Willowed Wisteria Cottage

March || Drink on the Sand

Summertime came by fast to Mistria. The small town was a buzz to celebrate by making everything fit the summer dream. Jody and Hemlock stocked up on cold drinks for their customers to enjoy. Celine decorated the town with in-season flowers. Mainly roses, per Elsie's request. The entire town felt the spirit of the sun. Every day one group of friends would go to the beach to enjoy the fleeting moments of the warm sun and cool water to embrace them. Even when there was work to be done, the residents found time to greet the beach with a smile.

The grumpy blacksmith had his own summer plans, too. Every week he would join some of his friends to enjoy the sounds of the ocean. It was a drastic difference to the fire roaring in the forge. The heat barely bothered him, though that didn't mean his brother wouldn't worry. March would often neglect himself when he was so focused on his work. It's what Olric believed made him such a hard worker. The blacksmith would constantly insist that he never needed help. That he could manage everything on his own. Even when he was swamped with work, he could still find time to enjoy the beach. March just told himself that he would work twice as hard the next day. He rinsed and repeated this mentality with no interruptions. People tried to pull him away. His brother especially. But March never budged. It would take something magical for the man to change the way he worked.

Magic which resided in the new farmer who wormed their way into the blacksmith's stubborn heart.

Your arrival in Mistria was seen as a pain to March. He was a stubborn individual and saw you as something temporary. Temporary help that would leave as soon as the town rank rose enough to stabilize all of the residents. He didn't see why Adeline requested the help of outsiders. He tried to convince her that the residents could do everything on their own if they just pulled together. His opinions remained as strong as his swing on the anvil outside his shop. His eyes would catch you passing by. They would trail after you as you followed after Eiland on some excavation project the two of you were working on. It made him feel irritated that you fit in so well in Mistria. March was further annoyed to see you at the inn every Friday Night, making your rounds like you knew everyone for your whole life. Every single time he noticed you, he would scoff, mumbling something about 'not needing you around.'

There were small moments where March's guard relented. Mostly when he was drunk. His face would be all blushy, almost the same shade as his hair, and he would sip a beer while watching you move around the inn. Hemlock would make a comment about the boy's gaze following you. He'd make some comparison about how he used to stare at Jody like that before they had gotten married. March waved his hand dismissively. He didn't want his staredown to be interrupted. Eventually, you would share your greetings with him, and he'd blurt out something stupid his drunk mind forced him to voice.

"Your hair smells nice."

That's how March managed to find you more tollerable over time. He would let you stick around the forge for longer. He would claim it was because Olric needed the company, but his older brother rarely ever seemed lonely. He had companions in flesh and in rock forms. March couldn't bring himself to admit he was doing this for himself because his heart wouldn't rest unless you were around him. No matter the season or time of day, March would offer himself as company for you while you did chores around your farm. Though rather subtly.

"I've been meaning to check out the hinges and all the metalwork on your house. Now's a better time than any."

"Ryis was telling me about the coops you had built recently. Told me the doors weren't working right lately. Let me check on them for you."

Sooner or later he lost excuses to be around you without making it seem it was what he really wanted. March stopped saying anything and would just show up. Sitting in the little pen you made for the chickens to roam about without going too far, with a chick in his lap. That became a common sight upon your farm. From time to time he would help you out with your crops too. He'd admire the metalwork on the watering can. It was something you made with the ore in the mines. You had learned his art rather quickly. It pissed March off. Less than how proud it made him.

The years had passed along, and you became a staple individual to Mistria's community. You had worked your ass off to make the town become famous among the kingdom. You alone had managed to bring in more vendors for the Saturday Market. Wheedle, the miscreant, and Taliferro, the noble chef, had taken on the agreement to set up their stalls in Mistria because you worked to get the materials. Every little thing you did for the wellbeing of the town hadn't gone unnoticed by March. You had become a named hero for everyone around you. It made sense. You were an adventurer, so you probably saved countless lives. But you did more than that. You saved a town.

That meant you deserved all the rest the world could offer. And then some.

"Hey, [Name]. I uhm... I brought some bread for you."

