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Summary:
Ever since arriving in Eridia, you've been relying on Leander's kindness just to get by. But kindness doesn't pay for tomorrow. While searching for work and fighting an empty stomach, you run into Xera. One meal turns into an unexpected job offer, and before you know it, you're looking forward to seeing her again.
You sit on the edge of your bed in the room Leander provided for you.
It has been weeks since you arrived here. While Leander has been kind enough to give you food and a place to sleep, you can't live off kindness forever.
Your pockets are empty, and the reality of your situation is starting to sink in. You still need your own money to survive.
You sigh deeply and push yourself up from the bed. Sitting here doing nothing isn't going to fill your pockets. You decide that you need to get out of this room and actually do something productive.
You stand up from the bed, feeling the weight of your empty purse. The decision is made. You need to get out there and maybe there's some work that could put a few coins in your pocket.
Grabbing your things, you head toward the door. A walk through the city might be exactly what you need to clear your head and find an opportunity.
ยปยปโโโฑ๏ธโโยซยซ
Walking through the streets of Eridia, you keep your eyes peeled for any sign of work. You pass by vendors and crowds of people, hoping something catches your attention.
Your stomach suddenly growls loudly, making you freeze in place.
You rub your stomach with a frown, feeling the emptiness there. You forgot that you haven't eaten anything since breakfast.
You realize you can't exactly go hunting for jobs on an empty stomach. Your body needs fuel before you can do anything else.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("Great. Just great. I can't even think about finding work when my stomach sounds like this. First no money, now I'm starving too?")
Just as you are standing there feeling hungry and helpless, your eyes land on someone familiar.
Standing near one of th stalls is Xera. Her red horns catch the light as she leans in close to inspect some goods, looking completely focused on what she's doing.
You hesitate for a moment. You aren't sure if you should interrupt her especially since you're feeling so weak from hunger, but something pulls you forward anyway.
So far, every thing with her has been fine. She hasn't been threatening at all, and actually, there's something almost comforting about her presence.
You make your way through the crowd toward her.
Xera is busy examining the quality of some dried herbs when she hears footsteps approaching. She turns her head, her sharp eyes landing on you.
When Xera notices you approaching, her sharp features immediately soften. An excited smile lights up her face, and she turns away from the vendor to give you her full attention.
She steps closer. Her voice is warm, lacking any of the hostility you might expect from someone who looks as striking as she does.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Hello there, dear! What brings you out and about today?"
She seems to notice something immediately, her smile faltering just a little out of genuine concern.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"You look a little pale. Are you feeling alright?"
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"You look like you haven't eaten a single bite all day,"
You feel a bead of sweat roll down your temple as you realize she's already figured you out. You rub the back of your neck awkwardly, unable to meet her gaze directly for a moment.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Tell me honestly, did you forget to eat again?"
You pause, searching for the right words while your stomach chooses that exact moment to betray you with another loud growl.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"It's not exactly that I forgotโฆ"
You offer a sheepish smile, trying to play off the embarrassment of being caught off guard by your own hunger.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Erm-It's more likeโฆ I can't. I'm a bit short on cash right now."
Xera's expression shifts from concern to almost pitying, but in a way that feels kind rather than condescending. She places a hand on her hip, studying you for a moment before she speaks again.
She sighs softly, but there's no judgment in it.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Oh, you poor thing. I should have guessed."
You hesitate, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up your neck. You don't want to be a burden, especially to a pretty lady as she.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Don't worry about it. We've all been there. Come on, let's get something in your stomach before you actually faint on me."
Xera lets out a giggle. She waves off your concern dismissively.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Are you sure? I don't want to trouble you, Xera. I can manage."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Trouble you? Don't be ridiculous! We're friends, aren't we?"
You blink, your mind is racing. Friends? You hadn't really thought about it that way before.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Besides, I can't have you passing out in the middle of the street. That would be terribly inconvenient for everyone involved."
You hadn't expected this connection to form so quickly, but as you watch her walk ahead of you with such confidence, you can't deny that her presence makes the weight of your empty pockets feel a little lighter.
ยปยปโโโฑ๏ธโโยซยซ
She brought you to a fucking restaurant.
You stop dead in your tracks for a second. This isn't exactly a 'cheap snack' kind of place.
Xera notices your hesitation and glances back over her shoulder. A playful smirk tugs at the corners of her lips when she sees your stunned expression.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("Waitโฆ she's serious? This place looks expensive. IโI can't possibly eat here with what I have left โ oh wait, I have nothing left.")
She chuckles again, her tail swishing behind her with amusement.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Don't look so nervous. Just relax and enjoy the meal. It's my treat today~"
As you follow behind her, you find yourself consciously adjusting your pace. You stay close enough to her to feel her presence, but you make sure there's still a respectful distance between you.
You can't risk your hands brushing against hers, you don't want to risk the curse reacting unpredictively, especially not now, when you've grown so comfortable around her.
The fine dining atmosphere makes you feel like an intruder, you feel so out of place.. and you instinctively pull your shoulders in, trying to make yourself appear smaller and less conspicuous.
Finally, Xera leads you toward a secluded corner table.
She pulls out a chair for you with a graceful motion before sliding into her own seat.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"There we go. Nice and quiet away from all the noise."
You reach for the menu, your fingers tracing the embossed leather. The scent of spices and roasted meats wafts from the kitchen is making your stomach growl again.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Now, don't just sit there looking like you're expecting an execution actually, why not look at the menu? I heard the specialty meat stew here is divine."
After scanning the options, you finally make up your mind, pointing to something that looks both filling and comforting.
Xera nods approvingly, her eyes bright with amusement as she watches you settle in.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I think I'll have the [your choice of meal], please."
she reaches out and grabs the small silver bell sitting on the table.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"A solid choice. You need something comforting for yourself to get your strength back."
Ding! Ding ding!
A waitress approaches almost immediately after the bell's chime as she glides toward your corner table with a practiced smile. She carries a small notepad, ready to record your selections.
"May I take your order, or do you require a few more moments with the menu?"
The waitress scribes everything down to her notepad.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"We're ready. My friend here would like the [Your choice of meal], and I'll have the roasted venison with glazed root vegetables, please. And two glasses of your finest sparkling cider."
"Of course. Your orders will be out shortly. Will there be anything else for now?"
As the waitress retreats, Xera leans forward, resting her elbows on the table.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"That will be all for the moment, thank you,"
The hushed atmosphere of the restaurant makes her voice seem louder than intended.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Soโฆ"
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"you mentioned you were running short on cashโฆ"
Xera leans back slightly.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"You know, you don't have to pretend to be tough around me. I can tell you're carrying a lot more than just an empty stomach."
Her amber eyes hold a sharp edged that makes you feel like she's reading the unspoken lines of your soul.
She pauses, studying your face with a knowing gaze.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"But then againโฆ"
You take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the conversation settle between you.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"You're not wrong for not trusting anyone. Eridia can be a cruel place when you're vulnerable."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I know. And I appreciate this, I really do. Having people like Leander or you looking out for me means more than I can sayโฆ."
A small smile tugs at Xera's lips. She seems impressed by your resolve.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"But I can't just live off charity forever. I need to be able to rely on myself too. I need to earn my own way."
There was a silence between the two of you. Xera seems to be thinking of something, letting out a quiet hum.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I really admire your independence and courage to live."
She taps her chin thoughtfully.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Actually, since you're so eager to earn your keepโฆ I could use some help. My boutique has been overwhelmed lately."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Ais helps out sometimes, but lately the workload has been piling up. The nobles come flooding in from all over, and I can't manage the inventory and the customers aloneโฆ
You sit in silence for a moment, processing her offer.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"If you help me at the shop, I can make sure you're well fed and paid. What do you say?"
You know the reputation of her establishmentโฆ it's not just a simple shop, it's a destination for the elite despite located in the Downtown.
The nobles who frequent her boutique carry purses that could probably fund you for months.
You look up at Xera, meeting her gaze with newfound determination.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("If I work there... The pay from nobles alone would be more than I could earn anywhere else. It's a chance to actually stand on my own two feet.")
Xera's smile widens, genuine delight lighting up her features as she leans forward.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"That sounds like more than I could ask for.โฆ I'd accept."
She taps the table playfully, clearly pleased with the arrangement.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Excellent! I knew you had potential."
A shiver runs down your spine as Xera pronounces the word Deal.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Consider it a deal thenโฆ"
It carries a weight to it something binding and irreversible.
For a moment, the air between you feels charged.
Before you can spiral into overthinking what that commitment truly means, the heaviness of the moment is broken by the soft clatter of porcelain.
The waitress returns. She places the dishes down with careful precision.
She sets your plate down first, the steam rising from the freshly prepared dish, the aroma filling your senses and immediately making your mouth water.
Then, she places the roasted venison dish in front of Xera, along with the two glasses of sparkling cider.
Xera picks up her silverware, glancing at you with a knowing smirk.
A flush creeps up your neck as you stammer out a reply.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Eat up. You'll need your energy if you're going to be working for me."
As you take your first bite, the rich flavors explode across your palate.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"R-rightโฆ"
The seasonings perfectly balanced, and the texture melts away almost instantly.
