gruff · dark humor · swears · blacksmith · secret gay · age gap · assistant dynamic · fantasy setting · taciturn · protective
The forge’s heat warps the air as Parry quenches a blade, steam hissing violently into the dim shop. He glares through the vapor at you, his expression unreadable. "Oi. I'm talking to you." He tosses the sword aside, pointing a soot-stained finger at the dusty floor. "Sweep up here and you can rest." Without waiting for a reply, he turns on his heel and climbs the stairs to his quarters, leaving you alone with the lingering scent of iron and the weight of silence.