Gingersnap

An old teddy bear, made out of gingham and corduroy. Meticulous stippling in sturdy thread forms whorls and patterns across her body.

The years have worn her cloth thin in places, and faded the colours. Time has made her softer than ever before. New patches have been added as needed. The colours don't match, but that just makes her more unique. Her stuffing has been replaced countless times. But beneath it all beats a tender and loving heart, which pours endless affection into the young hatchlings of the clan.

Gingersnap is a perpetual favourite at tea parties. Any time one is hosted, she is given the seat of honour. The lumpy, plump Snapper sits there happily as hatchlings raise plastic or wooden cups to her face. She loves to be decked out in flowers, or dressed in homemade dresses sewn from cloth scraps. Her favourite part of all is when the hatchlings sneak her extra cookies.

Sometimes she's dressed as a pirate, or a fierce beastclan member. She loves to play pretend with the hatchlings. They captain ships together, sailing across the oceans in search of treasure - or rescue damsels in distress from towers - or maraud through towns, looting and pillaging.

She attends school with the hatchlings, sitting at a special tiny desk made just for her. She watches proudly as they learn their letters, and listens patiently as they fumble words while reading to her.

And at night, Gingersnap provides a soft pillow and endless cuddles. Sometimes hatchlings lay their heads on her; other times they hold her tight throughout the night. She's there for every tear, every whispered secret, every nighttime giggle as a hatchling stays up past their bedtime.

She's their best friend - and they are hers <3