For a moment, the world outside the restaurant fades into nothingness. There is nothing but the sensation of the meal, each bite more comforting than the last.
You find yourself lost in the rhythm of eating, momentarily forgetting the weight of your own worries.
Xera watches you with an amused glint in her eyes. A soft laugh escapes her throat as she notices how completely you've been swept away by the meal.
Before you can even react to her observation, she reaches across the table with a linen napkin. She leans forward to gently wipe a stray drop of sauce from the corner of your mouth.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Well, someone seems to be enjoying themselves."
Your face turn deep crimson as embarrassment floods your system. You stare down at your plate, unable to meet her gaze, feeling utterly flustered by her sudden affection.
Xera doesn't pull away immediately, instead, she lingers for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Her fingers brushing lightly against your cheek as she tucks the napkin away.
Her amber eyes lock onto yours, studying your flustered expression with an intensity that makes your breath catch in your throat.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"There. Can't have you walking around looking like a messy child, can we?"
A smirk tugs at the corner of her lips as she leans back, deliberately leaving you suspended in that state of flustered uncertainty.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Besides, you look far too cute when you're flustered. It makes it difficult to take your serious demeanor seriously."
She picks up her glass of sparkling cider, taking a slow sip while never breaking eye contact with you.
She tilts her head to the side, a strand of dark hair falling across her face, watching your reaction with the patience of someone who enjoys watching prey struggle.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Don't worry. I won't tease you too much unless you want me to."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("โฆ")
Your mind completely freezes up.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("โฆWhat just happened?")
She really just wiped your mouth. And then she called you cute.
Your face turns so hot you feel like you might combust right here at the table.
You steal a quick glance up at her.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("No, no, noโฆ calm down. Get it together!")
She sits there looking totally unbothered, taking a slow sip from her glass as if she didn't just break your entire brain.
The warm light shines off the golden rings pinned to her red horn. Her tail sways gently behind her chair. Her eyes rest on you over the rim of her glass.
She looks ridiculously stunning.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("Okay. I finally get why Leander is always so down bad for herโฆ")
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("If I were in his shoes, I'd fall for her in a heartbeat too...")
You quickly shove a huge bite of food into your mouth just to have a reason not to speak. You really don't want to accidentally say something embarrassing out loud.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("She's gorgeous, she's sweet, she's insanely talentedโฆ and she apparently loves making me suffer.")
Then another realization hits you.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("Wait a minuteโฆ")
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("She literally hangs out with Ais and Vere.")
You let out a tiny, silent sigh.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("I shouldn't even be shocked. Those twoโฆ Of course she picked up a few bad habits from them.")
Xera watches your expression shift every few seconds. She watches you go from embarrassed, to panicked, to defeated, and then back to embarrassed again.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("I am so doomed.")
A quiet laugh slips past her lips.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Your face is very easy to read, dear."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"W-What? No it isn't."
She rests her chin on her hand, a soft smirk resting on her face.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Mhm."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I can practically see the gears turning in your head."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just eating."
She tilts her head, her smile growing just a bit wider.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Oh?"
You immediately choke on your food, coughing into your hand.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"So you weren't just sitting there wondering why I know how to tease you so well?"
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Coughโ No!"
She chuckles softly, taking another sip of her sparkling cider.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'll take that as a yes."
She says it with a completely straight face, looking innocent.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I do spend a lot of time around Ais and Vere, you know. They are terrible influences on me."
A second passes before her eyes crinkle with amusement.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"โฆThough I can't deny I've learned a trick or two from them."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("A trick or twoโฆ? That is way more scary than if she just denied it.")
Her tone softens, becoming gentle again.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"But don't worry. Unlike those twoโฆ"
She pauses for a brief second.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I actually know when to stop. I wouldn't tease you if I thought it would truly upset you."
A mischievous little grin gives her away.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"โฆWell. Maybe just a tiny bit."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"โฆYou're enjoying this way too much."
She answers without an ounce of shame.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I am."
ยปยปโโโฑ๏ธโโยซยซ
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Your reactions are just adorable. How could I resist?~"
The rest of the meal passes by much more peacefully after the playful banter.
The two of you talk about little things, the awkwardness fading away into easy chatter.
Xera tells you about a noble who insisted that all warm colors, like bright yellow and harsh orange on a matching suit and dress, looked "elegant" together.
She takes another sip of her new cider, shaking her head at the memory.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I almost refused to make it."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"โฆI did convince them to choose different colors in the end, thankfully."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"So your customers actually listen to you?"
She smiles proudly.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"They do."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Eventually."
You can't help but laugh softly.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Usually after I explain why their idea is a complete crime against fashion."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'll remember never to question your taste."
She says it with such quiet confidence that it only makes you smile wider.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"A very wise decision, dear."
By the time both of your plates are empty, the restaurant has grown a little busier.
Sunlight streams brightly through the windows, telling you it's already noon.
Xera glances outside toward the sun before standing up from her chair.
She lets out a small, dramatic sigh.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I should get going. My shop won't run itself."
You stand up as well, smoothing out your clothes.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Unfortunately."
For some reasonโฆ you don't really want the afternoon to end just yet.
The two of you leave the restaurant together, stepping out into the bustling city streets. You walk side by side for a short while until Xera stops at a crossroads between the way to her boutique and The Wet Wick.
She turns her head to face you, her dark hair shifting over her shoulder.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Don't forget. You start tomorrow."
She gives you a pointed, meaningful look.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"My boutique opens early, so be there around nine."
You put out a tiny smile.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"And don't be late."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'll make sure I'm right on time."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Good."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'd hate to spend my morning wondering if my new assistant ran away."
A genuinely warm smile spreads across her face, softening her sharp features.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I wouldn't do that to you!"
The simple words hit you harder than you expected, settling warmly in your chest.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I trust you."
Before you can think of a good reply, Xera turns to leave.
You stand there, watching her walk a few paces away.
Thenโฆ her tail flicks.
The tip of her diamond-shaped tail slips gently beneath your chin, lifting it ever so slightly.
Just enough to force you to look right into her bright amber eyes.
She gives your chin the tiniest, teasing tap with the end of her tail before sweeping it back to her side.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Try not to spend the rest of today overthinking."
She winks at you, her tail giving a mischievous flick.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'd rather my assistant show up tomorrow well-rested."
With that, she turns and continues down the street. Her tail sways lazily behind her as she seamlessly disappears into the afternoon crowd.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"See you tomorrow, dear~"
You slowly raise a hand, your fingers touching your chin.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("โฆ")
The exact spot where her tail brushed against your skin still feels strangely warm.
Did she really have to do that right before leaving?
You let out a quiet, flustered groan, hiding your warm face in your hand.
Yet despite yourself, a soft smile finds its way onto your face.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("She is going to be the death of meโฆ")
For the first time since arriving in Eridiaโฆ you find yourself genuinely looking forward to tomorrow other than finding a cure to your curse.
--------------------------------
Here is the post if you want to know more about Xera, and her design evolution!
Your first meet with Xera
AO3 Vers
I apologize in advance for any errors!
During one of Leanderโs late-night walks through Lowtown, he sees a tiny puppy.
It's muddy, and growling at anyone who comes close despite barely being bigger than his boot.
Instead of reaching for it immediately, Leander crouches a few feet away.
ย "That's quite the terrifying bark you've got."
Leander isnโt sure how to gain the trust of an animal. So, as adorable as he thinks the puppy is, he reluctantly stands up so he can walk away.
...Until the puppy waddles over on its own and bites the hem of his coat.
He wondered if it belonged to anyone, so he wiped it off the best he could and wrapped it up in his coat.
He'd asked around Lowtown until the taverns began to close, stopping anyone who looked as though they might recognize the scrappy little thing tucked beneath his arm.
"Does this cutie belong to you?" he'd ask with an easy smile.
Most people laughed, but some stopped to scratch the puppy behind the ears. No one claimed it.
The following morning, he tried again. The market vendors shook their heads,
A couple of children insisted they'd never seen it before and an elderly woman clicked her tongue sympathetically and claimed that it was "Probably another stray."
By the third day, he'd convinced himself he was only keeping the puppy temporarily.
Which was precisely why he'd fashioned a makeshift collar from a strip of soft leather.
Why he'd spent entirely too much money on proper food, Why he'd found an old blanket and created a little corner for it in the Adderstonesโs hideout (aww).
The Adders noticed how much Leander loved the puppy almost immediately.
The day Leander arrived with the puppy hidden beneath his cloak, convinced he'd been subtle.
We know damn well he wasn't.
A tiny bark echoed through the hall, and every head turned toward him, Leander sighed.
One of the members raised an eyebrow.
"You have a dog?"
"I have," Leander corrected smoothly, "a guest."
As if on cue, the puppy poked its head out from beneath his cloak, blinking sleepily before yawning with impressive theatrical timing.
"...A very small guest."
Within a week, the puppy had claimed the Adderstone as its kingdom.
It slept beneath tables during strategy discussions and It had (almost immediately) learned exactly which members were most likely to sneak it treats.
Leander discouraged the habit.
Officially..... Unofficially...
He couldn't blame them.
The little dog had found the one person who'd never stop coming back for it, and simultaneously became a new mascot.
