He found himself wandering into a new area, following the sound of movement, the scent of another being. This area was huge, to him at least, a workshop hidden inside the cave of the volcano. Head down, he wandered in, sniffing slightly as he stalked forward, taking a moment to look around, letting his eyes adjust to the change in light, blinking a few times as he scowled to himself.

For a moment, he just lingered in the shadows, taking his time to check everything before slowly walking closer, lifting his head to let his gaze fall upon the figure of another. Hello? He asked simply, calling out, looking for anything or anyone.

The Blacksmith was busy in his workshop, as he so often was; the clang of his hammer on the anvil was distant but rhythmic, pausing at the voice.

The hammer was set down with a clink, and the figure--hooded, horned and robed--approached a moment later, his gait delicate and his demeanor friendly. "Hello?" he offered, wiping his hands on his robes. "Were you looking for me? I am the Blacksmith," he added, with a little wave.

@Nikolai

He took a few steps out, less on edge but still cautious of everything. He surprisingly enjoyed the feeling of the heat from the forge, feeling his body relax slightly, shaking out his fur for a moment to enjoy it better. But just as quick as he did that, he turned his attention back to the creature, Blacksmith apparently. Blacksmith? He flicked his gaze across the tools and items, the workspace that was being used. You make things.

It was more of a statement rather than a question, but he would still flick a curious gaze up to the Blacksmith, the gears clearly turning in his head. What do you have? He would take a few steps closer, waiting to see what new things he could find.

The Blacksmith peered for a moment. This one was... bluntly matter-of-fact, and the Blacksmith valued polite conversation, but then again, he seemed young. Many of them were awkward, clumsy with their interactions, early on, so he simply hummed in gentle thought. "I have... tea?" he offered first, warmth in his voice. Then a hand gestured outward, over his various works: some new, some old and in various states of disrepair (or repair). "There are... weapons. Armor. And tools. Trinkets," he went on. "Were you seeking something in particular? Something... for yourself?" he asked, curious.

Sometimes, he had visitors who were simply exploring. Others wished to learn his trade, or at least what his trade meant. And others were looking for a little something for themselves.

@Nikolai

He listened for a moment, cocking his head to the side ever so slightly. Tea? Uh .... sure? He wasn't really sure what tea was, but he was willing to try it. His gaze flicked over the various tools and items, thinking for a moment as he listened to what the man had to say. This all was so interesting, so curious, it was something he wanted to learn more of, but he wasn't sure how to ask.

I want to learn. He flicked his gaze back up to the man, hesitating for a moment, realizing that saying such a thing might sound rude, or like he was demanding too much, so he quickly shrugged as if he wasn't as interested as he clearly was. Or an item, if.... possible. He muttered slightly, flicking an ear awkwardly.

The Blacksmith nodded, and turned, moving off to where a kettle and cups awaited, along with swatches of herbs hanging over a forge to dry.

He set about preparing tea, talking all the while. "I do not mind... both? There are few things a creature... with no hands might use. Armor, or a few tools--trinkets... But I can teach, as well."

He turned, leaving the kettle to boil, and--moving deftly and precisely--picked a few things off his shelves. A lantern, lit with a soft but seemingly permanent glow, was first. The other items of interest he picked up paled in comparison: a file of some kind, a wrench, a piece of engraved armor plating. But the lantern--that was enchanted, a beautifully tooled piece with glass panels, its little flame dancing despite no wick or fuel.

He set it down on a table with two chairs pulled up. "Have a look," he suggested, in soft invitation; "these are some examples. If these sorts of things interest you... to keep or to learn to make, do let me know." Then he was off again, gathering up the cups for tea.

@Nikolai

He was starting to loathe not having hands, seeing a bunch of other creatures with apposable thumbs and here he was with paws and the inability to do much of the things he wanted to do. But he would deal with it, it wasn't like there was anything he could do about that.

Still, as the blacksmith brought out the items, he narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze landing on the lantern, the first item brought out. Nothing else really called to him, he hardly even glanced at the other items. This lantern. He stepped up and sniffed at it, flicking an ear as he flicked his gaze to the blacksmith. I like this. Can someone like me learn to make items like this? He didn't know how creating items really worked, but he liked the idea of making things, the feeling of the forge around them, he wanted to do what he could with what he had.

He glanced back down at the lantern, glancing at the other items for a moment. Not to take, he didn't want anything else, but he wanted to try and understand the intricates of making such things.

The Blacksmith approached, lifting the lantern to examine it. "I would be happy to teach you. Though... the craft itself takes some time to learn. And this," he went on, gently shaking it, "is enchanted. That is... another type of creation: the imbuing of magic into an object. I could teach you... to shape metal, yes. Or to enhance things... with magic. Or both, but it would take time. If you wish? I could offer lessons..?" he suggested.

The idea was interesting to him. He'd had so few apprentices over the years; and trying to figure out how to adapt his work to paws would be a challenge indeed. "In the meantime... if you wish it, I may offer this lantern to you. Perhaps... on a cord, or small chain, so you could carry it? Around the neck, maybe?" he suggested.

@Nikolai

He did his best to hide the excitement in his body, though his stubbed tail still flicked slightly behind him, even as he remained neutral in his expression, nodding slightly at the man's words. Teaching. Yes, that sounded nice. He finally nodded, sitting down so that he could look up easier at the man. I would like to learn, specifically shaping metal, perhaps enchanting once I get a grasp of the first.

He flicked his gaze to the coruscating lantern for a moment, seeming to think before nodding, a slight look of determination on his features. I think a cord would work well. He figured a cord would be gentler on his neck, while also allowing him to carry in it his mouth when he needed to.

A question passed through his mind and he cocked his head to the side curiously for a moment. When do we start? He didn't know how often the Blacksmith would want him to come by, or how long each lesson would take, not that he minded really. He liked the idea of learning from him, and he was excited to start as soon as he could.

The Blacksmith turned, humming in brief thought as he picked through a number of cords he had available. He chose something of woven leather, a dark grey that was nearly black, and spent a few moments setting up a little silver clasp. When that was done, he looped it through the small hoop at the lantern's top and knelt, holding it all out as if to offer to hang it around Nikolai's neck.

"We can begin now... if you like?" he offered, a smile in his voice.

---

Nikolai has obtained an Everburn Lantern. This lantern is made of a dark wrought iron, or a similar metal, with tough glass plating and a soft, small firelight kept glowing with the spell Everburn. This item has been added to his Enchanted Items inventory.

Nikolai's training by the Blacksmith may either be GM tagged for and take place on-screen, or may be assumed to take place off-screen if the player prefers!

@Nikolai