Sve - Blog Posts

Bruh. I found portraits I adore for stardew and I'm so sad because I want similar ones for Ridgeside, Expanded, and Scarp. However, making them myself would be a herculean task, so I may simply be romancing Abby again. Fuck.

𝚃𝚛𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚋𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚅𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚎, 𝙷𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔

Okay, so I finally downloaded the Sunberry Village mod and let me just say, it was totally worth it. I’ve been eyeing it for a while, and after seeing all the gorgeous screenshots and hearing people rave about it, I knew I had to try it out for myself.

That said… I did have to remove East Scarp from my mods folder. As much as I adore that mod, my poor little laptop just couldn’t handle everything running at once. (RIP, memory.) But hey, it’s not goodbye forever just a temporary pause until I get a proper upgrade. Hopefully soon! (Also, fun fact: I heard that the Always Raining in the Valley mod was integrated into Sunberry Village now, so if you’re like me and want to pursue Sterling, you’ll find him here instead. One more reason to dive in!)

Now let’s talk about Sunberry Village itself, what a gem of a mod. The new map is just chef’s kiss! Lush, vibrant, and full of cozy details that make the whole place feel alive. The NPCs are super well-written and diverse, each with their own personalities and stories. And there's even marriageable candidates here. I’ve already had a few cutscenes and honestly? I’m hooked. I can tell a lot of love went into their design.

There’s also tons of new places to explore, including little hidden spots and secret passages that make wandering around feel like a proper adventure.

And yes, they even have their own mines! I tried them out and I’m kind of obsessed. Every level has a fresh layout, different biomes, and brand-new vibes. It’s not just your average mine crawl, it feels like stepping into a different world with every floor.

If you’re looking for a rich, immersive expansion that blends perfectly with other mods like SVE, RSV, ES or VMV, this is it. Whether you’re into farming, fighting, exploring, or just getting to know new characters, Sunberry Village has something for you.

If you want to play it too, you can find the mod here on NexusMods

Heyyaaa Mousey! How are you feeling right now? Hope its well. (◍•ᴗ•◍)

Okay soooo remember that one headcanon you posted its about that how would the spouses react if Mr. Qi threatened them to divorce the farmer… because I think the blue dude is practically bored and his only entertainment is the farmer going action but since farmer is busy with his family life. And Mr. Qi thinks that romantic feelings or family life are “distracting” to them. And since you wrote a headcannon with the vanilla marriageable npcs. Then how about a reaction from the SVE & RSV marriageable candidates. Imagine the chaos this brings. And sorry about my english. 😅

Hey hey Hime 👋 I'm doing fine, thanks for asking 😃

Another headcanon about Mr. Qi kidnapping Farmer's spouse? Hell yeah :) Funny, while I was writing again hedcanons about this topic, I remembered that one of the most important conditions for achieving Perfection in game is the wedding/getting a roommate, so that Farmer gets a Starfruit in 12 ❤️ And now Qi is like no no no, that's it, I've changed my mind, you have lived a married life a little bit and that's enough, go back to perform my tests. And he shouldn't be threatening Farmer's spouse/neighbour in general... just increase the reward for the test and Farmer will come running, lmao.

Oh well, I got a little distracted... Anyway, good to see you again, thanks for the ask! Have a great day ☺️

I'll take Qi's speech from the previous headcanon with vanilla characters, so we'll skip that part here!

_________________________________________

Stardew Valley Expanded:

There was no sight of terror on Lance's face after Mr. Qi's ultimatum. He kept his composure, confidently clutched the hilt of his sword with his right hand, in case anything happened, but was in no hurry to pull the weapon. The pink-haired adventurer carefully considered his future move, calculating the chances of winning the fight or chances of escape. The situation was complicated, but in the name of protecting his family, Lance had no right to panic.

"Nice to finally meet you... Mister Qi." Magnus knew that the mage community would sooner or later encounter this... person (was he even a person?), but he didn't think that this 'honour' would fall to him. And the immediate threats, of course... Qi may have taken Rasmodius by surprise, but he's underestimating the talent of the wizard, who is ready to instantly disintegrate the insolent man who dares to threaten Magnus' spouse. He's not about to back down...

"W- what?" Victor stood stiffly, unable to digest all the information that had been dumped on his head. This man was claiming that Farmer owed him something? To perform some kind of test? And Victor is getting in the way of all of this way?! Victor don't understand... but he's not about to let someone force Farmer to do it and threaten them and Victor. But at the same time he's scared, for there is definitely magic involved, and he doesn't know what else this Qi can do...

Mr. Qi was a little amazed that Claire was practically calm. Too calm. Naturally, surprise splashed in her eyes, but nothing more. Qi even got curious, so he asked the cashier if she was scared at all. Claire replied that "this is one of the most strangest dreams ever" and pinched herself on the arm. The unpleasant sensation made her twitch... and quickly her calm was replaced by horror. "No, my dear. Not the dream," Qi replied, "should I repeat everything I've said all over again?"

Olivia will be confused to the core of her being that she won't immediately respond to Mr. Qi with such a bold ultimatum. However, after the meaning of his words reach her, the former Joja accountant will be overwhelmed with anger. How dare this creep kidnap her and threaten her and her spouse! Her family! A fraction of fear is present, but more Olivia will be angry and demand to take her back, or else Qi himself will have consequences.

Sophia fell to her knees and covered her face with the palms, holding back her screams and tears. This person was slowly approaching her, the clomping of his heels echoing in the room. Sophia clutched her eyes harder and began to mutter something. Only when Mr. Qi got close enough to her, he heard what the pink-haired young woman, who was scared to death, was whispering. "Wake up, wake up, please.... it's just a nightmare..." "Are you sure about that?" And then Sophia screamed as hard as she could.

The frightened Scarlett didn't say anything to Qi, took a few steps back, trying to get as far away from him as possible, but afraid to make any sudden movements. The urge to run far away, anywhere, just so she wouldn't have to feel someone else's gaze on her, was overwhelming, though. "You're not going anywhere until you choose-" "I DON'T WANT TO CHOOSE! LEAVE ME AND FARMER ALONE!" Scarlett interrupted Qi with scream, shivering and trying to figure out where to run to find Farmer, Sophia, her parents, anyone who could help.

Ridgeside Village:

The muzzle of the gun pointed at Qi gave Bryle some confidence in this strange and frightening situation. Though after this mysterious blue man had laughed at the Governor bodyguard's 'toy', Bryle's confidence began to slowly evaporate. Shit, what is going on, who is this creep and how does he know Farmer? 'My warrior,' what the hell is this!? "Fuck you." He probably shouldn't have snapped at him, but the desperation was making him start to panic a little. Fuck, he need to warn Farmer...

"Whatever it is, I'm sure we can come to an agreement," in truth, Zayne didn't want to negotiate anything with this man and his brash demands, but he realised that the situation wasn't on his side. Qi himself had to give Zayne credit - the young head of a wealthy family didn't chicken out, didn't beg for mercy by bargaining for his life, and clearly loved Farmer enough. Impressively... But not enough for him to leave the 'problem' of Farmer's abandoned trials unresolved.

Jio didn't reply anything to Mr. Qi, only lightning-fast drew his katana from its sheath, getting into a fighting stance. He realised that the person before him was a dangerous opponent, the very one his Lady had been trying to find for a long time. Not a human, an anomaly. But the elf would not allow anyone to threaten those dear to him, his soul, his mate... His spouse and children... If fate has decreed it so - so be it, but Jio will protect his family to the last drop of blood.

"Or you could ask them politely to fulfil, uhhh.... your challenge?" June tried to find a way out of this difficult situation, trying to convince this... stranger not to make any hasty decisions. But truth be told, the pianist doesn't want Farmer to perform any (most likely - dangerous and illegal) tests of this weirdo at all. Aloud, of course, he will not say, because what if the threats of this "Mister Qi" are not empty....

Anton almost gave his consent to Qi's ultimatum, when the mysterious blue man began not only to manipulate the architect, but also began to humiliate him. The phrase 'you don't deserve someone like Farmer anyway,' definitely left a huge crack in Anton's heart. But only he wanted to open his mouth to agree to the divorce, at that moment remembered the moment when Farmer handed him the Mermaid pendant that now hangs around his neck. No, he couldn't betray them that easily... "Screw you." He's already prepared for the worst.

"Ahahahahaha, great joke, very funny. So, where's your hidden camera?" Oh, Sean was scared for a minute at all of this, but realised it was just a prank (a bit dumb prank, by the way) and waited for the lights to come back on and everyone to come out shouting "Gotcha!" Who ever came up with this stupid idea for this prank in the first place..... With a snap of his fingers, Qi made Sean fall to his knees from the sharp pain in his chest. "Still think this is a joke?" Now the handyman believed him.

Shiro remained silent and didn't want to agree to such an ultimatum . But he's not going to say something not very decent either, as unfortunately his current state of health won't allow him to defend himself against the attack of this deranged man. His mind says that he should give his consent to save Farmer and himself, but his heart screams refusal. Still have to listen to the voice of reason though. Even if he agrees, Farmer will still be in danger.

"Okay, now let me go!" Yoba witnessed, Jeric didn't want to agree to any demands, but realised that the chances of escaping or defeating this Qi were very slim. Agreeing to anything, just so he can warn Bryle and Farmer about this madman. "Then sign it." Some paper with finely written text and a pen formed, hovering right beside the young farmer. There was no way he dared to take that pen. "I'm waiting." Damn, what should Jeric do...

Philip only laughed nervously and took very slow steps backwards. The situation was bizarre to the point where he even thought for a moment that this was some kind of horrible nightmare and Qi was a sleep paralysis demon. "You're not leaving until you file for divorce," and dozens of pairs of eyes glared at the physiotherapist, forcing him to stand still. "I'm still waiting," Mister Qi's voice became more impatient, making Philip shake all over. He didn't want to, but he feared for himself and his spouse.

Rivers of tears were running down Ian's face, it was all too much for the poor man. "Why are you doing all thi?! Why?! What have we done to you!" His voice trailed off into a scream that echoed throughout the dark room. Just his life was starting to get better, he'd found his soulmate, everything was great, and then - fate handed this man who was ruining his and Farmer's lives just because he was bored. Ian falls to his knees and begins to sob quietly.

"If you care so much about Farmer, you'll have to go along with it. You'll save both them and your own life. You're smart, kid, sure you would do the right thing," Qi is definitely right about something: Kenneth is indeed smart. Smart enough to realise that Qi won't just leave him and Farmer alone, even if Kenneth divorces his spouse. Maybe the electrician himself won't interest Qi anymore, but Farmer... Kenneth hates to think what the bastard has in mind for Farmer with his "trials." But he still has to agree to Qi's demand - if he doesn't save himself, he won't save Farmer either.

This Mister Qi is greatly deluded since he thinks he can scare Corine so easily. She and Farmer aren't puppets for someone to play, toying with their lives like it's all just a game. The waitress won't be able to defeat him, that's for sure - she can feel Qi's strong, dark aura. But she's not going to give up either. In the left pocket of her work apron is a miniature totem, a small relic given to her by that elf she met recently. Who, by the way, she's also going to ask for help before she escapes from this place.

It's impossible to imagine the effort it took for Daia to suppress the urge to spit some insult or sarcasm in Qi's face after his words. Because the ninja realized that she wasn't in a position to be frivolous and arrogant. She had a very dangerous opponent in front of her, the same one her Lady had mentioned earlier. Daia is not going to abandon Farmer, but she definitely needs to play along with Qi in order to get out of this situation alive and warn her spouse and the Cult members.

"I'm not afraid of you," but Blair's teeth chattered, showing her fear. She held her fishing rod tightly, preparing to swing it like a weapon. Except that didn't give her much confidence. Only a minute ago she was fishing in peace and preparing to go home to Farmer, and already this stranger is demanding her divorcing her spouse or face the consequences of refusing. The fisherwoman wants to attack Qi first, to take him by surprise, but.... she's terribly afraid.

Mr. Qi didn't even have time to say anything to his 'guest' before Alissa interrupted him with a heartbreaking scream, terrified of her being kidnapped straight from the Ridgeside Village to this, this... dark and strange place. Qi even cringed at the high notes of the girl's scream, Farmer's partner really did have... a striking voice. Alissa didn't understand what Qi was trying to say for the second time, she was gripped by terror.

"You... You... How dare you, you brute!" Faye, out of anger, threw her fan with all her might right into the face of her insolent captor, hoping that the thrown object would hit his eye or nose. The fan hit Qi's face, but the mysterious blue man didn't even flinch, just continued to stare at the waitress. His smile slowly slid down, giving Faye goosebumps. Perhaps it was a rash act, because this Qi was angry and would hurt her and Farmer.

"Is this what you do for a living? Destroying people's lives just because you feel like it?" Kiarra's words were full of bitterness and hatred for the man who stood before her in dark space. The graphic designer felt absolutely defenceless, broken, unable to somehow resist this evil man who stood there smiling contentedly, guessing what she was about to say to him. Kiarra could only hope that Farmer would forgive her for breaking their heart, but she needed to save their life. And she definitely needs to survive to find someone who can help her.

Letting out a cry, Maddie threw her bag at Qi, and when the blue man dodged, clenched her fists and started throwing punches. Miss, miss, miss, miss again, but Maddie, cornered, was gripped by rage and fear. Until unknown threads tied her hands behind her back, and Qi, completely unaffected by the lab assistant, stood by while she calmed down. There was nothing left for the poor girl but to fall to her knees and start sobbing.

Irene thought her past kidnapping for her further ransom from the Amethyne family had been the worst experience of the cook's life. The mere bandits that got her caught up and thought they would get their money's worth, but ended up getting justice, as messing with Maive wasn't good. Qi on the other hand was demonstrating magic, a power unprecedented to Irene that she realised: not even the head Amethyne and Farmer would find her here. She would either die or have to leave Farmer for good. Yoba, why it's not just the bandits again, why...

"Tsk, you're smarter than that, kid." Mr. Qi shook his head disapprovingly as Paula pulled out her army knife and prepared to hurl the weapon at her captor. He could have guessed that the doctor wouldn't listen to him so easily, this stubborn girl. "I'll have to take your toy," and after these words the knife, as if it had a will of its own, was yanked from the hands of the shocked Paula. "Now back to our problem-" "You're the only one with a problem, scum!" Sigh, Qi will have to quiet Paula down before threatening her.

Flor tries her best to read Qi, tries to see if he's bluffing or not when he promised very unpleasant consequences to her and her spouse if she doesn't do as he demands. If Farmer is, as this stranger himself claims, his "hero," "the chosen one," what's the point of him harming them? Logically, carefully, she tries to change Mister Qi's mind. Because she realises that, at this point, words are her only weapon.

Ysabelle looks at Mr. Qi with horror, turns around and runs away. Wherever the girl's eyes look, there is almost total darkness, and immediately in that darkness forms the silhouette of a blue man, smiling mockingly at the frightened girl. "Where are you going?" Poor Ysabelle runs in different directions, but in the end the outcome is the same. There is no way for her to escape, but she runs anyway, to find a way home. "Lea-" *pant* "Leave me alone!"

Just had this unhinged crossover headcanon about my FOM farmer, Isaria, she's the cousin of my two SDV farmer sisters, Cerise and Rosemary. Now, imagine a family reunion where they introduce their lovers to each other. If you're confused, here's the lineup: Isaria is with Caldarus, Cerise is with Jio, and Rosemary is with Lance.

Now, picture how awkward that would be.

Caldarus is a dragon guardian of Mistria, Lance is a combat mage from the First Slash Clan, and Jio is not only an assassin but also an elf and a member of the Cult of the Lady with the Red Tail. Lance would probably be thrilled to meet an actual dragon, while Jio ever the cautious one would find Caldarus intimidating. Meanwhile, Caldarus though outwardly polite for Isaria’s sake, would remain on high alert, sensing the intense auras between these two men… and even those of Isaria’s cousins, especially Cerise.

Still out of respect for his farmer, he keeps his composure. But oh boy, the tension in that room would be off the charts.

[𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚁𝚎𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 – 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚈𝚎𝚝 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙲𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚍 𝙶𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐]

[Cerise, Rosemary, and Isaria stand together while their partners linger nearby. The air crackles with unspoken tension.]

Lance: *grinning, composed yet intrigued* A dragon guardian… Quite the rare sight. It is an honor to meet you.

Caldarus: *soft-spoken, yet watchful* And you must be the mage Isaria spoke of. The honor is mine.

Jio: *arms crossed, unimpressed* A dragon, a mage, and an assassin in one room. Sounds like the start of a bad joke.

Rosemary: *muttering* More like a disaster waiting to happen.

Lance: *chuckles* Oh, I assure you, I mean no trouble. Though I must admit, meeting a dragon is… fascinating.

Caldarus: *calmly observing both men* Likewise. It is rare to stand among those who carry such powerful auras.

Jio: *lowers voice, glancing at Cerise* I don’t trust him.

Cerise: *calmly sips tea* You don’t trust anyone.

Isaria: *forcing a smile* Okay! Let’s all just sit down and eat, yes? No battles, no tension, just a nice, peaceful meal.

[Caldarus offers a polite nod, ever the composed guardian. Jio remains wary, and Lance though clearly intrigued respects the unspoken boundaries. Out of respect for their partners, they all (reluctantly) take their seats.]

Rosemary: *whispering to Cerise* Ten gold says something breaks before dessert.

Cerise: Make it twenty.

Summary: After stumbling upon a mysterious stone on Ginger Island, Rosemary unwittingly activates a portal to an unfamiliar realm, Terraria. Pulled into a bizarre and perilous world, she must navigate its dangers while searching for a way back home. All while acquiring an unusual collection of souvenirs, including a rather explosive pet. Meanwhile, her sudden disappearance throws her loved ones into chaos, sparking a frantic search across the world to bring her back.

A/N: This story was inspired by a tumblr post from @studentinpursuitofclouds about the Farmer opening a portal to Terraria for the Meowmere and ending up stranded. I couldn’t resist turning it into a full story! I love the idea of Rosemary getting isekai’d into Terraria, unfazed, while everyone in Stardew Valley panics. Expect adventure, chaos, and dramatic reactions when she returns. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it!

The story is a bit long, so you can read it on my AO3! That’s right, I finally have an AO3 account after what feels like a thousand years!

