[Dan Heng appreciates being just a guy in Blade's mind, even if he doesn't know that yet. He has to forge his own path, since he's essentially forever relieved from his duties as Vidyadhara High Elder. His people are gone. The Abundance is gone. There's nothing left for him to protect, other than the small amount of people he lets himself get close to.

He tilts his head in acknowledgement.]

It was what I wanted, so I went and did it. It was... difficult, but worth it.

[Blade has a pretty smile, which is an observation he can't help making. He's never been told that this suits him, either. Already, Blade's been giving him some new experiences. Positive ones, he thinks.]

Um... thank you.

[What else is he supposed to say to that??? Oh, God, he's bad at small talk, but Blade's trying so... he should try, too, right?]

What got you back into blacksmithing?

[Hopefully Dan Heng hasn't just stepped on a mine. It wouldn't be the first time, granted, but he's trying.]