himeofshyness

[himeofshyness]

Ahhhahsvdamsbdjzn! I love it! Thank you, Mousey! Tbh I kinda imagine the farmer doing some challenges to their future grandkids.😍🌾

Hey there, Mousey! (◍•ᴗ•◍) It’s been a while since my last request. To be honest, I get these random ideas every time I play SDV. I just can’t help it! The way you write stories related to SDV and its mods is absolutely captivating. I keep rereading your stories because they always brighten my day. Keep up the incredible work, and don’t forget to take care of yourself! (｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡

Anyway, here’s my request: Do you remember the Master Cave? I’m not sure if anyone has ever made this request before, but what if the Farmer decided to introduce the Master Cave to their spouse? How would the SDV & SVE bachelor/ettes react to it?

Hewwo Hime :3 Good to see you again, and thank you so much for the kind words aaaaaaaaaa glad you like my writing 🥹❤️

No one has asked me about Mastery cave, so you first! Thanks again for the ask, and have a good day 💕

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SDV bachelors/ettes:

Heh, Alex likes what Farmer's grandpa has done for them. Loads of secrets and useful recipes to make their job easier, not to serve everything up on a silver platter though, but to encourage determination and a desire to achieve something more. "Look at all the things you've achieved! Your Grandpa would definitely be proud of you." And an athlete is proud of his spouse, inspired by their accomplishments and wanting to be the better too. A better man, a better spouse, a better father..... "Hey, are you going to do something like that for our grandkids too?" Farmer looked into Alex's eyes, smiling slyly and winking.

Shane was a little confused. What is this place... Was the cave always there? And no one has ever noticed a door in the woods? There's some kind of patterned wall inside, and immediately the calm song from the music box started playing. "The cave with the secrets my Grandpa left me." Huh, interesting, and quite touching too. Shane, by the way, can't find this music box, where the heck this music came from... "Oh, it's not a music box, it's Grandpa's spirit." Ah, alright. ....The fuck, wha- "Honey, it's magic." ????? Okay? Like- WHAT.

It's just incredible - a secret cave, closed off from prying eyes, made by the older generation for posterity, with hidden secrets and treasures! Why had Elliott's beloved never told him about this place? Oh wait, it must be a private matter of their family, he shouldn't have been so insistent on answering... "Well, you're my family now too." Elliott listened with pleasure and attention to both how Farmer discovered this cave and how long it took them to succeed, assigning each of the Mastery. They both sat in the dark cave for a couple of hours or so exactly, immersed in conversation. The writer would thank his spouse for sharing this with him and ask permission to put the event in his memoirs.

"Did your grandpa do all this as a challenge? I mean, that's pretty cool, but why exactly? Like, a family tradition or what?" Farmer could go on for hours telling Sam why their Grandfather did all this, but decided to just silently give the musician the letter they themself had found here in this very cave. Sam took the time-yellowed piece of paper and read the words carefully. 'Make me proud!' was signed at the end, and he handed the piece of paper back to Farmer. So cool.... secret cave! Sammy seems to be thrilled, not really with the wall with the Mastery itself, but more with the very fact that Farmer's grandfather made a secret cave in the valley!

"See? I told you it was true, hon!" Farmer let go of Harvey's hand, allowing the doctor to move closer to the wall and touch the engraved symbols. That scythe of purple metal the doctor had never seen, that fishing rod of the same metal.... Harvey's spouse was telling the truth, but the doctor still finds it a little hard to believe in magic because he believes in science and modern medicine. Still, he'll be surprised and interested in both the cave and how their grandfather decided to leave them his inheritance in such an unusual way. And a little startled by the sounds of the music box, because w- what does it mean, dear, that his spirit is here???

Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise as he saw a patterned door magically appear in the rock wall he and Farmer had approached. Had this door been here all along? And why had Sebastian never seen it before. "Because my Grandfather made it so others couldn't see it." Entering the small, dark cave, Sebby immediately walked over to the smooth stone wall, reading the inscriptions. "Mastery... Is that what you were talking about?" Farmer nodded. That's so cool and misterious. Your old man is cool, making everything like that." Farmer knew their husband would love this place.

Strange... Leah knows this part of the forest very well, as it's one of the best places to gather nature's gifts, where large colonies of edible mushrooms usually grow, but she's never seen this mysterious door. She would even think that her spouse was playing a joke on her and had somehow managed to put just a door in the wall here, but upon entering the cave and seeing the magic torches light themselves, decorating the dark room with a warm glow, the young artist opened her mouth in surprise. These paintings on the wall are so beautiful, handmade by a real master..... Did their Grandfather make them? For Farmer?

At first Penny tensed a little and squeezed her spouse's hand tighter as they entered the cave together, because Farmer's words "I want to show you a special place" in her mind implied some beautiful meadow with flowers, not an enclosed space in the rock. But she quickly forgot her fear as the warm light from the torches illuminated the beautifully painted stone wall. "The Mastery.... What is it, dear?" Farmer explained to their wife with a warm smile that this was their Grandpa's legacy, until their conversation was interrupted by the beautiful melody of a music box. "Ah, Grandpa's spirit has decided to pay us a visit!" That's... kidna creepy, but Penny tried not to show the panic on her face.

Wow, how cool is that? Abigail had explored every corner of the valley, every cave, every hiding place, but she'd never seen this door! Although it was right under her nose! Look at that, this place is neat. And it's pretty chilly in here - a great place to cool off on a hot summer's day! That painted wall and the pedestal with... the nightcap? "Yeah, that's Grandpa's, the last time I felt his spirit, his hat appeared here..." Ghosts?! That's fucking awesome! And Farmer didn't tell her about this? Their own wife? Abby pouts playfully and looks forward to hearing stories from her spouse, especially ones that mention spirits and magic.

Emily walked slowly along the wall, looking at the engraving and smiling. To be honest, Farmer was a little surprised that their blue-haired spouse was not frightened by the rather dark and cramped cave. "On the contrary, dear! I feel such a warm and kind aura here." Farmer recalled how not long ago, after achieving full Mastery, they felt a light touch of a hand on their shoulder. Yeah, they understood what Emily meant.... "And that's how you managed to make so many feathered friends?" Ah, now she was talking about all the parrot eggs they were able to get on their adventures thanks for the Combat Mastery.

The cave was quite dark and the only light was the flash from Haley's camera. "Creepy..." but she was in no hurry to leave the cave her spouse had shown her, and continued to take picture after picture. Haley would be so engrossed in her camera until she felt a chill on her neck. "Eeeep!" Startled, she immediately leaned into Farmer without leaving their embrace. And Farmer hugged her tightly, thinking that now Grandpa was giggling at his little prank. Anyway, Haley actually like this cave, so many pictures for the exhibition!

Maru excitedly looked around the cave, reading the stone inscriptions, shifting her gaze from the wall to her spouse. "The Sword, the Axe, the Watering can, the Fishing rod, and the Pickaxe.... Symbols of all those skills you know perfectly. Did your grandfather leave you some special task?" And just as Farmer was about to tell their wife about it, she turned her gaze excitedly... to the mushrooms growing next to the wall. "Wow, dad said this species of mushroom was extinct, but look, there's a whole colony of them!" Yeah, so cool... Farmer pouted a little, but afterwards still managed to tell Maru about their great adventure.

SVE bachelors/ettes:

When Farmer pointed their hand toward the door, Magnus' gaze was full of confusion. Why was his beloved showing him... a rock wall? But as soon as Farmer touched the doorknob, the wizards felt a flash of magic. A secret seal, inaccessible to prying eyes, how interesting! And placed, apparently, by a very powerful mage, since even he could not see this mysterious cave for so long living in the Valley. This wall and pedestal, hmm.... He's interested to hear from Farmer what they have to say about this cave and their grandfather while he examines the cave himself.

"Your Grandfather was an incredible man, and you worked hard to succeed in achieving Mastery, my love," Lance said with a smile as he looked at the patterns and symbols on the stone wall of the cave. Mystery and secrets right close to their home, who would have thought.... The adventurer was particularly interested in Combat Mastery, with an inspirational quote from one of the great warriors engraved on it. And also can't help but notice the faint stream of light magic hovering in the air. "Was your grandfather an adventurer by any chance?" The pink-haired man would love to hear his spouse's story and about their grandfather, and how they had achieved such a level of skill.

Wait, Victor had already read about something like that... Yes, some experienced mages made such kind of walls with challenges for newcomers to pass the tests and gain valuable experience. And his spouse was able to achieve that too, because they claimed all kinds of Mastery and got useful magical items and recipes. Which points to one of two things..... "Was your Grandfather a mage!? Or was acquainted with one of the mages?" Either way, the spaghetti lover's eyes glowed with delight, showering Farmer's head with a bunch of questions.

Olivia had to admit, the mysterious dark cave left behind by her spouse's Grandfather didn't sound as enticing and intriguing as it did more tense and frightening. Nevertheless, she still decided to give it a chance, maybe it's not so bad, and magic is not completely alien to her, there was a case in the past... The former Joja accountant was looking at the inscriptions on the smooth stone wall, listening to Farmer's stories about the achievements of Mastery.... Until she was scared to death by bats (how and when they managed to settle here is a mystery even for Farmer). Quite interesting, but Olivia will refrain from going there again after meeting the ‘cave residents’.

"Dear, you can let go of my hand." Sorry, Farmer, but Sophia's not going to do that, because even though the cave is small, it's still a little intimidating. The kind of painted walls she'd seen in one of the manga about a group of witch girls searching for the secrets of a great wizard to obtain magical artifacts. "Well, my story is somewhat similar, heh.... Would you like to hear it, dear?" Of course she does! Just one thing... can they at least leave the door open? Sophia's a little uncomfortable with the cave atmosphere.

Oh, Claire's spouse had chosen the perfect place for a date, the woods were especially beautiful this time of year! Except... Where are they going? They passed their favourite clearing, where- Is that a door? "I've wanted to show you this for a long time. You asked me the other day where I got my unusual scythe from. That's where it came from." And Farmer pointed with his hand to the wall in the cave where it said "Farm Mastery.’ "All of this is my grandfather's legacy..... Oh, you hear the music box? That's him paying us a visit! My soul, are you all right? You've gone pale..." Claire loves her spouse very much, but this presentation of slightly shocking information made her kidna scared and uncomfortable.

"Wow... How long has this been here?" Well, maybe the cave itself has been here for a long time, but the door with the magical seal and the wall with the Mastery has definitely only been here since Farmer's Grandpa lived here. Despite the cave being a little dark, cramped and damp, Scarlett finds it quite cosy. "I can't explain it, but here I feel... calm, or something. You know what i mean, right?" She said, looking at the wall covered in patterns. "Probably because Grandpa's spirit is here now, watching us, and smiling." Hey, that's- hold on, spirit???

[himeofshyness]

Okaaay, so I have some very good news, I finally got myself a new laptop! (｡♡‿♡｡) That means big memory, no more lagging, and all the space I need to download my favorite games and the mods I’ve been dying to try out. First on the list: Stardew Valley Expanded! I seriously can’t wait to dive into the full gameplay experience and (of course) date/marry the handsome combat mage. 💘 Once I’m done with that run, I’ll be installing the Ridgeside Village mod on a brand new save file, because let’s be real, that mod is huge and I don’t want to get overwhelmed. Gotta mentally prepare myself for this long, modded adventure and hopefully win over a certain ninja hot elf who lurks in Ridge Forest. 🌲💫

BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! I also can’t wait to finally download Fields of Mistria!!! Like... hold on Caldarus, my sweet, handsome dragon future husband. WAIT FOR ME!! 🐉💞 I’m coming for you! AHHHH!! And don’t worry, March, I haven’t forgotten about you either. I do want to date/marry you... I just need to think of a new OC farmer to match your tsundere vibes. Priorities, okay??

[himeofshyness]

𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚖

Jonghyuk: I'm actually good in math, but I sucked in geometry. Though I can make a good angle.

Giselle: Oh really? I thought you only specialized in twisting words, not shapes.

Jonghyuk: Though if you prefer it the other way around, you'd make a cute little angle. Isn't that right, Giselle? *smirk*

Giselle: *blushing heavily, and is having a crisis inside her mind, she gives him a friendly slap on his chest* Very funny.

Jonghyuk: Seriously though, can I have the braincell for today? *winks*

Giselle: *crosses her arms, trying to suppress a smile* Only if you promise not to misuse it with more cheesy lines.

Jonghyuk: No promises. But hey, with your brilliance and my charm, we'd be an unbeatable team.

Giselle: *chuckles* You're impossible.

Jonghyuk: Yet, here I am, making you smile. Mission accomplished.

Inspired:

[himeofshyness]

Summary: Giselle never imagined that a simple swim in a secluded cave would lead to such profound revelations. Beneath Jonghyuk’s smile and wild charisma lies a deeper story, scars marked by experiences he keeps to himself. Yet, in the serene embrace of the cave with gentle water and dimming light, those layers start to peel away. Moments of vulnerability dance between laughter and silence, allowing them to gradually connect, not through grand speeches but in the quiet truth of truly being seen.

