Jasper
(#73219643)
Level 25 Tundra
ToBeRead
Book Hoard
Click or tap to view this dragon in Predict Morphology.
Energy: 0/50
This dragon’s natural inborn element is Ice.
Male Tundra
This dragon is on a Coliseum team.
Expand the dragon details section.
Collapse the dragon details section.
Personal Style
Apparel
Skin
Scene
Measurements
Length
4.82 m
Wingspan
3.51 m
Weight
338.8 kg
Genetics
Platinum
Basic
Basic
Avocado
Alloy
Alloy
Carmine
Glimmer
Glimmer
Hatchday
Breed
Eye Type
Level 25 Tundra
Max Level
STR
120
AGI
9
DEF
5
QCK
66
INT
5
VIT
22
MND
5
Lineage
Parents
- none
Offspring
- none
Biography
December Kindness Challenge 2022
Host Dragon
December 1st
Icy frost flowers cover the small round windows of the book store. The old fireplace in the corner remains cold despite the low temperatures outside–an act of caution to protect the countless books and scrolls on the densely packed shelves. Jasper, the owner, is busy at his work bench; a thick scarf is slung around his neck and shoulders. With squinted eyes and trained but careful movements he threads a needle through the pages of a big tome, aligning them perfectly for a seamless binding.
All of the sudden, the chime of the doorbell breaks through the silence that before was only interrupted by the continuous ticking of the big grandfather clock. Looking up from his work, Jasper’s eyes spot Clara, the owner of the shop next door. He could never figure out what kind of shop it was supposed to be, selling all kinds of trinkets and nonsense, from candles that produced more smell than light to tiny bells, bows, and beads. He gives her a court nod, though inwardly he sighs. Clara never entered the store to buy anything, but only had pointless and time-consuming requests. Since she had moved here a few months ago, there had been no deviations from this rule. Today is no exception.
With a wide smile on her face she sets down a basket on the counter. It is filled with poinsettia made from folded paper and dusted with gold on the edges. Jasper raises an eyebrow.
“How can I help you?” he asks, eager to get this over with and return to his work.
Clara’s smile grows even wider. “The question is: How can I help YOU, dear Jasper!”
For a moment, they look at each other. When Clara finally realizes he would not repeat her question like a parrot, she continues: “I brought with me these poinsettia flowers! They are a token of gratitude and friendship, and I’ve handed them out to the others in the village.”
“That’s great”, Jasper interrupts her, a deadpan expression on his face, “but I don’t see what this has to do with me.”
“Oh, an easy question to answer if you let me finish” Clara answers, the smile still beaming on her face. “Where I come from, you hand these flowers to your friends in the days before new year’s eve. It’s a way to say thank you and show them how much you care. I think it’s a lovely tradition so I’d like to continue it here.”
She reaches into the basket and pulls out a handful of the folded flowers. “Here, these are for you to distribute.”
Jasper looks at the flowers on his counter that is already covered in golden glitter dust. “Thank you, but I’ll pass.”
“Aww, don’t be like it, Jasper! This is fun, I promise!”
A deep sigh escapes Jasper’s lungs. “Fine. If I take them, will you leave me alone?”
“I will if you manage to distribute them faster than I distribute mine. What do you say?”
With a huff, Jasper grabs the paper flowers. “Do I have a choice if I want to work in peace?”
Clara giggles. “No.”
December 2nd
It is a chilly winter morning in the small town nestled between the foothills of the Cloudscrape Crags. A thick blanket of snow covers the ground and while it is not snowing at the moment, the clouds in the sky promise to change later. His scarf tightly wrapped around himself, Jasper makes his way back to his bookshop, a package of freshly pressed and dried paper in his claws.
“Jasper, watch out!”
Before he can react, something heavy pounces him, throwing him to the ground. The package slips from his grip; with barely a sound it falls into the deep snow. In horror Jasper watches as a Sorrel Gryphlet and a Melprin stomp all over it in playful fighting.
Clara comes over, on her shoulder a napping ferret, in her arms an owlcat that looks at Jasper with a tilted head. “I am so sorry, Jasper, their leashes slipped my grip. Are you alright?”
Jasper ignores her outstretched claw and fights himself back to his feet. “I was until I was attacked by these… these creatures! What are you even doing with them?!”
A smile spreads on Clara’s face as she scratches under the owlcat’s beak, eliciting a purr. “I am helping out my good friend Fiona! She takes care of so many of these critters, but she’s running out of space, so she asked me to find a new home for them.”
“Fantastic”, Jasper mumbles, gathering the wet and torn remains of the once pristine white paper.
