DRAGON LONGZE FALLS IN LOVE (BOST ORIGINAL STORY, 2026 PART 2)

Then came a time of the Mid Autumn Festival. The particulars of the annual festival, through natter (gossip, blather), without fail reached far and wide, even the remotest regions, drawing significant crowds to the event at Hurin.

01- MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL (2)jp

The festival had always delighted the senses with the array of colourful decorations, exquisitely crafted lanterns and kites. Multitude booths displayed hand crafted toys, jewelry and keepsakes; delicious and aromatic abundant food stalls, meanwhile, satisfied every penchant palate (food, appetite). The delightful melodies, tunes emanating from diverse instruments, perforated the air, accompanying the varied entertainment of street operas, graceful dances, or enthralling acrobatics- that were enjoyed by the enthusiastic crowds of human families and loving couples.  

The eligible handsome young men, in the meantime, ceased this opportunity to spot potential mates, while others gaged (evaluated, assessed) or flirted with beautiful, coy (bashful) ladies, dressed in in their fineries. In this jocund (blithe, amiable) atmosphere one and all, young and old, milled about with rare abandon and continuously, with joyful zeal, had week-long, fun-filled memorable experiences.

Where were the criminals, the bad elements, the ruffians during this time, you may wonder. But because of the endorsed (confirmed) rich economic advantages of the festival (for the region), the constables were dispatched on mass for the duration to ensure the safe and uninterrupted mirthful participation (partaking) of all its citizens.

Longze and Brenda despite their qualm (misgivings) about humans, were riveted (enthralled) by all the hearsay about the incessant, boisterous annual event. Wishing to experience it firsthand hence, the two serpents one white and one green, one fine day transformed themselves into two young ladies and, appropriately dressed, embarked on the long journey.

02- LONGZE AND BRENDA (3) JP

They walked for two days on foot, sometimes traversing difficult terrain (land, topography), then secured a passage on a small boat, to finally at dawn of the subsequent day, arrive at the vicinity (locale), the hub, at picturesque Hurin.  

They rested under the shade of a tree for a while, then discreetly blended in with the crowd, to enjoy the festivities. Longze and Brenda’s attires were adequate, but not as rich; bothered by the scathing (scornful, mocking, derisive) looks from passers by, Longze accosted one friendly merchant and got the directions to a respectable clothing shop.  

When they had first entered the establishment, they were greeted cooly by the proprietor, who quoted the price for two ready made dresses that were available in their sizes, expecting them to bashfully withdraw. But instead, when Longze boldly produced three gold coins, which were considerably far more than the asking price, the proprietor became all smiles. Fawning on them henceforth, two of his female staff (employees) ushered the two young ladies Longze and Brenda to the back room, they then promptly retrieved from the racks few already completed exquisite gowns. 

Subsequently, with all their needs solicitously met, Longze and Brenda emerged from the shop, confident and looking radiantly beautiful. They once more blended in with the crowds, this time however, receiving admiring looks from every young man, while envy registered in the pupils of the female counterparts.

Later that morning, Longze and Brenda without abandon talked and laughed as they breakfasted on sesame steam buns, pancakes with honey and jam and chicken hot noodles. Strolling through the food stalls, they later indulged their palate (appetite) for sweets and sampled other, strange but delectable morsels.  At noon, they drunk refreshing drinks, purchased trinkets and keepsakes and for a while watched some of the entertainment. In short, they took in the general sites, as they frequently dodged the unwarranted attention from several young men.

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The eastern part of Lake Taho lied beside the prosperous (trading port) city of Monter and bordered by lush green hills; it had always been renowned for its breathtaking scenery drawing many scholars or noted visitors who loved to stroll its banks or take boats across the water.

Longze and Brenda, were so enthralled by the beauty of the surroundings that they’d without intending to, strayed quite far from the crowds, desiring to observe the magnificent waterfalls up close. There, throwing all caution into the wind, they’d lingered for a time quite forgetting themselves; however, as luck would have it, at the far bend (curvature, stoop), at a secluded spot that had an ancient, somewhat dilapidated (derelict, rundown) terrace, a dashing young scholar named Jedrik Nenzo, stood leaning over the ivy assailed (overrun) ramshackle (rickety) railing. He was also admiring the sights from that lone ventage point, when he just then happened to spot Longze. This serious young scholar, for a time stood mesmerized, discreetly observing this enchanting young lady.

