[ the more time she spends with Gray, the more Rudbeckia is reminded of Endymion, the young squire that had often been assigned to guard her in Britannia. it's one of the only positive associations she's ever drawn in Kenos, and the realisation gives her more stable footing in their interactions almost immediately. she can accept Gray's kindness because it is uncomplicated, like a child's; she can rely on her for protection the same way one might a dog. they don't need to become closer than that. no, she doesn't want to become closer.

there is a reason, after all, that Ruby is only capable of befriending children and beasts: they will never actually come to know her. ]

No, it didn't exist yet in Romagna, so I'm not very familiar with it. But I've started drinking it here in Kenos, and I like it!

[ although Ruby has never worked a day in her life – in any life – she is well-versed in the art of people-pleasing. it's been an easy adaptation period. when there are customers, she serves them as closely as a maid. when her hands are empty, she cleans. learning the specifics of the little shop has taken more time than anything else, and even that is fairly simple, just as Dokja had assured her.

and sometimes, she gets coffee. she hadn't had coffee since her life in Madrid, back when she lived on it the same as any other young adult. ]

What about you, Gray?