This is dedicated to my dear friends. I love you all. I wouldn't get through each day without
you. I hope you know who you all are. If you don't, then I'll just have to try harder to make
sure you know. I love you and thank you for all you do. Thanks for always being there.
Life is not fair. Never was, never will be. Some people get all they want, others get nothing.
There is no rhyme or reason to life. Things can going fine and suddenly everything gets taken
from you. There will always be someone that doesn't like you. They will do anything to make
your life miserable. Then you have the people you just can't please. Nothing you do will ever
be good enough for them. You could cure every illness on earth, end hunger and homelessness
and bring about world peace. Still won't make them happy. That's just the normal everyday
stuff you deal with in life. There is so much more you will have to deal with.
People you love will die. Nothing you can do about it. It will break your heart and leave a huge
hole in your life that only they can fill. Time will ease the pain but it never fully goes away. You
just can't replace people. Things can be replaced, but people are special and each one is special.
You will also lose friends. You may just drift apart. Or worse, they hurt and betray you. And that
is a special pain that hurts like nothing else. You will be tempted to put up walls or turn away from
others. But you can't. When you do that, you miss out on meeting wonderful people. Don't let a
few idiots block you from joy. Friends make this life bearable. They make us laugh, dry our tears
and pick us up when we fall. Or they drag us kicking and screaming from the bed back into the
world. They share our joy and our pain as we share theirs. A handful of good friends is the greatest
treasure a person can have. They sit up with you until three in the morning when your heart has
been broken. They challenge you to become better and try new things. They make you see
yourself the way they see you, not as you see yourself. They call you on your hang-ups and hold
you firmly when all you want to do is shut down or run. Friends make your life worth living. They
are the laughter in the middle of the pain, the safe harbor in the storm, the kind word when all you
hear are insults and lies. They are the warm hugs and shoulder to lean on. And they are the slap
across your face or the kick in the ass you need when you don't know you need it.
We all come to bad patches in our lives. Those times when everything seems to be going wrong.
When you don't know if you will make it to tomorrow of if you even want to. There are times
when we just are not strong enough to bear it alone. We will try but the load will be too much.
And we will do our best to hide it from everyone. But its is so good to have friends that just know
you well enough to know something is wrong. They know your "I'm fine" means "I need someone
right now". They can see it in your eyes, hear it in your voice or tell it in the way you type. Because
true friends don't even have to see you to know something is wrong. They just know. When they
are not around you feel that loss deeply. So hold those friends close and never let them doubt that
you care for them. Fight to keep them in your life. Because without them, life is empty.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
My Thoughts
Fill my heart with compassion,
a love that sees needs unspoken.
Fill my soul with wisdom,
a knowledge that understands secret hurts.
Allow me to know humbleness,
to live without selfish pride.
Allow me to see beyond myself
to reach out a hand to others.
Let me see with my heart,
not just my eyes.
Let me love without conditions,
allowing others to shine and soar.
a love that sees needs unspoken.
Fill my soul with wisdom,
a knowledge that understands secret hurts.
Allow me to know humbleness,
to live without selfish pride.
Allow me to see beyond myself
to reach out a hand to others.
Let me see with my heart,
not just my eyes.
Let me love without conditions,
allowing others to shine and soar.
The Sage's Letter
Thieves steal into my thoughts
Reaching into my mind to plunder
Not knowing the emotions I feel,
Not caring or understanding the harm they do.
Things better left unsaid
Are tossed around like treasure,
Nuggets of truth and wisdom.
Do they not understand that it
Is merely fool's gold that they admire?
The true wisdom is left ignored
As they tear my thoughts apart.
They trespass in my brain,
Not knowing the way to the inner vault
Where all my wisdom and truth lies.
They think I am a sage
That every word I speak is wisdom.
Do they not know that I am a mere mortal?
I know no more wisdom than they do.
I am tired and my bones ache
With the burden of truth.
I did not ask to be the bearer of light,
In truth, I have fought against it.
Let the seek elsewhere
For my truth has run out.
The sage chooses to leave this empty temple.
Reaching into my mind to plunder
Not knowing the emotions I feel,
Not caring or understanding the harm they do.
Things better left unsaid
Are tossed around like treasure,
Nuggets of truth and wisdom.
Do they not understand that it
Is merely fool's gold that they admire?
The true wisdom is left ignored
As they tear my thoughts apart.
They trespass in my brain,
Not knowing the way to the inner vault
Where all my wisdom and truth lies.
They think I am a sage
That every word I speak is wisdom.
Do they not know that I am a mere mortal?
I know no more wisdom than they do.
I am tired and my bones ache
With the burden of truth.
I did not ask to be the bearer of light,
In truth, I have fought against it.
