#Obviously Ray seems like the twisted one in this relationship but who knows how noble Sand's intentions are?

[thatgirl4815]

Idk why, but I'm a bit fixated on this idea of survival as it applies to both Sand and Ray. Like, for Sand it seems to be a monetary thing. Obviously Ray is rich, Sand isn't, and being with Ray comes with monetary benefits. But how about survival from Ray's perspective?

Assuming Khaotung means to imply that Ray develops feelings easily (perhaps because Ray is so starved for affection) then I am 100% ready to see him pining after Sand 24/7, all whilst being in a vicious state of denial...until his inevitable eureka! moment when he realizes that Sand isn't just a distraction from Mew but someone he needs for his own survival. This could be hinted at by the short clip we see in the trailer--

If Ray opened up to Sand about some of his inner turmoil (or whatever it is that would make Sand say something like this) then there's obviously some sort of emotional pull there. So what if Sand becomes Ray's therapy? As much as he doesn't want an emotional relationship, that's the hole he's falling into, and he can't stand it.

#anyways just spitballing here #I keep thinking about what FK said and where all the angst is stemming from #Obviously Ray seems like the twisted one in this relationship but who knows how noble Sand's intentions are? #At least to start with #He sees someone rich with an interest in him and he takes the opportunity #only friends #only friends the series #ofts #only friends series #firstkhaotung #firstkhao #first kanaphan #khaotung thanawat

[fortunesrevolver]

Series: Tales of Vesperia Ship: Pre-JudithRaven going into a relationship Rating: General Request: @thekrityanwarrior​

After the events of the game, Raven tries tracking down Judith to ask her out, and she initially turns him down, but something happens that makes her see him differently and be with him

I’ve never written Raven or Judith before, so this was a bit of a challenge, but still fun. This isn’t a ship I’ve delved into often either, so I’m going in totally fresh with the dynamic, but I hope I managed to nail the beginnings of it. I didn’t want to get overly romantic since this idea seemed to be based around them getting together rather than being together, but. 

It ended up being eight pages, so. Fingers crossed.

Zaphias, in Judith’s opinion, was a much nicer city now that it no longer had such a thick and haughty air about it with the underlying fear of anyone who looked remotely noble or wore a suit of armor. The central quarter was far busier than she remembered it being, with shops of all sizes lining the streets. Even the dingier shops, slightly dirty and obviously set up by those of lesser means, seemed to hold a customer base with value placed purely on the goods being offered. Nobles, commoners, and knights alike all seemed to blend together in the crowd; it was a heartwarming sight compared to the starkly separated classing system she’d seen before.

With a low hum, she started down one of the side streets, her gaze veiled with a silent curiosity. It was unfortunate Yuri couldn’t be here to enjoy all of this as well -- he’d certainly be proud of the changes in his home. So far as she knew, he was on something of a solo mission to help the knights --  or so he’d called it. It likely meant he was off giving the commandant a headache, which left her with a few days to kill until he returned and Karol deemed their ‘vacation’ sufficient.

Something to her left sparkled and caught her attention, making Judith pause as she turned and approached a stand which appeared to be selling jewelry.

“My, these are quite nice,” she offered the clerk a quick smile before returning her focus down to a pair of ear cuffs in the shape of glittering wyverns.

“All handmade, miss,” the salesman replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “We do custom work too, if’n you’re likin’ what you see. Not sure I’ve got any cuffs that’d work for those nice ears o’yers, but a few measurements and I could make just about anything ya like.”

“Oh?” Judith hummed and nodded once. “I guess I’ll have to think about it.” She turned and raised her hand in farewell. “Thanks for the--oof.”

“Whoops, sorry about that, wasn’t--well now, ain’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

“Hm?” Judith turned, her eyes lighting up in realization as she recognized the person before her. “Oh, it’s you.”

“Hey now,” Raven’s lips pursed, a hand falling over his chest. “Just it’s you? Yer breakin’ this old man’s heart. Where’s my greetin’? What about a hug for an old friend?”

“Hello, Raven,” a gloved hand grasped his shoulder briefly before Judith brushed past. “How have you been?”

“Ah, a cold touch from the fair maiden,” Raven lamented, the back of his hand lingering dramatically over his forehead as he fell in step with Judith. “But... well enough. Ticker is still tickin’, can’t ask for much more than that.”

Violet eyes shifted, darting over to Raven where they lingered over his chest briefly. While the world seemed to have adjusted to it’s lack of Blastia well enough, she’d yet to take the time to consider just how much it might change the lives of those who relied on them for more than power. Raven certainly seemed healthy enough -- the same, boisterous spring was carried in his steps -- but what else had changed? How much had changed?

