Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 (Currently here!) Part 23 (Coming soon!)
"She'd be safer with me," Qifrey calmly explained.
With your strength deteriorating, you finally agreed to move in with Qifrey to his atelier where his four apprentices and Watchful Eye, Olruggio, lived.
However...
"She perfectly has someone to look after her!" Utowin insisted.
"And who are you again?" Qifrey replied. "Last I was aware, Mama only had one son."
"Well, news flash! She can have more!" Utowin snapped back. "Me!"
The two men in their late twenties, squabbling like children.
"On my bloody arse! You never bothered to ask me?!" Utowin argued.
"I was never aware Mama had actually taken you in," Qifrey huffed.
Hearing creaking from the stairs, the two men nearly fist fought each to get to you first. To help you down the rest of the stairs.
"Dear me, arguing again?" You asked, holding Utowin's arm.
Qifrey gave Utowin a stink eye before turning to you.
"You have agreed to move, correct?" He asked.
"That's ridiculous-" Utowin tried to argue.
"Uto," you softly cut him off.
Utowin slammed his mouth shut and helped you shuffle over to a chair.
Sitting down, you sighed.
"Yes, I have agreed," you explained. "Qifrey is right. It would be safer for me as there is one other capable adult present within the atelier on days where the Witch Master is away. Plus, four apprentices."
"Yes, but-" Utowin tried to argue.
"And you are always away," you softly explained. "Uto...I did not decide this lightly. I adore you both, but this is for the best."
Utowin clenched his jaw and looked away from you.
"...I'll come visit," Utowin grumbled.
"There he is," you sighed. "Now, let's finish the move, shall we?"
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 (Currently here!)| Part 22 (Coming soon!)
"I don't remember you very well," you admitted, stroking Qifrey's hair. "But...you're familiar enough, I still remember. Muscle memory, I think."
Qifrey pressed his head harder against your hand and you giggled, scratching his scalp next.
Exactly how he liked it.
"I want to take you home," Qifrey whispered. "Back to my atelier...I can take care of you as you've taken care of me."
You stopped scratching his scalp and slowly pulled away.
"That's very sweet of you," you admitted. "But I do not know you well enough-"
"But you-" he tried to argue.
"I know I said you were familiar," you agreed. "But familiar does not mean remember."
Qifrey flinched and slowly sulked.
"Yes..." he murmured. "You are right."
Regardless, your hand wrapped around his.
"But you still called me your mother," you cooed. "And I am willing to rebuild our relationship, Qifrey. As long as you do too."
With that, Qifrey rested his head in your lap again.
"That's all I ever wanted, Mama."
A few months have passed by since you recovered from your heart attack.
During those few months, Qifrey would often visit. With or without Olruggio, it did not matter. He'd always visit.
Usually late at night once you learned he had four apprentices at his atelier, teaching and caring for them 24/7.
"Ah, parenthood," you teased, serving him tea.
"I learned from the best," he jested back.
The smile faded and Qifrey's did as well.
"I-" Qifrey began.
You shook your head.
"Tis not your fault," you assured, lifting the kettle.
The moment your arm shook, Qifrey quickly took it from you, setting it down on the stovetop.
"And what did Sinocia-" he began to scold.
"Pishposh, she's just worried," you huffed, moving past him.
Qifrey sighed and followed after.
"You have two sons worried about you," Qifrey reminded.
"Yes and at least Utowin realizes when a battle has been lost," you jested back.
Qifrey caught your wrist from lifting a book, gently placing it back down.
"Mama," he softly chided. "...please. You've just recovered."
"I am not dying-"
"You nearly did!" Qifrey exclaimed. "I-"
Qifrey's head dropped.
"...wished you'd stop pushing yourself so hard at your age."
Helping you take a seat, Qifrey knelt down in front of you.
"You once told me that there are some things mothers cannot do," Qifrey explained. "And that they require help too. And I am here to help you as your son. Will you not let me do that for you?"
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 (Currently here!) Part 21 (Coming soon!)
Qifrey grunted, clawing at Utowin's arm pinning him to the wall.
"How dare you?" Utowin snarled. "Huh?! Sending the sweetest woman into a coma?!"
Qifrey gasped and dug his nails into Utowin's arm, dragging them down his skin. The man refused to let it bother and pressed his arm harder against Qifrey.