March greeted you at the steps that lead into town. He caught you before you could head over to do your chores. He held out a paper bag to you. An offering for a small peaceful moment before your day had become too occupied. The summer sun was going to make the morning become unbearable too.

"How sweet of you, March!"

You took the bag with grateful hands. It was rare that you were on the receiving end of such a kind gesture. The smile you returned to him made March almost trip over his feet. He had to bite his tongue really hard not to say something stupid. Before you had the chance to dismiss him, he stood tall in front of you.

"There was something else I wanted to share with you."

"What is it?"

The blacksmith had to steady himself. This was the first time he was asking someone who wasn't Ryis to hang out with him outside of working. You stared at him with soft eyes. Your demeanor made it so difficult to get the words out without stuttering. It took a lot of power to make his request come out comprehensible.

"I... Would you like to go to the beach with me tomorrow?"

March watched you for any hint of rejection. A sign that would indicate that you found his request silly. All sorts of things you could possibly say had already gone through his head on the walkover to your farm. He was so wrapped up in the idea of you rejecting him before saying anything that he was nearly floored when you said yes.

"I would love to! I haven't been able to go recently. The crops have been needing more tending as of late, so the time just gets eaten up. I've been needing some of my own TLC. I greatly appreciate the offer, March."

He tried to make the sigh of his relief seem discrete. In doing so, he just started nodding way too much. It was making his head hurt from the rapid movement. March tried to still his body. It was a great effort to do such. His excitement was trying to find a way out. To free itself through screaming or rapid movement. Nothing else was said between you two. It was rather awkward just standing there, letting the day waste away. He had dismissed himself with little speaking. His quickened footsteps hit the stone stairs harshly. March had left you to go about your day without holding you up for much longer. Plus, he had to run to his room to scream the joys of you accepting his offer into his pillow. Olric was quite confused when his brother had asked him to cover the shop for the next couple hours. March rarely acted as foolishly as this. But you made him feel like he was floating above the clouds. Even with his earlier stubbornness from when he first met you, he always had a feeling that you would become special. He had never considered you becoming special to him. Two years, and he's barely been able to showcase that he does appreciate you.

Tomorrow hadn't come soon enough. March had spent all night having Reina help him make some snacks you would like. It was 3 A.M. before he got home. His whole body was exhausted, but so worth the effort to see you smile. Just a token to know that he was making the amends you deserved. The morning was a rush to get up, get ready, and beat you to the beach so he could set everything up. He didn't know why he wanted to surprise you with a picnic, but it felt right. You had said you needed TLC so March was ready to give you it in droves.

Waiting for you so early in the morning and with so little sleep was a pain. March had to stay, though, so as to not abandon the food for the pesky gulls to steal. The sun kept him warm from the salty sea wind that kissed his skin. Wandering thoughts popped in here and there while he waited. The one that stuck the most was what you would wear. Would you wear your normal clothes? No, of course not. It was the beach; you'd probably want to wear something comfortable. He couldn't fathom the possibility of you in a swimsuit. Just the brief consideration of such a thing had him blushing. Why couldn't he be normal when it came to you? He used to be once, but you turned him into a mess. An easily flustered mess.

"I'm here! Sorry I'm late! Feeding the animals had taken a lot longer than I thought. They didn't want me to leave."

You ran down to the beach in a flurry. Sand kicked up from your feet with how rushed you seemed. You gasped for air once you were granted the gift of a break from running. He never shot up to his feet so fast. He met you halfway from the picnic spot he set out. His throat went dry at the sight of you. Your hair was a mess from the rush over. Your skin was slightly dampened with sweat as evidence of your hard work in the morning. The thing he zeroed in on was the thing he was mulling over all morning.

You were in a swimsuit. And you looked way too good in it. How the hell was he supposed to look you in the eyes now when your presence was nothing less than divine? March turned his head away to make it seem like he wasn't staring.

"I-It's fine... I get it. Hayden takes longer when Henrietta needs extra tending to. Come sit. I.. I brought snacks..."

Saying it out felt so silly. Admitting he took the time to prep so much for you was even sillier. March just sat back down on the blanket, patting the seat beside him to offer to you. With the offer of a place to rest, you didn't waste any time. A loud sigh that came from the soul escaped from you. Having the chance to just sit became a rarity these past seasons. The demand for your supply and aid became heavy upon your shoulders. March recognized it all. Saw it in himself before you had thawed his heart to become more receptive to your help. You really needed this beach day.