Summary: Lance and Jio, complete opposites, find themselves bound by marriage into an unexpected family. Over drinks, they share stories of how their wives nearly killed them upon first meeting. What starts as mockery slowly turns into understanding, whether they like it or not, they’re brothers now.

A/N: I don’t know what came over me when I wrote this. Seriously. Lance and Jio in the same room, willingly? That’s basically a sign of the apocalypse. But somehow, these two disasters ended up as family, and now they have to deal with it. I imagine it’s as painful for them as it is entertaining for us. Anyway, enjoy the chaos!

The quiet hum of the evening settled over the valley, the golden hues of the sunset stretching long shadows over the land. The world seemed to breathe in this tranquil moment, the rustling of leaves filling the spaces between silence, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures stirring to life. Jio had always found solace in such stillness. It was in these quiet hours that he thrived, slipping into the unseen corners of the world where no one could reach him. Solitude had been both a shield and a weapon, a constant companion in a life built on shadows.

And yet, solitude was a fleeting luxury these days because a certain combat mage was here.

Jio had never been particularly fond of company, and the arrival of Lance into his life did little to change that. Unfortunately, life had its own plans. Whether he liked it or not, the man was now his brother-in-law. At first, their relationship could be described as awkward at best, tense at worst. It wasn’t that either of them had anything against the other, not exactly. But their lives had shifted in ways neither of them had anticipated.

For Jio, it was the fact that Lance, an outsider to the world he lived in, had been sharp enough to see right through him. That had been unsettling. The moment they first met, Jio had been cloaked in illusion, his elven heritage hidden beneath a spell designed to fool even the most skilled of magic users but it hadn’t fooled Lance. The adventurer had taken one look at him, his eyes shimmering with the unmistakable glint of understanding and smirked.

“You know.” Lance had said, arms folded across his chest, “It’s a good spell. Really well-crafted but I can see right through it.”

The ninja assassin had spent years perfecting his ability to go unnoticed, had barely resisted the urge to scowl. As for the mage, he had taken this as an invitation to start asking questions.

The elf had quickly learned that Lance was persistent, annoyingly so. He was not only intrigued by Jio’s lineage but also by his profession, while the Cult of the Lady with the Red Tail was shrouded in secrecy, whispers of their existence had reached the ears of adventurers, mages and guilds alike. Assassins, criminals, ghosts in the night, call them what you will but few truly understood the reality of their work.

Lance, being the ever-diplomatic combat mage that he was, approached Jio with an odd mixture of curiosity and caution. It wasn’t that he feared him, not exactly. But as a key figure in The First Slash Clan, he knew better than to trust blindly. Their interactions had remained strained for some time, both men studying each other like opposing chess pieces. Jio, introverted and secretive, had no interest in entertaining an inquisitive brother-in-law. Lance, on the other hand, saw the elfman as an enigma, one he was determined to unravel.

Which was exactly why they were here now, sitting across from one another in the dim glow of a quiet evening, caught in an unusual yet oddly comfortable silence.

It had started as an accident. Jio had been sharpening his katana in the courtyard when Lance had strolled in, carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses as if he owned the place.

“Mind if I join you?” he’d asked, already sitting down before Jio had the chance to refuse.

Jio sighed. “You already have.”

Lance chuckled, pouring the wine. “Figured it’s about time we had a real conversation, just the two of us.”

The ninja eyed him warily. “Is that so?”

“You’re my brother-in-law. Might as well get to know each other.” Lance leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. His gaze flickered with something unreadable, amusement layered over a deeper sense of intrigue. “How long were you going to keep pretending to be human?”

Jio exhaled sharply through his nose. So this was where they were starting.

“I don’t know what you mean.” His voice was deliberately flat, dismissive, but he knew it would do little to deter Lance.

The man merely chuckled. “Oh, come on. You really think an illusion spell would fool me? I saw through that the first time we met.” He tilted his head, watching Jio carefully, as if waiting for him to confirm it.

Jio’s grip tightened slightly on the hilt of his katana, the weight of the blade a familiar comfort. Few had ever seen through his illusions so easily, let alone with such casual certainty. It was unsettling.

The mage sensing the tension, lifted a hand in mock surrender. “Relax. I don’t have a problem with elves.” His gaze darkened slightly, his voice losing its usual teasing tone. “Just surprised, is all. Your kind is supposed to be extinct. Imagine my shock when I find out my brother-in-law is walking proof that isn’t the case.”

Jio finally turned to look at him, studying him in silence. He could see the questions forming behind Lance’s eyes, an unspoken list of inquiries waiting to be voiced. He knew this conversation wouldn’t end here.

“I assume you have a dozen questions.”

Lance’s grin was immediate, almost triumphant. “At least a dozen but I doubt you’ll answer half of them.”

“You’re right.”

Rather than deterring him, the answer only seemed to amuse Lance further. He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as if unsurprised. The conversation lapsed into silence, the wind carrying the distant sounds of the forest. Jio was no stranger to tense silences, the kind thick with unspoken threats, the heavy anticipation of a fight waiting to break out. But this… this wasn’t quite like that. There was curiosity, certainly, but no hostility. And for all his persistence, Lance wasn’t pressing him, wasn’t demanding answers. He was simply there, waiting. Offering conversation as an invitation rather than an order.

Jio could appreciate that.

Lance shifted, glancing at him again. “Alright, let’s start simple.” His voice was light, but there was a knowing edge to it, as if he had already anticipated Jio’s reluctance. “How did you meet Cerise?”

Jio exhaled, reluctant but not entirely unwilling to answer. It was only fair, he supposed. They were bound by their relationships to the farm sisters, whether they liked it or not.

“She wandered into Ridge Forest,” he said at last. “Too close to the barrier.”

Lance hummed thoughtfully. “And?”

Jio’s gaze flickered toward the horizon, memories surfacing unbidden.

The night air in Ridge Forest was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, the hush of the wilderness disturbed only by the distant hoot of an owl. Jio moved soundlessly through the undergrowth, his senses sharp as he patrolled the forest’s edge. It was a quiet night, undisturbed by intruders until a flicker of movement caught his eye.

Someone was there.

A lone traveler, cloaked and hooded, moving steadily along the path. At a glance, she seemed unremarkable just another wanderer passing through the forest under the cover of night. Perhaps a lost adventurer, someone who had strayed too far from familiar roads. He had seen many like her before, drawn by the mystique of Ridge Forest without realizing its dangers.

With a quiet sigh, Jio stepped forward, letting his presence be known as he materialized before her in a blur of motion. His voice was calm, controlled. “You shouldn’t be here—!”

The dagger came fast.

Instinct flared, and Jio twisted just in time to avoid the blade as it whistled past his face, embedding itself in the bark of a tree behind him with a sharp thunk. The sheer force of the throw sent vibrations through the wood. A fraction slower and the blade would have found his skull instead.

His eyes widened slightly. Well. That would’ve been unpleasant.

Before he could react, the woman lunged.

Jio barely managed to block the incoming strike, catching her wrist before her fist could connect with his jaw. His grip tightened, and for the first time in a long while, he found himself genuinely surprised. This wasn’t a panicked traveler flailing in fear, this was an experienced fighter, attacking on pure instinct.

“Are you insane?” he snapped.

The woman halted, her posture shifting as she took in the situation. Her gaze flickered to the dagger buried deep in the tree, then back to him. With a quiet sigh, she relaxed her stance, rolling her shoulders back.

“That was a mistake.” Her voice was steady, unapologetic but not dismissive. “Didn’t expect someone to appear out of nowhere.”

Jio studied her for a moment before releasing his grip. “You nearly took my head off.” His tone was even, but there was a dry edge to it.

She huffed softly, rubbing her wrist where he had grabbed her. “If I meant to, I wouldn’t have missed.”

Jio’s expression remained unreadable, but there was a glint of something in his eyes, calculation, perhaps a hint of amusement. Now that he was this close, her hood had slipped slightly, revealing more of her face. His gaze flickered to her eyes, twilight-hued orbs with an amethyst glow, striking even in the dim moonlight. There was no hesitation in them, only sharp focus.

Long strands of beige-blond hair spilled from beneath the hood, brushing against her shoulders. She had the kind of beauty that was easy to overlook at a distance, but up close, it was impossible to ignore, the elegant lines of her face, the confidence in the way she carried herself. Something about her now felt off, as if he had gravely miscalculated her identity.

Recognition flickered in his mind. He had seen this resemblance before, faint but unmistakable.

“You must be the granddaughter.”

The woman blinked. “What?”

“The old farmer.” he clarified. “The one who passed years ago. You’re one of her granddaughters, aren’t you?”

Something unreadable passed across her face before she straightened, the tension in her shoulders still present but tempered.

“I’m Cerise.”

Jio regarded her for a long moment before giving a slight nod. “Jio.”

That night, suspicion had lingered between them like an unspoken challenge. The way she moved, the way she had thrown that dagger, it was clear she wasn’t just some ordinary farmer.

Jio exhaled, his voice barely above a murmur. “She nearly killed me.”

Lance barked out a laugh. “Sounds about right.”

Jio cast him a glare but said nothing. Silence stretched between them for a moment before he glanced at Lance. “And you? How did you meet Rosemary?”

Lance chuckled, setting his glass down. “Oh, our first meeting was… unexpected.”

Jio narrowed his eyes. “Go on.”

Lance leaned forward slightly. “I first met Rosemary at the summit of Mount Kohldur. She had just finished the climb, she looked exhausted but determined.”

The heat of the forge wrapped around Lance like an old friend, the rhythmic clang of metal against metal filling the cavernous chamber. Mount Kohldur’s peak was not for the weak, its treacherous ascent tested even the most hardened adventurers. And inside the volcano, the dangers only multiplied. Monsters lurked in the shadows, the air was thick with the scent of molten rock, and the forge itself pulsed with ancient power. But for those who made it this far, the rewards were unmatched.

Lance had spent the day deep in his craft, the magical flames casting golden light across his work. His hands moved with practiced ease, binding enchantments and forging weapons for his guildmates in The First Slash. The familiar surge of magic hummed through his fingertips as he combined an Iridium Band with a Slime Charmer Ring, the glow of the spell reflecting in his obsidian purple eyes.

He was just about to move on to his next project when the heavy gates of the forge groaned open. The sound reverberated through the chamber, followed by steady, measured footsteps.

Lance frowned. Few ever reached this place, and even fewer had the strength to push open those doors alone. He turned, expecting to see one of his guildmates or a battle-worn adventurer seeking the forge’s power.

Instead, what he saw made him pause.

A woman stood at the entrance, her silhouette framed by the golden glow of the magma pools beyond. Her breath was heavy from the climb, her rose-red hair windswept and untamed. Her clothes now dusted with soot and ash, and the edges of her short cloak were singed, faint wisps of smoke curling from the scorched threads. Her hand hovered near the weapon at her hip, her stance tense like she expected a fight at any moment.

But it wasn’t the battle-worn look that caught his attention. It was her eyes, a striking shade of ocean jade, sharp and wary, scanning the room for threats. And then, just as his gaze flickered over the soft dusting of freckles across her cheeks—

She threw a bomb at him.

Lance barely had time to react. Instinct took over as he flicked his wrist, summoning a protective barrier of shimmering blue light. The bomb struck the shield mid-air, detonating with a fiery burst. Sparks and embers scattered across the chamber, rattling the anvil behind him.

Smoke curled through the air. Silence followed. Then, from beyond the haze, a horrified voice.

“Oh my Yoba—”

Lance blinked as the woman stumbled forward, her wide eyes filled with mortification.

“I—I am so sorry!” she blurted out, hands shooting up in a panicked gesture. “I thought you were a monster! I didn’t—” She groaned, cutting herself off, visibly cringing as she realized what she had just done.

Lance exhaled, then let out a full, genuine laugh that echoed against the stone walls.

The woman froze, clearly thrown off by his reaction.

Grinning, Lance dusted soot from his cloak. “I’ve had a lot of things thrown at me in my lifetime,” he mused, his voice laced with amusement. “But I have to say, this is the first time someone’s greeted me with explosives.”

She let out a strangled groan, pressing her hands to her face. “I swear, I’m not usually this trigger-happy.”

Lance smirked, folding his arms. “No?” He arched a brow. “So, you don’t always attack strangers on sight?”

Dragging a hand down her face, she muttered, “I just—didn’t expect anyone else to be up here. I panicked, okay?”

Lance chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, I suppose I should be honored to have made such an impression.”

She mumbled something under her breath, then straightened, clearing her throat. “Right. Uh. I’m Rosemary.”

Lance’s lips quirked into a knowing smirk. “I know.” At her startled look, he inclined his head. “Marlon spoke quite highly of you, said you were quite proficient with a weapon.” His gaze flickered to the spot where the bomb had nearly incinerated him, amusement dancing in his obsidian-purple eyes. “I see now that he wasn’t exaggerating.”

Rosemary groaned, muttering something about terrible first impressions under her breath.

Lance let out a light chuckle before offering a more formal introduction. “I’m Lance, from The First Slash Clan. We’re a guild of adventurers protecting the Fern Islands.” He studied her for a moment, curiosity flickering in his expression. “Though I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to meet you under such… explosive circumstances.”

For a moment, they stood there, the tension easing as the embers from the explosion slowly faded into the ever-burning flames of the forge.

Jio, who had been listening with his usual unreadable patience, exhaled slowly and took a deliberate sip of his wine. His forest green eyes studied Lance with a look so measured it bordered on contemplative.

“So...” he finally said, swirling the wine in his glass, “She did try to kill you.”

Lance chuckles, tilting his head slightly. “You sound almost relieved.”

Jio huffed, setting his glass down with a quiet clink. “It just confirms my expectations.” He exhaled again, this time with something dangerously close to amusement curling at the edges of his voice. “Shame. She should’ve aimed better.”

The mage only let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You wound me, truly.”

Jio took another sip of wine, watching him over the rim of his glass. “Did you look like a monster?”

Lance placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. “I’d like to think I looked fairly respectable that day.”

Jio didn’t bother hiding the way his lips twitched, but he said nothing.

Lance leaned back against the wooden pillar, stretching out his legs. “Lucky for me, I immediately conjure a barrier. Introduced myself after she throw that bomb.” His smirk softened as his mind drifted back. “She was flustered, obviously. But we ended up sharing a meal. Talking. Laughing.”

Jio shook his head, muttering, “Your wife nearly blew you up.”

Lance arched a brow. “Yours nearly stabbed you through the skull.”

“Fair...”

A pause. Then for the first time all night, the silence between them wasn’t awkward. It was something else, something easier. Lance tilted his head back, gazing at the night sky. The stars stretched above them, shimmering like diamonds scattered across an endless sea of black. He exhaled slowly, then spoke again, this time without the usual teasing tone. Just honesty.

“You know… I may be nosy, but it’s not just about curiosity.” He turned his head, meeting Jio’s gaze with quiet certainty. “Cerise is important to you. Rosemary is important to me. So, like it or not… we’re family now.”

Jio studied him for a long moment, expression unreadable. Then, finally, he inclined his head slightly. “I know...”

Lance smirked, the easy confidence returning to his voice. “And since we’re family, I reserve the right to continue annoying you for the foreseeable future.”

Jio sighed, finishing the rest of his wine. “I should’ve let Cerise’s dagger hit me.”

Lance barked out a laugh, the sound rich with amusement. “Too late for regrets now, brother.”

Jio didn’t respond, but there, right at the corner of his mouth was the ghost of a amusement before he turned away and just like that, something shifted between them.

No longer just two men forced together by circumstance, but family. And despite all the chaos that came with it, perhaps that wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

As the night stretched on and the distant hum of the valley settled around them, they sat in companionable silence, bound by an unspoken understanding.

Both of them had married dangerous women and neither would have it any other way.

Summary: Cerise jumps to the worst conclusion, unleashes fury, then realizes her mistake while Jio quietly revels in the chaos.

The farmhouse stood quiet in the late afternoon glow, bathed in soft amber light. A faint breeze stirred the curtains, carrying with it the distant hum of the forest. The stillness was only broken by the slow creak of the front door as Lance pushed it open, supporting Rosemary with one arm.

“Easy...” he murmured, glancing down at her. His obsidian purple eyes softened with concern.

“Tch. I’m fine.” Rosemary grumbled, though her pale features said otherwise. One hand pressed against her side, a dark stain seeping through her shirt. Her rose-red hair, usually vibrant, clung to her cheek with sweat.

“You took a hit from Apophis. You’re not fine.” Lance’s tone left no room for argument. He tightened his hold when she stumbled. “Come on, your room’s closer. You’ll be more comfortable there.”

Rosemary scowled but didn’t protest. The journey back from the Crimson Badlands had been rough. The encounter with Apophis had left her winded, the creature’s strike tearing through her defenses and leaving a gash along her hip. If Lance hadn’t been there... she shook the thought away.

As they entered the farmhouse, Rosemary glanced around. The place was quiet. Too quiet.

“Huh. Cerise isn’t here?” she muttered, wincing as she lowered herself onto the bed in her room.

“She must’ve gone out.” Lance said, fetching a roll of bandages and a bowl of water from the washstand. “We’ll get you patched up before she’s back.”

Rosemary lay back with a groan. “Just hurry up. I want to sleep after this.”

Lance knelt beside her, his hands deft but gentle. “Try not to move. This might sting.”

Meanwhile, outside the farmhouse...

The front door clicked open. Cerise stepped inside, brushing a strand of beige blond hair from her face. Her twilight-hued eyes swept the room, noting the faint scuffs on the floor, a sign of recent arrival.

“Rosie?” she called out.

A faint voice answered from down the hall.

“Hey, Sis! I’m here! Lance’s with me!”

Cerise raised a brow, slipping off her bonnet. So they’re back. A faint smile tugged at her lips. “Lance, you staying for dinner?”

“If it’s not too much trouble, then I accept. Thank you, Cerise.” came Lance's muffled reply.

Before Cerise could respond, the door behind her creaked. She turned and her expression softened immediately.

“Jio.”

The brooding figure stepped in, his dark attire blending with the farmhouse shadows. His green eyes held their usual quiet intensity, but his expression softened when he saw her. Without a word, he closed the distance, wrapping his arms around her waist with practiced ease.

