Fantasy Unorthodox Horde

[Hazbin_Transformers]

Vespera found herself walking toward the cabinet, her steps slow and almost reverent as she gazed at the intricate pieces within. They were beautiful, a collection that seemed to hold stories in every curve, every carefully carved line. There were bones, crystals, and furs—each piece more captivating than the last, each holding a mystery that drew her in. For a moment, her sadness seemed to melt away, but it lingered like a shadow just out of reach.



The quiet had settled between them again, and as she admired the artifacts, she realized that the brief flicker of sadness on her face had not gone unnoticed. Rhin had caught it—his perceptive eyes had seen the subtle shift in her expression. “They are beautiful though… I suppose a hoard in technicality is just a pile of things someone wants to keep from others and for themselves…. It may be different but they are absolutely gorgeous…” Her heart gave a small, unexpected twinge at that realization. She had always been able to guard her emotions well, but something about being in this space, surrounded by the fragments of Rhin’s world, made her vulnerable in a way she hadn’t anticipated.



She paused, the question hanging in the air like a weight she hadn’t expected to feel. Why did she want a piece of his hoard? For some reason, she couldn’t lie to him. The thought of it seemed impossible, as if the very idea of being untruthful in this moment would somehow tarnish the safe space she felt wrapped in. She took a deep breath, her eyes lowering for a brief moment as she gathered her thoughts.



"The kingdom," she began, her voice soft but steady, "it caused the death of my parents. My father died fighting for it, and my mother... she died from heartbreak, watching the one person she loved most being taken from her. I wasn’t enough for her apparently…. The kingdom took everything from me." The words, once spoken, hung in the air between them. A dark weight shifted within her chest, but she felt strangely... unburdened.



Her hands shifted fidgeting with a piece of fabric. “I guess… I wanted a piece of the the treasure because, in a way, it felt like taking something back from the kingdom. A tiny bit of power, a bit of what was stolen from me and my family.”



She paused, the next part catching her throat, but the words came out before she could stop them. "And... there was this lady at the market. She was kind to me when I had nothing, when I was on the streets... she took me in, cared for me when no one else would. I guess part of me thought, if I could repay her somehow… make enough selling it to give her the life she deserves after everything she’d done…



Her gaze met his then, the vulnerability in her voice softened by the quiet honesty she hadn’t meant to reveal. The realization crossed her eyes as she quickly shrank back a step seeming panicked any and all of that had come out and that confidence was gone as she moved towards his door. “I… I should go.. before anyone gets wise I don’t belong here…” it was clear she was panicked and sure that admitting her intent to steal from the kingdom and prince would get her thrown in prison.

 

[zigzaglin]

Rin listened to her thoroughly as she spoke about how the kingdom took everything and about the woman who took her in being in the castle and wrapped up in royalty politics you forget that there is another world outside just a short way away from the castle. One that isn't as easy and one that you had to be tougher than what you had to be living here. He went into deep thought about it for a moment as he hummed and nodded as she spoke. He looked up just to catch her gaze and then saw her panic. He didn't jump at her he just watched her before rising and tilting his head. "If that is what you wish Lady Vespera." he spoke calmly to her.

He walked over to her and gave her a soft reassuring smile "No need to panic take a deep breath I'm not going to yell for the guards... I'm not one to brush up drama...my life has enough of that without me trying for it." He nodded before he opened the door. Walking out he looked down the hall that was empty as usual everyone was having the time of their lives at the moment. He looked at her "Come I'll take you to the front door if that is where you wish to go." he nodded to her and began to slowly walk off in the direction. He led her straight there and got to the door and opened it. The night was clear and cool he inhaled and let it out before looking at her "I would like to say..." he looked to her and smiled "Thank you...for coming tonight and for being brave....not many would go as far as you did today." he nodded and gestured for the way back home. "I'd also offer you an escort but that would let on who you are...just stay safe the way back home yeah?"

 

[Hazbin_Transformers]

Vespera stood there, her gaze flickering between Rin and the door, her nerves still taut from the sudden shift in everything. His calm demeanor helped settle her storming thoughts, but there was a lingering ache at the idea of walking away from something that had, for once, felt like a reprieve. Her fingers twitched at her sides as if they wanted to hold onto something—anything—just to keep from falling apart.


“Im sorry… i promise not to say anything about what is yours…” she said softly, her voice quiet but sincere. She took a small breath, fighting to steady the tremor that had threatened to take over her words. “I really didn't mean for it to happen like this… It's just…" She paused, staring at the floor before meeting his eyes again, a touch of sadness hidden beneath the determination in her gaze. "I’ve learned the hard way that it’s easier to keep things quiet, to stay unnoticed. But tonight… It felt different. It was nice. I guess I just didn't know how to deal with that."