"Did you make all of these yourself?"

Your inquiry wasn't registered by the man next to you. Not right away. He was too focused on watching you admire the food in your hands. The smile he expected you to adorn was brighter than he remembered. It was only when you looked at him with that smile did he fully process what you had asked. He nodded curtly, not knowing what to say.

"It's good."

Your simple comment made March feel all sorts of flustered. Your compliments were something he could never see himself being used to. Watching you eat the things he made with all the hard work he put in was fulfilling, though. Knowing that he could provide for you in such small ways made him feel happy. It was only a small thing, sure, but it allowed you a moment of stillness in the never-ending movement of farm life. While you ate, you stared at the waves lapping against the sand. The water seemed enticing. Especially in the heat of the sun. March followed your line of sight, seeing how you seemed to be longing for the water.

"You wanna swim? I'll race you to the water."

He didn't give you any time to get up. He was already on his feet and running toward the ocean. March was always one to have competitions with you. From big to small, he always wanted to be on top. At first, it was to show that he was better than you. That you couldn't match up to his capabilities. Now, though, with his changed view of you, he did it to show you that he could be strong. That he could do the same things you could to showcase his capabilities in being able to help you. Once he had reached the water, he turned. You were falling behind, probably from wanting to preserve the food he didn't give you a chance to finish. March held out his hand for you to take. To support you and give you something to lean against if you didn't want to stand.

With your hands intertwined and you in the water, March tugged you close. He held you close to him. His arms were tight around your body, making sure to keep you pressed against his chest. It was so out of the blue that you let out a squeak. Where had this come from?

"March? Is everything okay?"

"You know you can depend on me sometimes, right?"

You were in bewilderment by the suddenness of it all. March rarely handled your presence like you were something fragile. That you were someone who needed the constant aid of another.

"I know."

"You can always come to me for help... For anything. Like you told me, it's okay to have help."

The water folding softly against your bodies added to it all. To March, this was something so crucial to say. There was some guilt of turning this calm outing into exposing the worries of his for you. You were his farmer. The one who challenged him the most. The one who allowed him to have soft moments like these without judgment.

"Is this why you invited me to the beach?"

Your question wasn't one with critique. It wasn't angry either. You just wanted to know the motives behind this beach day he proposed to you. He shook his head frantically. His hair swayed side to side; you could almost see the roots of his original hair color.

"No. I mean, not originally. Look. I know you tend to overwork yourself. You do all this work without giving yourself a chance to relax. Even on Friday nights, you're working endlessly to socialize and finish up the quests you were put on. I wanted to give you a chance to actually enjoy yourself."

He finally poured his heart out. The things his mind voiced to him while he worked on the food so late in the evening. The worries that ate at him when he saw you working on the farm when he visited you. March knew firsthand what burnout felt like. How it left someone paralyzed. He wouldn't allow you to undergo such things when he was there to offer himself. You were left astounded by the declaration. You never even perceived that March cared so deeply about you in such a way. The times he was around, silently helping you without asking. Pulling the weeds, watering the plants, trying to feed the animals. It was all clicking right then and there. He cared about you; he just never knew how to put words to it.

You leaned in closer to him, fully accepting him as someone to lean on. As a pillar in your life that would be there without you ever needing to say anything. It was surreal to acknowledge that you had someone so close to you that you never recognized as anything more than just a friendly gesture. Your hands found themselves on March's cheeks. The sun made his eyes look like onyx. The ocean embraced you both as this intimate moment was shared.

"Thank you. For... everything you've been doing. I'm sure I would be worked into the ground without it."

Your gratitude came out in a whisper. You rested your head on his shoulder, and, for March's part, he held you. He cradled your body in the strength of his arms. It had been the warmest embrace you had ever experienced. That moment felt like magic. The same magic that he came to be accustomed to the first time he felt his heart race when he talked to you years ago.

"And thank you, [Name]. For being the one to encourage me to be more open. More accepting of myself and being okay with assistance."