“I missed you.” he murmured, voice low and warm.

Cerise chuckled, resting a hand on his chest. “You've literally seen me four hours ago.”

“Four hours is too long.”

A rare smile played at Cerise’s lips. “You're impossible.”

“I know.”

Their quiet moment lingered until Jio glanced toward the kitchen. “Need help with dinner?”

Cerise’s expression brightened. “I’d love that.”

An Hour Later...

The scent of a warm meal filled the farmhouse. The table was set. Cerise wiped her hands on a cloth, glancing at Jio, who was placing the last dish.

“I’ll get them.” she said, moving toward Rosemary’s room.

With her usual composed demeanor, she knocked on the door, voice calm but firm.

“Rosie. Lance. Dinner’s ready. If you don’t come out now, it’s going to get cold.”

Inside, Lance’s focused voice responded, “Hold still. I know what I’m doing.”

Rosemary’s sharp retort followed, “Easy for you to say! Just hurry up and finish already!”

Cerise paused. What?

Her brows furrowed as she leaned in.

“Ah—OW! Lance, gentle!”

“You could have told me it hurt there. I’m not a mind reader.”

Cerise’s eyes narrowed, suspicion prickling at the edges of her calm.

...The hell?

“I’ll do it myself!”, Rosemary snapped.

“Absolutely not." Lance said firmly. “You’ll mess it up. Lie down.”

Cerise froze. Her expression darkened.

Lie down?

“I still want to breathe when you’re done!” Rosemary growled.

“Relax. I’ve done this plenty of times. Trust me.” Lance’s teasing tone followed.

Cerise’s entire body stiffened.

“…What the actual—”

“Move your legs to the side. It’s hard to reach from this angle.” Lance murmured.

“Ugh… Fine. Just get in between—”

BAM!

The door SLAMMED open.

Cerise stood there, deadly aura radiating from her, twilight eyes sharp as blades.

“WHAT. THE. HELL. ARE YOU DOING TO MY SISTER, YOU—”

The room fell silent.

Lance blinked, still holding a roll of bandages. Rosemary sat on the bed, skirt slightly lifted to reveal the fresh bandage along her injured hip.

“…Cerise?”, Lance said slowly.

Rosemary tilted her head, confusion written all over her face. “Sis? Uh… you good?”

Cerise’s expression shifted from cold fury to blank realization. A faint blush touched her cheeks.

“…Oh.”

Without another word, she shut the door with a swift snap.

“Never mind. Dinner’s ready. Be out in five.”

Back in the Kitchen...

Jio glanced up from the plates, eyes narrowing slightly. “Everything alright?”

Cerise, face a mask of calm composure, poured herself tea. “Nope.”

Jio studied her for a moment. The corners of his mouth twitched. “You thought they were...?”

“Don’t.” Cerise’s voice remained flat, but the faintest flush on her cheeks betrayed her.

Jio let out a low chuckle. “You’re more overprotective than I thought.”

“Shut up.”

Meanwhile, in Rosemary’s Room...

Rosemary stared at the closed door. “What the hell was that about?”

Lance secured the final knot in the bandage, glancing at her with a teasing smile.

“Maybe she thought you were dying in here with all that noise.”

Rosemary groaned, flopping back onto the bed. “More like she thought you were killing me.”

Lance chuckled, brushing the strands from her face. “Her overprotectiveness is admirable. But I’ll have to work harder to prove I can handle you properly.”

Rosemary glared at him, cheeks flushing.

“Tch. Shut up.”

Later That Evening...

The air in the farmhouse kitchen had settled into a calm warmth as dinner finally commenced. The aroma of Cerise’s cooking filled the room, and soft clinks of cutlery echoed against the wooden walls. Rosemary sat at the table, pale but composed, her side wrapped in fresh bandages. Lance sat beside her, his movements calm and measured, occasionally glancing at her with quiet concern.

Cerise sat opposite them, maintaining her usual composed expression, though her eyes flicked to Lance every now and then—narrow, warning. Lance, for his part, met those looks with a steady gaze, though the tension in his shoulders suggested he felt the weight behind them.

Jio sat next to Cerise, his posture relaxed, arms folded across his chest as he watched the others eat. Every so often, he would glance at Cerise, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. The memory of what he’d overheard from the hallway still lingered.

Cerise, however, kept her face stoic. She reached for her cup of tea, raising it with practiced calm.

But then, Jio leaned closer, lowering his voice so only Cerise could hear, his smirk deepening.

“Quite the scene you made earlier.”

Cerise froze, the cup halting just before her lips. Slowly, she turned her head, her twilight-hued eyes narrowing with a sharp glint.

Jio’s shoulders trembled slightly—slightly—as if he were struggling to contain his amusement.

And that was all it took.

Jio stiffened, the smirk faltering as sharp pain flared in his thigh. Cerise’s hand, deceptively delicate in appearance, had clamped down with surprising strength beneath the table. Her nails pressed just enough to make her point without drawing attention.

Jio inhaled sharply through his nose, glancing down before giving Cerise a sideways look. But she only sipped her tea with perfect composure, not even glancing in his direction.

Lance and Rosemary continued eating in silence, pretending not to notice the exchange.

Jio exhaled a slow breath, a begrudging chuckle escaping. “Noted.”

The moment passed, leaving the room quiet again—at least for a while.

Then Cerise lowered her cup, eyes sharpening as she turned her gaze toward Rosemary.

“Now then.” she began, her tone calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. “Mind explaining to me why you’re injured, Rose?”

Rosemary, who had been focused on her food, stiffened.

“Uh...", She glanced at Lance briefly, hoping for some backup, but when she noticed the pointed stare Cerise was giving her, a bead of sweat rolled down her temple.

“Well, you see—”

“Rosemary.” Cerise’s voice dropped a note lower.

Rosemary groaned, slumping forward slightly but straightening up when she realized Cerise’s glare was only intensifying.

“Okay, okay! We had a little run-in with Apophis. It wasn’t a big deal—”

“Not a big deal?” Cerise repeated slowly, her eyes narrowing further.

Rosemary laughed nervously, scratching the back of her head. “I mean... it could’ve been worse?”

Cerise didn’t respond immediately. Instead, her sharp gaze shifted to Lance.

Lance, who had been quietly eating, paused mid-bite. He lowered his fork with deliberate care, meeting Cerise’s gaze head-on.

The room grew still.

Cerise’s look wasn’t just one of inquiry—it was a silent reminder, one that said: You were there. You let this happen. Explain.

Lance held her gaze for a moment longer before exhaling softly.

“The beast caught us by surprise. Rosemary fought well, but the wound wasn’t something we could avoid. I took care of it.”

Cerise’s eyes narrowed further, studying his expression for any sign of hesitation. Lance didn’t flinch.

After a long pause, Cerise leaned back in her chair.

“Hmph. I see.”

But the intensity of her gaze didn’t waver.

Rosemary, still pale, glanced between the two of them, feeling the tension rising again.

“Uh—C’mon, Sis. It’s not like Lance wanted me to get hurt.”

Cerise gave a slow blink, gaze lingering on Lance for a few seconds longer before finally shifting back to Rosemary.

“...Fine. But next time, be more careful.”

Rosemary sighed in relief. “Yeah, yeah. Got it.”

Jio, watching the whole exchange with mild amusement, glanced sideways at Cerise. The faintest trace of a smile lingered on his lips.

Cerise caught the look and, without missing a beat, gave him a subtle side-eye warning.

Jio chuckled under his breath.

The conversation shifted back to lighter topics, but an unspoken tension lingered. Cerise’s sharp gaze had delivered its message clearly—she would always be watching.

Lance returned to his meal in silence, his hand brushing lightly against Rosemary’s, a silent promise that next time, he would be ready.

A/N: After reading @studentinpursuitofclouds headcanon about the bachelors/ettes' reactions to being kidnapped for revenge or ransom only for their furious Farmer spouse to storm in and rescue them. I felt inspired. I couldn’t help but write a version for Lance, blending it with my farmer OCs' backstories. Hope you enjoy the fic!

The moon loomed high over the farmhouse, casting its pale, silver glow across the quiet fields. The night was still, almost unnervingly so, with only the soft rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze. The greenhouse stood as a lone beacon in the darkness, its glass panels faintly aglow, sheltering a world of warmth and life separate from the cool hush outside. Inside, Rosemary moved among rows of flourishing crops, the earthy scent of soil and faint hum of lingering magic surrounding her. Yet, despite the comforting atmosphere, a knot of unease twisted tightly in her chest.

Lance should be home by now.

He had left at dawn, that familiar confident grin on his face, promising—promising—to return before sunset. She had believed him. Lance always kept his word. But now, as the hours stretched long past nightfall, the promise felt like a fading echo.

A message had come earlier, brief and reassuring. But Rosemary’s instincts screamed otherwise. She brushed her gloved fingers over the rough skin of a void root. The dark, twisted form seemed to absorb the soft light, pulsing faintly with ancient magic. She tried to focus on the task at hand—on the routine—but her thoughts kept circling back to one question.

Why isn’t he back?

Her pruning slowed. Water dripped from a nearby watering can. The silence grew thick.

Then it happened.

A chill—sharp and sudden—sliced down her spine.

Her breath hitched.

Her gloved hand froze mid-motion.

It wasn’t a sound. Not a shadow shifting in the corner of her vision. No. This was deeper. Internal. Like something inside her had snapped.

No...

The comforting aura of Lance’s magic, ever-present beside her own like a steady heartbeat—had vanished.

Gone.

Her pulse thundered in her ears.

“No.”

The word escaped her lips in a broken whisper. The trowel slipped from her hand, clattering against the stone path. A ragged cry tore from her throat as she stumbled back. Her gaze snapped toward the hills beyond the farmhouse. She reached inward—desperately—trying to find the familiar pulse of his magic.

There. Faint. So faint.

But still there.

A gasp tore from her.

Lance...

Alive. Barely conscious. But alive. Reaching for her.

Her hands fumbled for her phone. The screen blurred before her eyes as her fingers darted across it, moving faster than her mind could process. Only one number mattered.

The line rang once. Twice.

“Rosie?”, Her sister’s voice answered calm as ever, but edged with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“Cerise!!! I can’t feel him.” Rosemary’s voice cracked. “His magic! it’s gone—I don’t know what’s happening, what does it mean?”

Silence.

A silence that stretched for only a moment but felt like a lifetime.

When Cerise finally spoke, her tone had shifted, cool, sharp, edged with something Rosemary rarely heard from her sister: fear.

“No… they wouldn’t.” The words came as a whisper. Then, sharper, cold with realization: “Stay where you are. I’ll be there soon.”

Rosemary’s grip tightened around the phone.

“They must've took him.”

The words hung heavy in the air.

“They took my husband.”

This time, her voice was low, dangerous, a quiet fury simmering beneath each syllable.

Cerise inhaled sharply on the other end of the line. “Most likely. If they couldn’t get my Jio, their next move would be—”

“I’m going.”

“Rose—”

“I’m not waiting around, sister.” Rosemary’s jaw tightened. Her ocean jade eyes—usually bright and warm—narrowed into cold flames of determination. “I’m getting my husband back. Whatever it takes.”

”Rosemary, wait—”

But the call had already ended.

Without hesitation, Rosemary snatched up her sword from the greenhouse floor. The blade thrummed with her magic, responding to her rage. She pulled on her dark cloak, fastened the clasp at her neck, and slung a pouch of potions over her shoulder.

She stepped out into the night.

She didn’t need a plan.

Only a direction.

Lance’s faint magic—like a whisper at the edge of her mind—would guide her.

“Hold on, love” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m coming.”

And nothing would stand in her way.

The room reeked of damp stone and stale air, a subterranean prison swallowed by oppressive darkness. The narrow space was barely lit by a flickering lantern that hung from a rusted chain in the corner, its dim glow casting trembling shadows across the concrete walls slick with condensation. The ceiling sagged low, pressing down like a weight upon the soul. The air itself was suffocating, thick with the scent of mold and the faint, undeniable metallic tang of old blood. A chill seeped from the stone floor, gnawing at the skin, while the silence—broken only by the rhythmic drip of water echoing from some distant corridor—felt almost unnatural. But worse than the cold or the damp was the lingering, suffocating aura of magic that clung to every surface, woven into the very air. It was a cruel enchantment, designed to sap strength, to suppress power. And it was working.

Lance shifted in the chair he had been bound to, the rough rope digging into his wrists. His head hung low, dark pink hair falling messily into his face. A dull ache throbbed behind his eyes, sharp and insistent, growing worse with each breath drawn in the magic-saturated air. His eyes flickered open with slow, deliberate effort. His arms ached from the tight restraints that hummed faintly with the same suppressive power in the room. Even the smallest attempt to draw upon his magic was met with resistance, a suffocating weight that dulled the spark he relied on.

A breath slipped from his lips—slow, frustrated, bitter.

The Second-in-Command of the First Slash Clan, renowned combat mage, captured.

Not by a rival clan worthy of his strength. Not in battle against some formidable foe.

No, by a group of low-ranking mafia thugs who had no comprehension of the power they were trifling with.

The humiliation stung, but it wasn’t the real issue gnawing at him. His pride could endure this. What he could not endure was the knowledge he had failed. Failed to see the ambush coming. Failed to protect what mattered most. With all his training, all his magical prowess, he should have burned through these restraints with a flick of his wrist. But this room—the entire place—reeked of the kind of magic meant to weaken him, suppress him, render him vulnerable.

Still, it wasn’t his own fate that consumed his thoughts.

It was hers.

The realization cut deeper than any blade.

They weren’t after him.

They were after Rosemary.

He had heard them, muffled voices beyond the door, carelessly assuming he was too weak, too broken to care. But he had listened. Every word. Every plan. The truth had struck him harder than any blow. They believed that taking him would draw her out. They thought Rosemary would come running, desperate and vulnerable—a perfect trap.

But they didn’t know her.

They didn’t know Rosemary.

She wasn’t some fragile woman to be lured like a helpless bird. She had Cerise’s blood in her veins—the blood of the Crimson Wraith.

And worse still, they didn’t simply want to use her as bait. No. Their plan was far more twisted. They wanted her alive. They wanted to mold her into a weapon—a new puppet assassin forged from the only sister of the Crimson Wraith.

The thought made Lance’s jaw tighten, his fingers twitching against the ropes. His entire being recoiled at the idea of anyone laying a hand on her. His Rosemary. His wife. The woman who had fought for her freedom, who had lived in the shadow of her sister’s bloody past but had never allowed it to define her. They thought they could twist her into something she wasn’t.

The audacity.

The rage brewed quietly beneath his composed exterior, his magic stirring despite the oppressive weight. He would burn this place to ash for even daring to think of touching her.

The door creaked open.

Rusty hinges groaned like a dying animal, breaking the stillness.

Lance lifted his head, eyes narrowing as two figures stepped into the dim light. One was tall, broad-shouldered, with a jagged scar slashing across his cheek—a permanent sneer carved into his skin. The other remained near the door, arms crossed, eyes dull with boredom.

The scarred man grinned, a slow, mocking curve of his lips.

“You know.” he drawled, stepping forward with deliberate slowness. “None of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t married that red-haired bitch. We didn’t want you. You were never the target.”

He crouched, bringing his face close enough that Lance could smell the foul mix of tobacco and cheap liquor on his breath.

“We wanted her sister. Cerise. She was... valuable to us. But she escaped. Left everything behind, dragging her little sister along like a coward.”

His grin widened, malicious satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

“But now? We have something better. You see, we realized something. What better way to replace the Crimson Wraith than with her own blood? We’ll take your precious wife, and turn her into the perfect weapon. Our new puppet.”

The words echoed in the damp room.

Lance didn’t move. His expression didn’t change. His face remained calm, far too calm.

But inside?

How dare you.

The air shifted.

Even bound and suppressed, his magic stirred, a quiet storm gathering, waiting. The ropes bit into his wrists, but they were nothing more than an inconvenience. He would burn this entire place to the ground before he let them touch her.

And then—

Footsteps.

At first faint, almost mistaken for an echo. But then louder. Steady. Unyielding.

The two mafia members stiffened. Their smug confidence faltered.

The pressure in the air built, thick and suffocating. The flickering lantern dimmed, shadows crawling further along the walls. The footsteps didn’t slow.

They grew louder. Closer.

And then—

The door exploded inward.

Wood shattered into splinters. The force of the blast sent fragments clattering across the stone floor. The oppressive magic that had choked the room recoiled instantly. For a moment, the air itself seemed to fear the figure standing in the doorway.

Rosemary stood there—fury incarnate.

Her rose-red hair blazed in the dim light, cascading behind her like a river of flame. Ocean jade eyes burned with unrelenting rage and fear, swirling with power she no longer cared to conceal. The aura surrounding her crackled with raw magic—a tempest on the brink of being unleashed.

“Where...”, she whispered, her voice low, trembling with restrained wrath, “Is my husband?”

The scarred man stumbled back. “Oh shit-!” he muttered in disbelief, glancing at his companion.

But the moment he moved—

Rosemary vanished.

A flash of purple swept through the air. Her blade glinted once, a crescent of death cutting through the dim light. With a scream, the scarred man flew backward, crashing into the far wall with a sickening crunch. The second man barely had time to react before Rosemary descended on him with relentless precision. Her strikes were merciless—graceful yet devastating. Every movement spoke of years of training, of lessons carved into muscle and bone.

They had expected a weak sister.

They received a force of nature.

The second man crumpled to the floor without a sound.

Silence fell.

Lance remained still, his gaze fixed on the woman who had torn apart his captors without hesitation. His heart thundered in his chest—not out of fear, but awe. She had come for him. She had shattered their illusions. She was magnificent.

Rosemary turned.

Her gaze softened the moment it met his. The fury faded, replaced by something far deeper—fear, worry, desperation.

“Lance.”

Her voice broke.

In two strides, she was beside him, dropping to her knees. Her hands reached for his face first, trembling as they brushed against his skin, as if afraid he would vanish.

“Are you—did they—?” Her voice cracked, unable to form the question.

“I’m fine.” His voice was soft but firm, though his smile faded when he saw the tears shining in her eyes.

“No, you’re not.” She gritted her teeth, glancing at the glowing restraints. Without hesitation, her fingers tightened around the ropes. Magic pulsed through her veins, rushing to her hands.

