DRAGON LONGZE FALLS IN LOVE (BOST ORIGINAL STORY, 2026 PART 3)

Fortunately, resourceful Brenda had tracked Berdis’s (Longze’s) residual scent and found her elder sister still unconscientious, having reverted back to human form, though naked and collapsed (slumped) on the dirt ground of a huge cave.  And fortuitously still, Brenda had the mindfulness to have brought along some coins (funds) and also, some of Berdis’s clothes with her. 

01- LONGZE AND BRENDA  (6) JP

Later on, when Berdis (Longze) had regained her consciousness, because of temporary amnesia brought on by her ordeal (trauma), she could not at first recollect what had happened the previous night- her reckless consumption of realgar wine and the resultant consequence; thankfully, her younger sister Brenda was there to, while helping her dress, clarify not all, but some of the previous night’s incidents (events, instances) for her, till Berdis’s full memory was restored.

For speedier return home, they charted a boat, using three coins of the funds which Brenda had brought along. They used the other two coins for purchasing some raisin hot buns and two waterskins filled with refreshing brew (beverage, orange juice) from one of the food stalls, as breakfast to be consumed while on board.

Subsequently, as the boat negotiated the choppy waters, for it was rather overcast and windy that day, to lessen the impact, Brenda after momentary hesitation, choosing her words carefully, with apt sensitivity told Berdis (Longze) the regrettable, far graver consequence of her irresponsible act, that had unfortunately begotten (caused) the death of her husband Jedrik.

Mercifully, Brenda had forgotten her money purse and having returned abruptly, made that grim discovery. She (the fairy) had not disturbed anything, simply locked up the house, deposited few essential pieces of clothing just in case in a bundle (residence, abode) and before the residue trace went cold, had hastened out, eventually discovering Berdis in the depths of the huge cave.

Though Brenda had done her best to console her elder sister, to her consternation Berdis had remained irresponsive and frozen; simply beyond reach, she’d with a blank expression stared into the void from then on. Alarmingly, she had stayed that way, eerily silent, till she had reached home.

Grief-stricken and heart palpitating wildly, Berdis had then rushed back to her bedroom at once, and finding her husband’s lifeless body covered by a cloth, slowly pealed the cover to kneel by his body, and cupping her face, only then, came the flood of tears. She’d tragically wept and wept.

02-JEDRIK NENZO (93)JP

Eventually setting aside her grief, Berdis (dragon Longze) and Brenda (Green Snake, the fairy), moved Jedrik’s lifeless body onto the bed and set him up as though he was simply asleep; then seated by the hearth (fireplace), they wrecked their brains to find the means to reverse this tragedy. Berdis (Longze) you see, would not surrender to loss that easily. Berdis deciding on what course to take (process to utilize), she then locked herself into her bedroom leaving Brenda to stand guard at hallway, as it was essential, all during her trance state (meditation, séance) she was not disturbed.

 Longze sat cross-legged on the floor; her eyes focused on the flickering flame of the tall candle before her, her breathing regulated, she then willed herself to enter a deeper meditative state. Her mind penetrating the deeper subconscious (subliminal, near unconscious) state next, the manifest vision showed her the interior of the, now all locked up and abandoned wooden cabin in the dense forest, where once Longze had happily dwelled.

Subsequently, Longze’s ethereal (otherworldly, ghostly) form with her intact retentive memory, telepathically (clairvoyantly) transported to the very cabin, she figuratively speaking, began rampaging through the dust ridden, shelved books. Finding nothing useful there, she next sought to retrieve the more pertinent (relevant, apposite) ones stored in the cavity behind a false wall. Even Haskell did not know of this hiding place. The secret wall panel now pushed aside, Longze, reached in and withdrew (fetched) her old, personal diary carefully concealed at the very bottom of the stacked pile, untouched for many years. The lock now with a click opened, inside pages flipped by as she quickly perused the documented entries one by one.

03- PERUSING THROUGH DIARY

In those days, when the Immortal Haskell was often gone absent from the cabin, she had braved many a time and sneak peaked (sneakily gleaned) at the information from the pages of Immortal Haskell’s closely guarded ancient book which he had hidden in his luggage. Longze’s photographic, acute memory had permanently stored it all where it lay at the back of her mind; however, some of it had been carefully recorded (documented, registered) in her diary. She needed to ascertain (discover) that pertinent, forbidden knowledge, akin to one she now desperately sought, to reverse this tragedy.  And then… there it was…Lo and behold, she finally came across it, exactly the information she sought!

