Monday, October 24, 2011
These Are A Few of My Favorite Things...
I love that after a stinky morning of doing math and finishing a review worksheet for science I can go to orchestra. My case may be broken, (another story I may write about later) but none of it matters when my orchestra and I begin to trill out a tune. Another one of my favorite things, writing club. It may sound like the nerdiest club that you have ever heard of, but its great fun to me. Even though my mother may have forgotten me and I had to get a ride from a friend, all I could think about was the poem I started. Another? Rollerblading. After a stressful day at school, rollerblading totally helps relieve the leftover stressy feelings. I was rollerblading today after getting forgotten (It's ok you were stressed Mama)and I went rollerblading. It wasn't far. Just around the block. But the way the sun was hitting the field and that big brown barn on the hill when I passed it made my little excursion worth my while. I love to decorate a custom made waffle even though I usually don't eat a whole one. I enjoy looking out the window to see the sillhouettes of our big poplars against the periwinkle sky. I love the feel of fall that can't be avoided now that we are in the midst of October. These are just a few of my favorite things.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Damsel
Suddenly, the sun was blotted out and everything around me was dark. I looked up and you glowered down at me. I scrambled up and started to run. You followed me at an easy pace. But then, my feet pedaled uselessly at the air and I was being held in your claws. I screamed out of frustration and below, about three hundred feet from where you’d scooped me up, were Sir Kenneth, a few guards and my father. They looked up and took off running. “Help me!!!” I cried. But, no one looked back. I hung limply in your talons and crumpled onto the cave floor when you set me down. I heard a sound like a sword being unsheathed and you stood behind me in your human form. You looked furious. I lowered my head and waiting to feel claws or teeth ripping into my back. The pain never came. Curious, I raised my head and saw you sitting next to me looking defeated. I turned to face you and you looked up. Your voice was hoarse and you mumbled, “I hate this. I’m a coward. I feel like I can’t make any choices of my own. If it were up to me I would let you go. I’m so sorry.” I admired you for telling me this. I felt the same way as you. You studied me and then gently took my cloak bundle from my white knuckled hand. I shivered and realized my feet had lost all feeling and they had blisters on them. Could you read minds? I could only wonder as you tried to massage feeling back into my feet. Finally, I could wiggle my toes but I was extremely hungry. You got up and retrieved a glass bowl of raspberries, a plate of sweet meats, a loaf of bread, and a bottle of milk. You set them before me and the smell was intoxicating. You took a sweet meat and popped it into your mouth. I did the same. It reminded me of home.
Azulon
Liliana didn’t talk as she ate. She looked blissful as she finished off the meager meal I could provide. But, I couldn’t go into the kingdom and get human food as much as I would’ve liked because the dragons would be furious at me and the humans would start to get curious. I wished I wasn’t stuck between two worlds. Only a few other dragons could turn into humans and even fewer could at will. Liliana gazed up at me coolly. “You didn’t need to save me you know. My father and Sir Kenneth were about to find me.” I shook my head at her. I had seen the look of loathing on this Sir Kenneth’s face when she had called for help. “No they weren’t. Even if they did, you probably would’ve gotten a fever from all the open blisters on your feet. They can do that you know.” Her face turned pale but she didn’t look away. “Sir Kenneth loves me. He will come back and find me. My father will not rest until I am found either.” Her voice shook a bit as she spoke. “They won’t come back.” I whispered. Tears welled in her eyes and she got up. She glared at me and then she stormed off to her cave. My chest ached and I wished I hadn’t told her what I knew. I wanted things to be right between us so I strode over to the waterfall and climbed up into her cave. She sat in the middle looking frail and tired. I sat in the shadows. I could tell that she knew I was there but she didn’t move. She just stared up at the sky. We stayed that way for a while until she said, “You’re right. I know he doesn’t love me.” Her voice cracked at the end and tears ran down her cheeks. I got up and wrapped my arms around her. She cried even harder and I stroked her hair. Eventually, Liliana relaxed and her sobs turned into shaky sighs. I held her at arm’s length and she wiped her tears away and then I let her go. She sank to her knees and grabbed a book. She held it out to me and asked, “Is this book correct? Is it real information?” I took the book from her hand. I read the title: A Complete Guide to Dragons and Their Habitats. I remembered how I had acquired the book. My mother had still been alive. The man stood quivering in front of the Elders and my mother. I stood off to the side. “P-p-please. I was only trying t-trying to write a field guide. If y-y-you let me live, I will get the book published and us humans will have a better understanding of y-you beasts.” The dragons had all practically bristled at this. “That is exactly what we don’t want, for the humans to know all our secrets and things. You have crossed a line, human.” The man had whimpered and then had taken the book out of his pocket. The Elders and my mother were deliberating about what to do. The man had tip toed to me and had placed the book before me. Then, he had walked back to where he had previously been standing. At that moment, The Elders had turned around. My mother looked pained and her eyes were a dark murky brown. Draco had said, “You are too dangerous to be left to live. We will burn you alive. Do not worry it is a short way to die.” The man had screamed and then the Elders opened their mouths and incinerated him right before my eyes.
“Yes, Liliana most of this information is real. Though it may be a bit biased and unclear, it is real.” She nodded thoughtfully. I knelt on the ground next to her and I murmured, “Tell me about yourself.”
