Just as they were about to step out, she felt a hand gently touch her shoulder. Turning around, Starfania saw Katherine, the blacksmith. Her warm smile and powerful presence caught their attention right away. A vibrant red, her hair was streaked with lighter highlights and neatly pinned into a bun. Her two-tone eyes showed quiet strength. She stood tall and graceful even though she had some dirt on her. She wore a crisp white blouse tucked into a denim skirt and brown boots with signs of wear. Silver hoop earrings hung just above her shoulders, catching the light as she moved. Her calm voice matched the kindness in her eyes.
"I believe I owe you a thank you," she said. Starfania blinked, surprised. " Thank me? For what?"
A knowing glint sparked in the woman's eyes.
" For holding your ground," she said simply, " Not many people would've stepped in like that."
A faint smirk followed. " I was impressed."
Warmth crept up Starfania's cheeks.
" Oh—it was nothing, really," she muttered, glancing down, suddenly unsure what to do with the attention.
The woman tilted her head slightly, studying her—not critically, but with quiet curiosity.
" Nothing?" she echoed, amused. " You stood your ground in a room full of people who chose not to. That's not 'nothing.'"
A brief pause settled between them. Then her gaze flicked past Starfania—toward Aeron, Violet…and the door where the dragon waited outside. Something sharper entered her expression. Recognition? Interest? Maybe both.
" You're not from around here," she added casually, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer. Aeron crossed his arms with a small grin. " You could say that."
Violet, meanwhile, rocked slightly on her heels, eyes shining. " We're actually on a mission!"
Starfania shot her a look—half warning, half panic. Vi clamped her hands over her mouth. " Oops."
The woman chuckled softly under her breath. " A mission, huh?"
Her attention returned to Starfania—more focused now.
" Well…whatever brought you here," she said, " it's not every day someone walks into my forge and challenges arrogance head-on."
She took a step back, folding her arms again—but this time, there was no edge to it. Only respect. Starfania hesitated for a moment…then remembered the folded paper in her hand. Lyam's request. Right. Straightening slightly, she held it out. " Actually…we came here because of this."
The woman's eyes flickered to the paper—but she didn't take it immediately. Instead, she looked back at Starfania. Measuring her. As if deciding something. Then—finally—she reached forward and took the note. Her fingers brushed the edge of the parchment, calloused and steady from years of work.
She unfolded it slowly. Her eyes scanned the contents once. Then again. And just like that—her entire demeanor shifted. Subtle. But unmistakable.
" Li…" she murmured under her breath, almost to herself. Aeron caught it immediately. " Li?!"
She ignored the question. Instead, she folded the paper neatly and tucked it into her belt. When she looked back up—there was no doubt left in her eyes.
" So," she said, voice steady again, " this is urgent."
Starfania nodded. " Very."
A quiet beat passed. Then the woman stepped forward, closing the distance between them completely.
" Good," she said. A small smile curved her lips—sharp, confident, unmistakably hers.
" Because I don't do rushed work…" A pause. " …unless it matters."
She extended her hand—not as a customer, but as an equal.
" My name's Katherine Lyric Thornfield," she said. Her grip was firm. Grounded. Certain. " Owner of Emberforge Armory."
A flicker of firelight danced behind her, reflecting in her two-toned eyes.
" And if Lyam sent you…" Her smile sharpened—just slightly. " …then it looks like we're about to make something important."