Intrepid Newswoman

“Things I am good at…?” Ruby repeated softly, already knowing the answer was going to sound far longer than she intended. A faintly embarrassed laugh slipped from her as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well… it ranges quite a bit actually.” Her expression brightened slightly as she began counting them off almost absentmindedly. “Botany, mining, fishing, weaving, cooking, baking, alchemy, carpentry, goldsmithing, blacksmithing, armory work, and leatherworking.” She paused only briefly before adding, “I can also sing and dance too.” Only after listing everything did Ruby fully realize just how extensive it sounded aloud. “…Now that I say it all together, it really does sound like a lot,” she admitted with a sheepish smile. “I suppose I simply learned how to do many different things over time.” Her shoulders lifted in a small shrug afterward. “So yes… my skills are a little all over the place.”

found himself struck by something simple and quietly overwhelming: How astonishingly easy it had become to picture himself here.

challenge than combat ever did.”

❝If ever thou grow weary, come. I shall hold thee ‘til the shadows pass.❞

ㅤ ❝ Everything exists somewhere. But I'm talking about a creature, not an item. ❞ Dyna waved her hand back and forth. ❝ Something from my world that has decided to be super annoying! ❞ ㅤ

“New York City…” Ruby repeated softly, her gaze immediately drifting upward once more toward the massive buildings towering overhead. Lights shimmered from every direction, while the enormous billboards played moving images high above the streets like giant enchanted canvases brought to life. Even now, she still found herself staring at them every few moments in quiet fascination. “So many jobs…” she murmured afterward, bringing her attention back to Ava. “How does someone even apply for work around here, if you do not mind me asking?” There was genuine curiosity in her voice. To Ruby, this world still felt entirely foreign, as though she had stepped into some strange dream woven from steel, glass, and endless lights. When Ava offered her hand, Ruby accepted the handshake warmly despite the lingering uncertainty written across her features. “It is nice to meet you, Ava Winters.” A small smile crossed her face then, softer this time. “I am Ruby. Just Ruby.”

ㅤ ❝ Less 'mysterious' and more 'annoying'. ❞ The girl from beyond mused, hand coming to her chin. ❝ I'm taking something that can evade extrasensory abilities. ❞ ㅤ

soft, helpless laugh that escaped him warmed the entire table.

between them. Not dramatic. Not grand. Just true. And somehow, with the warmth of mocha still lingering and her presence across from him steady as candlelight— The possibility no longer felt impossible at all.