Liliana
I began, “I was born on a very special day. Or so my mother told me. She wasn’t of direct royal descent so, she had many beautiful stories to tell other than the dull tales of knights in shining armor my nursemaid told me. She has always said I was born on “Magique Eve”. She told me that it is the day when all magical and mythical creatures come out and reveal themselves to humans. Then, they dance the night away together although the next morning, hardly any humans remember. Sometimes special humans get blessed or get a mark of magic. Some may get cursed. She told me that a….. A dragon had given me my eyes.” I broke off. It was so strange that the child’s tale my mother had told me had to do with a dragon. It was too much of a coincidence. You swallowed hard but didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to start thinking about Sir Kenneth too much again though so I continued, “I always had dreams. Lovely dreams. Dreams of flying and looking down at the world below. My parents thought they were nightmares because when I woke, I would cry, sad the dreams had ended. My parents never made an effort to find out what was really going on though. I didn’t associate with children of my age in the castle. All of them were always too afraid to offend me to play for real. I grew up in a kind of solitude. The best friend that I had for the first maybe seven years of my life was my mother. But even then, she was always off doing whatever queens do. But, when I turned eight, my brother was four. He became my constant companion until I was fourteen and my father took him away from me to learn how to be a king. That’s when I started sneaking out of the castle. I liked to disguise myself as a peasant and spend my days in the market or sometimes, I just took off. When you found me, I had run away because of my father’s announcement of the wedding date. It was going to be the day after you took me.” I stopped. That was all there was to my life. It made me sad to think this was all I had to tell. You looked the same way. “Tell me about the day your brother left.” You whispered. I gazed up at the achingly blue sky for a moment and then whispered back, “We were going on a ride through the wilderness on the castle grounds. We had just stopped to eat by a small pond when a guard appeared. My brother, Stephen didn’t look afraid. I knew that something didn’t feel right though. I asked the guard what he was doing. Instead of telling me, he simply stepped forward and took my brother’s hand. Stephen looked ready to cry. I told him that everything would be alright and that I would see him tomorrow. The guard was rather rough with him as he hoisted Stephen onto his horse. As they rode off, Stephen turned around and waved at me. He was out of sight before I could wave back. The only times I ever saw Stephen after that, were at dinner. We sat on opposite ends of the table and never talked. His face became guarded except for his eyes, which always showed unexplainable hurt. He never ate as much as he’d used to and didn’t even talk to my father unless he was spoken to first. My father broke Stephen’s spirit and I think everyone knew it.” You had your head in your hands now. I wondered why it made you so sad to hear about my brother. I stared at you for a moment but you quickly made yourself look calm and strong again. It seemed like you were trying to make me think that you weren’t afraid of anything, that you were scared to show your true emotions. Why?? Even my father broke down sometimes. How could you bottle up your emotions like that? I could only wonder as you quietly stood up and left.
Azulon
Liliana didn’t talk as she ate. She looked blissful as she finished off the meager meal I could provide. But, I couldn’t go into the kingdom and get human food as much as I would’ve liked because the dragons would be furious at me and the humans would start to get curious. I wished I wasn’t stuck between two worlds. Only a few other dragons could turn into humans and even fewer could at will. Liliana gazed up at me coolly. “You didn’t need to save me you know. My father and Sir Kenneth were about to find me.” I shook my head at her. I had seen the look of loathing on this Sir Kenneth’s face when she had called for help. “No they weren’t. Even if they did, you probably would’ve gotten a fever from all the open blisters on your feet. They can do that you know.” Her face turned pale but she didn’t look away. “Sir Kenneth loves me. He will come back and find me. My father will not rest until I am found either.” Her voice shook a bit as she spoke. “They won’t come back.” I whispered. Tears welled in her eyes and she got up. She glared at me and then she stormed off to her cave. My chest ached and I wished I hadn’t told her what I knew. I wanted things to be right between us so I strode over to the waterfall and climbed up into her cave. She sat in the middle looking frail and tired. I sat in the shadows. I could tell that she knew I was there but she didn’t move. She just stared up at the sky. We stayed that way for a while until she said, “You’re right. I know he doesn’t love me.” Her voice cracked at the end and tears ran down her cheeks. I got up and wrapped my arms around her. She cried even harder and I stroked her hair. Eventually, Liliana relaxed and her sobs turned into shaky sighs. I held her at arm’s length and she wiped her tears away and then I let her go. She sank to her knees and grabbed a book. She held it out to me and asked, “Is this book correct? Is it real information?” I took the book from her hand. I read the title: A Complete Guide to Dragons and Their Habitats. I remembered how I had acquired the book. My mother had still been alive. The man stood quivering in front of the Elders and my mother. I stood off to the side. “P-p-please. I was only trying t-trying to write a field guide. If y-y-you let me live, I will get the book published and us humans will have a better understanding of y-you beasts.” The dragons had all practically bristled at this. “That is exactly what we don’t want, for the humans to know all our secrets and things. You have crossed a line, human.” The man had whimpered and then had taken the book out of his pocket. The Elders and my mother were deliberating about what to do. The man had tip toed to me and had placed the book before me. Then, he had walked back to where he had previously been standing. At that moment, The Elders had turned around. My mother looked pained and her eyes were a dark murky brown. Draco had said, “You are too dangerous to be left to live. We will burn you alive. Do not worry it is a short way to die.” The man had screamed and then the Elders opened their mouths and incinerated him right before my eyes.
“Yes, Liliana most of this information is real. Though it may be a bit biased and unclear, it is real.” She nodded thoughtfully. I knelt on the ground next to her and I murmured, “Tell me about yourself.”
Liliana
I began, “I was born on a very special day. Or so my mother told me. She wasn’t of direct royal descent so, she had many beautiful stories to tell other than the dull tales of knights in shining armor my nursemaid told me. She has always said I was born on “Magique Eve”. She told me that it is the day when all magical and mythical creatures come out and reveal themselves to humans. Then, they dance the night away together although the next morning, hardly any humans remember. Sometimes special humans get blessed or get a mark of magic. Some may get cursed. She told me that a….. A dragon had given me my eyes.” I broke off. It was so strange that the child’s tale my mother had told me had to do with a dragon. It was too much of a coincidence. You swallowed hard but didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to start thinking about Sir Kenneth too much again though so I continued, “I always had dreams. Lovely dreams. Dreams of flying and looking down at the world below. My parents thought they were nightmares because when I woke, I would cry, sad the dreams had ended. My parents never made an effort to find out what was really going on though. I didn’t associate with children of my age in the castle. All of them were always too afraid to offend me to play for real. I grew up in a kind of solitude. The best friend that I had for the first maybe seven years of my life was my mother. But even then, she was always off doing whatever queens do. But, when I turned eight, my brother was four. He became my constant companion until I was fourteen and my father took him away from me to learn how to be a king. That’s when I started sneaking out of the castle. I liked to disguise myself as a peasant and spend my days in the market or sometimes, I just took off. When you found me, I had run away because of my father’s announcement of the wedding date. It was going to be the day after you took me.” I stopped. That was all there was to my life. It made me sad to think this was all I had to tell. You looked the same way. “Tell me about the day your brother left.” You whispered. I gazed up at the achingly blue sky for a moment and then whispered back, “We were going on a ride through the wilderness on the castle grounds. We had just stopped to eat by a small pond when a guard appeared. My brother, Stephen didn’t look afraid. I knew that something didn’t feel right though. I asked the guard what he was doing. Instead of telling me, he simply stepped forward and took my brother’s hand. Stephen looked ready to cry. I told him that everything would be alright and that I would see him tomorrow. The guard was rather rough with him as he hoisted Stephen onto his horse. As they rode off, Stephen turned around and waved at me. He was out of sight before I could wave back. The only times I ever saw Stephen after that, were at dinner. We sat on opposite ends of the table and never talked. His face became guarded except for his eyes, which always showed unexplainable hurt. He never ate as much as he’d used to and didn’t even talk to my father unless he was spoken to first. My father broke Stephen’s spirit and I think everyone knew it.” You had your head in your hands now. I wondered why it made you so sad to hear about my brother. I stared at you for a moment but you quickly made yourself look calm and strong again. It seemed like you were trying to make me think that you weren’t afraid of anything, that you were scared to show your true emotions. Why?? Even my father broke down sometimes. How could you bottle up your emotions like that? I could only wonder as you quietly stood up and left.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A Dream Come True!!!!
