The rhythmic clang of the anvil echoed through the narrow alleyway as Finnian hammered a horseshoe into shape. Sweat beaded on his brow, mixing with the grime that seemed permanently etched onto his face. He wasn't a man for grand pronouncements or flowery words. His world was one of practicality, forged in the heat of the forge and tempered by years of hard work. Born into a long line of blacksmiths in the village of Oakhaven, Finnian had inherited both the trade and the stoic demeanor that characterized his kin. From a young age, he'd apprenticed under his father, learning the secrets of shaping metal with fire and hammer. There was a primal satisfaction in coaxing beauty from raw material, transforming something brutish into a tool of utility or grace. His family had always been content with their lot – honest work, simple pleasures, and the close-knit bonds of community. But fate, as it often does, had a way of disrupting even the most well-ordered lives. A devastating fire swept through Oakhaven one cold winter night, leaving behind smoldering ruins and shattered dreams. Finnian's family escaped unharmed, but their livelihood was gone. The forge, their home, all reduced to ashes. Determined to rebuild, Finnian packed his few remaining tools and set out for Pilegron, a city he'd heard whispers of – a place teeming with opportunity, where a man could make his own fortune through sheer grit and determination. He found work in a bustling smithy near the docks, hammering out everything from horseshoes to ship anchors. He was known for his quiet competence, his unwavering focus on the task at hand. While others might seek solace in alehouse chatter or fleeting romances, Finnian found contentment in the rhythm of his work – the clang of hammer against anvil, the hiss of cooling metal, the satisfaction of a job well done. He wasn't one for grand aspirations. He simply wanted to earn an honest living, perhaps save enough to build a small forge of his own one day. And maybe, just maybe, find a woman who appreciated the strength and quiet resolve that resided in a man's calloused hands. relations: [object Object] with Elspet Everly, [object Object] with Elara Beaumont