◟♯ . / yumetopia . !

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How did you get here?

~

“Qifrey…” Olruggio speaks. Quiet, exhausted, and harsh. He looks to the man in front of him, expecting some kind of genuine answer to come out of him. A defence for his case.

All Olruggio gets in response is a gentle smile, and a slight tilt of Qifrey’s head as he stays looking at the man in front of him.

Olruggio's eyes drift from Qifrey’s own down to where you latch on to him. You hid yourself under Qifrey’s cloak and your hands grip onto his waist from behind. You were an anxious one.

You make eye contact with Olruggio, shrinking back further into Qifrey for a moment.

“Hello, mister,” you mutter, keeping your eyes on Olruggio, but they strayed from and avoided looking at his face again. Never looking above his chest.

Olruggio sighs. “Just call me Olruggio,” his voice still came out tired, but less annoyed.

Annoyed, not at you, but at a fifth apprentice that Qifrey has brought back with him to the atelier. Perhaps this is just something he has to get used to; Qifrey bringing to the atelier apprentices like a wife or child bringing home a stray cat. There’s more contrast than compare.

Olruggio’s eyes flicker between you and Qifrey for only a moment longer before stepping aside, letting you two cross the threshold past him.

Qifrey thanks his friend, and begins to guide you to your temporary room. It was only a guest room, but it was getting late. Surely he would figure out a better arrangement for your sleeping and studying quarters come morning.

When Qifrey steps back into the heart of the atelier, Olruggio has his back against the empty fireplace, clearly waiting for his return.

“Another apprentice, Qifrey? Why?”

Qifrey looks to Olruggio as he asks his question. He smiles before saying, “I really do believe there is always room for another,” he walks closer, sitting in front of Olruggio, “and perhaps I wished to survey their wonder and expand it in the right places.”

~

One month under his wing-

~

“Master Qifrey,” you speak, peeking around the arch that forms between the kitchen and dining room.

Once you spot him over the stove, you stand to your full height, revealing the rest of your body from behind the wall.

Qifrey turns to face you, “Yes, what is it?” His brow arches lightly as you look up to him. He sets the kettle down, already having poured the hot water in his cup to make himself tea. “Do you need help with anything?” His voice remains gentle as always.

He always seemed a bit brotherly, or even fatherly, despite the basic relation of master and apprentice.

“Actually, I've been having a bit of trouble with my line work lately,” you grumble, gripping the white fabric that rests just above your stomach. You look down at the points of your shoes, unable to find the emotion you feel in yourself about your inability to draw a proper spell.

You then look back up to Qifrey. “I have asked for advice or help from the others, but none of it really seems to work for me. I even tried to ask help from Mister Olruggio, but—um,” your shoulders stiffen up a bit at the memory of Olruggio glaring at you as if he were a dead man revived before you could even utter out a single letter of a word to him.

Qifrey hums, laughing a bit at the last bit you speak, “I see. He can get a bit carried away in his work, leading him to be—well, tired,” he says the last word as if it alone would explain his friend’s habit.

Focusing back on the subject, he calls out your name, asking to see your hands as he holds out his own.

When you place your dominant hand into one his own, palm facing up, he crouches down to your level. Soon he starts poking at the palmer of your hand, then moves to feel and lightly rub your fingers.

After just a short moment, Qifrey hums before standing back up and asking, “Do you think it may have something to do with your pen?”

You look at him, and back to your hand. “I haven’t really thought about that being why.” You thought for a moment, “Though, Coco did ask a similar question. She also said she has a bit of trouble with her lines, too,” you bring your other hand to join the other, pushing your thumb into the middle of the other’s palm.

Qifrey only pats your head, putting your main focus back on to him, before he suggests, “Why don’t you sit on it for a little while longer?”

“Okay,” you nod.

“And,” Qifrey bends down, putting his other hand on his knee, “if it really is because of your pen, we can pay a visit to Kalhn and get you a new one. Easy fix,” he smiles down at you, closing his eyes.

You nod again, the action a bit more pronounced. You mirror his smile too, “Okay,” you say again.

“Now be on your way,” Qifrey walks back to the counter he left his tea cup on before looking back at you, over his shoulder. “It’s time you continue studying your spells,” he dismisses you from the kitchen. “Remember to know your limit,” Qifrey adds as you step back out into the dining area.

“Right, of course,” you fully turn away from him, making your way back to your workspace.

~

Turns out you had a minor case of a writer’s cramp from overworking yourself just a little too much. That, of course, got you a bit of a scolding from Master Qifrey when you two figured it out from your hand freezing up when he asked you to demonstrate a basic spell.

You two ended up paying a visit to Kalhn for a new pen anyway, though this one would be for more temporary and more limited use. Mr. Nolnoa did not have any pens made specifically for a writer’s cramp or anything “special” like that, but he was able to round out the tip of one just a bit for this case.

Master Qifrey had taken the newly customized pen out of your reach and put into his own bag when Mr. Nolnoa finally came back out with it in hand.

