[Gift] CRAFTING: Zataro Weapon - Khal/Zanril

“Do we get to poison something?” Zanril smiled eerily as she held the Zataro whiskers in her hands. The thick cord of the whisker had been torn off the face of the Zataro with great effort from its hunter, and now it was in her hands to be shaped into a weapon. Finally one that fits her tastes.

“I’ll let you think on that one,” Khal said without turning her head to the Haedian. She’d been eager to work on the weapon they’re making today, and he was beginning to see why. 

“Dhaoragan wouldn’t mind me sampling one,” Zanril felt the curve of the needle-point whisker, before feeling the blacksmith’s very gaze in her back. “Kidding,” she waved her hand and placed the whisker on the work table. 

“Don’t test his kindness, this is the part we get serious.” Khal commented on her attitude, and the young Haedian scoffed. The old puller had been helping out Dhaoragan more the last days they’ve been working together

“Now? What about before?” All the statuettes, the divine armor, none of that was serious? She found it hard to believe, but maybe that was simply her lifestyle speaking. Anything of such value is serious, and not taken lightly— especially when handled by strangers.

“Gold and iron aren’t as scarce of a supply as Zataro. You don’t risk lives when mining rock.” Khal explained simply, before seemingly sensing Zanril was about to open her mouth, and punctuated with a “Don’t be smart, you know what I meant,” making her huff a laugh.

Seating herself next to Khal, she watched as Dhaoragan began his in-depth demonstration on the use of the whiskers today. He spread one out to its full length and spoke about the durability and functions it serves for the Zataros. To rip one from its face was the goal of the hunters whenever they faced off with the beasts. Leaving the whiskers on would be far too dangerous for those involved in the head-on attacks. 

“Today, we’ll fashion these into a staff, to be used by the hunter’s guild, same as the armor from before.” Dhaoragan beckoned Khal, Zanril, and another few of the students to help him prepare the Zataro materials, while the others would smelt and shape the metal- best one would get to be used for the Zataro weapon. A bit of healthy competition amongst students encourages everyone to do their best. 

The flock cramped around the smelter kept Dhaoragan on edge for any misuse of the tools and machines, but he remained rooted in his spot in faith. Still, his eyes checked up every so often. The smelter began billowing as it roared into flame and metal was melted down to fashion into sleek poles. Some came out crooked, others snapped cracks with improper care, and the smelter just kept running while Khal, Zanril, and the rest were sorting the raw materials into their proper designs. 

Khal moved aside most of the leftover fur, cutting out small pieces for them to decorate the top of the staff with. Zanril helped Dhaoragan cut the whisker and prepare it against withering and rot. The rest of the decorations were made from more fur and claws at the end of the staff, and a jade serpent head. This decoration wasn’t made at the workshop, with Dhaoragan importing it from jade craftsmen he knew, instead of chipping away at it here. 

The tall shaft was decorated with the furs, then the three claws jutted at the end, before tightly securing the serpent head to the top. At its mouth, was space for the whiskers to be put through and fastened, so they would dangle off the staff. Usually, they aren’t used for melee purposes, but this one could do a swing or few to get rid of any close enemy trying to get in your face, or when you run out of energy, at least you aren’t out of options.

Khal looked pleased with the outcome of the weapon, using his magic to hoist it up for all to see and take a good look at. He spun the staff and swung it through the air to demonstrate the whiskers in action. They cleaved through the air, before wrapping back around the staff from the momentum. Yet instead of tangling, they unfurled just as quickly, falling back into place. 

“Well done, everyone,” Dhaoragan smiled, padding his paws together in claps. “How far you’ve come. So proud to have seen this growth, from the simplest iron armor, to this beautiful Zataro staff.” He looked over many of the awed faced and proud smiles. Then looked over to Zanril and Khal. “Thank you both for your hard work in helping these past days. You did great work.” 

“It was our pleasure to learn from you,” Khal nodded in return.