The first time Kuras noticed the stray kitty, it was sitting on the stone wall outside his clinic. Strays are very common in Eridia, so he didn;t think much of it.
It was small and thin. One of its ears was nicked, probably from a fight. Despite looking half-starved, it stares at him with quiet suspicion.
"...Hello," Kuras says gently.
The cat blinks once before slipping into the alley.
The next evening, it's backโฆ and the evening after thatโฆ. and so on..
It never comes close, only watches from a safe distance as he closes the clinic.
By the end of the week, Kuras begins leaving a small dish of food beneath the awning before locking the door.
He never waits to see it eat, he assumes that would make it uncomfortable, so he simply leaves it there.
The dish is always empty by morning.
It quickly becomes a quiet routine.
Every evening, Kuras sets out food, and the little stray returns to ravage whatever random (yet edible) food Kuras has found.
One night, Kuras couldnโt remember what it was, but he was definitely forgetting something. He was much too caught up in his experiments, until he heard an odd noise coming from the back door.ย
It sounded likeโฆ. Scratching?ย
Of course, the cat was pawing at the door and meowing for food.ย
Ah, that's what he forgot. Oops.
He opens the door slowly so he doesnโt hurt the cat, only to see it sitting there with its head cocked to the side and its tail thrashing side to side.
"Well arenโt you remarkably punctual," he murmurs with a soft smile.
I wish Kuras would smile at me like that
Did ya'll hear something...? Whatever.....
The cat only flicks an ear, and when Kuras brings its food out, it rubs up against his leg and purrs.
As the weeks pass, the cat grows healthier. Its coat regains its shine, and the wary look in its eyes softens, though it never lets Kuras close enough to touch.
He doesn't mind.
Trust can't be rushed, no matter what species.
The cat actually does Kuras a favour as well, since some of his younger patients can get antsy during his examinations, Kuras tells them to look at the cat which calms most of them down.
Eventually, the townsfolk begin referring to it as "the clinic cat." because of how often it sits on the window sill, watching Kuras examine his patients.
Kuras always smiles and gently corrects them.
"I don't believe it belongs to anyone."
As if agreeing, ithe catt turns its head before disappearing into the streets once more. Only to return the following evening, right on time.
And without fail, Kuras always has a meal waiting for it.
Mhin first notices the kitten because it's shivering.
It's curled beneath a broken cart, trying to make itself as small as possible against the evening chill.
Without a word, Mhin sets a small piece of their jerky that they carry with them while they work a few feet away before continuing on.
The next evening, the kitten is waiting outside.
Still wary and keeping its distance.
This time Mhin brought a thick scarf with them, just in case they saw the cat again
Coincidentally, the kitten was there. So they decided to cover the kitten with it. It was so tiny that it almost covered its entire body.
By the time they're halfway down the street, they hear tiny paws padding toward it.
โWhy are you following me..? Youโll freeze without your blanketโฆโ they murmur.
Oh how I live for soft Mhinโฆ
ANYWAYYYY
Days turn into weeks, and the cat starts to cozy up to Mhin every time they're in the area.ย
โHello, little one.โ They smile and scratch behind its ears.ย
Mhin begins carrying a little extra food without really thinking about it.
The kitten always seems to know when they're nearby.
The moment Mhin turns the corner, a tiny gray blur comes racing toward them, meowing as loudly as something so small possibly can.
Mhin kneels to greet it.
The kitten immediately presses its little head against their hand, purring so hard its entire body vibrates.
"...You must've been waiting."
Every day Mhin makes sure the kitten eats first before they sit beside it for a few quiet minutes. They never stay long, there are always places to be, jobs to complete, but somehow, they always find the time to stop by.
The scarf stays, too.
At first, Mhin tells themselves it's only because the nights are getting colder.
But eventually, they notice the kitten has started sleeping on it even during warmer evenings, curled into the familiar fabric as though it knows exactly who left it there.
"...I suppose it's yours now," Mhin murmurs with a fond sigh.
The kitten blinks sleepily before rolling onto its back, tiny paws reaching toward them.
Mhin hesitates.
Then, with all the gentleness in the world, they rub its tiny belly.
Its purr grows even louder.
"...You're spoiled."
The kitten meows happily, completely unapologetic.
Mhin can't help but laugh.
A quiet, warm sound that almost no one else ever gets to hear.
I truly had a hard time deciding wether to choose a puppy or a kitten for Vere.
On one hand, a cat mirrors him, they are two creatures who are prickly, independent, and secretly affectionate.
While a puppy would force Vere to experience uncomplicated affection, the kind where there are no games, no bargaining, no reading between the lines.
If you've read my writing before, I'm sure you know how much I love to put Vere in the second situation where he has to face his feelings and he realizes he is capabale of love but thats not what this is about.
(sorry guys i just get passionate about my wife)
Vere notices the puppy because it has the worst possible survival instinct. Also because heโs chained up outside the brothel waiting for Basilea. Again.
The only choices he currently has are to..
Walk around in circles or people watch.
So when the puppy he saw chasing its own tail earlier runs directly toward him, he stops in the middle of his endless walking, staring down at the tiny creature currently sitting on his boot like it owns him.
The puppy looks up and wags its tail.
Vere slowly looks around.
"Is this some sort of joke?"
The puppy sneezes, it was tiny, pathetic sound.
Vereโs expression shifts,only slightly.
"...Oh, you're truly helpless." He sighs, โYouโre lucky I'm not feeling peckish.โ
The puppy is filthy. Its fur is matted from wandering the streets, and it looks far too small to be out alone.
Vere crouches, examining it with narrowed eyes.
"Where is your owner?"
The puppy only stares.
"You're useless at answering questions."
The puppy places one paw on his hand.
Just like that, Vere's entire argument disappears.
He tells himself he is only letting it stick around because thereโs nothing else for him to do.
That's all it is, a temporary arrangement.
Eventually, it will go back to its owner
Except eagerly waits in the same spot for Vere. During his free time, the puppy follows him everywhere.
It follows him down streets, waits outside buildings and sits patiently whenever he stops.
By the end of the day, Vere is carrying it because it fell asleep against his side and refused to move.
"This is ridiculous."
The puppy makes a happy little noise.
"I wasn't asking for your opinion."
Eventually, the puppy becomes a familiar sight.
People start noticing.
The first person to ask was Ais.
"Sโthat your new dog?"
Vere immediately answers:
"No."
The puppy sits beside him.
"Absolutely not."
The puppy puts its head against his leg.
"..."
"It simply follows me."
It has no understanding of personal space. Vere discovers this quickly.
It sleeps against his feet andย rests its head on his lap any chance it can get.
It greets him like he's been gone for years even if he only stepped away for five minutes.
One evening, Vere is on his way back to his cell after a particularly exhausting day.
Of course, the puppy is waiting expectantly for Vere to pass by. It immediately runs toward him.
He stares down at it.
"...You really are foolish, aren't you?"
The puppy's tail wags harder, and without him realizing, Vere's tail starts to wag too.
ย He knows how to handle fear and anger (albeit not well)
But this?
A creature that simply loves him because he exists?
Ais was walking around the Seaspring when a tiny wet puppy stumbled into his view.
side note: idrk if ais can hear the souless's thoughts as if he would hear a human/monster's thoughts, but for the sake of these headcannons making sense, he will be able too.
It was tiny.Maybe eight weeks old. It was absolutely adorable, but Ais was more distracted by the fact that the dog was the size of a obese rat (as much as I love ais, I can see him being wicked like that when it comes to small animals)
Until it confidently wobbled straight toward him.
He just stares at it.
"Why are you so small?" He crouched down to its level. "I get you're a puppy but damn..."
One of the Soulless nudges it with a tentacle.
Princess notices it the moment she trots into the room.
The puppy, possessing absolutely zero survival instincts, runs over wagging so hard its whole body wiggles.
Ais sighs. "Princess."
She tilts her head. "You can eat it if you want."
Princess merely sniffs the puppy...
...and gives it one gigantic slobbery lick.
The puppy fell over, and of course, Princess looks incredibly pleased with herself.
While Ais is laughing at the pathetic little creature trying to stand again...
it makes it way over right to the edge of the Seaspring.
Before he can pick it up-
slurp.
ruh roh
At first, nothing happens.
Then the puppy's eyes slowly bloom crimson.
Every Soulless in the area freezes and Ocudeus's tentacles in the water stop moving.
Ais blinks.
"...Well."
"...Didn't know it worked on dogs."
The entire groupmind goes strangely quiet before everyone is suddenly assaulted by exactly one overwhelming thought.
PLAY.
Ais never expected the mind of a puppy to be so loud.
I mean what thoughts do they really hae anyway? They arent very smart at that age, and judging by how tiny the dog is, it wont be very big when it grows up.
Suddenly everyone connected to the Seaspring experiences intense curiosity about absolutely every moving object and the inexplicable urge to chase birds
HII!! thank you for the request! I might have made Ais a little mean in this one but like... its fine... right? anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading! Im chipping away slowly at my requests, so if i havent responded yet I promise I've seen it!! ๐ญ๐
Summary:
Ever since arriving in Eridia, you've been relying on Leander's kindness just to get by. But kindness doesn't pay for tomorrow. While searching for work and fighting an empty stomach, you run into Xera. One meal turns into an unexpected job offer, and before you know it, you're looking forward to seeing her again.
