FotN '21: Family

The brisk sea breeze rolled in off the lagoon, clashing with the warmth of the sun overhead. It created a mild temperature, neither too warm nor too chill for the procession going down the beach.

Slithering at the front was the dragon Candy, all gleaming rainbow scales, shiny spots, and bright wrappers on his crest and at the base of his wings. Following just behind was a cormorant, hopping a step or two at a time. When he stopped, his beady eyes glittered and head cocked to the side. Sometimes, his beak would open, and he would start, gingerly, to grab for the wrappers at Candy’s wings only to be slapped with the dragon’s tail or, worse, smacked by the cat who knew that when Candy was in charge, he controlled the treats, and allowing the bird to harass him meant both of them might get nothing.

Down at the water’s edge was the third of Miyu’s familiars, rolling in with the gentle waves before rushing out again, playing and waiting for Candy to arrive. It wasn’t necessary to feed the familiars every day, but Miyu liked doing it, and Candy liked helping Miyu. The cat sprawled in the warm sand, rolling onto her back as the cormorant paddled out with the next wave. The blue sea dragon’s food might attract other fish, and the closer the cormorant was, the faster he could snatch any wayward snacks who came to steal the other familiar’s food.

Candy carried a bag of fish food in his mouth, and upon reaching the water’s edge, he paused and used his tentacles to open it. With the next wave, he tossed several bites in towards the sea dragon. The water carried it out, and true to form, other fish began to drift in, knowing that when the sea dragon was getting food, they might be able to grab a bite for themselves. Candy hummed in his throat, pleased, and continued until the bag was empty.