The ropes hissed.

With a surge of power and a cry laced with all the fear and rage she had suppressed, Rosemary ripped them apart. The restraints shattered into ash beneath her touch.

Lance didn’t move. He simply watched her—watched as she clung to him, as her shoulders shook.

“I thought—” she choked out, “I thought I was too late.”

Gently, Lance wrapped his arms around her.

“You weren’t.”

She buried her face in his chest. “I would have destroyed this whole place if they’d laid a hand on you.”

“I know.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You were perfect.”

“No.” She pulled back slightly, her ocean jade eyes locking onto his, fierce even through the tears. “Not perfect. Just in time.”

And when Lance leaned forward to press his lips to hers, tender lingering. It wasn’t simply relief that filled the space between them.

It was a promise.

A promise that no matter who came for them next, no matter what shadows lurked in the past, they would face them—together.

Me: *spots a ridiculously hot elf man* Ooooh, a new NPC to add to my collection.

Brain: *sighs* You do realize this means making another farmer OC, right?

Me: *eyes sparkling* I don’t care. He’s so hot. Like Jio with tattoos. Approachable, mysterious, and an elf who seems like he’d hold a conversation instead of just brooding. But hey- Jio’s still my ultimate elf man. Loyalty matters. This guy’s just... bonus content.

Brain: Ma’am. You already have six farmer OCs. SIX. It took you an hour to make your last one just because you wanted to romance that gridball player for that immersive mod!

Me: *shrugs* Yeah, but I haven’t made a farmer with jet black hair or brunette yet.

Brain: And you’re forgetting you’ve got perfectly good farmer designs reserved for a certain mean cold adventurer.

Me: *glaring* Shut. Up. I’m taking this elf man.

Brain: *deadpan* You should really download that Free Love mod.

Me: *thinks* Nah, I’m a one-romance-at-a-time kind of player.

Brain: Uh-huh. You do realize you’re about to create a whole new OC backstory, right?

Me: *staring into the distance, deep in thought* Shuuush... already thinking of a new farmer design.

Brain: Unbelievable. Truly, unbelievable.

Tohtalem OC: Progress!

I finally got our Elf to load in game with a custom map/location and a couple of events! My friend and I will be filling in more dialogue and events over the next few weeks, I'm just so happy the base character is done!!

First week, no-heart dialogue

A/N: Here’s a collection of my farmer OCs and their lovers celebrating Valentine’s Day across the valley. Each couple shares a unique moment, from quiet evenings to exciting adventures. Hope you enjoy!

Valentine’s Day has arrived, bringing love and warmth to every corner of the valley. From quiet, intimate moments to unexpected adventures, each couple finds their own way to celebrate. Whether it’s a romantic stroll through the ridge, an island adventure, or a heartfelt serenade, love takes many forms but every moment is cherished.

𝚂𝚎𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚗 ♡ 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚒𝚊

The spring air was crisp but gentle, carrying the scent of fresh blooms as the valley embraced the warmth of the new season. The Love Festival had been lively all day—couples exchanging gifts, the marketplace filled with heart-shaped chocolates and vibrant bouquets. But for Aleia, this Valentine’s night was set apart from the usual celebrations.

Sebastian had insisted on planning everything himself this time.

"This time, let me be the one to plan something for you." he had told her, his deep violet eyes steady with resolve.

And so, she let him.

Now, guided by his hand, Aleia walked along the winding mountain path, her eyes covered by a blindfold. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of frogs and crickets were the only sounds accompanying their steps. The cool evening breeze brushed against her skin, and Sebastian’s firm but gentle grip reassured her as they moved forward.

"Almost there." he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.

A few more steps, then stillness.

"Alright," he said softly. "You can look now."

Aleia pulled off the blindfold and gasped.

Before her lay a secluded clearing atop the mountain, bathed in the warm glow of lanterns hanging from tree branches. A cozy picnic was spread across the grass, thick blankets and plush cushions arranged beside a small, flickering fire. Plates of food, carefully chosen with her favorites—void salmon sushi, fresh monster fruit, and a homemade coffee cake, were set neatly on a wooden tray. Beside it, a telescope stood angled toward the sky.

She turned to him, sapphire eyes wide. "You… did all this?"

Sebastian rubbed the back of his neck, looking away like he always did when he was nervous. "Yeah. I, uh… might’ve gotten some help from Sam to carry everything and borrowed Maru’s telescope, but yeah. Wanted to give you something special."

A slow, warm smile spread across Aleia’s lips. "It’s perfect."

They settled onto the blankets, sharing bites of food and slipping into easy conversation, the kind that flowed naturally between them. The fire crackled beside them, casting a golden glow across Sebastian’s features, making his dark hair shine under the soft light. His expression was relaxed in a way that made Aleia’s heart ache, in the best way.

After a while, Sebastian nudged her gently. "Come here."

He led her toward the telescope, adjusting the lens with practiced care. "Look through it."

Aleia leaned in, her breath catching as she took in the stars. Closer, brighter, clearer than she had ever seen them with the naked eye. They shimmered like distant lanterns, scattered across the endless night.

"Wow." she whispered.

Sebastian stepped behind her, loosely wrapping his arms around her waist. "Figured you’d like it."

She turned to face him, her gaze glowing with something deeper than admiration. "You really thought of everything."

Sebastian smirked slightly, though there was no teasing behind it. Just warmth. Just love. "Of course I did. You’re the love of my life, Aleia."

The words settled between them, heavy with sincerity.

Aleia melted, reaching up to brush her fingers against his cheek before leaning in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to his lips. The stars shimmered overhead, the night stretching infinitely before them, but in that moment, all that mattered was the space they shared.

Wherever they were, on the farm, in hiding, or right here in the mountains. Being with him would always feel like home.

𝚂𝚊𝚖 ♡ 𝚈𝚟𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎

Pelican Town was alive with celebration. The Love Festival had transformed the town square into a dreamy spectacle. Strings of lanterns hung between buildings, their soft glow illuminating the bustling streets. Stalls lined the cobblestone paths, selling heart-shaped sweets, delicate flower crowns, and handcrafted gifts. The scent of caramel apples, freshly baked pastries, and roasted chestnuts lingered in the crisp evening air.

Yvonne squeezed Sam’s hand, her maroon-red eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let’s do everything!"

Sam chuckled, lacing his fingers with hers. "Everything? That’s a lot of games, love."

She grinned mischievously. "You scared?"

He smirked. "Not a chance."

They spent the evening competing at ring toss, trying their luck at the fishing challenge, and testing their strength at the hammer game, where Yvonne nearly matched Sam’s score, much to his surprise. They indulged in candied strawberries, fried dough, and hot cocoa, savoring the sweetness of the night.

At one of the game stalls, Yvonne managed to win a fluffy teddy bear holding a tiny pizza. She turned to Sam with a triumphant smile and pressed it into his hands.

"For you." she said with a wink.

Sam laughed, holding up the bear. "Are you winning prizes for me now?"

"Of course." Yvonne said sweetly. "You’re my rockstar boyfriend, but even rockstars need something to cuddle."

Sam rolled his eyes playfully, but the way he hugged the bear against his chest made Yvonne giggle. A few moments later, he nudged her toward another stall.

"My turn." he said confidently.

He focused on the game. Dart toss, aiming carefully before releasing each shot. One by one, the balloons popped, and soon enough, the vendor handed him a teddy bear, this one holding a single red rose. Sam grinned and presented it to Yvonne.

"For you, my flower girl." he teased.

Yvonne beamed, hugging the bear close. "Now we match."

As the festival began winding down, Sam suddenly took her hand and led her away from the crowded town square. They walked in comfortable silence, following the familiar path down to the beach.

The tidepools shimmered under the moonlight, and the area had been beautifully decorated. Lanterns were scattered across the sand, their golden light reflecting off the water. Rose petals were spread around the driftwood log where Yvonne had once sat when Sam first confessed his love for her.

She blinked in surprise. "Wait—! what’s going on?"

Sam just smirked as he grabbed a guitar resting nearby. He sat on a rock facing her, adjusting the strings with ease. "This is for you."

Then, with practiced fingers, he strummed a soft, melodic tune and began to sing.

Yvonne’s breath caught in her throat. His voice, smooth and full of warmth, wrapped around her like the gentle sea breeze.

The song spoke of a love that was vibrant and wild, like spring flowers bursting into bloom after a long winter. It told of laughter shared on lazy afternoons, of hands reaching for each other in the dark, of a love so deep it felt like breathing.

By the time he finished, Yvonne was near tears, her hands clasped to her chest.

Sam set the guitar aside and walked over, pulling her into his arms. "Happy Valentine’s, love."

She sniffled, laughing as she wiped at her eyes. "You jerk. You made me cry."

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Best reaction I could’ve asked for."

And as the waves kissed the shore and the lanterns flickered softly in the night, Yvonne knew she would never forget this moment.

𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡 ♡ 𝙽𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚎

The lively streets of Zuzu City were buzzing with energy as Nadine and Alex walked hand in hand. Neon signs flickered above them, and the scent of sizzling street food filled the air. Tonight, the city felt electric, but for Alex, the real highlight wasn’t the bright lights or the fancy restaurants—it was her.

"You pick." he said, squeezing her hand. "Anything you want, it's all on me."

Nadine chuckled, tilting her head playfully. "Feeling fancy tonight, huh?"

Alex grinned. "I mean, you only get one Valentine’s Day a year. Might as well go all out."

She scanned the restaurants before stopping in front of a small but elegant seafood bistro. Candlelit tables, soft music playing. Perfect. They were seated by the window, overlooking the city streets, and soon their table was filled with delicious dishes, grilled salmon, garlic butter shrimp, and freshly baked bread.

Throughout dinner, they laughed and teased each other, exchanging bites of food and stealing lingering glances. Every now and then, Alex would just stop eating, resting his chin on his hand as he watched her talk, completely enamored.

"What?" Nadine asked, raising a brow.

Alex smirked. "Nothing. Just thinking how lucky I am."

After finishing their meal, instead of heading home, they took a detour to the beachfront. The city skyline glowed in the distance, but the shore was peaceful, waves rolling softly under the moonlight.

Nadine kicked off her sandals, wiggling her toes in the cool sand. "You should try it." she said, grinning.

Alex raised a brow. "Walking barefoot? What if I step on something sharp?"

She rolled her eyes. "Big tough athlete, scared of a little sand?"

"Fine, fine." he chuckled, slipping off his sneakers and socks. He picked up both their shoes, carrying them in one hand while the other found its way back to hers.

They strolled along the water’s edge, the wet sand cool beneath their feet. The gentle waves brushed against their ankles, and the salty night air wrapped around them.

At some point, Alex stopped, pulling her into his arms. "This is nice." he murmured. "Just you, me, and the ocean."

Nadine hummed in agreement, tracing little patterns on his arm. "And the city lights. Kinda romantic, don’t you think?"

He chuckled. "Super romantic." Then, with a playful grin, he scooped her up effortlessly, making her squeal in surprise.

"Alex!"

"What?" he laughed. "You looked like you needed to be carried."

She smacked his shoulder, but he only held her closer. "You’re ridiculous." she huffed, but her laughter betrayed her.

With her in his arms and the waves crashing softly in the background, Alex kissed her, slow and deep, his lips warm against the cool breeze. When they pulled away, he smirked.

"Happy Valentine’s, babe."

Nadine, still breathless, smiled back. "Happy Valentine’s, Alex."

And with that, they kept walking, hand in hand, their footprints fading into the moonlit sand.

𝙼𝚊𝚐𝚗𝚞𝚜 ♡ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚊

Thalia had always been drawn to magic, not just because it was in her blood, but because it was a part of who she was. And tonight, Magnus was determined to show her just how deeply their worlds intertwined.

"Close your eyes." he instructed softly.

She gave him a playful smile. "If you insist, my mysterious sorcerer."

With a wave of his hand, a soft wind swirled around them, carrying the scent of wildflowers and something ancient, something powerful. When Thalia opened her eyes, she gasped.

They stood in an untouched grove deep within the Cindersap Forest, a secret sanctuary hidden from mortal eyes. A pond, smooth as glass, reflected the full moon above, and hundreds of fireflies danced through the air, their golden glow illuminating the night. But the true marvel was the air itself. It shimmered with magic, soft blue and purple lights weaving through the trees like living stardust.

"Magnus…" she breathed.

The wizard watched her with quiet satisfaction, his black-purple eyes gleaming beneath the moonlight. "This place is connected to ancient magic. It exists outside of time, untouched by the world."

Thalia turned to him, teasing. "So, you brought me to a place where time doesn’t exist? Is this your way of keeping me all to yourself?"

Magnus chuckled, a rare, deep sound. "You know me well, my love."

They sat by the pond, surrounded by glowing flora, as Magnus conjured a spread of warm tea, chocolate-covered strawberries, and delicate pastries. As Thalia sipped the tea, she glanced at him with fond amusement.

"You always act so composed, but I know you." she mused. "You’re hopelessly in love with me, aren’t you?"

Magnus exhaled, setting down his cup. He reached for her hand, his fingers tracing over hers with a feather-light touch. "Thalia." he murmured, "You have unraveled every secret I thought I could keep hidden. My magic, my heart, my very soul. They are yours."

Thalia’s teasing smile softened. "You really are a romantic under all that wizardly mystique, aren’t you?"

He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers, a kiss filled with whispered magic and devotion.

As they sat together beneath the moon, time truly seemed to stand still.

𝙻𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 ♡ 𝚁𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢

Valentine’s Day in Stardew Valley meant something different for everyone. Some couples preferred candlelit dinners at the Stardrop Saloon, others exchanged heartfelt gifts in the cozy glow of their fireplaces. But for the adventurous at heart, romance wasn’t just about quiet moment. It was about shared experiences, new places, and thrilling discoveries.

For Lance and Rosemary, nothing sounded better than an escape to Ginger Island, where the golden sands, lush jungle, and endless blue sea promised the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

The midday sun cast a warm glow over the island, glinting off the waves as the couple arrived at the shore. Rosemary inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of salt and tropical flowers, while Lance stretched, rolling his shoulders as he surveyed the landscape.

“Nothing like an island getaway.” he mused, his usual confident smirk in place.

Rosemary smirked back. “Are you sure you didn’t just want an excuse to show off your knowledge of the island?”

He chuckled, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. “You wound me, my dear. I would never, well, perhaps just a little.”

The couple made their way inland, boots crunching against the sand before they reached a shaded, rocky cove where a gentle stream trickled into the sea. The cool water glistened invitingly, and without hesitation, Lance unclasped his cape and set it aside. He knelt down to unlace his boots, and Rosemary followed suit, setting hers beside his.

The water was shallow, lapping just above their ankles as they stepped in. The contrast of the cool stream against the sun-warmed sand sent a pleasant chill up Rosemary’s spine. Lance watched her with a knowing glint in his indigo eyes, captivated by the way the sunlight highlighted her freckles. He had always found them endearing, small constellations scattered across her cheeks, unique to her and her alone.

“You’re staring.” Rosemary teased, flicking a bit of water toward him with her toes.

He caught her ankle with ease, his grip gentle yet firm. “Can you blame me?” His voice dropped to a lower, more genuine tone. “You look stunning.”

A faint blush dusted her cheeks, though whether from the heat or his words, she wasn’t sure. “Smooth talker.” she muttered, but she didn’t pull away.

They spent the afternoon wading through the water, skimming their fingers along the surface, and occasionally splashing each other in playful retaliation. At one point, Lance spotted a vibrant blue starfish resting on the rocks, scooping it up to show Rosemary before gently returning it to the tide.

As the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, Lance guided Rosemary back to shore, their hands naturally finding each other’s. They sat on the sand, watching the sky burn with hues of orange and violet.

“This was a good idea.” Rosemary admitted, leaning her head against his shoulder.

Lance pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his voice filled with quiet certainty. “Every adventure with you is.”

And as the waves whispered against the shore, they simply sat there, enjoying the peaceful, perfect moment. Just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of love and the promise of many more adventures to come.

𝙹𝚒𝚘 ♡ 𝙲𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚎

High up in the mountains, far from the bustling city and the peaceful valley, Ridgeside Village was alive with the spirit of Love Festival. The streets, usually quiet under the watchful eye of the peaks, were now filled with soft lantern light and delicate decorations. Paper hearts and ribbons adorned the fences, and flower petals scattered across the cobbled paths, carried by the cool evening breeze.

Couples strolled through the village square, exchanging gifts of handcrafted chocolates and freshly picked flowers. The scent of sweet rice cakes and warm tea drifted from the marketplace, mingling with the crisp mountain air.

Cerise stood near the entrance of Ridge Forest, fingers idly tightening around the fabric of her dress. She wasn’t usually one to fidget, but tonight was different. Jio had insisted they meet here, in public. It was something he never did. And though she trusted him, she also knew how much he disliked being seen.

Then, she saw him.

He walked toward her with the same quiet confidence she had always admired, but something was undeniably different. His usual ninja attire was gone, replaced by casual dark clothes, simple yet well-fitted, blending him seamlessly among the villagers. And his ears… no longer pointed.

Cerise’s breath caught. "You—?"

Jio smirked slightly, his deep green eyes flickering with amusement. "Illusion spell. No one will suspect a thing."

Her heart swelled. He had done this for her. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to.

"You really did this… for me?"

Jio nodded. "You wanted a normal date. So tonight, I’m just a man visiting the village with his beloved." His voice was calm, but she could hear the slight tension in his tone,he wasn’t used to this.

Cerise smiled, reaching for his hand. "Then let’s make it a good one."

As they strolled through the village, hand in hand, people couldn’t help but stare. It wasn’t every day they saw Farmer Cerise with someone unfamiliar, let alone a man. A few villagers whispered amongst themselves, their curiosity barely concealed.

"Who’s that with Cerise?"

"I’ve never seen him before."

"Is he a traveler? A merchant?"

"His quite handsome."

Jio’s jaw tightened. His patience wore thin as the murmurs continued. His fingers twitched, and just as he was about to say something sharp, Cerise squeezed his hand.

She turned toward the onlookers, flashing a bright, effortless smile. "This is my lover." she said smoothly. "He’s from another village, and he came to spend Valentine’s with me."