 

04-JEDRIK NENZO (14)JP

As it were, the scholar was simply returning from a visit to his mother’s grave.  He had been orphaned when young and presently lived with his elder sister and her husband, earning a scant living as an assistant in their herbal medicine shop. Jedrik was a breathtakingly handsome (striking) young man of about twenty-five years of age, his height was well over six feet tall, with long white, blond hair cascading down his shoulders and brilliant blue eyes. His nature, however, was taciturn (reserved, aloof, introverted, shy) and so he’d often shunned crowds and instead, buried his head in books.

Providence (fate) had decreed however that Longze and Jedrik should meet that day; as they later crossed the Azura Bridge, each (in midst, melded) blended in a mob of people, headed in the opposite direction, Longze (from the corner of her eye) glimpsing at him, his striking good looks simply (stilled) stole her breath away.

Having crossed the bridge, when suddenly the capricious sun took refuge behind some clouds and abruptly rain begun to fall, the two ladies naturally sought shelter under the nearby willow tree, but without much success. 

Jedrik, a gallant young man, even though he’d quietly with lowered head bypassed them, his intuition making him look back, noted the two young ladies at the opposite end of the bridge, presently in dire straits; uncharacteristically, he’d not hesitated and, hastened over at once to politely offer them his umbrella.

 

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As Longze insisted on Jedrik sharing the umbrella with them the two, during their brief conversation, had hopelessly fallen in love.  Destiny had played a hand, you see, to draw these two lovers together.

To make the long story short, Longze (or Berdis Kenny as she’d introduced herself to the scholar), throwing all caution to the wind, three days hence, married the scholar, Jedrik Nenzo. The happy couple (taking along Brenda to live with them) then moved to the suburb of Monter and there, with the sizeable funds from Longze’s supposed inheritance, opened a medicine shop of their own. Utilizing her extensive knowledge of various herbal medicines, they were able to successfully cure many ailments, and before long the business prospered. Berdis (Longze) especially was much beloved because of her dedication to helping the sick, no matter how poor they were.

Oh, but oh so fickle is fate; for the (terrapin) Muskrat spirit that once dwelled in the same segment of lake Taho as Longze had, by this time, accumulated enough powers to take on a human form and had transformed into a Spiritualist (diviner, seer) called Khronos who, without much success, also dabbled in the healing arts. He learned about the brilliance of Berdis and, to his chagrin, discovered that she is his old nemesis Longze, the white snake.  He was further consumed by jealousy when he found out about her blissful existence and from then on plotted to break up her relationship with Jedrik Nenzo. He visited their shop and, finding an opportunity, discretely approached Jedrik when Berdis, by then an expectant mother, went off for a brief respite leaving her husband to tend to customers.

 

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 “I’m Khronos, the famed Psychic ((diviner, seer)),” the disguised Muskrat spirit introduced himself to Jedrik in a conspiratorial whisper. “I have come here, under this pretext, to warn you of the great peril you are in. Through my spiritual guide, I have discovered that your wife is in fact, a 500-year-old (actually, he’d just on spur made up that number) sprite white snake. Heed my words young man, for now she hides well her true nature, but one day she will surely turn on you, as all demons do, and devour you!”

“How dare you say such a thing?” protested Jedrik. “My wife is an angel, what you say is nothing short of a wicked slander!”

“Fine, fine; don’t take my word for it.” Khronos shaking an index finger, sternly admonished Jedrik. He next pretended to storm out the door but, as if on a second thought, he halted and, half turning, said, “Before long the Winter Solstice Festival will be here. Offer her realgar wine, if she does not revert back to her true form, then I, in advance, offer my apologies.”

                                                                                             ~

 

At the Winter Solstice Festival, according to an old custom, everyone would liberally partake of wine mixed with foul-smelling realgar to supposedly to drive away snakes or evil spirits.

To escape disclosure and wary of the possible dangers, Berdis had feigned illness during this Festival. She insisted on keeping to her bed but encouraged her husband to go out and partake of the festivities, while Brenda (the fairy, Green Snake) kept her company and also, tended to her (pregnant) needs. That might have been the end of that but unfortunately, however, the devoted Jedrik had refused to leave her side and, desiring her to be especially safe, he further insisted that she drink some measure of the realgar concoction. When she adamantly refused and offered only feeble excuses Khronos’s dire warnings rushed to Jedrik’s mind. His demeanor darkened but then just as quickly he dismissed it all with a wave of his hand. When his wife inquired as to the reason for his odd behaviour, Jedrik simply shrugged and related the warning words of Khronos, thinking it to be nothing other than a poor joke.

Berdis (Longze) could not conceal her ire and terror, and her face grew visibly pallid. The wave of suspicion that grazed her husband’s eyes, though briefly, wrenched Berdis’s heart.  Hoping that her accrued powers were strong enough to withstand the danger she dismissed Brenda and requested a cup of realgar wine from her husband.

