v i c t o r y

@merchanting​

Work was certainly interesting when your ideals didn’t quite match up with those around you. There were far too many times when she came home with a headache, but she knew well how to deal with stress. Swordplay had always been something that let her put her mind at ease, and it was the same reason she’d taken such a liking to the practice of kendo when she’d first come to stay in Japan. 

But having come from a small village in the countryside, there was a certain comfort that came from being in similar environments. She had been thrilled when she found the stables, and any time she needed a breather at the end of the work week, she found herself volunteering there. Even if it was only for one day, it still gave her a brief reminder of home.

Today, she’d been asked to help with a riding class, since the usual teacher was unable to make it because of a family emergency. The first class had been fun, but now she found herself with a great deal of free time since the next one wasn’t for a few hours. That was when she spotted a horse she hadn’t seen there before. A new addition to the horses merely being kept there, not owned by the stable owners, she assumed. 

“Well, aren’t you beautiful,” she smiled gently, offering her hand so the horse could sniff it. “I’m afraid I’ve nothing on me right now to give you, but perhaps I could sneak you some apple slices a bit later..?” Her eyes glanced to the nameplate and she tilted her head. “Furufu?” 

for a queasy stomach || otto & shirayuki

He would have figured, or maybe it was just an assumption on his part, that the Emerald Aura granted healing abilities. From what little he had gleaned from his King and the other clansman though he wasn’t so sure it would work on a troubled stomach. He supposed in only worked in more dire situations and truth be told he would have vastly preferred that than being able to soothe an upset stomach.

But boy in this moment did he wish that he could. 

His horse, Furufu neighed at him, suggesting something that only Otto could hear thanks to his abilities. “No, I am not going to gnosh on grass. That might help your stomach but I don’t think it will for mine.” He wasn’t exactly speaking to Furufu in his language given he didn’t like the odd looks he got from doing it, but the horse seemed to pick up on his dismissive tone and said no more. 

Otto was currently seated on the sidewalk, his knees brought up as his arms hugged his stomach, his face pale and his brow beaded with sweat. Of all the times to not be feeling good and none of the shops would allow non paying customers to use their facilities and some didn’t allow customers in at all. If he could just relieve himself a little he’d probably start to feel better but as it was currently he couldn’t even move. 

Otto looked up at the red haired woman who knelt beside him. “Eh, my stomach is just a bit..” His stomach gurgled as if to answer her question and Otto hugged his stomach tighter as if it would quiet it down, his face red from embarrassment. “I think maybe I just ate something bad..”

Her eyes widened slightly as she took in his appearance. Maybe he was a bit worse off than she feared. He likely couldn’t move much, if it hurt that badly, which meant getting him into her shop wasn’t an option. She’d have to bring the remedy to him then. “Something bad, huh..” 

Carefully, she brought her hand up to check his temperature. No fever, so then her primary concern was his stomachache. “I have something that should help. I’ll be right back.” She rose to her feet and jogged to the door of her shop, unlocking the door as quickly as she could and disappearing inside. 

Immediately, she made a beeline for back room, rummaging through her blends before she found the one she was looking for. A soothing blend that would settle his stomach, with a surprisingly sweet and refreshing taste. That was something she prided herself on, after all. Herbal remedies that weren’t horrendously bitter, but actually tasted good. Following that, she heated up some water to let it brew the right amount of time. Then it was ready. 

It had taken a few minutes, so she hoped he hadn’t gotten worse in the time she’d been away. But Shirayuki carefully carried the mug in both hands as she made her way out of the shop and back to the young man. 

@merchanting​

It happened often that she had to step out of the shop to replenish her supply. Most were things she could buy from the gardening store or the grocery store, but she tried to grow what she could in the backyard garden. Today though, she’d had to run to the store, since she was out of the bags necessary for tea blends. It had been a quick errand, but she’d managed to find a few other things she needed as well, so the trip had been worth it.

However, as she approached her shop, she noticed a male, huddled on the sidewalk and clutching his stomach. Her eyebrows raised in surprise before concern took over. If someone was hurting, it was her job to at least check things out. Though she had her limits, so if need be, she’d help him get to a doctor. But a horse and carriage in this day and age? She couldn’t help but be a little intrigued. 

Pushing that aside for now, she hurried to his side, kneeling down. At least, thankfully, they were close to her shop so everything she needed was right there. Her hair tied back in a ponytail, she regarded the situation calmly.