You meant everything to him. This beach day had only been the first that was planned for the season. He had deeply hoped you would allow him to take you out like this more. A picnic in the Summit or Eastern Roads sounded delightful.

"Would you like to hang out with me like this again? If you have the time?"

"I'll always have the time for you, March. You only need to say one word, and I would drop everything for you."

It was safe to say that this beach day had been more than a success. March felt a great deal of pride in being able to provide for you like this. In all the ways one would a partner. Maybe that would be the next step, but he would need more time to gather the courage to even consider such a thing.

Reina || General Headcannons

Reina would be the one to confess first. She would do it through small talk mostly. Dropping subtle hints as best as she can. When she feels confident enough, she shares her deeper feelings for you with her family. Her mother and father are extremely happy and supportive. They tried to gush about their romance when they were young, which was interrupted by Maple's scheming for the perfect date. Luc is just excited that you make his big sister so happy. Reina expresses her feelings for you soon after with a homemade meal and an elaborate card. Celine helped her with picking a flower to go with it.

Reina would be a little nervous at first in the relationship. She wants to make you happy but feels rather insecure due to her skills only focusing on cooking. You reassure her that she is more than just cooking and baking. You offer to teach her the things you're good at. A cute date idea that you two do often is woodcarving with Landen. You and Reina make matching sets of wooden bowls, spoons, forks, and plates. It piles up quite nicely as she becomes rather skilled at it. The cutlery is perfect for when she moves into your home.

When she becomes more comfortable around you, Reina becomes quite affectionate. She's not constantly kissing you, nor is she clingy. She indulges in meaningful touches. A tight squeeze when you greet her in the morning. A soft kiss to your cheek as you depart for your daily tasks. Every night when it hits 8 pm, you always manage to see her. She offers you a meal, and she just listens to you talk about your day. All the while she holds your hand rather tightly, rubbing her thumb across your knuckles.

Reina does worry a lot about you when you do your mining ventures. The first time you return with really bad injuries, she rushes you to Valen. She doesn't want to risk anything getting worse. Valen does her best to calm Reina down, but she isn't leaving your side. Now, however, Reina loads you up with meals of all kinds. She isn't going to let you get that injured anymore. It's her way of caring for you without being too overbearing. She understands that you are capable of handling yourself in dangerous situations, but one can't be too careful. This way of caretaking is how she expresses her love for you.

Reina would want to live with you after a while. She feels ready when she finds herself staying over at your farm longer and longer. The first time she stayed at your house, you provided her with everything she could need. A pair of comfy pajamas, facial products for the morning, and a special pillowcase for her hair. She holds you so tight when she sleeps beside you in your bed. You have always been so considerate to others, but this just seals the deal for her. About two weeks after, she has all her things packed and ready to live with you.

Reina absolutely adores your farm. She does add her own touches to it, yes, but she asks you before anything else. This is your farm first and foremost, and she wouldn't want to ruin the way things are. You always approve of her ideas, though. They add a cute charm to your farm. Reina also loves having access to fresh ingredients. And everything you've hoarded from the seasons before. Your kitchen is a culinary dream. She almost feels bad for using up your collection.

Reina will babysit Dell, Maple, and Luc whenever you're free. She thinks of it as an exercise for when you have your own children. Not to mention you two seem to make the three children so happy. You both play with them and tell them super fun stories. Maple is especially happy to have free access to your farm because of all the cute animals you own. She gets free rein to pet them all. That's what she told you and her sister anyway. Luc enjoys looking at all your terrariums and asking you how you managed to collect and manage all of them. Dell is trying to get into your more dangerous supplies. It's a hassle, but Reina does her best to appease all three of them.

Reina is the type to dream about her wedding. She has a notebook of ideas she has for when she gets married. The menu was the first and easiest thing to figure out. She has Louis help her with wedding dress details and Celine with the flower arrangements. She asks Aedline to officiate. March makes the rings. Her choice of ring is an emerald and ruby combo. She thinks diamonds are rather bland, and the gems were founded by you anyway. It's far more sentimental. She does want Josephine and Hemlock to walk her down the aisle together. Every detail is practically perfect and so much better when it's you working to make sure it's just as she wishes.

