Mira – Mistress of Dragons

Once upon a time, a wise and gentle woman named Mira lived in a peaceful valley cradled by towering trees and shimmering streams. Her silver hair flowed softly down her shoulders, and her kind eyes sparkled with the warmth of countless stories. Every evening, as the stars twinkled overhead, Mira would sit on a mossy stone, surrounded by a circle of tiny, curious baby dragons. These little dragons, with their shiny emerald, sapphire, and ruby scales, loved nothing more than listening to Mira’s stories. They would nestle close, their tiny wings fluttering excitedly as she opened her well-worn, leather-bound book.

“Tonight,” Mira began, her voice soft and soothing like a lullaby, “I will tell you the story of the Moonlit Blossom.”

The dragons’ eyes gleamed with anticipation. They adored tales of enchanted flowers and magical forests, especially when the flowers glowed under the full moon’s light. As Mira read, her voice danced through the evening air, describing a rare flower that blossomed only once a year, bathed in silver moonlight, spreading its gentle glow across the woods. She paused to gesture with her hands, mimicking the shimmering petals and the soft light, making the tiny dragons’ tails twitch with delight.

“Did you know,” she whispered, “this flower’s light can guide lost travellers home, just like a star in the night sky?”

The baby dragons giggled, their tiny voices like bubbling streams. They loved hearing how magic could be found in the smallest things. Mira gently turned the page, her eyes twinkling.

“And just like this blossom, each of you has a special light inside. You might glow so brightly one day that everyone will see your kindness and courage.”

The little dragons snuggled closer, feeling the warmth of her words and the magic woven into the story. Mira closed the book softly and leaned in closer.

“Remember, my dear ones, stories are the stars that guide us, the fires that warm us, and the wings that carry us to wondrous places.”

As the night deepened and the moon cast a silver glow over the valley, the baby dragons drifted into peaceful dreams, their hearts filled with hope and the magic of stories. Mira watched over them with a gentle smile, knowing that her tales would light their way for many nights to come. And so, beneath the watchful eyes of the moon and stars, the wise old woman’s stories continued to weave their magic, kindling dreams and nurturing the spirits of all who listened, young and old alike.

Dragons Who Saved the World Abstract

Drako

Wind Dragon

Once upon a time, in a magical land, there lived a dragon named Drako. He was unlike any other dragon in the realm. While other dragons breathed fire and hoarded treasure, Drako had a unique passion for the wind. He would spend his days soaring high above the clouds, feeling the gentle breeze against his scales, and listening to the harmonious melody it created as it whistled through the trees. Drako admired the wind’s freedom and grace. He marvelled at how it could travel anywhere it pleased, carrying whispers and stories from distant lands. Drako often imagined himself as the wind, dancing through the sky and exploring the vast wonders of the world.

One day, as Drako was gliding through the sky, he came across a small village nestled in a lush valley. The villagers, who had never seen a dragon before, were terrified at the sight of Drako. They hid inside their homes, fearing that he would unleash his fiery breath upon them. Curious and saddened by the villagers’ fear, Drako decided to show them his gentle nature. He descended from the sky and landed in the village square, making sure not to harm anyone or anything with his massive wings. The villagers cautiously peered out from behind their windows, their eyes wide with both fear and wonder. Drako approached them with a friendly smile, trying his best not to appear intimidating.

“My name is Drako,” he said softly. “I mean you no harm. I come in peace.”

The villagers hesitated for a moment, but seeing the sincerity in Drako’s eyes, they cautiously stepped forward. They soon realized that Drako was not like the other dragons they had heard tales of. Drako was kind, gentle, and harboured a deep reverence for the wind. Intrigued by Drako’s unique qualities, the children of the village gathered around him, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. Drako saw this as an opportunity to share his love for the wind and inspire the children. He began to tell them stories of his adventures through the skies, describing the breath-taking landscapes he had seen and the enchanting sounds of the wind he had heard. The children listened intently, their imaginations ignited by Drako’s words.

