Magenta was listening to Vlad as he droned on, this time it was something about the French revolution some sort of machinery.. whatever. As she looked around the bar, she saw a couple of tough looking guys in the corner, standing over someone – she couldn't quite see who – some sort of deal happening. Her thoughts wandered back to Vlad, who was now talking about his antique sword collection.

"It's a short knife with hieroglyphics on the scabbard, rescued from the initial opening of Tutenkhamen's tomb by a digger from Turkey with a drinking problem. I won it from him one night over a bottle of Arak and a game of whist – and its one of over 400 in my collection". Magenta gazed up at Vlad, eyeing off the firm cut of his jaw..

"Vladimir, I would love to see your sword, see you pull it from your scabbard and unfurl it, even.."

"Its one of the finest examples from that era. I also have an early Cinquedea, a small Italian five finger width dagger, deadly in any close up encounter."

"Uh, how thick is this guy", thought Magenta, "I drop him a long hint and he's obsessing about his thrust and stab. "

"..the mercenary troops of Switzerland and Germany used a massive two-hand sword to violate the opposing army's front line." Vlad was enjoying displaying his knowledge.. " The wiliest and strongest would leap ahead with their two-handers, to slice and demolish the invaders. "