Quinoa

Quinoa is part of the Forest Rangers, Archer Division. This group is highly skilled in Archery as well as spell casting, some the best Sharp shooters in the forest, just ask the intruders. Quinoa patrols the grounds with other dragons from all sorts of divisions, though she is mostly chatty with the rest of her division(despite the fact that they’re mostly Fae). Each division has their own tables at the Tavern, best seats in the House for the defenders of the clan, seems like a fair trade. Forest Rangers get many other bonuses too, they get to hear clan news early since they have to be on guard 24/7, they also get to have first pick on weapons and armor, etc, however, they aren’t rude about it. They grab what they need and let everyone else have armor and weapons for their jobs too. Merchants, Scavengers, and Explorers put their lives in danger when they leave the clan too.

Quinoa patrols the territory, fights off intruders, and helps any travelers she finds on the way. When Quinoa was younger, she was an outcast to travelers, many Coatls stayed away because they thought she was diseased with Fading Plumage, but really she was born with these colors. Only her family of Coatls really understood. To have friends to talk to, Quinoa began to learn how to communicate with other species of dragons, some that wouldn’t mind her patterns. Meeting Raven, leader of the Archer Division and Lt. Chip she finally found dragons that liked her for who she was. She eventually found her place with the Forest Rangers and decided to help the clan and stand up for dragons even if they didn’t trust her. She says her motive comes from wanting to protect dragons that feel like the outcasts she once felt like. Nowadays, she’s a well known Archer amongst SolarCell and other nearby clans, she has the Games to thank for that too. Recently, Quinoa made friends with another outcast, Sonya. She is a coatl with the same problem that Quinoa had, so Quinoa became friends with her, and to this day they still are.

Dragons can’t take all the credit around here, we’ll maybe some can, or just like to. Anyways, Quinoa has a big help from her Steelhound. Her robotic dog helps patrol with her. It sniffs out enemies hiding from her as well as attacks them while giving Quinoa enough time to charge up a breath attack. Her steelhound also helps locate lost travelers and gives them a ride back to the clan where healers can tend to their injuries or to the Tavern where they can get a drink and eat. Quinoa and her steelhound get along very well, sometimes they’ll even play games while they patrol like frisbee or fetch. Of course if you are an enemy hiding in the shrubbery, you wouldn’t want to stay there if a ball lands near you.

During her free time, Quinoa meets with her friends at the Tavern or with her non-Ranger friend, Sonya. She’ll also make time to meet with her mate, Torch, who is the Fire Flight ambassador. Sonya, Torch, and her all get along well and Sonya will bring her mate, Tamako, so they can all have double-dates. When she is out with her friends, Quinoa enjoys picking peppers and trying spicy dares at the Tavern(eat spicy food and see who can go the longest without taking a sip of water). However, this game is only really recommended for those who are comfortable with spicy foods or Fire Flight dragons. And remember, only try this at the Tavern.

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Quinoa stood at the entrance of the dining hall, taping her paw in anxious anticipation. Ahead of her was a rather long line of dragons trying to get into the reserved seating for this special day. She watched as awkward lovers try to find other seating arrangements and upset partners leave in frustration as they were told they didn't make the proper arrangements. But she wasn't worried about the seating. No, she had made her reservations months ago. Instead, she noticed her tapping paw and stopped as it was causing her sleeve to fall lower. She adjusted it while looking around at the other dragons. She took a deep breath as she advanced in the line. She was greeted by a well-dressed Coatl asking for her name. She gave it, glad he seemed rather focused on doing his job then her. He checked his book then looked back at her and had her shown inside. She seated herself at the booth she had reserved as she adjusted the bow of the bouquet seated beside her. The waiter asked if she would like to order ahead for herself and her guest which she agreed. The waiter, another Coatl, was busy jotting down the order when he noticed Quinoa's plumage, "My you look rather pale miss. A bit nervous are we tonight?" Quinoa looked at him and quickly smiled along, "Yes, there's just much I want to go right tonight, guess I am just a little nervous. Can I get some water actually? Feeling just a tad hot what with all the vents." The waiter nodded, "Right away miss!"