“I am so sorry Jasper! I will of course replace it”, Clara offers. “But first I have to take care of these rascals here. Would you maybe be willing to help me? The faster I’m done, the quicker I can get you more paper.”
Resigned, Jasper looks at her, sighs. “Fine. Not like I can work on my tome without this paper anyway…”
December 3rd
Slowly, the tome is taking shape. Jasper hates to admit it, but the paper that Clara got for him the day before really is of superb quality. The ink from the printing press is even more vivid than on the old paper and the pages are beautiful to work with. He straightens and stretches out his back. He really should spend less time hunched over but that would also mean less time binding books…
He had just made his way towards the stairs leading to his living quarters for a tea break, when the doorbell rings. Clara enters the shop, her coat full of freshly fallen snow. Jasper can feel himself tensing further. He is not in the mood for any more of her shenanigans.
Either not noticing or ignoring his disdain, Clara approaches the counter. “Good day, Jasper”, she chirps. “I hope I am not interrupting?”
“When are you not interrupting”, he huffs, not hiding his annoyance.
“Ah, my apologies, but I really need your help again. Today, towns all over the Icefield prepare little care packages for newly founded clans to make sure they get safely through the winter. I love the idea and I’d like to prepare some of my own, and I want them to be the best packages there are! I want the new clans to feel loved and warm as they unwrap them!” Clara beams with excitement.
“Why come to me with that?” Jasper snarls, at this point unable to mask his upset. “”Why do you keep asking me for help of all people? Can’t you see I don’t want anything to do with it?”
Clara’s smile fades, her expression grows serious. “Believe me, Jasper, I find your constant grumpiness and negativity very infuriating. But you are also the most organized dragon I know… and from what I heard, you once led your own clan out in the Snowsquall Tundra. I anyone knows what a new clan needs to survive the winter it is you.”
For a moment, Jasper stares at her. Stray memories appear in front of his inner eye, of their first winter out in the snow… of the raging storms, the deadly cold, and the pure glee when they found a single lost hare to feed the entire clan. He sighs.
“Fine, tell me what you got so far.”
December 4th
Carefully, Clara adjusts her hat before taking a judging look into the mirror. Her reflection looks back, polished and well put together, with the air of a lady. Perfect. With a little hum, she grabs her bag and heads out of the shop onto the snowy plaza.
Next to her, Jasper steps out of his book store almost simultaneously. Clara notices his gaze jumping over to her before he lowers it and pretends he didn’t see her. She in turn decided to pretend that she didn’t notice that.
“Jasper!”
Only barely does she manage to mask her mischievous grin as a sweet smile when Jasper stops in his tracks, caught. He turns around and gives her the typical look with furrowed eyebrows.
“Yes, Clara?”
“A wonderful day, is it not?”, Clara chirps. “Where are you headed?”
Jasper shrugs noncommittally. “I have to go to the city… won’t be back before sunset.”
“My, what a surprise! That is exactly where I was headed today. I have some errands to run and gifts to organize, and I’m sure you’d love some company.”
She can see Jasper trying to come up with a response, but eventually he just closes his mouth again and sighs.
“Whatever. If you can stay silent.”
“For you I’ll try my best.”
December 5th
Boxes stacked on top of boxes fill the small space of Clara’s shop. She can barely move between them but still keeps humming to herself as she opens them up to investigate the insides. Some jackets here, a nice teacup there… she stops as she opens the next box. Inside, next to some dried leaves, lies neatly rolled an airborne parchment. It had been quite a while that Clara had been reminded of her old home back on the windswept plateau. A soft smile sneaks on her face as she runs her claws over the parchment.
The chime of the doorbell catches her off-guard and she jolts up. Jasper is standing in the door, looking a bit surprised as well before his expression returns to the usual grumpiness.
“I need some candles. Do you have any?”, he asks.
Clara looks at him for a moment, then shakes her head to get rid of the memories that were piling up. “Yes, of course. What size?”
But a part of her mind sticks with the parchment in the box and the memories of the very last festival she spent back home.
December 6th
Topic before author, author before title… Reciting the rules of book sorting to himself, Jasper moves from shelf to shelf with the newest arrivals in his arms. Suddenly, the doorbell breaks his concentration and he sighs in annoyance.
“Clara, this better not be you”, he snarls as he puts the books on a side table and returns to the main room of the store.
To his surprise, the visitor is not Clara, but Sophia, the town’s baker. She smiles sheepishly when she sees Jasper.
“Hello, Jasper. I hope I’m not interrupting… I… uhm I wanted to give you this.” Her cheeks turn red as she outstretches her arms with a small package.