Let the seek elsewhere
For my truth has run out.
The sage chooses to leave this empty temple.
Me
You sit beside me
and do not know me.
Few people are allowed glimpses
behind the mask I wear for the world.
Pain made me put up walls,
choosing my friends carefully.
There is a door in the wall
through only a few may pass.
I have many sides to me
and most are never seen by others.
Child and adult,
teacher and student.
Dignified and goofy,
sage and comedian.
There are many more
sides to my soul.
And they appear in different levels
at different degrees of intensity.
My soul has chosen its companions
and then shut the door.
Few are trusted with my secret selves
and so it shall remain.
and do not know me.
Few people are allowed glimpses
behind the mask I wear for the world.
Pain made me put up walls,
choosing my friends carefully.
There is a door in the wall
through only a few may pass.
I have many sides to me
and most are never seen by others.
Child and adult,
teacher and student.
Dignified and goofy,
sage and comedian.
There are many more
sides to my soul.
And they appear in different levels
at different degrees of intensity.
My soul has chosen its companions
and then shut the door.
Few are trusted with my secret selves
and so it shall remain.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
If and Should Have Beens- Chapter 14
***Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of the Merlin characters. I am merely borrowing
them. This story is for entertainment purposes only, not for profit***
"But Father,why are you being so stubborn about this?" Aurora exclaimed. "So Merlin
is a servant. That doesn't change the man he is. He is kind,caring, funny and lovable. He has
a noble heart and a brave soul. And Grace loves him. You should know that you can't
control who your heart falls in love with. You married beneath you. King Arthur fell in love
with a maid. Are you telling me its alright to fall in love with someone below your station as
long as you are a man. But not if you are a woman. Because that is what it seems like you are
telling me. And that is just wrong."
"Aurora, that is not what I am saying," answered King Thomas as he rubbed his forehead.
"I am saying that Arthur may not accept the idea of his personal servant falling in love with a
princess. Just because he fell in love with his Gwen doesn't mean he is ready to let everyone
marry whoever they wish. From what I hear he generally follows tradition. And letting his
servant marry a princess is not following tradition. I would be happy to welcome Merlin
into our family. He seems like a good man. I am not the one you need to convince."
"And you accept the other matches?" Aurora questioned. "You are fine with me and
Gwaine. And with Charlotte and Percival? No objections? No problems? Even if we all
go to live in Camelot?"
"Of course I don't," King Thomas chuckled. "You know I like Gwaine and was sorry
to see him leave the first time he was here. And Percival is a good knight and fine man.
Even if he is quiet and a bit taller than Charlotte. As long as the care for each other, they
will work that out. And it may be lonely without you here but you can always visit. I could
use some quiet around here anyway. Raising three girl makes for a noisy castle."
"Father!" Aurora exclaimed. "We are not the reason this castle is noisy and you know
it! You'll miss us with only William and your knights for company. I cannot believe you!"
"Peace, daughter," King Thomas laughed. "I was teasing you. I will miss that fire in
you. I have just rediscovered my lovely daughter to lose her. I hope Gwaine know the
handful he is getting in you. And the loyal, loving woman. He better treat you right."
"He does and he will, "Aurora answered as she took her father's hand and smiled at
him. "And I know how lucky I am to have won his heart. That we were given a second
chance at love. We were not ready before. We both had to grow and become the people
we are now. He is my perfect match. Just as Percival is for Charlotte and Merlin for Grace.
All of your daughters will be happy. How many kings can say that?"
"Not many, "King Thomas said with a smile. "All I want is for you and your sisters to be
happy. You could marry a peddler and I wouldn't object as long as he made you happy.
If Arthur agrees to the matches, I will be a very happy man indeed. I hope you can convince
him, my dear daughter. That will be your true challenge I fear. Now sit and keep your old
father company while I still have you here."
Aurora smiled and moved to sit on the arm of his chair. She kissed his cheek and laid
her head briefly on his shoulder. It hit her in that moment that soon she would leave the
only home she had ever known. Sadness filled her but it was chased away by the knowledge
that her place would be with Gwaine. Her home was where he was. A smile came to her
lips as she listened to her father. She would miss him but they would visit often. Her new
life called to her. She smiled and turned her attention to her father with visions of life with
Gwaine dancing in her head. Soon, if Arthur didn't object to Merlin marrying Grace. She
sent a prayer to heaven that he would see reason. Then she turned her full attention to her
father.
them. This story is for entertainment purposes only, not for profit***
"But Father,why are you being so stubborn about this?" Aurora exclaimed. "So Merlin
is a servant. That doesn't change the man he is. He is kind,caring, funny and lovable. He has
a noble heart and a brave soul. And Grace loves him. You should know that you can't
control who your heart falls in love with. You married beneath you. King Arthur fell in love
with a maid. Are you telling me its alright to fall in love with someone below your station as
long as you are a man. But not if you are a woman. Because that is what it seems like you are
telling me. And that is just wrong."