I never would have guessed that a fairly ordinary Tuesday evening would turn into something so fantastic!! Mama told me to get my homework done because Karen and Mark invited us to a play. I quickly wrote my spanish diamante and finished my article for geography. Then, I ate and dressed in play worthy clothes. We drove to a bus stop and parked our car. Karen and Mark pulled up beside us and we piled into their car. We sat in silence for a few minutes and then Mama told me that they had an early birthday present for me. She passed back a scroll of paper and I untied the shiny pink ribbon. On the paper were pictures of one of my favorite singers, Keith Urban, and it said Happy Birthday to you!! 13! My heart raced. "Wait what???" I asked. They turned to me and shouted, "We're going to Keith Urban!!" It was such a suprise!! We sped off towards the Pepsi Center. We took a look at the old Tivoli Brewery and then headed in. It was really crowded and a 98.5 "Denver's number one for new country" bus was parked outside. On the inside, it was just as crowded especially where they were selling t shirts. Before we found our seats, we bought drinks. Then, finally we arrived at the portal marked 320. We found our seats and after a while, someone named Jake Owen came out and sang. He must've sung his whole album or something because he sang for a long time! After that, we waited. Then, it got dark. The lights turned on and Keith Urban stood on the stage. A dream come true I tell ya'. He was very crowd oriented. He read people's signs. "Keith, Will you marry me?" To which he replied, "No but thank you." He also let a girl come on the stage to take a picture with him for her birthday. He let us sing along and even invited a few people on to the stage to try (notice I say try) to sing a chorus of a song. He walked through the audience too. It was sooooooo cool and I know I'll never forget my first concert!!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Damsel
I asked, “What’s wrong, Liliana?” Her face immediately changed from heartbreakingly sad to ferociously angry. She narrowed her eyes and retorted, “Oh nothing’s wrong, dragon. I’m perfectly happy living in this cave for the rest of my life. I don’t even miss my family at all! I can’t wait until you decide that I will make a tasty lunch. Don’t worry about me.” Her sarcasm stung but I didn’t show it. Slowly I said, “My name is Azulon.” Then, I walked away leaving her to wallow in her own self pity. I didn’t want her to be sad but according to the Elders, there was nothing I could do.
Liliana
I hated you. I hated that you cared enough about me to ask me what was wrong. I hated you for carrying me away from the forest. And I hated that I couldn’t hate you enough. I lay by the pool, blind with my fury. But, it all melted away when you sat beside me and gave me a beautiful necklace. The beads were shiny and you called it moonstone. I forgave you right then and there. I knew that had it been one of the suitors that were always ogling at me during dinner, I could’ve cared less. But the sincerity that showed in your eyes did the trick. Or maybe it had been the next thing you said to me. “Would you like to go flying?” I nodded vigorously and smiled. I was scared of heights but somehow I knew this would be different. You smiled back. Then, you groaned in pain and suddenly, you were standing in front of me as a silvery-blue dragon. Your eyes were the same sky blue. You rumbled happily and you gestured towards the shelf that was nearest my room. I sprinted to it and saw what you wanted me to get. It was a sort of saddle but much much bigger and made more elegantly. It was hard to see at first, but then I realized it blended in to its surroundings. I grabbed what I could see and carried it back to you. Your voice echoed in my mind as you murmered, “You should probably wear something that you don’t care about. Also, you’d best put on a cloak. It is chilly today.” You turned to face the mouth of the cave and I went to look in one of the wardrobes. I opened it and found a simple lavender dress that I thought would bring out my eyes. I put it on and then saw the most beautiful cloak I had ever seen. It was white velvet with intricate swirling designs on it. It was like comparing the leaves in autumn to a pig with this beautiful thing and my plain green cloak. I tied the strings to keep it on and danced over to you. I looked down to examine my cloak again but like your saddle, it had turned invisible.
You had put the saddle on already and patiently waited for me to get on. I tried to climb up your side but you were far too tall. You flashed me a coy dragon smile and then your tail twisted around and shoved me onto your back. I held on to the saddle horn for dear life and you leapt into the air. The cold took my breath away for a moment. I pulled my cloak around me closer and laughed with pure joy. You were so graceful, circling through the air like the hawks that flew over the castle grounds sometimes when my younger brother was hunting. You flew over your mountain and started going deeper into the Dragon Land. We flew further into the mountains for a while but suddenly, you turned around. “Why did you turn around?” I asked. You answered in my mind, “It would be too dangerous to go to Celestinia for you.” Now, I wanted to see what this Celestinia was even more. “Please take me.” I whispered. You growled and mumbled, “Maybe next time.” The sky was steely gray and wispy white clouds circled above. I shivered and you twisted your head around and blew hot air at me. It warmed me up immediately. I looked down at the ground below us. Lakes that were probably huge looked like water droplets and trees looked like toothpick slivers. It reminded me of the dreams that I used to have when I was younger. I had dreamed about flying for as long as I could remember. It had been just like this, me, looking down at the world below. Until I was ten, I woke up crying, sad that my dreams had ended. My parents never knew though. They thought I had terrible nightmares. Not that they had done anything about them of course. We flew over the foothills. They were snowy and desolate. I took a mental note that if I was ever going to escape from you that I would have to wait until spring or dress warmly. We left the foothills behind and the air began to feel dry and sharp. The desert stretched below us. You must’ve read my thoughts or something though, because we turned back and I didn’t get to see the rest of my escape route.
