[Directness is, perhaps regrettably, not something that he is often in the habit of anymore. Not something that is completely beyond him, but not often what comes most easily to him.]
In a word? Yes.
[It probably also helps that Ardbert is closer to Era's height than he is, for all that there's still a not insignificant disparity between their comparative heights. But he'd like to think that goes without saying.]
Heavens forbid if you make something that looks... ordinary.
[It's a friendly tease. Ardbert squats to grab the weapon, lifting the handle just enough to confirm it does weigh something before standing up and pulling it with him.
He balances the flat of the blade on his palm as he inspects it for a moment.]
It's at least heavy. Where do you want me standing before I start swinging this thing? ... I'm not always the best at keeping an eye on everything still, even if I'm mostly there.
[He walks over to the suggested area and moves his hands to hold the sword properly, tilting it this way and that, swinging it, and otherwise taking on various forms that Era has taught him. Ardbert isn't an expert, but he knows enough to have some idea of what's right and wrong. Because a Dark Knight's sword is so important, he's not going to just take a few swings.
Let's hope that you enjoy seeing Ardbert in full concentration mode!]
All the more reason to make sure it's done correctly, then.
[He absolutely does enjoy the sight of Ardbert putting the whole of his concentration into something, too. And for all that Ardbert is no expert either, it does give him something more of a sense for what he might be able to expect out of Era, once he gives her the sword properly - though he doesn't doubt her ability with same, neither is it something has has much seen from her, prior to his arrival in Havenwell.
And if Ardbert should happen to catch him looking openly appreciative, well... there are certainly worse things.]
[[ He does notice, although he pretends he doesn't. And by pretends, it's obvious when he realizes it by how one swipe of the sword jerks, and how his cheeks start to go red. ]]
[Obvious indeed, not that this stops Emet from being openly appreciative. Instead, the corners of his mouth turn up ever so slightly, as he simply continues right along without so much as a hint of shame.]
You needn't stop on my account. Though I am glad to hear you find it satisfactory.
Ardbert elects to pretend like he doesn't notice that smile. He continues to 'test' the sword, although it's mostly repeating the moves he's already walked through—and the fact he continues when it's no longer necessary is telling enough. ]]
Then I won't stop until you're satisfied.
[[ WHY DID HE JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD.
Ardbert clears his throat after a momentary pause, then continues. ]]
[Even if it's just him repeating the moves he's already walked through, the sight is still very much appreciated. Nor has he missed the implications of the fact that Ardbert is still continuing despite it no longer being necessary.]
Is that so?
[The words could - almost - be read as completely innocent. But the faint gleam in his eyes and the way his voice drops a half a tone suggest that it's anything but. He might certainly not have expected the turn things have taken. But he will very definitely make the most of it.]
[[> And Emet is responding to that. Shite. ... well, he can't look back now, not that he would. It's impossible to get more romantically involved without taking the first steps. ]]
It is. But I'll need to know what you'd like, first. Would you like me to make it fast or slow?
[[ Now what 'it' are they talking about? He'll let that up to Emet to decide, trying not to look a little proud of himself through his half-embarrassment. ]]
[Impossible indeed, though had Ardbert wished to back down, Emet would certainly have been willing to respect the desire. As it is however, he's absolutely going to keep right on as he has.]
Mmmm, both have their unique benefits. And require different amounts of focus. But I would see your all - be it fast or slow.
[Both will be illustrative, after all, albeit in very different ways. And if Ardbert should decide that they are not speaking solely of the weapon in his hands, that will also be illustrative.]
[[ Indeed, Ardbert shouldn't be surprised. The other Hades had been interested in him rather quickly. A piece of her, although a different person, gets Emet's attention easily.
Flirting with Emet is actually rather fun, once he gets past the initial embarrassment. Ardbert smirks a little. ]]
I'll go fast, since you've already seen slow. Feel free to give me pointers.