"Aurora, that is not what I am saying," answered King Thomas as he rubbed his forehead.
"I am saying that Arthur may not accept the idea of his personal servant falling in love with a
princess. Just because he fell in love with his Gwen doesn't mean he is ready to let everyone
marry whoever they wish. From what I hear he generally follows tradition. And letting his
servant marry a princess is not following tradition. I would be happy to welcome Merlin
into our family. He seems like a good man. I am not the one you need to convince."
"And you accept the other matches?" Aurora questioned. "You are fine with me and
Gwaine. And with Charlotte and Percival? No objections? No problems? Even if we all
go to live in Camelot?"
"Of course I don't," King Thomas chuckled. "You know I like Gwaine and was sorry
to see him leave the first time he was here. And Percival is a good knight and fine man.
Even if he is quiet and a bit taller than Charlotte. As long as the care for each other, they
will work that out. And it may be lonely without you here but you can always visit. I could
use some quiet around here anyway. Raising three girl makes for a noisy castle."
"Father!" Aurora exclaimed. "We are not the reason this castle is noisy and you know
it! You'll miss us with only William and your knights for company. I cannot believe you!"
"Peace, daughter," King Thomas laughed. "I was teasing you. I will miss that fire in
you. I have just rediscovered my lovely daughter to lose her. I hope Gwaine know the
handful he is getting in you. And the loyal, loving woman. He better treat you right."
"He does and he will, "Aurora answered as she took her father's hand and smiled at
him. "And I know how lucky I am to have won his heart. That we were given a second
chance at love. We were not ready before. We both had to grow and become the people
we are now. He is my perfect match. Just as Percival is for Charlotte and Merlin for Grace.
All of your daughters will be happy. How many kings can say that?"
"Not many, "King Thomas said with a smile. "All I want is for you and your sisters to be
happy. You could marry a peddler and I wouldn't object as long as he made you happy.
If Arthur agrees to the matches, I will be a very happy man indeed. I hope you can convince
him, my dear daughter. That will be your true challenge I fear. Now sit and keep your old
father company while I still have you here."
Aurora smiled and moved to sit on the arm of his chair. She kissed his cheek and laid
her head briefly on his shoulder. It hit her in that moment that soon she would leave the
only home she had ever known. Sadness filled her but it was chased away by the knowledge
that her place would be with Gwaine. Her home was where he was. A smile came to her
lips as she listened to her father. She would miss him but they would visit often. Her new
life called to her. She smiled and turned her attention to her father with visions of life with
Gwaine dancing in her head. Soon, if Arthur didn't object to Merlin marrying Grace. She
sent a prayer to heaven that he would see reason. Then she turned her full attention to her
father.
Masks and Walls
Warning: This is not one of my happy stories. Proceed with caution. Dark and
depressing.
I hold my mask before my true face, never letting others see me. My walls are tall and
strong, built to withstand the hardest assault. Life has taught me to be wary and always on
guard. If I let the mask slip or let someone past the walls, they will hurt me. Trust no one
and never show a weakness. They will use your weaknesses against you to cause you pain.
Hide the hurt, hide your true self far away. Be charming, sweet, funny, cute. Be what they
want you to be, not who you are. Be everything for everyone, pay no mind to your own
feelings and wants. Depend on no one for anything. You take care of you, never ask anyone
for anything. Never expect good things to happen to you. Then you won't be disappointed.
Sound jaded to you? Sound bitter or cold? Maybe so. But this life has shown me no
kindness, only heartbreak and misery. Life is seldom fair and only to others. Never to me.
Only for the briefest moments have I known happiness or joy. Then life jerks them away
to laugh at my pain and sorrow. I have known love briefly, only to have my heart ripped
out of my chest and shattered into pieces each time. Even my own parents didn't want me.
A life of being shuttled between family members has left many scars, some inflicted by
others and some by myself. Whenever someone starts to get close, I stare at them. They
are my reminders, my visible memories. And they lead to the scars no one can see, hidden
deep in my heart and soul. My heart and soul are tattered and torn. The darkness in me
leaks out of the holes. I have tried too many times to fix myself and rid myself of the dark
hiding in me. I am tired of trying. There is only so much pain a person can take and I reached
that long ago. I have stopped fighting and built my walls and choose my mask. I sealed my
true self deep within, only to be released when I am alone. Not even those that think they
love me have seen my true self. No one could ever love the monster I have become. My
heart is cold and my soul full of darkness.
