Crackfoot and Xera's first Meeting (Conquest of Noone)

It was the first time Crackfoot met his future wife, Xera. High-ranking military leaders, politicians, and wealthy elites were having a party to celebrate the First Feast Festival. As many were getting drunk, Crackfoot felt out of place like he was unworthy of being in the presence of these people even though he was a Colonel. Then like out of the tales of old, he saw an elfish woman over 6 feet tall. She seemed like a princess among peasants. She was in a fluffy flowy dress covered in flowers and feathers. Gold and silver linings connected each and every flower and feather. The metals glittered and gleamed like the stars in the night sky. Crackfoot was in his fancy military garb and felt like a roach. Throughout the night he would stalk her through the crowd. Despite his small stature, he was able to weave through the crowd like a squirrel. He nearly ran into several people but his quick thinking and dexterity ensured he made no fool of himself.

A servant with an empty platter was returning to get more drinks when Crackfoot stopped him. Crackfoot pointed to the tall woman "Who is that woman, and why is she wearing an entire meadow as a dress? he asked. "You don't know, that's Xera Blackoak. She's the sister of Mr. Blackoak. Who's the owner of many farms throughout the Golden Forests. I hear she's pretty scandalous. I would not pursue her if I were you. Especially since you are just a Colonel. It would ruin your career to do so." said the servant. The warnings damage Crackfoot's confidence but they failed to dent his feelings.

As the night went on and guests left, Crackfoot found Xera on a balcony overlooking the night sky with a big bright moon shining down on her like an ethereal being. Crackfoot stood beside her and looked out and saw plains stretch for miles and pass the horizon. When Xera noticed him she was spooked and then started laughing. "You almost scared me to death mister," she said. "I apologize, I just wanted to find a way to not embarrass myself in front of the other guests," said Crackfoot. "Embarrass yourself by doing what?" she said. "I know that I am nothing more than an insect to you but I find you very attractive. I also have heard rumors that you might be a bit scandalous." Before he could finish his thoughts Xera interrupted him "Who said such things?" she said angrily "If you wish to gain some favor root out the one who spreads such lies." the emotional shift from anger to business deal was so fast that Crackfoot couldn't even comprehend it. He understood what she said and was not about to let such an opportunity pass. "A servant within this very castle told me. Although I do wish to know how you plan to dispel such rumors in the future?" he asked. "Why? Is it so that you can make me your rich plaything, or a connection to my family's wealth?" she asked, still in her business voice. "None of that. If I may be so lucky I wish to make you my wife. So that I can add another story to the Nobodies of Nowhere collection. I want to die knowing I inspired generations of people like me who are made fun of and looked over." he said. "Ah yes, the delusions of a hero. Yet, the fact you are a Colonel means you are no fool, regardless of the fact you were brave to confess your attraction, and since you are willing to help me. It shows you are devoted to every cause you join. My family would be more than happy to accept someone like you, however, I was hoping to find a husband who was also an elf. Unless you can tell me how closely related you are to one." She said. Not once had Crackfoot felt so close yet so far away from a dream, a desire, a thing he deeply yearned for. He didn't know much about his family tree. He never knew much about his family other than the numerous amount of aunts, uncles, and cousins. As a halfling he knew there was some elfish blood within his veins, but how much and how close had always remained a mystery to him.

After much digging and investigations, Crackfoot found several people were part of a slander campaign against Xera. Each had their own reasons and motives but the fact he found them in such little time made Xera impressed. It was also revealed that Crackfoot's great-great-great-great-grandfather was a pure-blood elf, another surprising fact was that one of his great-great-great uncles married an elf under similar circumstances. Xera never knew any of these people but considering the amount of elfish connections and the fact that Crackfoot had more elfish blood than a typical halfling made him a viable husband. After much debate, Xera's family allowed her to marry Crackfoot.

Their wedding night was the most beautiful time of their lives. Xera wore the most ethereal wedding dress Crackfoot had ever seen. Its transparent fabric seemed to flow above and around her head like it was defying gravity. Meanwhile, Crackfoot was in his fanciest military garb. The ceremony was short only lasting five hours. After the wedding party began. Xera's family made sure to buy the best wine, the best cooks, the best cakes, and the best musicians. As guests were dancing Xera and Crackfoot stared into the moonlight looking up to the sky. "I wish we could stay here forever. No worries, no having to work, no fear of any kind. Come to think of it, this is probably the first time I felt joy in about 300 years. Thank you for being the best thing to happen to me." She said as she kissed his cheek and laid her head on top of his. Crackfoot could not have agreed more. The peace, the happiness, the smiles, the music. Everything felt like it belonged. It felt like any disaster would seem small compared to the next few days.

That was nearly 30 years ago and now Crackfoot was sitting in his chair looking at maps, military positions, and trying to predict Noone's next move. Xera came in and sat in Crackfoot's lap and looked at everything. "You're stressing yourself out again. Come, get some sleep. Maybe The Great Lion Gods will tell you what to do in a dream." she said as she kissed his head and ruffled his hair. "It would be nice to have a dream by them, however, Nothing's genocide of your people has me worried about you. Keeping you safe is why I'm doing all of this. It has been the reason I helped to defend Kamo City. Even if it has been conquered by that monster Noone." he said. "Well, if all else fails, I still have the best defense right here, in this room," she said. "And what is that?" he asked. She answered by pointing at Crackfoot's heart, then his head. "Your mind and soul are stronger than 100 trolls. I still believe if you were a magician you would rival The Great Lion Gods in power and anyone who would ever threaten to harm me would be wiped off the map before they could even get a look at me, and even though it can still happen, wasting away in this chair overthinking is not going to help," she said giving another kiss to Crackfoot's head. "Now, come to bed, before I carry you to it." she threatened. "You wouldn't dare," he said. "Do you want to find out?" she asked. Both of them giggled. "Fine, you win. I admit defeat. Though that would be a second one this month." he said. "Ah, so the great General Crackfoot lost to his wife. How tragic, first a Nobody from Nowhere, second a Someone from Somewhere. How fitting. Now to bed." she said as she got up and pulled Crackfoot from his chair. She tried to pick him up, but he got the jump on her and he got her in his arms. They giggled all the way down the hallway. Leaving all the worries, work, and fear behind.