“And what about you, darlin’?” Judith blinked, her thoughts brought back to the present as Raven stopped near the fountain. “What are you doing all the way out here? The boys not with you?”

“Yuri is ‘helping the knights,’ as he put it. I think he just wanted to check up on his friend.”

Raven nodded, a knowing look on his face. “The new commandant does have a habit of pushin’ himself. Someone has to tie him down once in awhile and make sure he takes care of himself.”

“I could say the same about Yuri,” Judith clicked her tongue. Even without a world to save, Yuri was the most laidback busibody she’d ever met. It was both fascinating and concerning. “They’re more alike than they think.”

“And what about our little captain?”

“Karol?” Judith chuckled, a slow, mischievous smile spreading across her face. “I dropped him off in Dahngrest on the way here. He’d said Yuri’s mission would be the perfect time for a break. I just thought he might have more fun there.”

“Devious as you are lovely,” Raven winked. “A bolt to any man’s heart.”

“Oh, so long as I don’t stop them,” Judith hummed, “I’d hate to be the cause of so many collapsing.”

“Aw,” Raven swivelled on his heel and motioned to the bench, smiling in satisfaction when Judith sat down before he plopped beside her on the fountain’s edge. “What a caring soul.”

“It would make walking down the streets terribly difficult. And it’d cause someone else more work.”

“Oof. Judith, darlin, sometimes I don’t know if I should laugh or run around you.”

“I like a good hunt,” Judith winked. “I think they sell rappig ears at one of the stands.”

Raven blanched, expression twisting as he tried to imagine being on the business end of Judith’s spear all on his lonesome. Sometimes it really was difficult to tell what was a joke and what was a warning.

“No need to go huntin’ for an old man like me, wouldn’t be much fun.” Raven shrugged, “Besides, I wouldn’t be able to put my heart in it.”

“Oh? You better not be talking like that again. I’d hate to have to gather up the others to teach you another lesson.”

“Course not,” Raven shrugged, “I’m perfectly happy runnin’ around this world. I just meant I couldn’t turn my back on a lady like you.”

“Is that so?” Judith leaned back on the bench. “I suppose that’s flattering.”

“I’d hope so,” Raven leaned forward, chin resting on his palm with his elbow on his knee. “Besides, you capturing me? Wouldn’t be able to complain.”

“And what would you do once I did?”

“Well,” Raven grinned, his eyes brightening in delight. “How about we start with a nice dinner tomorrow night? Say six?”

Judith froze, her eyes darting over to Raven as shock lingered briefly on her face before it morphed into a knowing smirk. “You must ask all the girls that.”

“Hey now,” Raven pouted, “just because I know how to treat a lady right doesn’t mean I hand my heart out to just anyone.”

“Mmhm,” Judith shook her head. “That’s a little hard to believe. Your charm seem endless.”

“Much as I’d like to take the compliment,” Raven shook his head and sighed, “this ol’ man isn’t in that business anymore. Not young enough for it.”

“Aren’t you?” Judith stood and crossed her arms over her chest. Something in the bit of her stomach had started to churn and she didn’t like the feeling at all. How many times had Raven caused it now? When would it just… stop? She’d seen him playing a game she couldn’t take part in too often. There wasn’t a point in rolling rigged dice, especially when she was the one who would end up losing. “I think you could still catch a few fish.”

“Maybe,” Raven looked up, his expression uncomfortably serious, “but I ain’t after what’s in the sea.”

“That’s too bad.” Judith took a step back and turned away. “I hear there’s mermaids out there. I’m sure they’d be to your liking.”

“Judith…”

“It was nice to see you again, Raven,” Judith cut in and glanced over her shoulder. “But I think I might go take that shop owner up on his offer. His craftsmanship was lovely.”

Raven stood, opening his mouth to respond, but Judith had already waved a quick farewell and started away. Her pace was quick, heels clicking loudly against the pavement untils he was finally out of sight and able to duck into a nearby alleyway. A frown marred her features, overtaking the practiced smile she kept in place, as her ears were drawn toward the sky.

“...I know,” she murmured, fists clenched at her side. “I know. But I just can’t. He may not be serious, and I don’t want to be another story at the tavern.”

Silence, a low rumble, and finally a sigh. “...I know.” Judith’s gaze fell, eyebrows drawn together. “I’m alright, don’t worry.”

The golden rays of sunlight that had once illuminated the city had faded to a rustic orange, the gentle glow dimming as the minutes passed and the sun slowly began its descent below the horizon. Shops and stalls were beginning to pack up and close, with keepers making their way back home. The happy, cheerful voices of the day had faded, and were slowly being replaced by by the lower, mature sounds of Zaphias’ nightlife.