Jasper raises an eyebrow in confusion. “I didn’t order anything.”
“O-oh, I know”, Sophia stutters. “This is uhm a gift for you. Because you recommended Boast and Bias to me. I… really loved the book. So- so I wanted to give you something in return! It was Clara’s idea, you know? She said we should use today to do something nice for someone else and I immediately thought of you… Please, take it.”
At the mention of Clara’s name, Jasper can already feel his jaw tensing, but he tries to hide it for Sophia. Instead, he takes the package from her claws and pulls open the little bow on its top. Immediately, the smell of dried tea leaves fills his nostrils. Inside are a variety of teas, black and green, neatly packaged in small paper bags. Every single one carries a little label of the tea it contains.
For a moment, Jasper is speechless. Finally, he manages to croak, “Thank you, Sophia. That is very kind of you.”
Sophia smiles. “Of course. Thank you again. I hope you have a lovely day… and enjoy your tea!”
December 7th
Clara takes a deep breath of the crisp air as she steps outside. Freshly fallen snow covers the entire plaza in front of her shop; not even a single trail disturbs the perfect glittering surface. A smile spreads on her face. She would never be too old to get excited over being the first one to step through the snow.
With a swift movement, she throws the end of her scarf over her shoulder, adjusts the placement of her hat, and steps down into the wonderfully scrunching whiteness.
She barely got ten steps out into the open when suddenly, a snowball hits her on the shoulder. Clara whips around, only to find herself face to face with five snow-covered hatchlings. They squeal and stumble over each other, falling into the snow and laughing. Clara adjusts her hat again, kneels down and swoops up a clawfull of snow. It was time for bittersweet revenge.
December 8th
Crouched down, Clara peeks around the corner. It is silent in the plaza… the enemy is in hiding. She turns to her teammates, looks them straight into the eyes. There is no fear in their gaze, just steely determination.
“Are the weapons ready?”
“Yes, Ma’am!” Lorenz salutes, his thick mitten hitting his bobble cap without a sound.
“Good. They are right over there. Nia, you are our secret weapon. What do you do?”
“I step out and cry for my mommy.”
“Perfect. That should lure them out.” Clara looks at her battalion, raises her snowball, and nods. “Well then my brave companions… we strike now.”
December 9th
The smell of freshly baked walnut cookies fills the tiny kitchen. With a groan, Jasper pulls the last baking sheet out of the large oven and places it with the others. For a moment, he lets his gaze wander over the various treats that are cooling off on the kitchen counter, shelves, and any other free place in and outside of the room. But he has no time to waste. If he wants to deliver the sweet pastries to the soup kitchen in the city before it gets dark, he has to leave as soon as possible.
As quickly as the hot cookies allow, Jasper wraps them up in paper bags and places them delicately in boxes that he can fit on his small cart. This year is the third in a row where he made cookies to share with those that didn’t have much, and he has to admit that the idea makes him incredibly happy.
Humming to himself he steps out of his house, where the cart is already waiting to be loaded. Only moments later, it is rumbling down the small path to the city, accompanied by whistling that an unknowing spectator could mistake as cheerful.
December 10th
Her arms full of glittery garlands and green fir branches, Clara steps up to the door of Jaspar’s shop. It is time to decorate the plaza and the grouchy bookstore owner has to help with decoration just like everyone else. But even before Clara enters the store, an odd feeling spreads in her chest. Something is different than usual but she cannot put her claw on it… Still, she decides to enter. The doorbell chimes into the silence of the store.
Behind the counter, Jasper raises his head and looks at her, but Clara can see that his expression is agonized.
“Oh dear, you don’t look good”, she says, worry in her voice.
Jasper straightens his posture and grimaces before slouching back down.
“It’s my back. This cold weather is no good for my old bones.”
His eyes fall on the decorations Clara carries. “It’s time to decorate, is it not?”, he asks.
Clara nods. “It is. But no worries, I will take over your part. You stay home, get a warm blanket, and take care of your aching back, will you? You aren’t even being any grouchy, you must be really unwell. So close the store, take some time off, and make sure to look out for yourself.” She smiles brightly and without waiting for his answer, she leaves the store again.
December 11th
Wrapped up in blankets, Jasper sits in front of his fireplace, a worn book in his claws. A cup of Sophia’s tea is sitting on the table next to him, drawing little steam clouds into the air.
A knock on the door makes him perk up. Groaning, he rises from his armchair, removing the blankets from his shoulders before making his way to the door. As he opens it, a small gust of wind blows in some freshly fallen snow. To Jasper’s surprise nobody is waiting outside; instead, a basket covered by a blue plaid blanket is waiting on his doorstep. Furrowing his brows, Jasper picks it up and heads back inside.
