Cookie

Cookie, originating from the Windswept Plateau, was never as active or energetic as her fellow dragons of Wind. She preferred to stay inside while others went out to fly and play -- this gave her plenty of time to explore the world of baking, an omen told by the chip-like dapples on her coat and her fluffy, frosting-like wings. While all her siblings and friends would tire themselves out outside, she would prepare them snacks for their return, much more enthusiastic about the reactions others have when they taste her sweets. With the joy and safety of her passion, she dedicated herself to become one of Sornieth's greatest confectioners. Cookie's craftsmanship was more than just an interest for her -- it was a coping mechanism. For a dragon who came from Wind, she was probably the least fond of storms, especially the powerful maelstrom on the southwestern coast of the Plateau. While storms were cold and scary, baking was warm and safe; while other dragons thrived in the howling winds, Cookie thrived with her sugar and chocolate. It gave her lots of time to hone her craft, the crackles of the fire and the swishes of her batter a useful tool in tuning out the downpours and hurricanes. Her parents supported her, thankfully -- had she not been able to keep to herself and bake, she would be a fluffed-up ball of anxiety whenever a storm passed by. In time she found her knack for the crumbly, the crispy, and the chewy, most certainly cookies! From chocolate chip to macadamia nut to red velvet and more, Cookie loved the easily-grabbable sweet snacks of a million assortments. Centaur Ration Pouch Plant This leather pouch is filled with harvested oats that have been tossed in sugar and honey. Makes for a hearty, balanced breakfast. 20 2 Vegetable Oil Plant Makes cooked foods even more delicious. 400 20 Centaur Nut Mix Plant An assortment of harvested nuts, capable of sustaining a warrior's energy for weeks. 20 2

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For a long while, she never met any dragon who had as much of an investment in baking as she did. Most Wind dragons were lackadaisical and playful, concerned with soaring the skies more than mere food. Unsurprisingly, however, she wasn't the only dragon in Sornieth with this kind of passion. Coincidentally, at the trading post, Cookie came across a handsome Coatl lad who looked almost just like her! The two of them were both buying some ingredients for their desserts – and, almost like he were a doppelgänger, he also loved making sweets! It immediately formed a bond between them, and they started to collaborate with their recipes. He hailed from the Starfall Isles – far enough to have never met him before, but close enough to be able to relate with him. Through their love of confections, the two found love, and migrated away from their homelands in search of a place to call their own. Together with Gelato, the colorful (and tasty looking!) couple settled down into the flourished, lively, and serene land of the Viridian Labyrinth, where to this day they seek out their own natural ingredients from the land of the Gladekeeper to include in their recipes. They teach their children the art of baking and dessert making, keeping it a family tradition. Even so, a child whose passion is elsewhere doesn't bother them; their only goal is to help their children find their talents and seek out what they want most in life. And they knew for sure that Sornieth would benefit from such creative dragons! Raspberry Plant It's rude to blow raspberries at others, just so you know. 25 3 Honeycrisp Apple Plant It's a challenge to get the skin off in a single, unbroken spiral. Sharpen your claws! 50 5 Green Shoots Plant These hollow shoots can make for a chewy meal or a durable paper. 58 5

Gelato and Cookie have had a wondrous time in Clan Gladehaven. They have seen countless dragons come and go, and made delicious desserts for them all. Their children all grew up to be wonderful bakers, chefs, confectioners, baristas, and more, just like the two of them. But like their children, it was time for them to start the next chapter in their lives, and find a new place to which they could bring their craft. Though they loved Gladehaven, it was Cookie's inner Wind wanderlust calling for her to move again, and wherever she went, Gelato would go.

The hardest part about leaving was to inform Fudge of their decision. Though the three were obviously close, they were not inseparable. Instead of their son seeking to leave Gladehaven, it was them that approached him with the idea.

"You guys want to leave?" Fudge asked, a tad sadly, his head feathers lightly pinning downward.

"We think it's time," Cookie cooed, walking over to lean in and give Fudge a gentle kiss on his cheek.

Gelato chimed in: "It's like a child leaving their parents to go off on their own adventure. But in reverse!" he joked.

Fudge laughed, feathers perking again. "Always a comedian," Fudge sighed nostalgically. And always able to make him smile when he was down.

Cookie continued, "We love you very, very much, Fudge, and so does the clan. You are integral to Gladehaven, and have taken on the role of clan confectioner well. But your father and I think you deserve the role entirely."

"All of Sornieth deserves delicious food, and we want to provide. You provide excellently for Gladehaven, so we think it's time for us to take our craft elsewhere, and start anew. Put down new roots. Lead us where the wind takes us," Gelato said, winking in Cookie's direction. "It was your mom's idea."

Cookie smiled bashfully as he feathers ruffled. "It is the spirit of Wind within me," she chuckled.

Gelato continued: "All of your siblings have traveled far off to share our recipes and traditions. We think it's in the spirit of our family to continue that tradition, wouldn't you think?"

Though Fudge understood this all, he was still somber. He sighed, "Yeah, I agree." He did agree; he helped raise every sibling after him with his parents, and saw all of them seek their own aspirations. In an odd way, it was like going through it all over again, but, well, in reverse.

Cookie's head feathers lowered as she noticed Fudge's demeanor. "We hope you'll be alright with this."

It didn't take Fudge even a split second to pull his parents into a big, warm hug. As he held them both, he told them, "I am alright with it. I'm beyond honored I could make you as proud as you are, and I'm glad I got to spend as much time with you as I have." He pulled back, paws still on their shoulders, smiling brightly. "And I'll keep making you proud."

Cookie smiled as tears filled her eyes, and the three embraced again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Like all goodbyes, Gelato and Cookie's departure was bittersweet. A lot of "Love you!" and "Send letters!" and the like, all promises the three would keep forever. As a parting gift, the two gave their son a locket with their portraits within it, so he could keep a piece of them with him forever.

The pair didn't travel far to find their new home. Within the Labyrinth they found another clan -- called the Firefly Grove -- which they both felt called to them. They soon learned that this clan was a clan of bakers and confectioners as well! The two coatls were absolutely thrilled to find this clan, knowing that they could offer their craft with confidence, but also, to find a new home to continue their family's legacy.

They both knew Fudge would be proud.

bio code and lore by @Alphazi

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