Shapeshifter's Underground (Somewhere under London)

I take a seat as instructed and nod in thanks.

"I can't help it, I'm just a dumbass with bookwormish stuff."

Ged stood, in turn, and filled a kettle with water, putting it on the fire and waiting as the pot heated.

"Joa, do not say that. It takes smarts to be a conman. You're much farther from what you say you are. You're brilliant, really."

"Yeah STREET smarts, but they don't grade that. Nah, they grade on the other stuff."

"Sayin' I'm smart is like asking a guy if he wants to buy a cloud!"

"Street smarts or not, you have a good brain, it could be used."

Ged pointed to the grades quietly, his eyes still soft, expression still kind.

"I know you might not think it, but once you put your mind to it, you can solve things very well. Find what you enjoy in your classes, it'll do you well."

The kettle whistled, and Ged took it off the fire, pouring the tea into two cups, handing one to Joa.

"thanks... and that's just the thing. NOTHIN' in my classes is interesting. I can't stand classes, it's why I skip 'em..."

OOC Joachim: "Do I have what muggles call Attention defici... OH SHINY!!" Joachim starts chasing the shiny object.

(( Cynder: omg he's so cute when he chases the laser pointer. ;w;
*shines it on the ground, like a girl playing with a kitten* ))

Ged laughed slightly, shaking his head.

"Just what I thought, too. Look deeper into it, though. Everything has a gem deep down, you just have to find it. Here, take this for example.."

The man stood, shifted and dug around a shelf, before puling out a small rock.

He moved back to the table and handed it to Joa.
It had a small crack in it's side, a dull green showing inside.

"... Do you know what this is..?"

(( Yay for using anime as a way to use metaphors whooo. ))

OOC ROFLMAO!!! That Cyn just made my night!

IC

"Let's see... an emerald?" That's about the closest to a guess I could venture.

(( yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ))


Gladameir smiled and nodded firmly.

"Absolutely correct. Many probably would never be able to guess that by a simple look. Now, let's say that this rock is you."

The man folded his hands on the table after reaching up to stroke his beard gently.

"You're rough, unpolished. And yet, deep down, there is a very bright gem inside. Look at the rock, in the light... so the light shines into the crack.."

"So yeah... if I'm gettin' ya right... how do I break through the crappy hard coatin'?"

The valuable stone inside shone brilliantly, now, inside the rock. Still rough, but even then so, wonderful.


Ged gave a smile and took a sip of his tea.

"You already have started, Joa. It takes patience, and time. And sometimes it'll hurt, and be boring... but it takes a lot of time."

A gentle exhale, Glladameir lowered his eyes to the table.
"And even after that, for the gem to shine even brighter, you must polish that, too. You're a bright, smart boy. And it'll hurt sometimes, but it's worth it."

The man stood now, letting out a long sigh, moving to gather his cloak.

"I should go help the women at the night shift Ironworks. Work hard, Joa. And thank you, truly."

(( Annndd, I am quite tired now. Thank you, Crouch, it was fun. Goodnight. c: ))

Even after Ged had left I stay and keep the stone in my hand, my tea slowly fading from memory.

How did Ged make a worthless guy like me feel like I could be a smart guy? Well no matter, I'll try at least.

OOC Night!

Cynda' better be onto something here, that ring could've fetched me a pretty penny.

I knock on Ged's door again.

Ged looked up quietly, figuring who it might be at his door- the women never stopped to visit in his working hours.

"Come in, Joachim."

I step inside, once more taking off my shoes and putting them away, "Sorry I keep botherin' ya like this."

Ged laughed to himself, shaking his head.

"No, no, I enjoy when you visit, Joa. How are things?"

(( aug, sorry, had to do sketch for school. :I ))

"Well, I kinda need ya help with something."

So how do I go about saying this to the man I respect most? 'Hey, Cynda' says proposing with a stolen ring is no good, can ya help?'

Ged straightened, wiping his hands, looking pleased at the work he was doing with yet another grandfather clock.

"And that is?"

"Well, here it is... I'm thinkin' of asking my girlfriend to tie the knot, and Cynda' told me using a stolen ring isn't cricket."

There was a long pause, and then laughter.

"A stolen ring, really?"

Gladameir shook his head, eyes twinkling at the sound of this.
"Good of you to listen to her- So I assume you're here to see if I have any rings?"

"well I didn't want to assume, ya know makes an ass outta you and me. But I was curious."

Ged smirked and nodded his head.

"Yes, of course.. Anyway, I do have one I think you would like.."

"R..really? Just like that? Nothin' in return?"

"Why would I need something in return?"

The man asked kindly, turning to file through a nearby drawer.

"Call it a force of habit of mine.." I shrug and look over his shoulder.

"mmm, I see..."

He seemed deep in thought as he dug through the drawer before giving a smile and pulling out a black, fancy velvet box, obviously older but well kept.
Inside, a gold ring with bright diamonds, of all different sizes.
Handing the box to Joa, Ged crossed his arms, smiling warmly.

"Well..?"