Request by firelight

That evening, after meeting with your leaders, you make your way through the fire lit camp, heading towards Clarissa’s tent. Most of the camp is asleep, resting for tomorrow’s March, but you find Clarissa sitting by the fire, staring into the flames. You sit down beside her, and watch the fire with her. For a time, she doesn’t react to your presence, but after a while, she slides closer. You put your arm around her shoulders, and you hear her give a contented sigh, though she still stares into the flames.

After a few minutes of quiet, Clarissa speaks. “When I became Daughter of the Forge, I took it as a great honor, and it is. The dwarves treat me as an icon, an inspiration. The transformation gave me great strength and resilience, and the training gave me skill. I got to work closely with the Forgefather, and it meant I was the chosen guide for our prophesied savior.”

“What they didn’t tell you was how lonely it is to be different in this way. I’m not a dwarf anymore, not really, and neither am I an elemental spirit. I’m an icon, yes, but one put on a pedestal. Revered, but not socialized with. I accepted this as my duty, and resolved myself to my role. But part of me longed to just be…normal.”

She sighs, snuggling closer. “And then you showed up. Prophecy told us you were the one, but I never thought I would end up like this. You never treated me differently, despite my transformation. In fact, you welcomed me with open arms. I fell for you within days.”

“This is what I am now. I can’t go back to being a dwarf, nor do I want to. I’ve never been happier than I have since I met you. I’m telling you all this because I want you to understand how serious I am when I tell you I love you. I had thought no one would see me like you do, that I would be either an outcast or an idol.”

She sighs. “And I know that you know all this. I just needed to say it aloud before I say more. I know I’ve gotten this reputation as the wild one in bed. And I like it, mostly. I feel safe with everyone in the family, so I can let myself go a little crazy. But what I really want tonight is some gentle love. I want you to treat me like I’m delicate and precious. I love you, Josh, and I want you to make love to me, here by the fire…”

In a quiet voice she says, “I want to get pregnant, too. I don’t even know if it’s possible for me anymore, but I want to try. Please, Josh, make love to me tonight?”

In response, you gently lift her chin and kiss her.