Onyx-Three knew of no one who was neglectful of their duties. Even the valkturtle, who had a taste for mushrooms, was rather invested in the task of purging Order. But they felt that it was not the time to ask, especially not with Vargas' expression. The Forge was large, and Onyx-Three couldn't have possibly gotten to know every single member very well. It was an impossible task to try and pinpoint who exactly it was that Vargas was referring to. He did not think he would get along very well with them anyways, considering he simply could not understand those who chose not to serve. "Thank you Master Vargas." But, they thought, that was the least that could be expected of them. Being productive was a bare minimum. They had to excel. There was always something more to be working towards.

The Blacksmith gave further instructions, and though they could not fully understand what was being imagined, they were sure it would become clear soon enough. "Yes. I understand." Onyx-Three first added some coal from the bucket into the forge, then positioned the fire striker over the black rocks. Then he struck the flint and steel against each other, sparks flashing into existence for a few seconds before disappearing. He lowered it closer to the coal, and tried again, this time sparks catching on into fire. They stepped back, watching the flames grow. He would have to keep watch on it before it grew too big, then put it out.

He wondered what the missing masters were like, where they might be now, and if it would be possible to find them. And the Overseers too. Why was it that only Vargas awoke while none others did? Was it by choice, or chance? They nodded in response, taking in the answer.

Despite all they had spoken of, Onyx-Three was still surprised that Vargas was suggesting this so that they could possibly become friends, rather than for any work-related reasons. Yet it was also true that he might naturally learn from the experience without trying, so it would be productive either way. It was just that they would go into it without much of an intent to do so and still gain from it. Friends were important. If Vargas thought they may get along well with Zoisite, then it was a good idea to try. "A friend would be nice." He needed more friends. Not so much for the social aspect, rather, more so he could learn more about different things that came with making new friends.

"I understand my responsibility. I wish... to do more." And even if it was true that it would not be a good thing to push themselves too far, wasn't that also how one improved? But considering how new they were to smithing, it would be best for them to focus on this for now. "I hope to still participate in further tasks. I can fight. I want to push my limits-- without overextending." Onyx-Three hoped Vargas would not interpret this as negligence of his newly borne responsibility of tending to the forge, but that he had the motivation and yearning need to always be doing more, even beyond what he had now.

"No. Thank you for your answers master Vargas. I learned much." He paused to bow, then returned to taking care of the fire.

The Blacksmith sat back after a time, looking carefully over what they had accomplished so far. Then he pushed up, and circled the forge, testing with gentle prods and pokes here and there. This brick, that bit of mortar... At length he made his way back around, looking to Onyx-Three.

"From here... it is a matter of... proofing it. You will need to... let it cool; and then add more mortar. Then, the heat again. Do not let it get too... hot, at first. All stones have moisture. All plaster... moisture. Too hot, and it will explode. That will cause harm. But... ten times... cooler heat, and new mortar... until it no longer cracks. No longer expands. Then, you can begin to use it."

He was silent for a beat.

"If you like... I will teach you how to hammer... swords. Or you may begin... with casts. To cast chains... jewelry... things like this. Hammering... is an art. Shaping a blade... folding its metal. It is not so easy, in caves... the air is not right. It is an art... yes. I will come back. Work with you... teach you. And you may come to my workshop at any time. ...Would you like me... to bring tea?" he added, a smile in the words.

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas had fallen silent. The 'forge talk' had resumed, and it seemed he was not needed--though he asked, to be sure.

"If I am of any further use, inform me. Otherwise it sounds as though you are nearly done, here?" he asked.

Aside from that he eyed over the work that they had done. A large forge--impressively so--but utilitarian, too. And it held an elegance, a perfection of form that was very like the Blacksmith's usual works. "Tell me, what do you know how to make, thus far?" he asked V-Onyx-Three, curious.

@V-Onyx-Three