The only clue to my true self are my eyes in my unguarded moments. Haunted, cold,
sorrowful in the moments I forget to put kindness in them. They betray me but I have
become a master at explaining what others see in their depths. That's why you will see
very few pictures of me. The camera sees and captures my eyes. Snapshots that are clues
to the real me. I want as few of them as possible. I can't remember the last time I took a
picture. It must be at least a year ago. And that is fine with me. I have no wish to leave my
mark on this world. When I leave this tragic world, let me go without leaving a lasting mark.
Does this shock you? Sadden you? Make you feel pity or anger? Don't waste your tears
or emotions on me. I am not worthy of your thoughts are love. I am hollow and empty inside.
I am a shell, a ghost, a sham. I paste a smile on my face every day. I act my part very well.
You walk by me and never know I am a fraud. My smile and words hide so much. I say the
right things and act as other think I should, drifting through life. If anyone tries to see under the
mask or break through the walls, I run or push them away. I shut down and wait for them to
go away. And they do leave. Too much trouble and pain to love me. The cost to them is too
great, causing them to walk away. I am left alone in a sea of people that think they know me.
I am left with the pain I have become used to, the pain I am addicted to. The pain I am used to.
The pain I know how to live with. It is my constant companion, my only friend.
So walk on by and leave me here. Don't try to help or save me. It cannot be done. I am
unfixable. I am fine with it. Go away and leave me. Help someone that can be saved. I am
a lost cause. Don't fight a battle you can't win. I shall play my part and wear my mask. Leave
me to act my role in life. I am very good at it. Go and leave me to the shadows and darkness.
depressing.
I hold my mask before my true face, never letting others see me. My walls are tall and
strong, built to withstand the hardest assault. Life has taught me to be wary and always on
guard. If I let the mask slip or let someone past the walls, they will hurt me. Trust no one
and never show a weakness. They will use your weaknesses against you to cause you pain.
Hide the hurt, hide your true self far away. Be charming, sweet, funny, cute. Be what they
want you to be, not who you are. Be everything for everyone, pay no mind to your own
feelings and wants. Depend on no one for anything. You take care of you, never ask anyone
for anything. Never expect good things to happen to you. Then you won't be disappointed.
Sound jaded to you? Sound bitter or cold? Maybe so. But this life has shown me no
kindness, only heartbreak and misery. Life is seldom fair and only to others. Never to me.
Only for the briefest moments have I known happiness or joy. Then life jerks them away
to laugh at my pain and sorrow. I have known love briefly, only to have my heart ripped
out of my chest and shattered into pieces each time. Even my own parents didn't want me.
A life of being shuttled between family members has left many scars, some inflicted by
others and some by myself. Whenever someone starts to get close, I stare at them. They
are my reminders, my visible memories. And they lead to the scars no one can see, hidden
deep in my heart and soul. My heart and soul are tattered and torn. The darkness in me
leaks out of the holes. I have tried too many times to fix myself and rid myself of the dark
hiding in me. I am tired of trying. There is only so much pain a person can take and I reached
that long ago. I have stopped fighting and built my walls and choose my mask. I sealed my
true self deep within, only to be released when I am alone. Not even those that think they
love me have seen my true self. No one could ever love the monster I have become. My
heart is cold and my soul full of darkness.
The only clue to my true self are my eyes in my unguarded moments. Haunted, cold,
sorrowful in the moments I forget to put kindness in them. They betray me but I have
become a master at explaining what others see in their depths. That's why you will see
very few pictures of me. The camera sees and captures my eyes. Snapshots that are clues
to the real me. I want as few of them as possible. I can't remember the last time I took a
picture. It must be at least a year ago. And that is fine with me. I have no wish to leave my
mark on this world. When I leave this tragic world, let me go without leaving a lasting mark.
Does this shock you? Sadden you? Make you feel pity or anger? Don't waste your tears
or emotions on me. I am not worthy of your thoughts are love. I am hollow and empty inside.
I am a shell, a ghost, a sham. I paste a smile on my face every day. I act my part very well.
You walk by me and never know I am a fraud. My smile and words hide so much. I say the
right things and act as other think I should, drifting through life. If anyone tries to see under the
mask or break through the walls, I run or push them away. I shut down and wait for them to
go away. And they do leave. Too much trouble and pain to love me. The cost to them is too
great, causing them to walk away. I am left alone in a sea of people that think they know me.
I am left with the pain I have become used to, the pain I am addicted to. The pain I am used to.
The pain I know how to live with. It is my constant companion, my only friend.
So walk on by and leave me here. Don't try to help or save me. It cannot be done. I am
unfixable. I am fine with it. Go away and leave me. Help someone that can be saved. I am
a lost cause. Don't fight a battle you can't win. I shall play my part and wear my mask. Leave
me to act my role in life. I am very good at it. Go and leave me to the shadows and darkness.
