Coco

“Holy Lightweaver!”

Coco jumped at the astonished voice behind her. Ferrero, the lair baker stood, jaws agape, in awe at her chocolate creation. On the wall of Coco’s den, a great mural of the entire clan feasting, smiles so realistic that one could almost here the merry laughter. All in chocolate, her specialty, it was a given that a few of the hatchlings would devour it before sundown the next day. But for the moment, Coco was lost in her own artwork, feeling as if she was really there, stuffing herself during the holiday festivities.

“But… all the chocolate… why?” Ferrero’s disbelieving comment shook her out of the stupor and back into a less delicious reality. Glancing towards her lantern, the only source of light at this time of night, she briefly wondered why his first question was about the choice of art supplies.

“Because I had an excess today, of course. I’m thinking about making chocolate art to sell based on this success, what do you think?” she asked, cocking her head to the side as Ferrero stared past her at the painting. His green eyes gleamed, and the direction of the light cast rich brown shadows onto his face, giving him an ominous, as well as formidable appearance; Coco made a mental note to paint his image in chocolate in the morning.

“I think they’d sell rather well, but they’d last for much shorter than you spent creating them.” Pondering the concept for a moment, he added, “Maybe you could make some sort of template, something you could trace instead of making them from scratch each time.” Nodding, Coco followed as he described a business plan for her, from advertising to cross-lair trading.

“Well,” she interrupted, cutting into his thoughts as he mumbled more ideas to himself, “When I start, assuming I do, will you help me out? You’re the master of all things sweet, after all.” Ferrero snapped to attention instantly.

“I think that’s a fantastic idea! I can make the chocolate syrup, the perfect way: the way where it dries quickly – but wait, you’re the chocolatier… I don’t even really know how to make chocolates…” Coco shrugged away the point, beginning to clean up her chocolate mess as she responded.

“I could teach you how to make chocolate, of course. We could trade our skills: you help me set up a successful business in the art industry, and I’ll help you add another dessert to your menu.”

“I- I like that idea…” Ferrero, beaming at the prospect, bade her a hasty good night and hurried to his den to begin planning.

Thankful to have a partner in business, Coco was hopeful that the idea would prove worthwhile. If she could make a living selling chocolate artwork, it would make her the happiest dragon in the world. The combination of both passions was an amazing concept; she prayed to the Lightweaver that her dream could be realized.

She also, in the back of her mind, begged the deities to guide Ferrero to sleep; knowing the perfectionist, he would be awake till sunrise, adding final touches to the plan.

The business would be flawless.