Just Me and My Dragon

I vaguely noticed the laughter turn into screams of terror, when suddenly my captor dropped me and I feel to my knees. The mob churned around me, running in fear. I fell against the mast as the deck suddenly cleared around me; a great wind knocked the men about. I looked up to see a blazing dragon hovering over me. I screamed breathlessly when the dragon gently grasped me in his claws and pulled me into the air.

The burning ship was a clear beacon in the dark night. The men’s screams and shouts echoed across the water, chilling me to the bone. I was shivering and the dragon noticed. His grip tightened as we began to quickly lose altitude. We crashed into the sea; the salt water slapped painfully against us. My head became increasingly cloudy as I was dragged through the surf, the dragon pulling me in his wake.

Suddenly, I felt rocks scraping against my legs and I collapsed on the beach. The dragon blew out a flame, briefly lighting the area and revealing some driftwood. He quickly started a fire which gave off a strange blue-green light. The dragon helped me up, tugging gently with his talons. As the air swirled around me, a rushing sensation filled my head. The world tilted and turned dark.

I woke enveloped in warmth. A bright amber wall greeted me. It took me a few seconds to realize that I was surrounded by scales. They were surprising soft to the touch. When he felt me stir, the dragon lifted his wing, letting sunlight shine through. He must have curled around me to keep me warm and protected last night. I carefully stood up, shaky from the ordeal of the last few days.

“Agon?”

The question hung in the air for a moment before the dragon gracefully nodded his head. I stumbled backwards. Agon kept me from falling with his tail.

“I never knew that you would like this,” I broke off. I was entranced by him. His scales glowed magnificently in the sun-light, shining an orange-gold. He was much larger than I had imagined, easily double his human height.

He dropped his head to my outstretched hand, letting me touch him. I could see now why the people of the Dragon Isles could confuse the dragons for deities. In the Dragonrealms, I never saw them for what they truly were, pieces of glorious art created by nature to serve as guardians to protect the weak.

“You’re beautiful,” I said softly.

He blinked his eyes, so like his human ones. He pulled me against him as he began to glow. He transformed back to his human form and as soon as he could he wrapped his arms around me and held me tight.

“Thank you for saving me,” I said.

“I had to,” he said, his breath moving my hair. “I certainly couldn’t leave you.”

I rested my head against his chest and for the first time in a long while, I felt safe. The world collapsed to this one moment, just me in his arms. Just me and my dragon.

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I just realized that I never posted the finished version of that sketch from before.

Rei and Agon are two of my main characters from my novel Fugitive.

Last Chance

[Optional: Personalized message to include with your delivery.  5000 character limit.]

They told me that I only had five thousand characters to tell you everything.  How could I possibly say everything that needs to be said in that short of a length?

Our lives have always been defined by hellos and goodbyes.  When we were young, I thought that I knew what life was all about.  I had everything planned.  We were best friends and together we would take on the world.  But then you told me that I was wrong.  You didn’t want to leave and I wanted to go to that university across the country.   You were supposed to come with me, but I had to go alone. 

I drew a line where you were no longer allowed to cross.  But in that instant, I felt the most alone in my entire life.  It was then that I realized that we were meant to be together, but I had given you up.  I would remember that one night:

It was past midnight and it was all too easy to sneak out of my house with my father passed out drunk on the living room couch.  I had tapped on the glass of your window and you had slipped out of your window.  You had quietly followed me out to the old tree house, while I was just going on and on about how we could finally leave that town.

Finally you just looked at me and said, “I can’t.  My mother can’t be by herself.  Someone has to take care of her and I’m the only one she has.”

“But we always wanted—”

You shook your head.  “No, you always wanted.  I always had a reason not to.”

Your bedroom light illuminated your face as you told me these words.  Classical music floated along the breeze from your computer: Con Te Partiro by Francesco Sartori.  I had never thought that that song could be so sad until then. 

We were perfect for each other and I just threw you away.  I didn’t listen as you laid out all of your thoughts and emotions.  I knew what I wanted and it seemed like you were no longer part of the picture.

We kept little contact for the longest time.  And then I received your wedding invitation in the mail.  I didn’t recognize the name of your fiancée.  I barely even glanced at your fiancée’s picture; I was so entranced with seeing you again.  I knew that despite my best interests, I needed to be there for your wedding date.

I flew the thousand miles to an unfamiliar city to find the church packed with people I never met.  It was from a stranger that I had learned that your mother had died and that you had met your fiancée at an outreach meeting for a local company.  With the church bells ringing, I waved to you from across the room and you gave me the warmest smile. 

We had the briefest moment to talk.  All I remembered from that conversation was “I will you will and this doesn’t have to be farewell.”

But it was.  It was farewell to everything that we were and everything that we could be.  Even then I wouldn’t give up.

