CHAPTER 54: 54. TEMPORARY SEPARATION

The new windows in the bigger workshop let in the morning sun, which made warm geometric patterns on the polished wooden floor. Greg stood by the door with his hands in his pockets, watching the Crimson Falcons get their gear ready to leave. The moment was bittersweet, like the end of a long festival you didn’t want to end.

Kael was the first to come up, and he smiled like a ranger and reached out his hand. "Well, blacksmith, this week has been a nightmare. I’ve never had a vacation like this one before."

Greg held his hand tightly. "I’m sorry about that. I promise that the next time you come, there will be a lot fewer monster attacks that could kill you and no S-rank adventurers who want revenge."

Kael laughed and said, "Don’t make promises you can’t keep."

"Something tells me that trouble is always with you, like a loyal dog. Besides, it’s our fault for bringing you along until you’re dragged into those problems."

Denna was next. She gave Greg a bear hug that lifted him off the ground even though he said no. "You take care of yourself. Do you hear me?"

"And if that fucking bastard with the silver hair shows up again, please let us know right away. I’d love to have my chance to kick his ass."

"Noted," Greg wheezed as she finally let him go. "I’m hoping it won’t come to that."

"Hoping is good, though." Denna said, and for a moment her face got serious. "But getting ready is better. Just because things look calm doesn’t mean you should let your guard down."

Ryn walked up with her usual measured grace, but there was real warmth in her eyes. "Greg, it’s been interesting to watch you work."

’The way you put intention into everything you make is unlike anything I’ve learned about magic in all my years of studying it."

"Whether you know it or not, you’re changing the basic idea of how enchantment works."

"I just make things that help people," Greg said, feeling a little embarrassed by the praise.

"That’s right," Ryn said. "And that simplicity is what makes it so new."

"I think that the next time we see each other, you’ll have done something even more impossible.

Marina had been waiting for her friends to say goodbye first, but now she stepped up. The others took that as a sign to leave them alone and suddenly wanted to check their packs one more time.

"So," Marina said, and Greg could tell she was trying to keep things light. "I guess this is where I say something dramatic about how much I’ll miss you and count the days until we meet again."

Greg said, "You could. Or you could just say, ’I’ll see you around.’"

"I’ll see you around," Marina said again, but her smile was weak. "To be honest, I will miss you."

"And of course, everyone here."

"Greg, you’ve made something special. Not just a workshop, but a real home. Don’t let anyone take that away from you."

Those words held significant meaning, referring to the unspoken threat from Elias that both of them were reluctant to acknowledge. Greg just nodded, though. "I won’t."

"And you should come back soon. Felix is already planning to give you a gift when you get back, and I’m scared to think of what it might be."

That made her laugh for real. "Please don’t let him do that. It’s still hard for me to get over the singing lamp."

They stood there for a little while longer, and Greg thought he should say something more, something important about the past week and what her presence had meant. But the words got stuck in his throat, so he just hugged her instead. Marina stiffened for half a second before hugging him back tightly.

Greg said, "Thank you," in a low voice. "For all of it."

"For making me take that break, for being there when I almost died, and for reminding me that I don’t have to do everything by myself."

"Anytime," Marina whispered back. "Okay, just try not to die again before I get back."

"I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best."

Marina’s eyes were suspiciously bright when they broke up, but she quickly blinked and turned to join her friends again. The Crimson Falcons met at the entrance to the workshop, and they waved and shouted goodbye one last time before heading down the road to their next adventure.

Greg stood there and watched until they turned the corner, and Marina waved goodbye one last time before she left. Even with all the improvements and the family that stayed, the workshop suddenly felt a lot quieter.

"She’ll be back," Lylia said softly, appearing at his side with that look that said she knew what was going on. "Most likely sooner than you think."

"You know that girl is totally in love with you." Lylia said with a little jealousy.

Greg said, "We’re just friends," without thinking, but the words sounded empty even to him.

Lylia smiled and patted his arm. "Anything that helps you sleep at night, buddy."

"Come on, breakfast is ready, and I made your favorite."

"Also, you’ve earned a good night’s sleep after everything."

...

The rest of the day went by in a comfortable haze. Bork was working on a new project in his part of the forge. He had headphones on, so he couldn’t hear the sound of his hammer strikes.

Seraphine was so busy with her research that she would sometimes mumble about magical theory and write down her thoughts quickly. Elwen was practicing basic forms and getting better at making simple spoons and forks, but they still tended to have one random enchantment she hadn’t planned on.

The fact that Felix wasn’t there was a big red flag for Greg that something was going on. Greg was really able to relax for the first time in months by the time evening came.

The bigger workshop now had a small outdoor area with a hammock that Bork had put up between two strong posts. It swayed softly in the evening breeze, and Greg took it right after dinner.

"This," he said to anyone who would listen, "is what peace really looks like."

"No monsters, no nobles asking for weapons, and no threats to your life."

"Just a hammock with good food, and of course... peace and quiet."

"Master-forger-darling looks so cozy!" Mira chirped and appeared next to the hammock with a plate of Lylia’s honey cakes. "Let Mira help!"

"Open wide!"

She was already pushing a piece of cake toward Greg’s mouth before he could say anything. He sighed and accepted it, knowing that there was no point in fighting back when Mira was in her caretaker mode.

The cake was delicious, though. It was sweet and fluffy with just the right amount of honey.

"You spoil me," Greg said with a mouthful.

"That’s the whole idea!" Mira said with a smile as she got ready for the next piece.

"Master-forger-darling works so hard, saves everyone, and never takes care of himself."

"So Mira looks after him instead!"