Gelato

Gelato

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Gelato, originating from the the Starfall Isles, never quite had the pull to the purely academic life of other Arcane dragons. Even his plumage showed a much more tasteful appearance, with swirls of fudge and feathers of frosting. Rather than focusing on research and astronomy, he took his studies and mathematical abilities to a much more hands-on – and delicious – occupation: dessert-making. Ever since he was little, he's had an excellent tongue for sweets; he'd hand out home-made cookies at parties with other young dragons, and frequently offered to cater at larger events needing an array of sweet snacks (or so he argued!). With the knack of understanding the delicate chemistry of cooking, he dedicated himself to be one of Sornieth's finest confectioners. Time after time, mistake after mistake, Gelato worked not only on mastering recipes of dragons before him, but making his own. It was his passion to dedicate himself to his craft; it not only brought him joy, but helped him cheer up in dark times as well. For him, sugar was happiness, and not just because he has a bit of a sweet tooth! Sugar, as an idea, was something that made people smile, that softened moods, that patched up wounds. If he could make people smile because of desserts, then that's what he promised to do. He found his inclination towards ice creams, sorbets, and such his strongest suit, and has been known to sometimes go around and hand out cold treats on hot days in a block of ice he trolleys around, satisfying dragons and cheering up hatchlings alike. All in a day's good work, and their smiles were enough of a payment for him. Blue Jelly Plant This block of jelly takes on the taste and characteristics of whatever it is cooked in. 33 3 Honeycomb Fragment Plant A delicious treat. 18 2 Sweet Grass Plant Some dragons prefer to chew on Sweet Grass for hours rather than devour it quickly. 15 2

For a long while, he never met any dragon who had as much of an investment in baking as he did. Most Arcane dragons were busy with the knowledge of magic and the stars than mere food. Unsurprisingly, however, he wasn't the only dragon in Sornieth with this kind of passion. Coincidentally, at the trading post, Gelato came across a stunning Coatl lady who looked almost just like him! The two of them were both buying some ingredients for their desserts – and, almost like she were a doppelgänger, she also loved making sweets! It immediately formed a bond between them, and they started to collaborate with their recipes. She hailed from the Windswept Plateau – far enough to have never met her before, but close enough to be able to relate with her. 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 Cookie, 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! Winter's Delight Plant They say this berry tastes sweetest when the weather's at its coldest. 25 3 Red Delicious Apple Plant An apple a day keeps energy penalties away. 50 5 Cinnamon Plant The practice of attempting to hold a mawful of cinnamon sticks for extended periods of time became strangely popular among juvenile dragons. 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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