I attended your university graduation.  Neither one of us had thought that you would have been able to achieve that goal, but I was so proud of you.  You looked radiant, but there was a sad aura gathered around you.  It was then that you told me that your spouse had died in a tragic car accident.  I just couldn’t help but note that you still took my breath away.  You blinded me.

I had been blessed with another chance and yet I still didn’t take it.  I was a fool then; still quite the fool in fact.  But a fool can learn eventually.  I didn’t understand the true depth of my feelings then.

 

I have missed you for so long. 

I followed you last night for that reason.  You were easy to follow with your tracks in the snow.  You finally noticed me in the park.  You broke down and began to cry and I just held you close.  I don’t think I had ever seen you so emotional since high school and you were ranting about the situation with your mother.  I knew it was the first time I really saw you cry.

Even with snowflakes swirling around us, the moon had the courage to break through the clouds.  A light shined down on us and for the moment I felt us leave the world behind.  The tilting notes of a violin trailed on a faint breeze, reminding me of that night ten years before when you told me you wouldn’t go with me.  Everything seemed so easier back then, but life was still just as difficult.  Neither one of us was willing to admit the truth.

I am not the best with words.  I never was the writer like you were.  Even though I’m flying back tonight, I needed to lay it all out for you.  I need to know what you would have me do. 

I know our lives have gone in different directions for such a long time.  This doesn’t mean that we would always have to be separated.  Please just tell me what you want to do.

I’m willing to respect your wishes in whatsoever direction they take you.  I’ve seen how much you changed over time, but I’m not sure if you ever realized how much I had changed.  I know that you’ve had changed for the better and I’m not so sure what direction I headed; I just hope that you can see something in me.

I just have one thing to ask.  Just don’t tell me . . . please don’t tell me that it’s too late for me to love you.

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Songs that played a role in this piece:
Con Te Partiro as sung by Andrea Boceli
Higher Window by Josh Groban
Liz on Top of the World from the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack
The Moment I knew by Taylor Swift

Fella's Intergalactic House of Pancakes

"Fella's Intergalactic House of Pancakes, deliver anywhere in the city within forty minutes.  How may we serve you?"

"No sir, we do not actually sell Pancakes, not since the Breakfast Ban of 2867.  If you want pancakes you will have to try—"

I sighed.  Trudy's eye rolled at me as she finished her sentence, "—the Fella's Intergalactic House in Sector Gamma.  Yes sir, they still serve breakfast there."

She grumbled as she hung up the call.  "It's the only Sector in the city that has the permits to sell breakfast you <bleep>."

I laughed.  "I see that Double H still has you on the language blocker."

"Laugh all you want you <bleep>ing idiot, at least I have more color to offer with my choice of vocabulary.  Life's more exciting when you live in the moment."  She threw her arms out wide as if the whole word was at her fingertips.

I shrugged. "Who cares?  And your eye patch is slipping."

"Do have to rub it in every <bleep> time?"

Even grumbling, she still fixed the patch so that it completely covered her scars.  If you ever want to hear a regaling tale just ask about the day she received them.  It was one of the finest days for delivery persons everywhere and no one can be the true story involving a civil war, a rubber ducky, and a monster spewing out gallons of toothpaste.  Even though losing body parts was one of the hazards of being a Pancaken, I haven't found a job anywhere more enjoyable.  Or adrenaline pumping.

A deep voice sounded over the intercom, "Did I hear bleeping?"

I snickered as Trudy rolled her eye for my benefit.  "You're language blocker is still working Double H."

"Good, because as we all know the Intergalactic House of Pancakes is a family business and the law requires—"

"—all G rated restaurants to have clean language," Trudy and I finished with him.

Double H grunted before he turned off the intercom with a screech of feedback.

"You think he would realize that he says the exact same thing at least three times a week," I commented dryly.

"Yeah, well, that's food biz."

"Why thank you Gertrude for those wonderful words of wisdom."

"If you call me Gertrude one more time Winfred I, I will—"

"Finish a sentence? And who you calling Winfred?  That is so not even close."

"Fine Win!  You wi—"

She stopped mid-pun barely realizing her mistake.

"Ha!  I win!  I always win!"

"Fine, you get to go on the next delivery."  She typed on her wrist computer for a second.  "Chef says that he has a comm take out order ready.  Chinese food: the full works.  You ready to go?"

I strapped on the orbiting helmet.  "Shoot me out."

I stepped on the glowing pad as the food parcel shot up through the opening in the floor.  I strapped it to my back just in time for Trudy to tap the glass button on the wall beside her.  Before I knew it I was freefalling into space.

Stars whirled by in streams of light.  It was gloriously beautiful until I landed into a body of water with a painful slap.