A collective murmur of understanding followed, and just like that, the tension dissolved. The villagers, satisfied with her explanation, lost interest and returned to their own affairs.

Jio exhaled, giving her a look. "You handled that well."

She smirked. "I always do."

With the attention off them, they continued their date, walking at a leisurely pace. They visited the marketplace, where Cerise picked out a small box of chocolates and playfully fed Jio a piece. He accepted it with neutral face, but she caught the way his expression softened as he tasted the sweetness.

Then, they made their way to the waterfall, where the sound of rushing water drowned out the rest of the world. They sat on a secluded bench, the mist cooling their skin as the stars began to dot the sky.

Jio leaned back, gazing at the view. "It’s peaceful here." he admitted.

Cerise tilted her head. "I thought you might like it."

He glanced at her, something unreadable in his gaze. "I like anything, so long as I’m with you."

She chuckled, leaning into his shoulder. "Now who’s the smooth talker?"

Jio smirked but said nothing, instead slipping an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. For a while, they sat in silence, listening to the distant hum of the village behind them, the rush of the falls before them.

Cerise turned her head slightly, catching the way the moonlight softened Jio’s usually sharp features. "You don’t regret this?" she asked quietly. "Being here… with me?"

His hold on her tightened ever so slightly. "Never." His voice was firm, certain. "I’d walk through any village, drop every disguise, if it meant being with you."

Cerise’s heart thudded, warmth spreading through her chest. She smiled softly, then reached up, pressing a lingering kiss to his cheek.

"Happy Valentine’s, Jio."

He exhaled, his breath ghosting over her skin. "Happy Valentine’s, meleth nin."

And for once, there was no mission, no secrecy. Just the two of them, veiled in moonlight, lost in a quiet world of their own making.

When you think you've finally settled on the NPC you want to marry, but then you meet another interesting character and suddenly want to pursue them too. You’re curious about their story, but your heart won’t let you divorce your current spouse—so you start a new save file. Then another. Each one with a different farmer OC, each with their own love interest and story. Before you know it, you've built an entire farming game world where your OCs coexist. And now, every time you find another NPC attractive, you have to create yet another OC, complete with a backstory, personality, and design… until it becomes a full-blown creative headache. 😵

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'll be writing stories and mini skits featuring my farmer OCs and their NPC lovers as they navigate mundane, romantic, or even chaotic moments during the holiday.

Additionally, with the recent release of Maggs Immersive Alex Romance Dialogue and Events (x)Spicy or Sweet 1.6 by @maggplays, I'll be writing one-shots about my new farmer and Alex, exploring their interactions in each cutscene. Since I’ve never written fanfics about Alex before, this will be a fun challenge for me. ( ╹▽╹ )

Summary: A word of advice, when the fortune teller warns of bad luck, don’t tempt fate… or risk limping home from the mines.

Winter had arrived in Pelican Town, casting a chill that seemed to seep into everything. The cold winds whipped through the air, carrying snowflakes that fluttered down, blanketing the town in white. While most residents of Pelican Town sought warmth by the fireside or tended to their animals, Yvonne had different plans. After checking her kegs and making sure her animals were warm and well-fed, she grabbed her gear and made her way to the mines. Her goal: to upgrade her pickaxe. She might have been content with her farming, but Yvonne knew a stronger pickaxe would make her life a lot easier.

But before heading out, she stopped by Moonlit Mire Farm to visit her best friend, Aleia. Yvonne always marveled at Aleia's farm—how did she do it? The crop fields stretched as far as the eye could see, filled with wintermelons and giant ones at that. A golden clock stood proudly by the fields, surrounded by fish ponds and sheds filled with her various wines and jams. Aleia had even raised a dinosaur!

Yvonne couldn't help but sweatdrop at the sheer magnitude of it all. Her friend truly was a farming demon. As she stood there, lost in thought, the door swung open, and Aleia appeared, brushing her roseate hair out of her face.

"Hey, Vonnie! What's up?" Aleia greeted, her usual cheerful self.

Yvonne grinned, despite herself. "Aleia… please tell me you sleep at night and aren't secretly a farming demon."

Aleia chuckled, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Hard work, my dear, and a sprinkle of obsession."

Yvonne shook her head. "Well, wanna come to the mines with me? I need to upgrade my pickaxe, and having an extra set of hands wouldn't hurt."

Aleia smirked. "You had me at ‘mines.’ Let me grab my gear."

The two women set off towards the mountains, unaware of the fortune teller's warning that it was a bad luck day. They didn’t think much of it, of course, as they were well-prepared for a day of mining, treasure hunting, and monster-slaying. Aleia was no stranger to the deeper parts of the mines, often coming out victorious even against the most vicious of foes. Her Galaxy Sword and skills were more than enough to protect herself and her friend. Yvonne, on the other hand, relied on her Obsidian Edge and her sharp instincts.

Their time in the mines started off fine. They encountered waves of monsters—slimes, rock golems, and bats—but were able to handle them easily. Yvonne’s grip on her sword tightened as she swung it with precision, while Aleia made quick work of any approaching enemies, her sword flashing like lightning.

"Guess this day isn’t as bad as the fortune teller said." Yvonne quipped, breathing heavily as another group of slimes disintegrated at her feet.

Aleia smirked, her face still calm despite the chaos. "Yeah, but we shouldn’t get too cocky. The mines are always full of surprises."

Just as she spoke, the ground beneath them trembled, and a group of shadow creatures emerged from the cracks in the stone, surrounding them. Before either of them could react, they were thrust into a brutal fight. Yvonne barely had time to react before a creature swiped at her, sending her sprawling to the ground.

"Yvonne!" Aleia yelled, her voice sharp as she cleaved through another group of monsters. She rushed to her friend's side, but not before another creature lunged at her.

With quick reflexes, Aleia threw a bomb to disorient the monsters, using the distraction to scoop Yvonne up and race toward the elevator, her legs burning with exhaustion.

Yvonne, wincing in pain from her sprained ankle, protested weakly. "Aleia, you can’t carry me—"

"Don’t argue with me, Yvonne." Aleia replied firmly, her voice barely a whisper as they both darted into the elevator. "We’re getting out of here, no matter what."

As the elevator doors began to close, the sound of their enemies' footsteps echoed in the tunnel. The two women were in a race against time, the monsters’ pursuit growing louder by the second.

The elevator went upward slowly, and just as the doors began to open at the surface level, Aleia collapsed against the wall. Yvonne, barely conscious, rested her head on Aleia’s shoulder.

"I’m sorry." Yvonne whispered weakly. "I didn’t mean to hold you back."

Aleia shook her head, smiling faintly. "You’re my friend, Vonnie. I’ve got you."

Marlon found them shortly after, dragging them both back to the clinic. Doctor Harvey worked quickly, patching them up with the help of his assistant, Maru. Aleia’s body was covered in bruises, blood staining her clothes, while Yvonne’s ankle was swollen and bruised.

The two women were placed in the same room, but they were too out of it to even realize what was happening. Maru kept watch, making sure they were stable, when suddenly the door flew open.

Sebastian and Sam stormed in, both panting and frantic. Maru held up a hand. "Calm down, guys. They’re resting."

Sebastian didn’t listen. His violet eyes scanned the room, landing on Aleia first. "What the hell happened?" he demanded, his usual cool demeanor completely gone.

Maru crossed her arms. "She’s fine, Sebastian. Just bruises and exhaustion. They’ll be okay."

But Sebastian wasn’t convinced. He sat down beside Aleia, brushing her reddish pink hair away from her face with gentle hands. "You’re an idiot." he muttered, voice full of frustration. "A reckless, stubborn, battle-crazed idiot."

Even unconscious, Aleia stirred, as if ready to argue back.

Meanwhile, Sam had already thrown himself onto Yvonne’s bed, cradling her like a lifeline. "Vonnie! Babe! Love of my life! Are you alive?" His voice cracked with panic.

Harvey arrived to check on his patients and only sighed, rubbing his temples. "Sam, she’s fine. Just let her rest."

Sam didn’t hear him. "Don’t ever do that again!" he cried, squeezing Yvonne’s hand. "My heart can’t take it!"

Yvonne, still groggy, blinked at him in confusion. "Sam, I think you’re suffocating me."

Sam immediately loosened his grip but didn’t let go. "Oh. Right. Sorry. Still not letting go, though."

Sebastian, meanwhile, was still glaring at Aleia, muttering under his breath. "You really need to stop making me worry like this."

Maru smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Like you’re one to talk. You used to sneak off to the mines all the time."

Sebastian shot her a death glare. "Not the point."

Yvonne, despite her pain, grinned weakly. "So… uh, bad luck day, huh?"

Aleia, still half-conscious, managed to lift her hand and smirk. "Next time… let’s just make tea or sleep instead."

Sebastian sighed heavily, rubbing his face. "That’s the first smart thing you’ve said today."

Sam nodded vigorously, agreeing. "Agreed. No more death trips, just chill inside."

Harvey, already exhausted by the chaos, muttered, "Can I prescribe all of you a week of common sense?"

The room erupted into laughter, the tension easing with every chuckle. Despite the pain, exhaustion, and near-death experience

Aleia and Yvonne would probably do it all again.

Maybe.

…Definitely not on a bad luck day.

Summary: Sebastian wakes up in the middle of the night to find his pregnant farmer wife, Aleia, indulging in her latest bizarre craving.

The farmhouse was bathed in moonlight, its wooden beams creaking softly in the stillness of the night. The air outside was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and distant ocean waves. Inside, everything was peaceful except for the subtle rustling of blankets and the faint creak of the bed as Aleia carefully slid out from under Sebastian’s arm.

She moved with practiced stealth, her roseate hair swaying as she tiptoed toward the door. But even with her best efforts, Sebastian stirred, his hand instinctively reaching for her in his half-asleep daze. Instead of warmth, he was met with cool, empty sheets. His brows furrowed. Sleepy or not, he knew Aleia was supposed to be there.

Dragging himself up, Sebastian ran a hand through his tousled dark plum hair, exhaling as he rubbed his face. With sluggish movements, he padded barefoot out of the room, eyes scanning the dimly lit hallway. The bathroom light was off. That ruled out his first guess.

Then, faintly, the warm glow of the kitchen flickered under the door.

Sebastian squinted. At this hour?

With quiet steps, he approached, pushing the door open slightly.

There, under the kitchen’s soft golden light, stood Aleia, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she hunched over the counter, caught in the act. Her cheeks were puffed up, stuffed with something. And in her hand? A piece of watermelon.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Cravings again?”

Aleia turned toward him, blinking innocently as she struggled to chew. “Mhm!” she garbled, before finally swallowing. “I needed this.”

Sebastian let out a breathy chuckle, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe. “Watermelon?”

She nodded enthusiastically. “It’s so juicy and sweet.” Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she reached behind her and grabbed—oh dear Yoba!—a jar of mayonnaise.

Sebastian’s expression immediately dropped.

“Oh no.” he muttered, dread settling in. “Not this again.”

Aleia grinned mischievously. “Oh yes.”

Without hesitation, she unscrewed the lid and like it was the most normal thing in the world, tilted the jar back, taking a long sip of mayonnaise like it was a gourmet beverage.

Sebastian visibly recoiled. “ALEIA, WHY?”

She smacked her lips, sighing in contentment. “I dunno, Sebby. It just hits different.”

Sebastian stared at her, absolutely appalled. “You used to do that before pregnancy, and I thought maybe, just maybe, you’d grow out of it. But no. No. The baby is only enabling you.”

Aleia shrugged before nonchalantly dipping her watermelon slice into the mayo and taking a delighted bite.

Sebastian looked personally betrayed. “That’s an abomination.”

Aleia gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? This is peak cuisine.”

“That is sacrilegious.” Sebastian countered.

“Oh, and you’re one to talk?” Aleia huffed, setting down her watermelon and crossing her arms. “You eat cold sashimi straight from the fridge at 2 AM like some kind of gremlin and think I’m the weird one?”

Sebastian opened his mouth to argue but then paused. Damn. She had a point.

“That’s completely different.” he muttered.

Aleia smirked. “Mhm. Keep telling yourself that.”

Sebastian exhaled sharply before stepping closer, slipping his arms around her waist. Despite the culinary war crimes she was committing, he still pressed a soft kiss to her temple. “You are so lucky I love you.” he murmured against her hair.

Aleia giggled, nuzzling into him. “I know.”

Sebastian’s hands found their way to her slightly rounded belly, rubbing slow, soothing circles. “How’s our little night owl?” he asked softly.

Aleia hummed, resting her free hand over his. “Oh, just making sure I never sleep again,” she teased. “Apparently, our kid is a night creature like their dad.”

Sebastian smirked. “At least they take after me in something.”

Aleia rolled her eyes before nudging him playfully. “You’re really clingy, you know that?”

“You like it.”

“…I do.” she admitted with a grin.

Sebastian glanced at the counter. “So, is it just the watermelon or should I prepare myself for something worse?”

Aleia chewed her lip, suddenly looking very guilty.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “Aleia… what else did you eat?”

She hesitated before mumbling, “Pickles.”

Sebastian nodded slowly. “Okay, not too bad.”

“With peanut butter.”

His expression dropped. “Oh, no.”

“…And a little bit of hot sauce.”

Sebastian groaned. “Sweetheart, that’s not food.”

Aleia pouted, poking his chest. “Says the guy who hoards pumpkin soup like a dragon and refuses to share.”

Sebastian gasped, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Hey. That soup is sacred.”

Aleia grinned triumphantly before finishing off the last bite of her cursed watermelon. “There. Now I’m good.”

Sebastian sighed, shaking his head. “Alright, come on, weird cravings queen. Let’s get you back to bed before you start dipping pumpkin soup in ranch dressing.”

“…That’s actually not a bad idea.”

Sebastian groaned.

With a laugh, Aleia wrapped her arms around his neck. “You love me.” she teased.

Sebastian kissed her forehead. “That’s the only reason I’m putting up with this.”

Hand in hand, they walked back to their room, the dim glow of the kitchen light fading behind them. As they curled up under the covers, Sebastian wrapped his arms around her again, his warmth chasing away the night’s chill.

“Good night, my love,” he murmured against her hair.

Aleia smiled sleepily, snuggling into his chest. “Night, Sebby.”

The farmhouse settled back into silence, the moonlight casting a soft glow over them. And despite the absolute madness of her cravings, Sebastian knew one thing for certain.

He wouldn’t trade any of this for the world.

Summary: In the early morning, Sebastian wakes Aleia up to show her something special. Despite her sleepiness, she trusts him and follows him, leading to a quiet, tender moment.

The farmhouse was peaceful, an oasis of quiet in the stillness of the early morning. The moon hung low in the sky, its silver light illuminating the landscape outside. Stars scattered across the heavens like diamonds against deep indigo, but inside, the world was tranquil—except for Sebastian.

With a quiet groan, he silenced the alarm, the soft beep cutting through the silence. He rubbed his face, pushing his messy dark purple hair back with a tired hand, glancing over at Aleia. She lay peacefully beside him, her reddish-pink hair cascading over the pillow, lips slightly parted, breathing steadily in her sleep.

A playful smirk tugged at Sebastian’s lips as he stared at her. Waking her up was going to be a challenge. But the idea of sharing this moment with her made his heart race in ways he hadn’t expected.

He slipped out of bed with care, dressing quickly in his jeans and favorite hoodie, the warmth of their bed still lingering on his skin. His leather jacket slid over his shoulders effortlessly, and he approached her side, crouching down to gently shake her shoulder.

“Aleia...” he whispered, his voice soft but insistent.

She groaned, pulling the pillow closer to her face. “No. Five more minutes...”

He chuckled, brushing a lock of her roseate hair from her face. “It’s not five minutes, sweetheart. You need to get up.”

Aleia cracked one eye open, her gaze instantly narrowing at him. “Sebastian... It’s the middle of the night!”

He grinned, crossing his arms. “It’s three in the morning, actually. Time to rise.”

“That’s... Even worse!” she muttered, curling deeper into her pillow. “Why would you wake me up at demon hours?”

Sebastian laughed, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “Because I’ve got a surprise for you. Trust me. Get dressed, and meet me outside.”

Before she could protest any further, he stood and walked toward the door, leaving her with little room for argument. Aleia groaned, but despite her protests, she eventually gave in. She slipped on her favorite cozy sweater and jeans, boots clicking on the wooden floor as she stepped outside into the cool night air.

Sebastian waited by his motorcycle, his posture casual, but his eyes alight with a mischievous glint.

“Seriously? A motorcycle?” Aleia raised an eyebrow. “You better have a good reason for dragging me out here at this ungodly hour.”

He tossed her a helmet with a grin. “I’ve got a good reason. Now hop on.”

She sighed dramatically but climbed onto the bike anyway, wrapping her arms around his waist. “If I fall asleep and fall off, that’s on you.” she muttered into his back.

Sebastian chuckled as the engine hummed to life beneath them. “I’d catch you, don’t worry.”

The ride was quiet, the world around them enveloped in darkness. Aleia rested her cheek against his back, letting the wind ruffle her hair. Her exhaustion from being pulled out of bed faded slowly, replaced by the trust she had in him, the trust that had only grown stronger over time.

After what felt like an eternity, he pulled to a stop, and Aleia blinked, looking up at the at the surroundings.

“The Summit?” she asked, her voice thick with grogginess.

Sebastian helped her off the bike, pulling a pair of blankets from the side storage. “Yep. I promise, it’ll be worth it. Come on.”

With his hand firmly in hers, they hiked up the final stretch of the trail, the mountain air growing thinner and colder with each step. But nothing mattered except the space between them—close enough to feel the heat of his hand, to hear the quiet rhythm of their breaths. It was just them, and the world was waiting.

When they reached the peak, Aleia gasped, awestruck by the view that stretched before her. The valley lay below, bathed in the faint light of the approaching dawn, rivers reflecting the stars. The sky itself seemed to be awakening, shifting from dark to lighter shades of purple and orange as the first touch of the sun’s rays began to bleed across the horizon.

Sebastian spread a blanket across the cool ground, patting the space beside him. Aleia sat down beside him, rubbing her arms against the cold. Without hesitation, Sebastian draped his jacket over her shoulders, pulling her into his side.

She exhaled, resting her head on his shoulder. “Okay, I admit it. This is pretty amazing.”

“I told you.” he murmured, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.