Her smile was small, but it was genuine, tinged with both appreciation and a kind of regret she couldn’t fully explain. "I don’t belong in the castle or among all of them... but this world outside," she gestured to the empty hall and the night beyond, "it’s harsh but it’s where I grew up….ill be okay…”!



She glanced at the door, her chest tightening slightly. "I’ll be fine. I’ll make it back," she reassured him, her tone a little firmer now. There was a quiet resolve there, something that came from surviving day after day in a world that constantly took. "But thank you. For tonight, for everything. For not turning me away." She followed him to the front and turned toward the door, the cool night air wrapping around her as she stepped out into the world she knew so well. "Stay safe, Rin," she said, her voice soft, but with a weight that was uniquely hers. "And thank you again." She stepped away, glancing back only once before continuing down the path, her heart heavy, but lighter than it had been before.

 

[zigzaglin]

Rin nodded "Of course. I always will be." he spoke to her and let her go waving when she turned to look, he only shut the door when he no longer could see or smell her. A sigh let loose as he stood and thought about it for a moment. He looked up when he heard footsteps it was his brother "Having fun Rin?" he asked with a smile Rin sighed "Are you having fun? Stalking us the whole way... I'm guessing mom and dad put you up to it...." His brother shrugged "Yeah, they did they knew you were up to something...and I guess it was a nice break from all the talking to people." Rin snorted softly "Yeah I don't know how you do it..." His brother shrugged "Honestly same...I guess it just comes naturally to me." Rin nodded gently "Well to answer your first question, yes I did. It was nice even if I did lead her on...I feel bad though" His brother smiled softly "You have a good heart Rin...so you going to see her again?" Rin looked up suddenly and huffed "Of course not! The talk that everyone would have if they found out? I'm not in the mood to deal with it...." He spoke as he walked past him "I'm going to bed.... I'm exhausted." He then left his brother to go up to his room and get ready to go to bed.

But that question had stuck with him, would you see her again? It was merely a month later that he was walking down the road in the most casual wardrobe he would put together. With him he had a basket filled with pastries and bread he had made himself. The early morning walk was nice it wasn't hot yet that the afternoon brought. It wasn't long before he was entering town. It also wasn't long before he was noticed for who he was. The horns and his white features gave him away as the second prince there were whispers, people waving, bowing, and even people who hurried out of his way when he walked. They all wondered why he was here cause he never ventured to town unless it was with family. He was following the scent of the woman from a month ago, He would stroll waving here and there to the townspeople but that was all. Soon he saw her in the market he would know her anywhere. He walked up to her and smiled as he reached out to tap her on the shoulder. When she turned he smirked "Hey. How are ya?" he asked casually offering her a wave.

 

[Hazbin_Transformers]

A month had passed, yet Rhin’s presence lingered in her mind, a persistent ache she couldn’t shake. It was foolish, she finally admitted to herself, to have ever believed she could claim even a fraction of the prince’s wealth to repay her mother. She had burned the invitation and sold the dress for a fraction of its value, but still, she was haunted by the memory of how she had broken down in front of Rhin.

With a heavy basket filled with fruits and spices, Vespera moved slowly through the streets, each step a painful effort. Her body ached, bruises staining her side in shades of purple and blue from the beating she had endured. Every movement was a reminder of how far they had fallen— how she was still not doing enough for her mother or herself. Shame weighed her down like a heavy cloak, one she couldn’t shed.

As she made her way toward her mother’s stall, the landlord’s threats echoed in her mind, a cruel reminder that their home was no longer theirs unless they could pay. But no amount of pleading, no amount of hard work could have covered the debt. Her mother had been sick for weeks, and Vespera was running herself ragged, trying to care for both her and the market stall. She’d known better than to backtalk the men who’d come to collect but her frustrations had come to a head and it wasn’t even the first time they’d gotten violent to prove a point.

Lost in her own thoughts she had absolutely no idea Rhin was wandering the markets or the fact he’d managed to find her. Spinning with a startled yelp she nearly dropped her basket as someone tapped her shoulder. She instinctively raised her hands, ready to swing in defense, but the pain in her body stopped her. "Oh... oh, Prince Rhin?! I’m so sorry! You startled me... I didn’t mean to I promise…”

 

[zigzaglin]

Rhin blinked when she yelled and spun to attack whoever it was. His face slowly melted to a serious look and he frowned softly The woman that he had met that night was barely there anymore. He knew out here could be hard but the month was not kind to her. He looked her over a couple times before sighing "You dont have to worry, you did it on instinct." he reasurred her but it was a instinct no one should have to rely on. He looked around at the few eyes on them he cleared his thoat then looked to her "Come...im guessing you have a place? where were you going?" he asked nodding.