07-BERDIS AND JEDRIK NENZO (73)JP

Receiving it, she quickly downed it. As further reassurance she pretended to like it and asked for more, but before she could finish the third, she began to retch violently.  She was helped to her bed by her most concerned and apologetic husband who then rushed out the door to fetch her some medicine.  When he returned, he found, instead of his wife, a giant white snake coiled on the bed.

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Worst still, this white snake had some horns on its head. And scales were beginning to manifest on the white skin. Berdis had had a tranquil life; nothing therefore prepared her for this present transformation.

In truth Berdis, which was the dragon Longze, had now matured enough that he/she, with her ancient lineage (overriding her sentence), she could be transformed into a mighty dragon. The trigger was the realgar wine on top of her pregnancy and the hormones it entailed.  And so, the violent shift soon began to transform Longze into her innate, tremendous white dragon self.  Before she grew too huge to be contained in the room, she spread her wings and bolted out the open window, disappearing into the night’s sky.

 

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The shock of this transformation, meanwhile, had been too great for Jedrik to bear and he’d instantly collapsed (unconscious) onto the floor.

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                                                                                            ~

 

 

(END OF PART 2)

(NEXT POST - THE CONCLUSION PART 3) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAGON LONGZE FALLS IN LOVE (BOST ORIGINAL STORY, 2026- PART 1)

Dragon Longze, habitually penalized by Heaven for his recalcitrant transgressions (indiscretions, offenses) had once been reborn as a mortal female snake in the forsaken part of the Lake Taho, away from any human habitation. 

01 - LONGZE - REBORN AS WHITE SNAKE

Incredibly, this white snake spirit, possessing extraordinary intelligence and odd characteristics, had strayed from usual serpent behaviour to favorably alter her chances of survival, by timely attaching itself to an itinerant (roving, nomadic) recluse immortal Haskell (name meaning cauldron of God), who had chosen to dwell for a brief time at the periphery of a hill, some ways off lake Taho. He’d stayed for the purposes of finding a very rare, specific golden plant that manifested once in hundred years, at precise month, at a fissure (crack, crevice) of one of several caverns (cave) that existed in the densest part of the ascending forest.    

During his brief stay in an abandoned, ramshackle wooden hut, the Immortal Haskell had one day while exploring the interior of one of those deep grotto’s, chanced on the mortal white snake Longze who was at the time in her early teens. To his amazement and immense relief, Immortal Haskell soon realized that he could well understand this white snake, as the serpent adapting human vernacular could now communicate with him (mentally, cerebrally) in his head. That’s when Haskell learned the name of the serpent being Longze. Moreover, Longze remarkably comprehending (grasping) his quest (mission), generously, without being asked, happily volunteered to assist Haskell in (finding and) procuring the rare golden plant that would have been otherwise impossible to obtain. As they silently conversed, Haskell noting white snake’s unusual aura (force), irregular characteristics and high intelligence, very much intrigued, he’d albeit reluctantly, agreed to take her home with him.

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Subsequently, Longze the white snake became his pupil; hence, Longze learned some useful spells (incantations)and healing potions, as she additionally, diligently practiced Taoist magical arts with her unyielding tenacity and thirst for knowledge and, her secret innate yearning to become an immortal. The search for the rare golden plant, meanwhile, without let up had persisted, till one day, they long at last chanced on it; Longze’s assistance proved indispensable in attaining it, earning her Haskell’s everlasting gratitude. He was impatient to (depart and) resume his journey, however, out of deference (regard, favour) for her, he agreed to stayed on just a little while longer.  

03- LONGZE HELPS KASKELL TO RETRIEVE THE GOLDEN PLANT (30)JP

Luck was with Longze on that ordinary cloudless day, when at mid-afternoon scavenging for some craved, edible food, her eye fortuitously caught, off to the side, the glint of the miniature flagon half buried in the dirt, at the edge of a cluster of low bushes. She managed to pry the flask loose (retrieving it), then using her fangs, pushed out the cork; she discovered that within it were the two immortality pills that her master Haskell had carelessly discarded.  Longze recognizing the value of such a find, had at once swallowed them and was instantly transformed and gained 500 years’ worth of magical powers; hence, this also enabled Longze to shift (transmute, turn) into a human female form.

Excitement stirred in her chest as she gazed at her two feet, then at her hands and also, realized now in her human form she could better communicate with the Immortal Haskell. She walked over to the nearby small pond and kneeling, with disbelieving eyes, regarded (stared, examined) her facial features in the still waters: an image that  was breathtakingly beautiful in appearance, the shimmering, long golden blond hair (with highlights) cascading down her shoulders framing a face with skin as flawless and pale as the most exquisite porcelain, with high cheekbones, rosy lips and, brilliant blue eyes, that stared back at her.