A/N: This fanfic was inspired by one of the cutscenes from the "Jonghyuk and Spanner" mod especially that cave scene that really stuck with me. The way they portrayed vulnerability in that moment felt so genuine and I wanted to dive deeper into that theme in my own unique way. The koi metaphor, the gentle beauty hidden amidst the chaos, and the notion that healing doesn’t erase pain but rather creates space for new experiences, all of that inspired me to write this story.

Well then, enjoy reading the story!

The morning in Sunberry Village was bathed in a gentle golden light, with the fresh scent of dew-kissed grass blending beautifully with blooming flowers and the soothing sound of water cascading into the riverbeds. Spring had once again graced the town with its enchanting charm but for Giselle, there was something more profound in her stride as she walked away from the path that led to the entrance of Sunberry Farm. After taking a good look at the farm layout, she found herself deep in thought. Should she go for it? The land was stunning, brimming with possibilities. Another stretch of earth to cultivate her bee farm, perhaps even introduce a rare exotic flower that would bring about a whole new kind of honey. The idea teased her mind, though she hadn't made a decision yet.

As she walked past the cozy silhouette of the Cat Café, still deep in thought, her boots tapping softly as she descended the familiar stone steps toward the waterfall's base. That was when she notice something, a flash of skin and an unmistakably muscular build caught her eye. Her steps slowed. There sprawled on the grass patch beside the waterfall, was a man fast asleep. His arms were folded behind his head, and his muscular frame rose and fell slowly with each breath. The sunlight caught on his skin, and Giselle had to blink twice before realizing it was Jonghyuk.

"Is he really sleeping here of all places?" Giselle muttered under her breath, voice tinged with a mix of confusion and amusement. Her eyebrows lifting as her gaze lingered on the relaxed features of the man.

Without lifting his head, Jonghyuk cracked open one eye lazily, the corner of his lips twitching upward with amused nonchalance. "Don't you know it's impolite to stare?" he murmured, his voice deep and relaxed. "When you look at me like that, it makes me feel shy."

Caught off guard, Giselle blinked and turned her face away ever so slightly, the tips of her ears flushing. "I was just minding my own business." she replied quickly, folding her arms across her chest, trying her best to appear unaffected.

Jonghyuk chuckled softly as he shifted slightly in the grass, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Hey, I wasn't mad. I like feeling shy. You should keep looking at me."

A roll of her eyes betrayed the slight smile tugging at her lips. She shifted her stance, casting her gaze down toward him again, perhaps a bit more boldly this time.

"I'm just messin' with ya." he said with a grin, finally sitting up and stretching his broad arms behind his head. "I came to relax by the waterfall and lost track of time. The sound of the water crashing down on the rocks helps me meditate. You should try it sometime."

Giselle tilted her head slightly, watching him curiously.

"It’s funny…" Jonghyuk continued, his tone softening a little. "I was thinking about you earlier, and now you’re here. Actually, I have something I wanted to show to you—!"

But before he could finish his sentence, dark clouds rolled in without warning. A heavy rain burst from the sky, soaking them both in seconds.

"Ahhh! It's raining!" Giselle exclaimed, instinctively trying to shield herself with her arms as the cold drops drenched them both.

"Holy shit!" Jonghyuk exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "The forecast didn’t say anything about there being a shower today!"

"We should take shelter." Giselle urged, already looking toward the café.

Jonghyuk gave her a firm nod before rising to his feet. "Follow me. I know a place that can keep us dry."

She barely had time to object before he was already moving, heading not towards the café, but rather toward the waterfall itself.

"Where are you going?" Giselle shout after him, staring at him like he’d gone mad. "The Cat Café is just up ahead!"

Turning to her with a boyish grin, Jonghyuk simply said, "This way is faster! Trust me."

Hesitating only a moment, Giselle’s eyes narrowing in suspicion. But the rain was growing more intense by the second. Huffing softly, she trailed after him, watching as he approached the stone face behind the waterfall and just like that disappeared. The farmer raised an eyebrow. "What the—?"

She followed cautiously, the mist clinging to her clothes and eyelashes as she slipped behind the cascading water. Her breath caught as the stone gave way to a hidden opening. Behind the waterfall was a cavern, wide and glowing faintly with natural light filtering through cracks in the rocks. A small lake shimmered in the center of the cave, its surface rippling gently from the rainfall outside. She stared in awe.

Jonghyuk turned to her, his expression warm. "You're in luck, Giselle." standing a few steps ahead. "I've never brought anyone here before." He closed his eyes briefly, taking in the scent of wet stone and the whisper of falling water. "This is one of my secret hideouts."

Her lips parted slightly in wonder. "This place is so pretty."

"I know, right?”  Jonghyuk said, glancing around. "Sunberry is filled with pockets of hidden gems. I bet there's plenty of other sights just waiting to be uncovered."

Jonghyuk wandered toward the lake’s edge, his shoes kicking aside smooth pebbles. "I love coming here every now and then to clear my mind. I forget all my problems whenever I'm near water. The cascade drowns out all the loud noise in my head."

His voice grew softer. "It’s like at any given moment, I can just drift away." Jonghyuk stared out at the water as if seeing something far beyond its surface. "I can't help but wonder if it's okay to let go and just let myself fall."

Alarm rose in Giselle’s chest. His tone had shifted and the melancholy laced in it didn't go unnoticed. "That sounds dangerous." she murmured, stepping closer.

Jonghyuk glanced at her over his shoulder, the ghost of a smile on his lips. "Well, that's my reality, and yeah, I'm okay with escaping it once in a while to live in a better one." His eyes dropped. "But at the end of the day, we have to pick ourselves up." He chuckled faintly, as if at a private joke. "I was never a perfect puzzle to begin with, but someone has to pick up the pieces."

The smile he gave her then was gentle, but something in it made her chest tighten.

"Now that we're here." Jonghyuk said after a pause, his voice taking on a lighter edge, "There's only one thing left to do."

Without warning, Jonghyuk straightened up, grasped the hem of his shirt and yanked it over his head in one fluid motion. Giselle's eyes widened in alarm as her cheeks flushed a bright crimson.

"What are you doing!?" she gasped, immediately covering her eyes.

A low chuckle escaped him. "Relax, Giselle. I do this all the time."

She peeked between her fingers, meaning only to check if the coast was clear but instead caught an accidental glimpse of Jonghyuk’s well-toned muscles and defined abs as he shed his soaked pants and shoes, leaving only his boxers. Her breath hitched, and she quickly snapped her hands back over her eyes, the blush on her face deepening to a furious red.

"I'd rather not trudge back home as a soggy wet mess." he added casually before running toward the lake and leaping in with a cannonball that sent water flying everywhere.

He surfaced moments later, water cascading off his shoulders. "C'mon, Giselle! The water's fine. It's already pouring outside, so it won't hurt to get a little more wet. We can always drop by my place to dry off after we're done."

Still flustered, she glanced around and murmured under her breath, “It’s just water… not like I needed an excuse to cool off anyway.”

She kicked off her boots and, with a hint of reluctance, peeled off her drenched shirt and skirt, revealing her snug shorts and bra. Her skin shimmered softly in the light, effortlessly drawing attention. Jonghyuk paused mid-stroke in the lake, his eyes following the graceful curve of her waist. A grin spread across his face as he let out a low appreciative whistle.

"Really?" Giselle shot back at him, one eyebrow raised though a blush crept onto her cheeks.

Jonghyuk only grinned in reply, entirely unapologetic. "Just calling it like I see it." he replied, the water gently lapping against his chest as he swam a bit closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Feeling encouraged by his relaxed demeanor and the playful twinkle in his gaze, Giselle rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile that crept onto her lips. She dipped a toe into the water, shivered at the chill, then took a deep breath and stepped in. With a smooth motion, she dove beneath the surface, the cool lake water enveloping her in a refreshing embrace, washing away the lingering warmth on her flushed cheeks.

"This feels nice." Jonghyuk said, floating on his back with a relaxed smile that mirrored the gentle lapping of water around them. The soft light filtering through the curtain of rain outside gave the cave a serene, almost sacred atmosphere as if they were momentarily hidden away from the outside world.

Giselle let out a soft hum in response, the sound nearly swallowed by the quiet rhythm of raindrops tapping against the stone. The cool air of the cave and the steady rainfall wrapped around them like a comforting cocoon, creating a fleeting moment of peace that neither of them wanted to disturb.

Jonghyuk drift a little closer in the water, let the silence stretch before he spoke again, his voice softer this time. "So… this might sound like a silly question."

Giselle tilted her head slightly, curiosity lighting up her face. "What is it?"

Jonghyuk drifted lazily in the water, his eyes following the soft ripple of the cave lake as if the rhythm of the rain outside had lulled him into some tranquil trance. Then with a slight tilt of his head toward her. "But I just really wanna know. Do you like dragons?"

Giselle blinked, surprised by the sudden turn in the conversation, but her lips curled faintly as a memory surfaced. "Yeah. Dragons are cool. I have a cousin who has a liking to dragons." she said, her tone casual, though her thoughts had already slipped away to a distant afternoon in childhood, running through the garden with her cousin, pretending to summon dragons and wield magic, their laughter echoing through the air like forgotten spells.

At her answer, Jonghyuk lit up like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. "Great! Well in that case. I wanna show you something."

Without waiting for her response, he turned around in the water, swimming with purpose toward the far side of the cave where the stone wall rose. He glanced back over his shoulder with a grin, lifting one hand from the water to beckon her closer. "Come here."

With curiosity pulling at her, Giselle swam alongside him, her eyes narrowing with intrigue as Jonghyuk turned away without saying a word, showing her his back. The water around them glimmered softly with the cavern's glow, casting dancing shadows across his skin. As she floated there, Jonghyuk’s voice broke the silence, low and calm yet tinged with something deeper lurking just beneath the surface. "Look closely... You can feel it, if you want."

She took a moment to pause not because of the offer itself, but due to the captivating sight before her. The smooth curve of his shoulders, the way the water cascaded over his muscles and the quiet strength he exuded all struck her at once. Instead of getting lost in that mesmerizing moment, she redirected her attention to what he was truly revealing. With a hint of hesitation, she reached out, her fingertips gently brushing against his skin as they began to explore the vibrant tattoos that decorated his back.

"Wow! Is that really a dragon?" she whispered, her eyes sparkling as her fingers traced the graceful curves of the creature that spiraled down his back. "Isn't that a koi fish? And check out that gorgeous lotus flower! They're so pretty."

Her eyes were drawn to the stunning artwork etched into his skin, vibrant lines that seemed to come alive with every breath he took. As her fingers gently traced the curve of his back, she discovered something more subtle ridges and uneven textures hiding just beneath the ink. The shift in her expression was slight, but her voice took on a softer tone.

"They’re on top of scars?"

Jonghyuk didn’t turn to look at her. His shoulders remained still, though there was the faintest tremble in the breath he drew. When he finally spoke, his voice was softer heavy with memories and the weight of old wounds. "Yeah... I tried to cover them up a long time ago..."

She didn’t say a word, just kept her hand gently resting on his back. Her fingers lingered for a moment before settling against the inked skin, tracing not the vibrant swirls of color this time but the faint raised lines beneath. These were old scars, faded yet unforgettable, intertwined with the shapes of koi, lotus petals, and dragon tails. Giselle didn’t bombard him with questions or offer empty reassurances, she simply stayed close, a quiet comfort amidst the soft patter of rain and the shadows of the cave.

"Have you ever heard of that one folk tale? A fish that swims up a waterfall turns into a dragon. They rise up against the injustice in the world and defend what they love."

His words drifted softly in the air between them, and Giselle imagined the image, small determined fins battling the force of rushing water, climbing to heights that seemed impossible. This was a transformation achieved not by magic, but through sheer persistence. She remained silent and Jonghyuk continued, voice low and even.

He drew in a breath. "For most of my life, I was like a fish out of water. It felt as if I was going against the current, like the world was out to get me."

Giselle stayed quiet just listening. Her gaze was fixed on the curve of his shoulder, noticing how the ink seemed to shimmer with significance now that she understood what was beneath it.

"Life is a constant struggle, but you just gotta keep going against the tide... no matter what." His words floated through the cavern like ripples on a calm lake, echoes of years shaped by struggle, delivered with the tired determination of someone who had faced more than most could imagine.

His voice became distant like he was speaking to another time. "Long story short, I was in the darkest period of my life when I almost lost my sister. Fought tooth and nail to keep her safe." The confession tumbled out of his mouth, not with any grand gesture but heavy with the weight of a memory, something that still hurt but had long since stopped bleeding, buried beneath layers of time and ink, yet never truly forgotten.

