I Recently Ordered Another Adorable Stardew Valley Perler Keychains Online, But This Time, I Had Them

𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚌𝚞𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚝 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎?😊💢

I swear, this guy is literally tempting me to leave my husband, Sebby and be with him instead. 😂

𝙻𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚝

Sterling whisked Aleia away on a scenic motorbike ride through the picturesque valley, all with the intention of witnessing the breathtaking sunset by the beach. As they cruised along the winding roads, the vibrant colors of the landscape around them began to change, reflecting the warm hues of the setting sun. The air was filled with the scent of saltwater and wildflowers, creating a perfect atmosphere for their adventure. The shared laughter and stories, feeling the wind in their hair as they made their way to the shore, eager to experience the beauty of the twilight sky as it painted the horizon in shades of orange, pink, and purple. It was a moment they both cherished, a simple yet profound escape into nature’s splendor.

(4th Heart Event, dude over here decides to give you a romantic joyride by the beach!)

I haven't played "Fields of Misteria," but I've seen some playthroughs on YouTube where players interact with this npc named March. I definitely sense some enemies-to-lovers dynamic between him and the MC. ( ╹▽╹ )

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.

Post 1.6 SVE spoilers - aka the 'Lance wtf is wrong with you?' update

Didn't play with the new update(s) yet but I peeked at the files and the changelogs and there are a few really funny things in there.

But first, Marlon:

These are the exact opposite of each other. It looks like Marlon was secretly trying to get the farmer killed.

Marlon: "The Skull Cavern is dangerous for an inexperienced adventurer such as yourself. Here's something that will keep you safe." *gives the farmer something that attracts even more monsters*

But if you thought Marlon and Qi are the only oddly violent characters in the newest updates you're wrong. You can add Lance to the list too! And this time it's not a bug :D

Lance, wtf? This is a friendly competition, there are children participating! Fighting over the eggs won't even help you win, you would just waste you limited time! Lance, what are you doing? 😭

If Lace is willing to fistfight children over a meaningless contest like the egg hunt (or better, willing to threaten children with a sword in front of their parents), how competitive does he get in a serious one? We all assume Lance would be pretty relaxed about having a love rival, but he's apparently ready to go straight to violence for something much less important than the farmer.

To be fair to Lance, it makes sense. Adventurers belong to a small and tightknit community where being good at violence is the most useful skill a member can possess. And news about your talents or failures travels fast to everyone else. Easiest way for people to test their worth would be through different competitions, since clear goals and rules means it's easier to judge someone's talents, and they have less chance of adventurers killing each other.

Refusing to participate would probably label someone as a coward and it might ruin their reputation worse than simply losing would. And for a group that defines themselves through fighting to the death escalading every competition to violence probably feels natural. This might be one of the reason almost every adventurers mocks the farmer at first. The farmer is too nice and friendly and that makes them look like a weakling that would never survive among 'true' adventurers, let alone the battlefield.

And Lance is not only a highly respected adventurer but also a guild leader. He probably wouldn't have even been considered as Jolyne's vice leader if he would have avoided these contests. And in order to earn his position he must have been really good at fighting his fellow adventurers. So this attitude is not surprising if you think about it.

Still, Lance pointing a sword at Sophia while clutching a colourfully painted egg is such a funny image.

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

Farmer: *enjoying a peaceful married life*

*sees an attractive marriageable npc*

Farmer: I'm gonna do what's called a pro gamer move.😏

Who would win?

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

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

𝚂𝚎𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚗 ♡ 𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚒𝚊

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

Sebastian had insisted on planning everything himself this time.

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

And so, she let him.

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

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

A few more steps, then stillness.

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

Aleia pulled off the blindfold and gasped.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Wow." she whispered.

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

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

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

The words settled between them, heavy with sincerity.

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

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

𝚂𝚊𝚖 ♡ 𝚈𝚟𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎

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

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

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

She grinned mischievously. "You scared?"

He smirked. "Not a chance."

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

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

"For you." she said with a wink.

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

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

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

"My turn." he said confidently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

𝙰𝚕𝚎𝚡 ♡ 𝙽𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚎

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What?" Nadine asked, raising a brow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Alex!"

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

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

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

"Happy Valentine’s, babe."

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

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

𝙼𝚊𝚐𝚗𝚞𝚜 ♡ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚊

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

"Close your eyes." he instructed softly.

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

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

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

"Magnus…" she breathed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

𝙻𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 ♡ 𝚁𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

𝙹𝚒𝚘 ♡ 𝙲𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚎

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

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

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

Then, she saw him.

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

Cerise’s breath caught. "You—?"

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

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

"You really did this… for me?"

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

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

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

"Who’s that with Cerise?"

"I’ve never seen him before."

"Is he a traveler? A merchant?"

"His quite handsome."

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

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

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

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

She smirked. "I always do."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Happy Valentine’s, Jio."

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

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

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.