The basket is filled to the brim with small bottles, bags, and boxes. Tea, steaming cookies, bread and salves for back pain are neatly wrapped in colorful tissue paper and decorated with little bows. On top of it sits a card, written in beautiful writing. It reads:
Dear Jasper,
I leave this in front of your door because I know that if I brought it directly, you’d probably not accept it. Here is a little something for your back… and also a thank you for all the help you’ve provided me with so far. Take care. I’ll be back to pester you soon.
Clara
Even though he tries, Jasper cannot suppress the smile that is spreading on his face.
December 12th
With a bag of walnut cookies in his claws, Jasper steps out onto the plaza. The pain in his back has finally subsided. He doesn’t know where Clara got all these salves, but they surely did wonders. With long strides, he makes his way over to her store. There is much to do today, but at the very least he wants to say thank you–after all, nobody should say he was ungrateful.
The moment he opens the door however, he no longer is convinced of his own idea. From the inside, a bunch of hatchlings from the town turn to face him. All of them hold paint brushes, pencils, or crayons, and most of them are covered in paint. All shelves in the shop are covered with protective cloth, and in the middle, a giant canvas is set up with what seems to be a group painting project on it. Clara is standing right in front of it; her usual attire was exchanged for more practical clothing.
“Jasper!”, she chirps as she sees him. “Perfect timing my dear. I hope you’re feeling better now. Come on in!”
Carefully, Jasper enters. He feels the gaze of countless kids and teens on himself as he walks over to Clara.
“I uhm”, he says, feeling somewhat uncomfortable at the center of attention. “I wanted to thank you for the salves and the tea.” He hands her the package with cookies and she takes it, smiling widely.
“Aw, that is so nice of you, thank you! Would you like to stay? I’m teaching them how to paint. Creativity is incredibly important and so much fun, too.”
“Ah… I am no much of a painter”, Jasper deflects. The idea of trying to paint something with this many tiny grabby claws everywhere is downright terrifying.
“Maybe that is perfect!” Clara turns to the hatchlings. “Painting is not the only way you can be creative, you know? Jasper for example is really good at telling stories, aren’t you, Jasper? Why don’t we take a break and listen to one of his stories, hm?”
Jasper already opens his mouth to object, but he is drowned out by excited cheering and clapping. Multiple pairs of glowing eyes turn to face him, anticipation hangs in the air.
“Fine”, he sighs. “Someone get me a chair… one without any paint on it!”
December 13th
Rhythmic drum playing resounds from the walls of the different houses around the plaza. Curiously, Clara steps up to the window of her shop and looks outside. Right next to the small well, the children of the town have gathered. One is playing on a small drum hanging from his neck, while others are playing with toy swords, bows, and tiny bottles made to look like potions.
Clara quickly throws her cape around her shoulders and steps outside, a smile on her face.
“Hello little warriors. That’s a lot of stuff you got there; where does it all come from?”
The little drummer boy beams at her. “Pinkerton came by this morning with an entire waggon full of stuff! He said we could have it!”
“We’re fighting the beastclans!”, one of the sword fighters chimes in.
“Hey, I thought YOU were the beastclan!”, his opponent objects.
Clara shakes her head. “There is nothing wrong with being the beastclans… they are proud and strong warriors after all. Only the best dragons can beat them, and they are feared for good reason. I think it’s an honor to represent them in play.”
Immediately, the dispute changes tone, now with all the children wanting to be beastclan members instead of dragons. Clara cannot help but chuckle as she returns to her shop. Maybe it is time to make a big pot of hatchling’s punch and hand it out as healing potions. After all, the brave warriors must be kept warm.
December 14th
The fair woke the small town from its winter sleep. Colorful tents are set up in the plaza, garlands and pennants dance in the wind. Between two street lamps, a rope was strung on which now an acrobat performs various tricks. Cheerful music fills the air, accompanied by the smell of candied apples and roasted nuts.
A package in hand, Jasper moves through the crowd achingly slowly. He can see the front of his shop behind the striped tents, but the plaza was so crowded that it took forever to get there. The fair is the same every year, the stalls were the same, the tiny ferris wheel was the same, even the acrobat does the same tricks. Still, everyone in town had the need to come and visit the fair year after year. Jasper could not get behind it. At this point, all he wants is the solitude and silence of his shop.