04- LONGZE AS A GIRL

It goes without saying, she had no clothes but understanding something about human propriety (modesty, decency), she hastened to the hut, and finding it empty, quickly rampaged through Haskell’s luggage. She knew he had an extra light grey shirt and black trousers (slacks) stored there. The shirt was oversize and long enough that it (draped her form and) reached below her knees; it fit her more like a dress (especially when she tied a chord around her waist), so she did not bother wearing (putting on) the trousers.

Bursting joy enveloping her chest, heart wildly palpitating (racing), her excitement barely contained, she sat in the chair by the hearth, folded her hands demurely on her lap and then waited to surprise him.

05-IMMORTAL HASKELL RETURNS

After dusk, when the mountain was mantled in darkness, the Immortal Haskell opened the door of the cabin and stepped in; grasping (understanding) at once what had happened, a dark shadow descended on his features and his eyes flamed with fury.

He did not care that she was breathtakingly beautiful, he was instead  incensed, infuriated by this breach; furthermore, he now feared certain repercussions from Heaven, for he had three days prior, through divination, learned about the white snake’s innate form (mass, body, intrinsic core, essence) , that she was a celestial dragon; furthermore, he’d learned of her conviction (sentence, due punishment) and, because of his (Immortal’s) presence, Longze’s currently altered impending (future) fate.

The damage, however, was irreversible, and so after his stern reprimand, he abruptly severed all ties with Longze (white snake). He turned a tacit (silent) deft ear to all her explanative and sincere apologies.  He with a stone heart and grave, stern countenance (mien) simply gathered (grabbed) his few belongings and picked up the rare golden plant (preserved in a container), then opening the door, with a huff, he stepped outside, instantly disappearing into the darkness.

Downhearted Longze, collapsing on the chair, buried her face in her palms and shed many tears; in truth, she was not clear on what she had done wrong. Her pure heart did not understand Immortal Haskell’s fury, his explosive rage. She called out to her master and repeated out loud her sincere repentance (regret, sorrow) till her voice was hoarse, hoping he would somehow hear her apologies and her entreaties (pleas).

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Night deepened and as the (flames died down) logs in the hearth (fireplace) burned to cinders (embers, ashes), the cabin was then cast (enveloped) in pitch darkness; still she did not stir and waited till dawn for his return. Her instincts screamed at her that he was gone for good, to accept this fact, admit defeat and move on; in that short time however, she’d gotten used to having someone about, now loneliness gnawed at her innards. Feeling forlorn (abandoned, lost) and miserable, she in resignation lowered her head and willed her body to transform (revert) back to her prior serpent form.

Subsequent three weeks, she’d remained at the wooden cabin, usually curled up in the corner, rarely moving, rarely doing anything at all; and each day she’d hoped Haskell would relent and, forgiving her, return, but he never did.

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At lower terrain (topography, land, ground) from where wooden cabin was, at that thin fringe (marginal) shoreline of the lake meanwhile there dwelled (resided) a nasty Muskrat spirit who also aspired to immortality.  When Longze finally resumed her usual routine, and frequented the shore, one fatalistic day she’d encountered the muskrat.  Sensing her unusual aura, he had turned on the charm and befriended Longze, though in truth, he was a false friend; a narcissist, he only sought to utilize, or if possible, steal her perceived powers.  When in her innocence, Longze confessed to him one afternoon, about her regrettable past transgression, her swallowing the discarded longevity pills that had enabled her present unique powers but at a dire cost, he had feigned sympathy and consoled her; but from that day thereon, he’d harboured a deep-seated resentment (bitterness) and intense envy (jealousy) for the deemed fortunate white snake, absurdly blaming her for all his subsequent tribulations.

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One day, in a further away segment of the shoreline, during her brief respite under the tree, before her intended crossing of the bridge that led to a sprawling (straggling) marketplace, Longze happened to (note) observe a local ruffian who had just caught himself a green snake. With a malicious grin he first tormented the poor creature, the lout then quickly tiring of it, drew out a stiletto (dagger) from inside his boot and poised to slice out its gallbladder to perhaps sell it.

09-TERRIFIED GREEN SNAKE

The terrified, poor green snake squirmed, she sobbed and intermittently (sporadically) cried out for help, but all was in vain; her situation increasingly dire, raising her head, teary eyed she still relentlessly (unwaveringly) pleaded for mercy to the deaf ears of the passers by.

