HOME | DD

Description
At the sight of her face, my world grew a new light, thousands of colors of the earth glowing in it's all natural beauty. My dearest Esperene. The one who mutes the shades of the world with her radiant, humble glory.
I embrace her in a gentle hug, before meeting her rose petal lips. 'How are you, my love?'
'I'm swell, Mystriff. My scaly fiend.' She teases ever so playfully, and I cannot help but to laugh.
'I can only hope so. Your sorrows would surely bring the world's end.' I retort with a grin. 'Are you ready for the surprise I've crafted for you?'
'Definitely so. Your works are always so wonderous, dear.' At the feel of her gentle fingertips caressing my cheek, my heart flutters wildly within my chest.
'I love you so much.'
Her laughter carried the gentle breeze within as it swirls, consuming me and drawing me ever closer to her. 'You are so very random, Mystriff.'
'And you are so very beautiful, Esperene.' She giggles once more, and I pull her in for a gentle kiss.
I dip her to the chorus of the nighttime crickets, enjoying her embrace before standing her up straight once more. I spin her, before pulling her close and picking her up.
With a mere flick of the wrist, vines wrap about a tree branch, dipping down into a delicate swing. Flowers bloom throughout, softening it for her as I carefully set her within.
I grow one more flower between my fingertips, putting it ever so gently in her golden brown locks. The roots wrap around her hair, locking it in place.
'You're so sweet, Mystriff.' She blushes with cheeks as red as a rose, and I grin brightly.
'It's for you. I would do anything for you, my love.'
'You're infatuated with me.'
'How could I not be? You're the purest example of the beauty of creation. You light my world brighter than the sun, and ease me more than a warm summers breeze. You warm me in the harshest of winters with a smile alone, and the mere thought of you makes me bloom like a flower. You are my dearest Esperene, and I love you more than anything in this world.'
She blushes brightly, and I grin shyly. 'Did I get carried away again?'
'No, it was sweet.' She assures me, and I relax, quickly swiveling to face away. 'Are you ready for your surprise then, love?'
'Most definitely.'
I look up to the sky, focused and ready. I move gracefully, and with a push to the air, the wind blows, gathering clouds to blot out the moon. In the darkness, I spin, forcefully raising my hand, and with it, a symphony of fireflies that light up the forest around us.
I glance back to see my lady's amused face, vigor filling me as I continue. I let out a calling hum, and several deer, rabbits, wolves, and wildcats run out, stirring up the beautiful disarray of butterflies. With an intricate move of the hands, the butterflies swarm into a dazzling array of color, reflected in the warm glow of the lightning bugs.
They twirl in a color storm curtain, before landing amongst almost everything. To my surprise, there are unfamiliar forms there as well. I step in front of Esperene protectively.
'Who are you?'
At their hesitance, I flare my nostrils, sensing their fear.
I watch them carefully, planning out my next step gently. They recoil as I raise my hand, until a summoned fawn steps forth, and I pet it gently. 'I will not hurt you. Again, who are you?'
The man steps forth, and I can tell in his eyes he is squaring me up. I remain neutral and unafraid.
'My name is Yeinn. This is my son, Skel,' he says, motioning to the scrawnier man beside him, 'and my wife, Onna. What created those lights?'
'The fireflies I summoned.'
'Summoned?' His wariness filled his voice, fear tinting the air like a dead skunk.
'I protect this forest, as well as those who dwell and visit in it. In return I can summon the beasts, control the forest life, and live peacefully.'
At the word peacefully, his relaxing stance becomes obvious.
'Who is that with you?'
'A fae, princess of the fairies.' At the sight of his gawking son, I clarify. 'She is my Esperene. My one and only love.' I feel her arms wrap around my waist, and I turn, giving her a gentle smooch on the forehead.
'Then you two can help us, right?' The wife says, stepping forwards. Her husband attempts to shush her, but she ignores him. I appreciate her boldness.
'Orcs have attacked our home. We were going to go to town and get the guards, but if you're willing, you can help us, and maybe save our home!'
Before I can debate over it, Esperene speaks up.
'We'll be happy to help you. Lead the way.'
