Find your tribe in a Sea of Creativity
Okay, so I’ve been gone for a few days because of work and the moment I finally finish everything and plan to enjoy my day off, I decide to take a nice long rest. But guess what? I end up having a freaking dream where I get isekaid, straight into my Farmer’s body. At that point, I just roll with it because honestly being isekaid sounds pretty cool.
Then out of nowhere Caldarus appears. He reaches for my hand, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.
"My beloved, you’re finally awake." His voice is deep, smooth...way too seductive for my sanity.
I freeze. Holy shit! He’s even more ethereal and majestic than I ever imagined, so much more than just a pixelated character on my screen.
Before I can say anything, he lifts my hand to his lips, pressing the softest kiss against my knuckles. "Have you truly forgotten me?" he murmurs, his gaze searching mine. "Or is fate merely testing me once more?"
I swear my brain short-circuits. WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!
"I… I don’t understand." I stammer.
His grip tightens just slightly, his thumb tracing slow circles over my wrist. "Then allow me to remind you." he whispers, leaning in. "Body, soul and eternity. I have only ever belonged to you."
And that’s when I absolutely lose it. Oh my god. Is this a sign that I need to update my story since I have the day off?!
Now before you think I’m making this up or just being delusional, this is real. The last time I had a dream like this was back in 2020 when I dreamt about my OC self getting married to a Countryhumans character. I even made a whole comic about it!
there was a post on reddit about Caldarus talking about the Caldosians and the Aldarians. i posted my response but i wanted to post here too. here's what Caldarus says:
"The Caldosians and the Aldarians are known to share a common ancestral origin. The Caldosians... and the Aldarians. Descendants of those who lived and worshiped here during my time, I am sure of it. And yet, those who would become the Caldosians sailed east to form their empire while the Alda remained to found Aldaria. Why..?"
now, i don't remember much dialogue and i'm going to be relying on what the wiki.gg website had written (which doesn't have a lot of dialogue tbh). but this isn't the first time the Caldosians and Aldarians are mentioned (spoilers below!) (also i've editted this post to add more theorycrafting about the witches!)
here's what i know of the two nations:
both have their own archeology sets, but the Aldarians have TWO sets (Aldarian and Alda sets) while the Caldosians only have one (the Caldosian set)
the Alderians and Alda sets are only found in the west of the map (The Narrows and Sweetwater Farm respectively). the Mines is also located in The Narrows
the Caldosian set is coincidentally only found in the east of the map (The Eastern Road)
the Aldarian and Alda sets are listed separately. i assume the Aldarians was the ancient civilization while Alda is more recent (Elsie says that the Alda Feather Pendant is still used in some places in Aldaria)
Caldarus' home/temple is found in the east as well, just north of The Eastern Road. There's also stuff about the Witch Queens (in the Western Ruins, you find the Ancient set). there's been datamined info about the Witch Queens (like furniture) so i assume the game will expand on them in the future
when digging stuff up, we can find swords from both sets, military gauntlets + war banners from the Aldarian set, and breastplates from the Caldosian set. naturally, i assume that the two nations had a war, and ancient Mistria was one of the battlefields, possibly before Mistria was named Mistria
Dell comments on the Aldarian sword, asking if it was from the "War of the Lillies." you can also find Statuettes of Caldarus in the Eastern Road, which is a Caldosian artifact
we also see two dragon statues in Mistria: one in our farm, one in the mines. BOTH were broken and forgotten
the one in our farm was hidden behind a tree and the head has fallen off. we had to reattach his head. this is confirmed to be Caldarus' shrine
the one in the mines is broken and remains so. according to Eiland, the statue wasn't there prior to the earthquake. i assume it was hidden behind all the dirt, and the earthquake unearthed the statue. like how the teleport chalice was unearthed when we unlock the Stone Refinery. HOWEVER, we never got confirmation that this is also Caldarus' shrine!
