Lilliruca Arde was brought into this world six and a half years ago.
She had heard that it was the most tumultuous time in all of Orario's long history.
This turmoil was caused by the failure of Zeus and Hera Familias in the Three Great Quests.
The two familias reigned at the top of Orario, and their adventurers were the strongest in all the world. They took up the legendary task of slaying three ancient and powerful monsters, but the final one, the dragon king, defeated and utterly destroyed them. This irreparable loss of strength was nothing short of a death sentence for the two great familias.
The sudden weakening of the two most feared factions in the city invited the rise of evil.
In those times, the forces of darkness openly roamed Orario, as though in mockery of the despair mortals felt as they watched their hopes and dreams crumble away, or perhaps simply revealing at the sudden opportunity.
Led by an extremist group known as the Evilus, lawless scoundrels and marauders raised the curtain on a new era of chaos in Orario.
New factions replaced the old as the opportunity arose. Now considered failures, the previous rulers were driven out, and two rising familias, each led by different goddesses, feuded over which would stand as Orario's new hope. One after another, various deities and their familias took up the cause of justice, hoping to settle this latest conflict and restore peace in the Center of the World .
It was a time of terrible upheaval in Orario, when good struggled against evil, order against chaos. In those days, crime was commonplace and committed with impunity to the sound of outlaws cackling and bolstering.
Such was the era into which Lilliruca Arde was born.
"Spare some coin, please…"
Lili's memories of the world began when she was three years old. The first thing she learned was how to beg. She would stand in the street, barefoot and clad in dirty rags to r clothing, holding both hands out to any and every person who came near. If it hadn't been for the Status inscribed on her back, she would probably have died in a ditch somewhere by then. As it was, she was doing as her parents told her, standing in place until darkness fell and the moon rose, waiting for sympathy and coins to fall into her petite hands.
"Go bring us some money" was nearly all either of her parents ever said to her. Her prum mother and father said little else to the young Lili, and she never had any memories of them ever acting parental in any way. Not a single one. Lili and her parents belonged to Soma Familia.
The warped clan had been formed by the god Soma for the sole purpose of making the perfect liquor, the finest wine in the whole world. In service of their god's costly predilections, the familia was organized by giving the member who brought in the most money the greatest prize—which was a taste of Soma's divine liquor.
Despite his arcanum being sealed away, most of those involved in the production of Soma's exquisite beverage were hopelessly captive to its irresistible allure, and competed fiercely to earn money to soothe their compulsive addiction to the divine wine. They would give anything to have the chance to taste his literally heavenly liquor just one more time.
Anything .
Lili's parents were no exception.
They had no qualms about using Lilly to earn money, even when she was but a toddler.
Before long, they were dead.
Apparently, they had ventured into the Dungeon in search of money—or more precisely, in search of anything that would get them Soma's liquor— and had been ultimately slaughtered by monsters. Lili only learned of their demise from the derisive laughter of the other familia members, and although she barely understood the emotion of sadness, she knew that she was now entirely alone.
There was no one who cared what happened to her. No one who even thought about her.
Life continued, but her days were only full of misery; she continued to beg for money, occasionally rummaging through garbage like a stray dog.
"…I'm…hungry…" As she looked down at her emaciated arms after days of going back and forth from the familia's home to the streets where she begged for anything to sate her hunger, a certain question came to her more often:
Who had taken care of her before?
Who had looked after her before she had become aware of herself?
Before she could even walk?
She couldn't imagine that her derelict parents had done anything for her. Despite the young age - or because of it - Lili was full of doubt on her standing in life.
Did anyone ever really care about her?
Would anyone miss her if she keel over and dies?
Uncertainty plagued the young Lili's mind as she struggled to survive another day stranded all alone in the streets.
That was, until the answer to her crisis presented itself right in front of her that same day, in the form of a curious adventurer.
"Is everything alright?"
The prum's chestnut eyes looked up at the new voice that addressed her.
An elf stranger looked down at her, a small sympathetic smile plastered on his lips. His warm Rubbelite and Azure eyes captivated the young prum for a few moments as she pried deep into them.
"It's rude to stare at someone like that, you know…" He said, his smile faltering a bit at her silent staring.
"...Forgive me, mister… Lili is just curious about your oddness…"
"I hear that a lot to be fair…" He mused to himself, crossing his arms under his chest armor, hidden beneath his dark cloak, before focusing back on her.
"But then, what's the matter? Do you need anything?" The elf eyed Lily's insalubrious state. The torned, dirty rags that were her only piece of clothing. He certainly also felt the unpleasant smell that was a product of her being left to fend for herself, not even being able to properly clean herself most days. And last but no less significant, the thin frame of her frail small body. While she was a prum and still only a child, the excessively slim body she showed was completely unhealthy for a 6 years old.
Lili was mostly skin and bones. Her arms and legs were thin like sticks, and if someone saw under her rags, they would see how her small ribs were pronounced - the clearest sign of severe hunger.
Certainly, if she didn't have a falna she wouldn't have survived for this long.
She was struggling to survive and the stranger seemed well aware of that, eyeing her with concern on his sharp features.
"... Can you spare me some coin?... " Lili extended her small hand, repeating the same phrase she memorized by heart, uttering it at least a hundred times a day in her beggar life.
The concern for her still remained in the stranger's eyes as he let out a big breath through his nose.
"Yes, I can." The elf rummaged under his cloaked form, pulling out something and gently placing it in the girl's outstretched hand.
Her eyes widened once she felt its weight and saw what it was. The apathetic demeanor that Lili showcased through most of her days was broken for the first time she could remember, as she glared astonished at the small pouch of valis in her grasp.