After about half an hour, we were back in the lair. As soon as you turned back into your human form, I ran to my room. You looked suspicious but really, you hadn’t needed to worry. I was only going to do some research. Although the sky was overcast, my cave was light and warm. I grabbed the book, A Complete Guide to Dragons and Their Habitats. I opened it up and looked for something about Celestinia. There was nothing. But, I did find a section about dragon coloring and personality traits.
Seemingly good dragons:
Gold dragons- Highly intelligent and like to spend their time in hot desert regions. They are very talkative but very selfish. Relatively large, approximately thirty feet long. They will offer advice as long as you keep them up on worldly events.
White dragons- Live in cold, snowy regions. Not interested in the plights of man and don’t choose sides in such “petty fights”. However, if one finds himself lost in the mountains during the blizzard, a white dragon may save him. Or not. Approximately twenty feet long.
Brown dragons- Shy, and keep to themselves. They can be the kindest of all dragons to humans. They have an extreme love of rubies. Approximately fifteen feet in length.
Silver dragons- Live on cold mountain tops. Lovers of literature. Approximately twenty five feet long.
Evil dragons:
Black dragons- Beware! Extreme hatred towards humans. Their weapons of choice are their mind reading abilities and can breathe white hot fire. Very big in size.
Red dragons- Most do not like humans although I have found a few exceptions. Be careful of their razor sharp teeth and claws. I have found that most red dragons are quite lazy.
Green dragons- Enjoy toying with their meal before they eat it. This could involve riddles, philosophic questions, or other violent means of “playing”.
(You may have noticed there aren’t definite sizes for each of these dragons. That is because I have never gotten close enough to one to measure it)
Undetermined:
Purple dragons- Vain and proud. I have heard that the ruler of the dragons is a purple one. I have no supporting evidence however.
Blue dragons- These dragons act very aloof but are actually fascinated with humans. The few I’ve met keep small hordes of human artifacts.
I was disappointed in my failed search for information about Celestinia but I knew that this information would probably be helpful to me in the future. Then, I realized that you had all the wardrobes and books because you were blue and silver. I was happy to have a better idea of what you were. Just then, I heard you call my name. I climbed down and skirted around the waterfall. You stood by the pool. “What?” I asked suspiciously. You looked at me and your piercing blue eyes softened to a darker shade of blue. You answered, “I was wondering if you were hungry.” Before I could answer, my stomach growled loudly. You chuckled and then presented a plate of sweet meats and rolls from behind your back. My mouth watered. It wasn’t quail eggs and roast venison like I had at home but I was too hungry to be picky. I wolfed it all down and knelt to drink from the pool. It was sweet and ice cold. You shuffled your feet. Then you mumbled, “The one you have been promised to is organizing a search party.” You looked surprised at what you had just said and studied me carefully. At first I was annoyed that it had taken Kenneth two whole days to realize I was missing. But then, my heart soared. That is, until I saw the savage look of possession on your face. I shivered and whispered, “Will you let them take me if they find me?” Your eyes changed to gray and you shook your head. “Why?”
“The Elders told me to keep you. I don’t want to offend them. You will grow to like it here.”
Rage boiled up inside of me. It was like my whole life was being controlled by one person or another. First, my nursemaid, raising me to be a proper woman. Then, my father, promising me to Sir Kenneth. Now it was some senile old dragons. You gazed at me coolly and I couldn’t take it any longer. I climbed up into my little cavern and put on my white cloak and put the books and jewelry box in my green cloak which I tied into a bundle. Then, I leapt off the mouth of my cavern and narrowly missed the waterfall. I stormed over to one of the bathing pools and emptied and rinsed out a perfume bottle. I dipped it into the drinking water and put the lid on. You watched me the whole time, looking worried. I also took a slip dress and some calf skin gloves. Then, without a second glance at you, I began the long descent down the mountain. The rough rocks bit into my hands by the time I reached the foothills below, they were already starting to scab. Bitter cold wind buffeted me and my lungs ached. I looked back up and saw you standing at the mouth of your cave, watching. I rolled my eyes and trudged through the snow.
My feet were red and raw by the time I reached the desert. The air was still bitter and cold. I heard voices. I couldn’t tell if I was hallucinating or if it was my search party. They screamed my name over and over again. I yelled, “I’m here!!” Then, I collapsed on the sand out of exhaustion and hunger. But, like shoes, I’d forgotten food too. I drank thirstily from the perfume bottle. I hoped the water would hold me over until I found Sir Kenneth. The voices called my name again. I waved my hand in the air. Then, it was quiet.
Liliana
I hated you. I hated that you cared enough about me to ask me what was wrong. I hated you for carrying me away from the forest. And I hated that I couldn’t hate you enough. I lay by the pool, blind with my fury. But, it all melted away when you sat beside me and gave me a beautiful necklace. The beads were shiny and you called it moonstone. I forgave you right then and there. I knew that had it been one of the suitors that were always ogling at me during dinner, I could’ve cared less. But the sincerity that showed in your eyes did the trick. Or maybe it had been the next thing you said to me. “Would you like to go flying?” I nodded vigorously and smiled. I was scared of heights but somehow I knew this would be different. You smiled back. Then, you groaned in pain and suddenly, you were standing in front of me as a silvery-blue dragon. Your eyes were the same sky blue. You rumbled happily and you gestured towards the shelf that was nearest my room. I sprinted to it and saw what you wanted me to get. It was a sort of saddle but much much bigger and made more elegantly. It was hard to see at first, but then I realized it blended in to its surroundings. I grabbed what I could see and carried it back to you. Your voice echoed in my mind as you murmered, “You should probably wear something that you don’t care about. Also, you’d best put on a cloak. It is chilly today.” You turned to face the mouth of the cave and I went to look in one of the wardrobes. I opened it and found a simple lavender dress that I thought would bring out my eyes. I put it on and then saw the most beautiful cloak I had ever seen. It was white velvet with intricate swirling designs on it. It was like comparing the leaves in autumn to a pig with this beautiful thing and my plain green cloak. I tied the strings to keep it on and danced over to you. I looked down to examine my cloak again but like your saddle, it had turned invisible.