If it had been anyone else, I would've put them in their place. Instead, I only let out a soft growl of reluctance. 'We'll help. But I'm in charge.'
'What makes you think you're capable?' Yeinn snaps out at me.
There was no way I was allowing him to disrespect me after we agreed to help. Instead of explaining, my bones begin to crack as I grow drastically in size. I can feel my wings rip from my spine, spreading wide, and my tail forcing its way through my flesh. The blood that drips from me molds into scales that quickly spread throughout my body. My legs and arms double upon themselves, rapidly growing in thickness and size. A ferocious sounding roar escapes my throat, ripping forth my extended muzzle and razor sharp teeth.
A large horn forces it's way out of the scales on the edge of my nose. The skin around my neck peels off into a gold and amber frill with a sickening squelch. My ears rip out from the sides of my head, dripping blood to the ground. I meet his terrified eyes, watching my transformation complete as my own eyes turn virtually black.
'Like I said. I'm in charge.' I hiss out through an alligator mouth. 'First rule. Do not disrespect me when I am helping you.'
'Y-y-yes sir.' He says, stumbling away. If it weren't for Esperene stepping between us with a stern look, I'm sure he would've run. Seeing me cower at a large fairy, however, most likely confirmed no harm would come to him.
Esperene takes charge, turning. 'Lead the way, please.'
Yeinn quickly walks off from the direction I presume they came, the rest of us following close behind. We don't arrive until sunrise, the gentle glow showing off the several orcs settling into the farmland.
The ugly beasts stood half as tall as the trees, their ugly gray skin accenting their hideously grotesque features. From the gigantic teeth, to the mottled and scarred flesh, as well as their beady black eyes.
I speak ever so softly to them. 'You three stick close together, and watch our backs. We will be the main attack.'
They reluctantly agree, slipping back as I take my stance. The softest of grumbles rises in my throat, and the earth begins its subtle movement. At a roar, Esperene charges forth, a rainbow blade extending from her wrists as she begins attacking.
In my minor, more humanoid form once more, I bolt forth by her side, the earth rumbling as it begins to shift. Vine-like whips merge to my arms before parting from the ground, with razor sharp thorns down their length. I lash out at the nearest orc, it only taking two hits to slash open his throat. He falls to the ground, bleeding out as the humans leap over him and charge to attack.
The wife stays behind with an odd weapon, that shoots wooden sticks with stones from afar, while her husband and son charge forth with tiny blades. They take on one orc at a time, dodging swings and lunging in close to stab.
My attention's taken up once more as a large orc walks up to me, mace in hand. I snarl, lunging forth. The vines wrap back on my arm, vines disappearing as they come in contact with my skin. Blood drips down from my arm guards as I block his mace, flipping in midair and landing on his back. Using the thorns, I bash his head in with my thorn covered elbows. As it falls, I leap off its shoulders, and onto an orc behind Yeinn and Skel. Using my claws, I rip into his eye sockets, pulling back hard enough to rips his head off.
I look over to see Esperene slicing through orcs left and right as they attempt to cut us all off from each other. I duck down, the earth swallowing me whole. I reemerge in dragon form, at her back protectively as I begin ripping them in half. I hear Esperene gasp in pain and in anger, I swivel around, knocking several orcs aside with my powerful tail. I rip an orc off her, roaring ferociously as I see her bleeding sap. I attack any who near, furious.
I see their numbers have finally dwindled, with only a few left around me. I whip my tail viciously when a familiar pained scream runs my blood cold. I look to those I sent flying, with Esperene in the middle of them. I run to her, taking minor form as I hold her close.
Unshed tears begin burning my eyes when I feel her broken body in my arms. 'Esperene. Please talk to me. Esperene. My love. My life. I'm so sorry. Don't do this to me. Don't leave me please.' Salty drops drip down my cheeks as I watch her wounds glow softly. I scream in anger and sorrow as she disappears into the earth, a sapling growing in her place.
Onna approaches me, and I rip into dragon form, roaring loudly. 'LEAVE!'
They take no hesitation, scattering away. I carefully encircle the tiny elm sapling, crying out as I mourn.
