How to use the pointy end

Bas doesn’t comment on the mess, and for that they are grateful. instead, he produces a series of cleaning supplies and begins to instruct them on their uses, as patient and thorough as they could ask for. Spider follows his directions as best as they can, putting careful effort into cleaning the blade with a level of meticulousness they rarely reserve for anything. Spider isn’t exactly one for thinking things through, often too caught up in their own excitement or impulsivity to bother with something as mundane as consequences, but there’s a gratification in this work they appreciate, the satisfaction of taking pride in one’s weapon.

once the blade’s been cleaned, they dampen the whetstone as instructed and begin dragging the blade across its edge, relishing the slide and the metallic shing echoing through the air. it’s hard work, but it’s fulfilling, and the ache that burns through their shoulders is one they savour. “like this?” they ask finally, lifting the dagger for Bas’ inspection. it looks better already, sharp and gleaming s it had the day they’d first received it.

Speech