“SCORE!” Clara’s voice is clearly audible even over the music and chatter. Involuntarily, Jasper turns his head. His gaze almost immediately finds her at a stall with a can knockdown game. The entire tower of cans has fallen, and Clara happily selects one of the prizes. Their eyes meet and Jasper quickly looks away, but too late. The crowd around him makes flight impossible. Only seconds later, he feels Clara linking arms with him.
“Jasper! I didn’t expect to see you here”, she chirps, beaming at him.
He tries to shrug her off but she holds onto him. “I’m just passing through”, he mumbles.
“Oh what a shame! It’s the only day the fair will be here, you should enjoy it!”
Jasper sighs. “I don’t care about the fair. It’s the same thing every year and I didn’t go last year either… or the year before that.”
“It is not the same thing as last year, I guarantee you. This year, I’m here, too!” Clara winks at him. “That makes this entire fair already twice as fun. How about a quick round of can knockdown, hm? You versus me.”
“Thank you, but no thank you”, Jasper huffs. “I have other things to do.”
“Like sitting in your shop, ignoring all the fun? That surely can’t be better than being out here… unless… you are scared of losing.” Her eyes glister.
“I am not. Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Fine then. Play with me, just one round. After it, I will not pester you again… and I will buy you gingerbread if you win. Deal?”
Jasper hesitates. On one hand, his workbench calls him… but on the other, this doesn’t sound too bad. It was just one round after all. Still, he remained sceptical. “And if you win?”
Clara grins. “I only need the satisfaction. Let’s go!”
She pulls him along to the stall, and even though Jasper sighs audibly, he does not resist.
December 15th
Steam fills the room. On the shelves above the hearthfire, countless clay pots and glass bottles hold a wide variety of ingredients, from spices to dried flowers and fruits to licorice and sandalwood.
In the cauldron on the fire, a red liquid is bubbling cheerfully. Pieces of cinnamon bark and star anise float on its surface, filling the air with a festive smell.
Carefully, Clara takes a sip from her ladle. The warm, fruity taste of the hatchling’s punch fills her mouth, immediately causing a wave of warmth to float through her. With a smile, she nods. Time to fill it up and hand it out.
December 16th
crowd has gathered at the entrance of Clara’s shop when Jasper exits onto the plaza. Excited chatter fills the air; the different groups talk louder and louder to hear each other over the noise everyone else makes. Despite him trying to fight it, curiosity rises in Jasper. What was this commotion about?
Avoiding getting too close to the group, he tries to catch a glance at the shop itself. Right in front of the door, on the front stairs, he spots a red sign, decorated with bows and ornaments:
SPECIAL OFFER
Only today: Everything for 1 Treasure!
Jasper furrows his brow and shakes his head. Of course everyone gathered here… signs like this catch cheapskates like honey catches flies. Just when he is about to turn around and be on his way, the door to Clara’s shop opens and she steps outside.
“Welcome everyone! The store is now open. I bet you read the sign: Only today, everything sells for only one treasure! Come in and make a snatch!”
Immediately, the crowd starts moving, pushing each other into the building. Clara’s eyes land on Jasper and she smiles.
“I didn’t expect you to be one for bargains, Jasper”, she jokes.
“Hmph. I was just confused by your business model, that is all.”
Clara shrugs. “It’s just one day. Sure, I won’t make a profit, but I will make a lot of people smile today. I think that’s even better. Now, do you want to take a look as well?”
Jasper shakes his head. “I have places to be.”
“Too bad. Some other time then. If you happen to find a loose treasure coin in your pocket though, you know where to spend it.”
December 17th
With her old scales, Clara fills one bag after the other with the exact same amount of coins. The sale yesterday had been a huge success, and while she sold everything below price, her inventory never before flew off the shelves like this. In the end, a nice sum still came together.
She adjusts her hat slightly and takes a look at all the coin bags. Granted, she added some of her own savings, but still, she was quite proud of the amount. Now all that is left to do is to pack it all up so she can carry it, and make her way down into the city to the Dominance Organization Center. They surely will put the money to good use. And in the end, more money for the Dominance Organization Center means more chances to gain dominance, which in turn means cheaper prices to stock up… which in turn means more profit when reselling at a later point. A smile spreads on Clara’s face. It feels great to do good and have a benefit from it.
December 18th
Clara cannot help but beam at her reflection in the mirror. The green cape sits comfortably around her shoulders, the cloth is soft and warm, and the golden embellishments glister whenever she moves. When Jasper dropped off the package yesterday, she was speechless. She surely didn’t see it coming, but it was such a pleasant surprise. Today, she cannot wait to wear it out and show it around town, maybe even in the city.
