A normal life

A soul companion

I know you were taught that dragons cannot speak, well, cannot speak Elvin at least, but that does not mean that they do not communicate. We do just in a language unknown to your kind. It is not a language any elf can learn, much as you will never be completely able to understand your pets. Well, not any elves other than the ones carrying the curse.”

“I was afraid of sharing this with you as it is a great power. It can be extremely overwhelming knowing how much power you have over my kind. And for dragons, it is even scarier knowing that there is someone out there who can control them.”

“No wonder you seemed so scared the first time I saw you, but why tell me at all, and are you not scared that I might tell you what to do?”

Leonard: “We share a soul. I feel what you feel and after our bond was created, I had realized what a kind and generous soul you have. I am at ease with telling you. Rather than you figure it out by yourself. I am here to teach you about my history, but you need to help me just as much as I do not have a voice without you. And no, as I am the only dragon you share your soul with you, cannot boss me around, though it would be fun to watch you try.”

He says with a chuckle in his voice.

"Oh, so you do have a sense of humor at least and here I thought we would be a dry couple.”

Wink, wink.

Leonard: “You better get going unless you want to get drenched as you did last time when you were here. I can smell the rain coming so you better hurry.”

I left him there still feeling like I needed more from him like leaving him there was a kind of neglect. Admittedly hearing about my power, I am still confused on how this is seen as a curse. I get the with great power story and well I am most certainly not the most responsible elf I know, but still, it does not sound all that bad to me. Maybe my mother will be able to elaborate a bit more.

My mom has a way about her that you hardly see anymore. She has a kind and loving spirit. I still cannot imagine her cheating on dad. It is not hard to see how an elf could fall head over heels for her easily. She is the most beautiful elf I had seen. I know everyone idolizes their parents, but to be honest, it is not just my opinion, it is that of our entire land. She is known as the most beautiful queen to have ever lived.

Now the real question is, shall I speak to her. Things did not go too smoothly last time we spoke. Maybe I should rather try and have the chat with dad. The one I have been avoiding. He might have the answers I desperately need. I don’t know if I should go alone. He clearly wanted to speak to both me and Nasteljè. I could call for her. I do think it might be best for me to handle the scary stuff and maybe give her the snippet version. Maybe leave out the worst parts.

I walk to my father’s office at the end of the hall to find Nessy already there In front of the large door.

“And now sis?”

Nessy: “I thought I could do this, but I don’t know if I am ready for it yet. I have been standing here for what feels like hours contemplating whether or not I should enter. I waited for Pieterre to vacate the premises before coming here. One thing at a time right. Small steps.”

“I Have been avoiding it as well, but maybe if we do it simultaneously, we can be strong for each other.”

Dad: “Please come in. I cannot make out a word you are saying while mumbling on that side of the door. It will be much easier to have our discussion face to face.”

The three lines on Nessie’s nose crumble as it does when she is nervous about something. It is actually quite cute, but I will never admit that to her. She already loves herself so much that it makes it hard for me to love her sometimes. I am afraid she might explode or something, lol.

We push the enormous oak door forward to open. Its large black screeching hinges announcing our unintended arrival. 

We both nervously step forwards towards dad's writing desk. O the things it must have heard over the cycles. 

The stories it could tell. It probably knew more about me than I did. It has been the righting desk of the castle. And sitting behind it was but one of the kings to call it their own. It was made many centuries ago by the skilled hands of the dwarfs of Norque. This is their forte. Creating the strongest, most beautiful furniture for royalty or someone with pockets deep enough to afford it.

Each engraving was made with precision. Each line with a meaning behind it. It is said that if a blind man runs his hand on it, unknowing what it is, the textures on each leg are so intense that it would be like seeing color for the first time. 

Its work is done in a similar way as clay pots were in the olden days. Where the noises in the background create sound echoed into it. Amazing to behold. If one looks very closely you can almost make out the face of a dragon on the front panel. Why am I only noticing this now? I have stood in front of this desk so many times and never saw that. It might be due to the fact that my eyes have now been open to this incredible animal.

Dad: “I am glad to see you could finally make time for me. I sometimes think you would make more of an effort to see me if I were to walk about on four legs like those animals of yours.”

“Hello, father. Just so you know there are many who don’t all walk around on all fours. Some are just scaly with no spines at all.”

Dad: “Did you just refer to me as spineless!”

“Not at all, just stating that there are various types of living creatures on our planet. Not all of them even stay true to their color. You think them a certain way and they forever surprise you when the true colors show. Some might be bright and cheerful then the next day seem more bland and soulless”

Dad: “Keep it coming, get it all out of your system, then maybe we can have a conversation like grown elves.”

Nessy: “I think we have enough more important things to discuss once you two are done with your constant bickering.”

Dad: “Your sister is correct Casoritania, please have a seat both of you. This is more important than you can possibly imagine.”

We both pull out our unbelievably heavy chairs and have a seat. The chairs are probably the most uncomfortable once you could sit on, I am convinced that this is for a reason. If they are too comfy one becomes at ease and your mind seems to wonder as you get into a restful state. That is when you stop concentrating on what is going on around you. When these are so hard you stay aware if just to wait for the king to tell you that you can get up and go.

Dad: “Nasteljè, Casoritania, as you can imagine keeping the secret about Pieterre has been very hard on your mother and my marriage. Not just because of her betrayal. Everyone makes mistakes and I loved her enough to after a while came to forgive her. That in itself was not a simple bridge to cross. We did it though anchoring the tightrope on both sides and slowly balancing out each other once again. This however was the simplest part of it all. Hiding her pregnancy from the entire kingdom. Casoritania you were still small, but you probably remember the time when your mom was on bed rest not to be seen by the public eye. Let’s just say her illness only lasted a few months.”

Cassy: “Vaguely, but not really.”

Dad:” As to be expected. I did try keeping you away from her most of the time. She did not even show for the first 3 moon crossings.”