Snippet #2688664

As Doran Merekson entered the smithy he studied the mess. The building had been mostly emptied of its contents, the previous owner taking everything their wagon could handle. Not much was left, but the new owner seemed to have brought some of his own tools, some even seemed brand new as though he made them himself. Other than the tools, the rest of the place seemed to still be in its ransacked state from when looters had come looking for valuables. This was a focused individual, Doran realised. His work area was organized and there even seemed to be remnants of a breakfast next to the firge. How much time does he stay by the forge?

He could see that this was also a cautious man. He watched as the big man set down his axe. Cautious or suspicious? The barred door made him think the later of the two.

"Oh no, I don't think a drink is necessary. I'm only here for a short time." He responded. Doran perfered to keep his wits about him when he was making house calls. It helped him to better judge and manipulate his host.

"And please, feel free to continue working. I am most interested in appraising your skills." Doran already knew that the blacksmith had an excellent eye, so he was curious at how well he worked a hammer. "As I said, I am seeking a skilled smith for a commission." Doran dangled the bait again. "I heard that you discovered one of my smiths selling a poor quality sword to a young soldier. You have good eyes. I assure you the product was right but it was not fitting to the customer. A soldier deserves a quality sword to protect us from the March." Not that the young boy, hardly old enough to sign up for the service, could afford the proper sword, Doran thought to himself. "So, I would like to see if you would be willing to craft me some more appropriate swords for our more valued customers.

"Of course I would like to ensure the quality of your own products, if you will excuse my rudeness it is purely business. I believe that a gift of your skill would convince the blacksmith guild masters to admit you. I would like to see what a sword made by a blacksmith of your skill is like."