Eiland states that Caldarus is the mythological guardian of Mistria, and that their ancient ancestors used to worship the statues. clearly, the statues haven't been tended to in years. Mistria doesn't know that Caldarus is real, and people in the past didn't either, as Caldarus was still in slumber. it appears modern-day Mistria doesn't worship Caldarus anymore either
from Caldarus' quote, the Caldosians and Aldarians came long after Caldarus' went to sleep. when Caldarus was still active, the two nations were most likely still one nation
my theory of Mistria's and Caldarus' timeline:
long ago, the Caldosians and the Aldarians lived together as one nation. they both worshipped Caldarus while he was still active
Caldarus goes into slumber at least before the "Dark Ages." the seals in the mines play a major part in this, but idk if he went to sleep because of the seals or not
at some point, the Aldarians start worshipping another dragon (we can find Unknown Dragon Statuettes around the map; they have no specific spawn locations). the Caldosians, of course, did not like that and were on Caldarus' side (Statuettes of Caldarus, and they're called the Caldosians lol). this may be how the one nation split into two
they went to war over their worshipped dragons. i assume this is the "War of the Lillies" Dell mentioned
the Caldosians lost, and had to sail east to form their empire, while the Aldarians went on to establish Aldaria
Caldarus remains a small "mythical" dragon that guards Mistria. at least in Alderia, anyway. the Unknown Dragon (or the Alderians' dragon) also gets lost to the ages
because Caldarus was already in slumber before the Caldosians + Alderians, he was not present during the war, but the Dragon Priestess(es?) was. she recorded the past and stored them in Caldarus' temple. how the temple remains untouched idk, but answer is probably magic
Aldaria may not worship any other dragons in present times, because Eiland doesn't recognize the Unknown Dragon Statuettes and neither do we (we are not native Mistrians, after all). i think we'd hear about other dragons if Aldaria still worshipped them (more on that in the Witch Queens section)
the Deep Woods gets blocked with large, thorny vines at some point after the burial of March + Olric's parents and Hayden's grandma
earthquake happens, weakening the seals and waking up Caldarus from his slumber. weakening the seals also brings the magical essences back into Mistria. it also uncovers the statue in the mines + the seals underground
we move in! who knows why Caldarus chose us to help him.......
as for the Witch Queens + the mines...
the Witches/Witch Queens may have helped the really ancient Alderians in sealing Caldarus' powers. the Alderians may or may not have been involved, but the Witches definitely were because the tablets are written in Witchspeak
Witchspeak was how humans and dragons communicated to one another long, long ago, according to the legends
to unlock the Fire Seal, a Sealing Scroll was needed. upon unlocking the seal, the Sealing Scroll ends up draining your character to 0 HP + Stamina, essentially trapping them in place (Dragon Priestess even calls out that it's a trap)
it appears that whoever made the seals did not want the seal-breakers to proceed to the final seal to restore Caldarus' powers/memories, and/or dissuade future seal-breakers from continuing
the Dragon Priestess may be sealed within the depths of the mines as well, and was awakened after the earthquake too
the Ancient artifact set is related to the Witch Queens. they are only found in the Western Ruins. there's also a Dragon Priestess statue in that area that we can't go to yet... was the Dragon Priestess a Witch/Witch Queen?
OR... is the Dragon Priestess also a human form of the Alderians' dragon/the Unknown Dragon? because she and Calderus share similar face + arm markings! it may make sense why she wants the seals broken too: she wants her power restored, but is indirectly helping Caldarus. whether she knows this or not, i'm not sure
someone on reddit added an interesting theory saying that the witches BETRAYED the Aldarians by sealing their dragon as well after sealing Caldarus, which i find very interesting and plausible! because of this, Aldarians' dragon/the Unknown Dragon ends up being lost to time. Caldarus at least was an already established guardian long before the Caldosians/Aldarians existed. the Unknown Dragon never got the chance to make its influence
for this, i imagine that the Witch Queens ended up influencing Aldaria more than their dragon down the line, because we still have practicing witches in present-day who understands Witchspeak (like Juniper), but there's no mention of modern-day dragon worship as of now
i don't think anyone's gonna read this but! whatever i just really needed to throw this out there. i'm probably wrong but it's fun to theorycraft methinks
(Found this in my old drafts, I wrote it before the FOM update. Would be a waste not to post it here. I also made a skit related to this one with Farmer and Caldarus but more unhinged/dramatic and longer skit. ➡️ Link)
[Setting: Caldarus has just broken free from his stone prison. Dust settles, magic crackles in the air, and the Farmer stands frozen, staring at the man before them.]
Farmer: *inhales sharply* Oh. My. Gods.
Caldarus: *blinking, adjusting to his newfound freedom* Yes, I—
Farmer: *gripping his shoulders* YOU’RE HOT!!!
Caldarus: *startled* What?
Farmer: *shaking him slightly* I knew you’d be attractive, but this? This is illegal!
