B-428: Zarg’s World, Downport, Restricted Environ, Prandial
In response, he closes his eyes and inhales briefly (blossoms and earthiness) then says, “it’s true, I do.
“But I agree that an item such as this is effectively a visual thing,”
He reaches out a hand, long and slender for a man but matching his tall, slim build and strokes a finger along the shaft.
“The wood grain is beautified by the protective coating, but the feel of smooth timber against the skin hidden by it.”
He picks up the cane, holds it so that the handle sits between Winta’s eye-line and his own; she can see his dark grey eyes over the gold of the handle as he turns it to see it from different angles.
“The beauty of this object is in its crafting, the design of the handle, the contrast of metals and wood, the highlights and arrangements of the stones. Those, as you say, are things to be seen…”
He raises his eyes from his study of the handle to meet hers.
“… an object of en-Joy-ment.”
He stretches out the final syllables, enunciating to highlight a shift in meaning.
She smiles and reaches out to touch the extended handle.
“Yet the aesthetic is as tactile as it is visually pleasing.”
She runs her fingers down the handle gently.
“The careful contour of this shape; the way it’s design fits snugly in the palm.”
Her fingers circle this particular feature.
“This beautiful rounded section that would nestle right into your hand…”
She admires the shape, running her eye along the length.
“… and yet…”
She gives a small smile.
“May I?”
If he allows, she will take the cane and fit it to her hand as if to use it. It’s a little long for her height but doesn’t look too peculiar.
“Yes!”
She grins delightedly and holds up the handle to their eyeline again.
“See here; where the fingers naturally rest?”
She is indicating a series of delicate engraving that is difficult to spot.
“The jeweller has signed their work upside down, so your fingers can trace the engraving as they rest here on the handle. Genius!”
She has brought her face close again to study the work.