[ He follows that through by speeding up to a normal combat speed, fighting an unseen enemy. ]
[That it does indeed, and outside of this particular context he has never really had the time to get to know most of those who had inherited a fragment of Hemera's soul. Or Hythlodaeus' for that matter, but none of those have thus far managed to make it to Havenwell, and until such time as they should Emet is hardly about to spend any significant amount of time dwelling on the matter. Especially when Ardbert is here, and is busily making himself quite thoroughly appealing besides.]
My skill with a weapon lies in other areas. Though I suppose I might certainly have had more time to... thoroughly familiarize myself with such things.
[Still, even he can't know every weapon like the back of his hand, and even if he did, not all of the memories are likely to be fresh enough in his mind to be particularly easily accessible. And even if they were... it's very hard to complain with the show Ardbert is giving him.]
[ It's rather nice to actually flirt. He hadn't been ready to flirt much when Hades left before. Everything had been too overwhelming and was focused on relearning how to simply... exist.
The wordplay is fun, even if that last statement causes Ardbert's cheeks to start getting a bit pink. But that's part of the fun, isn't it? Teasing each other like this.
Which might explain the way he grins a bit wider, his voice cheeky. ]
In other areas? Do tell. I'm assuming you're skilled with a sword, then?
[He offers it without so much as batting an eye at the euphemism - or doing anything to steer the conversation to less innuendo-laden waters. After all, the faint blush on Ardbert's cheeks is an intriguing addition to their current game, and he finds he wants to how much further it can go. How much further Ardbert is willing to let this odd game they've spun into being go.]
Though you are welcome to see for yourself, of course.
[action] Ardbert's D20 'betrayed' him. At advantage.
[ At those words, Ardbert loses control of his latest swing. He stumbles forward to recover, just barely keeping himself from dropping the sword entirely and instead embedding the tip into the floor a bit. Better a dull thunk than a loud thudding of a sword to prevent Era from coming to see. Which makes this a speed run for how fast he can blush, because well, that was embarrassing. All of that easily visible, of course, being that he was turned sideways in relation to Emet.
He clears his throat, adjusting his hands on the hilt to face the opposite direction so he can 'lean' on the sword a bit and 'pretend' that was on purpose. It's all part of the game. As is pretending he can only just meet Emet's gaze by glancing just enough to see his face. ]
I'm unfamiliar with a sword that isn't mine. Perhaps we can see about changing that sometime soon. When you're... free.
[ Ardbert feels a little proud of his verbal recovery, and he's surprised that he doesn't feel too terribly nervous about the implication of his words. Or perhaps it's bravado winning out for the moment. Not to mention, his libido, which has been mostly tended to by himself as of late.
The current state of things has made him realize... if he wants to get closer to Hades, he has to actually try. So here is him, trying.]
[Even the gentle thudding of the sword against the floor can't keep the look of amusement off Emet's face, at Ardbert's reaction. It's true enough that he's making a game attempt at recovering, for all that the blush rather gives it away, but there's still a part of him that can't help but think 'ah, so that's how far'.]
I do have one that I would be glad to lend to that cause. Indeed, it might well be eminently suited to it. But as you say, it is best saved for when we are both... suitably free.
[Which could potentially be now, yes. Though they'd have to put Era's gift aside for the time being. But if Ardbert would prefer to have some time to mentally ready himself for that sort of swordplay as well, Emet is certainly willing to give him that time.]
[[ Emet keeps pace with the innuendos. Ardbert isn't used to flirting this way. The blush isn't entirely because of what they're discussing but the fact it's being discussed this way at all.
His eyebrows go up at the offer of sword lending, fast enough that he chuckles at himself. Ardbert decides at that moment to just go for it instead of tiptoeing around the subject. Knowing that Emet wants to touch him in a carnal fashion certainly is a confidence boost. ]]
I mean... you did ask me here about Era's sword, not our swords. I wouldn't want to take that focus away.
[[ Ardbert stops leaning on the sword and pulls it free. It's carefully returned to the table where it was originally, and Ardbert makes a show of straightening up against and stretching to show his muscles. ]]
But she's been encouraging us to get to know each other better, too. She'd be more than a bit pleased if we did more than just talk about swords.
