Fields Of Mistria - Blog Posts

The kids playing charades and imitating the farmer

Me: *grinding for days on end in-game to find dozens of gems and ingots to get the fourth item I need to unlock the next section of mines*

Balor and Juniper: Wow. She sure is determined. It's inspiring and concerning.

Me, frantically breaking rocks: MY HUSBAND IS BEHIND THIS PLOT WALL I JUST KNOW IT!

this is how my brains been looking since last week

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

Hey guys! I just wrote a new CaldarusXFarmer fanfic on AO3, titled "Caldarus's Accidental Guide to Wooing a Farmer" Here are some snippets from a few of the chapters!

A silence stretched between them. Isaria’s mind whirred, piecing the information together, her unease growing with every passing second. Before she could say anything, he inhaled deeply his movements sharp and twitchy and then with eerie composure, he continued. “However, I believe my measurements may have been off. Unless…” His golden eyes narrowed slightly, his head tilting with calculated curiosity. “The room appears to be vibrating. Do you perceive this as well?”

It took a moment for the realization to fully sink in and when it did Isaria froze, her stomach dropping. Gods above. This was happening. Caldarus, an ancient, powerful, cold-blooded dragon guardian had overdosed on caffeine.

“Oh, for the love of—!” She immediately went closer to him, reaching out before he could topple sideways. “Cal, you need to sit still before you vibrate out of existence.”

Here's the link of my fanfic...

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

Now, picture how awkward that would be.

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

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

[𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚁𝚎𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 – 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚈𝚎𝚝 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙲𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚍 𝙶𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cerise: Make it twenty.

Who would win?

𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚋: 𝙰 𝙵𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚛’𝚜 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜

(Found this in my old drafts, I wrote it before the FOM update. Would be a waste not to post it here. I also made a skit related to this one with Farmer and Caldarus but more unhinged/dramatic and longer skit. ➡️ Link)

[Setting: Caldarus has just broken free from his stone prison. Dust settles, magic crackles in the air, and the Farmer stands frozen, staring at the man before them.]

Farmer: *inhales sharply* Oh. My. Gods.

Caldarus: *blinking, adjusting to his newfound freedom* Yes, I—

Farmer: *gripping his shoulders* YOU’RE HOT!!!

Caldarus: *startled* What?

Farmer: *shaking him slightly* I knew you’d be attractive, but this? This is illegal!

Caldarus: *trying to recover from both the dramatic exit from his prison and this energy* I—well... Thank you, I suppose—

Farmer: *grabs his hands, eyes shining* You don’t understand. I was ready to marry a rock. I was prepared to take my vows in front of a lawn ornament.

Caldarus: *slowly processing* You were going to what?

Farmer: *serious nod* I was mentally prepared to wake up every day and say, ‘Good morning, my beloved paperweight.’

Caldarus: *rubbing his temples* I just broke free from my stoney prison, and this is what I’m met with?

Farmer: *grinning* Welcome back to the world, my dear! Wanna get married?

Caldarus: *sighs, but there’s an amused smile tugging at his lips* At least let me breathe first.

𝙱𝚘𝚗𝚞𝚜 𝙰𝚕𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝙴𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐:

Caldarus: *sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose* Fine. But if I hear one joke about rocks, I’m turning back into one.

Farmer: *gasps dramatically* You wouldn’t dare.

Caldarus: *raising an eyebrow* Try me.

Farmer: *grinning* Well, that’s just stone-cold of you.

Caldarus: *visibly struggling to maintain composure* I’m serious.

Farmer: *nodding* Of quartz you are.

Caldarus: *groans* I regret everything.

Farmer: *pats his shoulder* Don’t take me for granite.

Caldarus: *sighs, looking up at the sky as if pleading with the gods* I should have stayed petrified.

Farmer: *beaming* Too late, rock husband. You’re stuck with me now.

Caldarus: *despite himself, a small chuckle escapes* At least eternity won’t be boring.

Ohhh, this is such a fun question! I have so many Stardew Valley farmer OCs, but I’ll just pick a few for this.

Aleia → March

Oh, she’d absolutely go for March. A tsundere blacksmith? That’s a challenge she’d gladly take on. If she can handle an emo dude, March is nothing. Aleia’s smart, imaginative, and just chaotic enough to push all his buttons, delighting in every flustered reaction. At first, he’d find her constant teasing and unpredictable energy downright exhausting, but over time? He’d start expecting it. Then one day, as he works in the forge, he’d notice the silence, the absence of her usual antics and that’s when it hits him. He misses her and just like that, he’s doomed.

Cerise → Caldarus

Cerise and a dragon guardian? Absolutely. Her sharp instincts and level-headed nature match seamlessly with Caldarus’s wisdom and introspection. Both find peace in simple moments, her in crafting homemade chocolates and tending the farm, him in the stillness of nature. But as a former assassin with magic, she’s more than capable of protecting him. With his power still weak, she’d make sure he rests, bring him food, and casually remind him not to overexert himself. And if anyone dares to hurt him while he’s vulnerable? They’d be lucky if there was anything left of them to bury.

Rosemary → Balor

Balor’s wanderlust and Rosemary’s grounded nature balance each other perfectly. She wouldn’t try to tie him down, but would remind him that home is where you return. Their relationship would be full of playful teasing and mutual respect, he brings excitement to her life, and she becomes his anchor. Over time, he’d realize he wants to return to her and when he does, she’d simply smirk and say, “Guess you’re not as restless as you thought.”

Yvonne → Ryis

Yvonne’s sweet, patient nature and quiet strength would naturally draw Ryis in, his chill and hardworking demeanor complementing her perfectly. As a florist, she has a gentle touch and an eye for beauty, but she’s also fearless in the mines when needed. He’d admire how she balances kindness with strength, and she’d appreciate his steady support and quiet concern for others. They’d share soft moments in a cozy greenhouse, she’d bring him flowers with a tender smile, saying, “These reminded me of you,” while he’d secretly carve little trinkets for her to find. No grand gestures, just quiet companionship, knowing smiles and deep conversations under the moonlight.