Caldarus: *trying to recover from both the dramatic exit from his prison and this energy* I—well... Thank you, I suppose—
Farmer: *grabs his hands, eyes shining* You don’t understand. I was ready to marry a rock. I was prepared to take my vows in front of a lawn ornament.
Caldarus: *slowly processing* You were going to what?
Farmer: *serious nod* I was mentally prepared to wake up every day and say, ‘Good morning, my beloved paperweight.’
Caldarus: *rubbing his temples* I just broke free from my stoney prison, and this is what I’m met with?
Farmer: *grinning* Welcome back to the world, my dear! Wanna get married?
Caldarus: *sighs, but there’s an amused smile tugging at his lips* At least let me breathe first.
𝙱𝚘𝚗𝚞𝚜 𝙰𝚕𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝙴𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐:
Caldarus: *sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose* Fine. But if I hear one joke about rocks, I’m turning back into one.
Farmer: *gasps dramatically* You wouldn’t dare.
Caldarus: *raising an eyebrow* Try me.
Farmer: *grinning* Well, that’s just stone-cold of you.
Caldarus: *visibly struggling to maintain composure* I’m serious.
Farmer: *nodding* Of quartz you are.
Caldarus: *groans* I regret everything.
Farmer: *pats his shoulder* Don’t take me for granite.
Caldarus: *sighs, looking up at the sky as if pleading with the gods* I should have stayed petrified.
Farmer: *beaming* Too late, rock husband. You’re stuck with me now.
Caldarus: *despite himself, a small chuckle escapes* At least eternity won’t be boring.
Ohhh, this is such a fun question! I have so many Stardew Valley farmer OCs, but I’ll just pick a few for this.
Aleia → March
Oh, she’d absolutely go for March. A tsundere blacksmith? That’s a challenge she’d gladly take on. If she can handle an emo dude, March is nothing. Aleia’s smart, imaginative, and just chaotic enough to push all his buttons, delighting in every flustered reaction. At first, he’d find her constant teasing and unpredictable energy downright exhausting, but over time? He’d start expecting it. Then one day, as he works in the forge, he’d notice the silence, the absence of her usual antics and that’s when it hits him. He misses her and just like that, he’s doomed.
Cerise → Caldarus
Cerise and a dragon guardian? Absolutely. Her sharp instincts and level-headed nature match seamlessly with Caldarus’s wisdom and introspection. Both find peace in simple moments, her in crafting homemade chocolates and tending the farm, him in the stillness of nature. But as a former assassin with magic, she’s more than capable of protecting him. With his power still weak, she’d make sure he rests, bring him food, and casually remind him not to overexert himself. And if anyone dares to hurt him while he’s vulnerable? They’d be lucky if there was anything left of them to bury.
Rosemary → Balor
Balor’s wanderlust and Rosemary’s grounded nature balance each other perfectly. She wouldn’t try to tie him down, but would remind him that home is where you return. Their relationship would be full of playful teasing and mutual respect, he brings excitement to her life, and she becomes his anchor. Over time, he’d realize he wants to return to her and when he does, she’d simply smirk and say, “Guess you’re not as restless as you thought.”
Yvonne → Ryis
Yvonne’s sweet, patient nature and quiet strength would naturally draw Ryis in, his chill and hardworking demeanor complementing her perfectly. As a florist, she has a gentle touch and an eye for beauty, but she’s also fearless in the mines when needed. He’d admire how she balances kindness with strength, and she’d appreciate his steady support and quiet concern for others. They’d share soft moments in a cozy greenhouse, she’d bring him flowers with a tender smile, saying, “These reminded me of you,” while he’d secretly carve little trinkets for her to find. No grand gestures, just quiet companionship, knowing smiles and deep conversations under the moonlight.
Thalia → Hayden
Thalia would love Hayden. As a fellow farmer and a half-witch, she carries herself with charm and confidence, always playful and effortlessly flirtatious. Hayden, with his strong, dependable nature and steady presence, would balance out her lively mischief perfectly. She’d keep him on his toes, tossing flirty remarks his way while leaning against a fence, watching him work. “You work too hard, Hayden. Maybe you need someone to help you unwind.” she’d tease with a sly smile. He’d sigh, shaking his head. “And I suppose you’re volunteering?” She’d grin. “Oh, honey, I’ve been volunteering from the start.” He’d roll his eyes, pretending to be exasperated but deep down, he’s already smitten.
if ur stardew valley farmer was in fields of mistria then who would they romance
Summary: My farmer, Isaria invites Caldarus to the Shooting Star Festival, offering him a rare moment of peace beneath the starlit sky. As they watch the stars fall, they share quiet conversations about fate, memory, and what truly matters. In the hush of the night, something unspoken lingers between them. a warmth, a connection, a fleeting glimpse of something more.