I stay that way, uncaring of the time that passes. I weather the natural pains of hunger, and no storm manages to blow me away from the tiny tree to find shelter. My days are only filled with cries, and a burning ache throughout my chest. My soul mourns her loss.
The days do not change. They rip through my every being, tearing every fiber of me apart. I am only aware of time passing as the tree grows before me. It eventually comes to tower above me, sheltering me from the weather and giving me fruit to eat, barely enough to live off of, but I do nonetheless. However, I still do not move from my wrapped spot around it.
One day, a grey-headed man comes forth to me.
'Mystriff. It's me, Skel.' It would be a lie to say I wasn't surprised at the old man before me. 'You've been here for fifty years. It is time to move on.'
Has it really only been that long? I think to myself, but only muster a weak grumble in response.
'You need peace. You're killing yourself.'
'Then let it be. A life without my Esperene is not a life worth living.' I don't bother to move away as he strokes my head. 'Do not bother to talk me away. I will die before I move. I will die by her side as she did mine.'
'Then I will not. But you need to find peace, at least.'
'She was my peace. Just leave me be. I want to be alone.' He stays a moment longer. 'She's grown to be beautiful.' He says softly, before patting my head and walking off.
I weakly manage to pick up my head, staring up at the large tree before me. I attempt to stand, collapsing at the trunk a few times before finally forcing myself to my feet. Grief rips through me once more, and I take human form, weeping at her base. I push my frail form forth, climbing into the branches.
I collapse into the center, sobbing miserably. My soul burns, and Kel's words echo in my mind.I have to find peace. I curl up into a ball, feeling a gentle branch wrap around me. I fall into a deep sleep.
I awaken to blackness all around me. Then I see her. I charge forth, wrapping her tightly within a hug as I sob into her shoulder. I feel her arms wrap around me, and a long unfamiliar calmness washes over me. The blackness around me fills in with the most beautiful land imaginable, as I weep with joy. I was finally home again.

In the center of an elm tree, a unique green gem glows brightly, encompassed by a branch as if mother nature herself encircled it for eternity.

Description
At the sight of her face, my world grew a new light, thousands of colors of the earth glowing in it's all natural beauty. My dearest Esperene. The one who mutes the shades of the world with her radiant, humble glory.
I embrace her in a gentle hug, before meeting her rose petal lips. 'How are you, my love?'
'I'm swell, Mystriff. My scaly fiend.' She teases ever so playfully, and I cannot help but to laugh.
'I can only hope so. Your sorrows would surely bring the world's end.' I retort with a grin. 'Are you ready for the surprise I've crafted for you?'
'Definitely so. Your works are always so wonderous, dear.' At the feel of her gentle fingertips caressing my cheek, my heart flutters wildly within my chest.
'I love you so much.'
Her laughter carried the gentle breeze within as it swirls, consuming me and drawing me ever closer to her. 'You are so very random, Mystriff.'
'And you are so very beautiful, Esperene.' She giggles once more, and I pull her in for a gentle kiss.
I dip her to the chorus of the nighttime crickets, enjoying her embrace before standing her up straight once more. I spin her, before pulling her close and picking her up.
With a mere flick of the wrist, vines wrap about a tree branch, dipping down into a delicate swing. Flowers bloom throughout, softening it for her as I carefully set her within.
I grow one more flower between my fingertips, putting it ever so gently in her golden brown locks. The roots wrap around her hair, locking it in place.
'You're so sweet, Mystriff.' She blushes with cheeks as red as a rose, and I grin brightly.
'It's for you. I would do anything for you, my love.'
'You're infatuated with me.'
'How could I not be? You're the purest example of the beauty of creation. You light my world brighter than the sun, and ease me more than a warm summers breeze. You warm me in the harshest of winters with a smile alone, and the mere thought of you makes me bloom like a flower. You are my dearest Esperene, and I love you more than anything in this world.'
She blushes brightly, and I grin shyly. 'Did I get carried away again?'
'No, it was sweet.' She assures me, and I relax, quickly swiveling to face away. 'Are you ready for your surprise then, love?'
'Most definitely.'
