Encounter Unusual

“So, why do you own a sword? Where did you get it?”

Fingers moved lightly over the gleaming steel, careful of the raw blade that lingered near her palm. The scent of old leather filled her senses, causing Juri to close her eyes in content before allowing her hands to caress the hilt as well. The katana was more than well cared for; it was pristine. Despite its age, the grip was strong and the blade clean, polished to a shine and smooth in its ascent from the sheath. However, she had the distinct feeling it was not unused.

“It’s… It’s a family heirloom.”

The hesitation in his voice drew her eyes from the sword, realizing at the same time how long it had taken him to answer. His expression was hooded, eyes averted and head bowed. He was staring at his hands.

“In class, you said it was Thirteenth Century the first day.”

More moments passed as she watched him, her question hanging in the air. For the length of a breadth, her remained stoic. Then, all at once, his head snapped up and his eyes focused upon her with a fake, disarming smile on his lips as though he had never drifted off. She had to stop herself from scowling at him.

“Yes, that’s correct. An ancestor of mine was Samurai and the sword has been passed down through the generations.” Liar.

“But its in such beautiful shape. How could it have been used?”

She had to restrain herself when he was unruffled by the question, busying himself in the kitchen. “My family had always taken meticulous care of their possessions.” Cocky bastard.

He reemerged with their usual drinks: hot chocolate for her and coffee for him. Laying belly-down on his living room floor, Juri waited until he had settled the drinks upon a nearby coffee table to rise into a sitting position. Mari has been put to bed a half hour ago, after which she had noticed the sword for the first time. She had been surprised when he had allowed her to remove it from the wall and examine it, but he had been silent through most of her inspection.

“So what side?”

Her eyes drank in the way his smile faltered. “What?”

“What side of the family passed it down?”

“Ah, that is…” Was that a fidget? ”…my father’s side.”

“Interesting.” Those grey eyes narrowed shrewdly, but it was Juri’s turn to smile. Taking a sip of her drink, she returned to admiring the weapon, for once leaving him baffled and confused.

~ by eeratka on February 10, 2008.