He let her lead him off to the stall that she had been running, he looked at it. Then he looked to her frowning beginning to be worried. "Come i know you need to work but sit. I can tell you need it..." he nodded pulling up a box that was idle and he sat on a barrel. "You look horrible..." he spoke the truth "What happened? What is happening?" he asked as he tilted his head willing to listen.

 

[Hazbin_Transformers]

Vespera blinked in surprise as Rhin appeared before her, his unexpected presence throwing her off, especially after a month of silence. She hadn’t anticipated seeing him here, of all places, nor did she expect him to have found her. Her brow furrowed, and her voice came out sharper than intended, laced with frustration.

“Why are you here…?” Her tone was a mix of disbelief and irritation. She quickly glanced down at her worn clothes, torn and stained, clinging to her sore, aching body. Her frustration was mounting. “This is what happens when you just tap someone on the shoulder in the market, Rhin. I’m just bringing some things back to my stall. It’s not a big deal.”

The frustration in her voice grew as she waved a hand dismissively, though she had a feeling he was going to follow her regardless. Unfortunately, the last thing she needed was the prince showing up at her stall, especially after everything that had happened, but she moved a few crates aside and led him in. The stall was small but well-kept, a clear reflection of the pride she took in it, though it wasn’t much.

Sighing in frustration, she decided to sit down and wait to see what exactly Rhin wanted. Not that she had any customers to attend to at the moment. She stiffened and turned her face away from him, swallowing hard. She didn’t want his pity, but the softness in his voice and the quiet concern in his eyes disarmed her for a moment. “I’m fine,” she muttered, brushing her hair out of her face. “And besides, that’s an incredibly rude thing to say.” Crossing her arms tightly over her chest, she made it clear she was irritated. “If you came all the way here just to tell me I look terrible, you can leave. Or are you actually here for something? It’s common knowledge that you never come to the market, so why today…?”

 

[zigzaglin]

Rhin blinked as he sat there he wasn't expecting this sort of irritation....okay that was a lie he was sure that there would be some anger. The way she left wasn't on the best of terms but he now still had no idea what he could have done. He had no advice to past him. he frowned slightly and sighed "Sorry...it was uncalled for." He nodded gently as he sat there now that he was semi-out of prying eyes he began to relax a bit more and then he looked at her "Yeah I'm not exactly one too well...take a stroll in the market..." he didn't need security he was a dragon after all he could take care of that bit by himself. He frowned more as he began to pick at the handle of the basket in thought. "But well... I don't know the way you left that night and the things you said didn't sit right and well... I feel I owe you an apology at the very least." He began to play with eh basket more as he went on. "I sorta....lead you on that night...my brother made it very clear that wasn't very graceful of me...so I'm here to apologize and well also....offer you a proposition kinda..."

Rhin inhaled and let it out slowly and looked up to her "I am here to offer you a job of sorts...you come to the castle from time to time and give me company....andbeamongstmyhordefromtimetotime." he muttered out the last bit but before she could comment about it he held out the basket of baked goods to her "In return I will give you these..." to the eye, it looked like just baked goods but then he dug in and produced a small purse and then tossed it her way in it were a few gold coins good enough to pay for a living for at least a month. When she looked he smiled "My horde might not be riches but I am a prince after all... I can easily pay you for your job." he tilted his head "What do you think??" he asked her.

 

[Hazbin_Transformers]

Vespera's confusion deepened as she processed what Rhin was saying, her gaze narrowing slightly. It had been a month since their last meeting, and she had assumed that was the end of it. So why was he here now, apologizing? Rhin had always made it clear that he never visited the market and always had the royal guard with him, so this situation only made her more bewildered.

She blinked, furrowing her brow as she tried to make sense of his apology. "Why are you apologizing?" she asked, genuinely puzzled. She had no idea what had prompted this sudden remorse in Rhin. If anything, she had been the one to lead him on in her attempt to reach his hoard. But then he mentioned his brother, and her confusion shifted.

When Rhin explained that his brother thought he had led her on, Vespera’s confusion turned into concern—and a growing sense of anger. "Wait... your brother was watching us the entire time?!" she demanded, her voice tightening as her anger flared. "Did you know?" she paused, then her tone darkened, "Of course you did..." The realization that someone had been observing their interactions without her knowledge felt like an invasion of her privacy and trust. The fact that Rhin hadn't said anything only made it worse.

She crossed her arms, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. "That's... not okay," she muttered. "Why didn’t you say anything?" The anger was evident in her voice, but before she could say more, Rhin’s mention of a proposition caught her off guard. She tilted her head slightly, narrowing her eyes in skepticism. "A proposition?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow. "What kind of proposition?" She was wary, unsure of what he was getting at, but the seriousness in his tone made her cautious.

Her mind was reeling as she processed the offer. She couldn’t decide whether to laugh or remain speechless. She had expected a lot of things, but not this. "Wait," she said, breaking the stunned silence. "You want me to come to your castle, keep you company, and... just be around your horde?" Her voice was laced with disbelief.