Thalia → Hayden

Thalia would love Hayden. As a fellow farmer and a half-witch, she carries herself with charm and confidence, always playful and effortlessly flirtatious. Hayden, with his strong, dependable nature and steady presence, would balance out her lively mischief perfectly. She’d keep him on his toes, tossing flirty remarks his way while leaning against a fence, watching him work. “You work too hard, Hayden. Maybe you need someone to help you unwind.” she’d tease with a sly smile. He’d sigh, shaking his head. “And I suppose you’re volunteering?” She’d grin. “Oh, honey, I’ve been volunteering from the start.” He’d roll his eyes, pretending to be exasperated but deep down, he’s already smitten.

if ur stardew valley farmer was in fields of mistria then who would they romance

Caldarus, my dear, you just woke up from your eternal sleep and THIS is what’s happening?? I know you’re an immortal dragon guardian, but I also know you can still feel pain, yet here you are, unable to cook, brushing your hair with a tree branch, and eating random objects to regain your memories. Please, I am begging you, let me take care of you before you accidentally speedrun your own downfall. 😭💀

so like out of all the dialogue i've gotten from caldarus, he:

can't cook for shit. he burns fried rice and his noodles turn black. his cakes will not rise

had a Caffeine incident

struggles with having long hair, gets leaves tangled in it and used to brush it with his claws. switched to a pine branch because "it's faster"

in an attempt to regain his memories he's grinding literally everything he finds and eating it

thinks that if he had wings in this form it would make it difficult to sleep in bed

hopeless at organizing all his damn scrolls (he swears hes not a messy person though please believe him)

is a Fabric Freak™

Summary: My farmer, Isaria invites Caldarus to the Shooting Star Festival, offering him a rare moment of peace beneath the starlit sky. As they watch the stars fall, they share quiet conversations about fate, memory, and what truly matters. In the hush of the night, something unspoken lingers between them. a warmth, a connection, a fleeting glimpse of something more.

The Shooting Star Festival had arrived, painting the night sky with shimmering trails of light. The air was thick with the scent of earth and pine, the cool summer breeze carrying the distant laughter and murmured wishes of the townsfolk gathered in Mistria’s heart. Yet, Isaria found herself far from the bustling celebration, her path winding deep into the woods where the ancient temple lay hidden beneath the moon’s gentle glow. In her hands, she held a delicate star-shaped brooch, its polished surface glinting under the celestial glow. It was a token of invitation, a gesture she hoped a certain guardian dragon would accept, now that he stood in his physical form, bound to the earth in a way he had not been for centuries.

Her heart quickened as she approached the temple’s clearing, where the draconic guardian stood beneath the branches. He was a vision against the night, his long turquoise hair cascading over his shoulders like silk spun from the ocean’s depths, his golden eyes reflecting the starlight above. There was something otherworldly about him still, despite the humanity he now carried, as if the very fabric of time wove around him differently.

Isaria stepped forward, extending the brooch toward him. “I thought you might like to have this.” she said, her voice steady but carrying an underlying sincerity.

Caldarus took the brooch carefully, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest moment. He examined the design, his expression shifting from curiosity to recognition. “A brooch? Now where have I seen this design before?” He paused, lost in thought, before his eyes widened in recognition. “Ah! Are you asking me to join you tonight to watch the stars? I—” He hesitated, his voice softer now, touched by something that almost resembled wonder. “I gratefully accept your invitation.”

A small smile curved Isaria’s lips. “I’m glad.” she admitted, feeling a weight she hadn’t noticed lift from her chest.

Caldarus nodded solemnly before glancing toward the trees. “I will need to guide you through a secret path in the woods to reach the summit, for I should not stray too far from its protection in my current state.”

“I understand.” she assured him. “I’ll follow wherever you lead.”

His expression softened at that, something unreadable flickering in his gaze before he inclined his head. “Do not worry, Isaria, I will take care to conserve my energy. Let us meet tonight at 8 PM. I am looking forward to it.”

And so, at the appointed time, Isaria found herself beside him once more, the two ascending the hidden trail that wound its way up through the dense canopy. The climb was steep, but with each step, the trees thinned, revealing the heavens in their full, breathtaking expanse. When they finally emerged at the summit, a vast stretch of night unfolded before them, endless and glittering, the stars pulsing like embers scattered across the dark.

Caldarus stood still for a long moment, gazing outward with an expression of quiet awe, his golden eyes reflecting the celestial glow above. The sky painted in endless shades of indigo and silver, stretched vast and unbroken before them, alight with the brilliance of countless stars. He exhaled softly, his voice barely more than a whisper carried by the wind.

“I wonder…” he murmured, more to himself than to her, his tone laced with something akin to longing. “How long has it been since I last saw this particular view?”

Isaria turned to him, watching how the starlight illuminated his features, casting an almost ethereal glow upon his skin. He looked as if he belonged to the night itself, a being woven from shadow and light, standing at the precipice of something long-forgotten. There was a stillness in him, as though he were caught between memory and reality, his presence both grounded and untethered all at once.

“Does it feel familiar?” she asked softly, her voice gentle against the hush of the wind.

For a moment he did not answer, his gaze remaining fixed upon the heavens as if searching for something just out of reach. When he finally spoke, his words were measured, careful.

“Perhaps.” he admitted, a slow breath leaving him. “Though time distorts memory in strange ways.”

A comfortable silence settled between them, filled only by the whisper of the breeze and the distant rustle of the trees. The night was alive with the quiet hum of existence, the kind of silence that spoke louder than words. Above them, the sky continued its celestial dance, streaks of silver and gold cascading in fleeting brilliance.

Then, after a moment, Caldarus turned his golden gaze back to her, something unspoken lingering in his expression.

“Thank you for inviting me out here this evening, Isaria.”

His words, though simple, carried a weight that settled deep within her chest. There was a sincerity in his voice that made her smile, warmth blooming beneath her chest like the soft flicker of candlelight.

“I am glad to see this custom continues to withstand the passage of time.” he continued, his voice quieter now, touched with reverence. “Mistrians once referred to the practice as Starbinding, you know. An apt name, indeed. Humans, despite being mortal or perhaps because they are mortal, tend to be particularly sensitive to the bonds that their souls form throughout their lifetimes.”

Isaria tilted her head slightly, the words stirring something within her, a quiet curiosity threading through her thoughts. “So it really binds people together?”

Caldarus let out a soft chuckle, the sound low and rich, carrying an almost wistful note. “Well, think of it this way.” he said, his gaze returning to the sky. “You will encounter many souls on the journey through this life. Some will slip by the edges without much notice... and others.”

His voice faltered for the briefest moment, and for the first time that evening, a faint blush dusted his cheeks. The subtle shift did not go unnoticed, and Isaria found herself watching him with quiet amusement as he quickly cleared his throat, regaining his composure.

“Mind you, that is not to say that every connection is a joyful one.” he continued, his voice steadier now, though something unspoken lingered beneath his words. “Every hero’s story needs a villain, after all. And of course… some souls you encounter are unable or unwilling to see your light.”

Isaria frowned slightly, considering his words. The weight of them pressed against her thoughts, stirring emotions she could not quite place. After a moment, she met his gaze, searching for something she was not sure she would find.

“But the ones that are meant to… always do?” she asked, her voice quiet yet certain.

His golden eyes softened, and for a moment, the distant expression he often carried seemed to fade, replaced by something far more tender.

“Yes.”

They fell into silence once more, though this time, it felt different, deeper, as though something unspoken had settled between them, threading its way through the fabric of the moment. Together, they watched as the stars continued their descent, luminous streaks painting the heavens in fleeting brilliance. Eventually, Caldarus turned his attention back to her, studying her with a contemplative look as though seeing something beyond what was before him.

