Part 3

The next day, Riftan was walking through the bustling streets of Silent Moon Town, the memory of the previous night with Luna still fresh in his mind. He was lost in thought, replaying their conversation and the emotions they had shared, when suddenly he heard a familiar voice calling out to him.

"Riftan!"

He turned just in time to see Luna rushing toward him, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight. She had a bright smile on her face, and in her hands, she was carrying a small, neatly wrapped box. As she reached him, she came to a stop, a little breathless but clearly excited.

"I've been looking for you," Luna said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "I made something especially for you."

Riftan blinked, surprised and curious. "For me?" he asked, his heart skipping a beat.

Luna nodded eagerly and handed him the box. It was light in his hands, wrapped in a simple but elegant cloth tied with a delicate ribbon. "Go on, open it," she urged, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Riftan carefully untied the ribbon and unwrapped the cloth, revealing a small, beautifully crafted wooden box. He opened it slowly, his breath catching as he saw what was inside. It was a painting, small enough to fit in the palm of his hand, but incredibly detailed. The colors were rich and vibrant, capturing the essence of life and warmth. As he pulled the painting out of the box and held it up to the light, he saw that it depicted two people standing side by side, holding hands. Their faces were turned slightly toward each other, as if caught in a moment of deep connection and affection.

"Wow, Luna," Riftan breathed, his eyes wide with awe. "This is... this is amazing. You painted this for me?"

Luna nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips. "I did. I wanted to give you something to show my appreciation. You're the first person who really understands me, Riftan. You see me, not just as a barmaid or an artist, but as... well, as me."

Riftan felt a warmth spread through his chest at her words. He was touched, more than he could express. But as he looked more closely at the painting, something caught his eye. "I see that this person is supposed to be me, who's the other person in the painting?" he asked, glancing at Luna with a playful smile.

Luna blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink. She nodded, a bit more timid now. "Yes... it's you. But the person holding your hand..." She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground for a moment before she looked back up at him with a shy smile. "That's your future wife."

Riftan chuckled, a light, teasing tone entering his voice. "My future wife, huh? And how exactly do you know what she looks like?"

Luna giggled, relieved by his playful response. "Well, I don't know for sure," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "But I figured she would be someone who makes you happy, someone who understands you, like you understand me. So, I painted her with you."

Riftan looked back at the painting, noticing the small details he had missed before. The other figure was indeed holding his hand, and though the features were slightly indistinct, the telltale signs of wolf-like ears and a soft tail were unmistakable. His heart skipped another beat, and a knowing smile crept onto his face.

"So," he began, trying to keep his tone casual, "you think my future wife might be a Keimonomimi girl?"

Luna's blush deepened, but she kept up the banter, her voice light and teasing. "Well, who knows? Maybe you'll meet a special Keimonomimi girl someday. A girl who sees you for who you really are, who appreciates your kindness and your passion for the land. Someone who... understands you."

Riftan couldn't help but laugh softly, playing along with her. "She sounds wonderful," he said, his eyes meeting Luna's with a glint of something more. "I hope I do meet her someday."

Luna giggled, clearly enjoying their playful exchange, though there was a hint of something deeper in her gaze as she looked at him. "I'm sure you will," she replied, her voice softening. "And when you do, I hope you'll be as happy as you deserve to be."

Riftan held the painting close, his fingers brushing over the smooth surface as he looked at the two figures depicted there. The idea that Luna might have painted herself as his future wife crossed his mind again, but he decided to keep that thought to himself, at least for now. Instead, he simply smiled at her, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.

"Thank you, Luna," he said sincerely, his voice filled with warmth. "This means a lot to me. More than I can say."

Luna smiled back, her expression a mix of joy and relief. "I'm glad you like it," she said softly.

As they stood there in the middle of the town, the world around them seemed to fade away. For a moment, it was just the two of them, connected by the painting and the emotions it represented. And though neither of them said it out loud, they both felt that something special was beginning to grow between them—something that, like Luna's art, was filled with beauty, warmth, and the promise of a bright future.

Riftan sat at his usual spot in the tavern that evening, his gaze fixed on the small painting Luna had given him. The tavern was lively, filled with the usual mix of humans and Keimonomimi, but Riftan's mind was elsewhere, lost in thoughts of Luna. He traced the outlines of the figures in the painting with his finger, imagining Luna as the one standing beside him. The thought made his heart race—was this her way of hinting at her feelings for him?