Aleia looked up at him, a playful glint in her eyes. “So... You just decided, ‘Hey, let’s wake up my wife in the middle of the night, make her trek up a mountain, and then show her the sunrise’?”

Sebastian gave her a teasing grin. “Pretty much.”

“You’re the worst.” she groaned, nudging him lightly with her shoulder.

“And yet, you married me.” he replied, his voice smooth, full of quiet pride.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. Her hand found his, their fingers lacing together as they both stared at the sky in silence. The world around them was so still, so peaceful, and for the first time in a long while, Aleia felt completely at ease.

Then, slowly, the sun began to rise. The sky shifted from dusky purples to shades of pink, gold, and fiery orange, bathing the landscape in warmth. Aleia’s breath caught, the beauty of it overwhelming. She couldn’t look away.

“It’s beautiful...” she whispered, her voice soft, as if afraid to disturb the moment.

Sebastian, however, wasn’t looking at the sunrise. His eyes were on her.

“Yeah.” he murmured, his gaze never leaving her face. “It really is.”

Aleia turned to him, her heart skipping at the tenderness in his expression. His deep midnight purple eyes were filled with something she couldn’t quite name, but she could feel it, love, perhaps, or something deeper.

“I meant the sunrise, dork,” she teased, her voice affectionate.

Sebastian smirked, that same playful spark returning to his eyes. “The sunrise is nice,” he said softly, “but you, Aleia… You’re breathtaking.”

She laughed, her cheeks flushing. “Oh my God, that was so cheesy.”

He chuckled, leaning in close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “You love it.”

“…I do.” she admitted with a smile, warmth flooding her chest.

Sebastian cupped her cheek with one hand, his thumb brushing gently over her skin. “I love you, Aleia.”

Her heart soared. She leaned into his touch, her own hand coming to rest on his. “I love you too, Sebby.”

And as the sun continued to rise above them, painting the world in its golden glow, Sebastian leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, lingering kiss. The world felt like it paused for just a moment—nothing else mattered except for the two of them, together, here, in this perfect slice of time.

When they finally pulled apart, Aleia grinned, resting her forehead against his. “Okay, fine. Waking up early was worth it.”

Sebastian chuckled, holding her closer, the warmth of his embrace making the morning chill feel miles away. “Told you.”

They sat there in comfortable silence, watching as the sun bathed Stardew Valley in golden light, knowing that whatever challenges the future may hold, they would always have each other and moments like this one.

Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sebastian Dialogue and Custom Events Spicy or Sweet" by @maggplays

𝙼𝚊𝚢𝚘 𝙼𝚊𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜

[This is a continuation for "Riddle Me This".]

Aleia: *crossing her arms and sitting back down on the couch with a huff* Anyway, speaking of mayo… I still don’t get why you refuse to acknowledge it as a good beverage.

Sebastian: *pauses mid-smirk, his grin fading as he stares at her, incredulous* You’re kidding me. We’re back to this?

Aleia: *nodding enthusiastically, leaning forward as if she’s about to give the speech of a lifetime* Listen, it’s creamy, it’s versatile, it has eggs for protein, and oil for energy! It’s basically a smoothie!

Sebastian: *groans loudly, dragging a hand down his face* Oh my gawd, please don’t call mayonnaise a smoothie.

Aleia: *completely ignoring him, gesturing animatedly* Think about it! If you mix it with a little lemon juice and maybe some herbs, boom! Gourmet drink! It could even be a café special, like 'Aleia’s Creamy Mayo Delight.'

Sebastian: *staring at her in sheer disbelief, slowly lowering himself into the chair, his head in his hands* Here we go again…

Aleia: *grinning now, clearly enjoying his misery* I mean, you’ve got people out there drinking celery juice and kale smoothies, but mayo gets slandered? Where’s the justice in that?

Sebastian: *looking up at her, deadpan* The justice is in basic human decency, Aleia. You can’t just go around advocating for mayonnaise as a drink. That’s not a personality trait; it’s a cry for help.

Aleia: *gasping dramatically, clutching her chest* A cry for help?! Wow, Sebby. That’s rich coming from someone who survives off coffee and instant noodles.

Sebastian: *crossing his arms, raising an eyebrow* Says the woman who drinks coffee like its water but coffee is a respectable beverage. Mayonnaise is... mayonnaise. It’s not even in the same league.

Aleia: *leaning forward, eyes glinting mischievously* Alright then, Mr. Respectable Beverage. How about a challenge? You try drinking mayo for a day, and I’ll-!

Sebastian: *cutting her off, holding up a hand* Absolutely not. I’d rather code for 24 hours straight than suffer through that nightmare.

Aleia: *pouting dramatically* Sebaaaastian, you’re no fun!

Sebastian: *smirking slightly, shaking his head* No, I’m just sane. There’s a difference.

Aleia: *grinning triumphantly* Fine. But one day, when mayo smoothies take the world by storm, you’ll be the one begging for forgiveness.

Sebastian: *snorts, leaning back in his chair* Yeah, sure. And when that happens, I’ll start calling you 'Chef Aleia, the Mayo Queen.'

Aleia: *smirking back, throwing another pillow at him* Deal! But don’t forget. Mayo is the future!

Sebastian: *catching the pillow and shaking his head, chuckling softly* And yet, somehow, I still love you.

Aleia: *grinning proudly* Of course you do. I’m adorable and revolutionary.

Sebastian: *sighing, resting his head in his hand* Adorable, yes. Revolutionary? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, sweetheart.

Aleia: *laughing* Mark my words, Sebby. Mayo. Smoothies. 2030. You’ll see."

Sebastian: *leaning back, groaning dramatically* Someone save me before this actually happens.

𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎 𝙼𝚎 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜

[Farmer Aleia is lounging on the couch, flipping through a book while Sebastian is at his computer, typing away. The mood is casual, and the two are enjoying their time together.]

Aleia: *suddenly perks up, grinning mischievously* Hey! Sebby! I've got a riddle for you!

Sebastian: *still typing, without looking up* This better not be like that time you tried to convince me that mayonnaise counts as a drinkable snack.

Aleia: *waves him off dramatically* Hah! I stand by that statement! Mayonnaise is versatile, and you're just close-minded. But no, this one's different. Listen up!

Sebastian: *leans back in his chair, spinning slightly to look at her, raising an eyebrow* Fine. Hit me with your best shot.

Aleia: *grinning smugly* Okay. "You feel good when you stick something in it. You feel happy when you shake it. But you feel sad when you take something out of it. Now, what am I?"

Sebastian: *pauses, staring at her blankly before a slow smirk creeps onto his face* Oh

[Sebastian gets up, crossing the room slowly. Aleia's smug grin falters slightly as he approaches and stops in front of her. He leans down, placing his hands on either side of her on the couch, effectively pinning her in place.]

Sebastian: *in a low, teasing tone* Sweetheart, If you wanted to have sex, you could've just asked instead of hiding it behind riddles.

Aleia: *face turning crimson, flustered* AH!No! That's not! It's a piggy bank!

Sebastian: *blinks in surprise, then bursts out laughing* Piggy bank? Really?

Aleia: *starts giggling uncontrollably* YES! Admit it, I got you!

Sebastian: *still laughing, straightens up and crosses his arms* Alright, alright. Fine. But now it's my turn.

Aleia: *playfully narrows her eyes* Bring it on!

Sebastian: *grins wickedly, leaning slightly closer* Okay. "What's long, hard, and stiff, gets used inside a warm, wet place, and works best when you move it back and forth?"

Aleia: *bursts out laughing, pointing at him* HA! Easy. It's a toothbrush!"

Sebastian: *suddenly crouches in front of her, gently takes her hand, and smirks devilishly, his voice dropping* Wrong answer, love?

Aleia: *blinking rapidly, her blush returning* E-Eh?! Wait, what-?

[Before she can react, she grabs the nearest object, a pillow, and throws it directly at his face. Sebastian catches it effortlessly, laughing as Aleia scrambles to her feet in a mix of embarrassment.]

Aleia: Sebastian! You're the worst!

Sebastian: *grinning, tossing the pillow back at her* And yet, you still love me.

Aleia: *trying to suppress a smile, but failing* Yeah, yeah. Don't push your luck, emo boy.

Sebastian: *leaning back smugly* Admit it, though. I make this relationship very exciting.

Aleia: *rolling her eyes but smiling anyway* Exciting isn't the word I'd use... but fine. You win this round.

Sebastian: *winks* Always do, sweetheart.

I don't know if I'm being late to notice this in the new update. When I had my farmer attend the Luau Festival on the beach, I couldn't help but notice that everything looked different. The NPC's have changed their spots, and the Luau Potluck has switched places with the dance floor. Though it took me some time to notice the change, I have to admit that I really like the new arrangement! 😮✨🏖️🍲

YEEEESSSSHHH!!! SOOOO EXCITED FOR THIS MOD!!! 😍✨ Now I'm gonna need to make a new farmer OC to be Alex's love interest and add to my savefile aka my SDV world.

*cough* Saaay Maggs, just curious soo how many spicy stuffs did you add to your Alex Immersive Mod?

Immersive Alex Update

Alex's marriage dialogue is about 2/3 done, then I have the Good Morning event lines to write, and we're nearly there!

I'll be drawing his listing image this weekend... Urgh... *teeth clenched* we can do this, it will be fine! (art is hard!!!)

Shooting for Jan 31 release barring any sudden hangups ~

Note: Dusty will be included in events on release (with a custom sprite), he will not be at the farm just yet, he might be part of the future Spouse Buildings mod

As far as I remember, in the Stardew Valley Expanded mod, the area located in the backwoods serves as the entrance to the 'Enchanted Grove' or 'Nexus.' Maybe its preventing you to add another area because that area is reserved for that area in SVE, if you download the mod. Hope you find a way to have that skatepark stays in the next update! Ngl I like the design and I hope my farmer can also interact with it. ✨

After days of careful planning and construction, with the assistance of Robin, Yvonne successfully completed building the skatepark that Sam has always dreamt of. While initially created to fulfill her husband's dream, this project ended up being a valuable asset for the town, where children can experience fun and exploration while adding a new structure to Pelican Town.

(P.S. Thanks Maggs, for helping me trigger this cutscene. 😭😍)

Mod:"Maggs Immersive Sam Romance Dialogue and Events (x)Spicy or Sweet 1.6" by @maggplays

After days of careful planning and construction, with the assistance of Robin, Yvonne successfully completed building the skatepark that Sam has always dreamt of. While initially created to fulfill her husband's dream, this project ended up being a valuable asset for the town, where children can experience fun and exploration while adding a new structure to Pelican Town.

(P.S. Thanks Maggs, for helping me trigger this cutscene. 😭😍)

Mod:"Maggs Immersive Sam Romance Dialogue and Events (x)Spicy or Sweet 1.6" by @maggplays

Farmer: *can't find Sebastian in town*

Farmer: Dammit! I can't find him anywhere. This calls for drastic measures.

Farmer: *inhales and uses hand as a microphone* THE FARMER SUCKS!!!

Sebastian: *comes out from his room basement* THE FUCK-

Shane: *across JojaMart Bldg* DID YOU-

Sam: *crashes through the window using his skateboard* JUST-

Other Marriage Candidates: SAY!

Farmer: Eeek, that worked a little too well...

Other Townspeople: *others find this amusing, annoying or secretly recording the scene from the start and post it on their social media*

𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝙾𝚛𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊

The sun is up high in the cloudless, brilliant blue sky, its warm rays kissing the white sand of the beach. The sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore mixes with a gentle breeze, creating a peaceful and perfect atmosphere. But there's something more. A rhythmic melody fills the air, its captivating notes drawing a small crowd of passersby.

Curious, people gather around the source of the music, their eyes locked on four young friends who are playing their musical instruments. Sam strums his guitar with skilled fingers, creating a mellow and resonant sound. Next to him, Sebastian passionately plays his keytar, adding a hint of modernity to the tune. Aleia's nimble hands move over the strings of her mini harp, producing a soft and delicate melody that intertwines with the others. And finally, Abigail plays her flute with a joyful expression, her sweet and high-pitched notes completing the harmony.

People listen intently, their faces lit up with appreciation and delight. The friends play with a natural and easy chemistry, as if the music flows through them like a second language. They move in sync, their eyes sometimes meeting and exchanging grins. The crowd is captivated by the beauty of their performance, and some even start to sway and clap along to the beat.

And as the last notes of their performance echo through the air, the friends let out sighs of contentment. They exchange smiles, their eyes sparkling with a mixture of satisfaction and pride. The crowd around them applauds enthusiastically, the sound mixed with the cheers and whistles of appreciation.

Mod: "Maggs Immersive Sebastian Dialogue and Custom Events Spicy or Sweet" & "Maggs Immersive Sam Romance Dialogue and Events (x)Spicy or Sweet 1.6" by @maggplays

I decided treat myself to a henna tattoo featuring the iconic Stardrop Fruit from SDV.

A/N: Got this idea by my boyfriend's midnight musings. I find it pretty amusing and it inspired me to write this. This is my first post for this year, 2025. Enjoy! 🎉

Summary: Lance couldn't resist the urge to have a late-night chat with his sleep-deprived farmer.

It's currently night time in the Highlands, and after a late-night expedition exploring the cliffs and caves, Rosemary is too tired to go home, so she decides to sleep at her boyfriend's outpost. Lance doesn't mind, at least he gets to spend time with his beloved farmer. As they're going to sleep, the mage can't help but have random thoughts crossing his mind.

"Sweetheart, would you still love me if I were a worm?", Lance quietly asked his sleepy girlfriend.

Rosemary grunted and turned over in his arms, looking at him with her tired turquoise eyes. "What brought this on?", she asked, her voice heavy with sleep. Lance knew why he loved this woman. Instead of complaining about the late hour or ignoring him until he shoved her awake, Rosemary genuinely cared and took his late-night musings seriously - it was just part of who he was.

"I dreamed I was a human.", Lance said with total seriousness. "Like, just a regular human with no magic whatsoever."

"Sounds mundane.", Rosemary mused, trying to stay awake despite her drowsiness. Lance nodded and continued, "It was okay, but then I met you in that dream. And you were different, too. You were a warrior, strong and beautiful. But you wouldn't speak to me, just ignored me completely. It was like you didn't even know who I was."

Rosemary frowned but remained silent, thinking through Lance's words. He could tell she was trying to make sense of his dream-induced thoughts.

Lance took a deep breath and continued. "And the next thing I knew, I was a worm, just wriggling around in the earth. I thought 'How did this happen?' And you know what I realized, Rose?" Lance asked, pulling her even closer to his chest.

Rosemary nodded, her eyelids starting to feel heavier with each passing second, but she knew she needed to stay awake to hear his thoughts. She had learned that Lance's dreams were never really about the literal transformations he experienced but rather about some underlying fear or worry he had within him. And so, she listened.

"It was because you didn't love me as a human.", he revealed, his voice cracking slightly. "And since you didn't love me, there was no way you could ever love me as a worm. You wouldn't even acknowledge me in the dream, no matter how much I tried to talk to you."

Rosemary only rolled her eyes at Lance's revelation. She could see how upset he was and tried to comfort him. "Oh, love..." she began, but Lance cut her off.

"But then I thought, what if we were both worms?", Lance asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Rosemary rolled her eyes again at his persistent questioning. "Then we'd be digging the earth together forever in wormy marriage," she replied, before yawning heavily. "Does that make you feel better, love?"

Lance's face broke into a broad smile, and he nodded. "Yes, I think it does," he said, relieved that he could confide in his girlfriend. "I'm sorry for waking you." he apologized, feeling a little embarrassed. Rosemary gently caressed his cheek, telling him it was okay. "It's alright." she reassured him.

Finally, she couldn't help but ask, "And what about you, love? Would you still love me if I was a worm?"

Lance pretended to think deeply about her question for a few moments, then answered seriously. "Worms are the most detestable creatures on Earth. I could never love you if you were one," he said with disdain.

Rosemary's mouth dropped open in surprise, then she burst into fits of laughter. She playfully hit him with a pillow for his blunt answer. "Don't be so mean, Lance!"

Lance grinned sheepishly, realizing his mistake. "Alright, I admit that was a bit harsh there." he conceded. "But you have to admit, worms are pretty repulsive."

Rosemary couldn't refute his point. They were both exhausted, and their random musings were starting to wear thin. But Lance wasn't quite done yet.

"Seriously, what would you do if we both suddenly woke up as worms?" Lance asked curiously.

Rosemary sighed, resigned to the fact that she wouldn't be getting back to sleep anytime soon. "Well..." she began thoughtfully, "I suppose we'd have to adjust to our new wormy lives together. I bet we could dig tunnels in the earth and make a cozy nest for us."

Lance nodded, somewhat impressed by her practicality, but still found worms repulsive. "And what about us as worms? Would we still... you know." Lance's voice trailed off, unable to articulate the rest of his question.

Rosemary giggled, guessing where his mind was heading. "Lance, we'd be worms. That's not exactly an ideal situation for that kind of activity. But who knows, maybe we'd still manage to find our own wormy way to show affection," she said with a chuckle. "Let's rest now, okay? We can continue these wild thoughts in the morning. I have a feeling you'll be even more ridiculous when you're not sleep-deprived."

Lance chuckled, realizing his tired mind was indeed making the conversation more bizarre. "Yes, you're right, love," he said, hugging her closer. "Let's get some sleep, and we can laugh about all of this in the morning."

Rosemary snuggled up to him and smiled. "Good night, Lance. I love you, regardless of whether you're a mage, a human, or even a worm."

Lance leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you too, Rosemary. Sleep well."

As the two drifted off to sleep together, wrapped in each other's arms, the conversation shifted from magical transformations to the simplicity of their love, proving that it surpassed all boundaries, be it human or worm.

Hiiii Mousey! (✿^‿^) How are you right now? Hope you're doing well there.