“I suppose that is where this tradition comes into play.” he mused, his voice almost thoughtful. “Two souls, each casting their light with intention. Combined with the starlight above. It creates quite the beacon, you see. Guiding us to each other across many lifetimes.”

Isaria listened, his words settling deep within her, stirring an ache of familiarity she could not explain. There was something poetic about it, something that made her chest tighten in a way she did not fully understand.

Before she could speak, he exhaled, his voice laced with regret. “Forgive me… I wish that my memory was clearer. I cannot recall if we stood here together once, in another life.”

She turned to him, her eyes warm with quiet understanding as she met his gaze. A small, knowing smile touched her lips. “It’s okay.” she said softly. “I don’t recall either.”

For a moment, Caldarus simply stared at her, as if trying to process her words. Then a chuckle escaped him, soft at first then growing into something more real, more open. It was rare to see him like this, unguarded and free. The sight of it made Isaria laugh too, her voice light and natural against the quiet night.

He looked at her then, as if trying to remember something just out of reach. “Isaria…” he murmured, as though her name itself might unlock a hidden memory. His voice held something gentle, almost grateful, like he hadn’t expected her answer but found comfort in it all the same.

She only chuckled again, giving a small shrug. There was no need to chase something they couldn’t remember. Not now. Not when this moment was enough.

Caldarus watched her for a little longer before another laugh slipped from him, deeper this time, filled with genuine amusement. He shook his head slightly, a rare smile still lingering on his face. His laughter blended into the quiet sounds of the forest, the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of insects making the night feel more alive.

Her response had surprised him. Most people held tightly to the past, always searching for meaning, hoping to understand the bonds that tied them to others. But Isaria didn’t. She wasn’t afraid of not knowing. She wasn’t desperate for answers. And somehow, that was comforting.

Maybe that was why he laughed. Because for once, he didn’t have to know everything. He didn’t have to search for proof. He could just… be.

Finally, his laughter faded, and his golden eyes softened as they met hers again. “I suppose this kind of uncertainty is to be expected from a mortal—” He hesitated, then quickly corrected himself, his voice quieter now. “From a mortal perspective.”

A short pause followed, the space between them filled with unspoken thoughts. Then, as if making a decision, he spoke again, his voice calm yet certain. “In that case… I will choose to believe.”

She tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering across her features. “Believe what?”

Caldarus’s golden eyes softened, his gaze steady as if weighing his next words carefully. “That we, like the stars, have simply returned at the appointed time…”

His voice was quiet, yet it carried a certainty that settled between them, delicate yet powerful, as though he had spoken some ancient truth. The meaning behind his words lingered in the space between them, unspoken yet understood. They held each other’s gaze, and in that silence, something intangible passed between them, something that did not rely on memory or logic but on a feeling, deep and undeniable.

The night air was cool, carrying the distant sounds of the forest, the rustling of leaves, the occasional call of an unseen creature. For a moment, it felt as though the world had shrunk to just the two of them beneath the vast sky, standing in the quiet presence of something greater than themselves.

Then, just as the moment threatened to settle into something almost tangible, a faint tremor ran through Caldarus’s frame.

“Ah.”

The sound was barely more than a breath, but it was enough to break the stillness. Isaria’s brows knitted together, concern flashing in her eyes. “Caldarus?”

He did not answer right away. His posture remained composed, his expression as measured as ever, but there was something different now. A weariness in the way he stood, a subtle tension beneath his usual grace. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, but there was a quiet strain beneath it. “My body...I am beginning to feel somewhat fatigued.”

Isaria’s heart clenched at his words. Without hesitation, she stepped closer, her voice laced with quiet urgency. “Are you alright?”

Caldarus met her gaze and offered a small, reassuring smile, but it did little to ease the worry pressing against her chest. “Do not trouble yourself.” he said gently. “I am simply not yet accustomed to leaving the protection of the woods. I-I just need a moment.”

She watched him closely as he shifted slightly, attempting to straighten, but she did not miss the faint unsteadiness in his movements. The night’s quiet beauty and the distant glow of the stars, it all faded into the background, her focus narrowing to him and the exhaustion that now clung to him like a shadow.

“Why don’t we get you home?” she suggested, her voice softer now. There was no need for stubbornness, no need to push through weariness when rest was within reach.

Caldarus did not answer immediately. Instead, he studied her for a long moment, as if committing her face to memory beneath the silver glow of the stars. There was something almost unreadable in his expression, something distant yet present, as though he were standing in two places at once, one in this moment, and another somewhere far away.

Finally, he exhaled and his shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. “I would like that.” he admitted, his voice carrying a quiet sincerity. “I can prepare us some tea, and we can watch the last of the stars through the canopy.”

A soft breath of relief left her lips, and she allowed herself a small smile. “That sounds perfect.”

Without hesitation, he extended his hand toward her. The gesture was both firm and gentle, his fingers slightly curled in invitation. “Come.” he murmured, his voice steady despite his earlier fatigue. “Take my hand. I will guide you back.”

She did not hesitate. Her fingers curled around his, warmth meeting warmth despite the cool night air. His grip was strong, reassuring, yet there was a quiet vulnerability in the way he held onto her, not as one who merely led, but as one who was willing to be led in return.

Together, they descended from the summit, the quiet hum of the forest wrapping around them like a whispered lullaby. The journey back was slow but peaceful, the glow of fireflies flickering like tiny stars among the trees, their faint golden light weaving between the branches. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers, and above them, the heavens stretched endlessly, silver beams of starlight slipping through the canopy as if bidding them farewell.

When they finally arrived at his temple, the familiar warmth of the sacred place embraced them. Though fatigue still lingered in his frame, Caldarus moved with quiet purpose, his motions smooth and practiced as he set about preparing tea. The rich, earthy scent of herbs filled the air, curling between them like mist, a quiet contrast to the night’s lingering chill.

They settled beneath the temple’s eaves, sitting side by side as the last of the shooting stars streaked across the heavens. Neither spoke, but the silence between them was not empty. It was a presence all its own, comfortable and lingering, filled with the quiet clink of teacups against stone, the faint rustle of fabric as one of them shifted, the steady rhythm of their breaths in the cool night air.

Above them, the stars shone on, indifferent to time, indifferent to memory. And perhaps, in the grand scheme of the universe, it did not matter whether they had met once before or whether their souls had returned, drawn together like celestial bodies in a vast and endless sky.

Because in this moment, they were here now. And for tonight, that was enough.

The stuff with Caldarus has the perfect

“You came”

“You called”

Dynamic and no one is talking about it. And no you cannot change my mind.

OHMYGAWD!!!! I never realized it until now, but it’s PERFECT. The ‘You came’/‘You called’ dynamic is just chef’s kiss, and now I can’t unsee it. I need to sit down and process this revelation. Thank you for blessing me with this knowledge.