Intense ire and deep sympathy both flooding her heart, Longze at once transformed self into a young lady and, walking across the bridge, with stoic demeanor, fearlessly accosted the tough guy (ruffian, lout). Congenial greetings(address) quickly dispensed with, she offered to buy the green snake alive, intact, therefore saving the green snake from fate worse than death and from being sliced open alive.

Noting the impish (roguish), baleful calculation in his eyes, to bode no argument she at once withdrew a gold coin from her small pouch, and held it out, allowing him to get a good look before determinedly plumping it on the crate in front of him.  

The ruffian’s eyes for a time instead, greedily eyed her pouch, then looked about him; however, sighting the approaching constable few feet away, he aborted his sinister aim and quickly snatched the gold coin, “Done.”

As he handed the tightly wrapped up green snake back to her, he venomously snickered (wickedly snorted), “Sure, you don’t want it carved?”

Longze did not respond, she simply left the (ugly cad) brute. She wanted to get as far away from this cruel man and release the tight bonds binding the green snake, sensing her distress and unwarranted suffering.  As her steps quickly led away, even though her back was to him, she could still intuit (feel, sense) the lurking menacing threat, the malevolent calculation reeling in rogue’s brain. Fortunately, the constable happened to be there, curtailing his baleful aim.

10- GOLD COIN

Now the green snake was in actuality a fairy, who’d been permanently exiled (driven away) from the forest for a breach and was at present, serving her sentence. Her punishment would end in two months time, meanwhile, she was rendered quite vulnerable as a helpless green snake and unable to transform into her true form. She would have died a miserable death had it not been for Longze; hence, the grateful green serpent, when she was released from the bonds and carefully placed on a soft cloth on the table, jutted (stuck out) her head and profusely thanked her saviour.

The green serpent had endured so terribly in the course of these last months in the mortal realm that, trauma and duress had not only caused her to have partial amnesia, but as well, intense phobia of all creatures whether it be human (hominoid) or quadruped (animal).  Consequently, she had remained at first quite inhibited (retracted, withdrawn) for several days; meanwhile, as the little serpent could not recollect her personal name, she asked Longze to give her one, and both finally settled on the name Brenda.

Subsequent weeks, Longze took very good care of Brenda and she, experiencing firsthand Longze’s consistently compassionate and diligent care, her multitude endearing characteristics and most amazing, pure heart: seated by the hearth one day, she suddenly looked up and blurted out her heart’s desire to be Longze’s sworn younger sister.  

Longze was delighted at this prospect, for she was in fact lonely, and thence on the spot acceding, they performed the ceremony that bonded them as kin.

 

(END OF PART I) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 DRAGON LONGZE STRANDED PRO TEM AT THE KINGDOM OF AVARKAN (BY BOST, 2026) PART 2

Davos’s implications was clear; hence, inconsolable fear and dread took hold of everyone’s chests; and they quaked right to their toes—in unison they then asked, "Tell us, we want to know; what is to be done, what is the key (vital) solution?"

01- DAVOS (12)JP

Now that he had them in his palm, Davos said: "Tomorrow is the dragon's birthday. He is demanding to have a present on his birthday. If he gets a nice present, he will be in a hurry to take it away and show it to his friends, and he will fly off and never come back."

Now how did he know it was the dragon’s birthday? But frightened minds are rarely logical.

The crowd had instead readily accepted Devos’s claim and cheered wildly—even the naïve, pure hearted Princess, participating from her balcony, excitedly clapped her hands.

"The present the dragon expects," said Devos, when the clamor died down a little, cheerfully, "is rather an expensive one. But, when we give, it should not be in a grudging spirit, especially to visitors. What every dragon ever wants is a Princess. We have only one Princess, it is true: but far be it for us to display a miserly temper at such a moment. And the gift is worthless that costs the giver nothing. Your readiness to give up your Princess will only show how generous you are."

A shocked silence now permeated in the air. Many stood frozen with gaping mouths, considering the alternative. Some of the crowd began to shed silent tears, for they loved their Princess, though they quite knew that their first duty was to their nation; unfortunately, this required them to be bighearted (charitable, unstinting) and give the dreadful dragon what it wanted. No one considered asking the Dragon, if that was true… Then again, they could not communicate with him, not really, so how could they?

The Princess was devastated as everyone else but desisted shedding tears, for she was brave; she had a terrible foreboding that she might be scorched then eaten, still, she was willing to sacrifice self to save the kingdom. If only there was a way to avert this catastrophe.