                                                                                    ~

Her first (previous night’s) transformation into a dragon, after her drinking the realgar wine, had been a flux; however, she’d also obtained the precise knowledge now from her entries in the journal; more importantly, that there was a sure reliable way to achieve this aim. Long forgotten memories rushed back to make her smile:

Her ability to transform into a dragon, had been, long ago gleaned (picked up, espied, learned) when once in her playful mood, she’d quietly snuck close behind, and peered into the ancient book Immortal Haskell had intently been reading. Though, when questioned, fearing master Haskell’s ire, she’d vehemently denied seeing anything at all; nevertheless, she had a keen, retentive memory, which at present came very useful. An impish (naughty) smile for a fleeting moment lifted the corners of Longze’s lips, as she, furthermore, recollected all her other mischievous ways in those days spent with Immortal Haskell; so much had changed since then… Berdis (Longze), abruptly dismayed, could not help but heave a deep sigh.

                                                                                ~

04- IMMORTAL HASKELL (34)

Perhaps the certain fact should be revealed at this point, that Immortal Haskell was far more than what he’d led on. He was in fact, the fifth appointed secret ornery (willful, crabby) custodian (guardian) of Longze. His meeting, and thence subtle interference with Longze, was by no means coincidental; nor was his supposed careless conveying of immortal pills; or the accidental transmission of key (strategic) knowledge from that forbidden book, that proved invaluable to Longze- so that he could endure and eventually succeed his subsequent, various dire ordeals.

                                                                                             ~

 

At the successful conclusion of her meditation, Berdis had succinctly appraised Brenda of her intent. Once more Brenda was left behind to care for her husband Jedrick’s corpse and to keep him secure; Berdis (Longze), armed with the vital knowledge, in her dragon form thence, before she reached her full size flew (lunged, escaped) from the open window.

05- BERDIS (lONGZE )FLIES OUT THE WINDOW  AT NIGHT (7)JP

 Berdis (Longze)speared through the clouds, and then in lightening speed sliced through the upper atmosphere; she arrived at the Islet magic mountain Mount Hellmar, permanently hidden (from all mortal eyes) by the miasmic (mephitic, vaporous) clouds, in midst of a vast ocean.

06- THE MAGIC ISLAND

 

The instant Longze’s feet, touched the soil, she reverted to human form then; by carefully (noting) observing the secret tracks, she soon reached the massive (colossal) obsidian rock of a steep incline (gradient). She patiently waited for the precise moment, when the light of the (eclipsed) second moon streaming down for a spell, two minutes to be exact, revealed the secret, celestial (consecrated, sacred) doorway on the obsidian boulder (rock, sarsen).  Longze, standing before it, invoked the specific incantation she’d long ago gleaned from the Immortal Haskell’s book and then pressed her right palm over the configuration of the eye (outline, shape etched) on the surface of the rock.  With an aery sound the jet-black obsidian door slid opened, though for only one second; she hastily entered it, therefore, trespassing into the hidden unworldly realm.

In that pitched darkness, acting purely on instinct, Longze carefully advanced further into the interior, at times negotiating the perilously narrow, full of shard, ledges (projections).  Suddenly a hairy claw gripped at her left leg, she yanked it free, then with the quick flip of the forefinger and thumb, which produced a flame, she found herself staring at the most hideous monster.

07- THE MONSTER IN THE CAVE

The monster however was chained to the wall of the cave, and when she, getting a grip on her fear, moved away from his reach, he whimpered, showing fangs but desperately clawing the empty air. Longze’s initial fears jettisoned (discarded, dumped), she studied the hideous creature more intently; there was no real malice but instead, an unmistakable pain and misery registered in those pupils. His chest heaved painfully each time he inhaled and there were obvious burn marks festering, some of it black, where the silver metal of the (links) chain touched his skin. How long had he been imprisoned there in the pitch, ranched, sulfurous, suffocating air, forced to endure such anguished existence, without end? Longze could not help pitying the poor creature.

Subsequently, she did something that might have seemed unwise, but she felt perfectly right about it in her heart.

“I’m not going to hurt you... I simply wish to help.” She approached him tentatively.