You had put the saddle on already and patiently waited for me to get on. I tried to climb up your side but you were far too tall. You flashed me a coy dragon smile and then your tail twisted around and shoved me onto your back. I held on to the saddle horn for dear life and you leapt into the air. The cold took my breath away for a moment. I pulled my cloak around me closer and laughed with pure joy. You were so graceful, circling through the air like the hawks that flew over the castle grounds sometimes when my younger brother was hunting. You flew over your mountain and started going deeper into the Dragon Land. We flew further into the mountains for a while but suddenly, you turned around. “Why did you turn around?” I asked. You answered in my mind, “It would be too dangerous to go to Celestinia for you.” Now, I wanted to see what this Celestinia was even more. “Please take me.” I whispered. You growled and mumbled, “Maybe next time.” The sky was steely gray and wispy white clouds circled above. I shivered and you twisted your head around and blew hot air at me. It warmed me up immediately. I looked down at the ground below us. Lakes that were probably huge looked like water droplets and trees looked like toothpick slivers. It reminded me of the dreams that I used to have when I was younger. I had dreamed about flying for as long as I could remember. It had been just like this, me, looking down at the world below. Until I was ten, I woke up crying, sad that my dreams had ended. My parents never knew though. They thought I had terrible nightmares. Not that they had done anything about them of course. We flew over the foothills. They were snowy and desolate. I took a mental note that if I was ever going to escape from you that I would have to wait until spring or dress warmly. We left the foothills behind and the air began to feel dry and sharp. The desert stretched below us. You must’ve read my thoughts or something though, because we turned back and I didn’t get to see the rest of my escape route.
After about half an hour, we were back in the lair. As soon as you turned back into your human form, I ran to my room. You looked suspicious but really, you hadn’t needed to worry. I was only going to do some research. Although the sky was overcast, my cave was light and warm. I grabbed the book, A Complete Guide to Dragons and Their Habitats. I opened it up and looked for something about Celestinia. There was nothing. But, I did find a section about dragon coloring and personality traits.
Seemingly good dragons:
Gold dragons- Highly intelligent and like to spend their time in hot desert regions. They are very talkative but very selfish. Relatively large, approximately thirty feet long. They will offer advice as long as you keep them up on worldly events.
White dragons- Live in cold, snowy regions. Not interested in the plights of man and don’t choose sides in such “petty fights”. However, if one finds himself lost in the mountains during the blizzard, a white dragon may save him. Or not. Approximately twenty feet long.
Brown dragons- Shy, and keep to themselves. They can be the kindest of all dragons to humans. They have an extreme love of rubies. Approximately fifteen feet in length.
Silver dragons- Live on cold mountain tops. Lovers of literature. Approximately twenty five feet long.
Evil dragons:
Black dragons- Beware! Extreme hatred towards humans. Their weapons of choice are their mind reading abilities and can breathe white hot fire. Very big in size.
Red dragons- Most do not like humans although I have found a few exceptions. Be careful of their razor sharp teeth and claws. I have found that most red dragons are quite lazy.
Green dragons- Enjoy toying with their meal before they eat it. This could involve riddles, philosophic questions, or other violent means of “playing”.
(You may have noticed there aren’t definite sizes for each of these dragons. That is because I have never gotten close enough to one to measure it)
Undetermined:
Purple dragons- Vain and proud. I have heard that the ruler of the dragons is a purple one. I have no supporting evidence however.
Blue dragons- These dragons act very aloof but are actually fascinated with humans. The few I’ve met keep small hordes of human artifacts.
I was disappointed in my failed search for information about Celestinia but I knew that this information would probably be helpful to me in the future. Then, I realized that you had all the wardrobes and books because you were blue and silver. I was happy to have a better idea of what you were. Just then, I heard you call my name. I climbed down and skirted around the waterfall. You stood by the pool. “What?” I asked suspiciously. You looked at me and your piercing blue eyes softened to a darker shade of blue. You answered, “I was wondering if you were hungry.” Before I could answer, my stomach growled loudly. You chuckled and then presented a plate of sweet meats and rolls from behind your back. My mouth watered. It wasn’t quail eggs and roast venison like I had at home but I was too hungry to be picky. I wolfed it all down and knelt to drink from the pool. It was sweet and ice cold. You shuffled your feet. Then you mumbled, “The one you have been promised to is organizing a search party.” You looked surprised at what you had just said and studied me carefully. At first I was annoyed that it had taken Kenneth two whole days to realize I was missing. But then, my heart soared. That is, until I saw the savage look of possession on your face. I shivered and whispered, “Will you let them take me if they find me?” Your eyes changed to gray and you shook your head. “Why?”
“The Elders told me to keep you. I don’t want to offend them. You will grow to like it here.”
Rage boiled up inside of me. It was like my whole life was being controlled by one person or another. First, my nursemaid, raising me to be a proper woman. Then, my father, promising me to Sir Kenneth. Now it was some senile old dragons. You gazed at me coolly and I couldn’t take it any longer. I climbed up into my little cavern and put on my white cloak and put the books and jewelry box in my green cloak which I tied into a bundle. Then, I leapt off the mouth of my cavern and narrowly missed the waterfall. I stormed over to one of the bathing pools and emptied and rinsed out a perfume bottle. I dipped it into the drinking water and put the lid on. You watched me the whole time, looking worried. I also took a slip dress and some calf skin gloves. Then, without a second glance at you, I began the long descent down the mountain. The rough rocks bit into my hands by the time I reached the foothills below, they were already starting to scab. Bitter cold wind buffeted me and my lungs ached. I looked back up and saw you standing at the mouth of your cave, watching. I rolled my eyes and trudged through the snow.
My feet were red and raw by the time I reached the desert. The air was still bitter and cold. I heard voices. I couldn’t tell if I was hallucinating or if it was my search party. They screamed my name over and over again. I yelled, “I’m here!!” Then, I collapsed on the sand out of exhaustion and hunger. But, like shoes, I’d forgotten food too. I drank thirstily from the perfume bottle. I hoped the water would hold me over until I found Sir Kenneth. The voices called my name again. I waved my hand in the air. Then, it was quiet.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Damsel
I'm not too sure about the title but... it will do for now.
