"Your technique is... unusual," Heddokin said, watching as Jolthar shaped a piece of steel with movements that seemed to bend the metal to his will rather than forcing it.
"I've been working for forges for over two hundred years, but I've never seen anyone with such natural instinct for the craft."
They were in Jolthar's personal workspace, a smaller area that Cleora had designed specifically for him.
Every tool was perfectly placed, every surface exactly the right height. It was a space where he could lose himself completely in the act of creation.
The dagger they had been working on together was nearly complete.
It was not a large weapon, but every line of it spoke of perfection. The blade was folded steel that showed patterns like flowing water, while the handle was wrapped in leather that had been treated to never slip, even in the wettest conditions.
"There," Jolthar said, making the final adjustment to the dagger's edge.
"It's finished."
