Ophelia can't help but laugh when the dragon's stomach rumbles. She reaches into her basket and pulls out a hand and cheese sandwich. "Here, I think you will enjoy this." It's a good thing she decided to bring along the extra food. "This is fine. You only startled me yesterday because the most fierce thing I was expecting was a wolf." That probably would've made her more nervous. "If this form is uncomfortable to you then you can turn back. I don't mind either way."
Solis took the food graciously, but was a bit cautious as he bit into it. It was certainly unlike anything he had eaten before, but not in a bad way. It was strange to eat the same as another human might, the food usually seeming quite tiny. His teeth were less sharp as well, a lot of them more flat than the usual points "Thank you," he said before taking another bite. After a few more moments, the dragon swallowed and continued speaking. "This does not make me uncomfortable. I am relieved to hear you do not fear me however," he stated before smiling again.
"I also have some muffins if you are interested. The flavor is blueberry." Ophelia lifts her basket up a little in order to show him. "Help yourself to what you want. I made plenty." Pleased that he seems to enjoy the sandwich, she smiles. "I appreciate you putting in effort to make me feel more comfortable." Though she doesn't exactly know why her happiness matters to him. Dragons were supposed to terrorize humans, not try to make them feel comfortable around them.
The man tilts his head to the side. "Muh finz?" he asked, curiously, eyes scanning over the pastry. He had tried wild blueberries before, but they were so tiny that it was too much to bother picking them. Plus, that was years ago. Taking one carefully, he pokes the top with a finger, thinking it strange with how soft it seemed. "I don't mind. You were kind to me first, it is the least I can do," he said. Focusing back on the treat in his hand, he raised a brow at it. Taking a small nibble of it, Solis' eyes lit up with amazement. "This is absolutely wondrous!"
"Muffin," Ophelia repeats with a giggle. The smile on her face brightens as she watches him examine the muffin. She has to admit that the child like curiosity that he's displaying right now is pretty cute and very amusing. No one has ever gotten so excited about a muffin before. "I am so glad that you like it. There are a few more in the basket. Have as many as you want to, I have another batch at home." Seeing how happy he is with the pastry, she's more than willing to give up the rest of the treats.
"Really?" he asks, arching a brow. "You've already been kind enough, I'd hate to take more than necessary," he insisted. Solis secretly wanted another, but could hold back if he had to. The food would hold him over for the time being until he transitioned back into his true form. Then he could truly have his fill and go without hunger for awhile.
"Please feel free to take as many as you want to. I can always make more." Holding up the basket again, she offers up the remaining muffins. If she runs out of food than so be it. The village is just a little ways away. She can head back and make another lunch. Her market stall has been fairly successful this year. "I can come back tomorrow and break cookies if you are interested."
"Coo keys?" he asked, again having no idea what those were. He took another muffin, but decided to stop eating after two. "But… yes. I'd like that," he added, smiling again before nibbling on the second pastry. He wanted to savor this one.
"Cookie. It is a round sweet disk. Crisp. It can be made with different ingredients." Ophelia has to force herself not to laugh. How is it possible that someone, even a dragon, doesn't know what muffins are cookies are? "Do you want to come to the village with me? You can try all of the different foods, not just the sweet ones."
Solis nodded in understanding. "I do not know. It depends on how soon you are meaning to take me," he replied. Despite being powerful, he could only hold his human form for about a full day at the current moment.
"We can go now if you feel up to it," Ophelia offers. All she has to do today is avoid Theodore Kendrick from the new village over. It should be an easy task. Since that's the only thing on her agenda, she's free to show him around.
"If you are sure," the dragon hums. "As long as we return by dusk. I cannot hold this form longer than a day yet," he finishes. Solis finishes his second muffin after speaking, licking his lips lightly. He would likely end up being the first dragon to walk straight into a human village without being feared. To learn more about them.
"I am sure," She confirms with a nod. No one is going to know that the man she's showing around is a dragon. If they ask than she can tell them that they're distant cousins or something. That plan would involve her actually knowing his name. It's the bare minimum of details required. "Oh, how rude of me. I never actually introduced myself. My name is Ophelia."
(There is a horrible storm coming to my area in the next few days so my internet may be knocked out. If I'm unable to get on for a few days, I'm very sorry.)
(That's okay! Don't worry about it.)
