"Are you sure this is what you want? We have the money to get Kyra something more expensive, sweetie."
Aveline looked up at her mother, a cute little clip in her hand. A bright yellow gem was inlaid.
"Does this match her eye color? It sparkles like they do..."
She held it up, allowing Nilly to take a closer look.
"Hmm. Definitely does. Kyra was never much for truly expensive things, at least in the time we have known her. Alright, let's get this one for her. How about... this one for you?"
Nilly grabbed a similar hair clip, though it was inlaid with a deep blue gem. Placing it close to Aveline's head, Nilly's eyes sparkled as she watched her daughter. In a quick motion, she had Aveline pulled tight into her embrace.
"Aww! My baby us blooming into a beautiful young woman!"
Nilly gushed for a few minutes before they could finally pay for their accessories and leave. Aveline looked at her small hoard and made a small noise, similar to a baby dragon.
"Greedy little beast!"
Aveline smiled gleefully before she darted off, Nilly already on the run after her. They laughed as they weaved through the crowded streets, until Aveline stopped and looked back. She stared up at Nilly, who hadn't even broken a sweat.
"Hungry?"
Aveline nodded before handing her mother the jewelry.
"Is there anything you think I should try, Mama?"
Nilly had a small smirk as she took Aveline's hand and began to walk through the streets.
"You'll love this. Your Papa and I came through here almost every time we came to town. It is so amazing and delicious!"
Nilly seemed to have stars in her eyes as she led her daughter.
'Niall, any ideas? I've never seen her like this.'
--
"No clue. I'll let you know if I figure it out."
--
Niall went silent as Aveline stopped in place. Her eyes were latched onto a foreign girl, her skin a beautiful tan while deep red scales covered her elbows and knees. Her eyes were almost draconic, being a bright gold that wouldn't leave Aveline's eyes. Her bright red hair was dirty, much like the rest of her body.
"Sweetie? Ah!"
Nilly looked back, quickly dropping down to her knees as she looked the girl over. The girl only stared, her eyes wide and curious.
--
"Aveline, this girl is a Dragonkin. Definitely from that kingdom, given her features."
--
Aveline reached out her hand, lightly taking the scales hand of the Dragonkin. Her fingers were scaly as well, ending in sharp black claws. At Aveline's touch, the scales seemed to almost recede.
"Hehe. They're a lot softer than I expected."
The Dragonkin seemed to be startled by Aveline's giggle. She didn't move away, however she decided to smile back. Her scales became flesh, soft and unblemished.
"Th-they will get harder when I grow!"
Her voice was mature for her age, but still carried a childish tinge. Aveline looked to her mother, who had sighed with relief.
"No wounds, thankfully. She's just dirty. Hey, why are you out here alone?"
The girl was taller than Aveline, easily around her age. Though she spoke more maturely, a sudden stream of tears fell from her eyes as she stared at Nilly.
"M-my father. He t-told me this was training."
Nilly quietly pulled the small girl into her arms, holding her against her chest.
"Now, now. No need to cry, dear. How long have you been on the streets?"
The series of questions continued until the little girl stopped crying finally. She had agreed to join Aveline and Nilly for lunch, as well as their following venue where they would meet up with Thorin. Aveline and the girl walked hand in hand, led by Nilly.
"Hrm. My Papa would get hurt if he did that. Mama would never let him!"
Nilly smiled softly, but it faded at the Dragonkin's next words.
"My mother... I never met her."
Aveline was stunned silent for a moment before she changed tactics.
"I-I'm Aveline! What should we call you?"
The girl blinked slowly for a moment before she spoke.
"Rey. I had almost forgotten. I have not heard it spoken in a while. Though father left me here, he will be taking me back home."
Aveline wanted to shake her head, denying that Rey would go anywhere. Nilly, however, knew it was a bad idea and could lead to many issues if they tried to keep Rey with them. It took a single look to stop Aveline from complaining.
"Now Rey, you can stay with us until he comes to get you. Good food, good company."
Nilly gave off a dazzling smile that Aveline knew all too well. She quickly covered Rey's eyes.
"Don't look into them! She uses them to control Papa all the time!"
Rey shuddered a little, but laughed all the same. Aveline couldn't help smiling to herself.
"Alright! Let's go eat so this mood stops getting spoiled!"
Rey and Aveline both nodded, their eyes gleaming at the thought of food. Aveline however, looked up and darted off before her mother realized. She was in and out of the store from before, her allowance gone and a new necklace in her hands. The cord was a deep red, while it held a beautiful golden gem. It was similar to the clip for Kyra, but was quickly placed around Rey's neck.
"All of my friends get something special!"
A pair of earrings were still in her hands, the gem a soft blue.
"My daughter loves eyes. Always matching them to what she can."
Rey stared at the gem, her eyes sparkling. She looked around, slipping it into her new and clean dress. She was given one of Aveline's as it fit for the most part. When she looked back up, she blushed as she explained to Aveline.
"I-I want it! My father... he might take it if he knew."
Her sad expression earned a pair of hugs before the girls all departed for the place Nilly wanted to go. Their moods no longer dipped as they began bonding, more and more.