You sit on the edge of your bed in the room Leander provided for you.
It has been weeks since you arrived here. While Leander has been kind enough to give you food and a place to sleep, you can't live off kindness forever.
Your pockets are empty, and the reality of your situation is starting to sink in. You still need your own money to survive.
You sigh deeply and push yourself up from the bed. Sitting here doing nothing isn't going to fill your pockets. You decide that you need to get out of this room and actually do something productive.
You stand up from the bed, feeling the weight of your empty purse. The decision is made. You need to get out there and maybe there's some work that could put a few coins in your pocket.
Grabbing your things, you head toward the door. A walk through the city might be exactly what you need to clear your head and find an opportunity.
ยปยปโโโฑ๏ธโโยซยซ
Walking through the streets of Eridia, you keep your eyes peeled for any sign of work. You pass by vendors and crowds of people, hoping something catches your attention.
Your stomach suddenly growls loudly, making you freeze in place.
You rub your stomach with a frown, feeling the emptiness there. You forgot that you haven't eaten anything since breakfast.
You realize you can't exactly go hunting for jobs on an empty stomach. Your body needs fuel before you can do anything else.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("Great. Just great. I can't even think about finding work when my stomach sounds like this. First no money, now I'm starving too?")
Just as you are standing there feeling hungry and helpless, your eyes land on someone familiar.
Standing near one of th stalls is Xera. Her red horns catch the light as she leans in close to inspect some goods, looking completely focused on what she's doing.
You hesitate for a moment. You aren't sure if you should interrupt her especially since you're feeling so weak from hunger, but something pulls you forward anyway.
So far, every thing with her has been fine. She hasn't been threatening at all, and actually, there's something almost comforting about her presence.
You make your way through the crowd toward her.
Xera is busy examining the quality of some dried herbs when she hears footsteps approaching. She turns her head, her sharp eyes landing on you.
When Xera notices you approaching, her sharp features immediately soften. An excited smile lights up her face, and she turns away from the vendor to give you her full attention.
She steps closer. Her voice is warm, lacking any of the hostility you might expect from someone who looks as striking as she does.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Hello there, dear! What brings you out and about today?"
She seems to notice something immediately, her smile faltering just a little out of genuine concern.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"You look a little pale. Are you feeling alright?"
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"You look like you haven't eaten a single bite all day,"
You feel a bead of sweat roll down your temple as you realize she's already figured you out. You rub the back of your neck awkwardly, unable to meet her gaze directly for a moment.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Tell me honestly, did you forget to eat again?"
You pause, searching for the right words while your stomach chooses that exact moment to betray you with another loud growl.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"It's not exactly that I forgotโฆ"
You offer a sheepish smile, trying to play off the embarrassment of being caught off guard by your own hunger.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Erm-It's more likeโฆ I can't. I'm a bit short on cash right now."
Xera's expression shifts from concern to almost pitying, but in a way that feels kind rather than condescending. She places a hand on her hip, studying you for a moment before she speaks again.
She sighs softly, but there's no judgment in it.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Oh, you poor thing. I should have guessed."
You hesitate, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up your neck. You don't want to be a burden, especially to a pretty lady as she.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Don't worry about it. We've all been there. Come on, let's get something in your stomach before you actually faint on me."
Xera lets out a giggle. She waves off your concern dismissively.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Are you sure? I don't want to trouble you, Xera. I can manage."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Trouble you? Don't be ridiculous! We're friends, aren't we?"
You blink, your mind is racing. Friends? You hadn't really thought about it that way before.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Besides, I can't have you passing out in the middle of the street. That would be terribly inconvenient for everyone involved."
You hadn't expected this connection to form so quickly, but as you watch her walk ahead of you with such confidence, you can't deny that her presence makes the weight of your empty pockets feel a little lighter.
ยปยปโโโฑ๏ธโโยซยซ
She brought you to a fucking restaurant.
You stop dead in your tracks for a second. This isn't exactly a 'cheap snack' kind of place.
Xera notices your hesitation and glances back over her shoulder. A playful smirk tugs at the corners of her lips when she sees your stunned expression.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("Waitโฆ she's serious? This place looks expensive. IโI can't possibly eat here with what I have left โ oh wait, I have nothing left.")
She chuckles again, her tail swishing behind her with amusement.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Don't look so nervous. Just relax and enjoy the meal. It's my treat today~"
As you follow behind her, you find yourself consciously adjusting your pace. You stay close enough to her to feel her presence, but you make sure there's still a respectful distance between you.
You can't risk your hands brushing against hers, you don't want to risk the curse reacting unpredictively, especially not now, when you've grown so comfortable around her.
The fine dining atmosphere makes you feel like an intruder, you feel so out of place.. and you instinctively pull your shoulders in, trying to make yourself appear smaller and less conspicuous.
Finally, Xera leads you toward a secluded corner table.
She pulls out a chair for you with a graceful motion before sliding into her own seat.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"There we go. Nice and quiet away from all the noise."
You reach for the menu, your fingers tracing the embossed leather. The scent of spices and roasted meats wafts from the kitchen is making your stomach growl again.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Now, don't just sit there looking like you're expecting an execution actually, why not look at the menu? I heard the specialty meat stew here is divine."
After scanning the options, you finally make up your mind, pointing to something that looks both filling and comforting.
Xera nods approvingly, her eyes bright with amusement as she watches you settle in.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I think I'll have the [your choice of meal], please."
she reaches out and grabs the small silver bell sitting on the table.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"A solid choice. You need something comforting for yourself to get your strength back."
Ding! Ding ding!
A waitress approaches almost immediately after the bell's chime as she glides toward your corner table with a practiced smile. She carries a small notepad, ready to record your selections.
"May I take your order, or do you require a few more moments with the menu?"
The waitress scribes everything down to her notepad.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"We're ready. My friend here would like the [Your choice of meal], and I'll have the roasted venison with glazed root vegetables, please. And two glasses of your finest sparkling cider."
"Of course. Your orders will be out shortly. Will there be anything else for now?"
As the waitress retreats, Xera leans forward, resting her elbows on the table.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"That will be all for the moment, thank you,"
The hushed atmosphere of the restaurant makes her voice seem louder than intended.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Soโฆ"
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"you mentioned you were running short on cashโฆ"
Xera leans back slightly.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"You know, you don't have to pretend to be tough around me. I can tell you're carrying a lot more than just an empty stomach."
Her amber eyes hold a sharp edged that makes you feel like she's reading the unspoken lines of your soul.
She pauses, studying your face with a knowing gaze.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"But then againโฆ"
You take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the conversation settle between you.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"You're not wrong for not trusting anyone. Eridia can be a cruel place when you're vulnerable."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I know. And I appreciate this, I really do. Having people like Leander or you looking out for me means more than I can sayโฆ."
A small smile tugs at Xera's lips. She seems impressed by your resolve.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"But I can't just live off charity forever. I need to be able to rely on myself too. I need to earn my own way."
There was a silence between the two of you. Xera seems to be thinking of something, letting out a quiet hum.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I really admire your independence and courage to live."
She taps her chin thoughtfully.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Actually, since you're so eager to earn your keepโฆ I could use some help. My boutique has been overwhelmed lately."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Ais helps out sometimes, but lately the workload has been piling up. The nobles come flooding in from all over, and I can't manage the inventory and the customers aloneโฆ
You sit in silence for a moment, processing her offer.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"If you help me at the shop, I can make sure you're well fed and paid. What do you say?"
You know the reputation of her establishmentโฆ it's not just a simple shop, it's a destination for the elite despite located in the Downtown.
The nobles who frequent her boutique carry purses that could probably fund you for months.
You look up at Xera, meeting her gaze with newfound determination.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("If I work there... The pay from nobles alone would be more than I could earn anywhere else. It's a chance to actually stand on my own two feet.")
Xera's smile widens, genuine delight lighting up her features as she leans forward.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"That sounds like more than I could ask for.โฆ I'd accept."
She taps the table playfully, clearly pleased with the arrangement.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Excellent! I knew you had potential."
A shiver runs down your spine as Xera pronounces the word Deal.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Consider it a deal thenโฆ"
It carries a weight to it something binding and irreversible.
For a moment, the air between you feels charged.
Before you can spiral into overthinking what that commitment truly means, the heaviness of the moment is broken by the soft clatter of porcelain.
The waitress returns. She places the dishes down with careful precision.
She sets your plate down first, the steam rising from the freshly prepared dish, the aroma filling your senses and immediately making your mouth water.
Then, she places the roasted venison dish in front of Xera, along with the two glasses of sparkling cider.
Xera picks up her silverware, glancing at you with a knowing smirk.
A flush creeps up your neck as you stammer out a reply.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Eat up. You'll need your energy if you're going to be working for me."
As you take your first bite, the rich flavors explode across your palate.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"R-rightโฆ"
The seasonings perfectly balanced, and the texture melts away almost instantly.
For a moment, the world outside the restaurant fades into nothingness. There is nothing but the sensation of the meal, each bite more comforting than the last.
You find yourself lost in the rhythm of eating, momentarily forgetting the weight of your own worries.