I look up to the sky, focused and ready. I move gracefully, and with a push to the air, the wind blows, gathering clouds to blot out the moon. In the darkness, I spin, forcefully raising my hand, and with it, a symphony of fireflies that light up the forest around us.
I glance back to see my lady's amused face, vigor filling me as I continue. I let out a calling hum, and several deer, rabbits, wolves, and wildcats run out, stirring up the beautiful disarray of butterflies. With an intricate move of the hands, the butterflies swarm into a dazzling array of color, reflected in the warm glow of the lightning bugs.
They twirl in a color storm curtain, before landing amongst almost everything. To my surprise, there are unfamiliar forms there as well. I step in front of Esperene protectively.
'Who are you?'
At their hesitance, I flare my nostrils, sensing their fear.
I watch them carefully, planning out my next step gently. They recoil as I raise my hand, until a summoned fawn steps forth, and I pet it gently. 'I will not hurt you. Again, who are you?'
The man steps forth, and I can tell in his eyes he is squaring me up. I remain neutral and unafraid.
'My name is Yeinn. This is my son, Skel,' he says, motioning to the scrawnier man beside him, 'and my wife, Onna. What created those lights?'
'The fireflies I summoned.'
'Summoned?' His wariness filled his voice, fear tinting the air like a dead skunk.
'I protect this forest, as well as those who dwell and visit in it. In return I can summon the beasts, control the forest life, and live peacefully.'
At the word peacefully, his relaxing stance becomes obvious.
'Who is that with you?'
'A fae, princess of the fairies.' At the sight of his gawking son, I clarify. 'She is my Esperene. My one and only love.' I feel her arms wrap around my waist, and I turn, giving her a gentle smooch on the forehead.
'Then you two can help us, right?' The wife says, stepping forwards. Her husband attempts to shush her, but she ignores him. I appreciate her boldness.
'Orcs have attacked our home. We were going to go to town and get the guards, but if you're willing, you can help us, and maybe save our home!'
Before I can debate over it, Esperene speaks up.
'We'll be happy to help you. Lead the way.'
If it had been anyone else, I would've put them in their place. Instead, I only let out a soft growl of reluctance. 'We'll help. But I'm in charge.'
'What makes you think you're capable?' Yeinn snaps out at me.
There was no way I was allowing him to disrespect me after we agreed to help. Instead of explaining, my bones begin to crack as I grow drastically in size. I can feel my wings rip from my spine, spreading wide, and my tail forcing its way through my flesh. The blood that drips from me molds into scales that quickly spread throughout my body. My legs and arms double upon themselves, rapidly growing in thickness and size. A ferocious sounding roar escapes my throat, ripping forth my extended muzzle and razor sharp teeth.
A large horn forces it's way out of the scales on the edge of my nose. The skin around my neck peels off into a gold and amber frill with a sickening squelch. My ears rip out from the sides of my head, dripping blood to the ground. I meet his terrified eyes, watching my transformation complete as my own eyes turn virtually black.
'Like I said. I'm in charge.' I hiss out through an alligator mouth. 'First rule. Do not disrespect me when I am helping you.'
'Y-y-yes sir.' He says, stumbling away. If it weren't for Esperene stepping between us with a stern look, I'm sure he would've run. Seeing me cower at a large fairy, however, most likely confirmed no harm would come to him.
Esperene takes charge, turning. 'Lead the way, please.'
Yeinn quickly walks off from the direction I presume they came, the rest of us following close behind. We don't arrive until sunrise, the gentle glow showing off the several orcs settling into the farmland.
The ugly beasts stood half as tall as the trees, their ugly gray skin accenting their hideously grotesque features. From the gigantic teeth, to the mottled and scarred flesh, as well as their beady black eyes.
I speak ever so softly to them. 'You three stick close together, and watch our backs. We will be the main attack.'
They reluctantly agree, slipping back as I take my stance. The softest of grumbles rises in my throat, and the earth begins its subtle movement. At a roar, Esperene charges forth, a rainbow blade extending from her wrists as she begins attacking.