𝙼𝚢 𝙵𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚎𝚛'𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜: 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚞𝚜 𝙴𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎

Okay. Okay. Breathe.

So there I was, staring death in the face, when suddenly BOOM! Caldarus materializes out of thin air, all radiant and powerful like some kind of divine deity.

"Oh, thank goodness you are safe."

Sir. SIR. You just broke the fundamental laws of existence, took on a PHYSICAL FORM, and all you have to say is "thank goodness" like you didn’t just pull the most dramatic power move in history?!

And the way he looked at me. So relieved, like he had been genuinely worried. Meanwhile, I’m over here still trying to process the fact that an ancient dragon just willed himself into reality for me. For me.

Other romance candidates? Yeah, pack it up. This man started at SIX HEARTS. SIX. I didn’t even have to drown him in apple honey curry or fried rice first.

He’s so majestic. (✿ ♡‿♡)

Caldarus has been asleep for centuries, and he still wakes up feeling drained… Poor guy really can’t catch a break. Clearly, what he needs is proper rest. Somewhere cozy, with a warm drink, and maybe someone to hold him. Strictly for comfort, of course. And if that someone just so happens to be me, well… it’s for his health, I swear.

‘Humanoid’ doesn’t always mean ‘humanoid size’? 👀 Good. Perfect. Fantastic, even. Because frankly, I deserve to be scooped up like a princess and carried effortlessly. I am but a small, insignificant creature next to him, and I am okay with that. In fact, I welcome it. Let me experience the full power of those proportions. I am ready!

Fields of Mistria update spoilers/

As it turns out- humanoid form doesn't always mean humanoid size

Oh, you think you’re fast? Darling, I’ve already booked the venue, picked out baby names, and sent Caldarus a very convincing powerpoint presentation on why he should choose me. May the best contender win. 😂

my condolences to yall but im getting him pregnant

[IRL convo with my bestie, since my laptop can't handle Fields of Mistria, I'm watching her play on her computer. We just got to the part where Caldarus appears.]

Me: *still staring at Caldarus in his human form, eyes practically sparkling with admiration*

Bestie: *deadpan* Seriously?

Me: *gesturing dramatically* Hoy! Can't you see how majestic he looks? His face, his hair, gods, the ethereal beauty! He’s radiating dragon prince energy!

Bestie: *raising an eyebrow* My dear bestie… he looks like a twink.

Me: *snaps head toward her in pure disbelief* Excuse me?

Bestie: *shrugging* I mean, just look at him. The delicate features, the long hair, the whole ancient-but-elegant aesthetic—!

Me: *grabs her by the shoulders, shaking her* HE’S NOT A TWINK. Why do people keep saying that?! Have you seen his chest-open portrait?! The man has muscles! He’s got that "sleeps for centuries and wakes up ripped" kind of vibe. Do you know how hard it is to maintain that physique when you've been hibernating for hundreds of years?!

Bestie: *feeling dizzy* I-I don’t think that’s how muscle maintenance works—

Me: *tightens grip and shakes her harshly* BLASPHEMY!

Bestie: *gasping for air* HELP—

Caldarus: *watching from a distance, slightly concerned but also oddly flattered*

𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙵𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚊 𝚄𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎

[After countless side quests—gathering rare relics, artifacts, and questionable items,—casting complicated spells (including accidentally turning their cow blue for a week and setting a tree on fire), the Farmer finally frees Caldarus from his statue prison.]

Caldarus: *stands before them, now in human form, his dragon wings unfurled, horns glinting in the sunlight, and a tail lazily swishing behind him. The air practically hums with power.*

Farmer: *gawking, inner thoughts* Oh no. He’s hot. Like, "burn-down-my-crops" hot.

Caldarus: *stretching his wings, glancing at his hands with a satisfied grin* I’m finally free… after a thousand years. I can feel the wind again. *breathes deeply* No more being a glorified lawn ornament.

Farmer: *still staring* Uh-huh. Majestic. Totally majestic.

Caldarus: *turning to them with a charming smile* Truly, I owe you a debt I cannot hope to repay. Tell me, Farmer. What reward would suffice for freeing me?

Farmer: *already holding out a bouquet, a ring, and a chest full of their finest gold and jewels* Simple. Marry me.

Caldarus: *blinking, wings twitching in surprise* ...Pardon?

Farmer: Look, you’re tall, you have wings, horns and you practically radiate ‘mysterious ancient power.’ You expect me not to shoot my shot?

Caldarus: *staring at the offerings, then at the Farmer, tail flicking in amusement* You freed me from an ancient curse and your first thought was marriage?

Farmer: *nodding enthusiastically* Yup. Right here, right now. We can skip the long courting phase. I’ve got the ring, the flowers, and enough wealth to fund a honeymoon in every region of Mistria. Let’s go.

Caldarus: *crossing his arms, smirking* I see you’ve also conveniently ignored the thousand-year gap in life experience. I don’t even know what a 'honeymoon' is.

Farmer: Don’t worry, I’ll teach you. Lesson one: It involves a lot of cake and maybe—just maybe, romantic walks under the moonlight. Lesson two: you looking like that means I have no self-control.

Caldarus: *chuckling, wings rustling* Hmm. So bold. I do admire confidence in a mortal. But tell me, are you proposing because of my power… or my devastatingly good looks?

Farmer: *deadpan*...Yes.

Caldarus: *sighing, rubbing his temples as his tail sways* I suppose I should have expected this. You were always talking to my statue about your tragic love life.

Farmer: *shrugging* Hey, you gave great advice! Plus, you could’ve warned me that you were this attractive.

Caldarus: As a statue? Should I have etched a warning plaque? ‘Caution: Restoring this relic may result in intense attraction.’

Farmer: Honestly? It would’ve saved me a lot of emotional turmoil right now.

Caldarus: *snorts, wings twitching with amusement* And you believe a mere proposal is enough? Have you considered the implications? I am an immortal dragon guardian. Marriage is a… complicated matter.

Farmer: Pfft. You sound like you’re overthinking it. I mean, you’ve been stuck as a statue for a thousand years. Surely you’ve had time to think about settling down.

Caldarus: *deadpan* Yes. Clearly, I spent every waking moment contemplating wedding registries and floral arrangements.

Farmer: See? You’re a natural. I’ll handle the registry; you just show up looking majestic and vaguely dangerous.

Caldarus: *exasperated but amused, pacing with his tail flicking* Do you always leap into life-altering decisions without thought?

Farmer: Absolutely. Did you not hear the part where I accidentally turned my cow blue? Commitment issues? Never heard of them.

Caldarus: *pauses, glancing back with a raised brow* That… explains a great deal.

Farmer: Come on. We already have a history. Remember when I told your statue self about that embarrassing date with the cute blacksmith?

Caldarus: *groans dramatically, covering his face with one hand* Unfortunately, I do recall. You spoke for three hours.