However, with such a beautiful cape, her usual wardrobe won’t do… she needed something that really fit together, that showed off the new garment in all its glory while not looking too simple or even shabby. She turns around and squints at her wardrobe. Surely, something fitting must be in there somewhere.
December 19th & 20th
Snow is softly falling outside from the still dark sky. The air inside the workroom is still somewhat chilly, but the heat from the fireplace slowly is chasing away the cold. The light of an oil lamp illuminates the work bench, where a cup of tea is steaming next to neatly organized stacks of paper, rolls of thread, and bottles of glue.
Jasper takes a deep breath; a smile spreads on his face. The shop is closed for the day, he will not answer the door. Today, there is only him and his books.
December 21st
The great grandfather clock strikes six times, announcing that evening has arrived. Darkness has long since taken over the sky, and Jasper is incredibly grateful for the old clock. Without it, he’d be completely lost during winter.
He lifts himself from his chair with a small groan and heads over to the door to flip the “Open” sign to closed. Just when he reaches for the sign, he notices a figure quickly approaching. The little light that the street lamps outside give only makes it possible for him to see the silhouette, but even that is enough for him to know Clara is on the way. He lowers his claw, leaving the sign unflipped, and turns around, acting like he didn’t see her coming. Only moments later, the doorbell chimes and Clara enters, shaking loose snowflakes from her cloak.
“Ah, good! I still made it in time!” She smiles widely.
“A ‘Good day’ would be appreciated… also less snow on my floorboards”, Jasper remarks dryly.
“Of course. Good day, dear Jasper, how are you fairing?” Clara makes a quick curtsy and Jasper has to suppress a grin.
“You’ll better be nice to me, though”, she continues, “for I have brought you… this!” From underneath her cloak she pulls forth a small package wrapped in brown paper.
Jasper furrows his brows. “What is that?”, he asks, but he accepts it from her. Carefully, he undoes the little bow on it and opens the paper. The smell of old paper and leather fills his nostrils as he uncovers the front of a seemingly very old book. He reads the title imprinted with golden letters, stops, looks at Clara.
“How did you…? Where did you…? How?”
Clara giggles. “I saw that in your private book collection area, you have all books of this series except for the first one. And when I went down to the flea market in the city today, I came across this gem. So I thought you might like it… as a little surprise.”
Jasper stares at her, then back at the book. Softly, he runs his fingers over its spine. “I was looking for this one for years… Thank you, Clara. I… don’t know what to say.”
“Thank you is more than enough, my dear”, she chirps. “I’ll leave you two alone now, I’m sure you have a lot to discuss.” And with the chime of the doorbell, she leaves.
December 22nd
With groaning and moaning, Clara heaves two arms full of dresses onto her table. It is time to decide for an outfit for the holidays, but it also is the perfect opportunity to give away what she no longer needs. Rolling her shoulders to loosen them, she looks over the contents of her wardrobe piled up in front of her. Clearly, there are a lot of things she probably can part with… but finding them was a chore.
With a cluck of her tongue, Clara rolls up her sleeves. No time to waste. She picks up the first dress and gives it a thorough look. Does it still spark joy?
December 23rd
Soft music fills Clara’s store. On two ladders, she and Jasper are trying to attach a garland across the room, when a letter flutters through the mail slot in the door. Quickly, Clara makes her way down and over.
“How exciting, I never get any letters!”, she beams.
Jasper remains on the ladder, now both arms full of garland, while she grabs a letter opener and slits through the red envelope. Inside is a marbled piece of paper and a small bracelet with a golden charm on it. Surprised, Clara picks it up. The beads are of a beautiful pink color, and on the charm the letter “C” is clearly imprinted.
Who sent her this? Curiously, she unfolds the paper. The letters on it are curved beautifully, written with great care and focus.
Dear Clara,
You may not remember me, but I work in the small tinkerer’s shop in the city. You came by recently to buy trinkets for your store. I remember you well, not only because of your lovely dress or your friendliness, but also because we almost share the same name, and I hope that one day, I can be a refined lady such as yourself. I wanted you to have this little charm, as a bit of a surprise.
Best regards and wonderful holidays,
Ciara
Clara reads the letter twice before pressing it to her chest. The little charm glisters in the light of the candles. What a sweet surprise.
December 24th
A wide variety of scents fill the air. Pine needles mix with freshly baked cookies and hot punch into a potpourri of holiday goodness. The fire crackles lowly in the fireplace, casting dancing lights on the book shelves.
