This choice: End the situation playfully • Go Back... Surprise flitted through your mind as the small child bounced off your snout, landing with a thump on the dirt ground. You could sense the collective breath-holding from the crowd, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. Yet, despite the boy's unexpected collision, you found yourself more amused than annoyed. In a slow, non-threatening manner, you lowered your head to the boy's level, your eyes meeting his wide ones.
Are you alright, little one? You projected your thoughts towards the boy. The child looked at you, his mouth opening in an 'o' shape, before a wide grin spread across his face.
"I'm alright, Mr. Dragon," he said, his voice small yet brimming with excitement. "I've never seen a real dragon before. Are you a real dragon?"
You could hardly stifle a rumble of laughter at his question. Yes, I am a real dragon. My name is Arrow.
"Arrow?" He parroted, rolling the word around his tongue as if tasting it. "That's a cool name. I'm Tom!"
Pleased to make your acquaintance, Tom,* you responded, a sensation that might have been likened to a dragon's version of a smile spreading across your face. As you smiled your teeth seemed to upset the spectating crowd. So you quickly hid your smile.
The marketplace around you seemed to breathe again, the tension diffusing. The villagers watched as Tom conversed with you, his laughter filling the air. You answered his very many questions, projecting images and feelings when words were too difficult to explain. The air became tense again as Tom began asking questions about your diet. Specifically your favorite food. You looked at him and said, "I eat many things Tom, from meat to grass. However, I enjoy meat the most. I love to fly, and to hunt! There is absolutely nothing like chasing a doe through the forest."
You instantly regretted this answer although truthful. You were receiving sharp stares of fear and anger welling up through the spectators. You turn you head away attempting to avoid their gaze.
"Whats wrong?" Tom asked curious as to why you suddenly became so reserved. 'Nothing' you responded keep you eyes out of his view.
His parents eventually found their way to the pair of you, their faces a mix of fear and disbelief as they saw their son chatting with you. They cautiously approached, offering you a nervous yet appreciative smile.
"Thank you for not harming our boy," the mother said, her voice shaking slightly. You nodded, understanding their concern and relief. You understood their point of view. You were a fearsome and intelligent predator. There was nothing stopping you from devouring each and every last citizen within the village. You just wished they did not see you in such a manner.
The rest of the day was spent with Tom, who introduced you to other children of the village, and by the time Samuel returned, the fear in the villagers' eyes had been replaced with a cautious acceptance.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, you decide to go find Samuel. Yet, as you rose to your full height, you noticed the villagers' expressions change. Their eyes drifted to the skies above, fear seeping into their faces. You followed their gazes to see dark shapes circling above, winged silhouettes against the fading light. Something was not right.  | Members who added to this interactive story also contributed to these: |
<<-- Previous · Outline  · Recent Additions © Copyright 2025 ThirtyCharacters (UN: waffle800 at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
kamper has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work within this interactive story. Poster accepts all responsibility, legal and otherwise, for the content uploaded, submitted to and posted on Writing.Com. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
More by this author