Chapter Text
Clara wiped the dust off the old book she currently held in her hands. She coughed as the dust spread around her before looking down at the title. Goby Dick. It was one of her favorite novels, telling the story of a revenge-driven captain who was determined to hunt down a particularly powerful Hallowed Jhen Mohran that took his leg. She had finished reading it a long time ago and the book had been a treasured gift from him.
At the thought of that man, she became saddened before she shook her head to focus on the present.
She continued to clean and dust the old bookshelves filled with her favorite timeless classics. Once that was done, she wiped the sweat off her brow and moved away to examine her work. Deeming it satisfying, she went back downstairs to fix herself a cup of hot chocolate. She mixed in pieces of shaved chocolate before adding the milk. She held her chin for a moment before reaching over to grab some spices. She was grateful to the Grammeowster for teaching her how to make the perfect hot chocolate.
Once that was done, she poured the drink onto her favorite mug before making her way to the dining table. She placed the mug on the table and sat down before her typewriter. She glanced at the stack of papers neatly piled next to her and at the paper currently inserted into the typewriter. She was nearly done with her latest novel, but she struggled to think of how to progress. Plus, she had deadlines to meet. She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Being a successful author sucks sometimes… Clara took a sip from her drink and hovered her fingers over the letters as she brainstormed ideas.
"Maybe some fresh air will do…." She stood up and headed towards the balcony overlooking the coastline below. The cool breeze felt good against her skin, and she closed her eyes, savoring every moment. She wished he were here with her, so they could enjoy this together.
Several hours later, she took a deep breath and stretched her arms over her head. Her novel was complete, and she had neatly piled up the manuscript on the table. All that's left to do was bring it to her editor and hope for the best. She reached for her mug of hot chocolate, only to remember that it had been long empty as well. She glanced at the clock on the wall. It is late, I guess should prepare dinner.
Later, as she put the finishing touches on the food, she heard the door open, followed by some voices.
"For the last time Master, it's not my fault! I was preoccupied!"
"Says the one who was too busy dancing on their instrument!"
"You and Dad were both at fault here you know…"
"Whose side are you on anyway?!"
Clara shook her head with a smile, clearly used to their antics. She turned around to greet them. "Hey guys!"
"We're back mom," her teenage son said, wanting to hug her but held back due to how dirty his armor was. He pointed a thumb at his father and his Palico, who were staring daggers at each other. "They're at it again…" he said with a sigh.
Clara giggled before walking over to her husband. "Hey you."
Malcolm grinned at her, and she gave him a quick peck before he turned his attention back to his Palico. "As I was saying-"
"I finished my novel by the way," she said nonchalantly. Immediately, he stopped his arguing with his Palico and looked at her.
"You did?"
"Yup."
He smiled and picked her up, spinning her around happily. "That's amazing! And you've been working on this one for how long now?"
"Six months."
He beamed at her before sniffing his nose at the air. "Oooh, food." He gently placed her on the ground and made his way to the dining table. Clara laughed at his sudden change in demeanor. His Palico had already settled themselves on the table, munching on a loaf of bread while their son patiently waited for his parents to sit. Their son admired Malcolm, looking up to him as a hero in the same way people did all those years ago, and still do until now. He wanted to become a hunter like his father so Malcolm made it his personal goal to train their son as much as he can before enrolling him at Dundorma Academy back in the Old World. Whenever she looked at them, Clara can't help but feel proud of what she and her husband managed to create, despite the difficulties they had faced during their relationship. Clara could never forget the night before he left to slay the Fatalis…
She could also still remember how worried and anxious she had gotten as she waited for his arrival. She had heard it to be a battle of legends, with the Sapphire Star, alongside his Palico and hunters from both the Old and New World working in tandem to bring down the legendary beast. It culminated at the moment when the Sapphire Star pulled the switch, unleashing two Dragonators onto the Fatalis and turning the tides in their favor.
That day, she and the remaining members of the Commission waited by the docks of Astera for the heroes to arrive. When they saw the ship that carried the heroes arriving at the dock, she had cried tears of joy. She was the first to greet him, jumping onto his arms as he stepped onto the pier, not minding the soot and dust that got onto her uniform. He was alive, albeit suffering burn marks all over, but otherwise alive and definitely glad to be back home.
That had been twelve years ago.
"So, how did the quest go?" Clara asked as they ate.
"Terribly. This idiot right here thought it was a great idea to continue dancing on the bongo while I stood there, dazed and about to get trampled by the monster."
"Pfft, Master just doesn't want to admit he got careless at one point and ended up getting smacked onto his ass." Malcolm glared at his Palico, who smirked at him and continued to slurp up their soup.
"I agree. Technically, if you hadn't gotten hit, you wouldn't have needed any saving at all."
"I was trying to coach you at the same time! Can't blame me for getting distracted…"
"Like I said…Don't get hit, dad. Simple as that."
"You-"
Clara giggled as both Malcolm's Palico and their son teamed up against him. Their son definitely got their snark from being around the Palico too much. Still, he truly did look up to his father and it helps both his parents were still relatively young and not swamped with work when he came to this world… Well, she had been relatively young during that point. She was nineteen and Malcolm was twenty-six when she was pregnant with their son…one year after he slew the Fatalis. No guesses as to how that happened.
Of course, he promptly received slaps from Clara's friends (again) and yet another kick to the groin from Anya (seriously, why the groin?!). At least this time, Clara came to his defense, saying it had been her to initiate it. Thankfully, they didn't wed immediately seeing that they still were busy with Guild work. To her relief, she was allowed a paternal leave up until her son is a year old. She was glad that the Sapphire Star made sure to stay by her side every step of the way, supporting her in any way he can. He will be a great father.
Sure enough, when their son was born, he showered them both with affection. Despite not being wed yet, they have effectively become a loving family, which made Clara giddy with anticipation for when he will finally ask her to marry him. Not even a year later, he presented her with a beautiful ring and the promise that he will take care of her and their son for the rest of their lives.
She giggled as her husband his Palico argued again for the umpteenth time. Despite their bickering, the man and his Palico cared for each other greatly, having been together far longer than she had been with him. It was adorable if she was being honest, seeing the normally reserved man act so casually around his Palico. They truly were the best of friends.
Clara smiled, still unable to believe how things managed to turn out this way. She never expected to be part of the crew heading to the New World, work as a Guild Receptionist, and meet her future husband there. What had started out as a crush soon grew to love and now, they were married with a child. It had not been without its difficulties, notably Malcolm's brief possession by a suit of armor, but it had also had its happier moments too. A Pub Lass and her Sapphire Star. A Star and a Lass. It was so unexpected and yet, she couldn't have it any other way.