Carefully, Jasper takes a sip of the hot punch. The taste of cinnamon, star anise, orange and sugar spreads in his mouth. He looks to the window where snowflakes blanket the windowsill. The sun is setting. Any moment now…
He gets up, straightens his jacket, before making his way downstairs. Just when he reaches the last step, a knock on the door resounds through the shop.
Jasper quickly hides his smile when he opens the door. Clara waves at him. Around her, the hatchlings of town were gathered.
“Hello, good Sir”, Clara chirps. “We’re here for a story and some treats if you have them.”
Now, Jasper cannot suppress his smile any longer. “Of course, come in. Everything is ready… but no disruption of my story this time, is that clear?”
Playfully, he wags his claw.
Clara laughs. “Alright, fine, I promise!”
The door closes behind them; silence covers the plaza once more.
December 25th
Humming to herself, Clara drops a few marshmallows into her hot chocolate and steps up to the window. Yesterday’s snowfall turned the town into a white wonderland. A small army of snowdragons has already appeared on the plaza and between them, hatchlings are trying to hide from each other’s snowballs.
The bell in her living room chimes, indicating a visitor. Quickly, Clara throws a dressing gown over her outfit that is not yet suitable to receive visitors, and heads downstairs. Through the blurry glass, she can clearly see Jasper’s silhouette against the white snow.
She opens the door and greets him with a smile. “Hello Jasper! I didn’t expect visitors this early, my invitations only went out for the evening.”
Jasper nods. “I know. But I wanted to talk to you before the holiday bustle begins.” He seems almost sheepish as he pulls out a small poinsettia flower folded from paper. Golden glitter sits on its edges. “I want you to have this”, he says, offering it to her.
Speechlessly, Clara looks at the flower. Then, carefully, she takes it from him. A smile spreads on her face.
“Thank you, Jasper. It means a lot.”
Jasper rubs the back of his neck, shrugs. “It’s… nothing, really. I just figured you’re not all that bad.” He smiles crookedly.
For a moment, Clara stares at him before erupting into laughter. “You know”, she giggles, “I think you're not all that bad either.”
December 26th
“What about this one?” Clara pulls an old mortar from the shelf and shows it to Jasper, who scans it with a judging gaze.
“I still use that one.”
Clara raises an eyebrow. “There is dust on it… lots of it.”
Jasper shrugs. “I use it sometimes.”
“Be honest, Jasper… do you really?”
He hesitates, then sighs. “No.”
“Good! Then into the box it goes!” Carefully, Clara wraps the mortar and its pestle into paper and places it in the box with the other donation items. It was getting fuller by the minute, and they still had a lot of Jasper’s house left.
She rubs her claws and turns back to the shelf. “Alright… you have five different tea strainers? Why?”
“Tea tastes different for each of them. I use this one for black, this for green, this one for white, for herbal tea, and for fruit tea”, Jasper explains, leaning over her shoulder to point at the different tea strainers.
Clara opens her mouth to say something but then notices the grin sneaking up on Jasper’s face. “Oh, shush, you. One stays, four go. Your call: Green, black, white, herbal, or fruit?”
The grin on Jasper’s face grows wider. “Fine, fine. I keep this one.”
He looks at the box, then at his shelves. “It’s actually quite nice getting rid of stuff… didn’t think it would be.”
Smiling widely, Clara leans over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You’re welcome, grump.”
December 27th
Again and again the hammer hits the head of the nail, driving it deeper and deeper into the wood. Sawdust whirls up as Jasper steps back, wiping his forehead. Behind him, Clara stops cleaning and joins him, tilting her head.
“I think it’s straight”, she says, squinting slightly.
Jasper huffs. “Of course it is straight. I know how to build shelves.” He cannot stop pride from swinging along in his tone.
“And that is exactly why I asked for your help”, Clara chirps. “Thank you very much! Now we only need to paint it and then I finally have room to expand my shop… and display my porcelain llama collection!”
December 28th
With a deep sigh, Jasper lets go of the small oil lamp that refuses to light up. Yesterday it was still burning just fine, but it seems like it ran out of oil. His gaze flickers over to the window. Snow is falling like a curtain and it already got dark. There is no way he can make it to the city before the shops close.
“Fine then”, he mumbles, moving closer to the fireplace. Then the light of the flames would have to suffice for reading. He squints down on the pages, but the flicker of the fire is hard on his eyes.
Just when he decides to give up, a knock on the door becomes audible. In the dark, Jasper makes his way over and opens, luckily not falling over any furniture. Clara smiles at him, her red cloak turned white by the snowfall.
“Good evening, Jasper. I noticed your house was all dark, so I thought you might have a use for these!” In her outstretched arms, she carries a package filled with a dozen or more solar flame candles. Even though they are unlit, their little ghostly tails dance in an unnoticeable breeze.