Reina does take on the housewife role rather instinctively. However, you two share responsibilities and switch them every week to keep things fair. You don't want her overworking, and she wants to learn more about farm life. Her favorite thing is cooking with you during major meals. You share some of the recipes you took from home. Sometimes it ends up in a food fight, and you two have to have dinner at the inn. It's wonderful to check in with her family from time to time. Her favorite thing to make with you is pies. Apple pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, and any other type of pie ever. Mostly because you make the crust have fun shapes on the top.

Reina would want kids. She would want about three if you could manage them. They would be the last thing in her mind, though, because you have animals you're already caring for. Not to mention your crops. The two of you have extensive talks about it. The first step is the nursery you and Ryis work on together. She picks the wallpaper, and you pick the floor style. It ends up looking like a storybook setting. All pastels and bright colors.

Reina is an overall very loving girlfriend and wife. Her biggest strengths are communication and gift-giving. Though she does end up doing a little too much in the gift-giving department, so it can seem a little suffocating. Her weakness is that she becomes rather anxious when asking for things. She always double-checks with you even when you provided your consent prior. She is a gentle lover as well who can overly worry when you aren't caring for yourself. Overall, with a little communication, some reassurance, and a lot of teamwork, you and Reina are a wonderful and loving couple who would go to the ends of the earth for each other.

Balor || A stop by the Cart

Balor had taken great pride in keeping his cart clean. It was his means of funding, so it only made sense to have all of his goods showcased with some flourish. It aided in selling themselves. A single look and anyone who passed by would agree that Balor was the kind of merchant to care about the little details. The small things that would go unnoticed by a novice or an individual that didn't pay great attention to their supplies were the things he caught on to. His customers loved it. It made it easy to find what one needed and possibly what one might want.

But when it came to being the main merchant for Mistria? Well, Balor had seemed to have more time on his hands than what he was used to. Having to be the main connection to the Capital wasn't easy. He had to haul the heaviest things in and out to aid the townsfolk as well as to have a healthy cash flow that allowed him to have such good prices compared to others. There were days where Balor dreaded such tasks. Where he would complain about his back aching during breakfast to Hemlock. Raving about how he would never carry a bed into the capital overnight on his own ever again. No amount of complaining would keep him away from his duties completely, though.

And there was one single perk to the strenuous work he pushed through.

Helping the town's beloved farmer. The adventurer that was sent in hopes of aiding in raising Mistria's reputation after the disastrous earthquake left it in ruins. They had been doing a wonderful job thus far. If not for them, Balor wouldn't have easy access to the Capital and outside cities. He remembered when he had met them by the bridge. It had been broken down at the time. He took their hand and lept across the unstable stone that was left. That was when he promised to help them in any way he could. Within reason, of course.

He hadn't thought that such a promise would be the reason he would see you nearly every day and that it would be the highlight of his time within this small town. It was meant to be a one-off offer to show he had a good heart. That he was dependable. It did wondrous things for sales. But he had been thinking less and less about Tesserae.

Spring had started once more. You were officially a part of the town for one full course of the seasons. A mere taste of the farmer's life, and you were reaping its bounty. Balor found himself jealous that you took such ease in a new place. You moved around the same amount when you were an adventurer. The Guild had you going every which way to complete odd jobs. So seeing you fit so well? Slotted in as if you were meant to be here? He felt a little lost.

"Ah [Name], what a pleasure it is to see you this fine morning. Is there anything you need? I have some odds and ends, but if there's a special order you'd like from the Capital, I wouldn't mind being of aid."

Balor greeted you with his usual charming smile. As if he were ready to sway you on a deal. However, he held no intention of such. In his heart, he felt the pull to keep you there. The conversation felt natural. It flowed like the light wind that allowed the pollen of flowers to spread. Flowers he was sure you would pick the moment they bloomed. You had become rather skilled at foraging after coming to Mistria. He felt bad for ever laughing at the meager things you sold before you got your bearings. He understood that everyone starts somewhere. They can't pick and choose their means of income.

"I'm quite alright, Balor. I actually wanted to stop by. Catch up if you have the time."