Farmer: And yet you didn’t turn to dust. Clearly, we’re meant to be.

Caldarus: *peeking through his fingers, giving them a look* You are infuriating.

Farmer: But charmingly persistent.

Caldarus: *sighing, wings drooping slightly as he gives a reluctant smile* Persistent is one word for it.

Farmer: *grinning, stepping closer* So… is that a ‘yes’?

Caldarus: *arching a brow, giving them a slow, teasing look* Hmm. Tempting. But I’m afraid you’ll have to do better than showing up with shiny trinkets and reckless confidence.

Farmer: Wow. Harsh. After everything I did to free you?

Caldarus: *smirking, wings giving a playful flick* I am grateful. Truly. But I’ve been sealed for a thousand years. I’m hardly rushing into a binding contract with a mortal who once confessed they tried to romance a merchant for discount prices.

Farmer: *groans* Okay, first off, it was a strategic decision. Second, it didn’t work anyway. Third—!

Caldarus: *laughing now, warm and rich, shaking his head* Enough. Your desperation is amusing, but I need time to explore this world again. Perhaps if you prove yourself more… convincingly, we’ll revisit this conversation.

Farmer: *grinning smugly* Oh, you’re so into me.

Caldarus: *turning away, tail flicking with mock indifference* Keep telling yourself that, mortal.

Farmer: *calling after him* Don’t worry, I will! You will be mine!

Caldarus: *under his breath, smiling* ...Infuriating mortal indeed.

Just saw Caldarus’s official design, and WOW! He looks absolutely majestic. The long flowing hair, the intricate outfit, the dragon prince aura, everything about him is perfect. You’d never guess this man was trapped as a lawn ornament for who knows how long because he came out looking legendary.

Tbh, after seeing his official portrait, I just can’t stop staring at him. Hahaha, he’s just that stunning!

I’m so excited to see all the fanart and fanfics people will create for him! The community is about to go wild, and honestly? He deserves it.

Caution: Below here is a picture of Caldarus in human form. (◕ᴗ◕✿)

(Big thanks to @azem-ghale for showing this pic)

Me, patiently waiting for Caldarus to show up in human form: I am cool, composed, the pinnacle of self-restraint.

Also me the instant he graces my screen: unhinged dragon-simp screeching

I have been religiously feeding this Dragon essence like a devoted cultist, and now he finally descends in human form? My soul is prepared. My heart is not.

𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙵𝚒𝚎𝚕𝚍𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚊 𝚄𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚎

[After countless side quests—gathering rare relics, artifacts, and questionable items,—casting complicated spells (including accidentally turning their cow blue for a week and setting a tree on fire), the Farmer finally frees Caldarus from his statue prison.]

Caldarus: *stands before them, now in human form, his dragon wings unfurled, horns glinting in the sunlight, and a tail lazily swishing behind him. The air practically hums with power.*

Farmer: *gawking, inner thoughts* Oh no. He’s hot. Like, "burn-down-my-crops" hot.

Caldarus: *stretching his wings, glancing at his hands with a satisfied grin* I’m finally free… after a thousand years. I can feel the wind again. *breathes deeply* No more being a glorified lawn ornament.

Farmer: *still staring* Uh-huh. Majestic. Totally majestic.

Caldarus: *turning to them with a charming smile* Truly, I owe you a debt I cannot hope to repay. Tell me, Farmer. What reward would suffice for freeing me?

Farmer: *already holding out a bouquet, a ring, and a chest full of their finest gold and jewels* Simple. Marry me.

Caldarus: *blinking, wings twitching in surprise* ...Pardon?

Farmer: Look, you’re tall, you have wings, horns and you practically radiate ‘mysterious ancient power.’ You expect me not to shoot my shot?

Caldarus: *staring at the offerings, then at the Farmer, tail flicking in amusement* You freed me from an ancient curse and your first thought was marriage?

Farmer: *nodding enthusiastically* Yup. Right here, right now. We can skip the long courting phase. I’ve got the ring, the flowers, and enough wealth to fund a honeymoon in every region of Mistria. Let’s go.

Caldarus: *crossing his arms, smirking* I see you’ve also conveniently ignored the thousand-year gap in life experience. I don’t even know what a 'honeymoon' is.

Farmer: Don’t worry, I’ll teach you. Lesson one: It involves a lot of cake and maybe—just maybe, romantic walks under the moonlight. Lesson two: you looking like that means I have no self-control.

Caldarus: *chuckling, wings rustling* Hmm. So bold. I do admire confidence in a mortal. But tell me, are you proposing because of my power… or my devastatingly good looks?

Farmer: *deadpan*...Yes.

Caldarus: *sighing, rubbing his temples as his tail sways* I suppose I should have expected this. You were always talking to my statue about your tragic love life.

Farmer: *shrugging* Hey, you gave great advice! Plus, you could’ve warned me that you were this attractive.

Caldarus: As a statue? Should I have etched a warning plaque? ‘Caution: Restoring this relic may result in intense attraction.’

Farmer: Honestly? It would’ve saved me a lot of emotional turmoil right now.

Caldarus: *snorts, wings twitching with amusement* And you believe a mere proposal is enough? Have you considered the implications? I am an immortal dragon guardian. Marriage is a… complicated matter.

Farmer: Pfft. You sound like you’re overthinking it. I mean, you’ve been stuck as a statue for a thousand years. Surely you’ve had time to think about settling down.

Caldarus: *deadpan* Yes. Clearly, I spent every waking moment contemplating wedding registries and floral arrangements.

Farmer: See? You’re a natural. I’ll handle the registry; you just show up looking majestic and vaguely dangerous.

Caldarus: *exasperated but amused, pacing with his tail flicking* Do you always leap into life-altering decisions without thought?

Farmer: Absolutely. Did you not hear the part where I accidentally turned my cow blue? Commitment issues? Never heard of them.

Caldarus: *pauses, glancing back with a raised brow* That… explains a great deal.

Farmer: Come on. We already have a history. Remember when I told your statue self about that embarrassing date with the cute blacksmith?

Caldarus: *groans dramatically, covering his face with one hand* Unfortunately, I do recall. You spoke for three hours.

Farmer: And yet you didn’t turn to dust. Clearly, we’re meant to be.

Caldarus: *peeking through his fingers, giving them a look* You are infuriating.

Farmer: But charmingly persistent.

Caldarus: *sighing, wings drooping slightly as he gives a reluctant smile* Persistent is one word for it.

Farmer: *grinning, stepping closer* So… is that a ‘yes’?

Caldarus: *arching a brow, giving them a slow, teasing look* Hmm. Tempting. But I’m afraid you’ll have to do better than showing up with shiny trinkets and reckless confidence.

Farmer: Wow. Harsh. After everything I did to free you?

