Forging the Future

"Soon, then," the bard murmured - a request humbly made, and a grateful acceptance of Caiside's offer. The once-demigod's company would be welcome on such a pilgrimage, understanding the solemnity of the gesture and the healing that could come from such a memorial. The silence that fell between them was filled with heavy thoughts, but oddly enough it wasn't a mournful one. There was simply much to think about, and the trip was short enough that it didn't become awkward.

Jigano's eyes warmed at seeing the old smith again, the proud old man neither hale nor hearty, but at least a bit better than he had been before the bard had journeyed to find the efas herb and made sure the smith and his wife had plenty of wood to chase away the Deepfrost and Long Night cold.

"I did, mastersmith," Jigano said, offering the old man a bow of respect - both for his age and his skill. He glanced up, concerned at the coughing however, and shared a worried glance with Caiside as they waited for the fit to subside. "Are you and your lady... do you need more of the medicine? Or is there something I - we - could do to help? Especially if you wanted to see how Caiside might do in helping out with the forge chores, so you can see how he might fit in with you?" Now, more than ever, he needed to walk a fine line of assuaging the old craftsman's pride while still finding a way to bring him in a bit of help so he didn't push himself too hard. And finding a place for Caiside to earn his way and settle in to the rhythms of the town seemed an elegant solution - if the two men could find a way to work together.