He stopped his low growl resonating in his throat and then, inclining his head, almost with aghast hope, he simply stared at her.

 Longze’s razor sharp gaze, thoughtfully for a time perused (examined) the chains constraining the monster; then, she smiled at him placatingly and placed her free hand (palm) on the thickest part of the chain- which held a tiny almost indiscernible, strange (marking) engraving on it- binding (fastening) his chest.

Subsequently, in a clear voice which resonated in the air, she invoked the ancient spell (an incantation), one of the few ones she’d learned from Immortal Haskell. For few seconds silence reigned, and then, with a ear-splitting crackling sound all the chains binding the monster, one after the other shattered into bits and cascaded onto the dirt floor that hungrily swallowed it all.

08- RAVEN PRINCE THORSTEN JARL

More remarkable still, that very instant the hideous monster was no more; in its stead stood a handsome, vigorous, stout young man, with long straight black hair down to his shoulders, brilliant blue eyes, clad in black garments  and was of about twenty years in age, who looked to be of royal descent (pedigree, lineage). He also had projected from his back, magnificent, jet-black wings. With tearing eyes, he at once fell on his knees and bowing his head, thanked her most profusely, for her mercy and for his rescue.

Longze dismissing it, urged him to rise to his feet; after the formal introductions, she’d then learned succinctly that he was an immortal crown prince named Thorsten Jarl from an ancient Raven Kingdom (raven-elf, fairy land), who’d been maliciously deceived by an evil entity (the devil) Nihasa, that coveted his beloved wife and his kingdom. 

09-RAVEN CROWN PRINCE THORSTEN JARL AND WIFE JUYIN (26) JP

Four days prior, when the Crown Prince Thorsten Jarl was to be crowned as the new Sovereign, the Prince had been shrewdly lured to this magic island, then after a desperate struggle (battle), was cunningly vanquished (defeated). Nihasa then, while the Prince Thorsten was rendered helpless and in semi-conscious state, had uttered an antediluvian (ancient) incantation which had transformed the demon into the prince’s exact replica (likeness, facsimile). Before the culprit Nihasa had left the island, however, he’d additionally spun another two primordial spells, one which transformed Prince Thorsten’ into a hideous monster, the other, that magically imprisoned (confined) him there, till he torturously perished. Thorsten Jarl had been nearing the end of his life, when Longze, his benevolent saviour, had provided him this rare chance of, return and retribution. 

Thorsten Jarl had naturally asked if at present he could be of any help, however, Longze had sweetly refused and urged him instead, to in haste return and re-claim his kingdom.  And so, after his sincere declaration that he would thereon forever be in Longze’s debt, and that one day he would fully repay her for her kindness, they had quickly parted ways.

                                                                                       ~

Longze then going the opposite direction and, further inward of the pitch, abysmal cave, had encountered many more hazards; nonetheless, she traversed (crossed) the sometimes unstable, shifting, rock bridges, followed through several subterranean caves, and braved countless other reticent (taciturn) or hostile phantom beings (that flew, floated or slithered), to eventually, steal the magical, glowing purple mushroom, in the centre of an islet (island, isle), surrounded by fast flowing, swirling (whirlpooling, eddying) molten lave.

10- MAGIC MUSHROOM

Returning home, she at once set to work, to concoct (produce) the medicine (remedy, cure): she shielded her breath with a cloth, for the purple mushroom as it was being crushed let out toxic vapours; contents reduced to a pulp, it was then boiled, to make tea with it; when it cooled, the liquid was carefully poured (in trickles) down Jedrik’s forced open mouth.

Once ingested (consumed, downed, drunk), the color gradually returned to Jedrik Nenzo’s pallid face and so, he was swiftly restored back to life. Naturally, this fact had been kept from him.  (Meanwhile, Heaven had taken notice and Longze later on, would have to answer for this breach/violation.)

As it were, though Jedrik had fully, blessedly recovered, unfortunately thenceforth a strange alienation dogged their marriage. Inwardly terrified that his wife was not human and being ignorant of her heroic efforts to save his life, Jedrik from then on shunned any intimacy with Berdis and this further strained their relationship.

Desperate to regain his trust, Berdis one day played a rather ingenious ruse on her husband. Her white silk sash was turned to a small scale living white dragon and, with this as a plausible explanation; Jedrik was led to believe that the scarf was what had frightened him.

