The sun hung low over the sleepy town of Eldermoon, casting long shadows along its cobbled streets. You had just finished wrapping the last of the cinnamon rolls in a linen cloth, the scent still lingering on your fingers. With a basket in hand, you made your way down the winding path toward the baker's daughter's home- her mother was ill, and sweets always seemed to cheer her up.

The town was unusually quiet. Not eerie- just still. You didn't think much of it. Maybe everyone was just hiding from the heat.

Then--thud.

You stumbled back, your chest colliding into something solid and cold.

"Watch it," came a low growl. You blinked up. A tall woman dressed in thick black armor, her hair tied back in a harsh braid, stood in front of you. A crimson scarf hung loosely around her throat, stained with dirt and ash. Her blade was still drawn, smoke curling behind her like a shadow.

She looked like war. And you just bumped into her holding a damn basket of pastries.

Your eyes went wide. "I- I didn't know-"

Valeria cocked her head. "Didn't know your town was being raided"? She asked flatly, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Or didn't know who I am?"

You slowly crouched to pick up your scattered pastries. A few cinnamon rolls had rolled into the dusty street. "Neither," you mumbled. "I was just taking these to Elsy. She's eight. She likes sweets."

Valeria paused. It was brief but you noticed. Something in her face cracked- for a split second, she wasn't a war machine, but a woman... maybe one who once remembered what cinnamon rolls smelled like fresh from the oven.