Caldarus: *smirking, wings giving a playful flick* I am grateful. Truly. But I’ve been sealed for a thousand years. I’m hardly rushing into a binding contract with a mortal who once confessed they tried to romance a merchant for discount prices.

Farmer: *groans* Okay, first off, it was a strategic decision. Second, it didn’t work anyway. Third—!

Caldarus: *laughing now, warm and rich, shaking his head* Enough. Your desperation is amusing, but I need time to explore this world again. Perhaps if you prove yourself more… convincingly, we’ll revisit this conversation.

Farmer: *grinning smugly* Oh, you’re so into me.

Caldarus: *turning away, tail flicking with mock indifference* Keep telling yourself that, mortal.

Farmer: *calling after him* Don’t worry, I will! You will be mine!

Caldarus: *under his breath, smiling* ...Infuriating mortal indeed.

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

Summary: Just March teaching my OC Farmer Velvet how to use the forge until things started to get a bit heated and awkward.

Warning: Slight NSFW

The sounds of metallic clanging and crackling fires fill the air from the forge, creating a chaotic symphony that grabs your attention. The air is thick with the scent of smoke and burning wood, and the light of the fires from within the place casts a warm glow on the surrounding area. Amidst all this, March stands in the center, teaching Velvet the basics of forging.

March sighed as he watched Velvet struggle to hammer the metal. She was doing it all wrong, and he knew it. "No, no, no. You're doing it all wrong." he said, stepping over to her. Velvet looked up at him, a mix of frustration and determination on her face. "I'm trying my best." she said, a hint of irritation in her voice. March rolled his eyes. "Your best isn't good enough." he said bluntly. "Let me show you how it's done."

He moved close to her, positioning himself behind her. He placed his hands over hers, guiding her through the motions. "You have to hold it like this." he said gruffly, his breath warm on her ear.

Velvet felt a shiver run down her spine at the sudden closeness. She tried to focus on the instruction, but it was difficult with him so close. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, and the scent of his sweat and metal was oddly intoxicating.

"Now hit it." March said, his hands still covering hers. "Harder than that. Put your weight into it."

Velvet hit the metal again, but this time, she hit it harder than before, and it made a satisfying clang. "Good." March said, a hint of approval in his voice. He leaned in even closer, his chest pressed against her back. "Again. Do it again."

The farmer repeated the motion, feeling his warm breath on her neck. His body was pressed against hers, and she could feel every muscle, every contour. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. "Like this?" she managed to ask, her voice a bit breathless.

"Yeah." March said roughly. "Just like that." He was so close, she could feel his heart beating against her back. "You're getting the hang of it now." he said, loosening his grip on her hands. "Try it on your own."

Velvet took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She started to hammer the metal, but her mind was elsewhere. She could still feel the heat of his body against hers, the smell of his sweat. And then, without warning, her hand slipped and the hammer hit her thumb. "Ah shit!" she yelped, jerking away involuntarily.

March swore under his breath. "Dammit, be more careful." he said, grabbing her hand to inspect the injury. "You idiot, you could have broken your thumb."

He examined her thumb, his touch gentle despite his gruff words. His fingers were calloused but warm, and the touch sent another shiver down her spine. "It's not broken." he said, more quietly. "Just bruised."

Velvet tried to pull her hand back, but he held on. "You shouldn't be so careless." he reprimanded, his fingers still gently holding hers in his palm.

Velvet swallowed hard, feeling a flutter in her stomach. His touch was sending strange sensations through her body. "I'm sorry." she mumbled, looking away from his intense gaze. "I was just...distracted."

He grunted. "Distracted, huh?" He looked down at her, those dark onyx eyes staring right into hers. "Care to tell me what you were so distracted by?"

Feeling a bit flustered. "N-nothing." Velvet said, trying to sound casual but she sounded flustered. "Just...just the heat in here, that's all."

March raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in his eyes. "The heat, huh?" He leaned in closer, his face mere inches from hers. "You sure that's all it is? Nothing else?"

She could feel the heat radiating off his body, the scent of sweat and metal making it harder for her to think straight. "What...what else could it be?" she asked weakly, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Well, whatever it is, you better keep your mind on what you're doing." He released her hand, but his body was still pressed close to hers. "Now, try this again, and make sure you're paying attention this time."

Velvet tried to compose herself, taking a deep breath as she picked up the hammer and tried to concentrate on the task, but her mind kept wandering back to the way his body was so close to hers, the way his breath felt on her neck. She managed to hit the metal a few more times, but her mind was a jumble of thoughts and sensations.

March watched her intently, his eyes raking over her body. He could sense her distraction, the way her hands trembled slightly, the way her breath caught in her throat every time he got close. It was like a game of cat and mouse, and he was the cat, toying with her. He moved closer, his chest brushing against her back again. "Concentrate." he rumbled into her ear. "You're losing focus again."

She took another shaky breath. He was so close, she could almost feel his heartbeat against her back. His voice in her ear was making her feel things she had never felt before. She couldn't focus, couldn't think. All she could feel was the heat of his body, the strength in his muscles, the way he was so casually dominating her personal space.

He let his hand rest on her hip, as if to steady her. "Relax." he muttered, his breath warm on her neck. "You're too tense. You have to be loose, loose like the hammer in your hand."

His hand on her hip sent a shiver through her body. She could feel the callouses on his fingers, the warmth of his palm through her clothes. He was so strong, so confident, so sure of himself. How was he so unaffected by their closeness, when she was struggling to keep herself together?

"Like this." March said, guiding her hand again. "Keep your grip loose, let the hammer swing freely. Don't fight it, just let it flow."

March stands behind her, "Can you feel it?" he whispered. "The rhythm, the motion?"

Velvet's mind is swimming. He was too close, too distracting. His voice in her ear, his hands on hers, his body pressed against hers...it was all too much. She tried to focus on the hammer, the metal, the task at hand, but all she could feel was him. "Y-yes." she managed to stammer, her throat dry.

He chuckled, a low deep rumble in his chest. "Good." he said, his voice rough. "You're starting to get it. Keep going, let it flow."

March stepped even closer, letting his body press against hers. She could feel the heat radiating off him, the hardness of his muscles against her back. He seemed completely oblivious to the effect he was having on her, but she was struggling to stay grounded.

Her heart was racing, her mind spinning. Every inch of her body was hyper-aware of his presence, his touch, his scent. Velvet could feel the sweat trickling down her neck, could feel the heat building up inside her. And all the while, he kept murmuring instructions in her ear, completely oblivious to the fact that he was driving her insane.

March guide her through a few more motions, his hands on hers, his breath on her neck, his body pressed against hers. "There you go." he said, his voice a low rumble. "Just like that. You're doing it. Just relax, and let it flow."

Velvet only nodded, trying to focus on his words and not the way his body was making her feel. But it was difficult, so difficult. Every part of her was screaming with want, with need, with a desperation she had never felt before. And he was blissfully unaware, just continuing to guide her through the motions, his hands on hers, his body so close.