Across from him, Giselle’s face changed, the spark in her eyes fading as concern took over. The playful curiosity that once danced there was gone, replaced by a softer, more empathetic look. She didn’t utter a word but the silence that hung between them was anything but empty. It was filled with a deep understanding.

"A lot of nasty things were permanently engraved into my body in the process. Slurs and cutting words etched into my back and left arm, all for the world to see." His voice held steady, but there was a certain emptiness to it as if he had come to terms with the harshness of those scars yet could never fully escape the pain they brought.

"I needed something to ground me. Something to help me feel like I regained control over myself. Some people would want to leave the scars behind. I welcome them to it. But not me..." His voice was soft, each word felt heavy, as if he were pulling them from a hidden place deep within, a place that rarely basked in the warmth of sunlight. He kept his eyes down, tracing the intricate ink designs that spiraled around his arms, beautiful patterns that masked deeper scars.

His voice broke slightly. "I—I can't... If it was just pain... Then pain defines me. I am proud of who I am, but.... Dammit." That one word, bursting with frustration and tinged with curses, slipped from his lips.

He took a moment to pause, his body trembling just a bit as if simply standing upright was an enormous challenge. His hands were loosely clenched at his sides. "The scars... my failures... I never wanted anyone to see them again. Especially my family. The ink covers the scars, but it won't erase what's left behind."

He focused on calming his breath, inhaling deeply as if that simple action could help him find some clarity. "They'll remain on my skin forever, but at least behind the tattoos, I can link it to do better things moving forward." Though his voice remained soft, there was a subtle strength returning to it, like a man rising after kneeling for too long.

He finally turned to her, a smile gracing his lips, but there was a quiet sadness lurking just beneath the surface, like the last glimmer of twilight before nightfall. His voice carried a subtle hint of longing, a small yet unmistakable ache wrapped in casual conversation. "So yeah, I think dragons are cool."

With a calmness that contrasted the weight of their conversation, he glided through the water, inching a bit closer to her. The ripples trailed behind him like a gentle whisper, steady and soft, as if the ocean itself was paying attention. "Thanks for listening, Giselle. And sorry if I got a little heated."

She smiled softly, her expression radiating warmth and kindness, clearly touched by the importance of the moment. The light in her eyes wasn’t about pity, it was something much more profound, something that conveyed a sense of understanding. Acceptance. "It's okay. I really appreciate you trusting me with this part of your life."

His grin came back, this time lighter and filled with a playful spark that seemed to chase away the shadows still hanging around him. There was a sudden brightness in his eyes, a hint of the person he was beneath all the scars and burdens. "But now’s the time to let go of all our worries. Be present in the moment and just have fun!"

Giselle felt a wave of relief wash over her as she noticed the tension easing from his face, and she stayed close by his side. Her fingers moved gently, tracing the delicate ink of the lotus flower that gracefully adorned the scars on his skin. There was a reverence in her touch, but a deep understanding, as if she were deciphering a language etched into his flesh that no one else had bothered to explore. For a while, they both remained silent. The cave around them seemed to pause, enveloped in the soothing sound of water cascading from the nearby falls. The steady rhythm of the water filled the air like a gentle lullaby, making the outside world fade into a distant memory. In that serene moment, it felt as if time had folded in on itself, leaving only the fragile stillness they shared.

Her hand lingered, resting softly against his back as her eyes traced the intricate designs of ink. "I never noticed before." she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You always seem so... so carefree." The tenderness in her words carried a deeper weight. "But beneath it all, you’ve been carrying this."

"Guess I’ve become pretty skilled at pretending." he said, his voice dropping to a soft murmur, each word sinking like a stone in still water. "When people only notice the surface, it’s easier to show them something bright. Something wild. It helps me breathe a little easier."

The water swirled gently around them, its warmth wrapping around Giselle’s skin as she leaned against the mossy stone wall beside him. The natural cave offered a comforting intimacy, a little haven away from the chaos and judgment of the outside world, lit only by the soft glow of light filtering through the falls. For a moment, she stayed quiet, just soaking in the tranquility that surrounded them. Then, after a brief pause, her voice broke the stillness, rising softly above the sound of water crashing against the rocks. "You don't have to pretend around me." she said after a pause. "Not here."

He turned his head slowly and deliberately until his eyes finally met hers. For once, there was no cocky grin on his lips, no hint of the usual mischief that often sparkled in his gaze. “Thanks.” he said softly, his voice nearly drowned out by the distant roar of the waterfall. "You’re... different. Not just the kind of different that runs a quiet farm filled with sunflowers and honey jars. But the kind that makes people feel noticed. Safe."

A soft breath escaped her, almost a laugh, as she pushed her wet hair out of her face. The droplets clung to her lashes like delicate silver threads. “I don’t know if I’m that great. I still don’t know if I should buy the farm. I’m still trying to figure out what I want.” Her gaze drifted to the lake beyond, where the water shimmered softly beneath the veil of the waterfall, rain light filtering through like liquid glass. "Maybe we’re both just trying to swim upstream in different ways."

Jonghyuk took a moment before he spoke. He just watched her, his gaze softening with an emotion that was hard to read, then he smiled. "Then maybe we can be koi together. Help each other climb the waterfall."

The words took her by surprise, and she turned to look at him. Slowly, a smile began to spread across her lips, reflecting the tenderness she felt. “That sounds... less lonely.”

A silence fell between them, not the kind that hangs awkward or heavy, but a silence that felt well-deserved and soothing. The cave wrapped around them, filled with the rich aroma of damp stone and wild moss, while the gentle roar of the falls drowned out the outside world. The lake sparkled with the light of raindrops falling from above, creating a space that seemed to hold its breath alongside them.

Just when Giselle was starting to fully embrace that tranquility, Jonghyuk’s cheeky grin popped up out of nowhere, like he was never really done being playful. "So, now that we’ve had our little emotional moment..." With a quick flick of his wrist, he sent a playful splash of water right at her.

"Hey!" Giselle squealed, caught off guard and trying to shield her face a moment too late. "Jonghyuk!"

His laughter echoed through the cave, light and carefree as he dodged the splash she sent his way, grinning like the charming rogue he always pretended to be. "You were looking way too serious. I thought I’d bring a little balance to the universe."

"Balance, my foot!" she shouted, lunging at him with both hands, ready to get her revenge.

The cave echoed with laughter as they splashed through the shallows, water glinting around them like scattered light. Their footsteps sent ripples across the lake, and the weight of earlier confessions faded into the mist, replaced by the carefree joy of the moment. For a while, nothing else existed, only the rhythm of water, laughter, and something quiet and unspoken growing between them.

When their breath finally gave out and their limbs tired, they collapsed in a soaked heap by the lake’s edge. Giselle leaned back against the cool stone, damp hair clinging to her shoulders. Droplets traced down her cheeks as her breathing slowly matched Jonghyuk’s, calm and steady in the hush that followed.

"I’m really glad I decided to follow you today." she said softly, her voice barely rising above the soothing sound of the waterfall.

Jonghyuk turned his head to look at her, his eyes heavy with fatigue but softened by something more profound. A quiet warmth, a gentleness that stripped away his usual bravado. "I’m glad you noticed me."

And then, everything around them fell into a peaceful stillness. There was no need for more words, just the soothing sound of the waterfall, the gentle rhythm of their breathing and the shared tranquility that came from letting their defenses down. In the cozy shelter of the cave, with the water flowing like a curtain between them and the outside world, they sat side by side, perfectly content in the silence. Whatever had weighed them down before now felt lighter, swept away by the rain and the comforting presence of someone who simply chose to stay.

[himeofshyness]

what mods do you use for your farmer in sdv

Are you referring to this farmer design?

I use a variety of mods to give my different farmers unique looks, but for this one specifically, I downloaded the following:

Yomi's Golden Princess Hairstyle mod by: Yomi2023

HxW Sweetheart Hairstyles - Curls Updos and Bobs by: Himetarts

New Shirts & 2 New Skirts mod by: alicedafox (I recommend you click the POST and you'll see a comment there that mentioned about a FS version of this mod.)

Hope this helps. ☺️✨

[himeofshyness]

Summary: In a world where silence often says more than words ever could, a scent can weave its own kind of magic. On the breathtaking peaks of Ginger Island, an unexpected encounter between a combat mage and a humble farmer ignites more than just surprise; it stirs something deep and ancient within them. As the seasons roll on, their lives intertwine in subtle ways that neither fully comprehends. There are no grand declarations or promises made, just the gentle, persistent pull of a connection they can’t quite put into words. It’s a tale of quiet yearning, unspoken bonds, and the invisible thread that links their lives together long before they even realize it.

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟷: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚢𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚕𝚎 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚕𝚕

Long before any confessions were exchanged, before words could even begin to express their longing, Lance first caught a whiff of something unusual on the windswept ridge of Mount Kohldur. The summit was eerily quiet, save for the gentle rustle of grass and the soft creak of his boots against the volcanic stone. He had stood there countless times before, alone and watchful, bearing the weight of the world between missions. The air was always crisp and clean, tinged with the altitude and ash and kissed by the distant breath of the ocean. But on that particular day, something felt different.

It arrived with a single gust. Almost like a figment of his imagination. A hint of wild honeysuckle, warm and golden, drifting in from a place where no flower should have dared to bloom. Intertwined with it was something deeper, reminiscent of crushed wildberries underfoot or the sticky residue of summer jam on fingers that had stolen a taste. The scent felt out of place in this harsh realm of fire and stone. It didn’t belong, yet it wrapped itself around the folds of his cape and nestled in the quiet corners of his mind, refusing to let go.

He turned instinctively. The only other person nearby was the farmer who had just hurled a bomb at him moments earlier. Rosemary, that’s her name. A name that Marlon had mentioned with a certain respect. She had mistaken him for a monster, of course, her instincts sharp and not entirely off the mark. He had seen a flicker of shock in her eyes, followed by an apology, and then laughter, which he had brushed off with a casual wave. But something about that moment dug deep into him.

Continue reading the rest here:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/64899766/chapters/166815052

[himeofshyness]

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

[himeofshyness]

[SDV] "The Nightingale"

Give your thanks to anon!

Summary: You didn't expect leaving the life of an assassin to be easy. But upon arriving to Pelican Town to take care of your late grandfather's farm for a time, the dream became more and more tempting by the passing season, especially when a steadily blossoming romance was another factor.

Warning(s): [AU where the Farmer/Reader is an assassin and not a former Joja employee] Jio is a lil' gentler in this fic (still blunt though),❗️Explicit scenes where the Reader kills members of her organization❗️(Nothing too gorey though), Gentle sex, Fade-To-Black One-sided attraction low-key (The reader likes Jio more than Jio likes the reader), Jio still has sex with them out of curiosity though.

Side Note(s): God I love former assassin tropes. I had to take extra time on this one since I was in the mood for writing a bit of a short storyline, but I hope you like it anon!

P.S: Sorry that this may not be *exactly* how you wanted it anon. I had a narrative in mind and I just ran with it 😔

“The life as a Nightingale is one that is to be lived amongst the shadows. From now on, you live only to serve this organization and to never yearn for a life amongst the sun again.” 

The life of a Nightingale was...lonely.

When you were of age, this was the oath you had taken. It was a harsh one but, this life amongst the dark underbellies of society was the only one you had ever known.

Your parents were assassins, from the day of your birth, all you had known was the shadows and the oath they had taken, never once being allowed to think of walking amongst the common population. You weren’t afforded the opportunity to attend regular school and instead attended night school where every student in the school’s population was in a similar situation to yourself, a life where circumstances were…unusual, to say the least. It was hard to make friends, and when you did, you weren’t allowed to keep them. The chance to go on field trips sounded like something out of a fairytale and when you had finally graduated night school, the opportunity to go to college wasn’t afforded to you. 

Combined with the years of learning how to wield different weapon types, to the point where you could find a way to make a weapon out of a mere stick if you so wished. Not to mention learning different killing strategies such as the usage of poison, the use of allergens or other people around you if need be. 

Becoming a Nightingale was a given, and when you swore to abide by the Nightingale’s oath. It was an all too easy choice to make. Since then, you’ve been a walker of the shadows. You had taken out targets from all walks of life, from the humble poor man to elites whose pockets hung so low that you feared it touched the core of the very Earth. Because of this, you’ve dabbled in every type of illegal activity you could think of, some activities taking you places such as underground cities where the “common” law was flipped upside down to gang-run territories where each step you made could have easily been your last. 

Yet each and every single time, you completed your mission professionally and without too much trouble aside from a few new scars lining your body.

You never dared to dream much less think of life outside the realm of the Nightingales. You couldn't dream of a different scenario! One that wasn't rife with death and blood, shadows and silence. Where, instead of a bright moon looming above your head, there was instead a great yellow ball of fire. So, one night, when your leader had called you into their quarters to discuss your next job, you didn't have a mind to think of this job as too different than the other ones you had undertaken until...the location's name was spoken.