Monday, May 14, 2012
The Dragon's Debt
The light from the torch cast eerie shadows on the walls of the tunnel as the young woman
made her way to the cavern beyond. Her long red hair glistened like liquid fire as she steadfastly
placed one foot in front of the other.How Morgan wished someone else could have performed
the troublesome task. She knew her duty to her grandfather and the truth was that this task fell
to her. She would and could do this for her grandfather. He lay dying and all hope for him to
live rested on her shoulders. Morgan would do this or die trying.
Her blue eyes filled up with tears as she clutched the dragon's scale in her hand. The scale
represented the debt that the dragon living in the cave owed her grandfather.When he was
scarcely older than she was now, he had helped this dragon. The dragon gave one of her scales
to him as a token and told him to send for her if ever he had need. Her grandfather had
cherished the scale and kept it in a pouch he wore around his neck.Now he lay dying and
his grandfather carried his greatest possession to call in a dragon's debt.
She hesitated at the mouth of the cavern. This was a dragon she was going to ask a favor
of. Suppose the dragon refused? She was no dragon slayer.The dragon could laugh at her.
the dragon could eat her. No she wouldn't eat her. The dragon had never eaten anyone. No,
that wasn't true. She had eaten a few people but they were horrible and cruel people that had
terrorized her village. So the dragon only ate people that should be eaten. The dragon was
peaceful and only wanted to live here in this cavern. She protected the land when it was in
danger and only asked to be allowed to hunt in peace. What were a few head of livestock
in exchange for a dragon's protection? The village didn't know of the dragon eating innocent
people, but who knew what she did in the privacy of her own lair? Maybe she lured people
there and then ate them. the thought made her stomach twist in fear. But her grandfather
knew the dragon and had only told Morgan nice things about her. The dragon couldn't have
fooled her grandfather. He was too wise and would have known if the dragon tried to mislead
him in any way.
Still, Morgan hesitated. The dragon did not like people coming to her secluded home
unannounced. She left the people alone and expected to be left alone in return. The young
woman slowly walked into the cavern and gazed around in amazement. Instead of the gold
and jewels most dragons prized, the cavern was filled with books. And in the middle of the
cavern, a blue dragon lay on the biggest pillow she had ever seen. On a pedestal before the
dragon was a book and a fairy was turning the pages. The dragon turned her head toward
Morgan and gazed at her with large golden eyes. Curiosity was in those warm golden eyes
and Morgan approached the dragon with the scale in her upturned palm. She knew she had
nothing to fear from this wonderful creature.
Suddenly, she couldn't go any further. It felt as if a wall of air was blocking her way.She
tried to press on but she could not. The dragon shook her head as if remembering something
and waved her claw in the air. Morgan almost fell flat on her face as the air she had been
pushing on vanished. She managed to catch herself and made her way to the dragon. Morgan
stood before her, holding the precious scale in her hands. Her knees trembled as the dragon's
warm eyes swept over her. Morgan felt herself weighed and measured in that penetrating
gaze. She bowed her head, humbled by the knowledge and wisdom radiating from the dragon.
"So, Anthony has finally called in his favor," the dragon said in a soothing voice. "But why
would he send a wet-behind-the-ears child to do so? Is my friend in trouble or harmed? He
knows I would never refuse a request from him. I do so love his visits and he has not come
in a very long time. Tell me child, who are you and why should I not eat you for invading
my home?"
"I am not a child and my name is Morgan," Morgan answered in a firm voice. "If you are
such a good friend of my grandfather, you would know who I am. He lies in a deep sleep,
placed there by an evil sorceress named Selene. His only hope is a potion made from one
of your teeth. Please help him, you are the only one that can save him. Once he is well, I
shall go after Selene and make her pay for what she has done to him."
"I see you have your grandfather's spirit," the dragon laughed. "Of course I know who
you are. The last two decades, your grandfather has spoken of you often. He is very proud
of you. But you don't have to worry about Selene. I have already killed her. I owed her a
blood debt and when i heard about your grandfather, I knew the time had come for her to die.
"How can a dragon owe a blood debt? That is the silliest thing I have ever heard," Morgan
Morgan exclaimed. "Dragons are immortal and very hard to kill. A person would have to be a
fool to try to tangle with one of you. I don't see how you can be killed, but to owe a blood debt
to Selene, she had to kill someone very close to your heart."
"Your grandfather has never told you how we met," the dragon said softly. Morgan shook
her head. "Sit down on those pillows and I will tell you the story. It is a hard tale to tell but you
must know before we continue."
