As the days turned into weeks, the forge became as familiar to Rylan as the palm of his hand. The clang of steel against steel and the crackle of the fire formed a rhythm that matched his heartbeat. Under Leslo's watchful gaze, Rylan learned the intricate dance of forging: how to stoke the fire, shape the metal, and quench it in water to give it life. Each day, he woke early, his resolve deepening as he honed his skills and absorbed the wisdom shared by the gruff forge master.

But as satisfying as the work was, Rylan found the absence of Lucian weighed heavily on his heart. The two had spent countless afternoons together, laughing and sharing secrets. Without Lucian’s presence, the forge felt a little emptier, but Rylan couldn’t bring himself to dwell on it. Lucian had his commitments, and Rylan had his own path to carve.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day at the forge, Rylan decided to work on something special. He had a vision in his mind, inspired by the memories of laughing blue skies, shared stories, and moments that made each day lighter. He set to work, painstakingly shaping a ring from moonstone, its ethereal glow reminiscent of soft moonlight, with a dazzling ruby nestled at its center—the deep red hue calling to mind the warmth of Lucian's eyes.

As he worked, he couldn’t help but think of the significance of what he was creating. It was a piece born from unspoken affections, inspired by a bond that went beyond mere friendship. Though the forge was filled with Leslo’s gruff humor, Rylan knew he must keep his feelings hidden; Lucian was a matter not meant to be discussed.

When the ring was finally complete, Rylan felt a strange thrill rush through him. He admired the juxtaposition of the cool moonstone and the fiery ruby. It was beautiful—a piece that encapsulated his secret feelings. Rylan knew he could never give it to Lucian, not without risking the delicate balance of their friendship, but he still felt a sense of pride in his creation.

The following day, as he presented his work to Leslo for feedback, the old wolf studied the ring closely. "This is impressive, Rylan," he said, his voice a mixture of surprise and admiration. "You’ve come a long way. The moonstone is skillfully set; I see the garnet you’ve chosen has some fine qualities.”

“Ruby,” Rylan corrected automatically, pride swelling at the old man’s praise. “The ruby represents something… special.”

Leslo raised an eyebrow, his gruff voice deepening with a teasing lilt, “Ah, I see it now. This looks like a proposal ring to me!” He chuckled, a jolly sound for such a serious man. “You’ve made quite the romantic gesture!”

Rylan felt heat rise to his cheeks, tension tightening his shoulders as he stammered, “That’s not— I mean, it’s… just a piece of work.”

Leslo chortled, shaking his head. “Calm down, boy. It’s just a jest,” he said with a hint of warmth. “Perhaps you’ve got some secret romance brewing? Either way, if you’re planning to propose, you’d best be ready for hard work!”

Rylan forced a laugh, the playfulness in Leslo’s words a stark contrast to his pounding heart. “No proposals here,” he replied, more defensively than he had intended. “It’s just a ring.”

Leslo, catching the flicker of something beneath Rylan’s facade, nodded knowingly but didn’t press further. Instead, he offered a more serious tone. “No matter what you’re feeling, it’s good to put those emotions into your work. It gives the metal life,” he said, patting Rylan on the back. “Just remember, keep crafting—bring your own heart into every piece you make.”

Rylan nodded, thankful for Leslo’s understanding and wisdom, even if it poked at feelings he dared not explore. The rhythmic clang of the forge now felt like an echo of his own heart—pulsing with secrets, longing, and the heady excitement of creation.

That night, as Rylan lay in bed, the moonlight streamed through his window, casting shadows across the walls. He thought about Lucian, wishing he could share his creation with him. But he knew that this secret—along with the emotion behind it—was something for him alone to cherish. The bond they shared would remain unspoken, woven into the very fabric of his artistry, gleaming like the ruby at the center of the moonstone ring.