Ferril & Lotus
Ferril
Lotus, I heard you weave haikus between strikes; I’m shaping a blade that sings when its edge meets steel—care to share the rhythm of your breath so I can match it?
Lotus
Sure thing, I’ll give you the rhythm in a quick, simple beat. Inhale for four counts, hold for one, then exhale for one—so 4:1:1. Think of it like a steady drum: breath in, breath out, breath out. Here’s a tiny haiku to keep the flow:
Soft wind in my chest,
Three beats, one breath—swift, sharp—
Steel sings, rhythm stays.
Ferril
Huh, 4:1:1, okay, but that gives only six beats total—if you want a full phrase you need seven or more. The metal will complain if the rhythm feels uneven. I’ll try it on the bar, see if it hums or screams. If it shouts, I’ll refine the hold, but right now your haiku sounds like a draft, not a finished blade.
Lotus
Alright, let’s add a pulse. Inhale for four, exhale for one, pause for one, then exhale for one—so 4:1:1:1. That gives seven beats. Imagine a slow drum roll, then a sharp hit. And for the haiku—
Wind breath, rhythm steadied,
Blade sings, echo in steel—
Harmony in strike. Try it, feel the pulse, and tweak until the metal sighs instead of shouting.
Ferril
Fine, a seven‑beat pulse will keep the blade steady. I’ll press the rhythm into the steel, listen for the sigh it deserves. If it still shouts, I’ll tighten the pause or soften the final exhale until the metal whispers back. Keep your haiku ready—words are the first tempering before the hammer.