Morgan sat on an overstuffed deep purple pillow and made herself comfortable. She leaned
forward, eager to hear the dragon's tale. Her grandfather rarely spoke of the time when he had
found the dragon. All he had ever told her was that he had saved the dragon from a fate worse
than death. She often wondered what that could be, but she did not press him for answers.
"Many years ago, when your grandfather was just twenty, he came across a sight few
people ever see. A dragon was taking her young daughter on her first hunting trip. My mother
was a purple dragon. All the shades of purple were in her scales. I thought she was the most
beautiful dragon I had ever seen. My father was a red dragon and he seemed to glow when
the light hit his scales in a certain way. My mother was different. Peace rolled off of her in
waves. All of my fears were calmed with one look in her deep blue eyes. I was just a few
years old, old enough for my first hunting trip but my mother couldn't bring herself to teach
me to kill. Finally, my father demanded she teach me or he would. So she took me from the
safety of our cave and led me to a wide meadow where many deer were foraging. She told
me to never pick a mother or a young deer. They still had a lot of living to do. I choose a big
male that looked as if he had seen many years. As i swooped down on him as my mother had
taught me, I heard her scream."
A tear rolled down the dragon's face. Morgan's heart went out to her. She had also lost her
mother at an early age and the pain was still in her heart. It had lessened over the years but it
still caught her unawares at odd moments. Her father had given her to her grandfather to care
for. Her grandfather had wrapped her in love and guided her as she grew into adulthood with
understanding and patience that her father did not have.
"I still her scream in my dreams sometimes,: the dragon whispered. "It was a scream of
unimaginable pain and terror. I whirled around to help her and saw a woman with long black
hair standing before my mother. Her arms were raised over her head and she was chanting
strange things. Lightning ran down her arms as she extended them toward my mother. It
surrounded her and she screamed as it ran through her body. She writhed on the ground as
the woman laughed and pulled a huge sword out of a scabbard at her side. She raised it high
and plunged it into my mother's heart. My mother screamed one last time and then her body
lay still on the ground. I was frozen in mid-air, grief and terror warring in my heart. Slowly, I
flew down behind some trees and waited for the woman to do the same to me. Life didn't
matter to me anymore. A part of me had died with my mother.I didn't want to live without
her and didn't know if I could."
"A hand appeared out of nowhere and rested on my face. I stared into eyes just as blue
as my mother's. But those were in a human face. I gathered myself to run but his eyes stopped
me. I didn't sense any evil from him, whereas the woman had radiated evil. He beckoned me
to follow him and I did. Somehow, I knew he was a good man that meant me no harm. He led
me to another cave high in the mountains. Your grandfather read everything he could find on
dragons to help me, but I think he learned most of it by trial and error. He taught me to hunt,
read, talk and looked after me until I could live on my own. For the first few years, he seldom
left my side. He taught me that all humans are not alike. There are good humans and bad
humans, just like with dragons. When I could live on my own, he brought me to this cave. I
help to protect your village and the villagers leave me alone. There are times I go away to
find others of my kind and new books, but I always come back. This is my home."
"But how did you learn who Selene was?" Morgan asked. "And why did she kill your
mother? What purpose did that serve?"
"Dragons are not immortal, but we do live a very long time," the dragon replied. "Your
grandfather had run into Selene once before, when she was killing a red dragon. He did not
know it at the time, but that dragon was my father. He followed her to try and see what she
was doing. He knew he could not stop her but hoped one day he could. When she attacked
my mother,he saw me on the other side of the meadow and thought he could save me while
she was distracted. He made his way across the meadow and led me to safety. In books he
read, he learned that wizards once drew power by killing other wizards and dragons. Selene
wanted to live forever and also have great power, so she learned the places where a dragon's
scales could be pierced and proceeded to kill as many as she could. Your grandfather studied
and became a powerful wizard so one day he could stop her. Selene snuck up on him and
placed a powerful spell on him that can only be broken by a potion made from the tooth of
a dragon. She thought the only way to get a dragon's tooth is to kill a dragon. But if the
tooth is freely given, the potion works better. She didn't know that he had once saved a
dragon that would give up a tooth gratefully. When I heard what had happened, I went
hunting. I snuck up on her just as she did to my mother and ate her. Then, I hurried back
to wait for you. I couldn't go into the village without raising a panic and maybe getting
killed, so I waited for you to come to me. I am glad you finally made it. Now take this
piece of tooth and go save your grandfather. Tell him he owes me a visit when he recovers
and take my scale back to him. Come with him the next time he visits and I will tell you
some good tales about him when he was your age."
The dragon handed Morgan a piece of one of her teeth wrapped in cloth and gave her
a gentle push toward the cave entrance. Morgan turned back and waved to the dragon.
Then she hurried on her way back to the village. She had asked a favor of a dragon and
lived to tell the tale. Her feet carried her home to brew the potion for her grandfather.