"You'll be taking a target known as 'Mr. Qi' located in Pelican Town."

Pelican Town? You had to repeat the name over in your head at least three times to really let it settle in. The name of the location wasn't something that whispered a more nefarious nature, nor did it strike you as a place that was familiar in the realm of drugs, gang activities, or trafficking. No, instead, it struck you as a place where you'd go fishing or maybe even farm a few plants here and there.

"It's a farming town out east. Nothing dangerous there aside from some monsters. You're to research the whereabouts of your target and kill him, he's an elusive bastard."

You cocked your brow. "And what will be my disguise?"

Your leader chuckled gruffly. "Guess."

Your gaze narrowed, racking over your brain for ideas until your jaw dropped slightly. "A farmer?"

"Inconspicuous, there's plenty of farmers there and a new one coming into town won't be unusual." Your leader sighed before they pushed themselves from their desk and went to their bookshelf, your eyes following the way their hands trailed over their collection of books and notebooks before they landed on a single parchment of paper. When the paper was handed to you, you took it with a single nod of thanks before you opened it. "Your late grandfather was a farmer, apparently, he wished to give some land over to you but your parents were against it."

You had heard conversations here and there when you overheard your parents talk late at night. However, all you understood was that your father didn't want you to go into the life of farming, that it was a waste of your potential and talents as another future addition to the Nightingales. Perhaps he was right, you'd never know but...you wouldn't deny that the idea of going to a farming town unnerved you a little. "I can't farm."

"You won't, you'll simply find the target and slit the bastard's throat. You'll return here and then get your payment per the usual. This is no different from your other jobs." You had a mind to argue but the leader's word was law. If they were to say that you needed to throw yourself from a cliff then you wouldn't have a single choice but to obey. But, this farming town was nothing more than that. A farming town.

No danger nor enemies to look over your shoulder for. No having to nearly throw yourself into the arms of death in an effort to get closer to your target or to simply get within better range of killing your target. The objective was simple, pretend to be a farmer and research the whereabouts of this 'Mr. Qi', once you had his blood on your hands and dagger, you'd collect evidence of his death and return back to your home amongst the shadows.

Nothing would be any more different than how things used to be.

"I'll be back soon," Was your eventual answer, stuffing your late grandfather's letter into your pocket. Your leader responded with a stoic nod before he dismissed you with a wave of your hand. "Report to the bus stop tomorrow night, you'll have someone waiting for you. Don't be late."

. . .

From then on...the rest was a blur, strangely enough.

When you had arrived in Pelican Town, under the sun no less. You had a pair of people waiting for you, an older man and a woman. Robin and Lewis, the mayor of the town. They were...friendly, and strange, but...this town was full of nothing but simple townsfolk and farmers. They commented on how they assumed no one would ever take your late grandfather's old farm and that they had bids from all over from people who wanted to take the place for themselves! The farm itself was a mess, with overgrown shrubs, and trees as far as the eye could see.

Creatures and critters made their homes in different spots on the farm too, for the past few days, you had spent time just trying to chase them all out! You weren't accustomed, much less ready for this life at all. It was like throwing a fish onto land and expecting them to excel without any training or adaptation prior. Yet you managed, when the farm was decent to the eye and you had planted a few crops to further sell the look, you then begun the process of looking for your target.

And, as if the world itself were mocking you, you only ran into more issues.

A wizard watched over the valley, the community building was in shambles and you were seeing jumping apples. People bothered you and talked to you at every turn, seeming not to understand that you had a job to do! These townsfolk were hopeless, you wondered how they managed to get on for so long without being dragged into the mud via monsters or their own incompetency yet.

'A mixture of the local wizard and Adventurer's Guild' You thought.

And the Adventurer's Guild...that was a totally different story.

Before you had even realized it, you had been within the town for months. You arrived in spring and suddenly, it was nearing the end of summer, the slight chill in the air already beginning to whistle along to signal the changing of the seasons. A job had never taken you this long, were you off your game? Or had you become busy with boring farm work all of a sudden? Or...perhaps you should stop distracting yourself with the whims and festivities of the townsfolk, however...they were so friendly. Even when you were so cold to them at the beginning, when you first arrived in town, you'd scowl and tell them that you weren't interested in mild chit-chat. Whenever you'd visit the Saloon in an effort to try and obtain more information on your target, people would try to talk to you and get to know you! In return for their efforts? You'd either ignore them or order them to leave you alone.

Now? You were starting to enjoy their conversations.

The way they'd show up at your doorstep with nothing but friendly intentions and gifts. The friendliness was nearly overwhelming, you had friends, for the first time in your entire life. Life amongst the shadows, surrounded by nothing but death and blood...quickly, you were beginning to prefer life under constant daylight and warmth. And your love for the daylight only grew when you had, one day, decided to wander into the forest that grew just outside Ridgeside Village.

It was peaceful and quiet, nothing but birdsong and the sound of a waterfall in the distance. And— "I know you're there." You said when you had stopped in front of a pond to admire the strange fish that only this village's waters contained. The stranger that decided to hide himself in the shadows of the trees...he was shocked, when he heard the news that the grandchild of the late farmer of that abandoned farmstead was coming to the valley. His lady had told him and the others to keep an eye on the newcomer. Yet rumors from Pelican Town, as well as the way you carried yourself the moment you stepped into the Ridge, said that you weren't simply a newcomer who only sought after trying to restore their relative's farmland.

Thus, the ninja decided to answer. "You saw me?" He asked.

"It was easy enough, I'm used to having to pick things out of the darkness." You answered before you turned around, only for your jaw to drop ever so slightly when the stranger had come into the light. Tall, with light brown hair that only seemed to become even lighter when exposed to the rays of the sun. Although a mask covered the lower half of his face, it wasn't hard for you to tell that he was handsome while the rest of his outfit made it clear that he wasn't a normal civilian of either Ridgeside Village or Pelican Town. And that wasn't all— "Your ears...are you an—"

His brow rose, his hand instinctively reaching to cover his ear despite the fact you had already seen the true nature of them. You were capable of sensing that he was watching you, not to mention being able to see the true nature of his ears? His lady was correct in ordering that you were to be observed. "Who are you?" You decided to ask.

"You may call me Jio, farmer. Who are you?"

You could easily tell that there was more to that question than simply inquiring about your name. Information that you weren't willing to give. "You may call me Y/N, I'm new to my grandfather's farm. I'm just here to restore it, nothing more." His head tilted, you were bad at lying. But, for now, he wouldn't pursue the question. It was good enough for now to understand that, while you may have been here to restore your grandfather's farm...that wasn't the entire story.

"You should turn back then, farmer. Beyond this forest, lies the Ridge. There's nothing but danger that no simple farmer such as yourself should see."

Danger? Though it wasn't shocking, you had seen the slimes and shadow people within the mines, you hadn't expected danger to lurk so closely to this village. "I can handle myself." You answered.

"Don't be a fool." He said harshly. "That is unless you don't value your life." And without another word, he disappeared in a puff of grey smoke. Yet, your interest in the elf lingered.

. . .

Having an...infatuation was an unfamiliar thing to you.

Back at your headquarters, there was no one good-looking enough to make you glance back at them twice much less make themselves linger in your mind for as long as that elf who called himself Jio did. All of a sudden, you found your feet unconsciously taking you back to the forest every other day, hoping to either talk to him or simply catch a glimpse of him as if he were some rare firefly! Your brain was torn apart, you wanted to focus on the farm but also on the friends you were making in Pelican Town, you wanted to see Jio again...to explore this weird feeling that was building up inside of your chest but—

The mission.

The mission.

You won't forget about your purpose.

Never once had you left a mission unfinished but...what if...just this once— "No." You scolded yourself one night as you lied down in your bed, staring up at your ceiling while your new cat, a tiny stray that Marnie had brought to your doorstep one day, slept peacefully on your stomach. "Focus Y/N." You continued before you sat up, gently placing your cat aside as you decided to step out of the house for some fresh night air. Perhaps the light of the moon would help you refocus, help you remember that these people of the daylight weren't of your concern. That Jio wasn't your concern, as well as this feeling in your chest! And as you stepped outside, the moon's light immediately soothing your rushing mind whilst the calls of nighttime critters helped you feel more in your element.

You remembered that you hadn't checked your mail.

Yet another thing you had to become familiar with, having a mailbox...where all your personal things were sent to.

It was an odd little system.

Yet...useful, it seemed. Because when you opened the box to check inside of it, all that was contained was a single black letter. You knew immediately what it meant, and the contents of the letter only read— "At the end of fall, one of our own shall visit you. Report your findings to them." And that was all that was in the message. A nervous sweat dripped down your back, you were no closer to finding out more information about your target than you were when you first came to this valley! You had allowed yourself to get distracted, accidentally focusing more on your disguise rather than the importance of your mission. Tonight, with the moon as your witness, you swore to yourself that your tolerance for distraction ended tonight.

You had to remain focused.

Thus, when the next day came around, you didn't allow yourself to speak to anyone. For the entire day it seemed, you had tracked down every possible lead you could think of whether it was scoping out the Wizard's tower in the wee hours of the morning or sometimes even observing the townsfolk during the night, all in the hopes that you'd spot something, anything that looked out of the ordinary.

But you found nothing, nothing aside from accidentally encountering the local drunk when he was in one of his stupors again, and having to waste time taking him home and lightly telling him off that he needed to stop drinking. And when you had laid him outside of Marnie's door, walking back to your farm to call it another failed investigation for tonight, your mind drifted back to Jio and you wondered if he knew anything. Although he didn't strike you as an assassin like you were, you knew that you both shared something in common. A something that unconsciously motivated you to skip walking up to your front door and instead make the short trip to the Ridgeside mountains, praying to whatever god was listening to you at that moment that the elf was around and willing to talk to you.

"Jio?" You softly called out once you had reached the forest.

Nothing, aside from the hooting of owls and crickets that is.

Your eyes narrowed in determination, remembering how he warned you to not venture beyond the forest and into the Ridge. Blindly walking into danger, especially when one had the courtesy of previously warning you about it, was foolish, that much was told to you constantly as you grew up, and from that, you learned to avoid unnecessary danger unless it counted towards you getting farther into your mission. Walking into a dangerous forest in the hopes of finding more information about this 'Mr. Qi' target...you decided that it had to have counted, and thus you made your way deeper into the woodlands. Slowly but surely, the calls of the night began to grow quieter...and quieter...until there was nothing left at all but the sounds of your shoes moving across the grass.

The scent in the air was strange as well.

Like an oncoming thunderstorm mixed with the familiar smell of iron and a little bit of fire smoke. You prepared yourself for a fight, your hand reaching to rest on the hilt of your weapon that you always kept on your person as you started to make your way out of the thick shrubbery and woodlands and out onto a clearing. You slowly scanned your surroundings for anything strange as your steps became slower and more calculated, wary even as you suddenly began to feel as if you were being watched.

Yet when you stopped briefly next to a tree, a snarl was your only warning before something lunged at you. Experienced, you took out your sword and cut the creature down without nary a single bead of sweat rolling down the side of your face, looking down at the slain beast however...you quickly plunged the end of your blade into its chest before it stopped its twitching and—

A sharp clang of metal meeting metal rung out in the otherwise quiet clearing, your eyes meeting a familiar set of green. "Jio?" You gasped, taking your blade away from his own. "Apologies, I didn't—"

"You shouldn't be here," His voice was even more muffled now thanks to his scarf covering the lower half of his face along with that mask of his. "You've ventured beyond the Ridge, the mountain spirit's protection ends here."

Your brow cocked. "I don't need some fairytale's protection, clearly I can handle myself." You tipped your head at the fallen beast. Jio crossed his arms, in his opinion, besting a mere red serpentine beast was indeed impressive but not enough to prove that one was deserving to explore this area further. But, for you, one that had taken down the beast with ease and experience, perhaps...there was something to be gained here. "Maybe," He responded vaguely. "This area holds secrets, perhaps—"

You stopped where the conversation was heading right in its tracks by holding up a hand. "I'm only here because I wanted to find you."

"Me?"

"Do you know anything of a...Mr. Qi? I need to find him."

He briefly heard his lady mention the name of the man, a strange and elusive man whose skin was blue and seemed to be intertwined with the very fabrics of this reality. But...why did you need to find him? "Why?"

"Does it matter why?" You retorted. "Simply tell me where he is."

Jio cocked a brow. Were you secretly an agent of Gabriella? No, maybe not, his lady wouldn't have trusted you if you were, but—you looked panicked. You hid it well enough, for anyone who wasn't trained to pick up the signs of nervousness, you'd appear calm and perhaps even a little bit winded. But, he could tell there was something more underneath the surface. "Tell me why you need to find this Mr. Qi then," You clenched your jaw. "No."

"Then we have nothing to discuss, you should go home. It's dangerous—"

"W-Wait." You said just as the elf turned around to probably disappear in a puff of gray smoke. "I need to find my target—"

Target.

