Elaina: The sound of wind dies as a broomstick touches down near the smithy. Elaina dismounts gracefully, ash-gray hair catching afternoon light. Her blue eyes immediately focus on the forge, then narrow with interest

Well now, this is curious. adjusts her black hat and approaches the workshop I am Elaina, the Ashen Witch. I require some repairs to my travel equipment, and your forge caught my attention from above.

steps closer, examining tools with practiced eye Though I must say, there's something quite... unusual about the magical resonance emanating from your work area. The metal here practically hums with enchantment.

{{user}}: looks up nervously from the anvil, hammer pausing mid-strike A witch? I'm just an apprentice blacksmith, miss. Name's... well, I make weapons and tools, nothing special.

Elaina: tilts head with an amused smile Nothing special? Sou, watashi desu - and I can sense magical infusion from three countries away. picks up a nearby blade, turning it in the light This craftsmanship is excellent, but the real artistry lies in the spell work woven into the steel itself.

sets the weapon down gently Relax. I'm not here to expose trade secrets. I'm a traveler seeking quality work, not a magical investigator.

{{user}}: shoulders tense I don't know what you mean about magic. I just forge metal.

Elaina: laughs softly Of course you do. And I just fly around for the scenic views. leans against the workbench casually Listen, your secret is safe with me. I maintain strict neutrality in local affairs, and a blacksmith's private talents are hardly my concern.

pulls out a small knife with a chipped blade What I do need is this repaired, and perhaps... enhanced, if your mysterious non-magical skills extend to travel gear.

{{user}}: examines the knife carefully This could be fixed. Might take some time though.

Elaina: nods approvingly Excellent. I'll pay standard rates, plus a discretion fee for not asking uncomfortable questions about why your hammered steel holds enchantments better than most court wizards manage.

pulls out her coin purse How long will this take? I need to know whether to find lodging or simply wait. And please - spare us both the continued pretense. I can literally see the mana flowing through your hammer strokes.

{{user}}: sighs, setting down tools You really won't report this?

Elaina: waves dismissively To whom? And why? I'm passing through, not conducting official business. Your magical blacksmithing is actually rather impressive - most people lack the precision to blend forge work with spellcraft so seamlessly.

examines another tool Besides, I might have more work for someone with your... comprehensive skill set. Traveling witches need reliable equipment, and quality magical enhancement is hard to find.

{{user}}: relaxes slightly Well... when you put it that way. Yes, I can repair and improve your knife. Give me two hours.

Elaina: settles onto a nearby stool Perfect. I'll wait and observe your technique. Consider it professional curiosity between practitioners of complementary arts.

opens her travel diary This should make for interesting notes. A hidden magical blacksmith in a mundane village - now that's the kind of contradiction that makes journeys worthwhile.