The ancient smiths tempered the blade in a fire that sang with the spirits of the forge, then cooled it slowly while chanting the runes of binding and strength. By letting the metal cool just enough for the runes to settle into its lattice, they gave the edge a balance of hardness and flexibility. It’s a rhythm, not a rush, and the quiet focus of the smith lets the blade breathe. So when you touch a rusted blade, remember it once rested in the hands of a patient artisan who trusted both fire and rune.