A Dragon story

The old man was sitting on the porch reading his paper when she came busting in. “PaPa, Papa, I saw a dragon. I saw a dragon.”

Chuckling slightly the old man looks at the bundle of energy running through the door. Oh you did, did you?

Yes PaPa, I did see a Dragon.

Are you sure Little One?

Yes PaPa, it was all shiny and glowed, just like your ring does in the sunshine.

The old man takes a long, deep breath; "It glowed? Like gold? Are you sure?

Yes PaPa, it was a Golden, it was a Gold Dragon.

But she is too young – It’s not the right time.

PaPa, I’m seven years old.

The old man looks at his pride and joy as he says; “Yes, Yes maybe it is time.

Inhaling deeply and letting it out slowly the Old man takes out his pipe, fills it with tobacco, lights it and then starts to spin his tale

O.k. Little One; let me tell you about the Dragons."

Ah, the Dragoons, well they are old * ancient * Deep * an Earthly Magic. Some say that they are dark and foreboding, that they are bad and should be feared. For some, they are, but for others, well it is an all together different story.

Legends say that they have vast and great hordes that are worth a small fortune. It is also said that they guard this great horde and will destroy all who enter their vast underground lairs. Now, to the oriental people, the dragon is a good sign. That great fortune will befall the person who sees one. Though they look very menacing to the onlooker.

In ancient days, the dragon was regarded as a most sacred animal, and used to be the imperial emblem of Chinese emperors. To the Chinese they are the first of the four Divine Creatures. The others are the unicorn, the phoenix and the tortoise. But, unlike the dragon that the West sees, the Chinese Dragon is a benevolent and gracious creature and is worshipped as the divine ruler of Lakes, Rivers and Seas. It is the powerful yet gentle ‘Loong" that brings rain to the earth, hastens the crops and cools the toiling farmer. It is one of the most popular of Chinese art motifs. It is sculpted on stone pillars, on Chinese temples and embroidered on beautiful gold and silk tapestries.

Legend says that the Dragon first appeared in the sky, while an heir to the throne was born, and the country was blessed with peace and prosperity for many generations thereafter. Thus, the Dragon served as a symbol of good fortune.

However, to the western world, the dragon is seen as evil, greedy, and mean. A hoarder of great wealth, it is said that if you are able to steal a dragons horde your family will be wealthy for many generations. They were sought out and slaughtered one by one, until most had gone far underground. That is how the western world perceives things they do not understand. They would rather destroy the very ground they live on than to understand the great burden that has been given to them.

Dragons are an ancient race that walked this land long before many creatures that roam the world today. They are part of the earth, the air, the water, and fire. Long-lived, they are also highly intelligent. If you are ever lucky (or to some unlucky) enough to spend time with them you would understand. For this is the primary reason Western Man fears the dragon. They show the frailty of humankind. That we are not the ultimate rulers of the world.

Now it is said that the dragons are the messengers of the gods and some say they are the protectors of the elements, and of the land. They are a mythical creature with great magic and great lore. They are all this, and much more. Their magic is old, ancient, and very powerful. They are very intelligent and their knowledge is vast, for they know many things. To befriend a dragon, is a commitment for your whole life. For you not only commit to the dragon, but to all dragon kind, humankind, and the riches of Mother Earth.

But just like humankind, there are good and bad dragons. Would you not be bad if you were not treated with admiration, love and respect? If all you have seen is hatred, how could you not show the same? Moreover, this is the primary reason why some (but not all) dragons are bad.

Good and evil is not a concept to the normal dragon. They only know what must be. Now some have been tainted, their hearts have turned as cold as the stone of their lairs. These are the ones that must be feared, for they know no fear. They are the ones whose colors have turned dark. They are the ones who have lost their truth. However, the others, whose colors are still bright and clear, are the ones who you must abide by, the ones who deserve your admiration for goodness and gladness are in their hearts still. They are here to help you, if you so desire it. However, do not take their gifts lightly, my child, for to accept the dragons favor places a great burden upon your shoulders. They will look to you to be their eyes and ears. You will become their helpers in the world. Moreover, you can never turn your back on them again. Their spirit will be around you and in you. You will walk with them, and they will walk with you until the end of time.

Now, Little One, it is your bedtime so bundle yourself off.

Night Papa

Good night Little One, Happy Nightmares

He sits, puffing on his pipe; the bowl is in the shape of a dragon. It glows to life again. In a voice only he can hear, “You did well Old One”

“Old one huh” and he losses himself in thought……