Stevor, meanwhile, had stood perfectly still, then sullenly (broodingly) looked away; after a time, he quickly pushed aside all worrisome thoughts and his ire checked (contained), being a pragmatist even at that young age, he next wracked his brains for an apt solution. He could not believe the Dragon was that evil; moreover, his senses pricked (jabbed), as if alerting him to an impending malevolent ploy. He was still too young to discern (comprehend) the ambitious, cunning workings of (Devos’s) an adult mind. Eventually, he went home to ponder more on the plausible solution. He was idly standing by at the back yard when the wolf cup came up to him; Stevor in a gush relayed to him his deep concern. 

02- WOLF CUB TANSAN (5)

Tansan lowered his head, dourly (resolutely) thought for a while, then questioningly looking up and growled: “Are you certain this was the dragon’s wish?”

Stevor understood his meaning, especially when Tansan, gripped his sleeve and tugged at it (pulled): making it clear he wanted to go see the dragon along with Stevor and get some explanation or truth of this matter.

Though humans, save for magicians like Devos, could not really communicate with a dragon, perhaps a wolf might, Stevor thought.

 True enough, Tansan breached the gap of vernacular difficulty and then successfully communicated with the dragon.  It was then that he learned of the dragon’s name being Longze, and his true dragon age. 

Longze in turn, learned how Tansan once had lived within a dense forest of a far off continent; though unfortunately, where hunting was a desired sport. One day Tansan was carefree and happy living with his parents and two other siblings, and the next moment, all had been destroyed. He’d witnessed the traumatic, harrowing death of his parents and his siblings; his life was spared, because of the aristocratic little boy who’d accompanied his father on this hunt, wanted the white wolf-cub as his pet. The little boy wasn’t entirely cruel, but Tansan detested being held captive; then one day, he’d made good his escape, and later still, after much suffering, he’d snuck into the luggage of a passenger boarding a ship, bound for far away lands and so came to be on this island. At the end of his narration, Tansan was surprised to note the dragon Longze’s eyes tearing up and understood that this dragon was a sensitive sentient being.

 Tansan and Longze spent many more hours communicating, sharing their likes and dislikes and in the course of it, becoming fast friends.  Stevor had waited patiently at first, then, not wishing to intrude, waved a hand and returned home. No pressure: he’d done this to allow them privacy of this rare bonding, knowing Tansan would appraise him of the facts later. Stevor was a thoughtful, kind and tolerant friend that way.

At the end of their long, intense exchange, when all that needed to be heard was communicated, Tansan nodded his head with understanding and promised that he would somehow find a way to relay (impart) all this to Stevor and in doing so, clear Longze from all false accusations.

Longze was elated to long at last be able to convey true facts; for being brilliant, he had grasped the persecution that had lately, permeated the air along with the false belief that had deemed him a monster to the apprehensive, trusting (gullible) people. He had been puzzled by the sudden change in those once affectionate pupils directed at him, which lately bore such fretful disdain (contempt); furthermore, the innocent children had lost that wonder glint (sparkle) in their eyes and instead, glared at him with chariness (suspicion) and scorn. This had made Longze so very unhappy; now however, he had hope, that the misunderstanding might soon be cleared up.

03- LONGZE MALIGNED

It took some doing, in fact, it took the entire night, but clever as Tansan was eventually successful and so Stevor was appraised of the true facts. That Longze had no wish to harm anyone, least of all the princess Juyin. He’d rather hoped to befriend everyone and take his leave of the island, which he intended to do pretty soon, now that his injury was almost healed (mended), carrying in his heart and mind fond memories.  More importantly, his birthday was still many months away.

Subsequent morning, Stevor rising at dawn, he went straight to the palace and then he gathered white roses and threw them at the Princess's window till she woke up and looked out.

“What brings you out this early?”  The princes peering down, from her balcony, asked; “It must be important; all right, come up and tell me, “She said.

Stevor was an athletic boy, and so, he nimbly climbed up the white rosebush; once seated in her room, he then quietly relayed to her all the pertinent data that he’d acquired from Tansan. Then leaning forward, he kissed the Princess on the cheek and said: "Before I forget: Many happy returns of the day."

Juyin’s eyes teared; “I wish it was a happy day!” She heaved a sigh; suspecting her uncle Davos would not be persuaded to change his mind that easily, if he was set on sacrificing her. 

"Don’t be sad," said Stevor. "Why, Juyin, my precious Princess—things aren’t as hopeless as you might think. Tansan is a clever little wolf cub, together we have devised a plausible plan, the Dragon, innocent as he is, is also a willing participant. After he’d carefully imparted all the relevant details he said: “All is arranged now.  You just pretend to go along; and leave the rest to us. We got your back. I promise you, no harm will come to you, or anyone innocent. “

For good reason Stevor did not disclose to Juyin, what he’d additionally suspected about her uncle, Sovereign Davos. Why should he unnecessarily worry her.