Gradually, over time their mutual affection was regained, until that is, when one day Jedrik again chanced one the spiritualist Khronos in the border marketplace.

11-KHRONOS (17)JP

Latter still harboring intense envy and odium (hatred) for his old nemesis, with the black heart Khronos again planted the seed of suspicion in Jedrik’s heart, hinting that his wife was not above playing dirty tricks on him. Terrified, Jedrik was then given a possible solution to his dilemma: “Become a monk and live at the temple; that’s one place (built on a sanctified, hallowed ground) the demon that is your wife, won’t be able to reach (touch) you.”

At first Jedrik had remained reticent, as he’d been torn between the love he felt for his wife and the fear of her.  Subsequently, with his head and his heart still at war; his ambivalence seemingly eternal, he decided to defer any decision till later.

“All right,” Khronos acquiesced. “But since we are here, you might as well see the place. It might help you reach an apt decision, should the need arise in future.”

12- MONASTERY ON AN ISLAND

And so, on the wily urging of Khronos, Jedrik and Khronos boarded the craft. Together they crossed over to the river island where the sanctuary, the temple that housed many monks, was built more like a fortress. Jedrik was shown his possible accommodations (lodgings); before Jedrik, who had then questioned his choice, could react, he had unfortunately found himself essentially incarcerated (gaoled, imprisoned).

13- JEDRIK NENZO (39)

“This is for your own good.  You should be thanking me for saving your life,” Insisted Khronos, as he turned the key to Jedrik’s cell door.

As it were, the vindictive Khronos had earlier on dispensed some funds, all the while spinning a convincing yarn, therefore eliciting the cooperation of the abbot and monks of this sanctuary.  They were led to believe, they were doing this for the salvation of Jedrik’s wayward, doomed soul. They actually were convinced of the fact Jedrik had been for some time now, without his knowing, been enslaved (his core life force and human soul was being slowly ingested, siphoned off, devoured) by the evil incarnate, the demon white serpent that was also the demon white dragon, one and the same.

                                                                               ~

Four days had passed and Jedrik had not returned from his short business trip to the border marketplace. An in dept inquiry revealed Jedrik’s last known position and the specifics (particulars) of a companion he’d been seen with. The details of that contact (acquaintance, fellow) left no room for doubt. By then Berdis was worried and anticipating the grievous outcome, she shared her intentions with her sister Brenda.

On the following night Berdis, intent on breaking her oath (of never transforming into a dragon) to Jedrik, she stood in a small clearing (a field) with her sister Brenda beside her. Subsequently, under the canopy of stars, a gentle breeze caressing her cheeks, she gazed briefly at the crescent moon, then invoked the ancient spell which summoned her inner force and instantly transformed her into her innate (inborn) self, which was the white dragon.

Brenda alighted (perched) on her back, the two set off on the projected (expected) rescue mission. Unfortunately, Khronos had anticipated (predicted) this move and additionally spun an incantation detrimental to dragons; moreover, he then awaited at the ramparts with an armed, sizeable force of monks, purportedly to eliminate this menace once and for all.

14- KHRONOS WAITED WITH THE MONKS EXPECTING STRIKE (37)

Emboldened by the solid defenses in place, “Vile Demon!” Khronos, grinding his teeth, bellowed from behind an impenetrable shield. “You cannot feast on this human. It is our solemn duty to protect unsuspecting humans from one such as you!”

“I have harmed no one and helped many,” protested dragon Longze, projecting it in human vernacular. “Surely the demon is he who deliberately and maliciously separates (divides) man and wife!”

“Save your breath sister, he won’t listen to any reason!” Brenda (the fairy, the green snake) interceded. “Force is our only recourse; he has duped them all, and unfortunately nothing short of violence will get through their solid defenses!”

Longze was averse to violence; she’d hoped to rescue her husband through peaceful means (sensible negotiation) and without resorting to pugnacity (aggression) or bloodshed. Brenda had come along, hoping to be dropped off at a strategic spot, where she could unseen penetrate within and reaching Jedrik, and if possible, release him from captivity. However, Berdis (Longze) had soon found herself under heavy bombardment of relentless hostile assault.