As he pondered, Luna moved gracefully through the tavern, serving drinks and chatting with customers, her silver hair catching the dim light. He couldn't help but watch her, his mind drifting between admiration and wonder. Could it be that she saw him as more than just a friend? The thought was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

During her break, Luna made her way over to Riftan's table, her ears twitching with excitement. She sat down, her eyes bright as she leaned in a little closer than usual. "Riftan," she began, her voice filled with anticipation, "I have a favor to ask you."

Riftan smiled, setting the painting aside to give her his full attention. "Anything for you, Luna. What do you need?"

She bit her lip, clearly excited about what she was about to propose. "I was wondering if you'd be interested in posing for a commission I'm working on. I think you'd be perfect for it."

Riftan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A commission? What kind of commission?"

Luna's eyes sparkled as she explained, "My client wants a painting of a brave hero riding a dragon. It's a really important piece, and I've been trying to find the right person to pose as the hero. And… well, I think you'd make a pretty decent hero."

Riftan couldn't help but laugh, the idea both amusing and flattering. "A hero, huh? Well, I don't know if I'm quite that heroic, but if you think I can pull it off, I'm in."

Luna beamed, her excitement palpable. "Great! Meet me at the park tomorrow at 10 a.m., and we'll get started."

The following day, Riftan arrived at the park right on time, the early morning sun casting a warm glow over the landscape. Luna was already there, waiting for him with a basket of snacks. As they walked through the park together, Luna handed him a small pouch. Inside, he found a mix of granola and jerky, the flavors blending together in a surprisingly delicious way.

"This is really good," Riftan said between bites, his tone filled with appreciation. "What's in it?"

Luna giggled, pleased by his reaction. "It's an old Keimonomimi recipe," she explained. "It's full of nutrients and flavors, perfect for when you're out in the wild or, in this case, posing as a hero."

Riftan chuckled, impressed. "You've got skills, Luna. Not only can you paint, but you can also cook. What other talents are you hiding?"

Luna's laughter was light and melodic, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I can make all sorts of dishes. Soups, stews, even some human recipes I've picked up over the years."

Riftan's grin widened. "I'm impressed. You'd make a great partner—both in the kitchen and in life."

Luna's ears twitched slightly, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush as she giggled. "Well, you know," she said, her voice teasing but with a hint of something deeper, "I think I'd make a pretty good partner for you."

Riftan felt his heart skip a beat, her words sending a pleasant warmth through him. They exchanged a glance, one filled with unspoken understanding and a shared sense of possibility. The park around them seemed to quiet for a moment, leaving just the two of them in their own little world.

As the day wore on, the park seemed to come alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant laughter. Riftan and Luna continued their stroll, the conversation flowing easily between them. They soon came across a tree unlike any other, its trunk twisted and gnarled in a way that made it seem almost magical, as though it had a life of its own.

Riftan, always quick with a playful idea, pointed at the tree and said with a grin, "You know, I could probably ride that tree like a dragon."

Luna's eyes lit up with excitement, her ears perking up. "Oh, that's perfect!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "Let's do it!"

Without hesitation, Riftan climbed the tree, finding a comfortable spot where the branches twisted in just the right way. From there, he struck a heroic pose, imagining himself atop a mighty dragon, ready to conquer the skies. Luna, brimming with enthusiasm, quickly set up her sketchpad and began to work.

She sketched with intense focus, her pencil moving swiftly yet delicately across the paper. In her mind's eye, the tree transformed into a magnificent Chinese dragon, its scales a deep green that shimmered in the sunlight, with long, elegant horns curving back over its head. The dragon's body coiled around Riftan, who looked every bit the fearless hero she envisioned. As she drew, Riftan remained still, patient as ever, though he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at being her muse.

Hours passed, but neither of them seemed to notice the time. The world outside of Luna's sketching and Riftan's posing faded away, leaving only the two of them in their shared creative space. Finally, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Luna lifted her pencil and smiled, satisfied with her work.

"I'm really happy with how this turned out," she said, her voice filled with pride.