Azulon
Thunder rumbled and lightning lit up the sky. It gave the trees an eerie negative look. I crouched in the bushes. I hadn’t wanted this to happen. I knew I was dangerous. I knew I shouldn’t be there. But something drew me there like a fly to a dead horse. It scared me. The wind whipped my hair into my eyes. All of the sudden, the rain relented and I heard singing. Not the singing that I had heard growing up. It was far less savage and more lyrical. I got up and followed my ears to the sound. I walked through the trees until I ended up by a small spring. A pretty girl was filling a jar of water and singing. “In garden close where shone the rose I heard a fiddle played, then a handsome knight that charmed my sight, was dancing with a maiden.” Her voice was soothing and her fair hair swayed in the wind. I watched her for a moment longer. Then, I felt my skin turning scaly and tried to fight off my transformation. I gritted my teeth and succeeded in keeping the monster in me from coming out. The girl turned around and I was stunned by her beautiful amethyst colored eyes. She looked afraid. I walked towards her and she stiffened. I purred, “Why are you so far from the kingdom?” She shivered and said nothing. I knew that the nearest kingdom, probably the one where she was from, was about half a day from where we were. Now I couldn’t stop myself. My skin turned scaly, my teeth sharpened, wings forced themselves out of my back, and my fingers turned to claws. Her eyes were filled with horror as I scooped her up and beat the air with my wings. She screamed and I let out a mighty roar.
Liliana
The look on your face had frightened me. You had looked scared, determined, and sad all at the same time. You had asked me why I was so far from home. I didn’t want to answer you. Maybe if I had, this wouldn’t have happened to me. I remember thinking how pretty your eyes were, sky blue.
When it grew harder for me to breathe as we ascended higher and higher, that’s what I held on to. Seeing slightly your humanoid eyes made me feel better and helped me not to look down. You roared every once in a while. I had stopped screaming long ago. The sun was beginning to set but you didn’t show any signs of being tired. Your silvery blue scales sparkled in the faint sunlight and your wings shone like pearls. The air grew cold and I looked down. We were flying towards the mountains. A sob escaped my lips and you looked down at me. I thought I saw a flash of sadness in your eyes. It might’ve just been hunger though. This thought made me cry harder. Why did you want me? What were you going to do with me? If I had known about the adventure that would befall me, I may have stopped crying. I might have even enjoyed the ride. Or, I may have not gone to the woods at all that day. But I didn’t know.
Azulon
I felt terrible for making her cry. I didn’t know why I took her. It must’ve been a dragon reflex. I hated the whole idea of the damsel in distress and yet, I had just started another one of those stories. As we came closer to the mountains her desperate crying stopped and I spotted my lair. It was at the boundary between where the humans land ended and the dragons began. I liked where my cave was as I could see what was going on fairly well in both places. I swooped down and flew into my large lair in the side of the mountain. She gasped and I released her from my claws.
Liliana
The cave was littered with jewels and books and finery of every kind. It was magnificent. There were a few pools of water and a small rushing water fall in the very back. Ledges were cut into the walls and looked to be shelves. You roared and I jumped. I turned around and you were the handsome boy who I had seen in the woods before you turned into a monster. You smiled at me and walked towards me. Everything in my body was telling me to run but I didn’t move. You approached cautiously, as if you were afraid that any sudden movement would frighten me. It was too late to start that. I narrowed my eyes at you. It seemed to stun you for a moment but then you said, “I’m sorry about all of this. Why don’t I show you around my lair?” Without waiting for my answer you took my hand and led me all the way to the back. The walls glittered with mica and little veins of gold. The waterfall was quietly falling into a large pool. You gestured to the waterfall and murmured, “There is a small room behind the water fall. You have to slip behind the water fall and you will find ledges carved into the rock like a ladder. You may sleep in there if you’d like to. Actually, I highly recommend it.” I glared at you and you cleared your throat and mumbled, “The rest is pretty self explanatory I suppose. You can look through the old wardrobes and books and jewelry and pick a few things.” I attempted to smile but I’m sure it looked more like a grimace. You stalked away and I immediately spotted a prettily carved wardrobe. I rushed over to it and found lots of pretty dresses. There was a lovely black and white sleeveless dress, an emerald green dress with white lace dripping off the ends of the sleeves, a blue lace up slip dress, a form fitting purple dress with a bottom that drifted out like a new flower, a white and red dress with a round neck and flowing bluebell shaped sleeves, and a few corsets. There were no shoes to be found. In the wardrobe, I also found an ornate jewelry box carved with images of mythical creatures. I set this aside to look at later. You watched me at the mouth of the cave the whole time. I made my way closer to you and picked a few books. There was A Complete Guide to Dragons and Their Habitats, The Canterbury Tales, A Book of Dragon Etiquette, Dragon History, A Book of Modern Maps, and, Inferno. I thought that most of these books would be helpful if I was going to live with a dragon. I picked up my load of books and my jewelry box and took them to the waterfall. I made myself as skinny as I could be and went behind the waterfall. Once behind it, I realized I hadn’t needed to squeeze. I looked up and saw the opening of a little cave. It was very high up. I took a deep breath and took my cloak off. I put my books and jewelry box in it and tied the strings. Then, I crammed my fingers into the first handhold and began to climb. Eventually, I made it. I pulled myself onto the floor of the cave and gasped with surprise. There was a hole in the ceiling that let the moon and the stars shine through. The light reflected off the sparkling walls and the whole room was lit with a creamy glow. I heard you laughing at me and then it turned into a roar. I heard the air being buffeted, and then the cave was silent. I set my cloak on the floor and climbed down. You were gone but in your place was a note written on very fancy parchment. I picked it up and read it. It said,
“Dear Liliana,
I had to go hunting. You are welcome to bathe in one of the pools. You will find fragrant soaps and shampoos nearest the walls. Also, feel free to explore the cave. What’s mine is yours. I may be gone longer yet as I am inquiring about what to do with you to the Elders. I am sure you will try to escape. Go ahead and try it. Just keep in mind that between here and the forest are the foothills, a desert, various swamps, and the Dead Land. I will try to bring you some human food. If I don’t, I will save some of my kill so I can roast it for you. I will see you soon if not tomorrow morning.
Sincerely,
Azulon”
For a second, I wondered how you knew my name. But I dismissed it as part of your kidnapping scheme. I sighed at your good point about escaping. You were smart. But I suppose most dragons were. Then, I stomped off to the nearest pool. I took off my dress and slipped into the water.