Then, when he was well, they owed the dragon a visit.
made her way to the cavern beyond. Her long red hair glistened like liquid fire as she steadfastly
placed one foot in front of the other.How Morgan wished someone else could have performed
the troublesome task. She knew her duty to her grandfather and the truth was that this task fell
to her. She would and could do this for her grandfather. He lay dying and all hope for him to
live rested on her shoulders. Morgan would do this or die trying.
Her blue eyes filled up with tears as she clutched the dragon's scale in her hand. The scale
represented the debt that the dragon living in the cave owed her grandfather.When he was
scarcely older than she was now, he had helped this dragon. The dragon gave one of her scales
to him as a token and told him to send for her if ever he had need. Her grandfather had
cherished the scale and kept it in a pouch he wore around his neck.Now he lay dying and
his grandfather carried his greatest possession to call in a dragon's debt.
She hesitated at the mouth of the cavern. This was a dragon she was going to ask a favor
of. Suppose the dragon refused? She was no dragon slayer.The dragon could laugh at her.
the dragon could eat her. No she wouldn't eat her. The dragon had never eaten anyone. No,
that wasn't true. She had eaten a few people but they were horrible and cruel people that had
terrorized her village. So the dragon only ate people that should be eaten. The dragon was
peaceful and only wanted to live here in this cavern. She protected the land when it was in
danger and only asked to be allowed to hunt in peace. What were a few head of livestock
in exchange for a dragon's protection? The village didn't know of the dragon eating innocent
people, but who knew what she did in the privacy of her own lair? Maybe she lured people
there and then ate them. the thought made her stomach twist in fear. But her grandfather
knew the dragon and had only told Morgan nice things about her. The dragon couldn't have
fooled her grandfather. He was too wise and would have known if the dragon tried to mislead
him in any way.
Still, Morgan hesitated. The dragon did not like people coming to her secluded home
unannounced. She left the people alone and expected to be left alone in return. The young
woman slowly walked into the cavern and gazed around in amazement. Instead of the gold
and jewels most dragons prized, the cavern was filled with books. And in the middle of the
cavern, a blue dragon lay on the biggest pillow she had ever seen. On a pedestal before the
dragon was a book and a fairy was turning the pages. The dragon turned her head toward
Morgan and gazed at her with large golden eyes. Curiosity was in those warm golden eyes
and Morgan approached the dragon with the scale in her upturned palm. She knew she had
nothing to fear from this wonderful creature.
Suddenly, she couldn't go any further. It felt as if a wall of air was blocking her way.She
tried to press on but she could not. The dragon shook her head as if remembering something
and waved her claw in the air. Morgan almost fell flat on her face as the air she had been
pushing on vanished. She managed to catch herself and made her way to the dragon. Morgan
stood before her, holding the precious scale in her hands. Her knees trembled as the dragon's
warm eyes swept over her. Morgan felt herself weighed and measured in that penetrating
gaze. She bowed her head, humbled by the knowledge and wisdom radiating from the dragon.
"So, Anthony has finally called in his favor," the dragon said in a soothing voice. "But why
would he send a wet-behind-the-ears child to do so? Is my friend in trouble or harmed? He
knows I would never refuse a request from him. I do so love his visits and he has not come
in a very long time. Tell me child, who are you and why should I not eat you for invading
my home?"
"I am not a child and my name is Morgan," Morgan answered in a firm voice. "If you are
such a good friend of my grandfather, you would know who I am. He lies in a deep sleep,
placed there by an evil sorceress named Selene. His only hope is a potion made from one
of your teeth. Please help him, you are the only one that can save him. Once he is well, I
shall go after Selene and make her pay for what she has done to him."
"I see you have your grandfather's spirit," the dragon laughed. "Of course I know who
you are. The last two decades, your grandfather has spoken of you often. He is very proud
of you. But you don't have to worry about Selene. I have already killed her. I owed her a
blood debt and when i heard about your grandfather, I knew the time had come for her to die.
"How can a dragon owe a blood debt? That is the silliest thing I have ever heard," Morgan
Morgan exclaimed. "Dragons are immortal and very hard to kill. A person would have to be a
fool to try to tangle with one of you. I don't see how you can be killed, but to owe a blood debt
to Selene, she had to kill someone very close to your heart."
"Your grandfather has never told you how we met," the dragon said softly. Morgan shook
her head. "Sit down on those pillows and I will tell you the story. It is a hard tale to tell but you
must know before we continue."
Morgan sat on an overstuffed deep purple pillow and made herself comfortable. She leaned
forward, eager to hear the dragon's tale. Her grandfather rarely spoke of the time when he had
found the dragon. All he had ever told her was that he had saved the dragon from a fate worse
than death. She often wondered what that could be, but she did not press him for answers.
