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Pearl glanced around into the first world that had accepted her since those frightening days since Evo. She could only hope that this magnificent world wouldn’t end the same way. But considering Grian had spent a few years here and had promised her it was safe from Their eyes, she had joined.
Currently she was surrounded by faces, most of which she’d never seen before, eagerly awaiting introduction. Apparently Grian had found his sister again and also got her onto Hermitcraft, and they were just waiting for Xisuma to officially get her in.
Grian gave her a kind smile, trying to reassure her shaking hands. Pearl was a bit scared, though it was mainly excitement keeping her restless. She was also excited to meet Grian’s sister, only ever hearing about Gem through the occasional story.
In the distance, she could see a burst of light as a portal opened, and smiled seeing Xisuma step out. Behind him, however, there was someone far more interesting.
Gem had long curly ginger hair, which was braided with a wide assortment of flowers. It flowed down all the way to her hips, curling at the tips. Her elongated ears peeked out, the points a sign of her elven heritage which she shared with Grian.
She was the definition of beautiful – Pearl had to stop herself from gasping at the literal goddess who had just walked into the world. Her clothes were perfectly tailored, though casual, making her look perfect without even trying. How did she pull it off?
Pearl found herself taking steps towards Gem before stopping herself. Fuck, she was already a hopeless fool. She hadn’t had an interest in dating anyone since the break-up at the beginning of Evo, so why did the universe tempt her so now? And Grian’s sister of all people – she couldn’t afford to fall in love with someone so close to her friends and lose them.
She did her best to tear her eyes away from Gem, pretending that her heart wasn’t beating out of her chest. If any of the hermits heard it with their enhanced traits, they were kind enough not to mention it. She chanced a glance at Grian, who’s face looked carefully blank. Pearl could only hope it wasn’t in reaction to her embarrassing crush.
She hadn’t even met the women yet – she needed to calm down. The elf was moving closer and closer towards them, smiling back at some of the hermits friendly welcomes. She looked as nervous as Pearl did, and she wondered what sort of past Gem had. Pearl couldn’t imagine it was good from what Grian had mentioned about her.
“Alright everyone, welcome to Hermitcraft’s eight world. We also welcome Gem and Pearl to our interesting family.” Xisuma announced, gesturing at both Gem and Pearl. Pearl tried not to blush when Gem sent her a shy smile, giving her best grin in return.
“Let’s go!” Grian shouted, instantly shooting off. Pearl laughed forgetting how chaotic Grian was. The others, a strange elf she did not know and a tall moustached man followed him.
Gem also seemed to be giggling, and Pearl’s chest warmed. She looked even better while laughing, her hair flowing freely in the wind, petals tumbling out.
With a sly smile, she gestured Gem towards a tree, and only hoped Gem would choose to stay with her. To Pearl’s delight, she followed, skipping along freely.
Oh, Pearl was already so far gone.