As the sun began to set, Drako spread his wings and took flight, his scales shimmering in the golden light. The children watched in awe as he gracefully soared through the air, riding the currents of the wind. Inspired by Drako’s passion and bravery, the children decided to create a special celebration in honour of the wind. They built colourful windmills and kites, decorating them with symbols of the wind and the dragon who worshipped it. Every year, on the same day, the village celebrated the Wind Festival. They flew their kites high in the sky, their laughter carried by the wind, and they danced joyously to the music it created.

Drako was their honoured guest, and together, they celebrated the beauty and power of the wind. And so, Drako the dragon, who worshipped the wind, not only brought joy and inspiration to the village but also taught them the importance of embracing the unique passions and qualities that make each individual special. From that day forward, the village and Drako lived in harmony, forever connected by their reverence for the wind and the dragon who showed them the beauty of following one’s heart.

Digital Illustrations by Gill Brooks

Crach Ffinnant – Volume 2 – Abstract Rise of the Dragon

The King of ancient Gwynedd ceased fiddling with his beard and called across to the dragons. Raising a hand towards the greatest of dragons beckoned encouragement.

“Tan-y-Mynedd, the table is yours, my old friend.”

Tan-y-Mynedd sat on his huge haunches, fluttered loosely folded wings and shook his head. Flaring those rather unpredictable nostrils, his proud chest expanded, taking in the deepest of breaths.

As the great dragon inhaled, everybody, including the other dragons, ducked to seek cover. The large goblin disappeared within a flash under the grand oak table, tankards and food flew precariously in every conceivable direction. Carron and his friend took to flight, joining the other ravens perched high upon an outcrop on the cave wall above our heads. The eagle spread his enormous wings and in three sharp flaps, alighted to accompany the ravens. Needless to say, a slight squawking of discontent and fluttering of wings welcomed their elder. Fwynedd and the elven seer joined the goblin under the table, also accompanied by several dwarves, including me. It was only those from the other world that did not flinch. Math Fab Mathonwy, Myrddin Goch ap Cwnwrig, and Llwyd ap Crachan Llwyd, remained in their seats, amused by the spectacle unfurling. Tan-y-Mynedd gasped, uttered a slight cough and very slowly exhaled. He surprised us all as he controlled the whirlwind gusts he usually created, thus no damage was done, save for the flying food.

The great dragon exploded into uncontrollable laughter. Within no time, everybody scrambled from under the table, attempting to return to their seats with as much grace as the situation would allow. We all joined him in seeing the funny side of our chaotic bid for cover. The eagle returned, landing on the branch of one of the Tree Folk. Carron and his friend fluttered down from the outcrop of rock, alighting gently on a chair close to Tan-y-Mynedd. Fwynedd regained his composure and gently assisted the Elven seer to maintain her dignity by lifting her light body back onto the seat. By now, the entire cave echoed with the sound of goodhearted laughter.

“You see, I can control myself when I am of a mind to do so!” Tan-y-Mynedd laughed again. “You always think there will be disaster when I prepare to speak. Well, my friends, the only disaster is with you for thinking such in the first place.” He laughed again, as did everybody else. “And now, we have had enough frivolity, it is to business.” Tan-y-Mynedd paused.

Calmness and silence eroded the humour which had now dissipated within the ether, replaced by attention and focus to the duty confronting this ancient Great Council of Blue Stone.

“We are familiar with all we need to be familiar with. We know storm clouds linger on the horizon and the English are behind such inclemency in our Kingdom. We will not waste time with whys and wherefores as we are beyond such trivialities.” A murmur of agreement whipped up a stir from the listeners, but a cursory snort from the great snout of Tan-y-Mynedd soon silenced them. “To continue, if I may be permitted?” He snorted again. “All is now in place, as predicted by ‘The Prophecy’. Owain Glyndwr is, as we speak, receiving news of yet more betrayal from Henry. He who sits on the black throne rules unfairly, and Glyndwr will no longer endure lies and deceit. In twenty-one months, as the clouds continue to gather before the great storm, the sun will blaze across our land, and our Prince in Waiting will at last take his rightful place.” Tan-y-Mynedd flared his nostrils, but this time, nobody moved a whisker. Spreading his wings and standing erect, he inhaled forcefully. “The rise of the dragon!” He exclaimed. Everybody applauded, banged fists and tankards on the table, cheering in agreement. It was at that moment, Tan-y-Mynedd sneezed!