The ninja hung onto the world tightly, that single word telling him more things about you than you probably intended to. That is, if you were even trying to hide it, to begin with, you were strange that was for sure. You were talented with a weapon as if you had been honing your skills for years and could pick him out from the shadows as easily as one would pick out a cloud on a bright day. The story of you being a former Joja employee...he didn't believe one word of it. "—my organization demands it, I must find him." You continued to insist.

"Then you will continue to have no hope here," He sighed. "Even my organization, we do not know where he is. You should give up for the time, tell your organization—"

Your eyes shot open even wider. "No." You firmly said. "They can't no, I'm not supposed to fail. They—" You words began to get choked up in your throat when Jio turned back to you, the harsh and almost commanding look he pierced into you making you snap your mouth closed and stand a little straighter as if you were suddenly placed back into the arms of the shadows, staring at your organization's leader as they scolded you for being reckless or failing at your mission. And failing as a mission? It was not tolerated.

Even now, you could still feel those lashes upon your skin.

And the memory of having to go through such a thing again, humiliated by the stares of your guildmates and your aging parents, disappointed and ashamed as they believed that they had taught you better than that. To be a perfect and willing member of the organization and nothing less— "Y/N." Jio spoke to you, snapping you from your thoughts before you watched him rub the back of his hand against your cheek. You shakily placed a hand to your face, gasping at the fact that you hadn't realized you'd been crying in front of a stranger.

Jio let out a heavy sigh as he crossed his arms. "...You have a chance to get away from your past."

Why was he saying this?

He should have been encouraging you to stay with your organization.

It seemed to be useful, worth it even. They instilled discipline and good skills into you. He was even tempted to go back to his lady and tell her that your organization may have been beneficial to converse with, however...he saw how much this valley seemed to have rubbed off on you. He saw it in your eyes, that your loyalty was crumbling and that a new one was beginning to forge, one that rested in this valley.

"This chance will only present itself once, take it or leave it." Jio continued. "If you are not ready to leave your organization, steel yourself and prepare to face them with the truth that you have not found your quarry." The harshness of his words made beads of sweat begin to prickle your skin and run down the sides of your face, yet, the elf offered little to no reassurance afterward and simply turned away again to disappear in a puff of smoke, leaving you alone with a monster corpse at your side and a whirlwind of thoughts running throughout your head.

To leave or not to leave?

When you looked around you, thought back to Pelican Town and Ridgeside Village...the first thing that came to your mind was the people. Their warmth and acceptance of you, how they made an effort to welcome you into their fold despite how cold you were to them firsthand. You thought of the festivities and holidays, you thought of your late grandfather's farm, and how you had realized that you loved caring for the farm, the crops, the animals, and every single hardship that came with it! Then finally...your mind wandered back to Jio and the crush you harbored for him. You thought about how you wanted to explore this feeling and find out exactly why the elf made your chest warm the way it did, why every time you met his gaze, your heart skipped a beat and you felt like your breath was stolen right from your lungs.

You wanted to see him more, get to know him.

So...you made your decision.

. . .

One that was easier to make than you had expected, of course. To stay in Stardew Valley and attempt to forge a new life away from the shadows of your organization. Although it was easier said than done, as the day to meeting a representative from your organization loomed closer and closer with each passing day, you tried to soothe yourself by thinking of how much you wanted to stay and how you were willing to do anything to achieve that goal.

Even if it cost you your life.

Life underneath the sun's warmth was far more welcoming than the coldness of the moon. And you let that line marinate in your mind all the way until the day you were supposed to meet a representative finally dawned upon you. You couldn't get an ounce of work done the entire day, and with the Spirit's Eve festival coming tomorrow night, you had found yourself trying to figure out what costume would fit you best rather than worrying yourself sick over what the representative would do in the face of you preferring your life here in the valley than back home!

You were hoping that they'd be understanding.

Surely they hadn't expected you to dedicate your entire life to the guild...were they? After all, how were you supposed to find love? Marry and have children?

How were you supposed to truly get to know the world around you if you were stuck in one place all the time?

It was madness— "Report your findings." The representative asked you in that same cold voice that all the members of your organization had. A black mask covered their features along with the rest of the equally colored outfit, though, you could almost see that your fellow member appeared to be...confused? Here they were in the typical attire of a Nightingale while you? You had kept on the farming clothes that you had worn throughout the day! It would've been funny had this entire situation, one that was taking place in the Ridge of all places, wasn't so nerve-wracking.

"I..." You trailed off for a moment, trying to figure out last minute if you were going to lie or if you were going to be upfront about what you wanted. "...I haven't found anything."

"Nothing?" They spoke with an even more obvious tilt of their head. "What have you been doing these last few months? Your only priority is to assassinate the target and return home, your disguise as a farmer is only something to fool the locals."

You narrowed your eyes. "I know, " you said. But I like it here." The representative was quiet for a long pause, giving you the courage to continue talking. "I want to stay. I've realized that my position in the organization isn't something that I want to be in for the rest of my life. I'm doing well here. I'm happy."

The representative was silent still.

"My grandfather entrusted his farm to me and I deserve to continue caring for it! The target be damned, I've spoken to other sources here and they said that even they haven't found the man!" The more you spoke, the more insane this all seemed. You were participating in a wild goose chase for a man who probably wasn't even real to begin with! All for an organization that probably knew this and maybe even expected you to fail! Was this a test? To see if you'd be tempted by life outside the shadows or simply want an excuse to get rid of an extra member?

You didn't even know if you truly wanted answers.

Just...anything, anything that may have helped you figure out if your organization truly cared about you—the same one that saw you grow up—and didn't secretly want you dead. Thus, you turned to look back at your representative. "Well? Say something!"

"What is there for me to say? Traitor." Your eyes shot to their hand slowly reaching for the dagger that rested obviously on their hip. In turn, you attempted to reach for your own weapon only...in your ignorance, thinking that your organization would be so understanding, you didn't bring your weapon. And the resulting conflict was bloody as you were forced to think of a hare-brained solution and simply charge yourself at your assilant, gripping the representative's hand and trying to wrestle the dagger away from them.

All the while though, you couldn't help but think about how...all you wanted was a new life.

Certainly not...this, this eventual outcome where you stood over the body of your organization's representative with cuts torn into your shirt and your handy bloodied from constantly having to grip onto the weapon's blade until you finally got the upper hand and managed to slit their throat. "Yoba..." Was the only thing you could whisper to yourself as you looked at the corpse, thoughts of the repercussions you'd face rushing through your mind as well as the question as to how you were going to dispose of the body.

What would you do to defend yourself?

How would you defend yourself? Especially against the wrath of your entire organization!? It was— "So you took control of your fate." Without thinking, you directed the dagger in the direction of the voice, only getting a glimpse of the owner until you felt a presence appear behind you before an arm tightly locked around your neck, yet, not too tight to be deadly. "Calm yourself," You blushed at Jio's voice being so close to your ear.

You huffed. "I'm calm, let me go." Without waiting, you pushed yourself free of the elf, grumbling and mumbling to yourself while Jio simply eyed the corpse before looking at your bloodied and cut-up form. It was interesting to him, seeing you be completely free of that "cleanlier" look you typically had when you massacred as a normal farmer around Pelican town. Tonight, he saw a side of you that no other in this valley would be able to see unless they wished to meet their end on the exact same night.

"You're staring," You said. Jio shook his head. "You're injured, let me help."

You scoffed. "I don't need help, I need to figure out how to get rid of this body..." Perhaps you could go beyond the Ridge and dump the body in the woods there? No one would ever go beyond that point and it was a bonus as well as that the monsters would probably eat the body and effectively get rid of the evidence in the process! Yet Jio was having none of it. "Don't be foolish," He said. "I'll get rid of it, go home and I'll help you with your injuries." And...be it from your wounds beginning to hurt thanks to the adrenaline starting to fade from your body, or the fact that you were tired and stressed from what lay over the horizon from this forbidden killing.

You simply nodded your head and turned on your heels to begin walking back to your farm.

. . .

When you arrived home, the first thing you did was strip yourself of your bloodied clothes before tossing them into a hamper for later and washed as much blood you could from your hands and other small wounds across your body as you could. In the process although, you tried not to think too much about how Jio was coming over to your home for the first time...the two of you didn't know each other that well besides the few interactions you both had, all you knew was that he made you feel warm inside your chest and left you wanting more and more each time you saw a single glimpse of him. It was almost similar to an addiction except...you weren't sure if there was a cure exactly for this other strange feeling you had.

The only clue you had was to touch him.

Even placing a hand on his shoulder would have been enough, and yet...how were you going to do that? "Hello?" You suddenly heard followed along with a few knocks.

"Come in!" You called as loud as you could as you walked back into the living room area, just finishing pulling down a brand new shirt before you sat on the couch. In Jio's arms was a small basket filled with medical supplies, herbs, and potions it seemed as well as enough bandages to cover your entire body it looked like! You chuckled at the sight. "You didn't have to bring so much, I've patched myself up with lesser items." You said softly.

Jio set the supplies down on the nearby table before he sat, already gesturing for you to give him your hand. "Maybe so," He answered. "But, it seemed like this battle that ensued between yourself and your fellow from your guild seemed to have been close." You responded with a confident click of your tongue. You had been caught off guard, that was the only saving grace that the representative had and they still lost in the end! You were perfectly molded and trained to be a weapon for the guild and nothing more, to be taken down by someone who wasn't even on equal footing in terms of skills would have been an insult to your memory.

Still, Jio began to patch you up, pouring tonics over your wounds before pressing green herbs to the cuts and bandaging you up. You took the opportunity to let your eyes roam over the elf's form, a little more slowly now that you had the time to just...look. However, your focus was mostly directed to his hands as you took notice of how they appeared to be a little larger than your own, his fingers long and lithe yet scarred and calloused from possible years of wielding a weapon. Then your eyes dragged up to his emerald eyes, focused on your wounds and bandaging you up rather than looking at you the way you were looking at him. But ever vigilant, Jio wasn't unaware of your stares.

"You're staring." He pointed out bluntly.

You blushed. "Sorry," You quickly said. "I'm just looking at you, can I not?"

Jio's hands paused in their work momentarily as he considered his answer. You were an attractive person, that he would admit to himself but to be so openly admired—it was...unusual. Not new nor unheard of, after all, Daia did the same thing to him each time they trained together but he knew that her telling him he was attractive was born from a place of playfulness rather than something genuine. As for you, however? In this moment...it made him feel warm, in a good way. Not a rush of heat born from annoyance.

"...You may," He said, almost shyly as his eyes briefly snapped to your own before looking back down again and continuing to bandage a cut on your hand.

With his permission, you continued to do so with a little more amusement in your eyes. You were in love with the way that the elf suddenly had the faintest tint of pink on his face, how his eyes seemed to struggle between focusing on what he came here to do or looking you in the eyes as well. And there were so many other tiny quirks that made the feeling in your chest continue to blossom. "...Jio." You spoke, breaking the silence. "Do you...like anyone?"

Once more, he paused. "Like anyone?" He parroted.

You nodded your head yet remained silent, anticipating his answer as his eyes narrowed in thought. "There is...one, that I'm mildly curious about." Your brow rose a little, your heart speeding up out of a sudden hopefulness. "She's fierce in combat, observant, and sharp yet surprisingly shy." Your eyes began to narrow in thought, you almost wanted to ask if he was talking about you but...you didn't want to get your hopes up too suddenly. Once you had mustered up enough courage, however, you opened your mouth. "Do you mean...me?"

He nodded his head. "I do."

You let the revelation hang in the air for a few minutes afterward. The reveal that the both of you had feelings for one another wasn't something out of a storybook nor anything decorated with rose petals and sparkles in the background. It was simply the truth of the matter, a truth that made your heart sing and your face warm while Jio simply looked to the side with his heart beating faster than it normally would! In the cult, it was drilled into his head constantly that love was something that had no priority and shouldn't take priority over any missions that the Lady gave to him and his fellows. But, for this moment at least...even if he didn't know you that well and had only managed to catch mere glimpses of you here and there when you came to the Ridge's forests.

Something about you told him that he should pursue this, just this once.

And that idea alone was only solidified when you scooted closer to him, the elf's eyes widening ever so slightly as his throat felt weirdly dry all of a sudden. "May—May I kiss you?"

It was unlike him to be shy. Blunt and cutthroat was a more appropriate term for the ones who knew him yet, as he slowly nodded his head. He felt like a fawn taking its first steps as he watched your head steadily move to tug his mask down before your lips were upon his own and...they were surprisingly soft. Not that he expected them to be anything else, but they felt like clouds and he could feel every single emotion that you put into the kiss. The nervousness, the tension, and the blossoming care that you held for him, and the only thing he could think about at the moment was how he wanted more.