Then, without warning, Rhin tossed her a coin purse. She caught it instinctively, her fingers gripping it tightly as she stared down at the gold coins inside. It wasn’t just a few pieces—this could easily support her and her mother for at least a month, maybe more.

She couldn’t quite wrap her head around it. He was offering gold in exchange for... companionship? "You want me to just... hang out with you at your castle, and you’ll pay me for it?" she asked slowly, still unsure if she had heard him correctly. She glanced down at the purse again, then back up at him, trying to make sense of the proposition.

"Why?" she couldn’t help but ask. "What’s in it for you?" This seemed too simple, too strange—there had to be something more he wasn’t telling her. "And why now?" Her suspicion grew with every passing moment, her arms still crossed defensively as she awaited his response.

 

[zigzaglin]

Rhin sighed softly as she got angry he knew she had ever right to be. If it wasent the first time this happened he would of been angry too. He sat there “even if i told you, it wouldent change anything. Sure you would know he was there but he was under orders of my parents…hed still stick around even if he was caught. But dont worry he wouldent tell anything about you, if he did i would of heard about it already.” He shrugged when she tried to figure out his deal as if he had a ulterior motive. He tilted his head when she asked what was in it for him he thought on it. “Hmn other than someone to talk to that i feel would get me? Unless that night was completely an act and you were just acting nice to get to my horde?” He bit his tongue and he frowned “sorry…” he apologized quickly “that was uncalled for….i just…since the rumor of my horde got out i got a huge amount of people being friendly to me. There have never been so many people intrest in the off colored prince before. I dont know who is genuinely being friendly or just are there to try and steal it. I mean i know that was what you were there for but you well felt different.” He sighed and shrugged “and i dont know since you know about it and are not some stuffy royalty and have insights and intrest that would be vastly different than i could ever comprehend i thought it would be nice to have someone from time to time like that.”

He tried to explain himself to her he looked to her “up to you if you want to take the offer or not. You can even view it as a job if you want. Call yourself my caretaker if you want to avoid people making a fuss i dont care.” He sighed “and i felt coming here in person for this was the best choice but keeping it casual so it wouldent raise any alarm with the townsfolk.” He went quiet for a minute or two to let her think. “So? You will be paid what you have there monthly or if you want split it to bi monthly payments. You can do whatever you want with it once its yours. You can even start your own horde if you want, its pretty fun actually.” He chuckled at the joke at the end.

 

[Hazbin_Transformers]

Vespera’s eyes narrowed as her frustration beginning to boil over. She clenched her fists, trying to hold back the wave of anger that surged through her. "You think that makes it better? You really think just because he’s under your parents orders, it somehow excuses him from being a damn eavesdropper?" Her voice was sharp, full of disbelief. "I told you things, personal things I didn’t want anyone to know, I didn’t even mean for you to know! And he was listening the whole time? That’s not okay!”


She took a deep breath, her face flushed with a mix of fury and hurt. "And now you're saying it wouldn't change anything? It would have… I would have kept my mouth shut Rhin, I don’t know why but it felt safe to tell you… I couldn’t stop talking in the moment but that’s not right you tell me spill my guts and he was there…”


Her eyes flickered with a mix of shock and hurt at his comment, and she couldn’t help but flinch visibly. The words hit her harder than she wanted to admit, and for a moment, the pain of them was all she could focus on. She tightened her jaw, struggling to keep her composure as she listened to his immediate apology, her gaze flickering away from him.

But when he apologized again, she sighed, rubbing her temples as the frustration inside her started to drain away, replaced by exhaustion. "It’s fine," she muttered, her voice soft, though it still carried a trace of tension. “I probably deserved it… I did go that night with the intention of finding the hoard… I just wanted enough to pay off our debt and have a bit of payback at your family for everything… but that sounds insane now that I hear myself…”

She was surprised to see the flicker of vulnerability in his eyes, even if it was quickly masked as he explained quite literally just wanting the equivalent of a friend. “You’re serious?” she said, her voice almost breathless. "You actually want to pay me just to... spend time with you? Just hang out?” She shook her head, still trying to wrap her mind around it. She listened quietly as he continued to explain himself, his words a bit more thoughtful than she’d expected. When he mentioned her insights, her life being so different from his, she could see what he was getting at. It was a strange offer, but at the same time, it wasn’t coming from a place of manipulation or expectation.

Her mind was racing. "I’m not royalty, Rhin. What are your parents going to say," she said, her tone softening. "And as for the whole caretaker thing... I don’t know if that’s what I’d call it. But it’s... strange. Paying someone to spend time with you because they understand things you think no one else does?” Finally she spoke again “okay… I will give it a trail run… but why did you wait a whole month..?”