The Shooting Star Festival had arrived, painting the night sky with shimmering trails of light. The air was thick with the scent of earth and pine, the cool summer breeze carrying the distant laughter and murmured wishes of the townsfolk gathered in Mistria’s heart. Yet, Isaria found herself far from the bustling celebration, her path winding deep into the woods where the ancient temple lay hidden beneath the moon’s gentle glow. In her hands, she held a delicate star-shaped brooch, its polished surface glinting under the celestial glow. It was a token of invitation, a gesture she hoped a certain guardian dragon would accept, now that he stood in his physical form, bound to the earth in a way he had not been for centuries.
Her heart quickened as she approached the temple’s clearing, where the draconic guardian stood beneath the branches. He was a vision against the night, his long turquoise hair cascading over his shoulders like silk spun from the ocean’s depths, his golden eyes reflecting the starlight above. There was something otherworldly about him still, despite the humanity he now carried, as if the very fabric of time wove around him differently.
Isaria stepped forward, extending the brooch toward him. “I thought you might like to have this.” she said, her voice steady but carrying an underlying sincerity.
Caldarus took the brooch carefully, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest moment. He examined the design, his expression shifting from curiosity to recognition. “A brooch? Now where have I seen this design before?” He paused, lost in thought, before his eyes widened in recognition. “Ah! Are you asking me to join you tonight to watch the stars? I—” He hesitated, his voice softer now, touched by something that almost resembled wonder. “I gratefully accept your invitation.”
A small smile curved Isaria’s lips. “I’m glad.” she admitted, feeling a weight she hadn’t noticed lift from her chest.
Caldarus nodded solemnly before glancing toward the trees. “I will need to guide you through a secret path in the woods to reach the summit, for I should not stray too far from its protection in my current state.”
“I understand.” she assured him. “I’ll follow wherever you lead.”
His expression softened at that, something unreadable flickering in his gaze before he inclined his head. “Do not worry, Isaria, I will take care to conserve my energy. Let us meet tonight at 8 PM. I am looking forward to it.”
And so, at the appointed time, Isaria found herself beside him once more, the two ascending the hidden trail that wound its way up through the dense canopy. The climb was steep, but with each step, the trees thinned, revealing the heavens in their full, breathtaking expanse. When they finally emerged at the summit, a vast stretch of night unfolded before them, endless and glittering, the stars pulsing like embers scattered across the dark.
Caldarus stood still for a long moment, gazing outward with an expression of quiet awe, his golden eyes reflecting the celestial glow above. The sky painted in endless shades of indigo and silver, stretched vast and unbroken before them, alight with the brilliance of countless stars. He exhaled softly, his voice barely more than a whisper carried by the wind.
“I wonder…” he murmured, more to himself than to her, his tone laced with something akin to longing. “How long has it been since I last saw this particular view?”
Isaria turned to him, watching how the starlight illuminated his features, casting an almost ethereal glow upon his skin. He looked as if he belonged to the night itself, a being woven from shadow and light, standing at the precipice of something long-forgotten. There was a stillness in him, as though he were caught between memory and reality, his presence both grounded and untethered all at once.
“Does it feel familiar?” she asked softly, her voice gentle against the hush of the wind.
For a moment he did not answer, his gaze remaining fixed upon the heavens as if searching for something just out of reach. When he finally spoke, his words were measured, careful.
“Perhaps.” he admitted, a slow breath leaving him. “Though time distorts memory in strange ways.”
A comfortable silence settled between them, filled only by the whisper of the breeze and the distant rustle of the trees. The night was alive with the quiet hum of existence, the kind of silence that spoke louder than words. Above them, the sky continued its celestial dance, streaks of silver and gold cascading in fleeting brilliance.
Then, after a moment, Caldarus turned his golden gaze back to her, something unspoken lingering in his expression.
“Thank you for inviting me out here this evening, Isaria.”
