Dragons Maiden(Sheila Cantrell) It was a misty morning as the maiden walked through the forest. She spends most of her time there with the animals, her only friends. But something was different this day, the forest was alive! She was daydreaming of her lover, who she knew would one day come, and sweep her away to that special place, filled with love, passion, and overflowing with happiness.

He sometimes watched her, longing to touch her and talk to her. But after all, he was a Dragon. Would she be frightened? Or even be able to love him? He had fallen hopelessly in love with her, the way the wind blew the locks of her shining brown hair. Her kind and gentle way with all the creatures of the forest. Sighing as he looked at her green eyes filled with innocence and wonder. Again he asked himself, will she love me back? He spent many days and put so much thought into preparing his cave for her homecoming. He knew everything had to be just right for his maiden, so no detail was left out.

Today was to be the day, he would bring her into their cave. Hoping she would stay. He circled the meadow waiting, knowing it was time for her to cross. When she appeared, he swooped down and gently took her into his talons, filling her with fear! He whispered soft words of love as he carried her to their new home. When they arrived at the cave he placed her gently on the floor. And for some reason his words had calmed her, so she began to talk. They spent hours talking and getting to know one another, she was everything he had dreamed she'd be and more. But how did she feel about him, a dragon? Was he, could he be what she was looking for? Sensing his concern she rose a walked to him, smiling she kissed him on the cheek. Falling into her emerald eyes he lovingly wrapped his wings around her, carrying her to the back of the cave where the bed of rose petals awaited her. Laying her down on the soft petals it wasn't long before she was fast asleep.

He watched her for quite some time, how beautiful she was as she slept. Retiring to the front of their cave he slept. He was awakened by her soft touch upon his cheek. She smiled and it felt like she was home. Curling up next to him she sighed softly. This made him feel very warm. "Dragon" she asked, "Are you going to take me home?" "Only if you want to go." he responded, so very afraid she would say yes! She thought for a moment and looked at him with her blazing emerald eyes, "there is love and happiness here, may I stay?" The dragon could not believe what his ears had heard! Was this a dream, blinking away tears of love, he nodded his great head. It came to pass that they would spend the rest of their lives bonded by a love that can never be broken. They watched the sunset together and as the moon rose they kissed for the first time, their fate sealed, under the moons loving lite.

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