"If all of them aren't so horrible," Asa said quietly, "Then why do all of them try to kill me?" She'd come across a human she thought was nice once, who treated her other non-humans well. She… she had revealed herself, and at first, the human had accepted her. Much like Ashera had. But when finances got tight… there was a large bounty offered for the bodies of halflings.
Ashera shook her head. ”I don't really know.” she admitted softly, running her finger over Asa’s horns. ”I failed my classes on human mentality.” she joked with a light chuckle.
Asa leaned into Ashera's hand, sighing and closing her eyes. Still, she gave a small smile at the joke.
"Thanks, again," she said lightly.
”It’s no trouble.” Ashera smiled a bit brighter. ”Still like being pet, I see.” she teased lightly.
"I've been one for the past five years, I'm not about to change so quickly." Asa giggled.
"Besides, do you know how easy life is as a pet? I get massages, like, all the time, I don't have to work, I get to lay around the house all day and cuddle." She smiled brightly, obviously having an affinity to all of the things she listed.
Ashera chuckled with a slight smirk as she listened to Asa’s favorite ”activities”, making sure to remember them for later. ”I wouldn't know. I’ve never been someone's pet before but you do make it sound nice. Most of the richer humans would prefer to have one of my tiny Sprite cousins rather than a full-grown Fae.”
"Mmm. Still, I wouldn't suggest this life. Don't forget, I still technically belong to you. I'm not my own." Asa shrugged, mostly used to the feeling.
”I’ll take your word for it.” Ashera paused for a moment before shaking her head with a growing smirk. ”Technically, I own a very young green Dragon. Not a young halfling woman.” she smiled mischievously.
"There's no difference in this world," Asa said dramatically, unable to help a grin.
”I’ll let you in on a little Fae secret.” Ashera smirked before looking around dramatically. ”In my world; there is all the difference. We’re very good at manipulating words like that. Just one word can change an entire contract.” she told Asa. ”I actually have a cousin who became a lawyer and he can get just about every client he has off on a technicality. Fortunately, he also has a strong sense of justice.”
(bump?)
(Sorry!)
"Oh wow…" Asa looked up at Ashera, smiling. It felt good to hear Ashera say that. That she was more then just a baby dragon.
(It's ok.)
Ashera’s smile grew at Asa’s amazement. She didn't completely understand why she was impressed but… ”You look very pretty when you smile.” she told the Dragon halfling.
Asa blushed a bit, but didn't make anything out of the compliment. Ashera was just being nice.
"Thank you," she said.
”You’re welcome.” Ashera almost chirped poking Asa’s cheek, finding her blush even cuter. ”You hungry?”
Asa blushed a bit more, the nodded her head quickly.
"Yes, very!"
”Alright.” Ashera smiled more and placed her arm around Asa’s shoulders, leading her to the kitchen. ”You want anything in particular? I'm a pretty good cook.”
Asa thought for a moment, then shook her head.
"Anything is fine, really." She liked Ashera having her arm around her shoulders. It felt nice.
”Alright.” Ashera nodded thoughtfully. ”Let’s see… I could make a wild rice and mushroom soup, if that sounds good. Or I could just make a berry salad, or both if you’re really hungry.” she offered.
"Both," Asa said quickly. She would never be one to turn down food. She smiled happily.
Ashera nodded. ”No problem.” she smiled as they entered the kitchen. ”Here. You can sit down and I’ll get started.”
"You sure you don't want me to help?" Asa asked, begrudgingly sitting down.
Ashera gave a small shrug. ”I guess if you want to, I wouldn't mind the help. Have you cooked before?” she asked as she started to gather the ingredients.
"Ah, no- but I'd like to learn!" Asa shot back up, waiting for instructions with a wide smile.
Ashera just couldn't say no to that eager smile. ”Alright then.” she smiled back. ”Would you mind starting by washing off the mushrooms? Do you know how to use a knife?” she asked, not wanting to boss Asa around. As far as the Fae was concerned, Asa was her equal.
"Okay!" Asa said, grabbing the mushrooms.
"And I do, but I'm no master at it." Asa, on the other hand, was completely content to think of Ashera as her owner still. If it meant her staying safe, she had no qualms about it.
”That’s fine. Neither am I.” Ashera nodded as she started the wild rice. ”Well, once you're finished with the mushrooms we can work on making the berry salad.” she suggested.
Asa nodded, washing the mushrooms off and beginning to slice them.
Ashera smiled at Asa, watching her as she used the knife, as she took the fresh berries to the sink for a quick rinse. She knew Dragon scales were very tough, tougher than most metals, but she didn't want her friend to hurt herself while she was more human in appearance.
(Happy late New Year! Sorry, I lost this thread for a while 😅)