Metal and fire

You gather in the throne room and wait. You don’t need to wait long, as the messenger returns, leading a short, broad figure in armor that glows as if heated. Bearing a massive axe that similarly glows, the figure removes their helmet, revealing a feminine face.

This dwarf, if that’s what she is, kneels before you. Her eyes glow orange, contrasting her steel grey skin. She has a broad, friendly face, not what most would consider conventionally beautiful, but striking in its own way. Most striking is her hair, however. Seemingly made from strands of copper, it fades from glowing orange at the tip to a normal red near her scalp.

Encased in her armor, you can’t make out much of her form, but she is as short as Lynn, and much broader. Despite the glowing, she doesn’t seem to be giving off heat. Grounding her axe with a soft thud on the carpet, she speaks.

“Greetings, Golden Magus. I am Clarissa, daughter of the forge. I am here to guide you to the mountain throne so that we may discuss our allegiance.”

You blink, taking all that in. “Ok, so many things. First, hello. Second, get up, Clarissa. No one needs to kneel before me, and don’t give my girls ideas.”

There’s giggling behind you. You choose to ignore it. Clarissa stands, her armor clanking slightly. “Thank you. Next item. Golden Magus?”

Clarissa nods. “So you are named in the prophecy.”

You groan. “Haven’t we had enough of those today? Can you tell me what it says?”

“Of course. The golden magus comes, heralded by trumpets of magic, to unite the worlds once again. Guided well he will create the paradise once promised.”

You sigh. “As vague as any prophetic statement. Is there more?”

“Of course. I believe twenty volumes in our library. Much concerns your time in the new world. Based on your group and what I know, you performed admirably.”

“Ok, Clarissa. First off, call me Josh.”

Clarissa smiles. “Of course! Much easier than a wordy title.”

“Second, how did you know I was here? And get here so quickly?”

“The Forgefather felt you change the portal. He sent me. Using the paths of stone turned a journey of two weeks into less than a day.”

You smile. “I’m guessing we need to take the long way back.”

Clarissa nods. “Only the Forgefather can open the paths of stone.”

“That’s fine. Can I ask you a more personal question?”

Clarissa cocks her head. “Of course!”

“You look...different than I would expect a dwarf to look. Is that normal?”

She smiles. “Not at all. I am a daughter of the forge. I have merged my essence with spirits of fire and earth.”

You nod. “Thus the glowing and metal. One more thing. May I touch your hair? It’s beautiful.”

Clarissa looks at you, glowing eyes wide, and a soft redness appears on her cheeks, like heated metal. Looking down, she answers. “O-of course you may...”

You smile, and gently touch her glowing hair. It’s soft and slightly warm, and moves like normal hair. You step back. “Thank you, Clarissa.”