Anywho, I had this idea while on a car ride, listening to some band songs. I had to write it down right away before I forgot it. I don't know if anyone has ever sent this to you before, but What if the farmer used to be a popular and famous singer, but because of the stress from fame and the number of stalkers they encountered, they decided to resign/quit and move to the valley to start anew, hoping no one would recognize them. However, one day, the farmer accidentally blurts out their secret to their NPC spouse and this made the farmer very worried. Now, here's the thought: How would the SDV&SVE Bachelors/Bachelorettes react to finding out that their farmer spouse was once a famous, popular singer? 🎤🎸

Hey hey 👋 I'm fine, a bit busy due to work (December is always a pretty busy month for me) but so doing pretty well, thanks for asking ❤️

Ooooh, your idea as an alternative start for Farmer arriving in the Stardew Valley, love it! Thanks for the ask, and have a good day!

_____________________________

SDV/SVE bachelors/ettes with Farmer as a former famous singer

SDV/SVE bachelors:

Even with the changed clothing style and new hair colour, Sam recognised Farmer as a famous singer almost instantly before Farmer blabbed about their past career. You bet, because Sammy is not only a music lover, but also a big fan of this musical group! He will shower Farmer with questions and autograph requests, but the joyful guitarist immediately restrains himself, remembering that a reaction like his is one of the reasons why the singer left the band. Sam apologises to Farmer and gives them some space. He in no way wanted to make his own lover uncomfortable.

"Wow... That's so cool." Sebastian is also pleasantly surprised about the fact that Farmer who came to Stardew Valley is the same singer from his favourite alternative rock band who left due to many cases of stalking. However, emo's own reaction is very calm, with adoration and admiration in his eyes, but no obsession. He knows that his beloved Farmer is a human being just like him and respects their feelings. Seeing that Farmer didn't want to talk about their past, Sebastian swears to them that he won't tell anyone about it.

Elliott stared at Farmer in surprise, eagerly waiting for an answer. Now the writer realised why he'd always thought he'd seen/heard Farmer somewhere before! Truthfully, instead of continued delight, Elliott was silenced by the look of weariness and sadness on his partner's face. He heard about Farmer as singer, but was completely unaware of the reason for their departure from show business. He would make a hundred apologies, assuring them that if Farmer didn't want to tell them, he would respect their wishes. Of course, Elliott's curiosity will torture him a little, but for him, his spouse's happiness comes first.

"Okay." No, Farmer was certainly glad that their husband Shane didn't jump madly around them like their fans in Zuzu City, but they'd expected, well, a more reaction than that. "You want me to try to rip the hair out of your head like those 'fans'?" Fair enough. Shane himself isn't much of a music lover, but Jas loved listening to Farmer on TV, and she was the one upset to tell Shane that her favourite singer had been bullied many times and they'd left. He's glad Farmer was able to escape that madness and there's no way his attitude towards them is going to change.

Alex nearly dropped his ice cream cone in surprise. "I always do the training to your songs! They give me so much motivation!" Farmer explained to their enthusiastic husband that although their songs were motivational and upbeat, Farmer themself wrote everything under constant stress due to pressure from managers and fear due to obsessive fans. Alex had no idea how bad it was and hugged Farmer tightly, covering them with kisses. The athlete himself will keep Farmer's anonymity (though he will sometimes squeak with delight inside, because wow, his spouse is so cool!).

Harvey had noticed Farmer's very familiar first and last name long ago when he entered their patient data into medical database, but had taken it simply as a coincidence. Even as spouses he didn't know the truth when he didn't mention this funny coincidence, to which Farmer had casually said they were than singer, not the namesake. The doctor's reaction was calm, and he assured Farmer that he understood why they hadn't told him the truth, and promised that their secret would not be revealed.

"I know, dear..." Farmer thought Victor would be shocked, as they knew their hubby is fan of their songs, but in the end it was Farmer who stood there with a surprised look. The spaghetti lover with his hunches found out information on the internet that helped him connect the dots, but he didn't want to confront his spouse on the subject, fearing that Farmer would mistake Victor for the same awful people who called themselves "true fans." Both spouses would have a long talk, sharing the truth. Victor made his own promise that he wouldn't tell anyone about Farmer's past career.

"Do you remember that when we first met, I told you I'd seen a part of your past?" And after those words, Farmer realised that Magnus had known about their singing career from the beginning. Why didn't he ask? It was none of his business to pry into their past, and if his lover wanted to tell they would. The wizard can't even imagine just living in an urban setting, so with a bunch of people following you around and interfering with your life. He also feels sorry that they associate Farmer's singing with bad emotions, because they have such a beautiful voice and are obviously happy when they are singing a song in the forest.

It seems Lance had heard of Farmer as a singer a few years ago when he arrived in Zuzu City as an ambassador from his clan. Many people were jumping in excitement about Farmer's new song, but the gallant adventurer genuinely understands why they left. Sometimes people can go overboard in their obsession with their idols. Of course, he will keep their secret, and if any of the fans show up on the doorstep of their farmhouse, Lance has promised his spouse to protect them and teleport the unwanted guests (first just away, and then - into a pile of manure if they get pushy).

SDV/SVE bachelorettes:

"You mean... Wait, really?" Honestly, Maru hadn't expected this turn of events. The young inventor had heard Farmer's songs spinning on the radio, even though she wasn't a strong fan of their music genre ("Sorry hon"). After Farmer decided there was nothing to hide and shared about their career and the reason for their retirement, Maru was horrified. So the scar on Farmer's arm was put there... by fans?! That's terrible. Maru consoled her spouse as best she could and promised to keep their secret.

Farmer realised what they'd said out loud and lightning-fast covered their already excited Abigail's mouth with their hand, who had said more than once that she was a big fan of this particular singer (Farmer, as it turned out). Before the purple-haired girl could do anything about it, her spouse dragged her away from one spot and explained why they were leaving. "Oh shit... Those people are just bastards." And she herself had almost blabbed to the whole town know about... "You okay, love?" Farmer is much better since they have found happiness and family in Stardew Valley.

Penny is completely shocked to discover that her spouse is the one and only nationally famous singer. Farmer and their new look was completely unrecognisable. But not even just a new image, but they're much happier. The young teacher has heard many stories that under the pressure of managers and the crazy crowd Farmer was seen more like zombie. She was sorry to hear that her spouse had been through all that, and glad that they had found happiness and peace here, with her.

Haley already had some suspicions, as Farmer was not only the namesake of her favourite singer, but also looked similar, but did not voice her guesses aloud. When her lover had accidentally blabbed about this, and had already decided to reveal their secret on such an occasion, Haley just thanked them for their trust in her. Previously, she would not have understood how it is possible to give up the glamorous life of a beloved pop star, but she realised that life with dependence on caffeine, under the fear of crazy fans and people who are only interested in money from concerts, is not a life but a living hell.

Emily's eyes shone with joy at what she heard. Her wonderful spouse was that talented singer, whose songs the blue-haired girl loved to dance to on Valley's festivals and at other times when she felt full of energy. However, immediately she became sad, as she knew why the singer left the stage, so many toxic people and negative aura around them were... Emily in no way wants Farmer to think she's like one of those fans either, and promised to keep their secret.

Well, Leah guessed, since besides the similarity in appearance and the fact that the last name and surname of her spouse and singer are the same, Farmer came almost as soon as they left their singing career. Aloud she did not voice it, as she considered it unnecessary to "pry" from her spouse the truth and understood where such paranoia in keeping the secret. Hundreds or even thousands of people, like her ex, or even worse, who follow you... Brrr! She comforted Farmer and assured them that she would take their secret to the grave. And if someone does find out, she has plenty of sculpting tools to fend off her spouse from the "fans"...

So Lewis telling Olivia about Farmer being a former clerk at Joja was just a cover so people wouldn't recognise them? Makes sense, or else her and Farmer's home would be overflowing with crazy fans carousing for their idol. Although Olivia herself isn't much of a fan of their music style, her spouse's voice is truly beautiful when she listened them. City life, especially for a famous person, can get very exhausting, so Olivia truly understands their secrecy and reluctance to discuss the past. And yes, she will keep that secret, promise 💖

"Wait, is it true? You really are-" Scarlett jumped up on the spot, not believing her ears. Her dearest Farmer is the famous lead singer from her favourite music band! She loves listening to their albums while she's busy sewing a new costume for the comicon and- wait. The same singer who quit their career because of crazy 'fans'. "Oh, man.... I'm sorry, I didn't mean-" Even though Farmer assures her it's okay, Scarlet feels a little shitty because they were standing in the middle of a public square in the city, and if anyone heard her joyful shriek.

Of course, Claire raised her eyebrows in surprise as Farmer told her that they had worked as an accountant at Joja before, and here was a whole five year career as a singer, and such a talented and popular one at that. It was only when the cashier wanted to question why her spouse had hidden it that she recalled the "incident" with fans that almost cost Farmer their life. "I'm sorry about that..." Still, Claire is glad Farmer was able to get away from it all and found happiness in farming.

Sophia's eyes widened slightly in surprise and the dots connected in her head. Her lover came to Stardew Valley at the same time as the famous and much-loved singer (whose song played in her favourite anime!) retired. The girl is sorry to hear that Farmer had to endure so many horrible incidents in their career as a singer, as breaking into their home or fans trying to kidnap them despite the security.... She dreaded to imagine what it had been like for them. Sophia, instead of jumping for joy that it's one of her favourite singers, silently hugs Farmer.

I recently got these adorable perler keychains commissioned from an online shop here in my country, and I'm absolutely in love with them! They perfectly capture the cuteness of Aleia with her husband Sebastian. And there's Rosemary with her lover Lance, too. Ahhhh, it's so sweet. 🥺 I can't get enough! 😭❤️ I'm already planning to place another order for more customizations of my other farmers and their love interest NPCs. A huge shoutout to KnoTela Creations for creating such a fantastic masterpiece!

𝚂𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜, 𝚂𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚂𝚞𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚟𝚊𝚕

Isaac: You? Defeated Apophis? Bullshit. You've only been an adventurer for two years. How in the hell could you defeat that beast with that rusty sword? Who else can you defeat? Slimes?

Rosemary: This entire desert is drenched in the blood of those corrupted monsters, the bones I've collected from them are all being ground up in my bonemill for fertilizer, and some of those bones belonged to your fallen comrades.

Isaac: .....

Rosemary: Imagine what I could do to you.

Isaac: You're crazy.

Rosemary: I call it being resourceful.

Isaac: Crazy bitch.

Rosemary: And you're an asshole, at least your comrades are nourishing my monster crops at my farm.

~Meanwhile there are others who are watching them~

Alesia: Are they fighting or flirting?

Lance: Probably both.

Summary: Cerise is overwhelmed by a flashback of her traumatic past, until Jio who is visiting her at the farmhouse, tries to snap her out of it. However, in a reflexive response, Cerise grabs a knife and throws it at him.

The rain poured down in heavy sheets, mixing with the dirt into a thick, slippery mud that covered her small, bare feet. Cerise huddled in the shadows of an alley, shivering in the cold night air. Her eyes darted around in the dark, searching for any signs of danger. In her arms, she held her little sister, Rosemary, barely five years old and crying softly in the storm. Memories assaulted her mind, but she pushed them aside, needing to focus on the here and now.

Cerise's ears strained to hear any sound over the noise of the rain. She knew she needed to escape, to find shelter somewhere. But every path she could take led her and her sister into danger. The sound of voices and footsteps came from the main street and Cerise knew she had to act fast.

Without conscious thought, she started running, clutching Rosemary tightly to her chest. The cold rain turned the world around her into a blur, but she forced herself to run faster, her mind focused only on one thing: keeping her sister safe.

In the chaos, her bare foot landed on a sharp stone, but she barely registered the pain, only the fear that gripped her heart. The voices behind her were growing louder, their footsteps coming closer. They were getting closer...

Finally, she spotted a narrow alleyway leading off to the side. Cerise darted into it, stumbling a bit as her foot throbbed with pain. She took several quick turns down various alleys, desperately trying to throw off any pursuers who may be following them.

She stopped for a moment, her back against the wall and tried to control her ragged breathing. Her entire body trembled with cold and fear. She looked down at her sister in her arms, who was still crying quietly and tried to offer a soothing smile.

"It's going to be okay." she whispered hoarsely to Rosemary, hoping she sounded more convincing than she felt. "We'll find someplace safe soon. No one is going to hurt you, I promise."

But even as she spoke the words, doubt edged into her mind, her own words of courage feeling hollow in the face of the danger they were in. As she listened intently for the distant voices, her thoughts darted back to the events that led to this moment...

Suddenly, a noise drew Cerise's attention back to the present. Footsteps were approaching, coming from the direction she and Rosemary had come from. Holding her breath, Cerise flattened herself against the wall, her heart racing. The footsteps grew closer, accompanied by murmuring voices.

Cerise's grip on Rosemary tightened, her eyes fixed on the mouth of the alley. She dared not turn and run, fearing the sound of her footsteps would alert their pursuers to their location. She felt helpless, her mind racing for a solution that wouldn't put her sister in more danger.

The footsteps stopped at the foot of the alley, just outside of sight. The murmuring voices grew louder, and Cerise made out a few words that sent chills down her spine.

The footsteps started again, closing in on Cerise's hiding spot, and she realized too late that they'd been discovered. Before she could react, strong hands grabbed her, pulling her and Rosemary away from the wall. A scream ripped from her throat as she struggled to get free.

The men held her tightly, their grips bruising on her arms. She cried out, but the sound was lost in the driving rain.

"Cerise! Snap out of it!"

Jio's voice shattered the dark memories that had consumed Cerise, jolting her back to reality. Instinctively, she flung a knife she'd been holding onto the cutting board, aimed straight at him. The blade went straight through the air, but Jio dodged it just in time, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. The knife nicked his cheek instead, drawing a line of blood down his skin.

"Are you okay?" Jio asked, his voice calm and steady despite the steady trickle of blood on his face. Cerise's eyes widened in shock, realizing what she had done. But before she could say anything, Jio raised a hand to stop her. "It's just a small cut." he reassured her. "I'm fine."

Cerise shook her head, refusing to let the matter drop. "No, we need to clean it up first. It's still bleeding." she insisted. But before Jio could protest, Cerise had already turned on her heel and walked away to grab the first aid kit.

When she returned, first aid kit in hand, Cerise found Jio still standing in the same spot. His expression was guarded, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes, some emotion that Cerise couldn't quite place.

Cerise began to clean the cut on Jio's cheek, she could feel the tension between them. But neither of them spoke, the silent only broken by the occasional hiss from Jio as Cerise applied the antiseptic to the wound.

As Cerise tended to his wound, Jio's attention was momentarily distracted by her physical appearance. Her eyes, a deep shade of purple as if they held the secrets of the night sky, contrasted beautifully with her soft, beige hair that was reminiscent of a gentle sandy hue, and Jio found himself sneaking glances at her face. Suddenly, conscious of his staring, he shook his head and focused on the present.

Jio cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "You know, you have some great aim." he said, trying to keep his tone light. "I could've sworn you aimed that knife right at my nose earlier."

Cerise chuckled softly, still focused on her task. "I guess I got lucky." she replied, continuing to clean the cut. "Although, I wasn't really aiming for your nose. I was just—" Her voice trailed off as she paused, her expression clouding over momentarily.

Jio picked up on her sudden change in demeanor and frowned. "Just what?" he pressed, his eyes studying her face carefully.

Cerise hesitated, her hand stilling on Jio's cheek. "It's nothing." she said after a moment, her voice sounding almost forced. "I just got lost in thought, that's all." She dabbed a cotton ball with antiseptic and resumed cleaning the cut.

Jio wasn't convinced. He could see that something was clearly bothering her, but he also knew that pushing too hard would only make her clam up. So he waited, letting the silence stretch out as she finished cleaning the wound.

Once she was done, Cerise put down the cotton ball and reached for a bandage. She applied it carefully over the cut, her fingers lingering on his skin for a few seconds longer than necessary. Jio couldn't help but notice, his heart quickening slightly at the touch.

As she finished, Cerise stepped back, her eyes avoiding his. Jio could tell that she was trying to distance herself, trying to hide from him. But he wasn't about to let her get away with such a weak explanation. He reached out and gently touched her chin, turning her face towards him. Her gaze met his, and he could see the mixture of emotions swirling in her eyes. "What's going on, Cerise?" he asked quietly.

Cerise hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching his face. Jio could see the struggle on her expression, the silent battle between the need to confide in someone and the desire to keep her secrets hidden. He waited, his thumb tracing small, soothing circles on her jaw.

Finally, she let out a sigh, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her burdens. "It's just... complicated." she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "There are things about me, that I'm not ready to talk about yet. Not even to you."

Jio stared at her with understanding and empathy in his eyes, holding her hand gently. He tried to convey through his touch that she could trust him, that he was someone she could confide in.

Cerise shook her head, "You remember what I said about us moving here to Grandma's farm to start a new life?" she asked. "That is true, but there's more to it than that. The reason why we had to leave our old lives behind is..."

She paused, her expression darkening as she struggled to continue. Jio gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, encouraging her to go on.

After a deep breath, Cerise continued, her voice tinged with bitterness. "The environment we used to live in was dangerous and toxic." she admitted. "It was a miserable place, and we both knew we couldn't stay any longer. I couldn't let Rosemary grow up in that hellhole, and I had to keep us both safe."

Jio nodded, his expression grave as he listened intently.

"So, I made a plan.", Cerise continued, her voice firm. "A plan to escape and make a fresh start somewhere new. It took years of planning, working in secret, all while doing my best to stay sane and keep Rosemary safe."

She paused briefly, memories of the struggle they had endured flashing in her mind.

Then, Jio gently rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb, wanting to offer her some comfort. "Cerise..." he said softly. "You don't have to tell me the details if you're not ready yet. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, whatever you need."

Cerise glanced down at their joined hands, then back up at him. She could see the genuine concern and understanding in his eyes, and it warmed her heart a little.

She gave him a small, bittersweet smile. "Thanks," she murmured. "I just... I need a little more time before I can talk about it. But I want you to know that I do trust you, Jio."

Jio's heart swelled with both emotions. It was both painful and exhilarating to know that she trusted him, but it also hurt to see her struggling to share her burden. All he wanted to do was to take her pain away, but he knew that these things couldn't be rushed.

"Take all the time you need," he replied, squeezing her hand gently. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here whenever you're ready."

Cerise let out a shaky breath, the weight of her secrets feeling a little lighter with Jio's reassurance. She nodded slightly, appreciating his patience and understanding.

Then she let out a small chuckle, trying to shake off the heavy atmosphere. "Right." she said, looking back at the forgotten chocolate project. "Let's finish up. Can't leave them to make themselves, can we?"

