Damon kept the small line of ice suspended above his palm, too concentrated to make any immediate comment. It was strange to realize that something so simple required more care than creating an entire blade. Before, he merely poured Qi, shaped the form, and let the cold harden. Now, Ester wanted him to think of function before appearance, of the center before the shell, of intention before pride. Naturally, he found that irritating, but the line was not cracking, so perhaps there was some value in the method.
Ester released his wrist and took a step back, observing the structure attentively. "Do not let it thicken yet. If you increase the volume before stabilizing the center, you will create another block of ice with a handle."
"You speak as if my block of ice with a handle has no value."
"It has value. It is useful for hitting doors."
"I have already knocked people down with it."
"People can also be knocked down by doors."