The dragon smiled lightly. "And I am Solis. It certainly is better now that I know you by name," he replied. "How far is the town for you?" Normally it would be moments for him to get there, but by foot, much smaller feet at that, he had no clue. At least it would give him practice walking.
(Thanks!)
Ophelia smiles softly at him. "It is a pleasure to officially meet you, Solis." It's nice to put a name to the face. "Only a few minutes, right past those trees." She gestures for him to follow her as she leads the way towards the forest. "We will be there before you know it."
Solis nods and follows behind Ophelia. The trees were all the more gorgeous from his new perspective. Plus it was even better to have a guide to the somewhat new world. It was quite odd as well how the forest seemed to be less wild the further away they got from the clearing. At one point, the ground was less grass covered and clear of bushes and shrubs. And then, he saw it. The village where the woman in front of him probably lived. Just feet away. It was still quite small even human sized, but seemed nice enough.
Ophelia hums quietly to herself as she walks through the forest. The birds chirp loudly and a few rabbits hop across their path. They reach the village a few minutes later. A couple of kids run around and play while their parents work or shop at the market. She smiles and picks up a stray ball, throwing it over to them so they can continue with their game. "What do you think?" She asks, leading the way towards the market. That's where all of the action will be.
Bump…….
Solis looked around curiously. All of the laughter and chaos was kind of endearing in a sense. It was a haven of life. The dragon watched Ophelia toss a ball towards some children and he smiled. It was amazing how she had invited him into her own life so quickly. "It certainly is lively," he replied with a small chuckle.
(Thanks for letting me know!)
Ophelia smiles once they reach the market. As usual, it’s buzzing with life and exited chatter fills the air. “Yes, it is. We may not be as big or as wealthy as many of the other villages but we do have wonderful people to make up for it.” Everyone knows everyone and the community is friendly with their own. Now, strangers, strangers are a different story. People are afraid to welcome the unknown into their lives.
Solis was about to mention that the town seemed quite small for such a large amount of humans, bud didn't want to bring down the mood. Instead, he just followed Ophelia closely as to not get lost in the crowd. He noticed a few looks cast his way as if they were unsure of him. It made him nervous knowing what he was. Keeping this to himself again, he let the colorful goods being sold take his attention.
Ophelia takes ahold of his hand and pulls him along so that he doesn’t get lost. “Is there anything you want to look at? Most booths sell food but a few sell toys and furniture and other items.” Looking around, she has no trouble ignoring the strange looks that she’s receiving. She’s used to the looks. Being her age and unmarried is considered strange.
Solis stared at their intertwined fingers for a moment before looking back up. "Not anything in particular. I really wouldn't have the slightest of ideas of what would be good," the dragon admitted. Taking another glance at the crowd, he noticed the village people were looking at Ophelia strangely as well. Was it because of him or… something else?
“Hm, we should start with John Walker’s booth. He seeks pastries and you seemed to like the muffins from earlier,” Ophelia decides after a moment before leading the way through the crowd. After a moment, they arrive at a booth that’s selling all sorts of baked goods. Anything from cookies to pies to cakes. “What do you think? I don’t have much money on me at the moment but it should be enough for a few things.”
"Oh, you don't have to do that. I thought you were simply going to show me, not spend your resources on me," Solis protested. The treats did look good, but he didn't necessarily need them. He also didn't want to be seen as someone who could be easily bribed with food. "It does look great though," he assured the man at the booth with a smile.
“Please, allow me to do this. I get to eat these wonderful foods often but you have never tried them. We are friends now and as your friend I want you to be able to have some pastries,” Ophelia insists, gesturing towards the display. “What would you like?” Everything is delicious so whatever he chooses is guaranteed to be good.
Solis narrowed his eyes into a light glare. "Only if you agree that we share them," he said, completely serious. Ophelia had said her village wasn't the most abundant in currency. He wanted her to have her fill of food. Dragonkind didn't have to worry about "money" or "paying" for things. They had a mutual respect and were able to share the supplies properly. It only made sense that Ophelia take part.
Ophelia sighs quietly but nods her head in agreement. She doesn't want to argue with him and this is a far compromise. "If it is all the same to you, I will be taking my share back to my house instead of eating it right away." Due to how harsh winter was later year she's gotten in the habit of squirreling away any and all food that she doesn't immediately eat. "Pick something out," She prompts him, gesturing once more to the display of pastries.