He had to take a step back. He was rather caught off guard at such a thing. Many of the townsfolk would stop by his cart. Balor didn't get much business, so he appreciated the conversation that filled his time. Conversation from you, though, felt wrong. Not that he didn't want to talk with you, but you were busy. Far busier than him. You had foraging, mining, farming, animal caretaking, and the commissions you take from the request board. You were always moving. Always doing. Balor felt honored to be the one you chose to be still with. Even if it was just a small moment.

"For you? I'll always have time."

Balor did little of the conversing. He simply listened to your chatter. He didn't think he would enjoy the tales of your barn animals. Your animals rival the sass of Henrietta. He tried to pay attention to what you were saying. He caught the ranting of sales prices and the rush of the starting season of spring. His brain had decided to tune out your voice to focus on your hair. It told a story all on its own. The whisps of misplaced strands that spoke of hard work. Your forehead was slightly dampened from the sweat, no doubt the fruits of your labor. There was something breathtaking about such a look. It was proof that you were working. Your hands were no doubt tired from whatever you had been doing this morning.

Without even speaking, he pulled out something from his wagon. A few hair clips he had picked up for his sales. He had expected Maple to come up to try and purchase them. Josephine had become rather strict about how the girl spent her money. He leaned in closer. His hands hovered over your hair before he finally committed. He clipped two heart-shaped hair clips onto the loose strings of your hair.

"Balor?"

The man only shook his head. He knew what you were worried about. He could see it in your eyes. "Don't worry about paying. They're on the house. Think of them as an anniversary gift. I don't think we got the chance to celebrate your coming to Mistria over a year ago. Why not join me at the inn later tonight so we can do it properly?"

Somehow a simple afternoon conversation had become an invitation to a date. Not that you had any clue as to the merchant's intentions. Those heart clips were only the gateway to the spoiling he had planned. All because you happened to be something permanent in Balor's life. A rarity in his ever-fast-paced existence.

Eiland || Tripping over Artifact Mounds

Eiland was one who loved spending his time alone in the outdoors. Meticulously looking over every little thing that screamed history. His brain was in a constant quest of knowledge, and no amount of searching would ever satiate his hunger. He loved looking over artifacts. Decoding the languages engraved on them. His favorite part, however, was searching for them. Nothing felt better than finding a fresh find after a long dig. It was why he spent so long in the Western Ruins during the summer. It was the perfect time to look over piles of dirt to search for something extraordinary.

Getting his hands dirty was second nature. No amount of nobleman prestige would keep Eiland away. He was one sworn to preserving the history of Aldaria. Notebooks were stacked high in his study. Reference guides to all sorts of historical facts littered the floors. If he wasn't out analyzing the old stoneware of MIstria then he was sitting in his study overlooking guidebooks. A piece of cake set neatly aside as a reward. Usually these things were done on his own. Errol would lend the boy his aid, but there was only so much an old man could do.

Safe to say that your interest in archaeology excited the nobleman. Another who was interested in the history of old? Say no more. The finding of Caldarus' statue was just the start. He didn't think the new farmer would pursue much archeology after that. Eiland was fine being the only one around to be so passionate about it. But when you decided to pursue it with him after that? Let's just say Adeline couldn't sleep well that night because a certain someone was screaming into his pillow the whole night. She had to make him tea the very next morning.

As time continued, Eiland felt himself feel oddly closer to you. He was an oblivious individual, yes, but he still felt the shift of your dynamic. Late nights of overlooking the findings ended with you tucked in his bed and him on the floor. Afternoons were met with tea picnics for breaks amidst the warm sun. The colder seasons where you didn't wear enough layers were spent with him fussing over you. He often offered his cloak to you so you wouldn't freeze. He didn't need his favorite assistant freezing and catching the flu. Valen would have his head otherwise. It wasn't until Aunt Elsie had spoken up about his glowing radiance a lover may have when appreciating their partner that Eiland connected the dots. He felt himself become ever more flustered when Adeline agreed about his change in demeanor.

