Page 28 of Grumpy Dragon Christmas

“That’ll be a first.” He chuckles to himself. “But I’m pleased he’s getting out more.”

Qrow is another fixture in my life. Drekkan has insisted if he isn’t around, I must have an escort. The look on his face when I picked Qrow was an impressive mix of annoyance and relief. Qrow is not a threat to him, but he’s also not exactly a threat to anyone else.

Gelvira greets me as I enter, holding out a cup of what’s rapidly becoming my favorite drink, something she calls Fee and is a delicacy from a species known as the Gryn. It tastes so much like chocolate I’m stunned it isn’t chocolate.

“What did she think?” I ask as I take my first sip and revel in the flavor bursting over my tongue.

Gelvira gives nothing away with her inspection of me. My initial trial went well, she liked my workmanship, and as of yesterday, I was asked to mend a ripped garment for one of the long-standing customers of the shop.

I certainly was glad for all the time I spent on Kirakos getting used to the different fabrics because the dress itself was made of something akin to spider silk and as fine as fine could be. But I think I managed it.

Unfortunately, as Drekkan came around early, and Gelvira complains when he hangs around outside the shop because he puts off customers, I wasn’t present when the owner came to pick the dress up.

“She checked over the whole thing very carefully,” Gelvira says slowly.

“Yes?”

“Including the area where the damage was, which as you know was caused by…”

“An overzealous suitor, yes, I know,” I say, leaning forward.

“Having checked it over, thoroughly…”

“Yes?” I can’t keep the exasperation from my voice.

Gelvira’s face is split by a massive grin, filled with sharp elven teeth.

“She couldn’t even find the damage. She was extremely pleased,” Gelvira says, holding out something to me.

“What’s this?”

“She’s always tipped well. This is for you.”

I take the small gold rectangle from her and inspect it. “What is it?”

“It’s a Narvian credit chip, good anywhere in the universe,” Gelvira says. “And she also left you these.” With a flourish, she pulls out a rack of clothing.

“They all need mending?” I query.

“She has many overzealous suitors,” Gelvira says, and I dissolve into giggles.

Given what Drekkan and I did last night, it’s amazing I’m not in the same position as the client. He had my clothing off so quickly, I was sure it would get caught in his claws.

“Is your Sarkarnii coming for you again today?” Gelvira asks as I leaf through the garments, noting what’s been damaged.

“I told him to send Qrow ahead so he doesn’t lurk outside,” I say hastily.

I need this job. If someone realizes they’ve accidentally given me the wrong place to live and I’m expected to pay, I’m absolutely not leaving. I’ll give anything to stay there.

Gelvira laughs, and it’s a harsh sound which has taken some getting used to. “I meant is he taking you to the Sol-night celebration? It’s one of the best.”

“He is.” I blush a little, despite myself. “Qrow says this is quite out of character for him.”

“The Sarkarnii has never been one to take part in Kitchik’s events,” Gelvira says as she lays out pieces of fabric and they are swiftly whipped into shape by the robot assembler. “He believes he does not deserve happiness, and yet, he has found you.”

“Why doesn’t he think he deserves to be happy?” I query as I pull the first gown from the rail and take it to my work bench.

“That is a question you will need to ask of Drekkan, little one,” Gelvira says as she sets the rest of her creation machine going. “Not one I can answer for him.”

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