Quinoa smiled until the waiter was out of sight. Once he had disappeared, her smile dropped into not one of joy but rather relief. Instead of beaming, she was relaxing herself by taking a deep breath. It was hot in the Ashfall Waste but so was it in the Viridian Labyrinth. She calmed herself and looked at the flowers she brought with her that she had bought from Auberon. She placed them on the table and as the waiter returned with the water, she had him leave the pitcher for them. He told her the wait time for her meal before leaving. Quinoa again relaxed her fake persona as she now began tapping her leg nervously checking the time. Her mate, Torch, was helping her sons prepare for their night plans especially since her adopted Nocturne son, Desmond, had never been to the Ashfall Waste before let alone go on a date. So far, neither of her boys had actually found mates but rather preferred to be each other's wingmen for the night. Quinoa actually smiled as she thought about them. She knew Torch would probably go overboard in helping all three of her sons, specifically Desmond, but she knew he could count on him to show up on time. He always did.

She took the time to admire the room. Each table was lit up by lovely-scented candles flickering harmoniously with each table clothed in red and with ornamental centerpieces in the shape of hearts. Above her, since she had reserved this seating, she could view the stars while still enjoying the presence of the sparkling waterfalls that filled the air with a gentle steam. It was common for the Ashfall Waste to be full of open-sky areas but despite this she knew that no dragon would fly above the place this night, unless they of course were asking to receive the bitter wrath of the lovesick customers and employees trying to enjoy the comet show above. She had made reservations just for the perfect time so that they could enjoy their food with the setting sun and watch the stars fall when they were done. She looked at the appetizers each table also came with, pink heart-shaped chips with spicy cheese spread. She took a few to ease her hunger as she noticed a familiar shimmering ascending her way.

He sat down beside her as all her worries faded. "Hope you saved me some chips, my love." "Of course, I know how much you love them. Though I must admit I could have saved you some more if they hadn't grown on me." Torch smiled and settled in, placing a small box out of her sight. She noticed it but Torch changed the subject by telling her about the boys. She was thrilled to hear Serrano and Apricot were enjoying the night and that Desmond and his date were having a wonderful time. Torch told her how the boys all picked out matching outfits and that Apricot and Serrano had actually showed Desmond how to craft his date a jeweled bracelet. Quinoa was full of pride and joy. They continued talking before Torch and her touched hands noticing one remaining chip on the plate. Torch picked up Quinoa's hand and kissed it before breaking the chip in two, a last piece for both of them.

Finally, the waiter had returned with their food, glad to see Torch. The shook hands as the Coatl waiter was shocked to see the famous Ambassador in the area. Quinoa adjusted the plates, watching amused by the two hitting it off so well only after knowing each other for mere seconds as well as the awestruck waiter constantly shaking her mate's hand and telling him how much it was an honor to meet him as Torch embarrassedly nodded back. The waiter soon left, apologizing for keeping both of them waiting to dig in. Torch glanced at Quinoa as she smirked back at him, a lovingly mimicked the waiter's words back to him. Torched blushed. Quinoa knew Torch was famous in these parts, he was well acquainted and on great terms with just about every residing dragon and even knew much about the local events and customs, and especially since he always had gifts for other dragons when he was working. Though, she only heard rumors about how excited dragons can get when Torch is around second-hand. They talked while enjoying their meal, discussing other fan struck dragons, Quinoa's siblings' shenanigans and upcoming family events, about the evening stars, but most importantly they just enjoyed each other's company.

