Cravings and crafts

Mazzy and Dakota head off to work, and you pile into the car with Ellie, Kenna, and Sirona. Without the two most talkative members of the family, the car ride is more subdued. Kenna and Sirona have decided to sit in back, and they have a quiet conversation as you drive. Ellie looks very pleased to be able to ride in front with you for once, and every time you glance over at her you catch her smiling. Looking in the mirror shows that the winged duo in back are smiling as well. It’s infectious, and you can’t help but smile at the happiness you see.

Once you arrive at the shopping center, the four of you make your way from store to store. You make a few purchases, snacks for Kenna, a few outfits for Ellie and Sirona. You definitely notice people staring, some in simple surprise, others in disdain. It’s hardly a surprise that your group gets attention. A giant dragon girl, a small goblin, and an exotic manticore girl are going to catch peoples eyes anywhere you go.

Sirona walks beside you, holding your hand. She’s still smiling, but you see a definite nervousness in her face, feeling all those eyes on her. Ellie is more calm, walking on your other side, but she still clutches your other hand tightly. Meanwhile, Kenna walks behind you, munching on the gigantic bag of beef jerky she insisted on buying. The towering dragon girl nevertheless is keeping a watchful eye on things, and you have a feeling that her intimidating presence is keeping the more bigoted folks at bay.

As you pass a craft store, Sirona stops short. “What…can we go in here? Please?”

You smile. “Of course. I didn’t take you for a a knitter, Sirona.”

She shakes her head absently. “No…something else…”

You shrug, and follow her inside. Letting go of your hand for the first time since you’ve arrived, Sirona quickly heads for the big rolls of fabric. Her eyes are wide with wonder, moving between the racks and gently touching various rolls. You leave Kenna and Ellie near the door, with Kenna grumbling that her jerky is gone. Finally, Sirona turns to you, a hopeful look in her eyes.

“Can we…can I have some fabric? And some other things? Please?”

You smile at her. “Of course. As much as you like.”

Sirona practically squeals with excitement, and grabs you in a big hug, planting a kiss on your lips. “Thank you so much, my mate!”

With obvious delight, Sirona moves around the store, grabbing cloth, beads, thread, and various other things. Your arms are starting to get full when Ellie and Kenna bring over a cart. You glance in the cart and see several more bags of jerky. Looking at Kenna, you chuckle, and she just shrugs.

“You know how dragon girls are, we love our meat.”

You laugh, placing your items in the cart. “You’re the only dragon girl I know, Kenna.”

She gives you a triumphant smile. “Exactly! And I love meat.”

She leans in closer and whispers. “Don’t worry, your meat is my favorite. I’ll definitely devour it tonight…”

Before you can answer, a very happy Sirona comes back, dumping an armful of things into the cart. “I think that’s everything. Thank you so much!”

Kenna just winks at you as all of you head to the register. A bewildered clerk takes your money, staring at the odd group of people, but doesn’t say anything. Soon, you’re headed back to the car, with Sirona humming happily.