04- DAVOS (13)JP

That afternoon, Davos exited his palatial quarters, decked out in his official regalia, wearing a special crown, his brocade garments embroidered with the golden symbolic images on it, and arriving in posh carriage, he called on the Princess. His intent was to first deliver the princess to her doom, then going to court, before the assembled officials, summoned there already, announce his rightful claim to the throne.

"Come, little birthday present," he said acerbically (sarcastically). "You look so lovely, my dear; the dragon will be so pleased to have you. And I'm glad to see you're not crying. You know, my child, we cannot begin too young to learn to think of the happiness of others rather than our own. Nation’s welfare always supersedes personal one. I should not like my dear little niece to be selfish, or to wish to deny a trivial pleasure to that, albeit unreasonable dragon, desperate to return to where he belongs, his home and friends."

Princess Juyin acquiescently nodded, her face exhibited no fear and sorrow; she stockily and obediently climbed into his carriage, and soon they were on their way to meet the dragon.

 

Subsequently, the state carriage stopped at acceptable distance from the pillar, and there was the white dragon, poised to take custody of the princess and, in his pseudo anticipation of devouring a delectable morsal, his massive mouth already a gap (half open).

Davos approached him cautiously and said: "Good morning, sir. We have brought you a small present for your birthday. We do not like to let such an anniversary go by without some suitable testimonial, especially to one who is a stranger in our midst. Our means are small, but our hearts are large. We have but one Princess, but we give her freely—do we not, my child?"

The Princess said she supposed so, and the dragon came a little nearer.

05-- HEROIC STEVOR TO THE RESCUE

Suddenly a concealed figure emerging from behind the thick bushes, a voice cried: "Run!" and there was Stevor. 

Princess at once took to her heels, to reach Stevor and Tansan. Tansan taking up defensive position up front, bearing his fangs and growling at Devos.

Davos was furious. "What do you mean, by this?" he cried, "Such impudence; by your rude intrusion on a state matter with your brazen attitude and your antagonistic wolf-cub, are you not afraid of dire punishment?" His meaning was clear, he threatened Stevor with certain death.

But while he was speaking all her precious pets, including the fox, had emerged from concealment (behind cluster of trees), to encircle Davos, so that he was buried way over his head in their thick animal fur that almost choked his lungs.

The Princess, meantime, had run to the other side of the pillar and was peeping around it to see what was going on. It goes without saying, a curious crowd had followed the carriage out of the town; now having reached the scene of the "State Function"—in unison, they all cried out: "Fair play—play fair! Princess has a right to choice, to defend herself.

But some of Devos’s supporters also voiced their discontent: “We can't go back on our word like this. Shame, shame! To give a thing and take a thing? Why, it's never been done. Let the poor dragon have his birthday present." And they also tried to get at Stevor who fended them off with a stick he was holding; meanwhile, the wolf bearing his fangs, growling fiercely stood defensively, ready to launch, to sink those fangs at the first one that would be brazen enough to sneak-attack, from the flanks (sides).

While this was going on, Juyin looked around the big pillar and called to the dragon: "Here’s your chance to clear your name; defend the innocent and punish the culprit!” Strangely enough the dragon understood the princess’s vernacular. As it were, dragons in fairy tales, had always wanted the sacrifice of princesses for friendship’s sake, someone to talk to, not to consume (eat) them.

The Sovereign-wizard Davos, however, could not be restrained (fenced) for long; getting clear of the furballs, he invoked a powerful incantation that forced the dragon to act contrary and to attack the princess.  But the princess was fast on her feet and she fled. She ran and ran, with dragon Longze in hot pursuit, without him not understanding why he was behaving antagonistically; for it was not in his nature to be so belligerent, so violent!

Stevor noting this change in plan, let Tanzan to deal with Davos’s hostile gang (horde), and looped the loose end of  the rope that was attached to the pole, on the dragon’s tale, at the very point the dragon had spread his wings to create greater momentum for speed as he run after Juyin. Stevor’s action was to impede dragon’s run; instead, this pulled Longze’s tail, and pulled it very hard, so hard that as he pulled, the pillar had to come around with the tail, and the island had to come around with the pillar, and in another minute the tail was loose, and the island was spinning around the top, exactly like that toy children often play. It spun so fast that everyone on the island fell flat on their faces and held on tight to themselves, because they felt something was going to happen.

All but the magician Davos, who was seriously engaged and choking between the brave Belgian hares that had pressed forward and strategically positioned themselves to contain or stop Davos’s next aggressive aim.