Unknown to the farmer, the blacksmith is not faring any better.

As they continued working together, March grew increasingly aware of the electricity that was crackling between them. He could feel the heat of her skin through her clothes, could smell the scent of her hair, and felt the way her body reacted to his slightest touch. It was maddening, the way she responded to him without realizing it. But he tried to keep his cool, tried to focus on the task at hand, and ignore the way his heart thumped in his chest whenever he was close to her.

He tried to concentrate on the metal, on the hammer, on the task at hand. But it was difficult, with her so close, so tangible. He could count the tiny wisps of hair on the nape of her neck, could feel her quickening breaths. He was a blacksmith, a professional, he couldn't afford to let himself be distracted by a pretty farmer. But she was making it hard, so damn hard. He clenched his jaw, and forced himself to focus on the lesson.

He guided her through another swing, his hand on hers. "Just like that." he said, his voice gravelly. "Loose, easy. Don't fight it."

March's mind is now a jumble of conflicting thoughts and emotions. He was a grown man, for gods' sake. He was not supposed to be this affected by a woman. Especially not a farmer. But she drove him mad, made his heart race and his body feel things it hadn't felt in a long time. And the worst part was, he was pretty sure she had no idea what she was doing to him.

He took a deep breath, trying to get his emotions under control again. He could feel the heat between them, the tension in the air, like a live wire. And she was just there, so close, so unguarded, so deliciously vulnerable. He had to get a grip. He was supposed to be teaching her, not lusting after her. But damn, it was so hard when she was standing there, her back against his chest, her body molded to his.

Minutes have past as the lesson came to an end, March reluctantly released his grip on Velvet's hand. He took a step back, trying to regain his composure. His heart was still racing, his body still yearning for her closeness. But he forced himself to act nonchalant, like a blacksmith should be.

"You did well." he grunted, running his fingers through his hair. "Not too shabby, for a farmer."

Velvet looked up at him, her cheeks flushed. "Thank you" she murmured. "I...I had a good teacher."

March looked away, feeling flustered by the praise. He wasn't used to compliments, especially not from beautiful women. "It was nothing." he muttered, scratching his neck. "You've got potential. You just need to keep practicing."

There was an awkward silence, both of them feeling the aftermath of their closeness. They stood there, a few feet apart, avoiding each other's gazes. March could still feel the heat from her body, could still smell the scent of her hair. He was tempted to reach out and touch her again, to pull her close and hold her tight. But instead, he just grunted and turned away, walking over to his workbench.

"You should probably go." he said gruffly, busying himself with some tools. "You've got crops to tend to, or whatever it is farmers do."

Velvet nodded, her heart still racing. She looked at his broad back, the muscles shifting under his shirt as he worked. She wanted to say something, anything, to prolong their time together. But she knew she should probably go.

"Right." she said, her voice a bit shaky. "Um, thank you. For the lesson."

March just grunted, not looking at her. He was trying very hard to act normal, to ignore the way her voice made his chest tighten. "Yeah, sure." he said gruffly. "Come back if you need another lesson."

Velvet nodded, feeling dismissed. She walked to the door, her steps slow and reluctant. But as she reached the door, she turned to look at him one last time. He was still at his workbench, his back to her, his shoulders taut. She wanted to say something, something that would express the tangle of feelings inside her. But before she could open her mouth, March spoke, not turning to look at her.

"Try to be careful next time." he said, his voice quiet. "You almost hurt yourself earlier."

Velvet felt a pang of something, was it disappointment? Upon hearing his stern tone. But she just nodded. "I will." she said softly. "I'll be more careful."

There was another tense silence. March still didn't turn around, but he could feel her gaze on his back. He wanted to look at her, to see those beautiful eyes one last time. But he forced himself to keep his gaze fixed on his workbench.

"Good." he said finally. "Now get out of here. You're distracting me."

Velvet's heart sank a bit at his brusque words. But she didn't want to overstay her welcome. "Right." she said softly. "Goodbye, March."

"Yeah." he muttered, his voice gruff. "Goodbye."

He listened as she opened the door and stepped out, the sound of her footsteps fading away. He wanted to call her back, to tell her to stay, to-

He shook his head, ridding himself of the foolish thoughts. He was a blacksmith, not a lovestruck boy. He had to get back to work.

~END~

As the wind blows, remember that I'll come home to you.

started listening to "No Choice" by Fly By Midnight and this happened :')

March x Gender Neutral Adventurer/Farmer

-0-

You had to leave.

You didn't want to, of course you didn't, but you had to.

You were an adventurer first before you became a farmer, before you decided it was time to leave the thrill of adventure. To let your body rest, to abandon the horrors that you've seen in your years on the road and settle into this little town.

The life you had built here was nice, far nicer than you ever expected it would. You made friends, you found community. You were settling down.

But you, of all people, knew it wasn't going to last.

The missive arrived days after the last snowfall of spring. You thought it was another mail from Adeline or another letter from Errol asking to meet you and Eiland at the museum. Or maybe it was from March - you hoped it was - telling you that your ass better be at the inn that night.

A chill ran down your spine when you opened the mailbox. A single envelope sat inside, snug, the golden filigree emblazoned over the plush red on the quality paper glinted once the sunlight You didn't have to see the seal, didn't have to see the signature. Didn't have to see to know the colors of your guild.

But you were retired, right? You made sure of that. Made sure that you were off the ledgers, made sure that you would no longer be contacted.

And yet here it was, the ghosts of your past sitting prettily in the mailbox on the land that you so carefully tended.

There was a punch in your gut, a deep clutch at the pit of your stomach. You didn't want to open the envelope. Felt you already know what it said. But you did. You had to.

And felt your heart ice over.

Aldaria was at war. Every soldier, every adventurer within the central kingdom's guilds, every able combatant, retired or otherwise, are required to go to the frontlines.

No one is exempted.

Those who are to run will be deemed as traitors to the Crown and will be put to death.

Fuck.

-0-

The grief of it hit you quickly.

So much that you sat at the stone bench, one that you placed by Caldarus. You didn't think you could talk, didn't think you could form any of the words. Caldarus didn't pry. You thought he could sense what it was, anyway.

You didn't know how much time passed by. Didn't care. Not even hunger, not even the rain.

You had to leave. Immediately.

Adeline and Eiland were horrified. Elsie was rendered speechless. All of you were in tears.

You packed up quickly. It wasn't as if you had a lot of belongings, anyway, even though you've already spent several months here in Mistria. It had to be quick, it had to be soon, as your heart couldn't take it anymore.

The goodbyes were the most difficult of it. More tears, more fear. Hugs, promises to come back.

But you couldn't quite look at everyone in the eye. One person, at the back of the inn, just staring. Dark, dark eyes devoid of emotion. You noticed that his drink remained untouched, his food already cold. You didn't want to say goodbye, not to him. But you needed to.