The same aghast gaze soon fell on the previous owner of said pouch.
"... Mister, I think you made a mistake… this is too much."
"Nope, that's exactly as I intended. It's all yours now."
The prum froze in place, hearing the resound confirmation that there was no carelessness on his part.
Lili has never received such an amount before - not even by the more generous folk she rarely met in her life, who spared her a few more coins than the rest. On a lucky day, she would thank the heavens if at least one or two would have sympathy by giving her the time of the day and a coin or two alongside it.
With everything she had experienced throughout her short, hardship-filled living on this earth; she simply couldn't bring herself to believe once those words left his parted lips.
'...Is Lili hearing things?'
Silence reigned in the small paved street. No one spoke a single word, only hearing the distinct clacking of soles produced by a few bystanders that were going by their day, and not even sparing a glance at the duo on the side of the path. The elf eyed her with a complicated expression, giving the sensation of pity and consideration for her… No, not pity. But genuine concern for her well being.
Lili didn't understand either of those.
The stalemate lasted for a couple of uncomfortable and confusing seconds for the prum, until the stranger finally shattered it.
"If you aren't comfortable getting all of it scot free, then what about the following: if it's not rude of me, would you answer a few questions of mine in exchange?" His words brought her out of her stupor. Lilly nodded her head up and down slightly, still troubled with this elf attitude.
"Do you have anyone that takes care of you? Your parents, perhaps?"
Lili shook her head.
"...They died."
The girl's unexpected benefactor strained his eyes subtly at her dry answer.
"I'm sorry… I should have known better. That's something that takes a toll on anyone."
She shook her head again.
"Don't be… They weren't good to me. They died in the dungeon trying to get some money." Lili maintained her blank and almost bored tone as she corrected him.
"That's… unfortunate. Really, not everyone deserves to be a parent." The elf shook his head, disappointed in her deceased parents.
"So, you don't have anyone that's taking care of you?" She nodded her head this time. "Do you at least have a roof over your head?" Another positive nod.
"...I do. I live with their familia ever since I was born… although they never feed me..."
An heterochromatic pair of eyes slitted sharply, while a gloved hand was clenched tightly.
"... And who would they be?"
Lili was unaware of the dangerous aura around him, looking nonplussed as always.
"Soma Familia."
…
…
The girl eyed him with her chestnut eyes, intrigued at his interest in her and also his current non responsive state, as he only looked at her in silence.
Eventually, he let out a short sigh before relaxing himself.
"Those guys are no good from what I know. But unfortunately, I can't make any move to take you out of there right now. Trust me, I would love to march to your home and have a nice talk with them, not only for your cause, but from some sketchy business some of their members were suspected of taking part in."
He looked apologetic at the beggar.
"However, I must think about my familia as well. We are in no condition to start a quarrel with any familia as of now, we already have our hands full with Evilus."
Lili perked up at the suggestion he made.
"Why would I leave them…I would have nowhere to go…"
The stranger wiggled his index finger from side to side, clicking his tongue several times.
"That's where you are mistaken, dear. There are many places that would welcome you with open arms. In fact, I know the right place for you… If It wasn't for you affiliation with Soma, that is."
"... Why? Why can't I leave them?"
"I'm sorry, but knowing their bunch, they won't let you leave the familia without giving something as compensation. Valis, more than likely, and a good amount of it."
The elf gained a somber demeanor.
"They most likely won't let you go scot free like that….sorry."
The spark of newfound hope in the hollow existence of the little prum was gone just as fast as it came to be. The stranger noticed her downcast features as she lowered her head, disappointed once again with what fate had reserved to her.
"However… There's something I can do for you."
Lili lifted her head, curious about his intentions.
"They won't lift a finger to take care of you. You have to do everything on your own to survive day by day. I can change that!"
"H-How?..."
He grinned brightly at her.
"Well, I was just heading there right now. If you follow me you'll get to see it with your own eyes. So, what do you say? - Oh, I almost forgot! I'm Luke Adria, staunch follower of Lady Astraea and a member of her righteous Familia!"
"...hummm…"
Lili glared at him suspiciously. She was well aware of the risks in trusting a complete stranger, even if seemed trustworthy and reliable. Looks can be deceiving, more so when that person was trying to trick you and pass as someone well intentioned.
Lili was young, but not naive. At least not for someone her age. She learned to be distrustful of any helping hand or friendly smile that came her way. No matter how convincing it was.
Her distrust wasn't missed by the now named adventurer.
"I don't judge you by doubting my words. People these days are hard to trust, aren't they? Scratch that - people are difficult to trust in general."
The adventurer that presented himself as Luke, reached for something in his arm guard. Strapping off one end of the piece of armor, he pulled out something from underneath it.
"Can you keep a secret for me?"
Lili looked puzzled but nodded along.
"Here, do you recognize these?" He opened his hand, letting her see what he'd gotten from beneath his armor. At his palm, two small pieces of clean, shining metal were seen, proudly reflected in the bright morning sun that peeked from behind the elf's frame.
There seemed to be some kind of emblem carved on each of them.
One was marked by distinctive rows of lines with sharp curves, reminiscent of lightning bolts of sorts. At the middle of the ranks of lightning, a spear with twin blades stood firmly and grand. As if it pierced a heavy storm, or perhaps was the cause of it.
The other showcased the head of a beautiful woman with long, silky smooth hair. Flowers adorned her head, similar to an illustrious crown of nature, followed by a more authentic looking royal crown right above her head in the ornaments. A royal staff was at her side, amplifying the regal and honorable image. Beautiful garnished lines formed the frame of the symbol, with what were most likely flowers sprouting from each side of the picture. Certainly, this one passed a more dignified, capricious and vainglorious visage than the other counterpart.
The girl looked attentively at the two symbols in his hand.
'... Have I seen these before?'
Lili doesn't recall ever seeing these emblems anywhere in her whole life… No, wait. Maybe she had indeed seen them briefly.
A couple of weeks back, a drunken middle aged adventurer stumbled through the back alley of a tavern. Lili saw him as she scrambled through the trash, desperate to find any leftovers to sate her hunger. The man mumbled angrily and sluggishly, making it hard to understand him, but once he passed through her she heard him loud and clear.
"The-These bastardsss…* Hiccup* ... S-Saviorsss my ass, yo-youu bunch of loooseers!"
He then threw something down the dirty alley, spitting in disgust towards it before balancing himself in the wall as he returned inside the pub, not even having noticed the prum.
The object of the man's rage glinted in the moonlight that crept from above the alley, catching Lily's curious eyes. She slowly made her way towards it.
Once within reach, she examined it from up close in the palm of her hand. Three lines of lightning on each side of a spear, forming the coat of arms of a familia unknown to the 6 year old. Not seeing anything of value or weight in the meaning behind the symbol, Lili took it for herself nonetheless. The badge may seem worthless, but the quality metal of it was not - although it showed its age.
The girl managed to avoid starving for a couple of days with the coins she gained in exchange for the strange garment. She didn't understand the baffled reaction the pawnshop owner gave her the moment she showed the piece of metal to him.
The same way she still didn't comprehend the symbolism behind the two blazons at the hand of the adventurer from Astraea Familia.
Seeing her lack of surprise and understanding, or any reaction in the way that he wanted, the elf's brows widened slightly.
"You don't know what these are?"
Another negative shake of her head from side to side answered his question.
"That's… unusual. I'll give you a discount since you were probably born after they were gone." Luke stood straighter, gaining a prideful and honorable aura around his posture.
"Those are the coat of arms from Zeus and Hera Familias. I'm sure you at least heard about them, haven't you?"
'The two past rulers of Orario?'
Now Lili became even more confused. Her young mind went into overdrive, finally realizing just what she had sold for a measly amount and trying to piece together why this elf had in his possession not one, but two official brazons of the greatest Familias that ever graced the pages of history.
"...You were a part of them?"
He looked over his shoulder, not seeing a single soul in the isolated street. He flashed her a bright smile, while nodding resolutely.
"Clever girl. Yes, I am - or should I say, was." The adventurer rummaged inside his cloak again, pulling out another object in his grasp.
'Another one?'
Liliruca's intrigue was increasing by the second the more she looked and listened to this so-called Luke.
"This is the emblem of my current familia.The Astraea Familia."
Wings adorning a graceful blade. The blade of justice. This was the Astraea Familia coat of arms. The one that defended the weak from vile and crooked. The one that fought against the lawless state of Orario. The one he was part of.
Lili only vaguely heard about them, mostly through cynical folk that doubted them and the ideals they stood for.
Few actually believed that a single, relatively new familia was capable of doing any change to the city. Yet, they marched on. Patrolling the streets and doing their best to keep everyone safe. Fighting the evil organization and its schemes head on. They were slowly and steadily growing a reputation in the Dungeon City, inspiring others and giving them hope of a better tomorrow.
Lili was one of the minority that was fascinated by their honorable struggle.
This was the first time she came face to face with one member of the rising righteous Familia that people talked about.
"... you are one of those justice seekers…Why are you showing me this?"
"To gain your trust of course! I opened myself to you and showed my little secret of my past associations. A sign of good faith, is what they call it. Furthermore, It seems you have already heard about me and my companions' recent deeds."
Lili blinked, looking at him as if he was a complete buffoon.
"...Telling someone about it won't be a problem?... I heard that your previous Familia was banished…"
Luke scratched his cheek with his index finger, chuckling awkwardly.
"Well, it could. But to be fair, anyone that has access to Zeus Familia members' profiles in the guild will be filled in on that, so it's not that secretive to begin with. I normally wouldn't mind if that bit of information about me was widespread, but the consequences of it are too much of a drag to ignore." He flashed her a bright smile. "Let's just say I'm placing my faith in you, little one."
He covered one the sides of his mouth, bending forwards and getting closer to the petite girl.
"Nonetheless, can you keep this between us? It's never good to draw unnecessary attention, not only to me but to you as well. I've got enough to worry about to be bothered by further nonsense from random folk or being harassed by ignorant fools."
The girl nodded slowly, still digesting everything she heard. The elf smiled gratefully, while extending his arm and giving her an energetic thumbs up.
"I trust you on that! Even if you let it slip by accident, I won't hold it against you. I took a calculated risk in trusting you and won't blame anyone but myself."
The justice enforcer gestured to one of the sides of the cramped street with one of his arms, the other was held expectantly in her direction.
"But then, will you go with me? Trust me, I only want to help." He gave her the most reassuring smile, coupled with a tender gaze as he extended his hand.
Lili was torn as she stared at his kind gesture and heard his good intentions.
She never openly trusted anyone before, not even her own negligent parents. She learned to be weary, to always doubt people's intentions. Being left alone to survive in the streets and beg or search for food every day, it was only natural she would build a barrier around her, a safety method to guarantee her integrity. Whether she wanted or not she behaved like a stray cat, always open to a lending hand but without letting it get too close. Always insecure, always afraid to be hurt and taken advantage of again.
Yet… He was different.
The prum lost herself into those different colored eyes. They passed a feeling, a sensation, a thing she never felt before in her whole life.
Tenderness. Pure and genuine tenderness.
She couldn't see a single trace, a single spec of deceit on him. He proved that he trusted her and wanted her to do the same.
With the newfound emotion overwhelming Lili's doubts and concerns, she slowly extended her hand. For the first time, she gave a helping hand a chance, despite everything she's been through, everything she suffered all alone.
She... trusted him.
Their hands touched one another. Luke's face was beaming like a bright morning sun at her decision.
"Come with me, you won't regret it. I'll solve your food problem in no time!" He beamed at her as they started walking through the almost desert street, on their way towards the place that would thwart her hunger - at least in his words.
Lili kept her round eyes on him, never leaving his face. How could she? His warm smile captivated her to no end. The upbeat and light spirited energy irradiated from him like a beautiful sunshine, one that shooed away the dark clouds and illuminated the little girl at his side.
She could see it now. How it was to have someone that cares about you. Who showed concern for her condition, even if they barely knew each other.
She was certain he wouldn't lie to her. She prayed to whatever deity that heard her that he wouldn't.
If he did… She didn't know what she would become of her.
It would certainly break her.
Lili shook her head, throwing those thoughts away. Choosing to keep firm in her decision and trust him wholeheartedly.
'... If Lili can't trust him, then who could she?'
The girl nodded to herself mentally. Everything would be fine, she knows it!
Her gaze remained on his face, his smile was parted as he talked to her, doing some small talk and harmless quips as Lilly listened and watched him attentively. Eager to see for herself how he planned to help her.
.
"Nya! Why did you bring a child with you today? Don't tell me you became a child preda—NYAAAA!"
A certain airheaded waitress wailed in pain as a hand pulled hard on her cat ear. She tried to pry it off to no avail, as the culprit spared her no mercy for her senseless comment.
"How many times do I have to teach you this lesson? Don't jump to conclusions, especially extreme ones, you dolt!"
He let go as the cat girl clutched her ear, looking hurtfully at the one that reprimanded her.
"Stop acting on impulse, you dunderhead."
The same one that berated her, now placed his hand on between her cat ear, kindly patting the waitress's head.
The chestnut haired waitress was split between pouting at him or leaning into his tender hand. She chose the latter.
" Purr… Purr… Purr "
She melted herself completely into his touch, the previous indignation and anger squashed by the affectionate gesture of her friend.
"Oi! No touching or harassing my girls, and you're no exception. Keep your hands to yourself kid, else I take them off!" A booming voice echoed from the bar past the two.
Luke promptly removed his hand from the girl's ears, raising them up in surrender.
"I wield. Sorry Lady Mia."
The tall dwarf scoffed at his response. "Just call me Mama Mia for heaven's sake. You're the only one that refuses to."
"No can do, ma'am . I've got a mama already and it isn't you." He deadpanned, a sly smile plastered on his face. The one called Mia shook her head at his antics.
Meanwhile, Lili eyed the whole situation in a mixture of confusion, uncertainty and fear, shielding herself behind Luke's legs.
She was reluctant to enter the tavern that the adventurer guided her to, and with good reason. She couldn't remember a single time she wasn't mercilessly thrown out through the front door for trying to ask for some spare food. Not a single one. Naturally, she avoided pubs and inns like the plague after the hostile treatment she received.
The elf noticed the prum's nervousness, looking at her hiding behind him.
"Hey, there's no need to feel ashamed. You're my guest here, so don't be shy." He patted Lili's head, much to her surprise, as he took her out of her wary state.
His touch was surprisingly… pleasant. The girl missed it once he stopped patting her, gesturing towards the balcony where the giant dwarf from before watched them with a big grin.
Lili slowly got out of her hiding spot, looking at the ground shyly. The waitress who greeted them bent over to the girl's eye level, getting right to her face with an awed expression.
"She looks like a hobo. What's her name, Luke? Where did you find her?" the cat girl asked in quick succession, looking at the adventurer that brought her in. She didn't seem to notice or care that Lili was taken back with the sudden approach.
"Oh her, she's…" Luke trailed off, gaining a slightly ashamed expression as he looked to the side. "I forgot to ask her name, my bad."
The waitress snickered.
"And you say I am the dunderhead, huh? rsrsrsrs~"
…
…
"... What's your name sweetie?"
The elf ignored her teasing with a blank face, directing himself towards Lili instead as he smiled at her. The waitress pouted at him in annoyance, yet she kept herself quiet, wanting to listen to the little girl's response as well.
"... Liliruca arde." She spoke, almost whispering, but the two and even the dwarf heard her loud and clear.
"Liliruca… That's a good name, but it's kind of hard on the tongue. What about Lili instead?"
She perked up, surprised that he suggested the name she always referred herself to instead of her full name. Lili nodded enthusiastically without thinking twice.
"Then, let's continue shall we?" He glanced at the tall woman in the bar, pointedly jerking his head towards the balcony.
"...Okay."
The two calmly made their way there, with the elf guiding her by the hand. The cat waitress accompanied them all the way with a curious glint in her eyes as she pried at Lili's dirty, frail form.
The place was mostly vague of clients, housing more or less half a dozen of common citizens that were quietly having their morning breakfast as they prepared for the long day ahead of them. The waitress staff that seemed to consist of only females of the most varied races, diligently received their orders and requests.
As if second nature, the vagrant prum avoided looking any of them in the face, fearful of reprisal or the disgusted glares she normally received whenever she entered any establishment. Her self preservation instincts took action as she clung to the adventurer's arm, almost hiding herself beneath his cloak.
Her reaction was not missed, being met with a gentle squeeze of their linked hands. Lili's fearful state was shaken once she looked at his face. A warm, reassuring smile made her fears crumble down like a house of cards. She couldn't explain why, but she was certain nothing bad would come to her as long as she stayed by his side.
Now a little more calm, the little girl walked by his side with a newfound bit of confidence. A far cry from the scared puppy demeanor she held herself with until now.
Arriving at the bar under the owner's amused gaze, the two took a seat. The waitress from before followed right after.
"A bad penny always turns up, huh?" A cheshire grin split the dwarf woman's face in two as she leaned into the balcony with one of her robust arms.
"Top notch customer service as usual I see… I'm sure the influx of clients is because they are attracted to your delicate nature like moths to a lamp, Mia." The elf challenged her sassiness with his own, grinning like a madman.
Lili blinked at the odd interaction, slowly cowering in her seat as an eerie silence was cast between the two as they simply stared at one another with an intense gaze.
"Puft … Hahahahaha!"
That is until they both broke into a symphonic hearty laughter. The woman who wore a different colored uniform from the rest of the workers tapped into the wooden balcony with her hand.
"You never change you little rascal! It's difficult to find people with a sense of humor of the likes of you around here."
"I'll… take that as a compliment. But let's get to the part you like the most - business!"
"What you'll have today kiddo?... And your little guest as well." She eyed the distraught beggar with a strange look, Lili barely being able to look over the balcony with her short stature. Was it pity, perhaps? Or is that a slight glimpse of amusement in her eyes as she looked between Lili and the kind adventurer? Lili couldn't tell.
"Well, I was just passing by to get a quick bite after my patrol was over. A simple sandwich will suffice. For her though…" The gentle adventurer glanced at the girl, before he broke into a grin.
"Give me all your specials for today's luncheon! May and the staff are already getting ready for the midday rush, aren't they? Lili getting her own little banquet shouldn't be a bother then."
The tall woman nodded twice. "Lucky you, we actually are. Just hang in there for sec, I'll be right back with your dishes. And you!" Mia pointed a finger at her employee, who was silently blending herself amongst the conversation. The waitress jolted up in attention at her tone.
"Enjoy your break time with your friend for now. But a reminder, you still owe me for your clumsy, dumb, costly stunt from earlier. Those in debt, pay… You hear me!"
"Ma'am, yes ma'am!" The cat girl stood in attention, replying with a shaky salute.
" Sigh …really what do I do with you?" Mia mumbled, pressing the bridge of her nose, clearly stressed out about something. Then, she simply left to do her current tasks, not giving any more thoughts about the waitress that still stood in attention, shaking like a leaf in the wind until the dwarf finally entered the kitchen door.
" Uff … I thought Mama Mia would kick me out right then and there. Did you see the face she gave me!?" She let out a relieved breath, sitting at Luke's side once again.
"It was hard to miss. What did you do this time? Got another order mixed up? Stayed up late and missed your entry time? Spilled a whole tray of food in a customer's head? Or maybe you—"
"Stop it! I'm not a clumsy child!"
He gave her an unimpressed look. Lili could clearly see what he said with it, it screamed incredulously.
Really?
That's what she got out of it.
"W-well, maybe I make some mistakes here and there, but… but I'm doing my best!"
"...Being completely honest, you are improving, Anya. While there's still a lot for you to improve, you are a milestone away from what you were when I first got here. That much I guarantee."
The so called Anya perked up at the compliment, her shame and self depreciating tone were quickly gave place to excitement. She nodded and hummed energetically in approval.
"That being said, what did you do?"
The newfound excitement was gone just as fast it came. The waitress became nervous, suddenly finding the wooden balcony really interesting as her gaze was fixated on it. She scratched her cheek meekly.
"T-That's… I-I was…"
The elf's curiosity only growed at her lack of confidence to share today's mistake. Anya gathered her courage, taking a deep breath through her nose.
"I-I was trying to master the ability to take multiple dishes in my arms. It was going so well, u-until… until I slipped on the kitchen's wet floor and broke a couple of measly plates, that's all!" She didn't sound convincing in Lili's eyes.
A loud slam echoed throughout the establishment, coming from where the dwarf entered not too long ago, startling everyone.
"Stop lying, you stupid cat! I'll have to buy almost a whole set of brand new plates because of your idiocies! My saving grace is that I had some in reserve for cases like this…This comes without a say that all of it will come out of your pay as well!"
The dwarf that Lili assumed was Anya's employer screamed from deep into the kitchen, her booming voice carrying an intense feeling of authority and power that was absolute, giving no room for debate. Even she was scared of the woman, despite the fact that the scolding was not being targeted at her.
"...Sometimes you can forget she was a first class adventurer. Choose your words wisely next time, you fool." Luke whispered towards the cat person, holding a hand to the side of his mouth to muffle his low voice.
"I've got the money to pay for 10 sets of shining plates and cutlery if she wants, nya… I can't see why she's so mad about it!" The waitress crossed her arms, grumpily looking to the side.
Thud
"Nya! What was that for!?" The one called Anya clutched her head, being smacked with a hand chop right at the top of it.
"Idiot. She's trying to teach you a lesson. Don't you want to become a better waitress?" the elf asked. A short nod was his answer. "Then she's doing this for your own good, thickhead. Mia cares about you, she cares about all her employees from what I've seen till now."
He started drumming a soft melody, as he tapped his fingers in the wooden bar.
"You won't progress further into perfection until you are berated for your mistakes, or berate yourself because of it. That's what my teacher ingrained into me… Also, you need to work on better reading people, Anya. I guarantee you it will save a lot of headache - for you and us as well."
The girl placed a hand to her chin, seemingly deep in thought.
"I've never thought of it that way, nyaaa…"
"You aren't the cleverest person I know, but you're working hard to remedy that. That's a big win in my eyes. You definitely make a bigger effort than what most people do to better themselves… even if the biggest results are yet to bloom." He uttered the last part to himself. His whispers didn't escape the waitress's sharp cat ears, who twitched when they caught his mumble.
"I heard that! I'm not dumb, I'm just… I-I'm just a slow learner. Also, did you really have to hit me, nya!?"
"I never said you were unintelligent, I simply said that your braincells seem to go off sometimes. To your second question - no, I didn't need to. But it's easier to make you focus like that. Here's your compensation."
Luke placed his hand in between her ears again, softly rubbing and patting the clumsy waitress's head.
Lili watched the whole Interaction intently, not making a single sound, and being left out of the chatting as she was completely captivated by what her eyes were witnessing before her. The duo continued their chat unaware of the prum's enchanted expression.
The two acted like old acquaintances. Playing and teasing with one another. The closeness they displayed, the tone of their voice, even the way they looked at each other. It all pointed out to a single, unique emotion.
Care. True and honest care.
Something Lili missed throughout her whole life. Something she had the privilege of seeing right before her eyes for the first time. Left to her own devices in the streets, she never experienced this up close. The closest thing being through the caring parents and their children, and close friends she observed from afar.
Mesmerized by the rare sight, Lili unconsciously tuned out the conversation, focusing instead on the content expressions, the tender and playful smiles, and jovial mood around the pair as they chatted for quite some time.
" –don't you agree, Lili?"
The adventurer turned towards her, eyeing her expectantly. The prum shook her head rapidly, getting her bearings back.
"...What?"
"This dunce here thinks you are a human because you are young and small. But I honestly think you are a prum instead. I'm the right one, right?"
Lili blinked at the unexpected, almost meaningless inquire.
"I'm a prum. My parents were at least…"
"Your parents… Where are they?" The cat waitress questioned, oblivious to their tragic, but predictable fates.
"Oi, Anya… Drop it." Luke spoke seriously.
"Why though? She didn't even–"
"They are dead. Eaten by monsters in the dungeon." Lili explained matter of factly, not a hint of sadness or grief in her tone.
Going in the opposite direction of Lili's reaction to the question. Anya was stunned at her response. The easy going and carefree persona the waitress showcased till now came tumbling down, gaining an aghast and… troubled expression on her face, it was hard to tell. The sudden change in the cat person's demeanor lasted for a few brief moments before she recomposed herself, confusing Lili in the process.
"What did I say to you about being more thoughtful, huh? Some topics can be sensitive to approach brashly like that." The elf berated his friend, who still stared at Lili with an indescribable, odd look in her face - at least to the prum's young mind.
"I already told you, I don't mind it." Strangely, Lili's answer got an odd reaction from the girl, who eyed her with a gaze the young girl couldn't piece together.
"You… don't mind…" Anya questioned, an uncharacteristic flat tone in her voice.
Lii nodded.
"They never cared about me. Their death only gives me one less of a burden to worry about." Lili's explanation only intensified the strange demeanor the waitress displayed at the topic, as she struggled to find her next words.
"That's…"
The double door from the kitchen busted open. The owner of the place came back, carrying a multitude of dishes in a tray.
"Here you have it! Serve yourselves!"
Lili's whole attention was entirely focused on the food that was placed in front of her. She barely registered the simple sandwich that was offered to the one that brought her here in the first place, staring at the three plates filled to the brim instead.
" Munch … What's the matter? Your food will get cold if you don't start digging it." Luke questioned her, casually munching on his snack.
…
…
…
The elf placed his sandwich back on his plate, eyeing Lili with a strange look. A soft, gloved hand started caressing her head.
"... No one ever did something like this for you, did they?"
Lili's vision became blurry, almost like she was submerged underwater. She felt something wet splash on her hands, as the hand continued to stroke her hair.
'Why?... Why I'm crying?'
She couldn't understand the reason why. Why was she breaking down over this? She couldn't remember the last time she wept. Not when her parents died and left her alone in the world. Not when she shivered in the cold and her stomach rumbled in hunger - not when a single soul didn't bat her an eye.
So why?...
"You know… The reason I brought you here wasn't just to give you a full meal."
Lili lifted her head towards him. The eyes that met hers carried a warmth, a carrying glint that she never received in her whole life.
"You see, Lili… How about we do the following. Every meal of yours from now on here is on me. Breakfast, lunch and dinner - even mid-day snacks if you want!"
Once those words registered to her she cried even further.
"...W-Why?...W-Why are you doing this?"
He chuckled at her question.
"Do I need a reason to help someone in need?"
Lili could only wept as she didn't have a coherent answer against his reasoning.
Why?
Why would a complete stranger go to such an extent to help her? A stranded child with no worth to everyone. Someone that never deserved anyone's attention.
Despite the mystery behind his gentle actions, Lili felt an odd sensation blooming inside her heart.
Was this how it felt like to be cared for? To have someone that worries about you?
If this was the case, then it was… nice.
"I'm sure you'll be happy with this as well, won't you, Mia?"
Lili missed the grin that split the dwarf's face in two, still overwhelmed by the adventurer's offer.
"You can count on that! I never say no to some good business."
"Ah! Since you are so excited about it, what about giving me a discount then?" Luke gave the tavern owner the most friendly eye-smile Lili ever saw, awaiting her response.
…
…
…
"... Do I really need to answer that?"
"Guessed as much…" He mumbled over his breath, exasperated, as his facade broke down.
"Good grief, don't you have a heart? ~ Can't you give a leeway for a kind adventurer who's only trying to help a poor girl through some difficult time?~" Luke performed an exaggerated, hurt, theatrical worthy pose. He was met with an unimpressed look from the woman.
"Don't be such a drama queen, you twart. Of course I have a heart. But I also have a business to take care of - and love alone doesn't fill a stomach."
"Yare, Yare… brutally honest as always. OK then…" A more serious expression appeared on his face. "Can you make sure she never leaves this place feeling hungry ever again? Whatever expenses there may be, are on me of course."
Lili looked hopefully between the two, still not believing a single word she heard till now.
Since the night prior without eating a measly crumb of bread, Lili would be rejoiced if she managed to get even the tiniest bit of food to quell her hunger, even if just a little. That was the life she was damned to live on since her birth. Going day after day of struggling to barely survive, to see the process repeat itself once again.
When she met this odd stranger that offered her a generous amount of valis, treated her with such care and attention she wasn't used to receiving from almost all the people she came across. Ending up taking her here. Placing more food in front of her than she has ever been able to even get close enough to smell in Soma Famila's home. Her home, if you could even call it that.
And now this…
Lili couldn't put into words how pleasantly surprising this initially, ordinary day of hers had been.
Life really was unpredictable - for better or worse. One would go mad trying to find logic behind certain fated meetings or occurrences in their lives. That's something that Lili was slowly inclining to agree after today.
"Count on it, kiddo. Good business is good business, and I'll make sure she won't step through that door before she starts begging for me to stop shoving dish after dish her way!" The tavern owner's loud declaration broke Lili's daydreaming thoughts, seeing the woman grinning like a madman while staring at her. Lili would be lying if she said she wasn't intimidated by the behemoth of a dwarf's gaze alone.
"That's… A bit too extreme for my liking. You might scare her off with that attitude." The kind elf, responsible for Lili's happy tears, replied in an unsure manner.
As her eyes were glued to him, the little girl caught a glimpse of the distressed waitress from before. Surprisingly enough, the look in her eyes which screamed that she just saw a ghost, was completely gone, replaced by the carefree face she wore until then. Lili couldn't think much of it at that moment, her focus was entirely on the life changing prospect right in front of her.
"... Why?... Hiccup … Why help me, a worthless child… I-I don't deserve this…" Lili tried to wipe the tears that stained her cheeks, yet they simply wouldn't stop flowing, like a broken dam, there was no stopping the river from flowing now.
"You really don't get it do you? You aren't worthless, far from it!" His confident proclamation made Lili lift her head towards him, her waterworks still pouring on.
"Everybody has its worth, even if they don't see it themselves. And you're no exception. I'm giving you an opportunity to escape from the fears of hunger and focus on other things in your life… No one deserves to ponder if they will have something to eat for the day, much less a young child like yourself."
Mia and Anya both kept silent at his deep, sincere words, awaiting to see what he would get at.
"So… Do you accept my offer–" The bone crushing embrace he received mid sentence spoke more than a thousand words ever could. The poor girl's happy tears dampened his cloak, yet he didn't seem to care one bit, as he stroked her hair in a tender manner, giving Lili a comfort she never experienced in her short life.
"You'd make a great dad if you keep this up until you find yourself a woman to settle down with!" The dwarf's boisterous voice, followed by the waitress's snickering made him glance towards the pair. He mouthed some words at them, sending an annoyed glare alongside it.
"... You are breaking the moment." Was what they read from his lips movements, which only made them snicker and laugh even louder than before.
Luke's concern was unnecessary as the girl couldn't ear anything more than his rhythmic heartbeats, his calm breathing, and feeling his tender warmth his body gave her. She was completely lost in the moment.
That day, Lili ate more than she would probably ate in a couple of months combined. Her stomach wasn't this filled since ever. She couldn't be more far away from hunger than this, farther than she ever dreamed of, that was certain.
Not only did she received more food than she ever did in her life, but she also found a way to never dread starvation ever again. All thanks to this kind adventurer.
The one that extended his hand to her and showed that there were people out there who cared for not only her, but for whoever faced some though times in their lives.
The conversation that followed with either the waitress or her boss flowed surprisingly well, and Lili felt comfortable talking openly with them - an opportunity she never had with anyone, not even her deceased parents.
Lili found herself hopeful for the future… for the first time.
However… Things were not meant to be. The future was unpredictable, volatile - bending towards a bright prospect or a looming dark.
That morning she found hope.
At night, she lost it.
After finishing her biggest meal to date, Lili stayed alongside the first person that showed love and care towards her. But like all good things in life, his free time came to an end as he left to attend his duties, leaving her under the tavern owner's care after he said his goodbyes. Initially, Lili closed herself again after they parted ways, the security his presence gave her going away with him.
As the mid-day rush came and went, Lili slowly opened herself with the pub's staff. The girls made sure no one bothered her as she ate her lunch. The cat girl from before, Anya if she remembers it correctly, was the one that interacted with her the most. Showing a positive and carefree attitude that managed to pierce the wall that Lili always placed between herself and everyone else.
Soon, the late evening came by as reddish orange rays of light permeated through the glass windows and the pub's double doors. A nutritious supper was served to her, and since a time she couldn't remember, she wouldn't sleep with an empty belly.
All thanks to them.
The boisterous dwarf that upheld the adventurers agreement with her, offered her to stay for the night. A proposition that the aforementioned gentle adventurer voiced out loud prior to his departure, saying he would pay for her accommodations if she didn't want to return to Soma's home.
Lili declined. She wouldn't abuse their kindness, they've already done more for her than anyone else did in her entire life. She couldn't. And also… Soma Familia would probably come after her if she didn't show up. Lili wouldn't bring trouble to these people for her sake.
That's why, in the waning sunlight that crept over Orario's colossal walls, she was back at her home again.
Normally, she would remain isolated from the rest of Soma Familia, finding some place away from their eyes. Lili would then cower at some corner in the cold hard floor and get some sleep. Today she would do the same, but she wouldn't need to worry about what she'd to quell her hunger in the morning.
No.
This time, Lili wore a slight smile on her lips as she walked towards the usual spot she claimed as her own for the night.
"Oi, brat!" That is until a gruff voice called out to her as she passed through the corridor towards the main hall. Lili flinched at the call out, turning towards it with a apprehension clear on her features.
"We got a special meeting tonight, you need to be there as well. Something about a change of command or something like that, I don't remember it." A middle aged man told her, not even waiting a response from her before he turned his back and entered their house's main hall.
The girl slowly followed his steps, going inside the same hall. The place was almost fully crowded, a rare sight as most members tried to avoid staying here - especially at this hour. Almost every night the large room was used for drinks and games, more often than not resulting in cheating, stealing, brawls and headaches in the next day.
It goes without saying that Lili never stepped foot inside it if she could help it.
All the members of the familia, except Soma himself, were currently there. A loud clearing of throat quieted down the jumbled whispers amongst the small crowd.
"Thank you all for coming. As of today, I will be acting as the head of this familia, directing our activities in place of Lord Soma." The man spoke, standing on a hastily constructed platform there in the familia's dingy meeting hall. He was the one named Zanis Lustra. In the constant struggle for divine liquor among elite members of Soma Familia, his considerable ability had seen him rise to Level 2.
Lilly had heard whispers that he had gotten his position by eliminating the previous captain, who he'd seen as an obstacle. Said captain was also absent from the meeting, making the rumors hold truth.
Her feeling of unease persisted as the man snapped his fingers, whereupon cups were distributed to all present in the change of leadership - including her.
"Starting now, Soma Familia will be working toward an even greater expansion. The times in Orario being what they are, we will recruit more members to better ride out the waves of history. These spirits have been bestowed upon us by Lord Soma in anticipation of our great work."
A loud murmur arose in the hall.The new recruits, lower-ranking members like Lilli whose lips had never touched the divine liquor, fixed their gazes on the filled cups they had received, just like everyone else in the room. Despite knowing perfectly well that Soma would never simply hand out the divine liquor - which Zanis had clearly stolen from the cellar - its sweet, cool aroma beckoned, and they couldn't do anything else but bring their cups to their lips.
Lilli did the same. She couldn't control herself against the seductive spell of the divine liquor, as she slowly lifted her cup.
Zanis narrowed his eyes behind the spectacles he wore as he raised his own cup.
"A toast! To a brighter future for our familia."
His lips curled in a malicious smile. A moment later, the divine liquor wet her tongue.
Lili entered a state of absolute bliss, losing herself to the heavenly taste of the renowned beverage.
Her mind was blank. She couldn't think of anything else but Soma's liquor.
Not about the good hearted adventurer she met today.
Not about the receptive and caring staff that worked at the Hostess of Fertility.
Not even the greatest gesture of kindness she ever received, coming from an exotic looking elf.
The hope for a better future for her drowned in the ecstasy of the divine wine. Lilli became nothing more than an animal, craving for more as she fell prey to the crippling addiction.
Years later, after her blind pursuit for more wine waned into a more manageable necessity that only bothered her from time to time, she pondered what would have happened if she accepted Mia's offer to stay in the tavern that fateful day. Perhaps she could have run away, right towards that adventurer's gentle arms. Escaping from the current path she was doomed to trail.
But that didn't happen.
Instead, Lili began descending the dungeon, following her parents footsteps as she became a hostage to her own addiction.
The little prum entered a downward spiral of misery and suffering unlike she never experienced before, not even in the worst times after starving for days without eating anything or shivering in the coldest nights, clad only in her dirty rags.
She was robbed, abused and exploited by her familia members and other adventurers after she became a supporter. A role she was forced to accept, being unable to become a proper adventurer as she struggled to gain even some measly points in her status. No matter how hard she tried, she simply couldn't progress at a satisfactory and steady rate.
Thus, Lili became a supporter. A role she had grown to loath. Only surpassed by the increasing hate and despise she harbored for adventurers in general.
A single sip of wine managed to make her hopeful, childish dreams of having a better life after meeting that dark haired elf crumble to dust.
A single taste of that cursed drink left marks she felt for years to come. Something she couldn't overcome on her own, something she needed help with.
Yet, no one lended a hand. No one spared her a single thought. No one cared for her, like she had grown used to her whole life.
In time, she slowly buried those memories of being loved - by an adventurer no less - in the depths of her mind. Almost forgetting it entirely as she persisted through her miserable existence in this wretched world…all alone.
.
.
AN: Yay, finally got this chapter away. Not the most interesting chapter to read, but one that's absolutely necessary for what I have in mind for Lili.
Next chapter not only will be longer, but half of it will be purely combat oriented. So if you are itching for things to kick up, then you are in for a treat. Especially with a certain pair of psychotic elf sisters. Those that read or know about the Astraea Record LN probably already caught on to it.
I'm still being able to maintain my schedule of one chapter per month, but if everything goes accordingly, then the next one should be faster (Currently at 5k words).
Also, good news: I've got myself a beta reader. He's helping me around grammar, sentences and giving me his thoughts on the chapter. Sincerely, thank you, LegoFilms. I'm looking forward to having you in this journey.
As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the reviews. Thank you for taking your time to read my story and supporting this, it helps a lot.
Stay safe people, peace!