Something that only grew as you slowly pulled back and smiled at him. "Your lips...they're soft." He whispered, strangely breathless although the kiss hadn't lasted long.

You blushed at the compliment. "T-Thank you, your lips...they're soft too."

Once more, the two of you fell into silence as each of you thought of what to do next. While you both buzzed with the feelings of budding romance, Jio spotted how your thighs clenched together as if your very body was begging for you to do something more.

Perhaps it was rude seeing as the two of you barely knew one another, your newfound romance barely even in the beginning stages yet but, the elf was suddenly curious about what other parts of your body were soft. Thus, he placed a warm hand on your thigh before he started to draw circles into your skin with his thumb. "...Can I kiss you again?" You didn't even consider the question for even a second before you nodded your head, Jio leaning in faster then you previously did, all the while his kiss had a lot more force and desire hidden underneath the surface of it. In your organization, although you were familiar with the concept of sex...it was forbidden to do so unless the intention was to create another member for the organization. Another future assassin was supposed to be the end goal always and never for pleasure. So, the steady heat that you began to feel between your thighs...while unfamiliar, it wasn't unpleasant, only serving to make you easily open your legs to the elf the moment his hands began to gently try to pry them apart so he could slide himself between them.

He parted himself from you. "Have you ever done this before?" Jio asked breathlessly before he started to pepper kisses on your face before he started to begin trailing kisses down to your neck.

A soft moan left your lips. "Ah...n-no..." You whispered as you felt your sex begin to throb more and more in tune with Jio's kisses as well as his hands starting to gently slip up your shirt.

"H-Have you?"

He considered the question for but a moment. "Once." And that's all he would answer upon the matter. You gasped when you felt Jio's hands graze across the undersides of your breasts, his hands simply touching and cupping them in his hands for a few moments before his thumbs started to gently move across your nipples. "Jio..." You breathed, his eyes glued to your expressions as he tried to ignore his own throbbing desire that begged to be free from its confines. He wanted to make sure that you were taken care of and comfortable first, his own desires could wait.

"So warm..." Jio whispered as he lifted your shirt, exposing your pebbled nipples to the chilly air of your living room before his mouth latched onto one of them. You moaned at the feeling, a breathless and soft sound that made Jio groan against your chest as he licked at your chest as if he were savoring a delicacy.

And in his eyes, it was.

The more he lapped your chest, let his hands explore your body, and listened to your moans. The more he began to believe that you were something to be savored and cared for until the very end. However, you could hardly stand to bear through the almost painful throbbing of your sex anymore. "Down there..." You begged quietly into his ear. "H-Hurts..." Jio briefly took his lips away from your breast to focus on where you claimed your pain was, a gentle smirk creeping onto his lips as his hands then traveled to the shorts you wore before he began to try and tug them off. You raised your hips to aid him, your blush only increasing as you were left only in your underwear and the obvious damp spot in the center made Jio hum in quiet amusement. "So wet from only kissing both your lips and your breast?" He poked at the damp spot, your thighs instinctively twitching in response to the unfamiliar touch. "How lewd farmer."

You blushed. "D-Don't tease..." You murmured.

He chuckled. "Allow me to play with you a little longer..." He whispered as his own hand started to reach for his pants, the sound of him unzipping his pants making your eyes shoot to his crotch before your eyes widened to the size of saucers at his length. It was long, with just the right amount of girth and leaking with pre-cum as well as twitching as if it had a heartbeat of its own! The very sight made your mouth water and your cunt suddenly ache to have it inside of you, however...as Jio continued to tease your sex and prod at it as if he were testing a new toy. You did your best to be patient in the face of your crush. "Please..." You found yourself whispering.

Jio chuckled at your begging as he hooked a finger around your underwear and started to pull them down. "Please?" He repeated with a mocking lilt to his voice. "You're begging already? We haven't even done anything yet..." He continued, trails of your slick still connecting you to your underwear even after they had been pulled down to the middle of your thighs.

It was a lewd sight, Jio thought. Your cunt clenched around nothing and seemed to leak even more of its slick now! Your clit was hard and throbbing, one swipe of his finger against it and your breath hitched and nearly stopped completely as if you had been shocked.

"Hurry." You murmured.

"Don't you want me to prepare you?" You shook your head, taking a bold step to wrap your arms around Jio to gently pull him closer to you before you rolled your hips closer to him, trying to entice him to finally fuck you rather than tease you for a second longer.

"I'm fine," You assured him. "Just—please." You whispered. Jio hesitated for only a second longer before he pressed his lips to your own, gently pushing you to lay down on the couch before he lined his cock up to your waiting cunt before he plunged himself in. You hissed quietly at Jio's cockhead beginning to enter you, the steady feeling of feeling so full making you tighten your arms ever so slightly before Jio began to pepper kisses along your face.

"Relax," He said. "Otherwise I won't be able to move."

Easier said than done, you thought.

But...as you stared into his eyes. You found yourself relaxing more and more until Jio let out a soft moan when he was finally settled inside your cunt. The last thing he was going to do now, was let you go, especially if it was anything before the arrival of the sun the following day.

. . .

Jio was unaccustomed to waking up to the sound of birdsong. Usually, the sky was still dark when he woke up for his morning training before he'd set off to perform his patrols for the day. However...after last night's events, he awoke feeling strangely more relaxed and rested than usual, and he expected to see you sleeping soundly beside him until—"Hm?" He hummed sleepily, rubbing his eyes and moving strands of hair from his face when he saw that your side of the bed was empty. You did have a farm to tend to, he applauded your dedication but...he wanted to see you, talk to you more.

It was what inspired him to roll out of bed and find some clothes to put on before he walked outside and...nothing.

No clucking of chickens nor the mooing of cows. Although he saw that the sprinklers had come on and that there was evidence of you being out there due to the footprints on the ground. Something was...off.

As he followed the tracks, your footprints led farther and farther away from your farm and closer to the path to Marnie's Ranch. It was then that another set of tracks joined you before...it stopped.

He tried to steady the sudden worry that began to sneak into his being. You were a fierce combatant as well as a former assassin, surely you wouldn't have been—no. Jio shook his head, Yoba had allowed him a newfound chance at peace, it'd be cruel of him to rip that away from him so suddenly, especially when he had given his everything to you last night and wanted nothing more than to do the same today and all the days afterward! He was willing to face any scolding from his Lady and whatever it took forward to make sure that he was ensured that he continued to see you! And that hope was his sole drive as he quickened his pace through the forest, his eyes wide and scanning for any signs of your person, perhaps you were fishing? Collecting wood or even visiting the Wizard for some reason.

Anything was better than...than the worry that was starting to take over him, especially when he started to see spots of blood.

They led further and further into the woodlands until the elf found himself in the depths of Cindersap Forest.

And, at the river's bank...there you were. Lying in a pool of your own blood that began to seep into the river's waters, turning its crystal clear colors into a murky red whilst a single dagger stabbed into your chest with a note in the center of it.

"A true Nightingale never yearns for a life in the sun. Those who do will be returned to the shadows once more, whether in death or in life."

[himeofshyness]

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!"

[himeofshyness]

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞! (◍•ᴗ•◍)

Welcome to HIMESHAI'S SPACE, a little blog universe where I share the things I love most. My name is Aliyah, but you can also call me Hime. I’m someone who has a deep passion for literature, art, baking, and exploring the gameworld of Fields of Mistria, Stardew Valley, and their incredible mods, especially SVE, RSV, & ES. After thinking it over for a long time, I finally decided to join this platform. On this blog, you’ll find a mix of content across various fandoms, but my focus will mainly be about these two farming games, FOM & SDV and its expanded mods. I hope you have a wonderful time here! ✨

💜𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓💜

This masterlist features my farmer OCs and their backstories. Alongside them, you’ll also find my stories, skits, gameplay snippets, and glimpses into my modded adventures across Stardew Valley and Fields of Mistria.

𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐂𝐬 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙳𝚎𝚜𝚒𝚐𝚗𝚜

𝙱𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜

𝙵𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚛 𝙿𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚜

𝐇𝐢𝐦𝐞'𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐬

🌻𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚠 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢🌿

Lotus Blooms Over Scars

Lost Between Realms

Beneath the Scent of Silence

Lost in the Sunset (turning this into a full oneshot)

A Moment by the Sea (Sebastian X Aleia)

Walking the Wire (Sam X Yvonne)

From Spring Blooms to Winter Warmth (Sam X Yvonne)

Fortuitous Encounter (Lance X Rosemary)

Chocolate and Confidences (Jio X Cerise)

A Symphony in Spring (Sam X Yvonne)

Seasons of Connections (Sebastian X Aleia)

A Symphonic Spring Wedding (Sam X Yvonne)

Autumn's Entanglement (Sebastian X Aleia)

Beyond the Memories (Sebastian X Aleia)

Unbreakable Melody (Sebastian X Aleia)

Sunrise at the Summit (Sebastian X Aleia)

Moonlit Hunger (Sebastian X Aleia)

Reckless Winter (Canon X OCs)

Love Across the Valley (Canon X Ocs)

Beneath Crimson Ties (Lance X Rosemary)

Reckless Assumption (Canon X OCs)

Unlikely Brotherhood (Canon X OCs)

🌷𝙵𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚊🌾

Woven in Stardust (Caldarus X Isaria)

Caldarus's Accidental Guide to Wooing a Farmer (Caldarus X Isaria)

𝐇𝐢𝐦𝐞'𝐬 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐬

After SVE 2.0 Update

IsaacXFarmer on a date, after SVE 2.0

How my Stardew Farmers meet Lance

Farmer needs help

Married Farmer sees an attractive NPC

After FOM Full Update

Sterling stop flirting with the Farmer!

Awkward Serenade

Confusing Confessions

Swords, Sarcasm and Survival

How to summon every marriage candidates

Riddle me this

Mayo Madness

After Fields of Mistria Update

The Self-Doubt Catastrophe

From Stone Cold to Heartthrob: A Farmer's Priorities

The Mirror's Truth

𝐒𝐃𝐕 & 𝐅𝐎𝐌 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐬

A raccoon called me "idiot" in my own native language

Wren shoves your farmer down a Skull Cavern shaft to test the depth before jumping in

How do my farmers cuss?

Sterling's love gifts are 🌻🌻🌻

Reminiscing that one rainy night

Finished the Mastery Cave

FINALLY achieved True Perfection ❤️

I finally got the tea set!

Another Sam Immersive mod

Cute perler beads keychain

Cute perler beads keychain Pt.2

My Farmer's Inner Thoughts: Caldarus experience

If your SDV farmer was in Fields of Mistria then who would they romance

Dreams are getting out of hand

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐬 𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 (𝐞.𝐠. 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐬/𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬)

Lance and Jio dynamic

LanceXIsaac getting married but who proposes first?

SDV/SVE Bachelors react to the Qi fruit

My Farmer in a nun outfit 18+

Lance and Jio's Reactions To Seeing Their Spouse In A Sexy Version of Their Uniforms 18+

SDV bachelors react to Statue of Perfection/True Perfection

How would the adventurers, mages, or even their spouses react to the Farmer, who used to be a former assassin

SDV Bachelors would react if they discovered their spouse is a former assassin

RSV bachelor/ettes react to farmer a former assassin

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

RSV bachelors/ettes reaction to their kidnapping for revenge/ransom, where their spouse Farmer, furious, comes to rescue them

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 (𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚖𝚜) 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚎 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖𝚜.

AO3 ➡️ HimeOfShyness

Wattpad ➡️ HimeOfShyness

Instagram ➡️ himeofshyness

𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞:

[himeofshyness]

Hey everyone! I’ve just uploaded new chapters of "Caldarus's Accidental Guide to Wooing a Farmer." Here’s a sneak peek from the latest chapter:

She hummed softly to herself as she tied off the ends of the flower crown, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as she admired her handiwork. With a gentle movement, she leaned forward, carefully lifting the delicate creation and placing it atop Caldarus’s head.

His gaze flickered up from his book, curiosity stirring as he regarded her with quiet intrigue. “Another one?” His voice held no protest, only mild surprise as though he had already anticipated such an outcome.

She grinned, her fingers still lingering near the crown as she adjusted it slightly. “Of course! You’re starting a collection now.”

A breath of amusement escaped him, a faint exhale that wasn’t quite a laugh but carried the essence of one. He made no move to remove it, allowing the memory of their first festival together to surface, the distant recollection of when she had first given him a flower crown, back when he had been nothing more than an unmoving stone figure in her fields.

Slowly he closed his book, letting it rest upon his lap as his gaze drifted to the flowers surrounding them. Reaching out he selected one, his fingers brushing over the soft petals as he turned his attention back to her. With deliberate care he leaned in, the space between them narrowing as he reached up, gently tucking the flower beneath her ear. His fingertips brushed against her hair, the strands soft beneath his touch as he adjusted the placement, ensuring it sat just right.