His words, though simple, carried a weight that settled deep within her chest. There was a sincerity in his voice that made her smile, warmth blooming beneath her chest like the soft flicker of candlelight.
“I am glad to see this custom continues to withstand the passage of time.” he continued, his voice quieter now, touched with reverence. “Mistrians once referred to the practice as Starbinding, you know. An apt name, indeed. Humans, despite being mortal or perhaps because they are mortal, tend to be particularly sensitive to the bonds that their souls form throughout their lifetimes.”
Isaria tilted her head slightly, the words stirring something within her, a quiet curiosity threading through her thoughts. “So it really binds people together?”
Caldarus let out a soft chuckle, the sound low and rich, carrying an almost wistful note. “Well, think of it this way.” he said, his gaze returning to the sky. “You will encounter many souls on the journey through this life. Some will slip by the edges without much notice... and others.”
His voice faltered for the briefest moment, and for the first time that evening, a faint blush dusted his cheeks. The subtle shift did not go unnoticed, and Isaria found herself watching him with quiet amusement as he quickly cleared his throat, regaining his composure.
“Mind you, that is not to say that every connection is a joyful one.” he continued, his voice steadier now, though something unspoken lingered beneath his words. “Every hero’s story needs a villain, after all. And of course… some souls you encounter are unable or unwilling to see your light.”
Isaria frowned slightly, considering his words. The weight of them pressed against her thoughts, stirring emotions she could not quite place. After a moment, she met his gaze, searching for something she was not sure she would find.
“But the ones that are meant to… always do?” she asked, her voice quiet yet certain.
His golden eyes softened, and for a moment, the distant expression he often carried seemed to fade, replaced by something far more tender.
“Yes.”
They fell into silence once more, though this time, it felt different, deeper, as though something unspoken had settled between them, threading its way through the fabric of the moment. Together, they watched as the stars continued their descent, luminous streaks painting the heavens in fleeting brilliance. Eventually, Caldarus turned his attention back to her, studying her with a contemplative look as though seeing something beyond what was before him.
“I suppose that is where this tradition comes into play.” he mused, his voice almost thoughtful. “Two souls, each casting their light with intention. Combined with the starlight above. It creates quite the beacon, you see. Guiding us to each other across many lifetimes.”
Isaria listened, his words settling deep within her, stirring an ache of familiarity she could not explain. There was something poetic about it, something that made her chest tighten in a way she did not fully understand.
Before she could speak, he exhaled, his voice laced with regret. “Forgive me… I wish that my memory was clearer. I cannot recall if we stood here together once, in another life.”
She turned to him, her eyes warm with quiet understanding as she met his gaze. A small, knowing smile touched her lips. “It’s okay.” she said softly. “I don’t recall either.”
For a moment, Caldarus simply stared at her, as if trying to process her words. Then a chuckle escaped him, soft at first then growing into something more real, more open. It was rare to see him like this, unguarded and free. The sight of it made Isaria laugh too, her voice light and natural against the quiet night.
He looked at her then, as if trying to remember something just out of reach. “Isaria…” he murmured, as though her name itself might unlock a hidden memory. His voice held something gentle, almost grateful, like he hadn’t expected her answer but found comfort in it all the same.
She only chuckled again, giving a small shrug. There was no need to chase something they couldn’t remember. Not now. Not when this moment was enough.
Caldarus watched her for a little longer before another laugh slipped from him, deeper this time, filled with genuine amusement. He shook his head slightly, a rare smile still lingering on his face. His laughter blended into the quiet sounds of the forest, the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of insects making the night feel more alive.
Her response had surprised him. Most people held tightly to the past, always searching for meaning, hoping to understand the bonds that tied them to others. But Isaria didn’t. She wasn’t afraid of not knowing. She wasn’t desperate for answers. And somehow, that was comforting.
Maybe that was why he laughed. Because for once, he didn’t have to know everything. He didn’t have to search for proof. He could just… be.
Finally, his laughter faded, and his golden eyes softened as they met hers again. “I suppose this kind of uncertainty is to be expected from a mortal—” He hesitated, then quickly corrected himself, his voice quieter now. “From a mortal perspective.”
A short pause followed, the space between them filled with unspoken thoughts. Then, as if making a decision, he spoke again, his voice calm yet certain. “In that case… I will choose to believe.”
She tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering across her features. “Believe what?”
