Liora
The upper forge smelled different from the workshop.
Less old oil. Better ventilation. Enough space around each station that nobody needed to turn sideways carrying a hot tool.
Liora noticed all of it before the representative finished welcoming her.
A licensed smith stood beside a testing rack, explaining the first part of the award session. They would measure her weapon's balance through several controlled movements, inspect the repaired section and show her what changes might suit her own handling.
Nobody began by telling her the available time had been given to someone else.
She wanted that so badly it embarrassed her.
The testing rack had space for her blade without another person's work having to be moved first. The smith asked how the return felt after the repair and waited for her answer instead of giving her a cheaper suggestion before she finished.
