Legacy of Life

                Cori walks into Kojan GreyHammer's shop bruised and breathless.

"I have your dragon, sir," Cori said while holding the struggling mini dragon by the neck.

"My baby!" Kojan cried, holding out his arms. Cori released the dragon, and it flew excitedly over to his master. She felt a surge of happiness course through her as she watched the once lost dragon become reunited with its best friend. Limping past some tattered swords upon the wall, she approached the checkout area for payment.

"I hope this is enough. It's all I have." He handed her thirty-three gold pieces. Cori frowned slightly in response but accepted it nonetheless. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Kojan asked sensing that Cori wasn't too pleased. "I'd hate to leave you with such poor payment." It was really all he had; he needed at least ten gold pieces to pay for dinner that night. He kept talking hoping to ease his guilt. "I really do appreciate you finding Mr. Plucky. He's my best friend," he said as he stroked his now fast asleep dragon.

"Of course, I would do anything to care for my pets. Your happiness and your pet's happiness are enough payment for me." Relief crossed over Kojan's face. Cori's eyes wandered towards the strapping young man in the back corner of the shop, polishing some swords. She couldn't help but trace his body with her eyes because he was undoubtedly attractive. Her eyes traveled from his head to his feet and back up again. Snapping out of it, she returned her attention back to Kojan. "Actually, I know I just said I had plenty of payment, but if you had any knowledge on gardening, I would greatly appreciate some advice.

Kojan chuckled, "well, you've definitely come to the right place. You see my assistant over there?" Of course I have she thought to herself. "He is a legend when it comes to gardening. He specializes in trumpet vines, but I'm sure he can help you. Hey Nick!" Kojan called. "I have a job for you."

Nick looked up and approached Kojan. "Yes sir," Nick said with a deeper voice than Cori imagined, making her a little nervous inside. Nick was wearing a clean, white button-up shirt with a nice navy-blue jacket over top; khaki pants finished the look. Cori looked down and saw the tremendous amount of dirt on her robes. The souls of her shoes were practically falling off. She couldn't bear to think of what her hair looked like after foraging through the forest.

"Nick, your assistance is needed," Kojan called. "This beautiful young lady found my Mr. Plucky, and I wish for you to make her garden spectacular." Nick nodded with enthusiasm.

"Of course!" he said eagerly. "I love to garden. Plus, Mr. Plucky's savior is also my savior. I don't know what I'd do if the poor boy was lost forever," he said longingly. "Now, what type of gardening issue are we dealing with here?" Cori was bemused by the circumstances. She was genuinely just asking for help. To receive help from this dazzling young man simply did not seem right.

"My tiger lilies are not doing so well," she said shyly. "I barely have time to work on them as I've been helping the people of Grizzleheim, but I really need some good harvests."

"What type of harvests are you trying to make?" Nick asked.

"Mega snacks," Cori said hesitantly.

"First of all, tiger lilies won't get you mega snacks."

"Oh, well then I obviously have been fooled. I knew that boy wasn't to be trusted," said Cori. "Don't jump to conclusions," Nick laughed. "Maybe he was talking about an ultra tiger lily." He could see that Cori was confused about what an ultra plant was. "Anyway, what you need are couch potatoes or even prickly bear cacti. Those are just some basic plants to start out with if you don't have much time on your hands."