Setting the dishes aside to dry, Ashera stepped just outside the door and leaned against the house, watching Asa. I’ll let her stay out as long as she wants. Who knows how long that sweet girl was in a cage.
The backyard had another garden, just as well kept as the front. But while that one was really more for display, this one was mostly herbs and some vegetables and a large ”tree screen”, as she called it, instead of a metal or dead wood fence. There was also a small tool shed that was currently locked.
Asa sniffed through the herbs, careful not to pull anything out of the ground with her tiny claws. She would sneeze softly whenever she sniffed certain herbs; she would avoid that kind after that. She then made her way over to the trees, rubbing against them. She flew up to the tops as well, occasionally scaring birds. She spotted a squirrel, then, and landed on the branch next to it. The squirrel gave a sharp cry, skittering down the tree. Asa chased it around the yard.
Ashera laughed watching the small Dragon chasing a squirrel around her yard. This is better than watching tv. … Though I hope she doesn't actually catch it… The fun is in the chase after all, not the capture… Right?
Asa finally pounced at the squirrel, trapping its tail with her paw. It let out a terrified shriek, trying to get away. Asa, being Asa, sniffed it over completely, occasionally licking its fur. Satisfied with her work, she took her paw off of the squirrel's tail, and it scampered away. Asa thumped her tail a couple of times, twirling in a circle in celebration of a successful "hunt."
It was so cute watching Asa practically give that squirrel a bath before she let it go. Ashera sat down, still leaning against the house as Asa danced around. For no reason, in particular, she started humming a song by Lindsey Stirling.
After a few more laps around the yard, Asa finally went over to Ashera, near collapsing from exhaustion. She had done a lot of exercising, and she didn't have much stamina. She set her head on Ashera's lap, letting out a huff as she tried to keep her eyes open.
Ashera chuckled at the sleepy Dragon, stroking the back of Asa’s head. ”It looks like someone’s ready for bed. That squirrel wore you out, didn't it?” she teased, wondering if she would be able to carry Asa to the bedroom.
Asa let out a small chirp, sleepily pushing against the hand stroking her head. She snuggled closer to Ashera, pressing herself into Ashera's lap. She was surprisingly light; her bones were hollow, and she was no bigger than a large dog.
”Alright my mighty hunter. Let's get some sleep.” Ashera wrapped her arms around Asa picking her up and walked into the house using her magic to close and lock the door behind them.
The bedroom was upstairs and was painted to resemble a forest, with flickering fairy lights to simulate fireflies and if you looked carefully you could see a variety of wildlife hiding amongst the trees.
Asa, when she was picked up, buried herself in Ashera's arms, letting out a small puff of smoke. When they reached the room, Asa looked around sleepily; it reminded her of her home with her mother, and she let out a small chirp.
Ashera giggled softly, placing Asa on the foot of the queen-sized bed. She turned to grab a clean white nightgown, though not before kissing Asa goodnight on the top of her head. Once dressed she turned out the light, letting the moon and stars shine through the vine patterned curtains, and tucked herself in.
Asa curled up into a ball, humming slightly when Ashera kissed her goodnight. She tucked her head under her wing, sighing. When Ashera came into the bed, Asa pulled herself against Ashera, snuggling in for warmth.
”Goodnight, Asa. Pleasant dreams.” Ashera smiled, closing her eyes ready for sleep herself.
(Time skip to morning?)
(Sure!)
Asa's eyes blinked open slowly. She took a moment to take in her surroundings; remembering the previous day slowly. She wasn't at the pet store anymore. She was home, with Ashera. When she remembered this, she gave a small chirp.
Ashera was normally a light sleeper, waking up when the morning light hit her eyes. ”Good Morning Asa.” she yawned, stretching her arms over her head. ”Did you sleep well?”
When Asa heard Ashera's voice, she shuffled closer, resting her head on Ashera's stomach with a light chirp. She bobbed her head slightly at the question, resting against Ashera happily.
Ashera smiled at how affectionate Asa was and began petting the top of the Dragon’s head. ”I don't think I should have any customers today unless something urgent comes up.” she thought out loud. ”But when we go shopping for you later, I do have a few items I’ll need to pick up as well.”
Asa purred slightly when Ashera rubbed her head, pushing against that hand. She smiled, content to listening to Ashera talking.
Ashera was in no hurry to get up this morning so she moved her hand carefully around Asa’s head, neck, and shoulders even near her wings, testing where Asa liked being pet the most.
Asa leaned into all of the petting, but when Ashera's hand touched the base of her wings, she hummed loudly, pushing into the touch.
Ashera smiled rubbing into that spot more, but still gently. ”Did I find one of your soft spots?” she teased sitting up more.
(Thank qeu!)
Asa gave a small house chirp. She herself had a hard time reaching that spot, and it felt so good.
Ashera continued petting between Asa’s wings for a few minutes longer before she sat up. ”Alright girl. I think it's time we actually got up for the day. I’ll make us some of that fruit and berry bowl for breakfast.” she smiled.
Asa nodded, leaping down to the floor gracefully. She fluttered her wings once, chirping.
