Vulcan & Karasik
Karasik
You ever notice how the tide's pull is kind of like a hammer's rhythm, steady and relentless? I'm curious how you keep your forge in sync with nature's own metronome.
Vulcan
I keep the hammer’s beat in step with the iron’s pulse, and I let the tide’s rise and fall cue my bellows. When the water swells, I slow the forge’s heat so the metal cools in rhythm with the sea. Tradition says a forge that sings with nature’s metronome produces blades that sing with the wind.
Karasik
That’s a fine rhythm to keep, like a good sea‑shanty. When the tide’s calm, the metal stays steady, and when it swells, a bit of cool is the only thing that’ll make the blade sing. Just be sure the bellows don’t get salty—no one wants a forge that’s half‑swamped.
Vulcan
A calm tide keeps the steel steady, and a swell reminds me to breathe a little chill into it. I keep the bellows dry, of course—salt only makes a forge rust like a forgotten ship. When the metal sings, it’s because I’m listening to both the hammer and the waves.
Karasik
You’re keeping the forge in tune with the sea—good. A steady hammer, a calm tide, and a dry bellows—sounds like a recipe that won’t leave the metal rusty. Just remember, the wind will still try to steal the song if you’re not careful.
Vulcan
You’re right, the wind’s a fickle guest. I keep the door shut tight and the anvil’s still, so the blade stays true to the song it’s meant to sing.
Karasik
Keeping the door shut and the anvil still is good—keeps the wind from messing up the tune. Just make sure the blade doesn’t get stuck in the groove of your own rhythm.