Work Text:
Vanessa groaned, blinking her eyes open into the sunlight. Ever since arriving in Titan Valley yesterday, her night had been plagued by restlessness. Every disruption to her sleep was brought on by worries of the next day.
Judging by the sunlight peeking in through her window, she guessed it was early in the morning. Was no one else up, then?
Vanessa stretched, yawning. The ache of hunger permeated her stomach, making itself known with a loud growl.
She sighed. Recalling the tour Raza had given her the night before, Vanessa quietly walked towards the kitchen.
The smell of eggs and bacon wafted from the kitchen, and Vanessa gently opened the door.
A woman with vibrant red hair, neatly tucked into a bun, walked throughout the kitchen, doing various tasks. She wore a flattering cheongsam dress, and Vanessa couldn’t help but notice how nicely it accentuated her figure.
“Good morning.” Vanessa greeted.
The woman turned to face her, her turquoise eyes meeting Vanessa’s own. She recognized her as Giselle.
She bowed respectfully. “Good morning, lady Vanessa. Breakfast should be done in a minute or two.”
“You’re…making breakfast?”
“Yes.” Giselle bowed. “It is my job to serve you and your allies during your stay here.”
“It must be hard, though,” Vanessa said quietly.
“It is not necessary for you to help me, Giselle replied, turning back to her work. “I’ve been doing this for hundreds of years.”
Vanessa grimaced slightly at the comment. “That’s the problem.”
There was a short, yet distinct pause.
“…What do you mean by that, my lady?”
Vanessa was silent for a moment, contemplating. “Are you okay with it?”
Giselle didn’t answer.
“Are you…” She struggled to find the words. “Are you satisfied? With your…situation, I mean.”
There was another pause. Vanessa stared at the floor, avoiding Giselle's eyes.
“I am alive, that is what matters.” There was a melancholic tone to her voice—a feeling Vanessa had felt herself, many times. Her heart ached in sympathy.
“Being alive doesn’t mean you're satisfied.” Vanessa hesitated for a moment. “Paying for the long overdue sins of your own kind…I can't relate to you completely, but I know what the Giant Queen is doing is horrible.”
Giselle turned back to the stove.
“Breakfast is finished.”
Vanessa glanced over at Giselle. She had her face turned away as she set a plate of eggs and bacon down on the table.
Giselle paused at the doorway, her back turned.“I will wake up the rest of your group now, enjoy your breakfast.”
Vanessa reached out and grasped Giselle’s hand. She leaned toward her, squeezing her hand gently.
“If you need anything, just ask.”
“…Thank you. I appreciate it.” The words were barely audible.
She let Giselle’s hand slide from her own, and the dragon left the room, but not Vanessa’s mind.
It could have just been her imagination, but Vanessa thought she had seen a slight, small smile graze Giselle’s soft lips as she left the room.