Puff

Puff came to the Latchkey out of necessity. Her clan had broken apart, and her clanmates scattered across the land. When she came to the Sunbeam Ruins, it was only the result of random wanderings.

The first dragon she met was Lumina, and Puff was instantly drawn to her, amazed by her golden light. At first Puff had thought that all dragons in the Ruins would be like Lumina, pure gold and radiant. She only later found out that Lumina had been born in the Labyrinth.

With Lumina's help, Puff was able to navigate the Ruins. She could tell Lumina was leading her towards joining the priesthood, but Puff was more fascinated by the common dragons below the terrace. Puff came to stay at the Latchkey just for a bed, but stayed for the companionship. Among the mismatched dragons, she felt at home.

At first Puff just helped around the Latchkey to earn her keep. One day her odd jobs led her to Marianne, who asked for help preparing dinner. Puff found her calling in the rising bread.

When she announced that she'd like to become the clan baker, there was some confusion, and at first the other dragons thought she was trying to take over Marianne's position—but then Marianne laughed and thanked Puff for giving her an excuse to never burn biscuits again.

Puff caught on quickly in the kitchen. It wasn't long before she could work totally independently, Marianne coming to her to coordinate meals rather than telling her her measurements were off. Her baking became popular around the Latchkey.

The smell of fresh bread even drew outsiders. Puff could often be found bringing a loaf or two to neighboring beasts, making pleasant chatter between work.

Between meals, she went to visit Lumina, bringing a basket of whatever was fresh for them to share.

It was a surprise when over one of their picnics, Lumina told her she had been dismissed from the priesthood. But she didn't hesitate to bring Lumina back with her, and the Latchkey was quick to make room.

It was difficult to leave for work each day while Lumina mourned her own life. Puff tried to leave Lumina food for a while, but it would never be eaten. Instead Puff spent breakfast and dinner with Lumina in their little nook, refusing to eat her own food until Lumina ate.

When Deceptive one day arrived during their breakfast, at first Puff felt her feathers stand on end. Deceptive was one of the few dragons she rarely spoke to. Her first thought was that Lumina was about to be told she was unwelcome.

When instead Deceptive brought Lumina to the Coliseum, and Lumina returned as bright as when they'd met, Puff baked him an extra-large cake and brought it to him in secret.

At first Puff was only supportive of Lumina's new passion, but as time passed, she found herself curious. She loved baking, but the heat of a hot oven seemed nothing compared to the heat of battle from how Lumina talked about it.

Lumina had been hesitant but excited when Puff one day asked to come along. Deceptive said little, silently allowing her to follow them to the Coliseum. They had a battle in the lower levels, and at first Puff was frightened and nervous and mostly hid behind her teammates—but then they won her first round, and the surprising pride of victory fueled her to push harder.

She now splits her time between the kitchen and the Coliseum, enjoying both the precision of baking and the unpredictable nature of battle. But the night is always with Lumina, curled together in their little nook.

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By WildGuppy