"Enough!"
Utowin is suddenly thrown off of Qifrey as the other coughed and gasped for air.
Olruggio held Qifrey up by the waist, eyeing the Knight of Moralis.
"It was unintentional," Olruggio snapped. "I doubt Qifrey wan' to send her into a coma!"
No, he didn't.
Looking back at the shut door, Qifrey turned his back to it.
Of all things to happen, his one maternal figure had a heart attack. That HE caused.
"That ain't your fault, Qifrey."
Standing over her bed, Qifrey stared down at you, arms hugging his sides.
"But I caused her-"
"You caused nuthin'," Olruggio cut him off. "You didn't know she was gunna have a hear' attack, did ya?"
"Well, no-"
"Then it ain't your fault."
Qifrey bit down on his lip and looked back over to you again.
It was a miracle the heart attack hadn't taken you out.
Since that day, Qifrey made daily trips to the Healing Spire to see you.
With each visit, Utowin is also there too.
The two men stood in silence over your resting body, neither having any words to share.
"..how did you know her?"
Green eyes flicked over to blue ones and Qifrey eyed the ginger.
"...she raised me since I was young."
"Humph," Utowin scoffed. "Never mentioned that to me."
No...of course not...she's forgotten.
By the fifth week, Qifrey stood by the doorframe, the flower vase slowly sliding out from his grasp.
There you sat in bed, staring outside. Only looking over once you heard the vase shatter.
"Hello," you greeted.
One step then another, long legs quickly ate up the space until Qifrey's knees hit the ground, arms flying around your waist.
"Mama," he sobbed. "I'm sorry! Please forgive me! I never meant to hurt you!"
Feeling gentle fingers rest on his head, Qifrey slowly looked up, eyes meeting your gentle smile.
"How could I hate my own little boy?" You giggled.
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 (Currently here!)| Part 20 (Coming soon!)
GOODBYE SHITASS MANAGER IM GOING TO HIRE FIVE ETSY WITCHES FOR YOU AFTER I LEAVE (and an extra witch for protection so it doesn't come back around for me)
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1| Part 2| Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 (Currently here!)| Part 19 (Coming soon!)
"And these stairs-" Qifrey halted, quickly taking one step down.
He recognized this door.
The same door he always ran to every day as a child.
Covering his mouth, Qifrey quickly turned to leave as the door slowly opened.
"Hello?"
Qifrey's knuckles turned white on the railing, hand tightening around his mouth.
No, no, no.
"Why, a new face!" The voice cooed. "I don't think I've seen you before."
Hesitating, Qifrey slowly looked over his shoulder.
For a moment, he saw you again. Younger and full of life, no wrinkles and your hair still dark. Now, your hair is full of white and gray. Wrinkles on your skin.
But your smile?
"Oh...oh, dear, you're crying," you cooed, shuffling to Qifrey. "What's made you cry, sweetheart? Oh, don't let this old one make you cry."
Once you were close enough, Qifrey's arms went around your waist, dropping to his knees.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered. "Please forgive me."
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1|Part 2| Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 (Currently here!)| Part 18 (Coming soon!)
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1|Part 2| Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 (Currently here!)| Part 17 (Coming soon!)
Qifrey tilted his head back and sighed, looking over his shoulder.
To you.
To his maternal figure.
You've changed over the years. Qifrey was roughly seven when he was found and brought to the Great Hall. A few months later, you found him cornered by a few kids and scared them off before bringing him home to get him cleaned.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" You murmured, stepping towards him.
Qifrey took a step back and it broke your heart.
The same boy who wouldn't hesitate to throw himself in your arms and cry for comfort.
Now backing away.
"Qifrey?" You whispered. "Why-?"
Qifrey quickly looked away from you. Not from shame, no.
No longer a boy, a boy growing into a young man, you missed him.
Terribly, might you add.
Spending more and more time with Beldaruit, passing his trails, and eventually graduating.
"I appreciate all you've done for me."
You watched Qifrey finally approach you, taking off his hat.
"And I couldn't be more grateful," he continued. "But..."
Pushing his hair back, your hand shot to your mouth.
"Thank you for everything," Qifrey whispered, fixing his hat over your head. "Please forget about me."