Jio couldn't help but sneak a glance at her face as she spoke, his eyes taking in the gentle slope of her nose, the curve of her lips, and the warmth in her eyes. Even in the midst of her pain, she was undeniably beautiful to him.

Cerise continued working on the chocolates, her hands moving with a gentle, practiced ease as she prepared the molds and filled them with the still-warm chocolate mixture. Jio watched her from his seat, his gaze lingering on her face and hands, admiring the way she worked. The concentration in her expression, the skillful precision of her movements, the way she bit her lip in focus... All of these things only made her more enchanting to him.

He wished he could help her but he also knew that his rough hands were ill-suited for this kind of delicate work, so he settled for admiring her from a distance, content just to watch and be near her. The room was quiet except for the gentle clinking of spoons and the soft sounds of stirring, and Jio found himself completely captivated by her presence.

As the hours passed and the chocolates were finally completed, he reluctantly broke the silence. "Looks like they're done." he said, rising from his seat.

Cerise smiled at him, wiping her hands on a towel. "Yeah, they are," she said. "Now, they just need to cool and set before we can taste them."

After the chocolates were set aside to cool, Jio found his thoughts drifting back to their conversation earlier in the day. The way she had opened up just a little, the sorrow and pain in her eyes when she spoke about her past...

Jio had been initially suspicious of Cerise when she first arrived in town, but now, after hearing her story, his suspicions had quieted somewhat. He still didn't know the full details of her past, but the fact that she had trusted him enough to share any part of it had shifted something within him.

'Whatever it is she's hiding.', he thought to himself,

Jio looked over at Cerise, who was cleaning up the mess from their chocolate-making session. Her expression was distant, lost in thought, and Jio wondered how much more there was to her story that he didn't know.

But for now, he would be patient. He would let her set the pace and share what she was ready to share.

He stood up and approached her, a small smile on his face. "Need any help with that?" he asked, gesturing to the spilled sugar and dirty bowls scattered across the counter.

Cerise looked up at Jio, a grateful smile spreading across her face. "Thanks." she said, stepping aside to let him help. Together they cleaned up the mess, working silently side by side. There was a comfortable familiarity in the simplicity of the task, and Jio found himself enjoying the closeness he felt to Cerise in this moment.

As they finished tidying up, Jio brushed a stray lock of hair away from Cerise's face, his fingers lingering on her cheek for just a second longer than necessary.

"All done." he said softly, his gaze on her face. She met his eyes, her expression soft and open, and for a moment, they just stood there, mere inches apart, caught in a private moment that felt both vulnerable and electrifying.

Suddenly, the peaceful moment was shattered by the sound of the front door banging open, followed by a cheerful cry from Rosemary. "I'm home!"

Jio nearly jumped out of his skin at her loud entrance, while Cerise just chuckled and headed towards the living room to greet her younger sister.

"Hey, welcome back." Cerise said as she approached Rosemary, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Rosemary, oblivious to the tension she had just interrupted, beamed up at her older sister, holding out a basket filled with freshly harvested crops. "Look what I got today!"

Jio had followed them into the living room, his irritation at the interruption mingled with a grudging fondness for the young girl. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. Rosemary proudly showed off the contents of her basket, it was filled with a variety of monster crops, each one more vibrant and thriving than the last.

"I collected a bunch of monster crop seeds from the Highlands." she explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is my first harvest! I'm gonna take some back to give to Lance for his research."

Jio's irritation at the interruption faded slightly as he listened to Rosemary's enthusiasm. The girl had a natural talent for farming, and her dedication to the land was admirable. He found himself softening just a little.

Cerise smiled at her sister's excitement, sharing in her sense of accomplishment. "That's great, Rosemary." she said, patting her on the head. "I'm sure Lance will be thrilled to get these samples."

Rosemary beamed at the praise, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "I hope so! I want to help him as much as I can."

Jio is leaning against the wall, couldn't help a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The girl's enthusiasm was infectious, even if she had interrupted a very... interesting moment between him and Cerise.

With Rosemary still chattering about her successful harvest, Cerise looked over at Jio and gave him a knowing glance. She mouthed an apology for the interruption, her expression sheepish and apologetic.

Jio shrugged in response, his irritation fading. He could hardly stay mad when Rosemary was so excited, and he was secretly glad for the distraction. Maybe it was a good thing that the moment between him and Cerise had been interrupted... for now, at least.

𝙲𝚑𝚘𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜

"𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭."

Summary: As a weary and battered Farmer Rosemary finally reached the summit of Mount Kohldur, the last thing she expected was to meet a handsome stranger. His sudden appearance startled her, and she reacted without thinking, chucking a bomb in his direction.

The morning sun glistened over the rolling waves, casting a warm glow over the lush vegetation of Ginger Island. The air was thick with humidity and the distant cries of exotic birds echoed through the trees. Mount Kohldur towered majestically in the distance, its smoking peak shrouded in misty clouds. It was a sight that filled Rosemary with anticipation, but also with a tinge of trepidation.

The climb up the mountain had been gruelling but Rosemary persevered, driven by her thirst for adventure. As she finally made it to the top, she let out a sigh of exhaustion, her body weary but her spirit soaring with accomplishment. However, her moment of triumph was shattered by the sudden appearance of someone infront her.

Startled, Rosemary instinctively grabbed her sword and tossed a bomb, thinking it was just another monster from the volcano dungeons she'd fought earlier. However, the figure swiftly dodged the makeshift explosive and chuckled.

"Whoa! Calm down." the stranger said, approaching her cautiously. "I'm just a friend."

Recognizing that the newcomer was not a threat, Rosemary lowered her sword, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "I'm so sorry!" she apologized, still trying to catch her breath. "I mistook you for a monster. The climb up here was... intense."

The stranger grinned, a warm smile lighting up his face. "Ah, no worries." he said, his voice smooth and confident. "I understand the confusion. The creatures from this place can be quite relentless. But may I say, you've made quite an achievement, scaling this mountain all by yourself. You must be a very ambitious and determined person."

The stranger stepped closer, his movements as fluid as a jungle cat's. "You know, few adventurers have managed to reach the summit of Mount Kohldur." he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "It was once the site of a great dwarf kingdom or so they say. Your achievement is certainly worthy of admiration."

Rosemary felt a flutter in her chest at the sound of his voice, almost like hearing angels somewhere. She tried to regain her composure, though it was hard with him standing so close. "Thank you." she managed to say, her words coming out a bit breathless. "Um, who are you?"

The stranger chuckled, his smile growing wider. "Ah, where are my manners?" he said. "I'm Lance, from The First Slash Clan. We're a guild of adventurers protecting the Fern Islands. Marlon spoke quite highly of you, said you're quite proficient with a weapon."

Rosemary felt a small jolt of surprise. She'd heard of The First Slash Clan, but she never expected to meet one of its members up here, on a remote island. And Marlon had mentioned her? 'To this handsome adventurer?', she suddenly wished she had made a better first impression.

"Oh, I see." she managed to say, trying to sound casual. "It's nice to meet you, Lance."

'Oh great, that was eloquent. Can someone just toss me back down the mountain at this rate?'

Lance's smile didn't waver, seemingly enjoying the effect he had on her. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Rosemary." he replied. "You're... not quite what I expected. Younger than I thought you'd be, for one."

'Damn it!' "Yeah, I get that a lot." she said with a nervous chuckle. 'Oh man, I'm grinning like a teenage girl meeting her favorite boy band. He's going to think I'm such an idiot.'

Lance chuckled again, a deep, rich sound that sent shivers down Rosemary's spine. "Well, your age doesn't diminish your skill with a weapon. Marlon mentioned you're quite the formidable fighter."

"I, uh, try my best, I suppose." she replied, feeling her cheeks warm up again. 'Great, now I'm blushing like a fool. Thanks for the compliment, Marlon... I think.'

"I look forward to witnessing it for myself." Lance said, his gaze still fixed on her. "But first, you must be famished. Come with me, I'll share my dinner, don't worry, I have plenty for both of us."

'Oh man, he's so smooth. How can he say stuff like that without even blinking?' "Thank you." she said, trying to keep her voice from trembling. "Lead the way."

Lance nodded and began leading the way. As they walked, he spoke casually about the island, its wildlife and history. Rosemary tried to keep up with the conversation, but it was hard to focus with him so close, their shoulders occasionally brushing against each other. His voice was like honey, smooth and soothing, and she found her mind wandering to places she didn't expect.

Soon they reached a small clearing, where Lance had set up a simple camp. There was a fire burning, and several provisions laid out nearby. "Here we are." he said, gesturing to the campfire. "Sit, make yourself comfortable."

Rosemary sat down, trying not to focus on the way her heart raced. 'Get it together, he's just a guy. A very good-looking, charming, smooth-talking guy...'

Lance joined her beside the fire, handing her a bowl of stew. The aroma was mouth-watering, and the warmth from the flames felt soothing on her weary muscles. She took a spoonful, savoring the rich taste as she tried to keep her hands from shaking.

As they ate, the conversation continued, shifting between various topics. Lance seemed genuinely interested in her life back in Pelican Town, and Rosemary found herself opening up more than usual. He was easy to talk to, his questions never feeling like an interrogation, more like earnest curiosity.

The night deepened, the sky now dotted with stars. The fire crackled and flickered, casting dancing shadows on their faces. Rosemary found herself enjoying the peacefulness of the moment, the silence between them not uncomfortable but strangely soothing.

Lance finished his meal and leaned back, looking up at the clear night sky. "It's beautiful, isn't it?", he said, his voice soft. "The stars, the peace of the night."

Rosemary looked up at the canopy of stars above them, feeling a strange sort of peace wash over her. "Yeah." she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's… mesmerizing, in a way."

The sound of the night insects blending with the crackle of the fire created a soothing background noise. In the firelight, Lance's sharp features were illuminated, making him look even more striking. The silence between them was comfortable, broken only by the occasional crackle from the fire or the distant hoot of an owl.

Lance looked over at Rosemary, watching the way the firelight played across her face. "You know, you're different from most adventurers I've met." he said, breaking the silence.

Rosemary looked over at him, surprised by the sudden comment. "Different how?" she asked, her mind immediately going to her secret.

Lance tilted his head, studying her. "You're... less brash, I guess," he said thoughtfully. "Most adventurers I've met are confident to the point of arrogance. But you... you seem more reserved. More thoughtful."

Rosemary wasn't sure if she should feel flattered or worried. His observations were scarily accurate. "Guess I just have a different approach." she said with a shrug, carefully hiding her uneasiness.

Lance didn't seem convinced but didn't press further, which Rosemary was thankful for. Instead, he changed the topic, asking her about her hobbies back in Pelican Town. The conversation drifted into a lighter territory, and they found themselves laughing about various silly things. The tension from before had slightly lifted.

As the night wore on, Rosemary found herself relaxing in Lance's company. He was not just an attractive man, but intelligent and thoughtful as well. Their banter was easy, flowing from one topic to another smoothly. Every now and then, their eyes would meet, and she'd feel a flutter in her chest, or a blush creeping up her cheeks.

As the night grew later, Rosemary realized she needed to return to Pelican Town. "Thanks for the company.", she said, standing up reluctantly. "But I should get going. My sister Cerise is waiting for me back at our farm."

Lance stood up as well, looking at her with a hint of disappointment. "I see." he said, a small sigh escaping him. "Well, I enjoyed your company. It's... been a long time since I've had such a relaxed evening."

Rosemary felt a pang of guilt at the disappointment in his voice, not wanting to leave yet. But she couldn't stay here forever. "Me too." she said, smiling slightly. "Maybe we'll see each other again sometime?"

Lance returned her smile. "I hope so. You're not easy to forget, Rosemary." he said. He seemed to want to say more, but he just shook his head, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

Rosemary felt a flutter in her chest at his words. "Well… Goodnight then, Lance." she said, turning to go. Her heart felt heavy with a strange mix of excitement and regret.

"Goodnight, Rosemary." Lance called after her. "Take care."

The walk down the mountain was much colder than the walk up. Rosemary wrapped her arms around herself, not just from the cold. Her mind was filled with thoughts, most of which she didn't quite know what to do with. The journey to the docks was short but felt long. Every shadow, every sound of the night made her heart jump. Her thoughts kept going back to Lance, to his smile, to his voice. It was all so confusing, so… unfamiliar.

Reaching the docks, she found the boat that would take her back to Pelican Town. The ride back was a blur; her mind too occupied with thoughts of Lance and the strange evening they'd shared. As the boat docked in Pelican Town, Rosemary walked slowly back to her farm. It was late, and the town was quiet, everyone asleep. A part of her wished she could just stay awake and let the night go on, if it meant delaying the reality of the morning.

Opening the door to her farmhouse, she found Cerise sitting by the fireplace, reading a book.

Cerise looked up, surprised to see Rosemary there. "You're back." she said, setting her book aside. "I was getting worried."

"Yeah." Rosemary replied, trying to sound casual. "I lost track of time, I guess."

She sat down on the couch, her mind still spinning with thoughts of Lance.

Cerise looked at her sister, noticing her distracted state. "So, how was Ginger Island? Did you finally reach the top of that volcano?"

Rosemary nodded, her mind still elsewhere. "Yeah, I made it." she said, looking at the fire. "It was... quite the climb."

Cerise narrowed her eyes, sensing that something was off. "You seem distracted." she said bluntly. "What happened up there?"

Rosemary's eyes widened slightly as she was pulled out of her thoughts. "It's... nothing, really." she said, the words sounding unconvincing even to her own ears. "I met someone, that's all."

Cerise raised an eyebrow. "You met someone?" she repeated, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "Who?"

"His name is Lance," Rosemary answered, her voice almost a whisper. "He's a part of The First Slash Clan. Marlon mentioned me to him, I guess."

Cerise's expression changed from surprise to curiosity. "A member of The First Slash Clan, huh? Interesting. So... did y'all get along?"

"Yeah, yeah, we... we got along fine." Rosemary said quickly, trying to sound casual. "We just had dinner together, talked, that sort of thing..."

"Just that?" Cerise pressed further. "He didn't try anything, did he?"

"No, of course not." Rosemary said, a little too quickly. The image of Lance's smile flashed through her mind, triggering a flutter in her chest. "We just... talked, enjoyed the night, that's all."

Cerise studied her sister for a moment, her sharp eyes not missing the way Rosemary fidgeted in her seat. "Rosemary." she said, her tone suddenly serious. "Are you crushing on this man?"

"What? No! Of course not!" Rosemary protested, her voice a pitch higher than usual. "I just... I just think he's nice, y'know, intelligent, charming... that's all!"

Cerise chuckled, her voice taking a protective tone. "As much as I'm glad to see my sister having her first love life." she said, "Just be careful, okay? I don't care if he's from the First Slash Clan. Remember, I killed a man twice a normal man's size. Don't forget it."

Rosemary found herself sweating slightly, chuckling nervously. She knew Cerise was fiercely protective, and she was under no delusion that her sister wouldn't make good on her threat if needed.

Cerise's eyes were a mixture of warning and humor. "I'm serious, sister. I trust you have good judgment, but I don't like seeing you all flustered over a man. Especially one from a guild of adventurers. They're not exactly known for settling down."

"I know." Rosemary said, a hint of defensiveness in her voice. "It's just... he's different. I can't explain it. When we were up on the mountain top, talking, it was... I don't know, comforting, I guess."

Cerise chuckled, her voice betraying a sense of anticipation. "Well, I'll be the judge of that once I see him." she said.

Rosemary chuckled in response, well aware of her sister's protective instincts. "I know, sis, I know how you are. But anyway, how was your trip to Ridgeside Village?"

Cerise softened at the change of topic. "It was lovely." she said, a hint of fondness in her voice. "So many unique people. I even visited the outskirts of the town. But I stumbled upon this elf guy…"

Rosemary leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "An elf guy?" she repeated, her mind already picturing an image of the pointy-eared forest-dweller. "What was he like?"

Cerise's face lit up at the memory. "He was all dressed in ninja outfit, his mouth covered but his eyes... they were really something. A striking shade of green, like emeralds." she said, grinning. "Even with the mask covering the lower half of his face, I could tell he was quite handsome. Those sharp, green eyes and the rest of his features that were exposed left no doubt in my mind."

Rosemary smiled, picturing the scene. "Sounds intriguing." she said, her mind drifting to the image of the mysterious elf. "Did you talk to him?"

Cerise nodded. "Yeah, a bit. He was a bit on the quiet side, though. But he was polite. Had this air of mystery around him. I must say I found him quite charming." she admitted, a hint of a smirk playing at her lips. "His name is Jio, and despite being polite, I must say he was quite wary of me. Being a stranger and all. But he sure did pique my interest. Something about him... he seems to have a lot going on under that ninja attire of his."

Rosemary looked intrigued, her mind picturing the mysterious Jio. "A ninja with secrets, eh? Sounds right up your alley." she teased, knowing her sister's affinity for the mysterious types.

Cerise grinned, not denying her sister's point. "Can't help it if intriguing characters catch my eye." she said, her tone nonchalant. "And something tells me Jio is more than just a skilled warrior. There's a depth to him that's hard to ignore."

Rosemary chuckled, amused by her sister's infatuation. "Just be careful, sis. You know how dangerous it can be falling for the mysterious, brooding type."

Cerise mock-rolled her eyes. "Please, I can handle myself." she said, her tone confident. "Besides, who's to say I'm falling? I just find him... interesting, that's all."

Rosemary only chuckled and rolled her eyes. "It's only been a day and already we've encountered two very interesting men." she said, a hint of humor in her voice. "Is this a coincidence or is fate just playing with us?"

Cerise cracked a smile, sharing her sister's amusement. "Who knows?" she said lightly. "But one thing's for sure, our lives are about to get a whole lot more interesting."

The two sisters shared a moment of silent understanding, their minds swirling with new thoughts and feelings. As they went their separate ways for the night. Cerise to her room and Rosemary to hers. They were each lost in their own worlds of dreams, hopes, and questions.

As the farmhouse settled in silence, the only sound being the crackle of the dying fireplace and the occasional hoot of an owl outside, one thing was certain: their lives were about to take a surprising turn.

𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚞𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝙴𝚗𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜

"𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴."