Part 2

That day, Riftan worked with a drive that he had never felt before. As the sun began to set and his work was completed for the day, he found himself eager to head over to the tavern, hoping to see Luna again. The memory of their conversation the night before had lingered in his thoughts all day, and he was curious to see where this newfound connection might lead.

When Riftan arrived at the tavern, the place was already buzzing with activity. The familiar hum of conversation filled the air, and the clinking of glasses echoed from the bar. But as he scanned the room, his heart sank slightly—Luna was nowhere to be seen. He made his way to the bar, where the bartender was busy pouring drinks.

"Evening, Riftan," the bartender greeted him with a nod. "What can I get you?"

Riftan smiled politely and leaned against the bar. "Actually, I was hoping to see Luna. Is she around?"

The bartender glanced toward the back of the tavern and nodded. "She's in the back, working on something. You can go see her if you'd like."

Riftan felt a surge of anticipation as he thanked the bartender and made his way to the door at the back of the tavern. He knocked gently, and from the other side, he heard Luna's familiar voice.

"Come in," she called, as if she had been expecting him.

Riftan pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was small and cozy, illuminated by the soft glow of a lantern hanging from the ceiling. Luna was seated at a table, her focus entirely on the sketch pad before her. She looked up and smiled warmly when she saw him, gesturing for him to sit in the chair beside her.

"What's new today, Luna?" Riftan asked, trying to break the ice as he settled into the chair.

"Not much," Luna replied, her voice light and cheerful. "Just doing some sketches for future paintings."

"Sounds like fun," Riftan said, leaning slightly to peek over her shoulder at the canvas she was working on.

Luna giggled softly at his curiosity. "Do you like it?" she asked, her golden eyes twinkling with amusement.

Riftan nodded, genuinely impressed. "It's beautiful, Luna. You're really talented."

A light blush dusted her cheeks as she murmured a shy "thank you." Riftan's eyes lingered on the sketch, taking in the details. The drawing depicted a peaceful landscape, a gentle hill overlooking a serene meadow. At the base of the hill, he noticed two small humanlike figures, their hands clasped as they stood side by side.

"Who are they?" Riftan asked, pointing to the figures on the sketch pad.

Luna's expression softened, her eyes misting slightly as she looked at the drawing. "They represent my parents," she explained, her voice tinged with emotion. "I like to include them in my landscapes sometimes… it makes me feel like they're still with me."

Riftan noticed the way her voice caught, and how her eyes glistened with unshed tears. His heart ached for her, but he didn't want to make her uncomfortable by pressing further. Instead, he decided to steer the conversation to safer ground. "You've done a lot of work on this already," he said, admiring the detail in the sketch. "How long have you been working on it?"

Luna seemed grateful for the change in topic, and she smiled softly. "I started last night after I left the tavern," she said.

Riftan raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You're quick," he remarked. "To be this far along after only one night… you must be really dedicated."

Luna giggled again, the sound light and melodic. "I've had plenty of practice," she admitted, her ears twitching slightly. "I've always been the type to keep busy, even during my breaks."

Riftan smiled, realizing that Luna's dedication to her art was something they shared, even if their mediums were different. "You make great use of your time," he said, genuinely admiring her work ethic.

Luna glanced back at her sketch, her expression growing thoughtful. "I have to," she said quietly. "Even when I'm not working on a commissioned piece, I need to stay productive. Art is… well, it's how I keep myself grounded. It's something I can always turn to, no matter what else is happening in my life."

"So," Riftan began, his voice thoughtful, "your drawings and paintings… they're not just a hobby, are they? They're your profession."

Luna looked up from her sketch, her golden eyes meeting his with a sincerity that made his heart skip a beat. She nodded slowly, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yes, they're both," she said. "I've always loved to draw and paint—it's something that brings me joy, calms my mind. But it's also something I rely on to help earn a living. My commissions are a way to support myself, but they're also a way for me to share my vision with the world."

Riftan smiled, feeling a deep respect for her dedication. "When you make it big," he asked playfully, "what do you plan on doing?"

Luna's eyes brightened at the question, and a look of determination crossed her face. "If I ever become a successful artist," she began, her voice filled with quiet resolve, "I want to help others achieve their artistic goals. I know what it's like to struggle, to feel like your dreams are just out of reach. So if I'm ever in a position to make a difference, I want to establish an art school."

"An art school?" Riftan echoed, genuinely intrigued.

Luna nodded, her gaze growing distant as she imagined her dream. "Yes. A place where children of all races—humans, Keimonomimi, and others—can learn and grow, regardless of their background or ability to pay. Art should be accessible to everyone, and I want to create a space where young people can explore their creativity, where they can find their voice and express themselves through their art."

Riftan was amazed by Luna's vision. Her dreams were not only ambitious but deeply compassionate. She wasn't just thinking of her own success, but of how she could uplift others, how she could use her talents to make the world a better place. "I love that plan," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Luna's eyes lit up, a hopeful sparkle in their depths. "Do you really think it's possible?" she asked, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her voice. "That I could actually achieve something like that?"

Riftan nodded without hesitation, his expression serious. "I know you can," he said firmly. "You're one of the hardest-working people I know, Luna. If anyone can make that dream a reality, it's you."

Luna's cheeks flushed with warmth, and she smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that made her golden eyes shine even brighter. "Thank you, Riftan," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "That means a lot to me."

Riftan returned her smile, feeling a deep sense of connection with her. "I'm just telling the truth," he said simply. "You have something special, Luna. And I believe in you."

As Luna's pencil paused over the canvas, she seemed lost in thought for a moment before turning to Riftan, her golden eyes searching his face with an uncertain curiosity. "Riftan," she began hesitantly, "why are you so nice to me?"

Riftan blinked, taken slightly aback by the question. He hadn't really considered it before—it was just how he felt around her. After a moment of reflection, he smiled warmly. "Because you bring the niceness out of me, Luna," he replied. "When I'm near you, I feel at peace. You make me feel calmer, like everything's going to be okay."

Luna's ears folded back slightly in a gesture of shyness, and her cheeks flushed a soft pink. "Do you really mean that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Riftan nodded, his gaze drifting back to her sketch. "I do," he said sincerely. "You're a lot like your art, Luna. When I look at your sketches, I feel that same peace. There's a beauty in them that calms me, just like when I'm around you."

Her face lit up, the uncertainty melting away as her eyes sparkled with delight. "You really like my art?" she asked, her voice tinged with both excitement and disbelief.

"Absolutely," Riftan said with a reassuring smile.

Luna beamed, her earlier shyness giving way to a radiant joy. "Do you have a favorite piece?" she asked, leaning in a little closer, her curiosity clearly piqued.

Riftan chuckled softly. "Well, this is the first one I've seen, and it's not even complete yet," he reminded her. "But I'd love to see more. Is it possible for me to see the rest someday?"

Luna giggled, a playful sound that made Riftan's heart skip a beat. "I'd like that," she said, her smile widening. "Maybe someday I can show you all my sketches and paintings. There's a lot I've been working on."

Before Riftan could respond, the door to the back room creaked open, and the bartender stepped inside. He gave Luna a gentle nod. "Luna, your break's over. The customers are starting to get restless."

Luna's ears perked up, and she quickly gathered her things, placing her sketchbook carefully to the side. "I'm coming," she replied, her voice still carrying the lingering warmth of her conversation with Riftan.

As she rushed off to return to her duties, Riftan found himself unable to look away. He watched her with a newfound appreciation, noting the grace in her movements and the way she effortlessly shifted back into her role as the barmaid, attending to customers with a smile.

Riftan returned to the main area of the tavern, finding a seat at a table near the corner where he could quietly observe Luna as she worked. He admired the way she interacted with the patrons, her kindness and warmth shining through with each conversation, each gesture. It was clear that she was more than just a talented artist—she was someone who brought light and joy into the lives of everyone around her.

As the night wore on, the tavern gradually began to empty. Riftan stayed until the last of the customers had gone, his thoughts still lingering on his conversation with Luna. He watched as she completed her duties, her expression softening as the evening wound down. There was a contentment in her that mirrored his own, a shared understanding that, for tonight at least, they had found something meaningful in each other's company.

When Luna finally caught his eye from across the room, she gave him a small, knowing smile. Riftan returned it, his heart full as he silently promised himself that this wouldn't be the last time they shared a moment like this. He looked forward to the days ahead, to seeing more of her art, to learning more about the person behind the sketches. And most of all, he looked forward to the possibility of something more, something that felt like it was only just beginning.

As the last patron left the tavern and the doors were locked for the night, Riftan lingered outside, waiting to catch a final glimpse of Luna. The night was cool, and the quiet of Silent Moon Town settled around him like a comforting blanket. Soon enough, Luna stepped out into the night, her silver hair catching the soft glow of the lanterns that lined the street. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they simply stood there, wrapped in the stillness.

Riftan offered her a warm smile. "Good night, Luna," he said softly, preparing to turn and make his way home.

But before he could take a step, Luna reached out and gently took his hand, her touch soft and hesitant. "Wait," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Riftan turned back to her, surprised by the sudden contact. Luna's golden eyes were filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I'm not ready to call it a night just yet," she admitted, her cheeks flushed with a delicate pink. "Would you… would you like to come over to my home? I could show you more of my artwork."

Riftan's heart skipped a beat at the invitation. He nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "I'd love that," he replied, his voice gentle.

As they walked through the quiet streets of Silent Moon, the town seemed to hold its breath, the only sounds being the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet and the distant rustle of leaves in the night breeze. Riftan could feel Luna's nervousness in the way she held his hand, her grip slightly tense as if she were unsure of what she was doing but determined to see it through. It was a bold move, inviting him into her personal space, but Riftan could sense that she trusted him, and that trust warmed him from within.

When they finally reached her home, a small but cozy cottage nestled at the edge of the town, Luna hesitated for a brief moment before opening the door. She stepped inside first, motioning for Riftan to follow. As he crossed the threshold, he was immediately struck by what he saw.

Her home was nothing short of magical.

The walls were entirely covered in canvases, each one a portal to another world. Riftan's breath caught in his throat as his eyes traveled across the paintings. There were vibrant, sunlit meadows stretching as far as the eye could see, misty forests with trees that reached into the heavens, and tranquil lakes reflecting the colors of a thousand sunsets. Each painting was a masterpiece in its own right, capturing not just the physical beauty of the landscapes but the emotions they evoked—the peace, the wonder, the quiet joy of being surrounded by nature's splendor.

"It's like looking into other worlds," Riftan murmured, his voice filled with awe. He could hardly believe that someone could create something so extraordinary.

Luna blushed deeply, her earlier nerves replaced by a shy pride. "That's what it looks like to me too," she said with a soft giggle, her ears twitching slightly in delight. "When I paint, I feel like I'm stepping into those places, like I'm a part of them. And when it's finished, it's like I've brought a piece of that world back with me."

Riftan turned to her, his expression one of pure admiration. "You're incredible, Luna," he said sincerely. "I've never seen anything like this. It's… it's beyond words."

Luna's blush deepened, but she smiled, a genuine, radiant smile that lit up the room more than any of her paintings could. "Thank you, Riftan," she said, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "It means a lot to hear that from you."

As Riftan continued to explore the enchanting world of Luna's art, he found himself drawn to a particular painting of two mountains standing tall against a backdrop of a twilight sky. The mountains were close, their peaks almost touching, as if they were whispering secrets to each other. Riftan tilted his head, examining the piece with a thoughtful expression. "I've noticed something," he murmured, more to himself than to Luna.