With the hat holding the painted seal of erasing memories spell.
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1|Part 2| Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 (Currently here!)| Part 16 (Coming soon!)
Balancing a sleepy Qifrey on your hip, you put away the dishes with the other.
He's getting too old for this now.
Ten, nearly eleven years old, and still wanted to be carried by you. Growing sleepy the second he's in your arms.
"Hup."
Readjusting your grip on your son, he's fully in your arms now, carrying him to the rocking chair.
Always sleepy after a warm meal.
"Mama," Qifrey mumbled, snuggling deeper.
You hummed, gently wrapping him in a blanket. Making sure he's warm and comfortable.
He's completed his second trial now. He's able to go out and cast spells in public now. Came running home to tell you after completing it with Beldaruit hot on his heel.
Soon, your son will take his third trial then graduate and then-
Then move out.
Live his life.
Leave home.
Pressing your lips to his forehead, you sighed. Cradling Qifrey close, you shut your eyes.
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1|Part 2| Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 (Currently here!)| Part 15 (Coming soon!)
Tiny boots ran across the ground, chest heaving as his feet carried him through the Great Hall.
It's his favorite time of day.
Going back home to Mama.
Qifrey grinned, his bag holding Rocklodge Ginger along with his tools.
Turning the corner, he took two steps at a time to reach the door. Digging through his bag, he pulled out a doorknob and pressed it against the door, opening it.
"Mama, I'm back!" Qifrey shouted, chucking his boots to the side.
Shutting the door, Qifrey pulled the doorknob off and set it to the side. Then grabbed a stepping stool, dragging it over.
After a few grumbles, Qifrey finally succeeded a pyroball spell, and began boiling some water.
Grabbing a cutting board from the cupboard (after climbing the counter), he then grabbed a knife and started cutting the ginger as best he could after washing them.
Mama is sick. It's time for me to take care of her!
You sat up in bed, shoulders shaking as you coughed, carefully swinging over the bed.
"Qifrey?" You croaked. "S-sweetie, w-what are you-?"
Another coughing fit causing you to sit back on your bed.
Hearing your door open, you looked up to see your son holding a steaming cup of Rocklodge ginger tea and a spoon.
"Tada!"
You softened at the sight until your eyes zoomed in on all the bandages.
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1|Part 2| Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 (Currently here!)| Part 14 (Coming soon!)
I once again dare to say, if you like art, reblog it. That's how you show some love to the artist. It's simple. Plus, you can show the art around and be unhinged about it with other people. That's community. Everybody wins
Pairing: kid!Qifrey x motherly!reader
Warning: MANGA SPOILERS! THIS IS PURELY PLATONIC!
Pronouns: she/her
Like my writing? Drop by and buy me a Ko-Fi!
MINORS EMPTY BLOGS AND BLOGS WITHOUT AGES WILL BE BLOCKED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS (No, seriously, stop being shocked this boundary is reinforced y'all)
Marked by fear and instability, Qifrey turned to the only place that he truly ever felt safe. A quiet home shaped by patience and routine care, he learned what it meant to be held together when the world felt overwhelming. As he grows, the distance between dependence and identity began to stretch forcing both child and caretaker to confront what it means to be family when nothing about their bond was ever simple, and everything time touches is bound to change.
Part 1|Part 2| Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 (Currently here!) | Part 13 (Coming soon!)
You hummed to yourself as you poured a cup of tea for yourself and for one of the Wise ones.
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure," you replied. "After all, I am not you."
"Pah-pah?!" Beldaruit sputtered. "Excuse me?!"
You held back from snickering, fixing your expression before passing over the tea.
"Qifrey's just vocal about his distastes," you explained, taking a seat across from Beldaruit.
More like hating being away from you.
Ever since he and that boy, Olruggio, got into a tousle, they've been glued to the hip. It's not that you mind, you're quite happy, really. Now Qifrey has a friend his age.
It's just odd.
"It's gotten quiet for you, hasn't it?" Beldaruit murmured.
Catching your gaze out the window, you blinked at the older man.
"Is it that obvious?" You asked, leaning back in your seat.
"So you do miss him," Beldaruit cooed.
Your brow twitched.
"You do realize you are a guest yes?"
"Pah?!"
Meanwhile...
"Qifrey, are you sure this is safe?"