Caldarus’s golden eyes softened, his gaze steady as if weighing his next words carefully. “That we, like the stars, have simply returned at the appointed time…”
His voice was quiet, yet it carried a certainty that settled between them, delicate yet powerful, as though he had spoken some ancient truth. The meaning behind his words lingered in the space between them, unspoken yet understood. They held each other’s gaze, and in that silence, something intangible passed between them, something that did not rely on memory or logic but on a feeling, deep and undeniable.
The night air was cool, carrying the distant sounds of the forest, the rustling of leaves, the occasional call of an unseen creature. For a moment, it felt as though the world had shrunk to just the two of them beneath the vast sky, standing in the quiet presence of something greater than themselves.
Then, just as the moment threatened to settle into something almost tangible, a faint tremor ran through Caldarus’s frame.
“Ah.”
The sound was barely more than a breath, but it was enough to break the stillness. Isaria’s brows knitted together, concern flashing in her eyes. “Caldarus?”
He did not answer right away. His posture remained composed, his expression as measured as ever, but there was something different now. A weariness in the way he stood, a subtle tension beneath his usual grace. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, but there was a quiet strain beneath it. “My body...I am beginning to feel somewhat fatigued.”
Isaria’s heart clenched at his words. Without hesitation, she stepped closer, her voice laced with quiet urgency. “Are you alright?”
Caldarus met her gaze and offered a small, reassuring smile, but it did little to ease the worry pressing against her chest. “Do not trouble yourself.” he said gently. “I am simply not yet accustomed to leaving the protection of the woods. I-I just need a moment.”
She watched him closely as he shifted slightly, attempting to straighten, but she did not miss the faint unsteadiness in his movements. The night’s quiet beauty and the distant glow of the stars, it all faded into the background, her focus narrowing to him and the exhaustion that now clung to him like a shadow.
“Why don’t we get you home?” she suggested, her voice softer now. There was no need for stubbornness, no need to push through weariness when rest was within reach.
Caldarus did not answer immediately. Instead, he studied her for a long moment, as if committing her face to memory beneath the silver glow of the stars. There was something almost unreadable in his expression, something distant yet present, as though he were standing in two places at once, one in this moment, and another somewhere far away.
Finally, he exhaled and his shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. “I would like that.” he admitted, his voice carrying a quiet sincerity. “I can prepare us some tea, and we can watch the last of the stars through the canopy.”
A soft breath of relief left her lips, and she allowed herself a small smile. “That sounds perfect.”
Without hesitation, he extended his hand toward her. The gesture was both firm and gentle, his fingers slightly curled in invitation. “Come.” he murmured, his voice steady despite his earlier fatigue. “Take my hand. I will guide you back.”
She did not hesitate. Her fingers curled around his, warmth meeting warmth despite the cool night air. His grip was strong, reassuring, yet there was a quiet vulnerability in the way he held onto her, not as one who merely led, but as one who was willing to be led in return.
Together, they descended from the summit, the quiet hum of the forest wrapping around them like a whispered lullaby. The journey back was slow but peaceful, the glow of fireflies flickering like tiny stars among the trees, their faint golden light weaving between the branches. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers, and above them, the heavens stretched endlessly, silver beams of starlight slipping through the canopy as if bidding them farewell.
When they finally arrived at his temple, the familiar warmth of the sacred place embraced them. Though fatigue still lingered in his frame, Caldarus moved with quiet purpose, his motions smooth and practiced as he set about preparing tea. The rich, earthy scent of herbs filled the air, curling between them like mist, a quiet contrast to the night’s lingering chill.
They settled beneath the temple’s eaves, sitting side by side as the last of the shooting stars streaked across the heavens. Neither spoke, but the silence between them was not empty. It was a presence all its own, comfortable and lingering, filled with the quiet clink of teacups against stone, the faint rustle of fabric as one of them shifted, the steady rhythm of their breaths in the cool night air.
Above them, the stars shone on, indifferent to time, indifferent to memory. And perhaps, in the grand scheme of the universe, it did not matter whether they had met once before or whether their souls had returned, drawn together like celestial bodies in a vast and endless sky.
Because in this moment, they were here now. And for tonight, that was enough.
Okay. Okay. Breathe.
So there I was, staring death in the face, when suddenly BOOM! Caldarus materializes out of thin air, all radiant and powerful like some kind of divine deity.
"Oh, thank goodness you are safe."