Azulon
I flew surrounded by stars. I was headed towards the center of the mountain range, to Celestinia, the epicenter of the dragon realm. Bursts of fire randomly lit the mountains as younger dragons practiced their technique and dragon songs filled the air. Already, I could see the Elder’s cave. It was the highest mountain and the top was surrounded by wispy clouds as was their lair. I beat at the air harder and faster and found myself hovering by the clouds. Truth be told, I was scared to go in. But, the piercing screeches and deafening roars of a nearby fight pushed me into the mist. I flew through the clouds as quickly as I could and landed in the mouth of the grand cave. A deep voice called my name. “Ahhh, its Azulon. Come in, come in.” I walked in and saw three huge dragons staring down at me. I had seen them before and knew their names. Gildamoor was the one who had first spoken to me. He was dark green with eyes of the same color. He had two long wicked looking horns on the top of his head. The dragon opposite him was Ziildrith and was blood red with electric blue, sightless eyes. And, the dragon in the middle was the one I knew best. He appeared in my dreams every night. It was Draco, an all black dragon with neon green tipped wings and dark eyes. He was also my father.
I stepped forward and said, “I have a maiden in my cave. What should I do?” All of the dragons gasped and for a moment, Draco looked proud. “How did you end up taking a lady?” Ziildrith asked. Gildamoor rumbled playfully and said, “Let me guess. Did you terrorize a kingdom and they gave her up as a sacrifice? Or hmm, did you steal her away out of revenge?” I shook my head. All three dragons made sounds of disappointment. “How then, Azulon, did you take her?” My father’s voice shook the room. I shrank back and replied, “I saw her in the woods after a storm the other day and I don’t know why, I just took her.” My father growled wickedly but Gildamoor, probably wanting to keep the mood light chuckled and said, “Well you may as well keep her then. If you take her back she will likely tell the humans about us and we will have another St. George incident on our hands. Besides, it doesn’t matter as long as she’s beautiful. We dragons do greatly appreciate beautiful things.” Ziildrith nodded thoughtfully and Draco simmered. Then they turned away from me and resumed their first conversation. I took that as my cue to leave and slinked out of the depths cave and into the open air. I stretched my wings and leapt off the mouth of the cave. The air seemed to part before me and I arrived at my abode just before dawn. I was grateful to be away from the eerie howls and roars of Celestinia, the great dragon kingdom. I could hear Liliana murmuring quietly in her sleep and I settled down among my gold and other priceless gems and slept as well as a dragon could, with one eye open.
A few hours later, I woke up to the sound of weeping. I changed into my human form as quietly as I could and saw her sitting by one of the pools. I could tell she was trying to hold her racking sobs in but every once in a while, a whimper would echo through the cave. My stomach hurt and my hands shook. I knew that I was causing her this misery. But could I dare disobey the Elders? I almost laughed out loud at this. No one disobeyed the Elders. They were the eyes and ears for the Empress. And to invoke the wrath of the Empress….. I didn’t even want to know. I strode towards Liliana cautiously, so as not to scare her off. I gently touched her shoulder and she whirled around to face me, her violet eyes swimming with tears.
Azulon
Thunder rumbled and lightning lit up the sky. It gave the trees an eerie negative look. I crouched in the bushes. I hadn’t wanted this to happen. I knew I was dangerous. I knew I shouldn’t be there. But something drew me there like a fly to a dead horse. It scared me. The wind whipped my hair into my eyes. All of the sudden, the rain relented and I heard singing. Not the singing that I had heard growing up. It was far less savage and more lyrical. I got up and followed my ears to the sound. I walked through the trees until I ended up by a small spring. A pretty girl was filling a jar of water and singing. “In garden close where shone the rose I heard a fiddle played, then a handsome knight that charmed my sight, was dancing with a maiden.” Her voice was soothing and her fair hair swayed in the wind. I watched her for a moment longer. Then, I felt my skin turning scaly and tried to fight off my transformation. I gritted my teeth and succeeded in keeping the monster in me from coming out. The girl turned around and I was stunned by her beautiful amethyst colored eyes. She looked afraid. I walked towards her and she stiffened. I purred, “Why are you so far from the kingdom?” She shivered and said nothing. I knew that the nearest kingdom, probably the one where she was from, was about half a day from where we were. Now I couldn’t stop myself. My skin turned scaly, my teeth sharpened, wings forced themselves out of my back, and my fingers turned to claws. Her eyes were filled with horror as I scooped her up and beat the air with my wings. She screamed and I let out a mighty roar.
Liliana
The look on your face had frightened me. You had looked scared, determined, and sad all at the same time. You had asked me why I was so far from home. I didn’t want to answer you. Maybe if I had, this wouldn’t have happened to me. I remember thinking how pretty your eyes were, sky blue.
When it grew harder for me to breathe as we ascended higher and higher, that’s what I held on to. Seeing slightly your humanoid eyes made me feel better and helped me not to look down. You roared every once in a while. I had stopped screaming long ago. The sun was beginning to set but you didn’t show any signs of being tired. Your silvery blue scales sparkled in the faint sunlight and your wings shone like pearls. The air grew cold and I looked down. We were flying towards the mountains. A sob escaped my lips and you looked down at me. I thought I saw a flash of sadness in your eyes. It might’ve just been hunger though. This thought made me cry harder. Why did you want me? What were you going to do with me? If I had known about the adventure that would befall me, I may have stopped crying. I might have even enjoyed the ride. Or, I may have not gone to the woods at all that day. But I didn’t know.
Azulon
I felt terrible for making her cry. I didn’t know why I took her. It must’ve been a dragon reflex. I hated the whole idea of the damsel in distress and yet, I had just started another one of those stories. As we came closer to the mountains her desperate crying stopped and I spotted my lair. It was at the boundary between where the humans land ended and the dragons began. I liked where my cave was as I could see what was going on fairly well in both places. I swooped down and flew into my large lair in the side of the mountain. She gasped and I released her from my claws.