"Positive! Mama said to never let your insecurities cloud your judgement!"
Pairing: Platonic Masters!Orufrey x baby gn! Reader
Cw: none very fluffy aside from a cranky baby!
Wc: 1.6k
Summary: Your beloved Master Olruggio comes home after a long day of work. Only something isn’t right when he doesn’t quite look the way you remember.
A/N: This was definitely inspired by those videos of babies reacting to their freshly shaven fathers for the first time hehe
Thank you: to @uzmacchiato for the dividers!
The day was winding down in the Orufrey atelier. You currently are saddled high on Qifrey’s hip, bouncing slightly and babbling about. The sun graciously makes its journey down into the horizon, bathing the atelier in a golden-honey glow. It engulfs the dining room in a rich warmth just before the nightly cool creeps in. You were to be asleep soon.
The girls are chirping and chattering at the table, finishing off the last of the hearty soup. Qifrey had slowly roasted it over the hearth for a few hours, the aroma tantalising and decadent. The busy day was coming to a quiet close, empty bowls clinked, and weary yawns stretched over the conversation.
Your master really ought to put you to bed now. It's about that time, and it wouldn't be responsible to keep you up, just to have you fussing in the morning. Regardless, a quiet desire pulled his heart in the way one would reign in a leash. Everything was just so lovely like this, and he wanted to savor the simple nights where you’d just be their baby.
With one hand clutching onto your master, you slowly gnawed on the other one, eyes brightly peering into his crystalline one. Yes, how mesmerizing it was, akin to a gem refracting light, glittering. It's only natural to possess the desire for holding something beautiful. Your jaw slacks and your hand stretches out. Saliva-slicked fingers motioned in a grabbing gesture that reached out towards his face, leaving behind a string of spit.
“Perhaps not, Love.” Qifey’s voice was as velvety as ever, a smile still embedded in his tone.
Effortlessly he pulled out a soft handkerchief lined with lace, encasing your little hand in his before contact was made. He was both diligent and gentle in maneuvering the cloth between your squishy fingers. Soon, he swiftly rubbed it across the corner of your lip to clean up the remaining dribble. Afterwards he couldn't help but crease a knuckle and tickle the apple of your rosy cheeks. Now instead of sticky saliva, it was the sound of delighted squeals that escaped your lips.
“Just so curious today, aren’t we darling? I must say, I sympathize with that sentiment. For there are many lovely things in our world worthy of capturing our attention.” He pauses briefly, in mock pensiveness. “That being said, I suppose you'd be interested in accompanying the girls and I into Kalhn tomorrow, hm?”
Naturally you couldn't respond in the language of man quite yet, but Qifrey was more than content to listen to every phoneme you voiced. It certainly made for better conversation in comparison to some adults he’s had the displeasure of dealing with.
Suddenly, the sound of clanking metal is heard against the lock as the door is slowly pushed open. In enters a man dressed in familiarly embroidered dark robes and a matching pointed cap; however, juxtaposing his tired posture is a bright, well-rested face, cleanly shaven of any hair.
“Master Olly!” The girls shout in unison.
“My, aren't you home early? Are you hungry? Would you like me to fix you a bowl alongside the girls?” Qifrey made a step to approach Olruggio before pausing at the wave of the other man's hand.
“Thankfully my client was satisfied enough that I was able to sneak off a bit earlier.” A little sheepishness infiltrates his tone. “Thank you for the offer, but I’ll just grab a bowl later. I've got a few more commissions I ought to get started on if I'm going to make my deadlines this week.” A slow, suffering sigh slips past his teeth in predicted disappointment. “Honestly I really need to start enforcin’ a limit to these sorts of projects.”
“Well then, don't let us delay you.” Qifrey says encouragingly.
“Aww, but master! We didn’t get a chance to see Master Olly’s new look again!” Tetia chimes in, eyes wide with hope in her request. Qifrey hums in acknowledgement at her statement, then counters.
“But is it really new if you're seeing it again? Besides, we wouldn’t want to interrupt his work now would we?”
“But master, weren't you the one who said that meals are at their best taste when shared with those we care about?” Her comment was swift and effective, taking Qifrey by surprise when she reflected his own words back at him. He surely wasn’t lying when he stated that the rate of their growth surpassed even that of a budding sprout. This time, it is the raven-haired master that interjects.