Not interested in the pull of music and voices that drifted through the open windows of taverns and evening clubs, Judith followed the small crowd that made their way toward the lower quarter. Yuri had, most kindly, offered up his room for privacy and a bit of saved gald, claiming he wouldn’t need it. The empty sheets were open for Judith’s use, and the noise in the lower quarter was much softer than the upper levels. People didn’t seem to fully wake until the later afternoon there, and anyone who did was quickly on their way or working inside.

As she approached the ramp that would lead her down to the lower quarter’s plaza, peals of loud laughter filled her ears. When the ground levelled, she paused, surprised as a group of children rushed past her from the left and flew toward the other side of the plaza.

“Get him!” one shouted, raising what appeared to be a toy sword. “Surround the dragon!”

“Archers!” a second child shouted and pointed ahead of them. “Aim for the wings! Don’t let him fly away!”

Several smaller children rushed into what Judith assumed was supposed to be a fighting formation and raised tiny bows in their arms with arrows made from sticks with feathers tied to the end and little rubber nubs on the end. Each little face was set in determination as they tried to aim their weapons without dropping the arrows.

“My, my… It sure sounds dangerous down here,” Judith commented to herself, amused. “A dragon? I hope they can save us.”

“Oh yes,” an old man with white hair Judith remembered vaguely from a previous meeting approached with a rumbling laugh. “They keep us all nice and safe.”

“How brave of them.”

The man nodded and laughed again. “Oh yes, the terrible Dragon Raven hasn’t taken over these parts for some time. The children see to that.”

“The dragon… Raven?”

“Mmhm, just over there.” The man nodded toward the opposite end of the fountain and Judith looked up just in time to see the dragon -- clad in a rather ridiculous looking sheet with scales drawn all over it and crudely made wings of paper leap up onto the edge.

“Raaaawr!” he cried out and flapped his makeshift wings. “I won’t be defeated this time, warriors! I’ll be takin’ all yer shiny treasures to my cave!”

“Never!” one of the children cried out just as another yelled, “Fire!”

Immediately, tons of tiny arrows flew forward, piercing the weak paper wings and plopping into the water below.

“Nooo…!” The dragon cried out, stumbling. “My wings…! My flight! Curse all of you…! Now I’ll have to breath my fire!”

“Oh no…!” A young girl, carrying a foam sword pointed it toward her enemy. “Quickly! Before he cooks us for dinner! Charge!”

Judith’s hand flew to her mouth as every child dropped their weapon and ran forward, arms flailing as they poked and grabbed at the dragon’s legs. Howls of laughter filled the air as the Raven Dragon tried to fight off the army that surrounded him to no avail.

With a final, strangled cry, the battle was over and the Dragon fell backwards into the fountain, sending waves of water outward that hit warrior and onlooker alike. Cheers and applause soon followed as the children made a victory lap around the plaza, their arms raised in victory as they cried out in joy.

“We saved everyone!”

“The dragon has been defeated once more!”

Judith couldn’t help but laugh, the sound muffled as she hid a smile behind her fingers. “What a show they put on.”

“Twice a month, in fact,” the old man replied, nodding.

“Twice a…” Judith trailed off, turning to better face the man. “He comes that often?”

“Raven is quite helpful around here. He’s here often to play with the children and help us old folk with repairs. Mighty handy with his hands, that one. Doesn’t even let us pay him. Says he’s just grateful we took care of Yuri all these years and wants to pay us back.” He barked with laughter. “Quite a debt he wants to pay back, even with everyone on deck, Yuri and Flynn were always a handful.”

“I see…” Judith looked to the fountain in silence, watching as Raven emerged from the sheet and tried to shrug off his waterlogged wings. “That’s very kind of him.”

“Mmhm,” the man nodded again. “Between him and Yuri, we don’t have much to worry about ‘round here anymore.” He looked up and smiled gently. “You’re one of Yuri’s friends too, aren't cha? Tell him to come say hello sometime. We’d like to see how he’s holding up.”

“Oh… right. Of course. I’ll drag him kicking and flailing if I must.”

“Sometimes I think that’s what it’ll take.” The man chuckled. “You’ll have to excuse me. Must make sure all the kids make it home. Have a good evenin’ miss.”

Judith didn’t respond and waited until the old man disappeared from sight until she approached the fountain and bent over, offering her hand to the soaking wet figure sitting inside.

“I didn’t think dragons frequented these parts,” she hummed.

Raven’s head snapped up, shock clear on his face as he looked from Judith to her hand several times. His shock slowly shifted into a smile as he laughed and accepted the offer, only to be pulled swiftly to his feet. How had he forgotten how strong she was?