"What the heck Trudy?  You were supposed to send me to a teleport pad."

She just laughed at me.  "Good thing the food parcel is waterproof."

I wiped saltwater out of my eyes as I treaded for a moment.  "Just where am I, Miss Smart One?"

"Just outside Lover's Park and about fifteen minutes away from your destination."

"Cutting it close aren't you?  I only have twenty minutes left of the forty minute deadline!"

"I would start swimming if I were you."  She disconnected me before I could make a good comeback.

I grumbled to myself about smart alecks when I noticed a big shadow underneath me.  She didn't place me in a shark tank did she?

The shadow nudged me, pushing me back ten feet.  It had to be a friendly shark.  Correction: whale.  The creature released a stream of water into the air.  The whale surfaced, watching me with its enormous eye.  It batted me again with its tail.

"That's not a good idea," I said swimming towards the side of the small tank.

Its eye widened further and large tears started gushing out.  Whales could cry?  And why did I have to land in the only tank with an emotional whale?  What was its problem anyway?

I raised my hands in the air.  "I'm not going to hurt you, I just need to make my delivery."

The whale released a series of clicks and whistles.

"Yeah, sure, whatever you say.  How about I come visit you once I'm done?"

The whale suddenly whacked me again, sending me flying into the air and out of the tank.  I had enough presence of mind to activate my jacket's landing gear so I didn't completely crash.

The whale looked dolefully down at me.  I dripped water everywhere as I waved to the whale, which woefully waved back.  "We can talk about your emotions and everything later—thanks for the lift!"

Before the whale could do something else like try to force feed me dead fish, I ran out of there.

I checked my timing with my watch to see that I only had fifteen minutes left.  My GPS showed that if I wanted to make my delivery on time, I had no way away around it; I had to cut through Lover's Park.  I guess it was time to say hello to Cupid (or rather avoid him completely).

Speeding up to a sprint, I vaulted the nearest fence—I certainly didn't want to deal with the Single's Entrance.  It was bad enough to visit the park as a couple on a date; you had to go through all of these check points proving your love to each other.  Now the Single's Entrance was awful.  They actually set you up with someone and make you fall in love for the night.  The next day you realize that you did all these stupid things with a girl you barely even know including frolicking through a field of flowers (and I mean frolic, it says so on the memento brochure they give you at the end), rowing in a rowboat down a stream and posing for pictures in these ridiculous pink and red outfits.  And you can find that you actually tell a girl your full name and have Cupid forever blackmailing you with it.    And it's not even like the park has anything cool like ninja llamas.

I shuddered at just the thought of repeating that experience again.  I still have nightmares about it.  I would be fine if I didn't run into a certain balding man with wings that still insisted on wearing a diaper.  I wasn't even sure if the man was toilet-trained and yet he was supposed to decide my love life?  I don't think so.

"Well, why isn't it Erwin Winthrop Winfried Winnover Balwin V?"

Ugh, see why I just go by Win?  I skidded to a stop as a series of hedges sprung up around me.

"I really don't have the time Cupid," I said as I spun around trying to find the man.  I was surrounded by statues (all draped with elegantly grown ivy and roses I might add), but I knew one of them had to be him.

"You always have time for love!"

"Not when I only have about ten minutes to make a delivery deadline."

There!  I saw the flash of the arrow just before it hit me, having barely enough time to dive out of the way.  I clicked a button on my watch which made it turn into a shield that I used to deflect the second volley of arrows.

Cupid cursed.

"Oh, like that's romantic," I said.

He sneered at me, his weak chin quivering under his six hair beard.  I simply deflected the next arrow, causing it to rebound back at him.  He squealed as the arrow pricked his flabby arm.

"Why I ought to—" he broke off as the magic came into effect.

"Why don't you find a nice reflection to admire, while I just make my way out of here," I said pointing cupid to a series of pools and mirror in the center of the park.

"I do have a pretty reflection, don't I?" he said dreamily.

I rolled my eyes.  "Yes, yes, now go!"

Once Cupid was occupied ogling his face in a mirror, I hurried out of the exit and headed around the corner of the street of my destination.  I jumped almost a foot into the air when I heard a loud pop.  My landing caused a near explosion of sound.  Was this bubble wrap?  Some people have the strangest taste in decoration.  I walked down the street with an audio avalanche as I found 1627 Bubble Street.

I took the steps two at a time and rang the doorbell.  I kept my eyes on my watch. 60 seconds, 55.  Steps approached the door. 50, 45.  The door opened and I shouted, "Fella's  Intergalactic House of Pancakes, Chinese delivery and with," I paused to glance at my watch, "thirty seconds to spare!"

The man blinked at me.  "Why aren't you exuberant?"