“So I'm just some sort of spectacle to you apprentices?”
“Only a bare-faced one instead of a bear-faced one.” The volume of this voice was so quiet that it was barely audible. However, it was Richeh’s chilling tone that resounded louder than anything else. Olruggio, completely exasperated, stutters for response but ultimately decides not to dignify it with one.
“I must say master, I'm quite intrigued. How did you draw your central vision sigil? It completely masks every flaw, as if totally renewed.” Agott has been rather interested in the nuances of sigil markings as of late, her heels tapped together underneath the table. She was incredibly bright and perceptive, but did she have to be so…forward about the contraption’s effects.
“Sure, the next time I have a moment. I’ll show ya.” He agrees dejectedly, who was he to turn away such an eager mind.
“That’s so amazing! May I join too?” Coco cuts in, and before another apprentice gets the chance to add anything he nods repeatedly.
“All who want are welcome, but before I can, these commissions need to get in order.” As if on cue, your little sneeze interrupts the conversation and a certain guilt plunges into Olruggio’s stomach. How rude of him to not have greeted you yet. After dropping off his bag on the floor he strides over to you, placing his hands on his knees and grunting at the bend to your eye-level. “I wouldn't suppose you have any opinions about my appearance. Do you, little one?”
The silence that befalls the atelier is thick and heavy. The girls at the table crane their necks to see what you could have possibly done to stun the adults into silence. Your spine has locked up into a rigid icicle as your eyes tremble with unrecognition. You look to Master Qifrey to see what he makes of this, then back to this complete stranger, then back to your master. Why is he so calm? Qifrey keeps watching you with this soft patient smile on his lips. Is he not seeing this random man? Why is he so close? A prominent frown tugs down your lips leaving your mouth ajar as empty soundless crying rattles your delicate form. Your breath hitches in a quick inhale before a crescendoing whimper leaves your mouth. The sound shifts into something shrieking and terrified. At once, you bury your face into the junction between Qifrey’s shoulder and torso. Instantly, his hand is rubbing soothing circles into your back and shoulder.
“There, there darling~” His voice is melodic and soothing. “It’s only Olly, no one to be afraid of.” You unfortunately, are unconvinced, for when you raise your head to look at this strange man again, a fresh fit of tears stream down your bleary eyes, quickly seeking refuge in Qifrey’s shoulder once more. Your small hands were curled into even tinier fists, trembling.
At first Olruggio was taken aback by your sudden outburst of fear. Though, when thinking of it, it really did change who he was. Of course not internally, but to you he must be a completely different being. A dry little chuckle seems to break the tension.
“Well munchkin, you might be one of the few who get me.” Unceremoniously, he peels off the makeover mask and there reappears all of his gaunt exhaustion, eyebags and all.
You currently can't see at the moment, hot heavy tears seem to be flowing endlessly. What you do feel, are the two gentle pads of his thumbs swiping underneath your blotchy cheeks. When you squint your eyes open, your hazy vision comes back into focus and there materializes a figure. Master Olly. You first noticed the scruff of his stubble, framing around his mouth and chin, then your gaze trailers over to the developing creases by the corners of his eyes. The ones that form whenever he’d explain his magic to you. Lastly you noticed the disheveled strands of hair at the crown of his head. Yes, this was your master.
You were quick to reach your hands out, all but grappling around his neck. He willingly accepted your sudden embrace. Soon, you were enveloped fully in his grasp as you sighed a great relief against his broad chest. Thank goodness that odd stranger had disappeared and your second master had arrived. The steady proud beat of Olruggio’s heart seems to lull you off into a sweeter place full of intangible dreams, your body growing limp.
“Well then, I'll be gettin’ this one off to bed.”
“Are you certain, what about your work?” Qifrey questioned lightly.
“No trouble at all. It’s the least I can do after scarin’ em’ half to death.”
With that you're whisked away to be cleaned and swaddled, your storybook lays neglected on the nightstand tonight, but that’s quite alright. As Olruggio walks you to your crib he rocks you gently, a fond smile spreading over his face. He likes himself better this way too. Pressing a little kiss to your forehead, he gingerly nestles you inside the plush blankets and pillows, tucking you and wishing you a restful night.
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