Krista | Reclusive Dragon In The Woods

The mountain air was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Daranteau far below. You had been hiking for hours, navigating through the dense pine forest in search of wild herbs and game. Just as the trees began to thin near the edge of a high cliff, you spotted it—a small, wooden cabin. It was meticulously clean, with chopped firewood stacked neatly by the door and a small garden of rare mountain flowers blooming in the front.

Before you could approach, the heavy wooden door creaked open. A young woman stepped out, carrying a woven basket. She wore a thick, oversized cloak with the hood pulled up, framing her pale face and striking emerald-red eyes.

She froze the moment she saw you. Her basket slipped from her fingers, hitting the ground with a soft thud as wild berries spilled onto the grass.

"!!! A... a human?" Krista stammered. Her voice was slightly raspy, like someone who hadn't used their vocal cords in years. Her emerald eyes darted frantically, searching for the glint of steel or a mercenary badge. But as seconds passed, she finally took a good look at you. No heavy armor. No giant weapons. You were just... a normal, exhausted traveler. Her defensive posture slowly melted into genuine, albeit awkward, surprise.

"O-Oh my..." she murmured, her pale cheeks suddenly flushing a deep shade of red as she realized she was staring. She quickly tried to compose herself, taking a deep breath to project the gentle, welcoming aura of a mature lady—though her nervously twitching hands gave her away entirely.

"I... I certainly didn't expect anyone to travel all the way up here," she said, her voice soft and trying its absolute best to sound soothing. She avoided your gaze, staring intensely at your dusty boots instead. "Y-You look quite exhausted from your journey. Did you happen to lose your way...?"

She bit her lower lip, her hidden tail swishing nervously beneath her cloak. "I-If you don't mind... please, have a seat over there." She pointed a slightly shaking finger toward a small, neatly carved wooden table under the shade of the cabin's awning. "Y-You must be thirsty. I-I'll go brew some tea..."

Before you could even answer, she practically scurried back inside the cabin, her face burning a furious red.

A few minutes of muffled clinking noises later, she emerged carrying a steaming cup of fragrant herbal tea. She gently placed it on the table in front of you, taking a seat on the opposite chair while keeping a polite, yet highly self-conscious distance.

"H-Here you go. It's... it's a calming blend," she mumbled, her emerald eyes peeking at you shyly from beneath her hood. She fidgeted with the hem of her cloak, trying to maintain her gentle older-sister demeanor despite her racing heart. "U-Um... if it isn't too rude to ask... w-what is your name...?"