I’m sure that is just the cherry on top,” Harune giggled as she placed a trio of meat, cheese, and crackers together in the form of a small sandwich, quickly taking it in her mouth and eating it.

“Although, I have the same thoughts about contributing to something bigger. Well, giving back to the place that took my family after disaster struck my last village.” She said as she took another drink of her beverage before placing it down on the bar top. Turning her head, she noticed that the redhead was signaling her to eat more of the honey which in turn made Harune chuckle. “You know, my mother owns the shop in town that this stuff usually comes from, ‘Herbs' n’ Honey, you might’ve heard about it. I spend time in our fields collecting the honey for her shop; therefore, as much of a fan I am about sweet things, I am not that keen on the honey. Perhaps, I grew tired of it. So, I’ll take the spicy jam if you don’t mind,” she said as she leaned over to smear the contents onto a cracker before eating it. Eat began to pick in her mouth; however, as soon as it came, it went away.

“Pretty good, if I do say so myself; although, I like my ‘things’ a little hotter than this,” she said as she repositioned herself on her barstool.

“So, since you make an assortment of goods, care to show me your wares sometimes. I’m thinking of having something made and I would like to see your work,” she said as she looked directly at the redhead, “that is if you don’t mind, do you?” With that being said, a small smirk smeared across her lips, not breaking her stare as if she was a lion staring down her gazelle-prey.

TWC: 2,009

Quinn would chuckle a bit as it appeared the young shinobi had a fill this fine evening. As one that did not judge others often, the Forgemaster enjoyed the comfort that Harune presented to them. Not many seemed to be as flexible in their attitude towards how Quinn approached the day-to-day life they enjoyed. Many sought after what they learned or their skills, it was nice for some small, sweet, talk prior to business proceedings. As they were originally here on different business, Quinn laughed at the concept of patience as a trait but smiled with the commentary of artistry. "Takes time. Takes effort. Does not come easy." They chimed moving to give Harune a pat on the back. "Not everyone's tea," Quinn added before letting their look wander to the thoughts of forging.

Bringing their mind back to the presence and enjoyment they were having with the company of the kunoichi that set beside themselves, Quinn smiled as Harune made themselves a small sandwich out of the hors d'oeuvres placed upon the charcuterie. "Business is business. Did not start overnight. Grew up forging. Growing still. Forging is my life." The Forgemaster stated as they described their own situation, "Supporting village. More than enough. Helping others. Fills the soul." Quinn added smiling hearing about their mother's contribution to the village's own local economy. Business owners stuck together and Quinn made the mental note to check them out. Taking out a small pad and ink, they jotted down the name of the establishment. "Shall visit. Do you work?" They curiously asked the young woman as they brought up their difference in tastes. Quinn nodded along chuckling with Harune as they repositioned the spicier jam in between them and her.

With the shift of tone, a wider smile and grin etched its way upon Quinn's face. Business always brought out this side of Quinn as there were always people looking for items to be made, weapons to be crafted, and armor to be forged. Quinn returned the gaze as they presented as another beast of prey as they motioned for the bartender. "Chef please." Without skipping a beat, the keep moved back and shortly returned with the chef in tow, a stouter individual who looked between the two women and then to Quinn who had called him forth. "Used the knives? Assuming on this?" Two short questions came forth from Quinn pointing at the food that was cut in front of them. The chef nodded not sure what to make of the question, "Of course! It was a prime chance to test out the edge you've made! Look at how the cheese is precisely cut without drag of friction from the blades, how even without serration the meats are still properly encased around their edges for the pieces that had the casing. You've made wonderful knives that I hope I can get sharpened frequently at your forge." He added before Quinn nodded, "Upkeep free. Take care of them." Quinn smiled back as the chef left the two alone.

Returning their attention to Harune post the display Quinn caused, "Of course. Come to the forge. Fosters' Forge. Showplace. Show designs. Show work. Quick turnaround. Excellent craftsmanship." They added as they picked up their notepad again flipping through some of the used and worn pages to present to Harune. Sketches, basic order information, measurements, needs, and other materials that needed to be stocked, everything Harune would understand a business would likely need to run, Quinn operated on a small ledger on their own personage. Though it would be silly to run a business out of a notepad, Quinn kept the family's business to heart and never missed a chance to make a sale, deal, or partnership for others. "Weapons and Armors. Tools and facades. We make it all." They added adjusting themselves closer to Harune's face, bringing almost their noses together, returning the gaze upon the young woman.

WC: 654, TWC: 2,210

(OOC - you're literally the best)
[EXIT]
TWC: 2,009
Claiming:
adding 2,009 to 1,149/6,000 to Tengan: Stage 3 (from here) making it 3,158

Harune Shokku wrote:(OOC - you're literally the best)
[EXIT]
TWC: 2,009
Claiming:
adding 2,009 to 1,149/6,000 to Tengan: Stage 3 (from here) making it 3,158

Approved!