Once they had finished, Torch asked if she would like a dessert. He could tell she would prefer one but was feeling rather uneasy. He gently clasped her shoulder, "It's alright, if you'd prefer, I'll order it for you. I hear they have the best red-velvet lava cakes- lava not included." She laughed lightly at his pun and happily agreed. She endured another amusing act of fan-boy waiter before she and Torch each enjoyed their desserts. When they were done, the night sky had begun to darken but not yet in the peak conditions yet to view the stars. So, he asked if Quinoa would like to dance. Quinoa was all for it, as she realized that the song, she could hear playing was Torch's doing. Torch held her close, leading the steps as they both danced beside the table and next to the overhang where their booth rested. He spun her as they continued through the fluid motions, each pass Quinoa and Torch sharing their beaming smiles. As the song reached its climatic point, Torch leaned in as Quinoa felt herself dip back as Torch caught her. The lava pools below erupted lighting the sky with warm lights as Quinoa stared lovingly into Torch's eyes. Torch pulled her up slowly as Quinoa leaned in. They were about two inches apart when suddenly a loud crash caught her attention. The waiter had returned with the bill, now on the rocky ground and staring panickily at the two of them. He pointed to Quinoa as his mouthed lay gapped open. He began stuttering several words before Quinoa could understand what was wrong. He shouted the name of the dreaded disease, fading plumage before a mass panic outburst ensued. Quinoa realized her sleeve had slipped during the dip and tried to calm down the waiter as she pulled it back up. But the damage was already done. The waiter shouted more unsavory words to her face as she tried to grab and stop him. He jerked his arm away in fear of her touch. Torch tried to calm him as well before the waiter questioned Torch about how he could even be with Quinoa. Torch was full of rage, but the waiter took off quickly in fear. Following him were the Coatl and Coatl partners, all fleeing the scene as other dragons followed in confusion and worry. Soon the reserved dining area was empty as Quinoa could only watch in utter disgrace for causing such a scene. She fell to the ground, tears streaming in floods down her cheeks. Torch immediately rushed to her side and embraced her as she held tightly back. "Why did I think this would even work," she choked out to Torch, "they . . . fear me for something I can't change, I was born with these colors." She sobbed in Torch's shoulder. He lifted her head to look at her tears still coming down, "I'm sorry love, so sorry. That rotten . . ., " He hummed something awful glancing to the side. "You don't need to change the colors you were born with; they are perfect the way they are." "Look at what happened Torch, they are all terrified because I have this." She gestured to her naturally white feathers. "Don't you pay them any heed; they are nothing but hypocrites. They can adore these red tablecloths, white candles, and this shiny silver cutlery, but can't see that you embody all the colors they love. They can't see YOU ARE the colors of love." Quinoa's tears slowed. "That dragon had no right to call you cursed if he can't see that." Quinoa rested her head against Torch's chest. "I just wish we could have had one perfect night, but now there's no one left because they think I'm diseased." Torch stroked Quinoa's back. "Quinoa, the only sick dragons that were here are gone. And who says we need them here to have the perfect night. You have made this night perfect just by being here." Quinoa's tears were gone and she looked at her mate with a light smile. Torch took her arm as they flew to the highest seating area. Torch sat Quinoa down before beginning to set a table for two for them both. He took several candles and arranged them beautifully around the table. He then sat down beside her holding her softly. Quinoa laid with her head resting against Torch's as both gazed at the stars. The comets zoomed past them overhead.

What seem like hours past as the two watched the lights dashing across the night sky. Then as the candles began to dim Torch pulled out the box he kept hidden from before. He placed it in her hand as he recited a poem made just for her. "Quinoa my love, your beauty from above, you are the most beautiful dragon I've ever seen, I admire your strength that is endless in length, that shines throughout your eyes light green. From the first day we met, when I didn't know it yet, that you were the dragon for me. I have loved you all these years, never faltering I cheer, and forever I will I decree." Quinoa eyes teared not with sadness but with overwhelming joy. She opened the box as she saw engraved on a necklace a heart with her and Torch's initials. "I love you Quinoa, and I'm not afraid to let anyone know it." "Thank you, my sweet and loving Fire, you have always seen me for me. I couldn't ask for a better love than you." The two Coatls enjoyed the night under the stars, a time shared for just the two of them.