When you finally got the pen into your own hands, you tested it out immediately on the first thing of blank parchment you found back at the atelier. It definitely did glide across the paper easier than your former pen, and because of that, it required less pressure from your wrist. You still found that you preferred your original pen anyway, but you were still thankful for the kind of gift.

Qifrey does not have any need to worry further about you using your original pen, or even practicing too much, when you are getting over your cramp. He already had a conversation with the other apprentices about your small period of required recovery. Estimated by himself.

Richeh and Tetia, whom you share a workspace with, will remind you… Quite a bit. They worry about you, too, just as much as your master. Nobody in the atelier wants it to be a bigger case than what it already was, and not knowing your habits very well— well, they just wanted to be sure you were taking care of yourself as well.

Coco and Agott in this same case both stress that you shouldn’t overwork yourself for something that naturally takes time to get better at.

Qifrey agrees with it all, even mentioning at dinner, “It’s a good thing it was only a minor case.”

That you agreed with.

You agreed with all of them, and told them to not stress about your own predicament.

Qifrey very often sees that passion you share about magic with Coco’s own. He even has the fondest smile when he sees you two talking amongst yourselves about the topic.

//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\

Requests

Undeniably proof that Qifrey's name keeps AUTOCORRECTING TO "WIFEY." I also scrapped the lines in the video, so don't try to find them on here :,)

.

.

.

.

How did you get here?

~

“Qifrey…” Olruggio speaks. Quiet, exhausted, and harsh. He looks to the man in front of him, expecting some kind of genuine answer to come out of him. A defence for his case.

All Olruggio gets in response is a gentle smile, and a slight tilt of Qifrey’s head as he stays looking at the man in front of him.

Olruggio's eyes drift from Qifrey’s own down to where you latch on to him. You hid yourself under Qifrey’s cloak and your hands grip onto his waist from behind. You were an anxious one.

You make eye contact with Olruggio, shrinking back further into Qifrey for a moment.

“Hello, mister,” you mutter, keeping your eyes on Olruggio, but they strayed from and avoided looking at his face again. Never looking above his chest.

Olruggio sighs. “Just call me Olruggio,” his voice still came out tired, but less annoyed.

Annoyed, not at you, but at a fifth apprentice that Qifrey has brought back with him to the atelier. Perhaps this is just something he has to get used to; Qifrey bringing to the atelier apprentices like a wife or child bringing home a stray cat. There’s more contrast than compare.

Olruggio’s eyes flicker between you and Qifrey for only a moment longer before stepping aside, letting you two cross the threshold past him.

Qifrey thanks his friend, and begins to guide you to your temporary room. It was only a guest room, but it was getting late. Surely he would figure out a better arrangement for your sleeping and studying quarters come morning.

When Qifrey steps back into the heart of the atelier, Olruggio has his back against the empty fireplace, clearly waiting for his return.

“Another apprentice, Qifrey? Why?”

Qifrey looks to Olruggio as he asks his question. He smiles before saying, “I really do believe there is always room for another,” he walks closer, sitting in front of Olruggio, “and perhaps I wished to survey their wonder and expand it in the right places.”

~

One month under his wing-

~

“Master Qifrey,” you speak, peeking around the arch that forms between the kitchen and dining room.

Once you spot him over the stove, you stand to your full height, revealing the rest of your body from behind the wall.

Qifrey turns to face you, “Yes, what is it?” His brow arches lightly as you look up to him. He sets the kettle down, already having poured the hot water in his cup to make himself tea. “Do you need help with anything?” His voice remains gentle as always.

He always seemed a bit brotherly, or even fatherly, despite the basic relation of master and apprentice.

“Actually, I've been having a bit of trouble with my line work lately,” you grumble, gripping the white fabric that rests just above your stomach. You look down at the points of your shoes, unable to find the emotion you feel in yourself about your inability to draw a proper spell.

You then look back up to Qifrey. “I have asked for advice or help from the others, but none of it really seems to work for me. I even tried to ask help from Mister Olruggio, but—um,” your shoulders stiffen up a bit at the memory of Olruggio glaring at you as if he were a dead man revived before you could even utter out a single letter of a word to him.

Qifrey hums, laughing a bit at the last bit you speak, “I see. He can get a bit carried away in his work, leading him to be—well, tired,” he says the last word as if it alone would explain his friend’s habit.

Focusing back on the subject, he calls out your name, asking to see your hands as he holds out his own.

When you place your dominant hand into one his own, palm facing up, he crouches down to your level. Soon he starts poking at the palmer of your hand, then moves to feel and lightly rub your fingers.

After just a short moment, Qifrey hums before standing back up and asking, “Do you think it may have something to do with your pen?”

You look at him, and back to your hand. “I haven’t really thought about that being why.” You thought for a moment, “Though, Coco did ask a similar question. She also said she has a bit of trouble with her lines, too,” you bring your other hand to join the other, pushing your thumb into the middle of the other’s palm.

Qifrey only pats your head, putting your main focus back on to him, before he suggests, “Why don’t you sit on it for a little while longer?”

“Okay,” you nod.