Summer couldn't have come soon enough. You had resided in Mistria for a full year now. You've become rather accustomed to the way things were. You've become a local legend to the townies of Mistria. Having supported the changes Adeline wanted to impose upon the small town and funding all the projects, it was only natural for everyone to adore you. It worried Eiland that you might have been overworked by his sister, regardless of how well you've been doing. He had done his best to make such concerns known to you. He really did. Yet, you always deliberately shut down his unease. As such, his worries blended into his favorite time of the day. Sitting out in the summer sun while analyzing the dig site in the Western Ruins. He cursed the aching need to know where you were. To know that you were taking a break from the relentless grind farming was putting you through.

"Why can't they comprehend that they deserve to rest from time to time? I mean, I understand that Aedeline has goals for the town. But isn't it unfair to expect one sole person to fund and gather the needed resources for the upgrades she wishes to provide?"

Eiland had been muttering to himself for the past hour. He had been so preoccupied with the contemplation of his own rhetorical questions that he hadn't registered that you had tread upon the ruins. There you witnessed his relentless pacing. It seemed quite intense from the way his shoes kicked up dirt. The distraction of his thoughts was broken the moment you got closer. His breath hitched at your presence. Were you watching him the whole time? His face flushed at the mere ideation that you caught the words that left his worried breath. Such worrisome judgment had been cut short when Eiland saw you coming closer to a less-than-obvious mound in the ground.

He had no time to call out to you. You were already caught on it and falling toward the grassy earth. Eiland had never acted so fast. Luckily you were close, so he didn't have to run too far. He cushioned your fall with his chest, holding onto you tightly to ensure you were steady. You could hear the rapid pace of his heartbeat. The same rhythm you found yourself listening to when he insisted you lay your head upon his shoulder when you sat beside him. After looking you over to ensure you weren't injured, Eiland guided you to a shaded area to sit. He insisted he had to make sure you didn't tweak your ankle. Your back rested against a tree trunk as its leaves covered you both from the warm summer sun.

"You need to pay attention when you're in the Ruins, [Name]. You never know what might be under your feet."

Eiland relaxed a bit. Your ankle hadn't been injured. With a breath, he raised his head to face you. His eyes held more worry than you've ever seen him carry. It was quite odd from someone so carefree.

"I...I know you've said as such before, but I couldn't help but be distracted. You were pacing and you just looked so..."

"So what?"

Eiland pushed. He wanted to comprehend what you were thinking. What you had seen when you witnessed his anxious pacing.

"So cute."

His cheeks flushed. The color had seemed to match the shade of his hair. He was caught off guard by such a declaration. So much so that he couldn't process the movement of his own body. His arms reached around you to embrace you in the tightest hug you had ever experienced. Eiland wanted to do more than hold you. He wanted to press kiss after kiss upon your cheek. However, he didn't think you two were close enough for such activities.

"That's no excuse for not paying attention to where you were going."

Eiland's voice didn't carry a heavy weight of seriousness. But much rather a softer one that was trying to hide his embarrassment. No matter what you did or said, you always left him feeling more breathless than any rare find he would ever discover within the ruins.

Caldarus || Falling into the pond

Caldarus had never thought he would find companionship in his state of stone. He would watch the wind blow without a care for everything around it. He'd witness rainstorms express their power through lightning and thunder. Not to mention he was the one who attended to many bird families that had decided his statue was a great perch for a nest. Caldarus couldn't help the jealousy of the feathered critters. He wanted companionship like that. A being to bond with for life and have his own little nest. Maybe some dragonlings that would be the byproduct of such a relationship. All of it was mere fantasy for him. For as long as he was a statue, there was no one coming to provide him such comforts. At times he found himself thinking, how could a mighty dragon be deigned such a lifeless fate? What had he done to earn such punishment? He could not remember any sins if he had any.

There was change to come that Caldarus couldn't have ever expected. He felt the earth shake. A sign of immense change. The earthquake that hit Mistria had been huge. It had devastated parts of the town. So much so that there was an urgent call for aid. You had been the one who would answer the call. The one to help pull Mistria out of disaster. The one to be a friend to Caldarus. The dragon had never even considered a human would be his savior. You were something special. You had a good heart. A brilliant mind. And a hardworking soul that didn't know much of rest. He had considered his existence to be forever lonely. When he reached out to you, he didn't think you would consider it to be real. It was quite the shock when you talked back to him. You would even go as far as to talk to him daily. Even with the amount of tasks you had to complete. He treasured the amount of dedication you put into forming a connection with him.

