Blade and body

Clarissa smiles, gesturing towards the workbench. You step closer and notice the sheathed sword resting there. “This is the simple thing. Uzume trained you to fight, but Josh and Anna’s son deserves a sword fitting of an adventurer. And so, I give you Caliburn.”

Your father smiles. “A name from new world mythology. The sword in the stone, of Arthurian legend. Fitting for the son of the emperor.”

You nod, lifting the sheathed blade. A broadsword with a long grip, it’s surprisingly light for its size, even sheathed. Pulling it free, the sword hums with power, clearly heavily enchanted. The air practically groans as you take a few test swings, and it feels almost like an extension of your arm, clearly made specifically for you.

Clarissa gestures towards a rack of steel rods. “Try this. The sword will cut through most unenchanted material as if it’s nothing.”

You glance at your father, who nods. Tentatively, you take a downward chop at the rack, and nearly drop the sword in surprise when you cleanly slice through a solid foot of steel, the edges glowing red as you stumble back.

You look at Clarissa, stunned. “This is…insane! How can you even make things like this?”

She laughs. “Goddess of the forge, remember? It’s nice to have a challenge sometimes. Now, that sword is keyed to you, no one else can unsheathe it, but if it’s already unsheathed, anyone can use it, so be very careful.”

You nod, sheathing the sword and attaching it to your belt. “It’s an incredible gift. I can’t imagine I’ll have much trouble now.”

Kali smiles. “That was the simple thing. We have one more gift, that Clarissa and I both worked on. Come here, and we can show you.”

Kali and Clarissa lead you to a closed door. Kali nods. “In here. Go introduce yourself, but take things slow.”

Confused, you open the door. Inside the room, it’s dimly lit, but most of the forge is dimly lit. You do see a figure standing in the room with their back turned. Kali follows you as you step in, and the room brightens as the door opens wide. The figure, slender and feminine, turns slightly and their eyes open, glowing orange like a flame. Their arm morphs before your eyes, becoming a metallic black claw!

Kali laughs. “Don’t be dramatic, Ferra.”

As you watch, her arm returns to a normal form, and she turns to look at you. In the better light, she appears to be an attractive young woman, with short red hair and orange glowing eyes. Her clothing seems skin tight, hiding none of her curvaceous body, with moderately sized breasts and a firm, plump backside. On a second glance, it appear that her clothes are a second skin of glossy black metal.

Kali nods. “Nicholas, meet Ferra. She is a golem of living metal, created by Clarissa, and given true life by me. And it seems that Sadie gave her some other…features, that I won’t discuss. She can probably tell you about that later.”

Stunned, you simply watch as Ferra steps closer, her face emotionless. “You are Nicholas? Greetings, master. I have been created to serve you and protect you. I apologize for my reaction, I was surprised at your entrance.”

Her voice is soft and pretty, not at all what you expected. You blink, tearing your eyes off her body. “It’s…it’s fine, Ferra. You don’t need to call me master, that’s kind of weird.”

You hear your mother and father laugh behind you, and Clarissa smiles, walking up to you. “Ferra is made of metal, but she can control her surface to appear almost completely normal. Go ahead, you can try it.”

You look at Ferra, and she nods. “I don’t mind being touched. In fact, for some reason I desire it.”

Kali sighs. “Yeah, I blame Sadie.”

Ignoring the implications there, you reach out and touch Ferra’s cheek. It feels as soft and smooth as normal skin. Ferra closes her eyes and leans into your touch. “I…I like this, mast…I mean Nicholas.”

Her eyes open and meet yours, and there’s an almost physical impact. There’s a connection, a kinship, somehow. After what seems like forever, you lower your hand, and Kali chuckles. “Just remember, she’s still learning. Her personality will be shaped by how you treat her, but she’s not a **** or a servant.”

You nod, still staring at Ferra. “I understand. Ferra, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Your father smiles, walking up and putting a hand on your shoulder. “She will be your companion on this journey. Watch out for each other. You have a couple days before everything is ready, so do what you need to do before you go. And Ferra, take care of Nicholas.”

The living metal golem nods, still staring at you.