Isaria’s breath hitched, her heartbeat suddenly irregular, caught off guard by the unexpected gentleness of the gesture. A warmth crept up her neck, settling in her cheeks as she remained frozen under his touch, her mind scrambling to form a coherent response.

“There.” Caldarus said simply, his golden eyes studying her with an unreadable expression. “It suits you.”

Her fingers twitched slightly against her lap, the sudden flutter in her chest sending a ripple of warmth through her body. “Oh. Uhhh…” She cleared her throat, attempting to steady herself though the lingering sensation of his touch made it a challenge. “Thanks.”

His expression remained calm, entirely unaware of the effect he had just caused as though the simple act had held no deeper meaning beyond placing a flower in her hair.

Isaria let out a breath, shaking her head slightly as she reached for another flower, her hands busying themselves as she willed away the warmth creeping up her cheeks. “You know.” she mused, attempting a casual tone, “You have a habit of saying things that sound suspiciously like flirting.”

Caldarus blinked, his brow slightly furrowing, genuine curiosity flickering across his features. “Do I?”

She laughed, a light and breathy sound as she shook her head again. “Never mind.”

Here's the link of the fic:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63931303/chapters/163977091

[himeofshyness]

Oh mighty Caldarus, I kneel before your cosmic presence! The sheer power radiating from you, those glowing eyes, the celestial energy, the sheer dominance... Truly, I am but a speck of dust before your greatness! The way you loom, the divine authority in your stance, the overwhelming aura... I am in awe, utterly and completely. 😩✨

Call of the dragon

[himeofshyness]

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙼𝚒𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚛’𝚜 𝚃𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑

[Scene: A quiet evening in a candle-lit study. Caldarus is seated at his desk, engrossed in an old tome while Isaria bursts into the room with an excited expression.]

Isaria: *grinning mischievously* Caldarus! I just met the most beautiful person in all of Mistria!

Caldarus: *barely glancing up, voice calm and measured* Have you now? And where pray tell, did you encounter such an individual?

Isaria: *dramatically pulls out a small ornate mirror and holds it up* Right here! Aren’t they just breathtaking?

Caldarus: *raises an eyebrow, setting his book down* You’re holding it the wrong way.

Isaria: *blinking, tilting her head* Huh?

Caldarus: *with an exasperated sigh, taking the mirror and turning it toward the farmer* Look again.

Isaria: *stiffens as she sees her own reflection, expression faltering for just a second* Oh...

Caldarus: *leaning slightly closer, his voice lowering to a rare, softer tone* Yes, you truly are beautiful.

Isaria: *scoffs lightly, setting the mirror down* Please, you’re ridiculous. That’s not what I meant.

Caldarus: *watching her closely* No? Then why the sudden interest in the floor?

Isaria: *crossing her arms, turning away just enough to hide the warmth creeping up her neck* I was just testing your perception. Clearly, you overthink things.

Caldarus: *chuckles, shaking his head as he returns to his book* If you say so.

Isaria: *grumbling under her breath, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve* You’re still ridiculous.

Caldarus: *without looking up* And yet, you keep coming back.

Here’s a skit idea for my upcoming new chapters in Caldarus's Accidental Guide to Wooing a Farmer, more romantic shenanigans between our ethereal handsome dragon, Caldarus and my mysterious farmer, Isaria! Expect plenty of witty banter, unexpected moments and of course, Isaria trying (and failing) to keep her cool around Caldarus’s unintentional flirting and effortless charm.

[himeofshyness]

Okay, so I’ve been gone for a few days because of work and the moment I finally finish everything and plan to enjoy my day off, I decide to take a nice long rest. But guess what? I end up having a freaking dream where I get isekaid, straight into my Farmer’s body. At that point, I just roll with it because honestly being isekaid sounds pretty cool.

Then out of nowhere Caldarus appears. He reaches for my hand, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

"My beloved, you’re finally awake." His voice is deep, smooth...way too seductive for my sanity.

I freeze. Holy shit! He’s even more ethereal and majestic than I ever imagined, so much more than just a pixelated character on my screen.

Before I can say anything, he lifts my hand to his lips, pressing the softest kiss against my knuckles. "Have you truly forgotten me?" he murmurs, his gaze searching mine. "Or is fate merely testing me once more?"

I swear my brain short-circuits. WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!

"I… I don’t understand." I stammer.

His grip tightens just slightly, his thumb tracing slow circles over my wrist. "Then allow me to remind you." he whispers, leaning in. "Body, soul and eternity. I have only ever belonged to you."

And that’s when I absolutely lose it. Oh my god. Is this a sign that I need to update my story since I have the day off?!

Now before you think I’m making this up or just being delusional, this is real. The last time I had a dream like this was back in 2020 when I dreamt about my OC self getting married to a Countryhumans character. I even made a whole comic about it!

[himeofshyness]

Hey guys! I just uploaded a new chapter “Caldarus's Accidental Guide to Wooing a Farmer” Here’s a sneak peek:

“You’re catching on fast.” she admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Maybe you won’t burn the kitchen down after all.”

Caldarus let out a low hum, his voice laced with dry amusement. “Your faith in me is truly touching. Should I take that as encouragement?”

“Take it as a miracle.” she shot back without missing a beat.

After finishing the prep, they moved on to the stove, where Isaria began explaining how to handle the cauldron properly. “Just a simple simmer. No excessive flames, no magical shortcuts, just patience.”

Caldarus nodded, setting the fire beneath the cauldron with measured control. Everything seemed to be going well until Isaria turned away for a mere moment to grab another ingredient. Before he could respond, a sudden boom shook the room, sending a burst of smoke billowing from the other side of the kitchen. Isaria whipped around, eyes widening at the sight of the cauldron, now engulfed in flames. “Oh, for the love of—! Caldarus! What did you do?!”

“I followed the steps exactly as you instructed.” he said, though his gaze flicked between the fire and her with mild concern.

Here's the link of the fic:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63931303/chapters/163977091

[himeofshyness]

there was a post on reddit about Caldarus talking about the Caldosians and the Aldarians. i posted my response but i wanted to post here too. here's what Caldarus says:

"The Caldosians and the Aldarians are known to share a common ancestral origin. The Caldosians... and the Aldarians. Descendants of those who lived and worshiped here during my time, I am sure of it. And yet, those who would become the Caldosians sailed east to form their empire while the Alda remained to found Aldaria. Why..?"

now, i don't remember much dialogue and i'm going to be relying on what the wiki.gg website had written (which doesn't have a lot of dialogue tbh). but this isn't the first time the Caldosians and Aldarians are mentioned (spoilers below!) (also i've editted this post to add more theorycrafting about the witches!)

here's what i know of the two nations:

both have their own archeology sets, but the Aldarians have TWO sets (Aldarian and Alda sets) while the Caldosians only have one (the Caldosian set)

the Alderians and Alda sets are only found in the west of the map (The Narrows and Sweetwater Farm respectively). the Mines is also located in The Narrows

the Caldosian set is coincidentally only found in the east of the map (The Eastern Road)

the Aldarian and Alda sets are listed separately. i assume the Aldarians was the ancient civilization while Alda is more recent (Elsie says that the Alda Feather Pendant is still used in some places in Aldaria)

Caldarus' home/temple is found in the east as well, just north of The Eastern Road. There's also stuff about the Witch Queens (in the Western Ruins, you find the Ancient set). there's been datamined info about the Witch Queens (like furniture) so i assume the game will expand on them in the future

when digging stuff up, we can find swords from both sets, military gauntlets + war banners from the Aldarian set, and breastplates from the Caldosian set. naturally, i assume that the two nations had a war, and ancient Mistria was one of the battlefields, possibly before Mistria was named Mistria

Dell comments on the Aldarian sword, asking if it was from the "War of the Lillies." you can also find Statuettes of Caldarus in the Eastern Road, which is a Caldosian artifact

we also see two dragon statues in Mistria: one in our farm, one in the mines. BOTH were broken and forgotten

the one in our farm was hidden behind a tree and the head has fallen off. we had to reattach his head. this is confirmed to be Caldarus' shrine

the one in the mines is broken and remains so. according to Eiland, the statue wasn't there prior to the earthquake. i assume it was hidden behind all the dirt, and the earthquake unearthed the statue. like how the teleport chalice was unearthed when we unlock the Stone Refinery. HOWEVER, we never got confirmation that this is also Caldarus' shrine!

Eiland states that Caldarus is the mythological guardian of Mistria, and that their ancient ancestors used to worship the statues. clearly, the statues haven't been tended to in years. Mistria doesn't know that Caldarus is real, and people in the past didn't either, as Caldarus was still in slumber. it appears modern-day Mistria doesn't worship Caldarus anymore either

from Caldarus' quote, the Caldosians and Aldarians came long after Caldarus' went to sleep. when Caldarus was still active, the two nations were most likely still one nation

my theory of Mistria's and Caldarus' timeline:

long ago, the Caldosians and the Aldarians lived together as one nation. they both worshipped Caldarus while he was still active

Caldarus goes into slumber at least before the "Dark Ages." the seals in the mines play a major part in this, but idk if he went to sleep because of the seals or not

at some point, the Aldarians start worshipping another dragon (we can find Unknown Dragon Statuettes around the map; they have no specific spawn locations). the Caldosians, of course, did not like that and were on Caldarus' side (Statuettes of Caldarus, and they're called the Caldosians lol). this may be how the one nation split into two

they went to war over their worshipped dragons. i assume this is the "War of the Lillies" Dell mentioned

the Caldosians lost, and had to sail east to form their empire, while the Aldarians went on to establish Aldaria

Caldarus remains a small "mythical" dragon that guards Mistria. at least in Alderia, anyway. the Unknown Dragon (or the Alderians' dragon) also gets lost to the ages

because Caldarus was already in slumber before the Caldosians + Alderians, he was not present during the war, but the Dragon Priestess(es?) was. she recorded the past and stored them in Caldarus' temple. how the temple remains untouched idk, but answer is probably magic

Aldaria may not worship any other dragons in present times, because Eiland doesn't recognize the Unknown Dragon Statuettes and neither do we (we are not native Mistrians, after all). i think we'd hear about other dragons if Aldaria still worshipped them (more on that in the Witch Queens section)

the Deep Woods gets blocked with large, thorny vines at some point after the burial of March + Olric's parents and Hayden's grandma

earthquake happens, weakening the seals and waking up Caldarus from his slumber. weakening the seals also brings the magical essences back into Mistria. it also uncovers the statue in the mines + the seals underground

we move in! who knows why Caldarus chose us to help him.......

as for the Witch Queens + the mines...

the Witches/Witch Queens may have helped the really ancient Alderians in sealing Caldarus' powers. the Alderians may or may not have been involved, but the Witches definitely were because the tablets are written in Witchspeak

Witchspeak was how humans and dragons communicated to one another long, long ago, according to the legends

to unlock the Fire Seal, a Sealing Scroll was needed. upon unlocking the seal, the Sealing Scroll ends up draining your character to 0 HP + Stamina, essentially trapping them in place (Dragon Priestess even calls out that it's a trap)

it appears that whoever made the seals did not want the seal-breakers to proceed to the final seal to restore Caldarus' powers/memories, and/or dissuade future seal-breakers from continuing

the Dragon Priestess may be sealed within the depths of the mines as well, and was awakened after the earthquake too

the Ancient artifact set is related to the Witch Queens. they are only found in the Western Ruins. there's also a Dragon Priestess statue in that area that we can't go to yet... was the Dragon Priestess a Witch/Witch Queen?

OR... is the Dragon Priestess also a human form of the Alderians' dragon/the Unknown Dragon? because she and Calderus share similar face + arm markings! it may make sense why she wants the seals broken too: she wants her power restored, but is indirectly helping Caldarus. whether she knows this or not, i'm not sure

someone on reddit added an interesting theory saying that the witches BETRAYED the Aldarians by sealing their dragon as well after sealing Caldarus, which i find very interesting and plausible! because of this, Aldarians' dragon/the Unknown Dragon ends up being lost to time. Caldarus at least was an already established guardian long before the Caldosians/Aldarians existed. the Unknown Dragon never got the chance to make its influence

for this, i imagine that the Witch Queens ended up influencing Aldaria more than their dragon down the line, because we still have practicing witches in present-day who understands Witchspeak (like Juniper), but there's no mention of modern-day dragon worship as of now

i don't think anyone's gonna read this but! whatever i just really needed to throw this out there. i'm probably wrong but it's fun to theorycraft methinks

[himeofshyness]

Hey Mousey! It’s been a while since my last ask. Hope everything’s going well there. (◍•ᴗ•◍)

Anyway, I just had an idea. After reading your headcanon about the Farmer going full beast mode and absolutely wrecking the kidnappers to save their spouse, I couldn’t help but think… you’ve already done for SDV and SVE, so how about an RSV version?

I can totally picture the Farmer ready to throw hands if someone like Daia or Jio got kidnapped by Gabriella’s minions. Would love to see your take on it!

