In the end, Salson extended an invitation, his voice low, "Come into my humble abode, Brihan. And," a pointed look, "let's just say we bumped into each other during a leisurely walk. Understood?"
Brihan nodded, a silent agreement passing between them. As dusk painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, they arrived at Salson's dwelling. Stepping inside, Brihan's gaze swept over the interior, noting its stark simplicity. Half-timbered walls met rough-hewn stone, the only illumination flickering from torches mounted sporadically. The floorboards were a deep, reddish wood, sparsely adorned with essential furniture. It was a single-story structure, dominated by a vast, open room that seamlessly blended the functions of kitchen, living area, dining space, and… a forge. A small, separate outbuilding served as the bathing quarters.
The two other figures within, burly men with calloused hands, fixed Salson with questioning stares. Salson offered a casual explanation, "Found this elf taking a wander in the woods. Seemed a bit lost, poor fellow. Thought we could offer him a roof for the night."
The first of the blacksmiths, a man with a thick beard, rumbled, "Alright, no skin off our backs. But just for tonight. Name's Caston. And you are?"
"Brihan," the elf replied, offering a polite nod. "Indeed, Salson was kind enough to find me when I… took a rather extensive detour through those rather expansive woods."
The second blacksmith, younger with sharper features, gestured towards a steaming pot. "Dinner's ready. Name's Jaden. Let's eat."
As they shared the simple meal, Brihan, seated beside Caston, couldn't help but voice his admiration. "Salson possesses a remarkable talent for crafting weapons. The artistry evident in the dagger he wields… truly magnificent."
Caston chuckled, a deep, resonant sound. "He's a natural, that one. Picked up the blacksmith's craft just by observing us, and wouldn't you know it, he's already nipping at our heels. A genuine prodigy. Which is why," he exchanged a meaningful glance with Jaden, "we've decided that for the next five years, Salson will be honing his skills in the art of the blade under Master Kan. Just opened a new training hall, doesn't want a single coin in return. A golden opportunity for him to learn how to protect himself out there."
With the day's events catching up to them, sleep soon claimed the small household. The first rays of dawn found Brihan already awake. He offered a quiet farewell to the still-sleepy blacksmith family. "From this day forward, I will make my home and train in the nearby woods. If you ever seek me, you will find me there." With those words, he stepped out into the burgeoning light, the vast wilderness his new domain.