Before she realized it, they were already standing in front of the forge. Alana opened the door enthusiastically and greeted loudly.

Alana: Good morning, Hélix!

From the other side of the counter, a deep and cheerful voice answered. The owner of the forge, a rather short man with a prominent mustache but no beard, a cap and gloves covered in soot, smiled when he saw her.

Hélix: Alana, it’s been so long! —the blacksmith said with a wide smile.

Alana then noticed that she wasn’t alone in the shop. Daiki, who was inspecting some axes, turned to look at them and greeted them with a brief nod of his head. Yadiel replied by raising his hand, while Alana approached the counter with a mischievous smile.

Alana: Hélix, look what I brought you! —she said as she pulled a bottle of rum from her bag.

The man’s eyes lit up with joy when he saw the bottle.

Hélix: You know me so well, girl! Coincidentally, I also have something you asked me for.

With an even wider smile, Hélix went off to one of the back rooms, leaving the three of them in the shop.

Alana: By the way, Daiki, what are you doing here?

Daiki: My axes were worn out. I came to see if they could repair them.

Yadiel: As dry as ever, huh? —he commented in a mocking tone.

Hélix returned carefully carrying a box. Seeing them talking, he looked surprised.

Hélix: Well now, I see you already know each other. All the better! I don’t like keeping customers waiting, especially someone who’s family here.

Alana: That’s right! You’re both from the north, aren’t you?

Hélix: Correct, little one. Well, here you go. Tell me what you think. —Carefully, he opened the box, revealing a pair of freshly forged daggers.

Alana: They’re beautiful! And so comfortable… How much do I owe you?

Hélix: Don’t worry, you already paid me with the bottle. Now, as for you, big guy… —he said, turning toward Daiki— here you go. Like new. I think they’re my best work so far. Working with materials from my homeland always puts me in a good mood.

Daiki took the axes and nodded. Just by looking at them, Hélix’s pride in his work was evident.

Yadiel —whispering to Alana—: I’ve never seen Hélix so happy. And I’ve come here many times. He was always grumbling at everyone. That’s why his shop isn’t that well known. If it weren’t for the quality of his work, I would’ve stopped coming too.

Alana: It was hard for me at first as well. But the trick is giving him alcohol. I noticed it when he came drunk to the tavern during my second week in the city.

Yadiel: I’ll take note. If that saves me gold, even better.

Hélix: Well then, big guy, what do you think? —he asked, addressing Daiki with a mix of pride and expectation.

Daiki: They’re perfect. Thank you very much. If you ever need help at the forge, don’t hesitate to ask me. —he said with a smile; it seemed Hélix wasn’t the only one happy to talk with someone else from the north.

Hélix: No need, but stop by whenever you like. —he said with a smile that spread across his entire face; he seemed very grateful for the visit.

Yadiel: Well, it’d be best if we took our leave. We have things to do, right, Alana?

Alana, who was absorbed in testing the daggers, snapped out of it.

Alana: Huh? Ah, right! Daiki, we have to go. —She turned toward Hélix—. See you later, Mr. Hélix. Sorry I can’t stay longer.

Hélix: With how you treat your weapons, I’m sure I’ll see you again soon. So, have a good day!