Caldarus had felt the need to repay you for the immense amount of kindness you had shared with him. Saving you from the sealing scroll wasn't enough repayment. He had taken on a human form. Maybe this had been a blessing in disguise. With this new form he could hold you. He could take care of you effortlessly. His most favored way of appreciating you had been cooking. He had very limited skill in it, but he still tried. He found culinary arts to be rather intriguing. Caldarus would also find flowers for you within his residence in the Deep Woods. He had been lucky that some of the seasonal blossoms reached as far as the thick woodland forest. He had come to learn that humans appreciated variety.

Having been autumn already, the dragon had envisioned providing you with something warm when you visited him next. He had thought to share one of his favorites. Seafood Boil. With his own twists, of course. Caldarus didn't have access to prime ingredients like you, so he was left to improvise a few things. He had decided to try his hand at fishing in the pond nearby. With his luck, you had provided him with a fishing rod. One you had no use for after making a new one out of better materials. He had been quite invested in fishing. Albeit a bit frustrating when such a small noise drove away the bounty.

He had been so riveted by his activity that he didn't hear the sound of the autumn leaves crunching beneath someone's feet. You had thought not to announce yourself when you saw what Caldarus was doing. It melted your heart when you noticed the rod you had gifted him. You were encountered with a great honor at the sentiment.

"Come along now, fish. You are destined to be my dearest Dragonsworn's dinner."

Caldarus had spoken rather proudly, thinking that the fish would bend to his will if you were involved. Little did he know that such creaters were not imposed by a dragon's command. You found yourself trying to hold in a fit of laughter. You didn't want to disturb him or the fish he was trying to reel in. However, the need to laugh had won. You started cackling so loud, it startled Caldarus. He was so shocked that he had lost his balance. A loud splash broke you out of your giggles. He didn't see anything amusing about this.

"[Name]...Why did you startle me? Do you find it amusing to scare a dragon?"

You tried your best to respond. You truly did, but Caldarus was pouting. And a pouting Caldarus was a cute Caldarus. You meandered closer to the edge of the pond to lower yourself closer to him.

"I hadn't intended to scare you. I only wanted to visit but saw you fishing. I caught you talking to the fish, and I couldn't help but find it funny."

"So you were laughing at me?"

The dragon had somehow managed to look even cuter. The water moved around him while he swam to the edge. It was rather chilly. He wanted to get out as soon as possible. He paused when you held your hand out to him.

"No, Cal. I was laughing at what you said. You know the fish can't bend to your will."

His clawed hand encompassed yours. You used any and all of your upper body strength to hoist him free from the chilly water. The wind had chosen the worst time to pick up. A full-body shiver coursed through Caldarus' body. He hated the feeling.

"Come on. Let's get you inside before you get sick."

His fishing journey had been cut short, much to his disappointment. He shadowed behind you on the way to his home. You wasted no time in starting the fire pit that resided in the middle of the room. He undressed himself to put on dry clothing and robes with your aid. In the end, you had helped him once more.

"Why were you fishing anyway?"

He glanced down to his lap, his thumbs pressing against each other in a bashful motion. It felt odd to admit that he was doing it for the sole purpose to give you something.

"I wanted to try my hand at cooking Seafood Broil. I didn't have the proper ingredients, so I had thought I could fish for my own."

The sound that left your mouth was quite embarrassing to hear. You cooed at the thoughtful gesture from Caldarus. Even without something to prove he was thinking of you, the intent was still there. And that couldn't go ignored. You moved to his side of the fire. Your shoulders touched for a brief moment when you slid your head against his lap. You felt his breath hitch.

"You didn't have to go through such trouble. I could have brought you the ingredients."

He knew that, yes, but he didn't want to put you through more work than you already had. His claws rested atop your head. He made sure to keep his touch soft.

"I had assumed it would taste better if I put in the extra effort."

Silence accompanied his admission. Nothing more was said. Nothing more needed to be spoken. For now, there was no warm food to gift to you. Only a fire and his body heat provided such. And, perhaps, that was better than a meal because it was him warming you up from the chilly weather. Caldarus wouldn't have it any other way.