Sir. SIR. You just broke the fundamental laws of existence, took on a PHYSICAL FORM, and all you have to say is "thank goodness" like you didn’t just pull the most dramatic power move in history?!
And the way he looked at me. So relieved, like he had been genuinely worried. Meanwhile, I’m over here still trying to process the fact that an ancient dragon just willed himself into reality for me. For me.
Other romance candidates? Yeah, pack it up. This man started at SIX HEARTS. SIX. I didn’t even have to drown him in apple honey curry or fried rice first.
He’s so majestic. (✿ ♡‿♡)
‘Humanoid’ doesn’t always mean ‘humanoid size’? 👀 Good. Perfect. Fantastic, even. Because frankly, I deserve to be scooped up like a princess and carried effortlessly. I am but a small, insignificant creature next to him, and I am okay with that. In fact, I welcome it. Let me experience the full power of those proportions. I am ready!
Fields of Mistria update spoilers/
As it turns out- humanoid form doesn't always mean humanoid size
Oh, you think you’re fast? Darling, I’ve already booked the venue, picked out baby names, and sent Caldarus a very convincing powerpoint presentation on why he should choose me. May the best contender win. 😂
my condolences to yall but im getting him pregnant
[IRL convo with my bestie, since my laptop can't handle Fields of Mistria, I'm watching her play on her computer. We just got to the part where Caldarus appears.]
Me: *still staring at Caldarus in his human form, eyes practically sparkling with admiration*
Bestie: *deadpan* Seriously?
Me: *gesturing dramatically* Hoy! Can't you see how majestic he looks? His face, his hair, gods, the ethereal beauty! He’s radiating dragon prince energy!
Bestie: *raising an eyebrow* My dear bestie… he looks like a twink.
Me: *snaps head toward her in pure disbelief* Excuse me?
Bestie: *shrugging* I mean, just look at him. The delicate features, the long hair, the whole ancient-but-elegant aesthetic—!
Me: *grabs her by the shoulders, shaking her* HE’S NOT A TWINK. Why do people keep saying that?! Have you seen his chest-open portrait?! The man has muscles! He’s got that "sleeps for centuries and wakes up ripped" kind of vibe. Do you know how hard it is to maintain that physique when you've been hibernating for hundreds of years?!
Bestie: *feeling dizzy* I-I don’t think that’s how muscle maintenance works—
Me: *tightens grip and shakes her harshly* BLASPHEMY!
Bestie: *gasping for air* HELP—
Caldarus: *watching from a distance, slightly concerned but also oddly flattered*
Me, patiently waiting for Caldarus to show up in human form: I am cool, composed, the pinnacle of self-restraint.
Also me the instant he graces my screen: unhinged dragon-simp screeching
I have been religiously feeding this Dragon essence like a devoted cultist, and now he finally descends in human form? My soul is prepared. My heart is not.
[After countless side quests—gathering rare relics, artifacts, and questionable items,—casting complicated spells (including accidentally turning their cow blue for a week and setting a tree on fire), the Farmer finally frees Caldarus from his statue prison.]
Caldarus: *stands before them, now in human form, his dragon wings unfurled, horns glinting in the sunlight, and a tail lazily swishing behind him. The air practically hums with power.*
Farmer: *gawking, inner thoughts* Oh no. He’s hot. Like, "burn-down-my-crops" hot.
Caldarus: *stretching his wings, glancing at his hands with a satisfied grin* I’m finally free… after a thousand years. I can feel the wind again. *breathes deeply* No more being a glorified lawn ornament.
Farmer: *still staring* Uh-huh. Majestic. Totally majestic.
Caldarus: *turning to them with a charming smile* Truly, I owe you a debt I cannot hope to repay. Tell me, Farmer. What reward would suffice for freeing me?
Farmer: *already holding out a bouquet, a ring, and a chest full of their finest gold and jewels* Simple. Marry me.
Caldarus: *blinking, wings twitching in surprise* ...Pardon?
Farmer: Look, you’re tall, you have wings, horns and you practically radiate ‘mysterious ancient power.’ You expect me not to shoot my shot?
Caldarus: *staring at the offerings, then at the Farmer, tail flicking in amusement* You freed me from an ancient curse and your first thought was marriage?
Farmer: *nodding enthusiastically* Yup. Right here, right now. We can skip the long courting phase. I’ve got the ring, the flowers, and enough wealth to fund a honeymoon in every region of Mistria. Let’s go.