You took him aside late into the night. His body was rigid, his eyes ice cold.

"I'm sorry," you whispered, tried for a weak smile. "I guess you're right. I didn't even reach winter."

"Don't." His voice was hard, shaky. "Don't fucking blame yourself for this."

"March, I-"

He grabbed your shoulders, hard, looked directly into your eyes. "Don't die,' he murmured. "And come back when this is all done. Are we clear?"

The silence descended upon both of you as you stared at each other. Sighed. Weakly smiled.

"Clear."

And you knew, neither of you wanted to think of that promise being broken.

-0-

The day you left was a particularly rainy day.

Mistria was quiet, as if the joyous energy that usually engulfed the town was washed clean.

People tried to resume their routines, their normal, but watching you leave on horseback, alone while getting soaked, was one of the most difficult sights most of them had in recent years. And yet life has to move on. Days, weeks, months had to pass.

March was not handling it well.

He managed to easily slide back into routine. Being a tradesman, the work was never-ending, especially since he decided to expand their enterprise by accepting orders from the other surrounding towns.

It made sense to expand, especially since Mistria already rose up the ranks quickly in the months the farmer was here. Wartime was an opportunity for more profits. Times were changing and he had to catch up.

(And it wasn't because he just wanted the work to keep his mind off of you.)

Every hit of the hammer to the anvil was a second that he wasn't thinking about you.

Every nail, every screw, every project was something to keep your smile, the crinkle of delight in your eye when you give him another gift, the way the sunlight streaked your hair, out of his mind.

He didn't want to smell your scent the moment he picks up the blanket you made him. He didn't want to think about you when he eats something that you liked. He didn't want to remember the feeling of you, all the curves and angles of your body, the callouses of your hands, the scars that littered your body. He didn't want to see even the barest of glimpses of you in his dreams.

And yet he couldn't escape it. Couldn't escape the way his heart weighed him down. Couldn't escape the dull thrum of longing at the back of his head.

So he worked.

And worked.

And worked no matter how much Olric told him to take a break. No matter how much his body screamed at him to stop. Not even when Valen put her foot down and demanded he rest.

Because his hand shook when he struck that hammer. His breath hitched when he stepped away from the anvil. Because his eyes teared up when his back hit against the wall when the entirety of you consumed him, assaulted his senses, his memory.

"Fuck!"

He threw his hammer down as he crumpled to the ground, shoving his head into his lap as he breathed in the way you showed him how.

When were you coming back? He just wanted you back.

-0-

They were keeping up with the current events, of course.

It was slow all around, as messengers didn't always come or the roads were blocked off. But Balor, through his contacts, made sure that Mistria got the news as soon as possible.

The North Everett Garrison fell to the enemy a week ago and proved a heavy blow to the kingdom. Massive body counts on both sides. No news yet on those who fell.

They hoped, prayed, that you weren't there. That you weren't one of the ones who died. That you were still alive and well.

It's been over a year since you left and they still hoped.

It was three weeks after the news that another messenger arrived.

March snarled when the knock on the door came. The shop was closed, goddammit. Why can't people just leave him the fuck alone? He shoved open the door, stopped when Adeline and Eiland stood outside.

Dread pooled at the base of his stomach, his body crumbling into a cold sweat. In Adeline's hand was a familiar helmet. The perfect, silver helmet that he made for you over a year ago.

-0-

They said they couldn't find you.

When the garrison fell, it was immediately reclaimed by the arriving forces. For days, the soldiers and holy people recovered and identified the dead.

But there was nothing else that they could find of you. They only found the helmet, damaged and bloody, with March's trademark on it. By the time the forces managed to collect as much as they could, you were listed as one of the missing, potentially (probably) dead.

It was enough to send him into a spiral.

March hasn't left his room in days. The meals Olric left by his door barely touched. For days he held the helmet, his hands raw from keeping it close and tight to his chest.

His usual proud eyes were dull, the shine of it diminishing slowly ever since you left. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair. This was supposed to be your start at a new life, a new beginning. He saw the grief in your eyes when you first moved in. He saw the twitchiness. He saw the strain. And he saw the way you let the shadows of your past eventually fall.

Only to be thrown back again against your will.

He couldn't feel anything. Just that steady throbbing, the heavy pulling of his heart down, down, to the depths of his despair. Couldn't feel the sunlight that streamed through his window. Couldn't feel the cold of the stone floor. Could barely feel the weight of the helmet on his lap.

Time didn't exist anymore. Every single breath he took was like inhaling shattered glass. The world seemed to have lost all color.

"March?"

"Go away, Olric."

"It's not Olric."

He whipped his head back, confusion marring itself on his face. With effort, he hauled himself off of the ground.

Opened the door.

It's been a while since you've seen him.

He's a bit thinner, a little gaunt, which worried you. A shadow of a beard rested on his face as he stood there, wide eyed, as he held your helmet in his hands.

He was just as handsome as you remembered him to be. You smiled.

"Hey, March."

He had you in his arms not one second later. You felt the shudder run through his body as his strong hands pulled you tight into his embrace. This was something that you dreamed off, the one thing that pushed you through, pushed you to survive. The thought of coming back to him was the light in your darkest days.

"March-"

"Quiet."

He took his time with you. Embracing you. Taking in your scent, memorizing your body once again. You had new scars, new injuries. But he doesn't care.

You were here and that's what mattered.

"March," you murmured as you buried you face into his shoulder, your bandaged hands digging into him like a vice. "I'm home."

He breathed in, sobbed out a sigh. Smiled.

"Welcome home, farmer."

-0-

hello, if you like my stuff i have more on my masterlist! :DD

also feel free to send some requests. I'm currently in a March headspace rn but I'm willing to try other characters too o: (might take a while to get to them tho since I'm gonna be in a convention crunch time qwq)

After FOM Full Update:

ꜰᴀʀᴍᴇʀ - ꜰɪᴇʟᴅꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴍɪꜱᴛʀɪᴀ ꜰᴀʀᴍᴇʀ - ꜱᴛᴀʀᴅᴇᴡ ᴠᴀʟʟᴇʏ

March: *who is drunk* Heeeey Farmer, you looking mighty fine today. I wish could kiss you~

Farmer: Oh...Neat!

*later*

Farmer: *lying face down on their bed holding a phone calling to their relative from Stardew Valley* I said "NEAT" right in front of everyone! Who the fuck says neat these days? It's not neat to say NEAT but I said it anyways because I'm fucking stupid!

Farmer: *holding their baby while using their phone* Don't beat yourself up too much, cousin.

Farmer: I will never show my face in front of everyone again! Especially to March. How can I face him without embarrassing myself?

Farmer: Everyone gets nervous sometimes. Remember what I did when Sebastian confessed their love for me?

Farmer: Didn't you thank him?

Farmer: *stays still and looks at the ceiling* I fuc-freaking thanked him.