Corundum

This dragon has been entered in the 177 or Bust / ITS raffle!



Mistral Jamboree Snack Bar Challenge Day Seven

A Tundra dragon of an unusual pinkish-purple hue approaches the judging area, walking with care so as not to tip the towering creation atop the tray he carries.

Finally able to set his burden down safely before the judges, Corundum breathes a sigh of relief, then smiles ruefully and says, "Jewelvine Clan hopes you will enjoy our submission today: The Delicious Crescendo.

"The base of the dish is this tall spiral of steamed Sweet Grass, Sea Grass and Longgrass Stalks, mimicking a whirlwhind and honoring Wind Flight's colors." He licks his lips, mouth clearly watering at the sight and scent of the grasses.

"Just as a real whirlwind picks up objects and carries them away, our imitation whirlwind has captured a variety of delectable foods which can be easily plucked free and enjoyed." Gesturing to one brightly-colored morsel and another, Corundum indicates, "herb-poached Golden Reefprinces... grilled Heartred Croaker Legs... roasted Mistral Beetles... marinated Nudibranch filets... Olympia Oysters on the half-shell... sugared Sparkling Wasps... and slices of barbecued Yellow-frilled Eel."

Pinching a blade of Longgrass between two foreclaws, Corundum pulls it smoothly free of the spiral. "And as you can see, the grasses are easily removed for your enjoyment as well." With a wink, he slips the stalk into his mouth and chews. "Thank you again for holding this competition! It has been the highlight of Mistral Jamboree for us." Bowing, he steps back to await the judges' response.

=== Judging (written by Eialyne) ===
tba


Scholar's Pursuit raffle costume contest week two: Adventurers


Corundum toiled all day at the dig site, hauling excavated dirt out of the diggers' way. Preoccupied with his work, he didn't recognize his friend Calantha until she put herself directly in his path to get his attention.

"Is that you, Corundum? Whatever are you doing here?" the Wildclaw herbalist asked, her voice gravelly but subdued.

"Oh!" Corundum exclaimed, almost dropping the empty baskets he was bringing back to the diggers. "Why, Calantha! How nice to see you here. You know I've always had an interest in --" he lowered his voice superstitiously "-- the Shade. Well, between hearing you were headed to this event, and listening to my clanmates Kahawai and Cassis enthuse about the opportunity in their own special ways, I just had to come lend a hand."

"But Corundum," Calantha interjected, puzzled, "you're a cosmologist. You look through telescopes for evidence of the Shade! All this heavy labor is surely too much for you?"

"Well, it's true the work has been challenging," he admitted. "I think I've come close to fainting from exertion a few times."

"It surely can't help that you're wearing those furs! I know you Tundras are accustomed to an even heavier coat than that in the wintertime, but that's the wintertime, when it's cold!"

Corundum plucked sheepishly at the purple furs that didn't quite match his own natural coat. "I'm used to wearing the extra furs when I work, since high altitudes are best for astronomical observations and it gets quite cold way up there. When I heard about this excavation, the cliffs were mentioned, but I forgot to ask whether the site was at the top or the bottom!"

"Well, it won't do to have you passing out. Here," she said, rummaging briefly in the capacious herb pouch slung at her side, "have some Violets. They'll help cool you down."

"Oh, that sounds delicious and refreshing!" Corundum agreed, licking his lips.

"I have a meeting to get to now, so please take care of yourself, old friend," Calantha said by way of goodbye.

"You do the same!" he called after her. Munching happily on the provided violets, the cosmologist soon felt better, and so wrapped the remaining Violet around his wrist for ease of access when he felt hot -- or hungry -- again.


(No, neither dragon considered having him just take off the extra furs. XD Special thanks to my sibling @Terrone for letting me write Calantha into this entry!)