Ethari is a master blacksmith, crafting everything from sturdy armor and razor-sharp blades to delicate jewelry and intricate trinkets. His work is his pride and joy, and he takes equal pleasure in sharing it with others.

Once a month, he sets up shop in the bustling market of a nearby human village. The market runs well into the night, accompanied by lively dances, music, and the tempting aroma of street food. Ethari always enjoys these trips—they’re a blend of business and festivity.

As he busies himself organizing his wares, a flicker of movement behind him catches his attention. Instinctively, he grabs a dagger, only to drop it when he sees who it is.

“You scare the shit out of me, you know that?” he says with a grin.

Standing there is you—an elf whose life Ethari had once saved by freeing you from a bear trap. What started as brief visits to deliver small thank-you gifts soon grew into curious conversations about human life, casual drop-ins at his home, and eventually, a genuine friendship.