The human looked at the two stones before turning back to Ashera. ”What do they do?” he asked softly.
Ashera smiled a little, glad to see that he was fairly smart. ”They’ll help you with your confidence for a while. But eventually, the little magic in them will wear off… By the time you actually notice that, however, you shouldn't need the stone anymore.” she explained, eloquently picking her words.
Asa listened to Ashera as she explained what the stones did. She moved her head over to sniff at them a little, both for show since she was supposed to be just a baby, and because she just loved pretty things. Call her basic, but you could bet that she was going to start her own hoard one day.
Ashera giggled a little at Asa’s actions and started petting her again.
The human looked back and forth between the two stones, possibly trying to figure out the difference between them and how they would help… not that he actually could. It took him a minute before he finally made up his mind.
Asa let out a purr as Ashera started petting her, pushing up into her hand with a smile. She opened her eyes when the man selected the stone he wanted. She immediately focused on the other one, gently pawing at it. She figured there was no need for her to have it, but it was definitely for show now.
Ashera nodded at the man’s choice and set Asa on the table so she could pick up the stone and activate it. After she put it in a small felt bag, she gave her price before handing the purchase over.
The customer nodded excitedly and quickly fumbled through his wallet for the amount. Once the transaction was complete he thanked Ashera, very gratefully, and walked out of the house.
Asa took a couple steps on the table, fitting her wings a little before sitting down to watch the exchange. She watched the man leave, then turned to Ashera.
"That was really interesting!" She said quietly, still wary of anyone overhearing her.
Ashera visibly relaxed when they were alone again. ”You really think so?” she asked. ”Because that was one of the more simple interactions I’ve had. I’m just glad he picked that stone.” she said, sitting down and putting her arms on the table.
"Yeah, I really do!" Asa grinned, getting up and moving over to Ashera.
"And why did the one he picked make you glad?"
Ashera smiled at her and lightly ran her hand against her back. ”Well, you know how I can't lie?” she questioned, knowing that she had mentioned that before. ”What I said was true, both would have helped him… Just in different ways. The one he picked is a positive enhancer with a touch of calming influence. So any confidence that he has hidden in him will be brought out naturally.” she explained.
"Oh, cool! So he really won't need it again the effect wears off, because he'll just have his own confidence still!" Asa trilled a little, arching her back into Ashera's hand.
”Exactly.” Ashera nodded before glancing at the other stone. ”Plus it was cheaper than this one. Instead of gently boosting his own confidence, it would have just piled on confidence and by the time this charm would have worn off… He might have ended up just being an arrogant jerk.” she sighed a little as she continued petting Asa. ”Depending on the situation though it still can help someone… but obviously the other one was the better choice.”
Asa nodded.
"You're really good at what you do," she said. She let out a little purr, laying her head down on Ashera's arm.
Ahsera smiled softly and stroked Asa’s head. ”Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Asa continued to purr. She smiled brightly.
"You're welcome!"
Ashera picked her up and held her gently. ”It can be a little draining to deal with all those people. Fortunately, I only have one more today and the appointment isn't scheduled until around three.” she smiled softly.
Asa nodded.
"It's… It's not draining to deal with me, is it?" Asa asked, getting worried.
”Oh, no. It's not draining to be with you at all.” Ashera assured her, holding her close. ”I enjoy your company very much.” she smiled.
"Okay then…" Asa leaned into Ashera, closing her eyes a moment and smiling softly.
Ashera lightly kissed Asa’s cheek and rubbed between her wings. ”I care about you.” she admitted softly.
Asa relaxed immensely at the rubbing between her wings. She leaned into the kiss, nodding a little.
"I really care about you, too," she admitted.
Ashera's smile grew at Asa’s words but still remained gentle. It was so nice to hear that… Especially from someone who meant it and Ashera didn't actually hear it that often. At least, not in this way.
Asa snuggled down in Ashera's arms, smiling. She nuzzled her head into Ashera's neck, smiling.
Ashera giggled a little, tickled by Asa rubbing against her neck. ”Hey, do you want to help me pick some of the fresh herbs from my garden?” she asked with a happy smile.
"Yeah!" Asa said, pulling away to smile brightly at Ashera. "You could tell me about them! That would be really cool!"
”Sure!” Ashera agreed, matching Asa’s excitement as she grinned back. She stood up, still holding her friend close as she picked up a small woven basket. ”What would you like to know?”