Caldarus: *crossing his arms, smirking* I see you’ve also conveniently ignored the thousand-year gap in life experience. I don’t even know what a 'honeymoon' is.
Farmer: Don’t worry, I’ll teach you. Lesson one: It involves a lot of cake and maybe—just maybe, romantic walks under the moonlight. Lesson two: you looking like that means I have no self-control.
Caldarus: *chuckling, wings rustling* Hmm. So bold. I do admire confidence in a mortal. But tell me, are you proposing because of my power… or my devastatingly good looks?
Farmer: *deadpan*...Yes.
Caldarus: *sighing, rubbing his temples as his tail sways* I suppose I should have expected this. You were always talking to my statue about your tragic love life.
Farmer: *shrugging* Hey, you gave great advice! Plus, you could’ve warned me that you were this attractive.
Caldarus: As a statue? Should I have etched a warning plaque? ‘Caution: Restoring this relic may result in intense attraction.’
Farmer: Honestly? It would’ve saved me a lot of emotional turmoil right now.
Caldarus: *snorts, wings twitching with amusement* And you believe a mere proposal is enough? Have you considered the implications? I am an immortal dragon guardian. Marriage is a… complicated matter.
Farmer: Pfft. You sound like you’re overthinking it. I mean, you’ve been stuck as a statue for a thousand years. Surely you’ve had time to think about settling down.
Caldarus: *deadpan* Yes. Clearly, I spent every waking moment contemplating wedding registries and floral arrangements.
Farmer: See? You’re a natural. I’ll handle the registry; you just show up looking majestic and vaguely dangerous.
Caldarus: *exasperated but amused, pacing with his tail flicking* Do you always leap into life-altering decisions without thought?
Farmer: Absolutely. Did you not hear the part where I accidentally turned my cow blue? Commitment issues? Never heard of them.
Caldarus: *pauses, glancing back with a raised brow* That… explains a great deal.
Farmer: Come on. We already have a history. Remember when I told your statue self about that embarrassing date with the cute blacksmith?
Caldarus: *groans dramatically, covering his face with one hand* Unfortunately, I do recall. You spoke for three hours.
Farmer: And yet you didn’t turn to dust. Clearly, we’re meant to be.
Caldarus: *peeking through his fingers, giving them a look* You are infuriating.
Farmer: But charmingly persistent.
Caldarus: *sighing, wings drooping slightly as he gives a reluctant smile* Persistent is one word for it.
Farmer: *grinning, stepping closer* So… is that a ‘yes’?
Caldarus: *arching a brow, giving them a slow, teasing look* Hmm. Tempting. But I’m afraid you’ll have to do better than showing up with shiny trinkets and reckless confidence.
Farmer: Wow. Harsh. After everything I did to free you?
Caldarus: *smirking, wings giving a playful flick* I am grateful. Truly. But I’ve been sealed for a thousand years. I’m hardly rushing into a binding contract with a mortal who once confessed they tried to romance a merchant for discount prices.
Farmer: *groans* Okay, first off, it was a strategic decision. Second, it didn’t work anyway. Third—!
Caldarus: *laughing now, warm and rich, shaking his head* Enough. Your desperation is amusing, but I need time to explore this world again. Perhaps if you prove yourself more… convincingly, we’ll revisit this conversation.
Farmer: *grinning smugly* Oh, you’re so into me.
Caldarus: *turning away, tail flicking with mock indifference* Keep telling yourself that, mortal.
Farmer: *calling after him* Don’t worry, I will! You will be mine!
Caldarus: *under his breath, smiling* ...Infuriating mortal indeed.
It has been mentioned in the game that before your farmer moved to Mistria, they were also a member of the Adventurer's Guild. (I believe) Then what if, your main character in Fields of Mistria used to live in Stardew Valley until something significant occurred that took a toll on them.
One day, Marlon received news from one of his old adventurer friends in the Capital about a request for help from Mistria. Recognizing that his comrade and student needed a change of scenery, he informed your MC about the opportunity of a new farmland in exchange to assist the town. After a lot of thinking, the MC (soon-to-be mc in FOM) decided to start anew, bidding farewell to their cousin, the MC of Stardew Valley, before relocating to Mistria.
I just couldn't help but envision my Farmer from Stardew Valley and my future Farmer from Fields of Misteria as being related, perhaps as cousins. This could lead to an interesting story where one visits the other's farm from a different place and explores the areas.