The Balance

Once upon a time, two siblings, Elara and Alden, lived in a kingdom nestled amidst towering mountains and lush forests. Elara was known far and wide for her physical strength; she could lift boulders and outmatch any warrior in combat. On the other hand, Alden possessed a different kind of strength – he was incredibly intelligent and possessed a keen wit that could unravel the most complex puzzles. Despite their differences, Elara and Alden were inseparable and complemented each other perfectly. Where Elara’s strength failed, Alden’s intellect would prevail, and Elara’s might would triumph where Alden’s mind faltered.

One day, a great evil descended upon the kingdom in the form of a fierce dragon that terrorized the land, laying waste to villages and crops. The king called upon his bravest knights to slay the beast, but all efforts were in vain. It seemed that no one could match the dragon’s power and ferocity. Elara and Alden knew they had to do something to save their kingdom. Drawing upon their respective strengths, they devised a plan. Elara would challenge the dragon to a physical duel, distracting it with her incredible strength, while Alden snuck behind the beast to find its weakness. Elara fought with all her might as the battle raged, deflecting the dragon’s fiery breath and powerful attacks. Meanwhile, Alden searched for a way to defeat the beast. Finally, he discovered a small gap where its scales were weakest in the dragon’s armour.

With a swift and calculated strike, Alden plunged his sword into the dragon’s vulnerable spot, causing the beast to roar in pain and collapse. Elara seized the opportunity and delivered the final blow, vanquishing the dragon once and for all. The kingdom rejoiced at the victory of the siblings, celebrating their bravery and ingenuity. Elara and Alden have shown that true strength comes not just from physical might or intellectual prowess alone but from the unity of both. Together, they overcame the greatest challenges and emerged victorious, proving that strength and weakness are but two sides of the same coin, each complementing the other in perfect harmony.
Image by AI

Gabrielle: Storyteller to Baby Dragons

Once upon a time, in the mystical land of Draconia, lived a wise woman named Gabrielle who had a unique gift, she could speak the ancient language of dragons. Not just any dragons, but baby dragons, the most adorable and mischievous creatures in all of Draconia. These baby dragons were known for their insatiable curiosity and boundless energy, and Gabrielle was their favourite storyteller. Every evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Gabrielle would make her way to the clearing in the heart of Dragon Forest.

There, nestled among the ancient trees and shimmering fireflies, the baby dragons would gather around her, their eyes wide with anticipation. Gabrielle would begin her stories with a soft, melodic voice that seemed to weave a spell around her audience. She would tell them tales of great dragon heroes who once roamed the land, epic battles fought and won, and ancient prophecies that foretold the coming of a new age. The baby dragons would listen enraptured, their tiny wings fluttering with excitement, tails wagging back and forth in delight. They would gasp at the thrilling parts, laugh at the funny moments, and sigh dreamily at the romantic scenes. To them, Gabrielle’s stories were like magic, transporting them to far-off lands and filling their hearts with wonder.

As the night wore on and the moon rose high in the sky, the baby dragons would yawn and snuggle closer to Gabrielle, their eyelids drooping heavy with sleep. Smiling softly, Gabrielle would tuck them in with her soft cloak, whispering a lullaby that echoed through the forest like a gentle breeze. And so, Gabrielle would bid her young audience goodnight each night, knowing that she had filled their dreams with adventure and joy. As she made her way back home through the moonlit forest, a contented smile on her face, she knew that she had found her true calling, to be the storyteller of baby dragons, bringing magic and wonder to their young lives. In return, the baby dragons would always be her loyal friends, their tiny hearts forever filled with the stories of Gabrielle, the keeper of dragon dreams.