Katherine unfolded the list Lyam had given them, her eyes scanning each line with practiced precision. Her expression shifted ever so slightly as she read—subtle, but telling. This wasn't ordinary work. When she finished, she lowered the parchment slowly. Her gaze moved from Aeron…to Violet…and finally—settled on Starfania. A quiet understanding flickered in her eyes.
" You're the one they've been talking about," she said. A pause. " The Dragon Savior."
Stafania gave a small smile, an almost sheepish nod. " Yeah…that's me."
The weight of the urgency remained…but it no longer pressed quite as hard. Katherine stepped back, folding her arms loosely.
" So," she said, tone lighter now, " what exactly do you need from me?"
" We were hoping," Violet chimed in brightly, stepping forward, " that you could make a helmet—something that can hide a person's identity."
Katherine's gaze flicked back to Starfania—lingering just a second longer than necessary.
" I'll admit," she said slowly, " that's not a request I hear every day."
There was something…off. Not wrong—just hidden. Years at the forge had taught Katherine how to read more than metal. She saw it in posture. In hesitation. In the things people don't say. But she didn't press. Not yet. Katherine straightened just slightly, settling in her expression.
" It won't be easy," she admitted, " but…I can do it."
Relief softened Starfania's shoulder almost instantly. A small smile broke through despite everything weighing on her.
" How long are we talking?" Aeron asked, ever practical. Katherine tapped the list lightly against her palm, thinking.
" …One day," she decided. " I'll have it ready."
" Thank you," Starfania said, with genuine warmth in her voice. " Really."
She hesitated, then added. " How much do we owe you?"
Katherine smirked, placing a hand on her hip. " Nothing."
A beat. " Consider it repayment for earlier."
Starfania blinked. " You don't have to—"
Katherine waved her off. " I mean it."
Violet lit up instantly. " Katie, how are we supposed to repay you for this?"
Katherine shrugged casually. " Just return the favor someday."
Her smile held meaning behind it. Starfania nodded slowly. " Alright…thank you."
Violet clapped her hands together. " Alright! Now, what's next?"
Just as they turned to leave — " Starfania."
Starfania paused. Slowly, she turned back. Katherine was watching her differently now. More careful. More knowingly.
" You know," Katherine said, her tone thoughtful, " when I craft something for someone…"
She stepped closer, arms folding again. " …it tells me a lot about who they are."
Her eyes flicked briefly to the folded list…then back to Starfania. " And what they're trying to protect."
A slight pause. Not accusatory. Not intrusive. Just…observant.
" A helmet that hides identity…" she continued softly. " …usually means there's something worth hiding."
Starfania stilled for a moment. Not defensive—just…caught. After a brief pause, she gave a quiet, honest answer.
" I think…" she said slowly, " …I'm still figuring that out."
Katherine didn't push further. She simply nodded—like that answer was enough. For now. Without another word, Starfania turned and caught up with Aeron and Violet, the weight of the conversation lingering quietly behind her.