Luna, who had been watching him quietly, perked up. "What is it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Riftan moved to the next painting, where a vast field was depicted, with two rivers running parallel through the golden grass, their waters shimmering under the sun. "In every painting," Riftan began, his voice soft but sure, "there's always a pair of something. Two mountains, two rivers… even the sketch you were working on earlier had two figures holding hands."

Luna blinked, her golden eyes widening in surprise. "You noticed that?" she asked, a mixture of surprise and wonder in her voice. "No one else has ever pointed that out before."

Riftan turned to her, his expression gentle yet probing. "Is there a reason behind it? Does it mean something to you?"

Luna hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor as she took a deep breath. Her fingers fidgeted slightly, a sign of the emotions stirring within her. "The pairs in my art," she began slowly, her voice trembling slightly, "they represent my parents. They… they passed away about a decade ago."

Riftan's heart clenched at the pain in her voice. He could see the sadness etched into her features, a sorrow that she had been carrying silently, hidden behind her bright smiles and cheerful demeanor. "I miss them dearly," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Adding the pairs to my paintings… it's my way of keeping them close. Even though they're gone, I want to believe they're still with me, watching over me, guiding me through life."

Her voice cracked at the end, and Riftan saw the tears welling up in her eyes. Without thinking, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her in a gentle embrace. Luna stiffened at first, surprised by the sudden contact, but then she melted into his warmth, her head resting against his chest as she let out a shaky breath.

Riftan held her close, his hand gently stroking her hair as he whispered, "It's okay, Luna. You don't have to hold it all in."

Luna sniffled, her body trembling slightly as she fought to hold back her tears. She hugs him back tightly as she said, "I'm fine," her voice muffled against his chest. "Really, I am. It's just… sometimes it gets hard, you know? But I keep painting, I keep adding those pairs, because it helps me remember them. It helps me feel like they're still here with me."

Riftan tightened his embrace, his heart aching for her. He understood now that her art wasn't just a hobby or a way to make a living—it was her way of coping with her loss, of finding strength in the face of her grief. "You're incredibly strong, Luna," he said softly. "And your art… it's beautiful, not just because of how it looks, but because of the love and memories you pour into it."

Luna looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you, Riftan," she whispered, her voice filled with a deep, heartfelt gratitude. "It means so much to hear you say that."

Riftan smiled down at her, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "Anytime, Luna," he replied. "I'm here for you, whenever you need someone to talk to or just be with."

They stood there for a moment longer, wrapped in each other's warmth, the weight of their shared emotions creating a bond that felt unbreakable. Riftan could feel Luna's heartbeat gradually slowing as she calmed down, the tension in her body easing as she found comfort in his presence.

Eventually, Luna pulled back slightly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Sorry about that," she said with a small, embarrassed laugh. "I didn't mean to get all emotional on you."

Riftan shook his head, his smile reassuring. "Don't apologize. You're allowed to feel how you feel. And I'm glad you trusted me enough to share that with me."

Luna nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I guess… I just felt like I could," she admitted. "You're different, Riftan. You make me feel like it's okay to be myself, to be vulnerable."

Riftan's heart swelled at her words, and he felt a deep connection forming between them, something that went beyond mere friendship. "I'm glad," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Because you can always be yourself around me, Luna."

For the rest of the night, they continued to talk, but now there was an added layer of understanding between them. As they discussed her art, her dreams, and even the simple things like the weather or the townspeople, there was a newfound intimacy, a quiet bond that had been forged in the fires of shared emotions.

When the night finally drew to a close, and Riftan left her home, he felt like he had not only learned more about Luna but had also discovered something profound about himself. As he walked back through the quiet streets of Silent Moon Town, he knew that his feelings for Luna were growing stronger, and that this night had been the start of something truly special between them.