Adrian stepped into the forge after Eli's warm greeting, the heavy door creaking shut behind him. The familiar wave of heat hit him instantly as he took in the scene before him.
Eli had clearly been deep in his work. A large slab of metal rested on the anvil, its surface glowing a fierce, molten orange that pulsed with heat.
The piece was roughly shaped, perhaps the beginnings of a broadsword or a plow blade.
Adrian inhaled deeply, savoring the nostalgia, but he quickly refocused to Eli who was talking.
"I didn't actually come to work today. I'm ready to meet your friends, Jeffery and Charles."
Eli paused mid-motion, turning fully to face Adrian. His brow furrowed, and his sharp eyes narrowed as he studied the latter's face, searching for some hint of what lay beneath the words.
Adrian held his usual unwavering expression, giving nothing away. After a long moment, Eli's shoulders relaxed, and he nodded.
"Alright, lad. Let me finish up here."