Xera watches you with an amused glint in her eyes. A soft laugh escapes her throat as she notices how completely you've been swept away by the meal.
Before you can even react to her observation, she reaches across the table with a linen napkin. She leans forward to gently wipe a stray drop of sauce from the corner of your mouth.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Well, someone seems to be enjoying themselves."
Your face turn deep crimson as embarrassment floods your system. You stare down at your plate, unable to meet her gaze, feeling utterly flustered by her sudden affection.
Xera doesn't pull away immediately, instead, she lingers for a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Her fingers brushing lightly against your cheek as she tucks the napkin away.
Her amber eyes lock onto yours, studying your flustered expression with an intensity that makes your breath catch in your throat.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"There. Can't have you walking around looking like a messy child, can we?"
A smirk tugs at the corner of her lips as she leans back, deliberately leaving you suspended in that state of flustered uncertainty.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Besides, you look far too cute when you're flustered. It makes it difficult to take your serious demeanor seriously."
She picks up her glass of sparkling cider, taking a slow sip while never breaking eye contact with you.
She tilts her head to the side, a strand of dark hair falling across her face, watching your reaction with the patience of someone who enjoys watching prey struggle.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Don't worry. I won't tease you too much unless you want me to."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("โฆ")
Your mind completely freezes up.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("โฆWhat just happened?")
She really just wiped your mouth. And then she called you cute.
Your face turns so hot you feel like you might combust right here at the table.
You steal a quick glance up at her.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("No, no, noโฆ calm down. Get it together!")
She sits there looking totally unbothered, taking a slow sip from her glass as if she didn't just break your entire brain.
The warm light shines off the golden rings pinned to her red horn. Her tail sways gently behind her chair. Her eyes rest on you over the rim of her glass.
She looks ridiculously stunning.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("Okay. I finally get why Leander is always so down bad for herโฆ")
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("If I were in his shoes, I'd fall for her in a heartbeat too...")
You quickly shove a huge bite of food into your mouth just to have a reason not to speak. You really don't want to accidentally say something embarrassing out loud.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("She's gorgeous, she's sweet, she's insanely talentedโฆ and she apparently loves making me suffer.")
Then another realization hits you.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("Wait a minuteโฆ")
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("She literally hangs out with Ais and Vere.")
You let out a tiny, silent sigh.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("I shouldn't even be shocked. Those twoโฆ Of course she picked up a few bad habits from them.")
Xera watches your expression shift every few seconds. She watches you go from embarrassed, to panicked, to defeated, and then back to embarrassed again.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("I am so doomed.")
A quiet laugh slips past her lips.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Your face is very easy to read, dear."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"W-What? No it isn't."
She rests her chin on her hand, a soft smirk resting on her face.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Mhm."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I can practically see the gears turning in your head."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just eating."
She tilts her head, her smile growing just a bit wider.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Oh?"
You immediately choke on your food, coughing into your hand.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"So you weren't just sitting there wondering why I know how to tease you so well?"
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Coughโ No!"
She chuckles softly, taking another sip of her sparkling cider.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'll take that as a yes."
She says it with a completely straight face, looking innocent.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I do spend a lot of time around Ais and Vere, you know. They are terrible influences on me."
A second passes before her eyes crinkle with amusement.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"โฆThough I can't deny I've learned a trick or two from them."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("A trick or twoโฆ? That is way more scary than if she just denied it.")
Her tone softens, becoming gentle again.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"But don't worry. Unlike those twoโฆ"
She pauses for a brief second.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I actually know when to stop. I wouldn't tease you if I thought it would truly upset you."
A mischievous little grin gives her away.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"โฆWell. Maybe just a tiny bit."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"โฆYou're enjoying this way too much."
She answers without an ounce of shame.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I am."
ยปยปโโโฑ๏ธโโยซยซ
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Your reactions are just adorable. How could I resist?~"
The rest of the meal passes by much more peacefully after the playful banter.
The two of you talk about little things, the awkwardness fading away into easy chatter.
Xera tells you about a noble who insisted that all warm colors, like bright yellow and harsh orange on a matching suit and dress, looked "elegant" together.
She takes another sip of her new cider, shaking her head at the memory.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I almost refused to make it."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"โฆI did convince them to choose different colors in the end, thankfully."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"So your customers actually listen to you?"
She smiles proudly.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"They do."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Eventually."
You can't help but laugh softly.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Usually after I explain why their idea is a complete crime against fashion."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'll remember never to question your taste."
She says it with such quiet confidence that it only makes you smile wider.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"A very wise decision, dear."
By the time both of your plates are empty, the restaurant has grown a little busier.
Sunlight streams brightly through the windows, telling you it's already noon.
Xera glances outside toward the sun before standing up from her chair.
She lets out a small, dramatic sigh.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I should get going. My shop won't run itself."
You stand up as well, smoothing out your clothes.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Unfortunately."
For some reasonโฆ you don't really want the afternoon to end just yet.
The two of you leave the restaurant together, stepping out into the bustling city streets. You walk side by side for a short while until Xera stops at a crossroads between the way to her boutique and The Wet Wick.
She turns her head to face you, her dark hair shifting over her shoulder.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Don't forget. You start tomorrow."
She gives you a pointed, meaningful look.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"My boutique opens early, so be there around nine."
You put out a tiny smile.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"And don't be late."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'll make sure I'm right on time."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Good."
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'd hate to spend my morning wondering if my new assistant ran away."
A genuinely warm smile spreads across her face, softening her sharp features.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I wouldn't do that to you!"
The simple words hit you harder than you expected, settling warmly in your chest.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I trust you."
Before you can think of a good reply, Xera turns to leave.
You stand there, watching her walk a few paces away.
Thenโฆ her tail flicks.
The tip of her diamond-shaped tail slips gently beneath your chin, lifting it ever so slightly.
Just enough to force you to look right into her bright amber eyes.
She gives your chin the tiniest, teasing tap with the end of her tail before sweeping it back to her side.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"Try not to spend the rest of today overthinking."
She winks at you, her tail giving a mischievous flick.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"I'd rather my assistant show up tomorrow well-rested."
With that, she turns and continues down the street. Her tail sways lazily behind her as she seamlessly disappears into the afternoon crowd.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{Xera}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
"See you tomorrow, dear~"
You slowly raise a hand, your fingers touching your chin.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("โฆ")
The exact spot where her tail brushed against your skin still feels strangely warm.
Did she really have to do that right before leaving?
You let out a quiet, flustered groan, hiding your warm face in your hand.
Yet despite yourself, a soft smile finds its way onto your face.
โ ห๏ฝกโเญจเญงห{You}หเญจเญงโ๏ฝกห โ
("She is going to be the death of meโฆ")
For the first time since arriving in Eridiaโฆ you find yourself genuinely looking forward to tomorrow other than finding a cure to your curse.
--------------------------------
Here is the post if you want to know more about Xera, and her design evolution!
Your first meet with Xera
AO3 Vers
I apologize in advance for any errors!
Note: This was originally supposed to be a full video project, but Iโm afraid I won't be able to finish it the way Iโd hoped. Instead of letting it sit in my files forever, I wanted to share it with you all.
Have the script/fic and a piece of art of her that was meant to be right in the middle of it.
Enjoy โก
{Location: MC's room}
My eyes fluttered open.
Another day in Eridia, my fifth, to be exact.
Sunlight, or what passed for it in the Lowtown, filtered through the grimy window of my room.
The place wasn't much, but it was cheap, and right now, that's all I could afford.
I groaned, pushing myself up in the bed.
The mattress was lumpy, and the sheets smelled faintly of mildew, but I was getting used to it. Or at least, trying to.
It's better than nothing.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood, the wooden floorboards creaking beneath my weight.
A quick wash in the chipped basin, and I was ready to face whatever Eridia had in store for me today.
{Location: Wet wick. }
The bar was dimly lit, even this early in the day. The air hung thick with the smells of stale ale and something vaguely.... rosy?
I made my way down the creaky stairs, the familiar sounds of the Wet Wick greeting me.
As I reached the bottom, I spotted Leander standing in front of the counter.
Leander: ....
He was frowning, a piece of parchment held close to his face. He looked troubled, which was unusual for the perpetually cheerful mage.
Curiosity tugged at me.
I approached Leander cautiously, he was muttering to himself, his brow furrowed in concentration.
MC: Morning, Leander. Everything alright?
Leander didn't seem to hear me at first. He was too engrossed in the parchment, his lips moving as he mumbled under his breath.
Leander: ...such a shame... I was looking forward to meeting her today... what a waste...
He finally seemed to notice my presence, snapping his head up with a start. His eyes widened slightly, and he offered me a sheepish smile.
Leander: Oh! Good morning, MC
MC: You seem a bit off. What's troubling you?
Leander forced a smile, but his eyes betrayed his disappointment.
He tapped the parchment in his hand against the counter.
Leander: Just a scheduling conflict,
He trailed off, a hint of warmth creeping into his cheeks.
Leander: Xera's work is truly something else. The way she weaves magic into every stitch... it's remarkable.
Leander: But duty calls. A shipment of Sunstone Nectar arrived unexpectedly, and I must oversee its storage. I'll have to delay my visit.