“Yeah, well, sometimes it’s us little critters you have to be worried about. Not something big in the sky.”

“It’s a good thing Zaphias is so well protected, then.”

“Sure is,” Raven snorted, “don’t think the dragon has ever won. Probably for the best. I’d hate to disappoint when they find out I can’t really breathe fire.”

“I’m sure they’d still love you all the same. After all, if they can like someone like Yuri, it must take a lot for them to hate something.”

A laughed followed as Raven hoisted himself out of the water and settled on the ledge to wring out his clothes. “Don’t go lettin’ him hear ya say that now. He’ll start poutin’.”

“I’m sure he can take it,” Judith’s hand fell to her hip and brushed a hair out of her face. “He’s a tough boy.”

“He’s certainly made of somethin’ stubborn,” Raven mused, abandoning his soaked clothes in an effort to try and wring out his hair. “Thanks for the help, darlin’.”

“It’s the least I can do for the children’s favourite dragon.”

“Nah,” Raven laughed. “They’d forget me the moment Yuri showed up. Or that Entelexeia friend of yours.”

“Ba’ul is a gentle giant, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind playing with them someday.”

“And it’d make their day, I’m certain.” Raven smiled. “Awfully kind of you to offer.”

“Oh no, I’m just joining in the fun.” Judith inclined her head, watching Raven carefully. It’s very kind of you to play with them.”

Raven flushed, sheepish as he scratched his cheek. “Ain’t all that much, really,” he shrugged. “Jus’ nice to see ‘em smilin’ again after all that’s happened.”

“That doesn’t mean it isn’t kind.” Judith turned, her eyes following the lingering children as they hurried toward waiting parents. “How often do you do this?”

“Ah…” Raven shrugged. “Not that often, just when I can.”

It was a humbler answer than she’d expected, but perhaps she hadn’t been giving him enough credit. Despite the way he often acted, she’d never seen him be cruel. How had she forgotten that?

“That’s not what the old gentleman told me.”

“Who, Hank?” Raven looked away and shrugged again. “Nah, he’s jus’ makin’ this old man look better than he is. That’s all.”

“Is he? I think I can make my own judgements from what I saw.” She smiled and stepped away, headed toward the street that would lead to the inn. “I think you deserve something nice.”

“The kids are happy, ain’t that enough?”

“Maybe,” she nodded and stopped glancing over her shoulder. “But I can think of something nicer.”

“Oh?” Raven stood up and gave himself a firm shake, still dripping. “What’s that?”

“Hm…” she tapped her chin, feigning deep thought as she spun around to face Raven again. “What indeed.”

“That look of yours is makin’ me nervous.”

“Aw, don’t ne nervous,” Judith laughed, light and airy as she turned away once more and stopped a few steps away. “Ah, I know.”

“...yea?”

“What about dinner?” she glanced over her shoulder with a coy smile. “Tomorrow? Maybe around… six?”

Raven could only stare, his mouth hanging open slightly. His eyes widened slowly, the shock washing over him like a wave before he beamed. “Yer not pullin’ my leg, are ya darlin’? I don’t know that my heart could take it.”

“I’m not that cruel,” Judith turned away. “I think this fountain would make a good meeting spot.”

“Y-yea!” Raven nodded. “Sounds like a pain.”

“Good. But you should go and dry off soon. I’ll be disappointed if you miss it for a cold.” She didn’t wait for an answer and was soon out of sight, but not out of earshot.

Just as she hit the first step leading up to the inn’s second floor, she couldn’t help but smile as a loud whoop! sounded from the plaza.

Maybe she would be a tavern story after all, but as long as she was every story, she wouldn’t mind.

Why is everyone in Zaphias? Hell if I know. It seemed the most likely city for everyone to stumble upon each other while also having an excuse to send Yuri off. Because he’s bad at saying no to Flynn and we all know it. Not that Flynn is much better, but I digress.

I’ve always felt that one of the best ways to see someone’s true nature is how they act around children and/or animals. It’s super easy to see when someone is over-the-top faking with them, and to see someone act genuinely kind with the smol ones is always heartwarming. Not to mention Raven just treating a lady right is too easy -- flirting aside, he does always do that. He’s a good ol’ man deep down.

(That, and Judith probably couldn’t date a guy who didn’t treat animals right. Automatic blacklisting.)

#Tales of Vesperia #RavenJudith #JudithRaven #Nao Writes Stuff #Commission Fics #I had no idea wtf I'm doing. #slkdfjsdfj #I tried so hard and got so far #but in the end did it even matter? #-piano riff-