"Many years ago, when your grandfather was just twenty, he came across a sight few
people ever see. A dragon was taking her young daughter on her first hunting trip. My mother
was a purple dragon. All the shades of purple were in her scales. I thought she was the most
beautiful dragon I had ever seen. My father was a red dragon and he seemed to glow when
the light hit his scales in a certain way. My mother was different. Peace rolled off of her in
waves. All of my fears were calmed with one look in her deep blue eyes. I was just a few
years old, old enough for my first hunting trip but my mother couldn't bring herself to teach
me to kill. Finally, my father demanded she teach me or he would. So she took me from the
safety of our cave and led me to a wide meadow where many deer were foraging. She told
me to never pick a mother or a young deer. They still had a lot of living to do. I choose a big
male that looked as if he had seen many years. As i swooped down on him as my mother had
taught me, I heard her scream."
A tear rolled down the dragon's face. Morgan's heart went out to her. She had also lost her
mother at an early age and the pain was still in her heart. It had lessened over the years but it
still caught her unawares at odd moments. Her father had given her to her grandfather to care
for. Her grandfather had wrapped her in love and guided her as she grew into adulthood with
understanding and patience that her father did not have.
"I still her scream in my dreams sometimes,: the dragon whispered. "It was a scream of
unimaginable pain and terror. I whirled around to help her and saw a woman with long black
hair standing before my mother. Her arms were raised over her head and she was chanting
strange things. Lightning ran down her arms as she extended them toward my mother. It
surrounded her and she screamed as it ran through her body. She writhed on the ground as
the woman laughed and pulled a huge sword out of a scabbard at her side. She raised it high
and plunged it into my mother's heart. My mother screamed one last time and then her body
lay still on the ground. I was frozen in mid-air, grief and terror warring in my heart. Slowly, I
flew down behind some trees and waited for the woman to do the same to me. Life didn't
matter to me anymore. A part of me had died with my mother.I didn't want to live without
her and didn't know if I could."
"A hand appeared out of nowhere and rested on my face. I stared into eyes just as blue
as my mother's. But those were in a human face. I gathered myself to run but his eyes stopped
me. I didn't sense any evil from him, whereas the woman had radiated evil. He beckoned me
to follow him and I did. Somehow, I knew he was a good man that meant me no harm. He led
me to another cave high in the mountains. Your grandfather read everything he could find on
dragons to help me, but I think he learned most of it by trial and error. He taught me to hunt,
read, talk and looked after me until I could live on my own. For the first few years, he seldom
left my side. He taught me that all humans are not alike. There are good humans and bad
humans, just like with dragons. When I could live on my own, he brought me to this cave. I
help to protect your village and the villagers leave me alone. There are times I go away to
find others of my kind and new books, but I always come back. This is my home."
"But how did you learn who Selene was?" Morgan asked. "And why did she kill your
mother? What purpose did that serve?"
"Dragons are not immortal, but we do live a very long time," the dragon replied. "Your
grandfather had run into Selene once before, when she was killing a red dragon. He did not
know it at the time, but that dragon was my father. He followed her to try and see what she
was doing. He knew he could not stop her but hoped one day he could. When she attacked
my mother,he saw me on the other side of the meadow and thought he could save me while
she was distracted. He made his way across the meadow and led me to safety. In books he
read, he learned that wizards once drew power by killing other wizards and dragons. Selene
wanted to live forever and also have great power, so she learned the places where a dragon's
scales could be pierced and proceeded to kill as many as she could. Your grandfather studied
and became a powerful wizard so one day he could stop her. Selene snuck up on him and
placed a powerful spell on him that can only be broken by a potion made from the tooth of
a dragon. She thought the only way to get a dragon's tooth is to kill a dragon. But if the
tooth is freely given, the potion works better. She didn't know that he had once saved a
dragon that would give up a tooth gratefully. When I heard what had happened, I went
hunting. I snuck up on her just as she did to my mother and ate her. Then, I hurried back
to wait for you. I couldn't go into the village without raising a panic and maybe getting
killed, so I waited for you to come to me. I am glad you finally made it. Now take this
piece of tooth and go save your grandfather. Tell him he owes me a visit when he recovers
and take my scale back to him. Come with him the next time he visits and I will tell you
some good tales about him when he was your age."
The dragon handed Morgan a piece of one of her teeth wrapped in cloth and gave her
a gentle push toward the cave entrance. Morgan turned back and waved to the dragon.
Then she hurried on her way back to the village. She had asked a favor of a dragon and
lived to tell the tale. Her feet carried her home to brew the potion for her grandfather.
Then, when he was well, they owed the dragon a visit.
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