In my minor, more humanoid form once more, I bolt forth by her side, the earth rumbling as it begins to shift. Vine-like whips merge to my arms before parting from the ground, with razor sharp thorns down their length. I lash out at the nearest orc, it only taking two hits to slash open his throat. He falls to the ground, bleeding out as the humans leap over him and charge to attack.
The wife stays behind with an odd weapon, that shoots wooden sticks with stones from afar, while her husband and son charge forth with tiny blades. They take on one orc at a time, dodging swings and lunging in close to stab.
My attention's taken up once more as a large orc walks up to me, mace in hand. I snarl, lunging forth. The vines wrap back on my arm, vines disappearing as they come in contact with my skin. Blood drips down from my arm guards as I block his mace, flipping in midair and landing on his back. Using the thorns, I bash his head in with my thorn covered elbows. As it falls, I leap off its shoulders, and onto an orc behind Yeinn and Skel. Using my claws, I rip into his eye sockets, pulling back hard enough to rips his head off.
I look over to see Esperene slicing through orcs left and right as they attempt to cut us all off from each other. I duck down, the earth swallowing me whole. I reemerge in dragon form, at her back protectively as I begin ripping them in half. I hear Esperene gasp in pain and in anger, I swivel around, knocking several orcs aside with my powerful tail. I rip an orc off her, roaring ferociously as I see her bleeding sap. I attack any who near, furious.
I see their numbers have finally dwindled, with only a few left around me. I whip my tail viciously when a familiar pained scream runs my blood cold. I look to those I sent flying, with Esperene in the middle of them. I run to her, taking minor form as I hold her close.
Unshed tears begin burning my eyes when I feel her broken body in my arms. 'Esperene. Please talk to me. Esperene. My love. My life. I'm so sorry. Don't do this to me. Don't leave me please.' Salty drops drip down my cheeks as I watch her wounds glow softly. I scream in anger and sorrow as she disappears into the earth, a sapling growing in her place.
Onna approaches me, and I rip into dragon form, roaring loudly. 'LEAVE!'
They take no hesitation, scattering away. I carefully encircle the tiny elm sapling, crying out as I mourn.
I stay that way, uncaring of the time that passes. I weather the natural pains of hunger, and no storm manages to blow me away from the tiny tree to find shelter. My days are only filled with cries, and a burning ache throughout my chest. My soul mourns her loss.
The days do not change. They rip through my every being, tearing every fiber of me apart. I am only aware of time passing as the tree grows before me. It eventually comes to tower above me, sheltering me from the weather and giving me fruit to eat, barely enough to live off of, but I do nonetheless. However, I still do not move from my wrapped spot around it.
One day, a grey-headed man comes forth to me.
'Mystriff. It's me, Skel.' It would be a lie to say I wasn't surprised at the old man before me. 'You've been here for fifty years. It is time to move on.'
Has it really only been that long? I think to myself, but only muster a weak grumble in response.
'You need peace. You're killing yourself.'
'Then let it be. A life without my Esperene is not a life worth living.' I don't bother to move away as he strokes my head. 'Do not bother to talk me away. I will die before I move. I will die by her side as she did mine.'
'Then I will not. But you need to find peace, at least.'
'She was my peace. Just leave me be. I want to be alone.' He stays a moment longer. 'She's grown to be beautiful.' He says softly, before patting my head and walking off.
I weakly manage to pick up my head, staring up at the large tree before me. I attempt to stand, collapsing at the trunk a few times before finally forcing myself to my feet. Grief rips through me once more, and I take human form, weeping at her base. I push my frail form forth, climbing into the branches.
I collapse into the center, sobbing miserably. My soul burns, and Kel's words echo in my mind.I have to find peace. I curl up into a ball, feeling a gentle branch wrap around me. I fall into a deep sleep.
I awaken to blackness all around me. Then I see her. I charge forth, wrapping her tightly within a hug as I sob into her shoulder. I feel her arms wrap around me, and a long unfamiliar calmness washes over me. The blackness around me fills in with the most beautiful land imaginable, as I weep with joy. I was finally home again.

In the center of an elm tree, a unique green gem glows brightly, encompassed by a branch as if mother nature herself encircled it for eternity.