He sighed, his gaze drifting towards the doorway. It was clear that the "scheduling conflict" involved more than just picking up clothes.
Xera. The name was a constant whisper in Eridia. I'd heard it so often since arriving.
Leander mentioned her constantly, his voice softening whenever he spoke her name.
Others spoke of her skill with needle and thread, her ability to create garments that seemed to defy the laws of physics...?
At least that's what I was hearing
I'd never seen her, never even caught a glimpse of her shadow.
Maybe...
MC: If it's just a matter of picking up the clothes, Leander, perhaps I could help? I'm rather good at fetching things.
Leander's eyes widened, a flicker of hope igniting within them. He hesitated, chewing on his lip.
Leander: Oh, MC, I couldn't possibly ask you to do that. I was so looking forward to seeing her myself...
Leander: Xera's creations are truly works of art. Each garment is imbued with her unique touch, and her... essence. It's not just about the clothes, you see. It's about the experience.
Oh, so this guy is yearning for her alright...
MC: I understand, Leander. But if you're stuck here with the Sunstone Nectar, someone needs to collect your commission.
MC: Besides, I'm curious. Everyone in Eridia seems to know Xera, except me. Maybe this is my chance to finally put a face to the name.
Leander considered my offer, his gaze shifting between me and the parchment in his hand. The internal struggle was evident on his face.
Leander: Well... I suppose... If you're absolutely sure you don't mind...
He paused, his usually grin returning to his eyes.
Leander: Tell you what, MC. If you agree to describe every detail of the encounter
Leander: the workshop, the clothes, Xera herself, then I'll entrust you with this important task. I want to know everything. Deal?
MC: Okay...? Deal. But only if you promise to stop mooning over her name every five minutes.
Leander: Alright, alright. You have my word. Now, let me write down the address... and a few instructions. Xera can be... particular about her clients.
He scribbled something on the back of the parchment, a small smile playing on his lips.
Leander: Just tell her the order is for me. She'll know.
Leander: And... try not to stare. Her horns can be a bit... distracting.
Horns?
The word hung in my mind, twisting like smoke.
So far, the only person Iโd seen with horns was Ais, and I was still trying to figure out what his deal was. The idea of another one made my curiosity itch even sharper.
Before I could ask Leander anything more, one of the Adders called his name from across the room. He gave me a rushed smile, pressing the folded parchment into my palm.
Leander: "Thatโs your pass, MC. Donโt lose it. Andโฆ donโt forget what I said. Iโll be waiting for every detail."
He winked, though it didnโt quite mask his reluctance, and with that he turned on his heel, vanishing into the crowd of mercenaries.
I glanced down at the parchment, and slipped it into my pocket.
The streets of Lowtown were already stirring, though the sky still wore its early gray. Vendors shouted from crooked stalls, hawking bread that looked a day too old and trinkets that gleamed a little too brightly to be real.
I kept one hand on the parchment in my pocket, checking the scrawled directions every few steps.
The path wound deeper, past alleys that smelled of smoke and iron, past shuttered doors painted with charms to ward off thieves or worse.
Leander hadnโt written the workshopโs name, only a mark. Like a star crossed with a needle. I scanned each sign I passed, searching for it.
At last, I found it. A narrow shopfront, tucked between a spice seller and a shuttered apothecary. The sign above the door bore the same mark from the parchment, etched faintly into dark wood.
The door itself was open within just a crack.
The door groaned as I pushed it open, just wide enough to slip inside.
Voices clashed immediately.
Customer: โThis is robbery! Youโll not fool me with excuses.โ
Xera: โExcuses? No. These are terms. Ones you agreed to.โ
Her voice was stern, low but steady, carrying enough weight to still the room.
My eyes found her at once.
She stood behind the counter, sleeves of white silk spilling down her arms like waves, a dark corset cinched sharp at her waist. Her horns gleamed crimson under the lantern light, gold chains draped elegantly between them. And her tail is ribboned and edged like a dart, flicked once against the floorboards.
I was caught, rooted.
Her presence filled the space, commanding and unyielding. She leaned forward slightly, golden eyes locked on the man before her, and for a moment, it was as though even the air bent to her will.
But then I saw her hands.
Dark patterns traced across her skin, etched in shimmering gold.
My breath caught.
The same as mine.
It canโt beโฆ
I couldnโt tear my gaze away at the markings.
Before I could think, the man at the counter spat another word, dragging me back into the moment.
Customer: โYou think Iโll pay extra for scraps? Do you know who I am?โ
Xeraโs gaze sharpened. She set the folded garment on the counter with deliberate care, her gold-marked hand sliding away from it as though daring him to touch it.
Xera: โI do not need to know who you are. I only need to know what you agreed upon. The commission is finished. Take it, or leave it. I'm sure there'll be another customer who willing to pay for this.โ
Her tail gave a flick, the sharp tip glinting in the lamplight. The man faltered, his bravado draining beneath her unwavering stare. For a heartbeat, no one moved.
Then he snatched the garment from the counter, throw the cash at the counter and shoved past me in a huff, muttering curses under his breath. The door slammed shut behind him, rattling the frame.
Silence settled, broken only by the faint creak of fabric and the hum of the lantern overhead.
Xera exhaled slowly, her shoulders loosening.
Xera (muttering): โAlways the same. Coin in their hands, but never enough sense in their heads.โ
Her words lingered in the air, low and edged with weariness. She brushed a strand of hair from her face, the faint clink of gold chain following the movement.
That was when her eyes found me.
Golden, sharp, catching me in place like a deer in torchlight.
I straightened instinctively, as though Iโd been caught trespassing, though I hadnโt even stepped more than a pace inside.
Xera: โโฆand who might you be?โ
Her tone wasnโt hostile, but it wasnโt gentle either.
I opened my mouth, but no words came at first. My mind still reeled from the sight of her hands, glowing faintly in the lantern light, mirroring my own as though carved from the same cloth of fate.
Finally, I managed a breath.
MC: โIโฆ Iโm here for a commission. On behalf of Leander.โ
The faintest shift crossed her face with recognition. She leaned back slightly, her posture easing, though her eyes never left mine.
Xera: โLeander. Of course.โ
Her gaze dipped, just for a heartbeat, toward my hands.
And the air between us seemed to tighten.
Her eyes lingered a moment longer, then she turned, smoothing the folds of her sleeve as if setting the mood back into her control.
Xera: โNo need to hover there. Sit.โ
She motioned toward a low cushion near the counter. I obeyed, lowering myself onto it. The seat was softer than it looked, the smelling faintly of fabric dye reaches my nose.
Huh, I also smell the same rosy scent from this morning...
As she moved behind the counter, her presence seemed to steady the room again. She reached for a small glass jar, its lid etched with delicate swirls, and pulled it close. Inside, wrapped candies glimmered in shades of brown and gold
Xera: โLeander always comes pestering me around this hour. Heโs fond of these.โ
Her tone had shifted, it's less sharp now with a touch of warmth threading through her words. She plucked one candy from the jar and placed it on the counter between us.
Xera: โCoffee candies. They're stronger than it looks. Will you have one?โ
The faintest curve touched her lips, though whether it was amusement or courtesy, I couldnโt tell.
โข
[Take the candy]
I reached out, fingers brushing the cool surface of the counter as I picked it up. The wrapper crinkled softly in my palm.
MC: โโฆthank you.โ
Xeraโs expression softened, a smile tugging at her lips. It was the kind of smile that caught me off guard, softer than Iโd expected after the sharp edge of her earlier words.
Xera: โGood. Theyโre best when shared, after all.โ
โข
[Decline politely]
Mc: โI'm good, thanks...โ
Xeraโs expression softened but there's a hint of disappointment, before a smile tugging at her lips.
Xera: โVery well then..."
โข
She turned away before I could answer, moving with practiced grace toward a shelf behind her.
From it, she drew out a neatly folded bundle of Leanderโs commission. She laid it carefully upon the counter, then paused to smooth her palms over the fabric.
Every motion was precise, her gold-marked fingers lingering on the seams, checking for stray threads or imperfections.
Her gaze flicked up briefly, meeting mine again before returning to the fabric.
Xera: โIโve never seen you around before. Are you new to Eridia, by any chance?โ
I shifted on the cushion.
MC: โYes, it's my fifth day, actually. Still getting lost more often than not.โ
Her fingers stilled on the garment for a breath, then resumed smoothing the fabric into the satchel.
Xera: โFive days, and youโve already found your way to Lowtown.โ
Xera: โEither youโre braver than mostโฆ or very, very unlucky.โ
I let out a quiet laugh, though it came more nervous than I intended.
MC: โMaybe both.โ
Her smile deepened just slightly at that, quick but unmistakable. She adjusted the strap of the satchel, securing the bundle inside with a neat pull of the clasp.
Xera: โEridia has a way of testing newcomers. The streets are hungry, and they donโt often show mercy.โ
She glanced up again, her golden eyes catching mine.
Xera: โBut if youโve lasted five days, perhaps youโll last longer.โ
Her gaze lingered a moment too long, like she was measuring the weight of my answer.
MC: โโฆIโll take that as a compliment.โ
The corner of her mouth tugged, but it didnโt quite reach her eyes.
