Sanctuary At Last

The day was winding down in the Orufrey atelier. You currently are saddled high on Qifrey’s hip, bouncing slightly and babbling about. The sun graciously makes its journey down into the horizon, bathing the atelier in a golden-honey glow. It engulfs the dining room in a rich warmth just before the nightly cool creeps in. You were to be asleep soon.

 The girls are chirping and chattering at the table, finishing off the last of the hearty soup. Qifrey had slowly roasted it over the hearth for a few hours, the aroma tantalising and decadent. The busy day was coming to a quiet close, empty bowls clinked, and weary yawns stretched over the conversation. 

Your master really ought to put you to bed now. It's about that time, and it wouldn't be responsible to keep you up, just to have you fussing in the morning. Regardless, a quiet desire pulled his heart in the way one would reign in a leash. Everything was just so lovely like this, and he wanted to savor the simple nights where you’d just be their baby. 

With one hand clutching onto your master, you slowly gnawed on the other one, eyes brightly peering into his crystalline one. Yes, how mesmerizing it was, akin to a gem refracting light, glittering. It's only natural to possess the desire for holding something beautiful. Your jaw slacks and your hand stretches out. Saliva-slicked fingers motioned in a grabbing gesture that reached out towards his face, leaving behind a string of spit. 

“Perhaps not, Love.” Qifey’s voice was as velvety as ever, a smile still embedded in his tone.

Effortlessly he pulled out a soft handkerchief lined with lace, encasing your little hand in his before contact was made. He was both diligent and gentle in maneuvering the cloth between your squishy fingers. Soon, he swiftly rubbed it across the corner of your lip to clean up the remaining dribble. Afterwards he couldn't help but crease a knuckle and tickle the apple of your rosy cheeks. Now instead of sticky saliva, it was the sound of delighted squeals that escaped your lips. 

“Just so curious today, aren’t we darling? I must say, I sympathize with that sentiment. For there are many lovely things in our world worthy of capturing our attention.” He pauses briefly, in mock pensiveness. “That being said, I suppose you'd be interested in accompanying the girls and I into Kalhn tomorrow, hm?”

Naturally you couldn't respond in the language of man quite yet, but Qifrey was more than content to listen to every phoneme you voiced. It certainly made for better conversation in comparison to some adults he’s had the displeasure of dealing with. 

Suddenly, the sound of clanking metal is heard against the lock as the door is slowly pushed open. In enters a man dressed in familiarly embroidered dark robes and a matching pointed cap; however, juxtaposing his tired posture is a bright, well-rested face, cleanly shaven of any hair. 

“Master Olly!” The girls shout in unison.

“My, aren't you home early? Are you hungry? Would you like me to fix you a bowl alongside the girls?” Qifrey made a step to approach Olruggio before pausing at the wave of the other man's hand. 

“Thankfully my client was satisfied enough that I was able to sneak off a bit earlier.” A little sheepishness infiltrates his tone. “Thank you for the offer, but I’ll just grab a bowl later. I've got a few more commissions I ought to get started on if I'm going to make my deadlines this week.” A slow, suffering sigh slips past his teeth in predicted disappointment. “Honestly I really need to start enforcin’ a limit to these sorts of projects.”

“Well then, don't let us delay you.” Qifrey says encouragingly. 

“Aww, but master! We didn’t get a chance to see Master Olly’s new look again!” Tetia chimes in, eyes wide with hope in her request. Qifrey hums in acknowledgement at her statement, then counters. 

“But is it really new if you're seeing it again? Besides, we wouldn’t want to interrupt his work now would we?”

“But master, weren't you the one who said that meals are at their best taste when shared with those we care about?” Her comment was swift and effective, taking Qifrey by surprise when she reflected his own words back at him. He surely wasn’t lying when he stated that the rate of their growth surpassed even that of a budding sprout. This time, it is the raven-haired master that interjects.

“So I'm just some sort of spectacle to you apprentices?” 

“Only a bare-faced one instead of a bear-faced one.” The volume of this voice was so quiet that it was barely audible. However, it was Richeh’s chilling tone that resounded louder than anything else. Olruggio, completely exasperated, stutters for response but ultimately decides not to dignify it with one. 

“I must say master, I'm quite intrigued. How did you draw your central vision sigil? It completely masks every flaw, as if totally renewed.” Agott has been rather interested in the nuances of sigil markings as of late, her heels tapped together underneath the table. She was incredibly bright and perceptive, but did she have to be so…forward about the contraption’s effects.

“Sure, the next time I have a moment. I’ll show ya.” He agrees dejectedly, who was he to turn away such an eager mind. 

“That’s so amazing! May I join too?” Coco cuts in, and before another apprentice gets the chance to add anything he nods repeatedly. 

“All who want are welcome, but before I can, these commissions need to get in order.” As if on cue, your little sneeze interrupts the conversation and a certain guilt plunges into Olruggio’s stomach. How rude of him to not have greeted you yet. After dropping off his bag on the floor he strides over to you, placing his hands on his knees and grunting at the bend to your eye-level. “I wouldn't suppose you have any opinions about my appearance. Do you, little one?”

The silence that befalls the atelier is thick and heavy. The girls at the table crane their necks to see what you could have possibly done to stun the adults into silence. Your spine has locked up into a rigid icicle as your eyes tremble with unrecognition. You look to Master Qifrey to see what he makes of this, then back to this complete stranger, then back to your master. Why is he so calm? Qifrey keeps watching you with this soft patient smile on his lips. Is he not seeing this random man? Why is he so close? A prominent frown tugs down your lips leaving your mouth ajar as empty soundless crying rattles your delicate form. Your breath hitches in a quick inhale before a crescendoing whimper leaves your mouth. The sound shifts into something shrieking and terrified. At once, you bury your face into the junction between Qifrey’s shoulder and torso. Instantly, his hand is rubbing soothing circles into your back and shoulder.

“There, there darling~” His voice is melodic and soothing. “It’s only Olly, no one to be afraid of.” You unfortunately, are unconvinced, for when you raise your head to look at this strange man again, a fresh fit of tears stream down your bleary eyes, quickly seeking refuge in Qifrey’s shoulder once more. Your small hands were curled into even tinier fists, trembling. 

At first Olruggio was taken aback by your sudden outburst of fear. Though, when thinking of it, it really did change who he was. Of course not internally, but to you he must be a completely different being. A dry little chuckle seems to break the tension.

“Well munchkin, you might be one of the few who get me.” Unceremoniously, he peels off the makeover mask and there reappears all of his gaunt exhaustion, eyebags and all. 

You currently can't see at the moment, hot heavy tears seem to be flowing endlessly. What you do feel, are the two gentle pads of his thumbs swiping underneath your blotchy cheeks. When you squint your eyes open, your hazy vision comes back into focus and there materializes a figure. Master Olly. You first noticed the scruff of his stubble, framing around his mouth and chin, then your gaze trailers over to the developing creases by the corners of his eyes. The ones that form whenever he’d explain his magic to you. Lastly you noticed the disheveled strands of hair at the crown of his head. Yes, this was your master.

You were quick to reach your hands out, all but grappling around his neck. He willingly accepted your sudden embrace. Soon, you were enveloped fully in his grasp as you sighed a great relief against his broad chest. Thank goodness that odd stranger had disappeared and your second master had arrived. The steady proud beat of Olruggio’s heart seems to lull you off into a sweeter place full of intangible dreams, your body growing limp.

“Well then, I'll be gettin’ this one off to bed.”

“Are you certain, what about your work?” Qifrey questioned lightly.

“No trouble at all. It’s the least I can do after scarin’ em’ half to death.”