15- MONKS ON THE OFFENSIVE (27)

Constrained by present circumstance, the lovely and courageous Berdis (Longze) and Brenda (riding on top), through evasive maneuvers, sought to bypass the defenses and reach her husband and when that failed, Longze was forced to launch her fiery breath, still careful however, to aim it as means of deterrent attack. Longze could have incinerated them at one stroke, but she chose not to do this.

16- LONGSE FIGHTS ALSO (36)

She was on a mission of rescue not punitive campaign. Furthermore, the incantation, had severely restricted Longze’s powers. Wishing not to bring harm to misled army of monks, Berdis (Longze) and Brenda in the end capitulating (yielding), flew away; however, resolved to endeavor (strive, attempt) fresh rescue on another day.

From within the temple cell meanwhile, Jedrik had heard all that seemingly endless commotion of the battle. Upon discovering that it was his wife’s attempt at his rescue he became adamant to at least stand by her. When things had died down, and many chose to gain some (albeit temporary) respite: Jedrik using his wits, eventually succeeded in escaping from his captivity and securing a moored boat, quietly left the island.

17-JEDRIK NENZO (41)

At long last reaching his wife, both embraced and shed tears, then discussed their future plans involving escaping to obscurity, at lengthy, breathless, talk (conversation).

“I now understand how you’ve suffered for my sake.” Teary eyed Jedrik hugged his wife again and again and same time begged her forgiveness.

“Human or dragon, I shall love you for all eternity. “He uttered (declared) his solemn promise, as he held her in a tight embrace.

18- BERDIS AND JEDRIK NENZO (58)jp

The reunited lovers subsequently, covertly moved to a border town, far, far away. Shortly after, Berdis (Longze), gave birth to a healthy human (mortal) son, Kelby.

Their well-deserved happiness would have been everlasting, had it not been for the despicable, adamant foe Khronos who, unfortunately, again resurfaced to, this time permanently destroy all that Berdis (Longze) held dear.

When the deadly surprise, the potent assault occurred, the fairy Brenda fought intrepidly alongside her elder sister Berdis (Longze) to defend both Jedrik and Kelby. During the fiercest part of the onslaught (attack, offensive, blitz), Brenda (the green serpent, the fairy) heroically, at one crucial point had even thrown herself Infront of Longze, and therefore, suffered the extreme brunt of the projectile (missile, rocket) that had been designed specifically to annihilate dragon Longze.

19-  KHRONOS'S DEADLY INCANTATION (52) JP

Consequently, the supreme impact had instead, utterly decimated (annihilated) Brenda’s true being (form).

Berdis (Longze),  letting out an earth shattering cry, had  instantly reverting back to her human form, had held on to her little sister in a tight embrace, urging her to hold on, to stay with her; but Brenda had sadly shook her head, then peacefully,  just dissolved into million bits of glittering little stars that dissipated (dissolved, vanished) into the air.

Dragon Longze, her fury unleashed, did avenged all her losses; and Khronos, though he’d appealed to Heaven, bit too late, in a desperate plea to be saved- well, he aptly got his just due!

20- LONGZE PUNISHES CHRONOS (71)

He was burned to an ash by the indomitable (invincible) dragon fire.

Unfortunately, Longze, was never the same again, and she flew straight to the top of the permanently snow-capped peaks of the highest mountain range, to spend the remainder of her days, in self imposed solitary confinement, till her sentence was served and she was allowed to naturally pass away.

21- LONGZE FLIES TO THE NORTH (3)

What Longze did not know however, was that all had not been lost to her; Kelby, her son (carrying dragon genetic markers) had survived and was carried away to safety by none other than the Immortal Haskell.

Moreover, through the interference of some immortals who secretly held Longze in high regard, they and Immortal Haskell had cared for Kelby, as well, enabled him to have a long, fruitful life.

Best of all, Kelby did, one faithful day, meet up with his reincarnated parent Longze!  But that’s another story.

The End  

 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.

03-LONGZE AND BRENDA IN GOWN (31)JP

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.

 

05-JEDRIK NENZO (28)JP

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.

 

06-KHRONOS (8)JP

 “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.

08-WHITE SNAKE (9)JP

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.

 

09-WHITE DRAGON (4)JP

 

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

10- JEDRIK NENZO (87)JP

                            

                                                                                            ~

 

 

(END OF PART 2)

(NEXT POST - THE CONCLUSION PART 3)