Xera: โPerhaps. But Eridia doesnโt take kindly to strangers with secrets.โ
Her gaze flicked, just briefly, toward the bandages around my hands. Not enough to be overt, but enough to send a chill through me.
Xera: โโฆand you strike me as someone carrying a few.โ
Her words struck harder than I expected.
A prickle ran down my spine, and I curled my bandaged hands into my lap.
MC: โIโฆ Iโm notโโ
A soft chuckle cut through my stammer.
Xera: โRelax. Iโm not prying.โ
She leaned her hip against the counter, her posture easing.
Xera: โIn Eridia, everyone is hiding something. Knowledge is worth more than gold, and twice as dangerous. People guard it like their lives depend on it. Kuras never stops reminding me.โ
Her voice softened, losing its edge.
Xera: โAnd I donโt make a habit of ripping secrets out of frightened newcomers.โ
MC: โโฆKuras told me something like that. On my first day.โ
At that, her brows lifted, surprise flickering across her face before settling into recognition.
Xera: โAh. Youโre that patient, then.โ
MC: โKurasโฆ told you about me?โ
Xera huffed in a soft, amused sigh, turning her attention briefly back to adjusting the satchel.
Xera: โOnly that heโd picked up some almost dead newcomer in the Fogfall. Said you were skittish, polite, and โclearly in over your head.โ His words, not mine.โ
Xera: โSo that was you.โ
A warmth crept into her tone.
A fondness for the doctor, maybe, or simple amusement at how easily sheโd connected the dots.
She tied the final knot on the satchel string, then paused.
A beat of silence.
Her eyes widened a fraction.
Xera: โโฆahโby the starsโโ
She straightened abruptly, a faint flush blooming across her cheeks, golden markings catching the lantern glow.
Xera: โI havenโt even introduced myself.โ
She cleared her throat, clearly flustered but trying to mask it with composure.
Xera: โIโm Xera. Seamstress, artisan, whatever you heard from people.โ
Her tail flicked behind her, still hinting a little bit of embarrassment.
Xera: โAnd youโฆ? I donโt think I got your name.โ
MC: โOhโright. Sorry. Itโsโฆ MC.โ
I managed to say my own name without tripping over it, which felt like a small miracle given how intently she was looking at me.
Xera repeated it under her breath,testing the shape of it, as though names were materials she evaluated before stitching them into memory.
Xera: โMC.โ
A small nod followed, almost approving.
Xera: โThatโs better. Now weโre not strangers.โ
She lifted the satchel slightly, as if to offer it, then stopped, her eyes narrowing with a mix of consideration and something unreadable.
The flush in her cheeks had faded, but the embarrassment still clung to the ends of her words.
Xera: โโฆapologies again for the earlier chaos. I donโt usually greet clients by threatening someoneโs spine.โ
MC: โHonestly? You handled him better than I would've.โ
That earned a brief huff of laughter from her.
She lifted the satchel, its weight settling neatly against her palm before she slid it across the counter toward me.
Xera: โThis is Leanderโs commission. Tell him the enchantment on the inner lining is stable, but he should avoid exposing it to raw mana for at least two days.โ
She paused, then added with a small smirk:
Xera: โNot that heโll listen.โ
Xera: "ahem Tell him he can stop pouting about missing his visit, unless heโs done that thing where he pretends he isnโt.โ
MC: โHeโฆ did, actually.โ
That earns another smallest laugh that escaped her.
Her shoulders seemed to loosen as if the tension of the earlier argument had finally drained out of her.
Xera: โI figured as much. Heโs terrible at hiding disappointment. It shows in his eyebrows.โ
MC: โโฆhis eyebrows?โ
Xera: โMm. They twitch when heโs sulking.โ
She mimicked a twitch with one finger, and it was so unexpected that a quiet laugh slipped out of me.
Her smile caught me off guard.
It's slow, warm, and unguarded. Nothing what I've expecting from someone like her....
But then her gaze then shifted to my hands again.
Although it is not from suspicion, but curious and almost... Thoughtful.
Xera: โYou said itโs your fifth day in Eridia.โ
MC: โYeah.โ
Xera: โAnd already youโre carrying messages for mages and wandering through Lowtown alone.โ
Xera: โThatโs notโฆ typical.โ
MC: โI donโt exactly have a choice.โ
A quiet hum left her, like she was filing that answer away somewhere important.
She pushed off the counter, stepping closer but still keeping her distance to not invading my space, but close enough that the faint scent of her perfume reached me.
Her scent are quite strong which usually some people finds it troublesome but for some reason, i don't mind it, it's.... Addicting.
Xera: โBe careful, MC.โ
The sudden seriousness in her voice caught me off guard.
Xera: โLowtown isnโt kind to people who stand out. And youโฆโ
Xera: โโฆstand out more than most.โ
My throat tightened.
Before I could reply, the bell above the door chimed soft, crisp, yet startling in the quiet between us.
Xera didnโt flinch.
She only took a small step back, composure sliding back into place like a veil.
Xera: โYou should get going before the afternoon rush begins. The Adders pack this district before long.โ
She turned, moving behind the counter once again, hands reaching for a crate of spools as though dismissing me gently back into the world.
But then, just as I rose to my feetโ
Xera: โMC.โ
I paused.
Her golden eyes met mine.
Xera: โIf you find yourself lost againโฆ you can stop by. You know where the door is now.โ
The way she said it...
It felt like a thread being tied.
Delicate.
Intentional.
Meant to hold.
I swallowed, nodding.
MC: โโฆthank you.โ
Xeraโs lips curved into a soft smile.
Xera: โNow go. Before Lowtown decides to eat you alive on your sixth day.โ
She handed me the satchet without hesitation.
And as I turned toward the door, I heard her voice again, softer:
Xera: โIt wasโฆ nice to meet you, and safe travels MC.โ
The evening air in Eridia was cool and carried the faint scent of damp stone and old magic. It was Xeraโs favorite kind of quiet, the kind that settled deep in her bones after a long day, washing away the sharp focus needed for her work.
She was sitting on the steps outside her workshop. The sun had just dipped below the jagged skyline, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and purple. Her hands, usually busy with needle and thread, were resting idle in her lap. She was justโฆ sitting. It felt strange, but good. A rare moment of pause she hadnโt given herself.
The click of boot heels on cobblestone made her look up.
Mhin came to a stop a few feet away, their face half-hidden in the shadow of their hood. Their sharp gray eyes with those strange red pupils scanned her up and down.
โYouโre not in your cave,โ they stated, their voice flat.
Xera just shook her head slowly. โNo. Not tonight.โ
Mhin shifted their weight from one foot to the other, their gloved fingers fiddling with the silver chain on their cloak. They looked like they wanted to say something else, but were stopping themself.
โThe sky is clear,โ they finally muttered quietly. They didnโt look at her when they said it, their gaze fixed on a crack in the pavement, there's a visible blush on their cheeks underneath the hood.
Xera tilted her head. โIt is.โ
There was another long pause, before Mhin took a deep breath.
โThereโs a hill on the west side, the viewโฆ itโs not shitty.โ The words came out in a rush, followed by a defensive scowl. โFor stargazing. If you wanted. Not that I care.... But youโve beenโฆ you know. Inside too much.โ
Translation: you need to touch grass
Xera looked past the tough words and the prickly attitude, she saw the offer for what it was.
A clunky, Mhin-style act of kindness.
A small smile touched her lips. โAlright,โ
Mhin blinked, their scowl faltering for a second. Theyโd clearly expected a refusal. They recovered quickly, stuffing their hands into their cloak.
โDonโt make a big deal out of it,โ they grumbled, already turning to walk away, expecting her to follow. โAnd hurry up, itโs getting dark.โ
They turned and started walking, their pace quick and purposeful, not checking to see if she was following.
Xera fell into step beside them anyway. They walked in silence through the winding streets of Lowtown, past closed-up shops and the warm, noisy glow of taverns like The Wet Wick. Mhin kept their hood up, their head down, a clear signal to anyone watching that they were not in the mood to talk.
Once they arrived, the air smelled fresher, like grass and night-blooming flowers.
Mhin stopped at the top of a grassy hill. โHere.โ
It was a perfect spot. The city was a distant, glowing smear below them, but up here, it was just the two of them under a vast, black sky that was filled with stars.
Mhin stood stiffly for a moment, then sighed like the whole thing was a huge pain. They unfolded a thick blanket from their pack and spread it on the grass with a sharp flick of their wrists.
They plopped down on one side of it, leaving plenty of space for her. "Well? Don't just stand there...."
Xera sat down beside them. The grass was cool and soft beneath the blanket. She tilted her head back, and her breath caught.
"Wow," She whispered.
Above them, the sky wasn't just black. It was a deep, endless velvet, pierced by countless tiny, sharp points of light. It was so much bigger and brighter up here, away from the city's haze.
A soft, glowing band of milky white stretched across the darkness like a river of lost light.
"Told you it wasn't shitty," Mhin were sitting with their knees drawn up, arms wrapped around them.
"It's beautiful," Xera said, her voice full of honest wonder. She let herself lie back on the blanket, the fabric soft against her back. The world shrunk to the feel of the ground beneath her and the impossible expanse above.