[[ He looks at Emet directly, eyes slowly looking up from his thighs and settling onto his face. Ardbert's hands remain at his sides, ready. ]]
... As would I. I'm less talk and more action. But just to make it clear: I would like our mouths against the other's or against skin, for both of us to be wearing less clothes, and to have our hands and cocks involved. Here and now. Would you like the same?
[He has, for better or for worse, had long years of practice in... perhaps not exactly this, not recently, but of the sort of careful word play that makes it all too easy to keep pace. He doesn't even blush, though he notices the way Ardbert's eyebrows go up at his offer.]
I believe that sword [He nods at the one that's meant for Era, by way of clarification] has been suitably put through its pace. Enough to allow focus to... shift.
[As his does, as Ardbert shifts and stretches and shows off, appreciation plain on his face even if he doesn't speak again until after Ardbert speaks again.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[action]
In a word? Yes.
[It probably also helps that Ardbert is closer to Era's height than he is, for all that there's still a not insignificant disparity between their comparative heights. But he'd like to think that goes without saying.]
[action]
It good to pick up, then? Might as well get started, unless you've got anything else you want to discuss first.
[action]
[There's a nod with the words. It may have been Created instead of properly forged, but that alone is a negligible difference at best.]
Some of the detailing may yet need work, but nothing that would effect the balance as a whole.
[action] It turns out replying in my head is, in fact, not replying.
[It's a friendly tease. Ardbert squats to grab the weapon, lifting the handle just enough to confirm it does weigh something before standing up and pulling it with him.
He balances the flat of the blade on his palm as he inspects it for a moment.]
It's at least heavy. Where do you want me standing before I start swinging this thing? ... I'm not always the best at keeping an eye on everything still, even if I'm mostly there.
[action]
[There's a shrug with the words though, one that suggests that he has at least not taken Ardbert's words as anything other than what they are.]
Ah, and there will do.
[He points to a relatively open space in the center of the room; one that is also away from anything that would be particularly breakable.]
[action]
[He walks over to the suggested area and moves his hands to hold the sword properly, tilting it this way and that, swinging it, and otherwise taking on various forms that Era has taught him. Ardbert isn't an expert, but he knows enough to have some idea of what's right and wrong. Because a Dark Knight's sword is so important, he's not going to just take a few swings.
Let's hope that you enjoy seeing Ardbert in full concentration mode!]
[action]
[He absolutely does enjoy the sight of Ardbert putting the whole of his concentration into something, too. And for all that Ardbert is no expert either, it does give him something more of a sense for what he might be able to expect out of Era, once he gives her the sword properly - though he doesn't doubt her ability with same, neither is it something has has much seen from her, prior to his arrival in Havenwell.
And if Ardbert should happen to catch him looking openly appreciative, well... there are certainly worse things.]
[action]
[[ He does notice, although he pretends he doesn't. And by pretends, it's obvious when he realizes it by how one swipe of the sword jerks, and how his cheeks start to go red. ]]
It feels good to me.
[action]
You needn't stop on my account. Though I am glad to hear you find it satisfactory.
Re: [action]
Ardbert elects to pretend like he doesn't notice that smile. He continues to 'test' the sword, although it's mostly repeating the moves he's already walked through—and the fact he continues when it's no longer necessary is telling enough. ]]
Then I won't stop until you're satisfied.
[[ WHY DID HE JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD.
Ardbert clears his throat after a momentary pause, then continues. ]]
[action]
Is that so?
[The words could - almost - be read as completely innocent. But the faint gleam in his eyes and the way his voice drops a half a tone suggest that it's anything but. He might certainly not have expected the turn things have taken. But he will very definitely make the most of it.]
[action]
It is. But I'll need to know what you'd like, first. Would you like me to make it fast or slow?
[[ Now what 'it' are they talking about? He'll let that up to Emet to decide, trying not to look a little proud of himself through his half-embarrassment. ]]
[action]
Mmmm, both have their unique benefits. And require different amounts of focus. But I would see your all - be it fast or slow.