“And,” Qifrey bends down, putting his other hand on his knee, “if it really is because of your pen, we can pay a visit to Kalhn and get you a new one. Easy fix,” he smiles down at you, closing his eyes.

You nod again, the action a bit more pronounced. You mirror his smile too, “Okay,” you say again.

“Now be on your way,” Qifrey walks back to the counter he left his tea cup on before looking back at you, over his shoulder. “It’s time you continue studying your spells,” he dismisses you from the kitchen. “Remember to know your limit,” Qifrey adds as you step back out into the dining area.

“Right, of course,” you fully turn away from him, making your way back to your workspace.

~

Turns out you had a minor case of a writer’s cramp from overworking yourself just a little too much. That, of course, got you a bit of a scolding from Master Qifrey when you two figured it out from your hand freezing up when he asked you to demonstrate a basic spell.

You two ended up paying a visit to Kalhn for a new pen anyway, though this one would be for more temporary and more limited use. Mr. Nolnoa did not have any pens made specifically for a writer’s cramp or anything “special” like that, but he was able to round out the tip of one just a bit for this case.

Master Qifrey had taken the newly customized pen out of your reach and put into his own bag when Mr. Nolnoa finally came back out with it in hand.

When you finally got the pen into your own hands, you tested it out immediately on the first thing of blank parchment you found back at the atelier. It definitely did glide across the paper easier than your former pen, and because of that, it required less pressure from your wrist. You still found that you preferred your original pen anyway, but you were still thankful for the kind of gift.

Qifrey does not have any need to worry further about you using your original pen, or even practicing too much, when you are getting over your cramp. He already had a conversation with the other apprentices about your small period of required recovery. Estimated by himself.

Richeh and Tetia, whom you share a workspace with, will remind you… Quite a bit. They worry about you, too, just as much as your master. Nobody in the atelier wants it to be a bigger case than what it already was, and not knowing your habits very well— well, they just wanted to be sure you were taking care of yourself as well.

Coco and Agott in this same case both stress that you shouldn’t overwork yourself for something that naturally takes time to get better at.

Qifrey agrees with it all, even mentioning at dinner, “It’s a good thing it was only a minor case.”

That you agreed with.

You agreed with all of them, and told them to not stress about your own predicament.

Qifrey very often sees that passion you share about magic with Coco’s own. He even has the fondest smile when he sees you two talking amongst yourselves about the topic.

//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\~//_\\

Requests

Undeniably proof that Qifrey's name keeps AUTOCORRECTING TO "WIFEY." I also scrapped the lines in the video, so don't try to find them on here :,)

Curling your body, you drifted off to sleep faster than you could think.

You were one of Qifrey’s first apprentices. Eager to learn and understand magic. While staying in his atelier, you found him to be more of a father figure than an actual master.

But what was the actual difference when Qifrey gave so much love to you like he was a father? He was understanding and caring. Sometimes you may have gotten the words “Father” and “Master” mixed up!

However, you abruptly sat up from your bed. Your heart was beating fast and your hands held a shake to them. Your lips trembling before you looked outside. Rain continued to pour as if it would never stop no matter how hard you hoped it would.

The darkness around the room didn’t help either. You felt like you were being watched. Replaying parts of the nasty nightmare you endured, going back to bed was hard. Especially at your young age alone.

Therefore, you decided to pay a visit to Qifrey. He would help right? He always does.

Getting out of bed (and taking a small blanket with you), you walked out of your room and over to Qifreys. It wasn’t the first time you walked past his door, but haven’t really went in to check it out yet.

You knocked twice before speaking.

“Master Qifrey…are you awake?” Your voice shaky as you heard delayed ruffles on the other side.

Eventually the door opened to see a tired but concerned Qifrey. Rubbing his eyes. He let you in his room.

“Y/N, why are you up so late? Is something the matter?” He kneeled on one knee. Yawning silently.

“I…I had a nightmare and I was just too scared to go to bed afterwards so I came to you.” You sniffled, immediately Qifrey opened his arms and engulfed you in a warm hug.

“Oh Y/N I’m so sorry…would you like for me to sit beside you while you sleep? Think of it as protecting you from any harm that comes your way. I’ll always be there, ready to catch you if you fall.”

Qifrey proposed to you before you nodded in approval. Then he suddenly picked you up. Carrying you as he made his way to your bedroom. Lying you back down on the bed and pulling the covers over your small body.

Lighting a small candle, he gave comforting, reassuring words to you. The warmth in his tone was able to lullaby you faster than you expected.

By the time Qifrey stopped talking, you were back sound asleep. He chuckled softly before sitting on the window seat. Looking outside, the rain stopped.

Even though you got well enough sleep that night. In the incoming morning at the table. Qifrey seemed to be a bit sluggish in his movements, but he didn’t break his promise not one bit that night.

▐ @/𝐒𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐓𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐋 🪽 ， This made my heart swirl with joy.

♡ 𝒟𝒾𝓋𝒾𝒹ℯ𝓇：@/omi-resources @/cursed-carmine