"Just glad I made it on time sir," I said with a small salute.  "Now here's your food.  I see that we have already received your payment through the Bankernet, so thank you for your patronage sir!"

I happily relinquished my package and pulled out a pair of sunglasses from my pocket.

"Uh, thank you."

He stopped me from going.  "For curiosity sake, what happens when you don't reach the forty minute mark?  Do I get a free meal?"

I shook my head, grinning at the predictable question.  "Nope, sadly not sir.  I just explode."

His mouth dropped in surprise.  "Y-you can't be serious."

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

His mouth moved without making a sound as he just stared at me.  I laughed quietly as I flipped on my shades and headed down the street; I had a date with a depressed whale.

Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale

 5 out of 5 stars

Palace of Stone is the sequel to a book that didn’t need a sequel, but the world of Miri would not be complete with it.  (This review does contain spoilers for Princess Academy, but not for Palace of Stone).

Palace of Stone takes the reader through a series of emotions and thoughts.  With Miri we have to decide for ourselves what is right and wrong, both as an individual and as a society. 

Revolution.

This book centers around the concept of revolution.  Things in Danland are not what they seemed.  There is more unrest than previously expected.  Miri from her life on Mount Eskel has had little exposure to the lowlands and thus with her we slowly uncover the tangled weave of Danland’s politics and people.  Miri was a revolutionary at Mount Eskel and now she can see what this meant to all of Danland.

This book questions things that I took for granted from the first, but in an excellent way.  It made me wonder why I took those things for granted in the first place, because now I am of the opinion that I shouldn’t have.  A brief example: my thoughts on Britta.  At first I assumed that everyone would feel like I did towards her (and like Miri did within the first book), but in my joy of seeing her happiness with her engagement to Steffan, I had forgotten to consider the entire picture.  Palace of Stone shows me that.

Miri grows significantly within the book to marvelous results.  She is exposed to true and innocent romance, the true meaning of loyalty and friendship and the possibility of a brighter future.

This book was an excellent and incredibly sweet read.  Thought-provoking and memorable.  Fans of the Princess Academy will not be disappointed.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

4 out of 5 stars

This book delves into the possibility in falling in love over a 24 hour period.  What I liked about this was that the book showed how two people can  have that instant connection.  That is certainly possible, I know, I’ve experienced it.  But…

The following discussion is SPOILERISH (Jump to the end to avoid spoilers) for those worried:

This book takes the honest route that this doesn’t mean they would have follow Disney’s Enchanted’s example. 

I’m referring to this sequence of dialogue in particular (And I’m going by memory so it may not be perfect):

Giselle: Oh, it’s you.

Edward: Yes, it’s me.  And you are?

Giselle: Giselle.

Edward: Oh Giselle!  We shall be married in the morning!

The book ended on the possibility of a relationship, that they were going to give it a shot.  And I really liked that. 

What docked points for me was that Oliver’s main plot twist wasn’t even the least bit a surprise. 

END OF SPOILERS

I liked how Hadley and Oliver had different things to offer to the table.  Their interaction is entertaining, fun, and sweet and made for a quick, breezy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Mixed Magics by Diana Wynne Jones

4 out of 5 stars

This is a collection of short stories written within the Chrestomanci world(s).

Though I didn't find it quite as fulfilling as the main six books, I really liked seeing Cat's and Tonino's interaction in the STEALER OF SOULS. I also enjoyed the snark (of Chrestomanci, who else?) in the HUNDREDTH DREAM as well as the concept behind Carol Oneir's magic within dreams. WARLOCK was my least favorite of the bunch, simply because I didn't care about his character back in Charmed Life and I couldn't find a reason to care for him now. The SAGE OF THEARE had an interesting backstory that I felt could have been even more developed. It can be a little confusing at first look, but it was still entirely interesting.

As a collection of short stories, it provides a wonderful opportunity to revisit the Chrestomanci world, which was what I was looking for when I initially picked up the book.

Not her best work, but worth it.

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

3.5 rating (rounded up for the stars)

I was surprised how much I liked this book. Thinking back, not that much actually happened in the story, but I was drawn in into the world created.

First, props to Aimee Agresti to having a plot twist that I didn't figure out until she revealed it. This was a "minor" plot twist in the grand scheme of things (I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free, but I will admit that it had to do with relationships), but I didn't catch it.

It left plenty open for a sequel, which I actually enjoyed in this case, because I wanted to keep reading.

The themes of angels, demons, and magic is not anything new, but I liked how it was applied here.

Some will consider the ending to be rather abrupt, but I found it fitting. You have enough closure to keep you sated for the next book and I didn't feel wanting at the end.

Some readers will be put off with the way the story is told. It is very detailed oriented and the rich in gentle story telling. I don't mind this method, but some will find proceeding through the book drudging as a result.

As for me, I look forward to the sequel.