Of Roses and Moonflowers (One-Shot)

The man was silent as he led the humans and the demon to the housing units in which they would be staying. Upon arrival, the four would note four separate houses that stood out in the area, and these four houses were what the man pointed out, "These will be your new homes. Inside, you will find everything you need to live here- food, comfort, utilities." As he spoke these words, he conjured up four keys, letting them float in the air for a moment. "Do you have any questions?" he questioned with a curious tilt of his head as he regarded them carefully.

None of the humans said anything, but the demon was a bit taken aback by the immense generosity. He hadn't led the best life, and the actions of this king sounded more than suspicious. "So...do we have to pay rent or anything like that? I don't really know how I will be able to find a job here..." His fluffy ears tilted back, pinning flat against his head. It almost seemed too good to be true.

The man seemed taken aback by this, as he turned to look at the demon, "No, not at all. You come here, seeking a safe haven- a new life. I can't very well ask to gain something in giving you this." he answered, shaking his head. "As far as work, though, I'm sure that someone in the city will be kind enough to give you a job, should you truly need it. Otherwise, I except nothing from you."

This was strange...almost too strange for the demon to truly comprehend. This man was showing generosity akin to nothing he had ever seen before and expecting nothing in return. "Well, okay..." He took the key that had materialized and turned to look at the other three travelers, already making their way to their new homes. It seemed rude, how they acted, but he knew that had he been in a different mindset he would have been just as eager to see what the new living situation would truly be like.

The man sighed softly as he watched the humans for a moment before noting how the demon seemed so hesitant... "Is there something wrong, little fox-blood...?" he questioned softly, his expression kind as he looked at the other.

"I'm...just having a hard time believing this is all real..." He said, being honest and open about how he felt. He had heard of this place, a place only accessible by magic. A haven for those who need a second chance or just want to start over. But to actually be here, to have it actually be real, and for everything to so smoothly just felt much more dreamlike than he would have liked it to.

The man sighed softly, letting his head fall, "I am sorry that you had to go through such hardships for this to seem so..." he murmured, before smiling once more. "Go and get settled in to your new home. If you would like, you and the others may join me for dinner tonight? It will be a welcome of sorts, to the kingdom." he offered, chuckling quietly.

His ears were still quite tilted backwards, but he nodded to the kind words of the king. He was hungry, as well as all of the others. With these words, he thanked the king before going to investigate his new living quarters. He wouldn't miss the dinner tonight, feeling obligated to attend as the king had already done so much for everyone that not going just seemed rude.

Smiling, the man stayed as he watched the other disappear, before he finally left, making his way back towards the palace, a certain light warmth settling over him with the knowledge that four more people were safe, settled in their new home. Four more people that would no longer have to deal with the perils and hardships that their home realms forced upon them.

~To the Palace Courtyard~