She heard Mhin shift beside her, then a soft sigh. A moment later, they lay down too, though they stayed on their side, propped up on an elbow to watch her instead of the sky.
For a long time, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the whisper of the wind through the grass and the distant, faint noises of the city below. It was a peaceful quiet, not an awkward one.
"I come up here sometimes," Mhin said suddenly. "When it gets... loud."
Xera turned her head to look at them. "Loud?"
Mhin gestured vaguely at their own chest. "In here. It's... easier to breathe up here."
Xera's amber-gold eyes softened, fixing on Mhin's averted profile. "I think I know that feeling."
Her tail gave a slow, thoughtful twitch against the blanket.
Mhin grunted, still not looking at her fully. "Your workshop is too small. All those fabrics and threads... it's suffocating. At least out here... your messed up head hasโฆ room."
They finally turned their head, their gray eyes with red pupils catching the starlight. "You work too hard. I see you through your window. Your hands shake sometimes." The words were blunt, but held no real bite.
Xera didn't deny it. "The details matter. If I don't get them rightโฆ it feels wrong."
Mhin made a frustrated noise. "Details won't matter if you faint from tiredness and stab yourself with a needle."
A faint smile touched Xera's lips. "Is that why you brought me up here? To stop me from stabbing myself?"
A faint blush colored Mhin's cheeks again, barely visible in the dim light. "Shut up. I just... the stars are better than your dumb stitches." They finally lay fully back on the blanket, their shoulder just a whisper away from hers. "And... you looked like you could use it."
Xera's amber gaze drifted upward, her hand lifted, finger pointing toward a cluster of three bright stars nestled close together.
"Those three," she murmured. "I use them to find my way home sometimes. When I'm out late getting materials. They're like three little stitches holding that part of the sky together."
Mhin followed her gaze, their scowl softening slightly as they located the stars she indicated. "Orion's Belt," they stated flatly "Just three stars in a row. Nothing special."
"Maybe not," Xera conceded, her hand dropping back to her lap. "But they're reliable. I like that."
"They're balls of gas burning billions of miles away," Mhin retorted, though the bite in their voice was half-hearted. "They don't care if we find them reliable." They shifted uncomfortably on the blanket. "Why do you always look for patterns in everything? Stars, fabric, people..."
Xera was quiet for a long moment, her attention still fixed on the three steady points of light. "Patterns make senses.... When something follows a pattern, you know what to expect. There's... comfort in that."
Mhin let out another soft, frustrated sigh. "Not everything has a pattern, Xera. Some things are just... messy."
Like me, went unspoken, but hung heavy in the air between them.
Xera's tail gave another slow twitch, brushing accidentally against Mhin's leg."Maybe the mess is a pattern too. Just one we haven't figured out yet."
A faint, almost imperceptible shudder went through Mhin at the contact. They drew their knees up to their chest, wrapping their arms around them. "You give things too much meaning," they muttered into their knees.
"Maybe," Xera said again. Her gaze finally dropped from the stars to study Mhin's hunched form. "Or maybe I just see meaning where others choose not to look."
For a moment, there was a suspending silence between them.
"Mhin..."
The name was a soft murmur on her lips, barely louder than the whisper of the night breeze. Her gaze was locked on their face, on the tense line of their jaw and the way their fingers were digging into their own arms.
Slowly, carefully, Xera hand felt uncharacteristically tentative as it hovered just above their clenched ones.
"It's okay," she breathed out
Her fingers finally made contact, gently brushing against the back of their hand. Mhin flinched, a full-body shudder that was more reflex than rejection.
Their head snapped to the side, those wide, stormy-gray eyes locking onto hers. Panic flickered there.
"Don't. You shouldn'tโ"
The protest died in their throat as Xera didn't pull back. She simply waited, her thumb stroked their hand slowly.
"I'm not going anywhere," she promised, her voice low and sure.
The fight seemed to drain out of Mhin all at once. Their shoulders slumped, their grip on their own arms loosened, and one hand slowly uncurled.
After a heart-stopping moment of hesitation, their fingers turned, and they laced them tentatively with hers. Their grip was tight, almost desperate, as if they expected her to vanish.
They both looked down at their joined hands. Her marked skin, with its faint golden glow, looked stark against the pale of their skin.
It was a strange, silent picture of two very different worlds touching.
Mhin let out a shaky breath they'd clearly been holding. "Your hand is warm," they mumbled.
Xera's thumb continued its gentle motion. "Mhm... And yours feel cold... But they fit just right."
They sat like that for a long time, not looking at the stars anymore, just holding onto each others.
Mhinโs breathing became quieter, they stared at their joined hands
โItโs weird,โ they mumbled, their voice barely a whisper. โNotโฆ bad weird. Justโฆ weird.โ
A small, genuine smile touched Xera's lips. โWhat is?โ
โThis.โ Mhin squeezed her hand once, experimentally. โI donโtโฆ Do this. With people.โ
โI can tell,โ Xera teased gently. โYouโre usually busy insulting them.โ
A faint blush returned to Mhin's cheeks, but this time it didnโt seem as embarrassed. More likeโฆ annoyed at being seen so clearly. โShut up, I can be nice..... When i want to be "
โRight,โ Xera drawled
Mhin finally looked up from their hands "Youโre not afraid of me...."
โShould I be? Youโre the one who fussed at me for overworking. Youโre the one who dragged me out here to see the stars. You're not as scary as you think you are.โ
"S-shut up..." they mumbled, the words feeling like a lie even to their own ears. "This is stupid.. I could hurt you. That thing inside meโ"
"That is not the only part of you," Xera squeezed their hand. "The rest of youโฆ the grumpy part that brings sweets, and snarky part that worries about me working too hard or when I'm taking reckless decisionsโฆ that part is here right now. And Iโm not scared of it."
Mhin went very still, their head was bowed, and Xera could see the tension returning to their shoulders, but it was different this time. It wasnโt the sharp, defensive tension of a cornered animal, it's more of a heavy, aching kind stillness.
They cut themself off with a choked sound. They suddenly shifted, letting go of her hand only to turn onto their side, facing her fully.
In the same fluid motion, they closed the small distance between them.
Mhin pressed their forehead against her shoulder, their face hidden in the crook of her neck. Their body was a tense line against hers, shaking ever so slightly. They were seeking comfort but unable to ask for it outright.
Xera held her breath, then let it out slowly. She carefully moved her arm, wrapping it around Mhinโs back. Her hand rested between their shoulder blades.
"I hate this" Mhinโs muffled voice came from her shoulder. "I hate feelingโฆ things, it makes my head even more messed up than usual."
"I know," Xera said, her hand starting a slow, soothing rub up and down their back. "But youโre not alone in it."
After a long moment, Mhin shifted "You're... annoyingly persistent,"
A faint huff of laughter escaped Xera. "I've been told that before."
This closeness was new territory for Mhin, a quiet surrender that felt both terrifying yet safe
"...Why?"
Xera didn't need to ask what they meant. "Because you showed me the stars," she whispered, her breath warm against their hair. "It's only fair I show you something beautiful too."
Her free hand went to the back of Mhin's head, her fingers tangling gently in their white hair, showing a quiet encouragement.
Mhin pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her face with unguarded confusion and searching eyes.
"Maybe the patterns don't have to make sense right now," Xera added softly, her thumb brushing their cheek. "Maybe we can justโฆ be a mess. Together."
For a heartbeat, Mhin just stared, then they let out a shaky breath that was almost a laugh. The tension in their body finally broke. They leaned in, letting Xera pull them into a closer hug, their head finding its place on her shoulder again.
This time, they held on back.
The wind whispered over the hilltop, rustling the grass around them, but they were still quiet.
They're just two figures on a blanket, wrapped around each other under the watchful, indifferent light of a billion burning stars.
"Xera is one to cherish hugs, she shows her affection and trust through that... Although, many civilians questioning the reason towards her trust on certain people..."
As much as how I love Kuras, I'm still not used to drawing him with his fuck ass details...
"I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty, especially when it comes to creating something beautiful" - Xera
Xera is a seamstress who treats every stitch like art. With horns like a crown and gold eyes that cut sharper than her scissors, yet a heart that secretly craves warmth.
Beauty is Xeraโs language. She speaks it through needle and thread, shaping elegance out of nothing.
She came to Eridia just over a year ago. No one knows where she came from, and Xera never offers the answer.
Her name is pronounced โZeh-rahโ
{More undercut}
Lore Snippets:
The Veydris
Relationship Chart:
"Friendship has its own kind of beauty, one you can't sew or sculpy, only nuture"
To Xera, friendship is something worth cherishing. Sure, there are bad people out there, but she doesnโt really care. If someone wants to be her friend, sheโll welcome them.
Fullbody:
Voice claim:
Mitsuru Kirijo - Persona 3 Reload
Notes:
Hey, I finally finished everythingโfrom Xeraโs redesign to her lore. It took me more than 2 weeks to complete it all because of how busy life has been.
If you have any requests or questions about Xera, feel free to ask! Iโd be more than happy to answer:)
Credits:
All touchstarved characters and most of the templates belong to @redspringstudio
I got the relationship chart template from โ (I forgot where I got it, bc it's already been in my gallery for too long)
For the Lore Snippets Template done by @danger-bird
