Eloise
The fortress loomed ahead, carved into the side of a mountain, its great stone gates adorned with ancient runes. The craftsmanship was breathtaking—massive pillars lined the entrance, each engraved with depictions of battles, legendary figures, and the history of the dwarven clan.
I could hardly contain my excitement.
"The dwarves," I whispered in awe, glancing at Caius as we approached. "They're exactly how I imagined them."
Caius gave me a side glance, his expression unreadable. "Let's just hope they're as welcoming as you wrote them to be."
The moment we stepped inside, the air filled with the clang of metal against metal, the scent of burning coal, and the deep, rumbling voices of dwarves hard at work. The city within the mountain was *alive*—shops bustling, forges roaring, warriors training.
And then—
A booming voice cut through the air.
"Well, well, if it isn't the *Fearless Knight* himself!"
I barely had time to react before a burly figure came charging toward us. A broad-chested dwarf, with a thick braided beard and a gleaming axe slung across his back, stomped forward and clapped Caius on the back hard enough to make even him stumble.
Caius groaned. "Not you again."
The dwarf laughed heartily. "Still grumpy, I see! Good to know some things don't change."
Caius sighed, rubbing his temples. "Eloise, meet Boren Ironjaw. Unfortunately, I know him."
I blinked. "You have *friends*?"
Boren barked out another laugh. "Aye, lass! Someone's got to keep this brooding fool in check. We traveled together before he became the so-called *fallen hero*." He grinned, crossing his arms. "And who might you be? Don't tell me our grim knight finally found himself a lady?"
Caius stiffened. "It's not like that."
I smirked. "I'm his *creator*."
Boren frowned. "His *what*?"
"Long story," I said quickly, before we got too deep into an explanation that I wasn't sure I was ready for.
Before Boren could pry further, another dwarf approached—the young chief of the Ironjaw clan. He was smaller in stature but carried himself with the authority of a leader. His piercing green eyes settled on Caius.
"Sir Caius," he greeted with a respectful nod. "We are honored to have you here. But I must speak plainly—your arrival is timely. We have a great problem."
Caius folded his arms. "What is it?"
The young chief's expression turned grim. "A dragon has nested in the caves not far from our fortress. We've suffered losses trying to drive it away, but our weapons barely scratch its scales. If this continues, our home will be in danger."
A hush fell over the gathered dwarves, all of whom now looked to Caius with something close to reverence.
I stepped closer to him, noticing how his jaw clenched.
"They call you the *Fearless Knight*," I murmured.
Caius exhaled. "Because I've fought creatures like this before."
The young chief straightened. "Then we humbly ask for your aid."
I looked at Caius, expecting hesitation.
Instead, I saw something else in his golden eyes—determination, resolve, and something deeper.
Something that told me he was about to accept.
___
The young chief's hall was nothing short of magnificent. Unlike the grand golden palaces of human kingdoms, the dwarves built their strongholds with strength and function in mind. The walls were lined with intricate carvings depicting their history, illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted crystals embedded in the stone.
We were led to a massive round table, its surface detailed with a map of the mountain range and the surrounding territory. At the center was a single mark—a deep red sigil that represented the dragon's nest.
Caius stood beside me, arms crossed, his expression unreadable as the young chief explained the situation.
"The beast nested here nearly two moons ago," the chief began, pointing to a series of tunnels near the lower caves. "It's made its lair deep within, and every attempt we've made to push it out has been met with disaster. It's too strong for our best warriors, and our weapons barely leave a scratch."
Caius sighed, shaking his head. "Then don't fight it. I've seen what dragons can do. You'll lose more people if you keep trying."
"We don't have a choice," Boren interjected, his normally jovial tone replaced with frustration. "If we let it stay, it'll destroy the land around us. The fortress will fall."
I could feel the weight of the decision pressing down on Caius. He had spent his whole life fighting battles, and I knew a part of him wanted to turn this one down—to refuse and walk away before the burden became his to carry.
And that's when I spoke.
"We'll help you."
Caius snapped his head toward me, eyes narrowing. "*Eloise.*"
I met his gaze with steady resolve. "You said it yourself, the dwarves will lose everything if they don't fight back. But they *can't* win this battle alone." I turned back to the young chief. "We'll provide support to your people. Not just Caius—I'll help, too."
A murmur of approval spread through the room. The young chief's face brightened with relief, and even Boren gave me an impressed nod.
Caius exhaled sharply, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "You're going to get yourself killed."
I smiled. "Not if you're there to protect me."
He huffed in exasperation but didn't argue further.
The young chief clapped his hands, and two dwarven warriors stepped forward carrying a heavy chest. With great effort, they placed it on the table and lifted the lid.
Inside was a set of *incredible* armor—lightweight, yet powerful, forged from the rarest metals known in this world. The craftsmanship was flawless, from the finely etched patterns to the shimmering dark steel. Beside the armor lay a sword, its blade humming faintly with magic.
The young chief looked at Caius. "This was made for you. As a sign of our trust and appreciation. Only the *Fearless Knight* is worthy of wielding it."
Caius stepped forward, running his fingers over the armor. I could see something flicker in his eyes—something close to gratitude.
He reached for the sword, lifting it with ease. The weapon responded as if it *knew* him, as if it was meant to be his all along.
He turned to me then, his expression unreadable.
"You really won't back down from this, will you?"
I shook my head. "You should know by now—I don't abandon the things I create."
A long silence stretched between us before he finally exhaled.
"Then let's slay a dragon."