Riftan, curious and eager to see the result, leaned forward from his perch on the tree. "Can I take a look?"

But Luna, always one to tease, quickly hid her sketchbook behind her back, shaking her head playfully. "Not yet! You'll have to wait until it's finished. I want it to be a surprise."

Riftan chuckled, sliding down from the tree. "Alright, alright. I'll be patient."

As Luna carefully placed the sketch into an envelope, they both heard the familiar jingle of an ice cream cart passing by. Riftan's eyes lit up, and he turned to Luna with a grin. "How about we celebrate with some ice cream?"

Luna's face brightened at the suggestion. "I love ice cream!"

They hurried over to the cart, where Riftan asked Luna what flavor she'd like; chocolate or vanilla. She couldn't decide, so with a mischievous smile, she clapped her hands and said, "Both!"

Riftan laughed and bought two cones, one for each of them. They sat down on a nearby bench, savoring the cold, sweet treat as the late afternoon sun bathed the park in a golden light. They took turns swapping flavors, tasting each other's after every few licks. It was a simple, playful moment, but it was one that they both cherished.

As they shared the ice cream, their faces gradually drew closer with each exchange. They were so caught up in the moment, so wrapped up in each other, that they didn't even realize how close they had become. It wasn't until they both looked up at the same time, their noses nearly touching, that they felt the warmth of a blush spreading across their cheeks.

Luna quickly looked away, her heart racing, while Riftan scratched the back of his head, trying to play it cool. There was a shared silence, not awkward but rather charged with something new—an unspoken acknowledgment that their friendship was blossoming into something deeper.

Finally, Luna broke the silence with a soft laugh, her ears twitching slightly as she looked at Riftan out of the corner of her eye. "You know," she began, her voice gentle, "I've never felt so comfortable with someone before."

Riftan smiled, feeling the same way. "Me neither," he admitted, his voice equally soft.

They finished their ice cream in quiet companionship, the air around them buzzing with the possibilities of what might come next. As the day drew to a close, they both knew that this was just the beginning of something special—something that had the potential to grow into a beautiful, lasting bond.

The walk back to Luna's house was filled with light-hearted conversation, their voices mingling with the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. Riftan and Luna talked about their favorite ice cream flavors, debated which was better—sunsets or sunrises—and shared stories of simple pleasures they enjoyed in their everyday lives. Riftan confessed his love for the scent of freshly cut wood, while Luna revealed her fondness for the way paint felt beneath her fingertips, both of them finding joy in the simple things.

As they approached her door, Luna turned to Riftan with a soft smile. "I'm not working tomorrow," she said, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "I'll be hard at work on the painting, but I'd like it if you could come by tomorrow night. I want to show it to you when it's done."

Riftan nodded eagerly. "I'd love that," he replied, his heart already racing with anticipation. After saying goodnight, he watched as Luna disappeared into her home, and then he made his way back to his own.

The next day, Riftan threw himself into his work, cutting and planting with a renewed sense of purpose. But no matter how hard he worked, his thoughts kept drifting back to Luna and the painting she was creating. The excitement simmered beneath the surface, a constant reminder of what awaited him that night. He found himself wondering how Luna would depict him, what kind of hero she saw when she looked at him. The thought both thrilled and unnerved him, as he realized how much he wanted to see himself through her eyes.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the full moon rose high in the sky, Riftan made his way to Luna's house. The pale light bathed the world in a silver glow, casting long shadows that danced across the path. He arrived at her door, taking a deep breath before knocking. The door creaked open, and there stood Luna, her smile warm and inviting.

"Come in," she said softly, stepping aside to let him enter.

Riftan followed her inside, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt a strange mixture of nervousness and excitement, like a child unwrapping a gift on a winter's morning. Luna led him to a room where the finished painting rested on an easel, covered by a drape. She paused for a moment, looking at him with a twinkle in her eye before finally unveiling her work.

Riftan's jaw dropped as he took in the sight before him. There he was, depicted as a valiant hero clad in gleaming armor, astride a fierce dragon whose scales shimmered with emerald hues. The dragon's wings were spread wide, as if ready to take flight, and the sky behind them was alive with swirling clouds and streaks of lightning. But what struck Riftan most was not the dragon or the armor—it was Luna.

