Nugget had been barking up at a kite that had been set aflame with a firework, but then something else got his attention.
New scents. But like those he'd smell this time of the year. One scent stood out: biscuits, mince pies and those odd wooden fruits that fall from the trees in wintertime.
Intrigued, he begins to sniff around before tracking it right to a young boy fixing his shoes and mumbling to himself.
Nugget's tail wagged excitedly as he approached the new boy who was completely absorbed in his task of fixing his shoes. The scent of biscuits and mince pies grew stronger, confirming that he was indeed the source of this intriguing aroma.
"Never fails. I just for a little mile and my laces get untied… again!" Zev Bennet mumbled as he began tying the laces to his sneakers.
Then he heard panting. Zev then looked up from his shoes, surprised to see a border collie mix dog standing in front of him. He smiled warmly, noticing the dog's wagging tail and friendly demeanor.
Zev loved animals and had always wanted a pet, but after his mother's death and the moving to a smaller apartment it seemed impossible.
"Hey there, buddy," He greeted the canine, extending his hand for a friendly sniff.
Nugget's nose twitched as he sniffed Zev's outstretched hand, confirming that the delightful scent he had been following was indeed coming from this boy. With a playful bark, Nugget licked Zev's cheek.
Zev chuckled, scratching Nugget behind the ears. "Musta smelled my snacks from a mile away, huh? Well, I've got a feeling we're going to be pals, you and me."
Just as he finished speaking, a voice called out from a short distance away. "Nugget! There you are!"
A little blonde girl in a sky blue dress approached, her crutch supporting her every step, she smiled warmly at Zev.
Nugget's tail wagged even faster as Leeli approached. Zev looked up, a friendly smile spreading across his face. "This your dog? What's his name?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Leeli reached them, slightly out of breath. "Yes, and his name is Nugget," she replied. "I hope he hasn't caused you any trouble."
Zev shook his head, still petting Nugget. "Nah, he's cool. Name's Zev, by the way."
Leeli extended her hand with a genteel smile. "It's nice to meet you, Zev. I'm Leeli."
The three of them stood there, forming an instant bond on that Dragon Day in Glipwood Township. Little did they know, this chance encounter would be the beginning of an extraordinary friendship and the start of a grand adventure they would embark on together.
Meanwhile, Elisheva, lost in her own thoughts, was walking through the bustling Dragon Day festival when she suddenly collided with someone. Startled, she stumbled backward, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine remorse.
And she flushed. She'd bumped right into a young man her age. Fair skin, tousled brownish gold hair and wide set eyes that matched.
With his quick reflexes, the young man managed to regain his balance and flashed a friendly smile. "No worries at all," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Dragon Day can be quite chaotic. I should've watched where I was going too."
Elisheva's embarrassment turned into curiosity as she noticed the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "You're right," she agreed, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's hard not to get caught up in the excitement."
The young man chuckled softly. "Tell me about it. The festival always seems to have a mind of its own. By the way, I'm Razain Goldwyn, but everyone calls me Raz." he introduced himself, extending a hand towards Elisheva.
She took his hand, feeling a tingle of connection. "Elisheva," she replied, her voice a mixture of warmth and intrigue. "Nice to meet you, Raz."
As they stood there, the crowd swirling around them, Elisheva found herself drawn to Raz's easygoing nature and the genuine interest he showed in their brief encounter. "Are you familiar with the festival? I must admit, this a first for me and my family," she admitted, a touch of vulnerability in her voice.
Raz's grin widened. "Lost? Well, you're in luck. I practically grew up with Dragon Day. Consider me your unofficial guide," he offered with a playful wink. "I'll show you all the best spots around Glipwood."
Elisheva couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and excitement. "That would be amazing," she replied, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Lead the way, Raz."
And with that, Elisheva and Raz ventured into the heart of the festival, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they discovered shared interests, exchanged stories, and laughed together. In that moment, surrounded by the joyous chaos of Dragon Day, a connection sparked between them, setting the stage for a friendship that would soon blossom into something more.
As they weaved through the festivities, Elisheva couldn't help but be captivated by Raz's genuine curiosity and the way he effortlessly made her feel at ease.
Little did she know that this unexpected encounter would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey, one where love and adventure intertwined in the most enchanting ways.
Author's note: I meant to write it separate but putting it together seemed like the way to go. It's another drabble for 'the Bennets escape together' AU of my main fanfiction. Might post up a different oneshot from a canon character in the near future, but be sure to check out my eventual new fanfiction 'the Path of Thorns'