[ Focused on a sheaf of papers in his hands, Viktor doesn’t look up immediately when he hears the library doors open. Eyes skimming a paragraph, his thin fingers reach blindly for a pencil to make a quick note before he gets distracted. ]

Thank you for making time to meet me, Mr. Talis. I’ll be with you in a moment. [ Scribbling down a few words, and then circling a promising schematic of gears, Viktor sets down both papers and pencil to push back his chair. His leg twinges as he stands, still stiff from the ride home a few days prior, and he leans a hand against the solid wood surface of the desk to help negotiate his weight around its corner. ]

Forgive me for the late introduction. [ He finally lifts his gaze, and though he hadn’t had any preconceived notions about what the new farrier might look like, he’s surprised nonetheless. The fact that this man is naturally scruffy, the soot of a forge still clinging to his clothes, might have displeased Viktor’s parents while having the opposite effect on their son; impressing his employers with pomp and circumstance doesn’t seem to be a priority for this young Mr. Talis.

Stepping closer, limp more prominent than he would have liked it to be while giving a first impression, he offers a hand in greeting. ] I’m Viktor.