[Both will be illustrative, after all, albeit in very different ways. And if Ardbert should decide that they are not speaking solely of the weapon in his hands, that will also be illustrative.]
[action]
Flirting with Emet is actually rather fun, once he gets past the initial embarrassment. Ardbert smirks a little. ]]
I'll go fast, since you've already seen slow. Feel free to give me pointers.
[ He follows that through by speeding up to a normal combat speed, fighting an unseen enemy. ]
[action]
My skill with a weapon lies in other areas. Though I suppose I might certainly have had more time to... thoroughly familiarize myself with such things.
[Still, even he can't know every weapon like the back of his hand, and even if he did, not all of the memories are likely to be fresh enough in his mind to be particularly easily accessible. And even if they were... it's very hard to complain with the show Ardbert is giving him.]
[action]
The wordplay is fun, even if that last statement causes Ardbert's cheeks to start getting a bit pink. But that's part of the fun, isn't it? Teasing each other like this.
Which might explain the way he grins a bit wider, his voice cheeky. ]
In other areas? Do tell. I'm assuming you're skilled with a sword, then?
[action]
[He offers it without so much as batting an eye at the euphemism - or doing anything to steer the conversation to less innuendo-laden waters. After all, the faint blush on Ardbert's cheeks is an intriguing addition to their current game, and he finds he wants to how much further it can go. How much further Ardbert is willing to let this odd game they've spun into being go.]
Though you are welcome to see for yourself, of course.
[action] Ardbert's D20 'betrayed' him. At advantage.
He clears his throat, adjusting his hands on the hilt to face the opposite direction so he can 'lean' on the sword a bit and 'pretend' that was on purpose. It's all part of the game. As is pretending he can only just meet Emet's gaze by glancing just enough to see his face. ]
I'm unfamiliar with a sword that isn't mine. Perhaps we can see about changing that sometime soon. When you're... free.
[ Ardbert feels a little proud of his verbal recovery, and he's surprised that he doesn't feel too terribly nervous about the implication of his words. Or perhaps it's bravado winning out for the moment. Not to mention, his libido, which has been mostly tended to by himself as of late.
The current state of things has made him realize... if he wants to get closer to Hades, he has to actually try. So here is him, trying.]
[action]
I do have one that I would be glad to lend to that cause. Indeed, it might well be eminently suited to it. But as you say, it is best saved for when we are both... suitably free.
[Which could potentially be now, yes. Though they'd have to put Era's gift aside for the time being. But if Ardbert would prefer to have some time to mentally ready himself for that sort of swordplay as well, Emet is certainly willing to give him that time.]
[action]
His eyebrows go up at the offer of sword lending, fast enough that he chuckles at himself. Ardbert decides at that moment to just go for it instead of tiptoeing around the subject. Knowing that Emet wants to touch him in a carnal fashion certainly is a confidence boost. ]]
I mean... you did ask me here about Era's sword, not our swords. I wouldn't want to take that focus away.
[[ Ardbert stops leaning on the sword and pulls it free. It's carefully returned to the table where it was originally, and Ardbert makes a show of straightening up against and stretching to show his muscles. ]]
But she's been encouraging us to get to know each other better, too. She'd be more than a bit pleased if we did more than just talk about swords.
[[ He looks at Emet directly, eyes slowly looking up from his thighs and settling onto his face. Ardbert's hands remain at his sides, ready. ]]
... As would I. I'm less talk and more action. But just to make it clear: I would like our mouths against the other's or against skin, for both of us to be wearing less clothes, and to have our hands and cocks involved. Here and now. Would you like the same?
[action]
I believe that sword [He nods at the one that's meant for Era, by way of clarification] has been suitably put through its pace. Enough to allow focus to... shift.
[As his does, as Ardbert shifts and stretches and shows off, appreciation plain on his face even if he doesn't speak again until after Ardbert speaks again.]
I thought you might never ask.
[A pause, held for a single beat, and no more.]
Which is a yes.