Hattie

art by Rashakiro As you approach, Hattie tilts her hat and peers at you from behind her newspaper. She reluctantly kicks her feet off the desk. "Hellooo, our resident cobbler isn’t here today so I might not be able to answer any questions related to shoes." A pause. "Don’t tell my boss that I said that, though. She’ll get the team to force an encyclopedia down my throat again. "But what I can do is tell you if I think they look nice on you or not. But I think most things would look good on you." She winks. As you have a look around, she absentmindedly circles her talons over the counter as her eyes glaze over something behind you. She turns her attention back to your browsing.

Yawning, she points at a nearby pair. "You might want those, they’re waterproof. Perfect for the monsoon. Man, this weather makes me sleepy. Especially since I’m all cooped up in here. "But yeah, I’m going to the tavern today for the special rainy day deal. Maybe you can join me? I’m joking– or am I?" She appears amused by your reaction and smiles to herself. "Ooh, I see you’re eyeing these ones." She points at a sturdy pair of winter boots. "Our cobbler Lupine completed those just a few nights ago. He was quite proud of them, I could tell. Hmm, why winter boots? You’re going down south anytime soon?" You nod and she whistles in response. "Good luck with that. For business, not pleasure, I’m assuming." A chuckle. "I’m not the biggest fan, obviously. Southern Ice Fields, more like Southern... Lice Fields? Didn't think that one through." "Oh, these ones it is then." She rings you up. You grab the receipt and note the sloppy handwriting. "Thank you and come back soon, cutie. After your little trip, of course." by sneakyraccoon 7/7/23

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Finally, you made it to this bustling section of the Shattered Plain. You wanted to get fitted into a new clothing for travel as your last confrontation has reduced your attire almost to rags. It was getting late, so the most you could do was to eat and take care of your needs in the morning. As you looked around for a tavern or inn, you came across a colorful skydancer, who greeted you upon sight. "Oh, my! I have never seen you before, but those rags look a bit rough on you."

"Which is why I have traveled here," you replied. "I heard that this place has a wide selection of outfits, whether for travel, combat, or everyday life."
"And we do! Sorry to say that many of the shops are closing for the evening, though…Oh! I forgot my manners. I'm Hattie."
You nodded and returned the gesture with your name. "It's fine if I sleep in these tatters for one more night. I wish to satisfy my hunger for now. Do you know of a place where I can eat?"

"Right this way. You'll love the atmosphere." Hattie proceeded to lead you over to the tavern of her choice. There was music and laughter inside and the delicious aromas beckoned you to go in. As you and Hattie entered the tavern, a coatl caught your attention.
"Hattie? Who is that?" You asked, pointing out the icy-colored dragon to her.
She had some fun and walked you over to his table, catching your interest in him. "Oh, Albus? He is our weapons researcher. Always in his nook, studying if not toying with some new weapon at your combat training facility. He could always use a splash of color."

Albus, enjoying some crab, looked up at the two of you, particularly Hattie. "I have all of the colors I need when you make an appearance."
"So you are a researcher." You were intrigued to know more about this dragon as much as to make friends with Hattie. "What kind of research have you been dabbling in recently?"
Perked at the conversation, Albus obliged. "Trying to figure out how to combat the shade, of course. It's easy when they are tangible. But, then they retreat where no dragon is capable of touching them and recuperate. I wish to build something that can get rid of them when they are intangible so they have no time to recover."
"Interesting."
Hattie rolled her eyes. "We hardly see the shade anyway, Albus. So why worry?."
You kept on track with the current subject. "Not to be rude, but I would be expecting someone from arcane, light, or lightning to be doing this task. It's unusual when a dragon from another element takes the role."

"I guess I have my paternal grandmother to thank for that," Albus hummed. "She had more books than most of her clanmates. I believe I got hooked on making things in one of the books she brought with her from the lightning clan she was born in."
Hattie couldn't help but chide in as she helped herself to a drink that a tavern staff brought her. "Too bad fashion isn't one of the things you've learned about."
"I don't need to. I am content with what I have," Albus assured her. "I'll confide in you should such a time come."
"Why not now? Selecting things simple and of similar colors to yourself is not as flattering as you think."
"And look like a colorful bird? You have always done a better job at that."
"But birds have feathers like you. Males need to shine colorfully to attract the girl."
"We are dragons. That rule doesn't apply to us."


"Are you guys a couple?" You couldn't help yourself as the question came out of your mouth. Both dragons grew awkward, trying to collect their thoughts. At least they stop bickering.
Albus munched on his crab in silence. Hattie fumbled with the feather on her hat. "I wouldn't say that…"
"If you say so." You know how shadow dragons like to trick and play. Teasing others they feel close to isn't far off. Perhaps you were misinterpreting Hattie's interaction?

Albus spoke back up after swallowing another piece of his dish. "We both live very different lives, traveler. We can’t share food with one another, I am somewhat alone much of the time when she interacts with others, and I'm well aware that she isn't a fan of the ice fields. It is probably your imagination."

You decided to change subjects for the rest of the short time you have to eat and sleep before you seek a new attire the next day. Hearing your descriptions of how some of the more diverse ice clans you've visited have made their homes welcoming works of art and creativity for other clans to feel at home had both dragons paying attention. It reminded Albus of his homeland and Hattie was thrilled to know that some ice clan homes had more color and taste than one could imagine.

by TheMimic1013