In the painting, she was depicted standing behind him on the dragon's back, her arms wrapped around his waist, her head resting against his shoulder. She was dressed like a fair princess, her silver hair flowing down her back like a waterfall of moonlight. Her expression was one of contentment and joy, as if she belonged nowhere else but by his side. They looked every bit the happy couple, ready to face the world together.

Luna watched him carefully, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of pride and nervousness. "I hope you like it," she said softly, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Riftan turned to her, his eyes wide with awe and something deeper. In that moment, he understood. This painting was not just a commission; it was a declaration. A revelation of her feelings for him, expressed in the only way she knew how. He could see it in every brushstroke, in the way she had painted herself so close to him, as if she couldn't imagine herself anywhere else.

He took a step closer to her, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek. "Luna," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "this is beautiful. You're beautiful."

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she smiled up at him. Slowly, they inched closer, their breaths mingling until their lips finally met in a tender, gentle kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of unspoken promises, of a connection that went far beyond words.

Without breaking the kiss, Riftan scooped her up in his arms, just as she had painted herself in the artwork. She laughed softly, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her toward her room. But just before things could go any further, Luna pulled back slightly, her expression suddenly serious.

"Riftan," she said softly, "if we go any further, you need to know what it means. If you take me as your mate, you'll imprint yourself on me. I'll never be able to love anyone else but you. For us Keimonomimi, this is our way of marriage."

Riftan gazed into her eyes, his heart swelling with love and certainty. He understood the gravity of her words, the depth of the commitment she was offering him. And he knew, without a doubt, that he was ready.

"I know, Luna," he replied, his voice steady and full of conviction. "I'm willing. I want to be your mate, your husband, for life."

A tear slipped down Luna's cheek as she smiled, her heart filled with a joy she had never known. She leaned in, pressing her lips to his once more, sealing their bond with a kiss that promised forever.

Years passed, and Riftan and Luna's lives intertwined like the roots of an ancient tree, growing stronger and deeper with each season. They moved into a cozy cottage nestled on the edge of the village, surrounded by a garden that Luna lovingly tended, filled with vibrant flowers and winding paths that led to her outdoor studio. Inside, the walls were adorned with her paintings—each one a testament to the love and life they had built together.

Luna no longer worked at the tavern, her days now devoted entirely to her art and raising their cubs. Their home echoed with the laughter of their children, a lively trio of Keimonomimi with Riftan's strong will and Luna's gentle spirit. The little ones often scampered around the house, their fox-like ears twitching in curiosity as they explored the world around them. They were as much a part of Luna's creations as the colors on her palette, inspiring new landscapes filled with warmth and love.

Riftan, too, found joy in this new chapter of his life. He continued his work as a lumberjack, but every day he returned home to the warmth of his family, his heart swelling with contentment. His rough hands, once accustomed to the axe, now cradled his children, and he reveled in the simple pleasures of fatherhood. There were moments when he would sit on the porch, a child in each arm, reading them stories he had written, his honeyed words weaving tales of brave heroes, magical lands, and the love between a man and a Keimonomimi princess.

Luna would listen from her studio, her heart fluttering as she heard Riftan's voice, a voice that had once charmed her in a tavern now captivating their children. She would glance up from her canvas, smiling as she watched him spin stories with the same tenderness he had shown her from the very beginning.

Their life was a perfect harmony, a melody created by the blending of Luna's art and Riftan's words. They had found a happiness that few others—whether human or Keimonomimi—could ever hope to experience. Their love had become something timeless, like the paintings that filled their home, capturing the beauty of every season, every moment, and every shared glance.

As the years continued to pass, they grew older, their love only deepening with time. Riftan and Luna remained each other's muse, each day a new opportunity to create something beautiful together. They had built a life that was rich in love, a life where even the simplest moments were filled with meaning.

In the evenings, when the sun dipped low and bathed the world in a golden hue, they would sit together on the porch, watching their cubs play in the yard. Riftan would take Luna's hand, their fingers intertwined, and they would exchange a knowing smile—no words were needed. They had found their forever, a love that would endure as long as the mountains and rivers that Luna had so often painted.

And so, their story continued, a love story for the ages, one that would be passed down through their children, and their children's children—a tale of a man and a Keimonomimi girl who found each other in a quiet tavern and built a life of unimaginable beauty.