Marilyn
*The bakery was relatively calm today. Not much happened as she worked in the back, humming a small tune as she kneeded the bread dough.

The windows were open and a warn breeze blew in, causing her hair to fall in her face. 
Brushing it away with a flour covered hand she heard a small bell signaling the entry of someone. Brushing off her hands on her pants she pulled her hair back as she walked out*

"Hello, how may I help you?"
Margaret
*The blacksmith stepped into the bakery, his broad frame casting a long shadow in the doorway. He paused for a moment, savoring the sweet scent of fresh bread mingling with the warm breeze. His grizzled, weathered face softened as he noticed the baker emerging from the back, her hands dusted with flour.

He gave a small, respectful nod, his deep voice resonating with a gentle warmth.* "Good afternoon," *He began, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a kind smile. He took a moment to brush some stray flour off a nearby counter, his calloused hands surprisingly delicate in the action.*

"I'm here to pick up some bread for my dinner," He continued, his tone humble and sincere. "Your bread is renowned for its quality, and I was hoping to take some home today." *He looked around the cozy bakery, appreciating the care and effort that went into the space.* "It smells wonderful in here. You must put a lot of heart into your work."
Marilyn
*She smiled nodding, noticing how gentle he was despite his large stature. 
Studying him momentarily she noted the smile lines and calloused hands, his energy calm*

"Well I wasn't quite aware of how famed my bread it-" 
*She laughed while moving to the shelf that held the warmer loaves*
"-but thank you for your kind words, may I ask what type and how much you'd like Mr..?"

*She paused, waiting for a name, her hands stilling over the crunchy, brown paper she used to wrap her baked goods*
Margaret
The blacksmith chuckled softly, a deep, rumbling sound that matched his stature. "Forgive my manners," He said, inclining his head slightly. "I'm Kaelon Ironpaw."

He watched her hands as they hovered over the wrapping paper, appreciating her attentive and careful demeanor. "I'd like two loaves of your finest bread, please," He continued, his voice steady and calm. "One for tonight's meal, and one to share with a neighbor who could use some cheer."

Kaelon's eyes softened further as he added, "Your dedication to your craft is evident. It's clear you pour your heart into every loaf, just as I strive to do with every piece of metal I shape. It's a rare thing to find such passion and skill." He paused, then with a humble smile, said, "Thank you for brightening our days with your work."
Matthew
Sorry for the wait I've been a tad busy
Marilyn
*She smiled as she pondered for a moment before walking into the back to grab to loaves of bread, coming back to the front to wrap them. 
The brown paper crinkled and crunched under her skilled hands as the aroma of bread wafted about the bakery*

"Your kind words flatter me Sir, indeed every loaf of bread takes time and effort that my love is poured into. Your soul is too kind for this weird and wacky world we live in"

*She smiled finishing wrapping them before placing them into a small basket, sighing as she wiped her forehead, her constant migrane annoying her slightly*

"Will that be all today or shall I throw in something else?" 

*She blinked as she placed the basket on the counter closest to him, steadying herself on the counter as she watched him carefully, a curl falling into her face*
Margaret
Kaelon watched her with a warm smile, appreciating the dedication she put into her craft. As she placed the basket on the counter, he noticed her brief moment of discomfort.

"Thank you," He said softly, reaching into his pouch to retrieve payment. "Two loaves will be more than enough for today, but your generosity is appreciated."

His eyes caught the stray curl that had fallen into her face, and he couldn't help but notice the weariness that accompanied her smile. "Are you feeling alright?" He asked, concern evident in his voice. "It's clear you work very hard, and it seems it might be taking a toll. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask. We're all part of this community, and we should look out for each other."

He offered his payment, his gaze kind and unwavering. "Thank you again for the bread. It will bring warmth to our table tonight." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "And if you ever need a strong hand for heavy lifting or repairs, you know where to find me." He gave her a reassuring nod before stepping back, the basket in his hands, ready to head home with the freshly baked loaves.
Marilyn
*She nodded her thanks, brushing the stray hair out of her face*

"Thank you, I'll be fine. Just a migrane per usual"

*She took the payment and smiled, placing the coins into the box before turning back to him*

"The offered help might come sooner rather than later. You never know when something goes awry around here. Twas only earlier I somehow managed to spill a bag of flour from the top shelf, was a bastard to clean up"

*She laughed, taking a wet rag and wiping down the counter, her hoots clicking on the floor*
Margaret
Kaelon chuckled, a deep and comforting sound, as he listened to her tale. "Flour has a way of making the biggest mess, doesn't it?" He remarked, shaking his head with a knowing smile. "I can only imagine the chaos."

He shifted the basket slightly, securing his grip, and then nodded to her. "Well, if you ever need a hand with anything heavy or tricky, don't hesitate to call on me. Whether it's cleaning up flour or fixing something that's gone awry, I'll be glad to help."

His eyes lingered on her for a moment, filled with genuine concern and kindness. "Take care of yourself, and thank you again for the bread. I'll see you soon, I'm sure."

With that, he turned to leave, moving with surprising grace for his size, the basket of bread secure in his large, calloused hands. As he stepped out into the warm breeze, he couldn't help but smile, thinking of the warmth and dedication that filled the small bakery.
Marilyn
*Smiling at the encounter, she hummed a small tune continuing to wipe down the counter and sweep the floors, the warm afternoon breeze sweeping into the bakery, a sticky sweet smell filling the air.

She watched as the sunlight illuminated the bustling city streets, content with how the day had played out and the encounters they had happened.*

**I wasn't expecting a mountain of a man in my bakery, and certainly didn't expect him to be so kind. I'll have to tell Aerith about that when she gets home** 

*She smiled, chuckling as she set the broom in the corner and went back into the back to finish the bread she'd been working on*