Long ago, near here, frolicked a dragon by the sea, He was young for a dragon, but older than me,His scales were dark black, the color of night, And when kappas would see him, they swam far with fright.

He lived alone in a cave by the shore, And spent his days playing, flying loops, rolls and more, Racing the fenvoaks he dived from the sky, And then with a swoop, would climb just as high.

Day after day near the cliffside he flew, Casting a shadow as large as he grew, Wondering why all who saw him would run, All he wanted was to play and have fun.

One day as he glided o'er the coast, He spied a young nymph more beautiful than most, He hid in the rocks so that she would nae run, Then she lay down on the beach to soak up the sun.

He thought her a princess, such was her grace, He peeked o'er the boulder to get a view of her face, She lay with eyes closed so silent and still, So close he could touch her if that was his will.

Now as he leaned closer, a great shadow he made, Which blocked out her sun, she was cooled by the shade, She suddenly sat up and her eyes opened wide, Staring at a smile and the huge teeth inside.

Stunned by the vision, she froze fast with fear, Attempting a scream, but nae sound could she hear, For the monster let forth a terrible roar, Startled, wings spread in order to soar.

Her eyes big as saucers froze him fast to the rock, Those dark eyes were like the key to his lock, He needed a friend, and chose now to begin, Still staring at her, he saw her courage within.

He rested his head next to where she lay down, On top the black scales made a sort of a crown, Still unmoving she wondered if this beast was a prince, His actions seemed peaceful, but took more to convince.

His form although fearful caused her confusion, She thought he seemed friendly, was that an illusion?, She heard tales of magic which offered disguise, But if she were wrong, her decision's unwise.

Still something within her she couldn't explain, Made her desperate urge for escape to restrain, He seemed almost gentle just resting nearby, She wondered what it would feel like to fly.

They soon became friends and met every day, By the sea in the sand and the waves they would play, He performed all his tricks, a dazzling sight, And she leaped rock to rock, mimicing his flight.

It was almost a year when the vessels appeared, Mighty warships, an armada to their beach had been steered, A krolvin invasion had come to their land, Destruction and evil lay close at hand.

She must find a way to save her people from strife, Even if it meant losing her life, Summoning her courage, to the dock she then strode, To save all her people and her peaceful abode.

The dragon hid in the rocks seeing the numerous sails, wondering how many would traipse up these trails, The weapons and armor were scary to see, But he could nae leave his damsel and flee.

Her plan was to offer herself as a guide, And steer away the fleet with the tide, She knew that this may cost her last breath, Yet vowed to endure either prison or death.

The admirial's rowboat drew steadily near, And when close enough for voices to hear, From behind the boulder the dragon arose, Spreading his wings, snorting steam from his nose.

In the rowboat began a wonderous panic, The sailors reversed, and rowed away manic, The admirial shouted this was a mistake, And fleeing in haste left only his wake,

Her bravery and valor were plain to her friend, But none else would have known this story's end, Save a quiet old bard looking on from his wagon, As she whispered to herself, "Don't fear the dragon".

~~ * ~~

The shadowy dragon appears at once both indistinct and yet very solid, there is undoubtedly power in its inky black eyes. Wisps of light occasionally seem to shine through its scales momentarily only to be quickly swallowed in shadow. Its massive wings appear to keep it aloft with hardly any movement.

With a noise that could only be described as gleeful, the shadowy dragon begins a sharp dive aimed straight for Elbromo. Seemingly paralyzed by the sight of the dragon's eyes, Elbromo does not move to take cover.

You watch helplessly as the dragon pulls out of its dive, furls its wings and aims straight for Elbromo's chest which it hits at full speed only to pass right through him.

A shadowy dragon arrives from the east executing a graceful series of loops as it draws closer to you.