Hewwo again, dear moot :3 Glad to see you again in my askbox ❤️ I'm doing well, thanks for asking! Have a great day as well, and enjoy some more Ridgeside Village headcanons! (sorry for late reply 😅)

RSV bachelors/ettes reaction to their kidnapping for revenge/ransom, where their spouse Farmer, furious, comes to rescue them

_________________________________________

RSV bachelors:

The kidnapping of Zayne had been long and carefully planned, as the bandits realized that the disappearance of such an important figure would echo throughout the Republic. But the ransom for the young head of Amethyne made the gang dare to do this. Zayne was naturally shocked, though his Grandmother had warned him not to go out alone without servants/guards. The bandits were patiently waiting for money from Maive.... Huh, Farmer? They don't care about a farmer, even if they're Zayne's spouse. Big mistake. In half an hour Farmer whirled through kidnapper's lair, leaving a bootprint on the face of each lying scoundrel. Zayne even felt bad for mobs...

Hah! Those sneaky assholes think they can intimidate Bryle that easily? This isn't the first time he's been kidnapped to get information about the Governor, and the bodyguard will never reveal- "Screw your Governor, we want Farmer." W- what? They want... his spouse? "Don't know why Gabriella needs this farmer fool, but she pays well." They're so openly telling him the name of the client, those stupid bastards... Five minutes after furious Farmer appears, though, the smiles are gone from the kidnappers' faces (as their teeth as well). The freed Bryle immediately began to question the bandit who was still conscious, for he was worried about the whole thing.

Damn it... Jio let his guard down for a moment and the world before his eyes turned into darkness. He woke up in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by Gabriella's minions - not soulless husks yet, but soon enough.... "You and your spouse will pay for all the troubles you've set up for our queen!" Jio, unfortunately, couldn't answer anything with the gag in his mouth. And he couldn't warn his spouse about the trap, but it was unnecessary - like a ferocious bear, Farmer knocked out their husband's kidnappers, while Jio, who had already managed to free himself from his bonds and joined the fight, looked at them with admiration, because he had never seen them in battle before. Farmer indeed is an excellent fighter.

"I don't want to spoil your fun, but I'd advise you to let me go before my beloved gets here." The bandits, jubilant at the prospect of future profits for their dark deeds, looked at the rather calm June and laughed loudly at him. "Ooooh, how frightening! The little farmer who planted tulips in their spare time would come and punish us, ha!" "The little farmer" showed up immediately after gang's leader words, with their body making a huge hole in the stone wall, all red with anger. The kidnappers turned pale with fear and looked at June, to which the pianist responded by giving them an “I warned you” look. "Hey June, in the mood to play piano? You're about to play a funeral tune for this fuckers..."

"Fucking hell- why the fuck is he so big!?" Well, what did the kidnappers want - Ian is a big and strong guy, and he may not have any fighting skills, but thanks to his physical strength he was able to fight back some of the kidnappers quite well. Although, they took him in numbers. Ian was a little worried at first, but Farmer coming to rescue him gave the handyman a burst of confidence. "Ok, two of us against twenty-five mobs, that's even now." The gang leader thinks this Ian is a complete dumbass, but Farmer knocks four of the thugs out of the fight with one punch. Fuck...

"Why are you all so tense... There are other ways of making money, what's the point of kidnapping people?" Anton's feeble attempts were met with a loud cackle from the leader of the mobs. "Yo, boys, did you hear that? Hilarious. What did that Farmer even see in a loser like you?" Ouch. The architect muttered that he himself didn't know what Farmer had found of him, but a moment later a screaming and sword-waving Farmer burst into the last room of the gang's lair. "Where the fuck are you keeping my husband? Anton, my soul, I'm coming for you!" Anton forgot for fear and blushed slightly. And looked at Farmer with adoration throughout their fight with the gang.

"Hey, what are you so angry about, you got it all wrong.... "It was just a harmless prank! Yeah, we wanted to prank our old mate Sloan!" "I'm Sean," the poor bandit who had kidnapped Sean to get revenge on Farmer for some reason unknown to the handyman ("I should ask the Farmer for that...") instead of a confident man immediately started looking for ways to retreat when Farmer alone handled an entire army of his minions. The pity worked, but partially: Farmer didn't break the leader's neck, but broke his nose and sent him off to watch dreams. "So hon, how about some dinner at Pika's?" Farmer would gladly accept husband's proposition.

"Search him, boys. Maybe he's got something valuable on him." At the order of the head of the kidnapping gang, the two henchmen began rummaging through Kenneth's pockets, and the tickling sensations made the electrician squirm. "What's that?" One of the thugs found a strange device that looked like a bug. "Ah, it's just my little invention, lets my spouse know my location." "What..." An explosion went off in the next room, causing everyone to jump abruptly in place except Kenneth. ‘Oh, looks like I'm going home soon.’ Rest in peace, poor bandits.

During the kidnapping, Shiro managed to knock out one of the mobs. If it wasn't for his health problems, he would have knocked out the others without even breaking a sweat. Alright, Farmer should be arriving at the bandits' lair soon. "You seem a bit too confident for a man in your position..." "My spouse returns almost every day covered in the blood of giant monsters. What do you think they will do to you?" Such a statement made the gang leader stagger back. And went they completely pale when Farmer arrived (who had managed to beat up leader's minions). "Maybe if you ask for mercy, Farmer will forgive you..." (spoiler: Farmer hadn't forgiven them for kidnapping their husband).

Jeric had been forever telling Bryle that he had nothing to worry about him and that he didn't need any guards. Now, tied up in mob's lair, he somewhat wished he had listened to the advice of his adoptive father's bodyguard. "So pretty boy, how much would your daddy give for your life, hmm?" The bandit brought the dagger quite close to Jeric's face, causing the young lad to lean against the wall. A moment later, though, the cold steel of the sword was already close to the mob's own throat. "Farmer!" "That bastard hurt you?" Farmer made sure the freed Jeric was okay, and the two walked towards the exit, stepping over the bodies of the kidnappers that Farmer had knocked out with their bare hands.

Philip knows that he is in a rather dangerous situation. He knows that these kidnappers can hurt him and torture him. It's a stressful situation, no time for jokes. But he knows for aure Farmer will come to the rescue, and he wants to shout one phrase. "Philip, stop it, you're mature, you're mature, you're mature, you're mature..." The angry Farmer bursts in, knocking out one of the gang of kidnappers with one leg kick. "Call an ambulance, but not for me! Hah!" Heh, that brought a smile to Farmer's face before their grimace distorted again with anger as they saw the rest of the gang. Well at least Philip was alright and even managed to make a joke.

RSV bachelorettes:

"Why are you smiling, bitch? Soon you and the rest of the Cult will be no laughing matter!" Gabriella's minions stood next to Daia's cell and spat venom, promising torture and suffering, but nothing seemed to be able to wipe the innocent smile off her face. She knows her spouse is coming soon, and it's going to be truly fun. A trap for Farmer? Hee hee, it's not Farmer who ends up with the bandits, but the bandits with Farmer. And before they could say anything, they found themselves knocked out by Daia's spouse, who opened up their wife's cell and as a powerful couple started getting their asses kicked by all the kidnappers in the den. Daia was so excited by both rescue and how fiercely they fought, so strong! Maybe even a little too excited. "There's a bed in my cell, by the way~" Daia, no-

Maddie tried to be brave, but honestly, she wasn't very good at it. Just as the lab assistant was leaving her and Farmer's house to go to work, someone put a bag over her head, tied her up, and carried her off to an unknown location. With wolfish grins, the kidnappers wrote a letter to Farmer demanding 400 iridium bars or they would get their beautiful wife in pieces, while laughing at Maddie's attempts to hold back tears. To the rescue came an enraged Farmer, who beat up all the rascals, violently breaking noses and knocking out teeth, when he noticed tears on their wife's cheeks. Maddie is crying... those kidnappers will envy the dead.

"Boss, what if this farmer doesn't even have a coins?" One member of the kidnapping gang with a broken nose (thanks to Corine), was already doubting his boss's 'brilliant' plan to make a quick cash. The gang leader was about to bark at their subordinate for doubting their plans, but immediately their conversation was interrupted by the shouts of other members falling to the ground. "My dear spouse is here," Corine calmly summarized, she had no doubt that Farmer would quickly come to the rescue. "If I survive, I'll drop everything and start breeding roses." The poor gang member thought meekly, taking a second fist bump from the angry Farmer.

"Aha! Our sleeping pill plan worked! Good job, guys!" Sleeping pills... what? Flor thought she was still dreaming, as instead of a bedroom in her and her spouse's house, she sees a black ceiling in strange room, lying on an uncomfortable bed while men unknown to her sit nearby at a table discussing something. "200,000 gold!" "No, write 300,000 gold! This farmer is definitely rich!" Definitely a strange dream, Flor thought. And after a couple of moments the next thing she sees is the Farmer standing next to her and cautiously examining her. "Farmer, good morning. I'm about to make us some coffee- Where's the kitchen? W-where are we? Who's lying unconscious on the floor?!" Not a dream after all... But she's safe.

"Let me go, you brute! Scoundrel! Bandit!" Though the kidnappers had no trouble capturing Faye during her return from Ridgeside Village to Pelican Town, there was no way to shut the waitress up. The first time they gagged her, she spit the piece of clothes out, the second time... the thugs were afraid they'd lose their fingers. But when Farmer appeared before the whole company with a sword in their hands and fire in their eyes, the bitten fingers became the least concern of the kidnappers. "Can you imagine, dear, they put a filthy rag in my mouth! Yuck, disgusting!" Faye complained to her spouse, completely forgetting the fact that she had been kidnapped.

In general, Irene's kidnapping was accidental: the mobs were aiming for Zayne or other Amethyne grandchildren, but then mobs thought that this rich family would give a decent ransom for their personal chef as well. Especially since she was mumbling her spouse's name in fear.... So they'll give them money for her too, double profit! Right? Yeah, double trouble... Not only did the family members get the detectives, police and adventurers, but Irene's crazy spouse turned out to be an adventurer! In the end, a couple of kidnappers who had not yet had their legs broken by Farmer escaped while Farmer themself freed their wife from her restraints.

"AAAAAAAAA!" Instead of the desired revenge for Farmer's past actions, the leader of the gang got a headache. They caught Blair, Farmer's wife, but the fisherwoman somehow got out of the cage and now instead of logically trying to escape, she chases the leader's henchmen with a sword (where'd she get that?). Most of all, the leader is disappointed by their subordinates, since they can't catch the fisherwoman! They weren't surprised by the appearance of the enraged Farmer, because of course things are going to get even worse! "I just want a little revenge!" Frmer even felt a little sorry for them when they kicked the leader into dreamland and went home with a grinning Blair. The girl wasn't scared, even had a little fun.

Alissa had never seen a person so angry and furious. The two bandits who were holding her and preventing her from escaping were mocking the poor girl in every possible way, telling her that she would soon say goodbye to her spouse, while the leader of the gang waited patiently for Farmer. She thought she saw pure hatred when the leader told her that Farmer will pay for all his humiliations in the past. But pure hatred she saw in the eyes of her arrived partner. Hatred for the bandits who had stolen Alissa, made her cry, possibly tortured her. And with what hatred they would break the hands of the scoundrels. The girl was even a little afraid of Farmer after that rescue.

In kidnapping Paula to demand ransom from her spouse, the mob members underestimated her. They knew she was a doctor. They forgot that Paula is a military doctor and knows perfectly well how to defend herself. They didn't even get to their lair - Paula broke out of her restraints again and started knocking out her captors. Farmer joined the fight, knocking all the villains down, breaking their bones, and chasing them away. "I've done pretty well for myself here, dear." But she's so glad Farmer came up. Her duty as a doctor, by the way, calls for at least basic care for those they've knocked out.

"You will regret about that..." Ysabelle's words sounded unconvincing to the gang of kidnappers, who only laughed at the girl and went on with their business. So she just sighed heavily and waited. Ysabelle had nothing else to do but to wait for rescue from Farmer and her grandfather. But she didn't have to wait long: as if materializing out of thin air, Farmer used the element of surprise, kicked half of the bandits' asses, freed their beloved wife, and teleported home with the farm totem, leaving the other half of the bandits with.... 50 megabombs. The explosion was loud... "Yikes, kinda feel bad for them." "I don't. Do you want to visit your grandfather first?"

"Ti prenderò a calci in culo!" The kidnappers have no idea what Kiarra yelled at them throughout their time in their lair, but one can guess that the words were clearly not very polite. They generally tried to ignore it, consoling themselves with thoughts of a large share of the ransom gold they had received. Farmer, angry as a swarm of hornets, quickly interrupted their sweet dreams by appearing out of nowhere and literally throwing a few bricks (the bricks came from a hole Farmer had made with a single punch) in the direction of some of the bandits. All this to the delighted exclamations of Kiarra. "Give 'em hell, darling!"