Liliana
The cave was littered with jewels and books and finery of every kind. It was magnificent. There were a few pools of water and a small rushing water fall in the very back. Ledges were cut into the walls and looked to be shelves. You roared and I jumped. I turned around and you were the handsome boy who I had seen in the woods before you turned into a monster. You smiled at me and walked towards me. Everything in my body was telling me to run but I didn’t move. You approached cautiously, as if you were afraid that any sudden movement would frighten me. It was too late to start that. I narrowed my eyes at you. It seemed to stun you for a moment but then you said, “I’m sorry about all of this. Why don’t I show you around my lair?” Without waiting for my answer you took my hand and led me all the way to the back. The walls glittered with mica and little veins of gold. The waterfall was quietly falling into a large pool. You gestured to the waterfall and murmured, “There is a small room behind the water fall. You have to slip behind the water fall and you will find ledges carved into the rock like a ladder. You may sleep in there if you’d like to. Actually, I highly recommend it.” I glared at you and you cleared your throat and mumbled, “The rest is pretty self explanatory I suppose. You can look through the old wardrobes and books and jewelry and pick a few things.” I attempted to smile but I’m sure it looked more like a grimace. You stalked away and I immediately spotted a prettily carved wardrobe. I rushed over to it and found lots of pretty dresses. There was a lovely black and white sleeveless dress, an emerald green dress with white lace dripping off the ends of the sleeves, a blue lace up slip dress, a form fitting purple dress with a bottom that drifted out like a new flower, a white and red dress with a round neck and flowing bluebell shaped sleeves, and a few corsets. There were no shoes to be found. In the wardrobe, I also found an ornate jewelry box carved with images of mythical creatures. I set this aside to look at later. You watched me at the mouth of the cave the whole time. I made my way closer to you and picked a few books. There was A Complete Guide to Dragons and Their Habitats, The Canterbury Tales, A Book of Dragon Etiquette, Dragon History, A Book of Modern Maps, and, Inferno. I thought that most of these books would be helpful if I was going to live with a dragon. I picked up my load of books and my jewelry box and took them to the waterfall. I made myself as skinny as I could be and went behind the waterfall. Once behind it, I realized I hadn’t needed to squeeze. I looked up and saw the opening of a little cave. It was very high up. I took a deep breath and took my cloak off. I put my books and jewelry box in it and tied the strings. Then, I crammed my fingers into the first handhold and began to climb. Eventually, I made it. I pulled myself onto the floor of the cave and gasped with surprise. There was a hole in the ceiling that let the moon and the stars shine through. The light reflected off the sparkling walls and the whole room was lit with a creamy glow. I heard you laughing at me and then it turned into a roar. I heard the air being buffeted, and then the cave was silent. I set my cloak on the floor and climbed down. You were gone but in your place was a note written on very fancy parchment. I picked it up and read it. It said,
“Dear Liliana,
I had to go hunting. You are welcome to bathe in one of the pools. You will find fragrant soaps and shampoos nearest the walls. Also, feel free to explore the cave. What’s mine is yours. I may be gone longer yet as I am inquiring about what to do with you to the Elders. I am sure you will try to escape. Go ahead and try it. Just keep in mind that between here and the forest are the foothills, a desert, various swamps, and the Dead Land. I will try to bring you some human food. If I don’t, I will save some of my kill so I can roast it for you. I will see you soon if not tomorrow morning.
Sincerely,
Azulon”
For a second, I wondered how you knew my name. But I dismissed it as part of your kidnapping scheme. I sighed at your good point about escaping. You were smart. But I suppose most dragons were. Then, I stomped off to the nearest pool. I took off my dress and slipped into the water.
Azulon
I flew surrounded by stars. I was headed towards the center of the mountain range, to Celestinia, the epicenter of the dragon realm. Bursts of fire randomly lit the mountains as younger dragons practiced their technique and dragon songs filled the air. Already, I could see the Elder’s cave. It was the highest mountain and the top was surrounded by wispy clouds as was their lair. I beat at the air harder and faster and found myself hovering by the clouds. Truth be told, I was scared to go in. But, the piercing screeches and deafening roars of a nearby fight pushed me into the mist. I flew through the clouds as quickly as I could and landed in the mouth of the grand cave. A deep voice called my name. “Ahhh, its Azulon. Come in, come in.” I walked in and saw three huge dragons staring down at me. I had seen them before and knew their names. Gildamoor was the one who had first spoken to me. He was dark green with eyes of the same color. He had two long wicked looking horns on the top of his head. The dragon opposite him was Ziildrith and was blood red with electric blue, sightless eyes. And, the dragon in the middle was the one I knew best. He appeared in my dreams every night. It was Draco, an all black dragon with neon green tipped wings and dark eyes. He was also my father.
I stepped forward and said, “I have a maiden in my cave. What should I do?” All of the dragons gasped and for a moment, Draco looked proud. “How did you end up taking a lady?” Ziildrith asked. Gildamoor rumbled playfully and said, “Let me guess. Did you terrorize a kingdom and they gave her up as a sacrifice? Or hmm, did you steal her away out of revenge?” I shook my head. All three dragons made sounds of disappointment. “How then, Azulon, did you take her?” My father’s voice shook the room. I shrank back and replied, “I saw her in the woods after a storm the other day and I don’t know why, I just took her.” My father growled wickedly but Gildamoor, probably wanting to keep the mood light chuckled and said, “Well you may as well keep her then. If you take her back she will likely tell the humans about us and we will have another St. George incident on our hands. Besides, it doesn’t matter as long as she’s beautiful. We dragons do greatly appreciate beautiful things.” Ziildrith nodded thoughtfully and Draco simmered. Then they turned away from me and resumed their first conversation. I took that as my cue to leave and slinked out of the depths cave and into the open air. I stretched my wings and leapt off the mouth of the cave. The air seemed to part before me and I arrived at my abode just before dawn. I was grateful to be away from the eerie howls and roars of Celestinia, the great dragon kingdom. I could hear Liliana murmuring quietly in her sleep and I settled down among my gold and other priceless gems and slept as well as a dragon could, with one eye open.
A few hours later, I woke up to the sound of weeping. I changed into my human form as quietly as I could and saw her sitting by one of the pools. I could tell she was trying to hold her racking sobs in but every once in a while, a whimper would echo through the cave. My stomach hurt and my hands shook. I knew that I was causing her this misery. But could I dare disobey the Elders? I almost laughed out loud at this. No one disobeyed the Elders. They were the eyes and ears for the Empress. And to invoke the wrath of the Empress….. I didn’t even want to know. I strode towards Liliana cautiously, so as not to scare her off. I gently touched her shoulder and she whirled around to face me, her violet eyes swimming with tears.
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