The dragon Longze, meanwhile, had sent the island, with the established kingdom of Avarkan, spinning the way it ought to have gone at the beginning of the creation of the world and the incidental (chance) materialization (manifestation) of this magic island.  

06- ISLAND SPINNING

As the island spun around, all the animals on it began to change sizes. And the men and women and all the children would have changed sizes too, if they had not had the sense to hold on to themselves, very tight indeed, with both hands, which, of course, the animals could not be expected to know how to do.

Princess Juyin, Stevor and Tansan had all huddled together, arms fastening on each other to form one uninterrupted circle, so they were spared also.  Davos had been thrown on the ground, and with his focus spinning, seeing stars in his eyes, he’d forgotten to hold onto himself; therefore, he did change, his height shrunk to two inches.

The spell the wizard had spun (cast) on the dragon Longze, meanwhile, was broken also, and the dragon felt his old self again. Longze was instantly consumed with seething rage for being prior maligned and, for being manipulated presently in this way, forcing him to act contrary to his will. His eyes, hence, searched till he pinpointed the whereabouts of the wizard Davos, who’d done his best to hide behind a small bush.

Longze, however, was far too young to have a fiery breath, only a steam and puff of cloud would come out of his mouth.  He was only three years old in dragon years, remember. But he was still fuming and he desired apt retribution (vengeance) on the very culprit; so, he simply approached Daves, slow and deliberate, then lifted one of his feet and let it come down plump over Devos, to squash him like a pancake. And so, permanently rid Avarkan of this conniving, heartless evil.

He then shook his head; let out a shrilling cry and then opened his wings wide and next instant took to the skies. He’d recovered well enough, so that he could now return home, and when he got home, he would have a tale to tell, to whoever listened.

07- LONGZE FLIES HOME

So now the dragon gone, and all the animals were normal sizes—and at first it seemed very strange to everyone to have great lumbering elephants and a tiny little dormouse, but in time they got used to it and thought no more of this change. 

After the culprit Davos was no more, conscientious, loyal officials and brave generals ensured that law and order, as well as the lasting peace was restored to the kingdom of Avarkan. Princess Juyin received the best counsel, best education, by loyal ministers, tutors and such, preparing her well for the time she would be crowned their ruling Queen. Some time passed, in that lasting peace, all the young children grew up normal and contented.

08- STEVOR AND JUYIN GET MARRIED

Several years ago, there was an announcement on the Avarkan Times, an account of the wedding of the Princess Juyin with Lord Stevor, who was then the newly appointed Prime Minister. Naturally, she could not have married anyone but Stevor, so I suppose they made him a Lord on purpose for the wedding; even though he’d grown up to be a most competent prime minister, well respected and loved by all.

The union of Princess Juyin and Stever had met no opposition from any official or the powerful nobility (aristocracy) and besides, all the citizens (inhabitants) of Avarkan Kingdom, including the animals, both adored and loved them. From thence, the abundant blessing was constantly showered on the loving couple. Avarkan had already thrived under Stevor’s brilliantly implemented policies and all the nobles, officials, military and common citizens alike, lived in eternal bliss. 

Tansan (till ripe old age) was a constant companion to Lord Stevor; even though, soon as Stevor had secured his position of Prime Minister, he’d arranged to have a ship transport willing several wolf packs to comfortably settle on the island. Tansan, as their newly proclaimed alfa king of all the packs, ruled justly and wisely. And eventually, happily married to his chosen, destined alfa mate, and thereon, sired many alfas, his lineage secured.

09- TANSAN'S FAMILY

Few years later, Juyin was crowned the rightful Queen of Avarkan, and she ruled the kingdom wisely, with her trusted adviser, her devoted husband, always by her side, still holding onto his post as the Prime Minister of Avarkan. They had three lovely children born to them, two princes and a lovely princess.

All was well in the island and within Avarkan kingdom and everyone, men or beast, lived happily ever after.

Few times there was a sighting of dragons, charting a course in the sky, towards the North. Longze wanted very much to visit his old friend Tansan, but he was never given the permission to do so; moreover, he was discouraged from having any further contact with the mortal world, while his movements were severely and rigorously restricted by then more obdurate (inflexible, hard-hearted, stony) guardians.

Citizens of Avarkan, nevertheless, constantly cast their eyes to the sky, in search of dragons; and few times, some claimed sightings of one white dragon in particular, one that looked exactly like the one depicted in beloved folk-tale, which was constantly read to children at bedtime, but unfortunately, no dragon had ever set foot on the island ever again.

Fin.