“Clara! Thank you very much”, Jasper says as he takes the package from her. “These surely are enough to light the entire house from top to bottom.”
Quickly, he surveys her, then steps aside. “Hurry up and come on in. You shouldn’t be out in this snowfall anyway.”
With a chuckle, Clara follows his invitation. “You do not have to ask me twice.”
December 29th
A soft sway, a sequence of quick steps, a fast spin! The audience’s cheering loudly, the judges hold up their signs, 10/10! Graciously Clara moves through the hall to accept her trophy…
A knock on the door interrupts her and the dancing hall, the judges, and the cheering audience quickly disappears, leaving behind her familiar shop. Clara’s gaze falls on the feather duster in her claws and she shakes her head smiling. Too bad there was no real crowd interested in cheering her on during cleaning…
She opens the door and is greeted by Jasper on her doorstep, covered in freshly fallen snow.
“Hello Jasper”, she greets. “The store is closed today as you surely saw… but it would also be the first time that you come here looking to buy something if we’re being honest. What can I do for you?”
“Good day, Clara. As every time in december, my bookshelves awaken and try to cause me distress.”
His tone is clearly annoyed and exasperated, but Clara still has to hide a smile at his dry phrasing.
“After threatening to turn them into firewood, they usually behave, but I end up with these strange chests all over the place. So I thought ‘who can never have enough useless knick knacks’ and you came to mind.”
With a sigh, he points back to his shop. Through the window, Clara can see shapes and figures moving.
Jasper shakes his head in despair. “PLEASE just take them!
December 30th
The brown packing paper crinkles under Jasper’s claws as he folds it around the books with practiced movements. The huge Guardian Carter on the other side of the counter smiles crookedly.
“Thank you old friend. It is good to see you again.”
Jasper ties down the paper and looks up at his former clan companion. It is rare that their paths cross these days… almost like a different life. Back then, they fought the cold together… today, they see each other once every few years.
“It is. I’m glad to see you in good health… or something akin”, Jasper answers, handing him the package.
“Don’t act like it, you are also no longer a spring cockatrice, dear Jasper. Though I tend to think you did everything right settling down here with your books. Sometimes I feel that I should do the same, but then I remember that there are so many saplings out there that think they can just stumble from the cradle into mercenary business. Someone has to help them shape up.” He laughs and Jasper can’t help but smile, too.
“Probably better, you wouldn’t know how to sell an acorn to a squirrel”, Jasper teases.
“I hate to say it but you’re right!” Carter laughs. Then he calms himself, smiling widely. “I saw someone opened the shop next door. Is it worth a visit? Or should I rather keep my coin for the tavern tonight?”
Jasper’s gaze flickers over to the window. Through the frost covered pane, he can see the shape of Clara’s store.
“No, you should definitely go”, he hears himself say. “They sell a wide variety of useful things and the owner is a lovely person… lots of positive energy and very kind. You’ll enjoy it.”
December 31st
The sky is already dark, but the small town is far from sleeping. The plaza is filled with life as everyone puts their hands together to prepare for the upcoming beginning of the new year. Lampions are strung up between the street lamps, small carts sell snacks and hot drinks. In one corner of the plaza, a group of adult dragons tries to keep fireworks out of grabby claws of the town’s hatchlings.
Small clouds form in front of Jasper’s nostrils as he stands at the door of his shop, watching the scenes. He feels calm, peaceful. The door of the shop next to him opens and Clara steps out. She has the cape pulled around her shoulders and underneath wears a green dress with lots of sparkly glitters on it. She sees him and walks over, the snow swallowing the sound of her steps. She smiles brightly.
“What a year”, she greets him.
Jasper nods slowly. “Indeed.”
Clara steps up next to him, follows his gaze. “Crazy to think it’s over… but I’m also glad. It means something new can begin.”
With a huff, Jasper meets her gaze. “Still, some things won’t change. Like getting rid of you…I doubt it will happen.”
Clara throws back her head and laughs. “Aww, don’t be like it. Deep deep down, you’d miss me.”
Silently, Jasper returns her gaze, nods. “I guess I would.”
Before he can react, Clara envelops him into a tight hug. She smells of oranges and cinnamon.
“Happy new year”, she whispers.
Jasper hesitates only for a fraction of a second, then he returns the hug. “Happy new year to you, too, Clara.”
Above them, the first firework illuminates the sky in sparkling colours.
Event hosted by Lallie
Story by Shariza
Badges by Blitzdrache
Graphics by HermaMora
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