Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Chronicles of the Dragon Cave from A to Z: "U" is for United

  (Last prerecorded event of the cave preparations for the Challenge.)

  All dwarves gathered in the Main Chamber for one last meeting. Air was heavy with doubt. It had been one hell of week. April was upon us and the dwarves had plenty of reason for their concerned looks. Five posts were missing, rumor had spread about their Master getting bad news on the war against the Dragon Slayer and to make it worse, defenses of the stronghold were falling.
    "Is he really coming out  to talk to us?" Pancholin held his hat on his hands.
    Tassin nodded for the fifth time.
    Sessin rubbed his beard. "He has been in the Quartz Chamber for several days. No one has seen him, except for SAM."
    "He told me to call for this meeting." Tassin's voice was calm and confident. He was a master in pretending.
    Milin tugged his cousin's sleeve and motioned his head. Sessin nodded and turned to his father. "Milin wants to know if we're backing off from the challenge and from the Ninja Minion job. Maybe we should-"
    "Nobody is backing off from anything." I said, moving towards my favorite mound of gold. "I gave my word."
    My dwarves became silent and turned to look at me. I've seen better days but I've also seen worse. Much worse. I can read their minds but even if I couldn't, the expression on their faces was clear enough. We are united by a symbiotic bond. If I am strong, they are strong. If I am weakened, they are too. If I disappear, so they will.
    Tassin spoke first. "Sire, I am sure Captain Ninja would understand if we explain-"
    "I know he would. But we're doing it anyway, to the best of our capacity."
    "Without all posts and without full strength?" Pancholin twisted the hat in his hands. "Why?"
    "Because my word has great value to me."
    The dwarves looked down. They didn't understand yet.
    "It may seem like senseless stubbornness right now but I assure you there is a greater, if not so obvious, reason behind all this. We have a big problem that makes us feel helpless and threatens to sink us down. The best thing you can do in such cases is go out and help someone else, somehow. It will make you feel better. It will make you feel useful. It will help you focus your mind on something different than the problem you find no solution for. All those things will help you still your mind and lighten your heart."
   Tassin looked up at me. "So when we come back and face our own problem, we'll do it with a different attitude."
   I nodded. "Whether a problem can destroy you or not depends on your attitude more than on the problem itself." The fact I saw backs straightening and chins raising made me smile despite the chaos in my heart. We were not ready, timing couldn't be worse but we were united. Union strengthens hope.
    "April starts tomorrow. We will unite forces. You'll do your ninja minion job the best you can and I'll take care of the missing posts and the stronghold the best I can."
   "And if we fail?" Sessin asked.
   I tightened my claws but kept the smile. Even dragons aren't invincible. "We would have at least tried. Now cheer up and make me proud."

53 comments:

  1. I do enjoy your posts though I'm glad I read them first thing in the morning and not at night before going to bed.
    Yvonne.

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    1. I am glad you find them pleasant, Yvonne. :)

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  2. I love your posts, I can't wait to read more of your writing.

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  3. Never fear! You and your dwarves will see the rest of the Challenge through with style. :)

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  4. The light at the end of the Challenge tunnel are starting to come. I'm loving your challenge posts and enjoy getting to know your life better as a dragon.

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  5. And you have not failed! Nor will you fail the rest of the Challenge.

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  6. No of course you won't fail, the last few posts are now upon us, the end of the tunnel is in sight, and the strength of the dragon is supported by his many friends. Swallow some gold, it will give you more strength.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. Hahaha, thanks for the recommendation, Jo! Gold is too hard for stomach but I'll take some of your recipes instead. :)

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  7. I live by the motto 'Attitude is Everything'. It works for me. A United strong Attitude is even better.

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  8. I hope that going out and helping others through the Challenge has indeed made you feel better, Al. Wise words from Father Dragon.

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  9. You have done such an awesome job from the beginning. I have faith in you Father Dragon and your dwarves!

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  10. United your dwarfs stand. Bring it on! :)

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  11. "I tightened my claws but kept the smile" love that line!

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  12. With Father Dragon, his dwarves, and Tassing being a master in pretending, all united... how can you fail? Try, you will. And I'll cheer you on ;)

    Your posts always bring a smile to my face... keep'm coming. Even if its just one sentence, I'll take it!

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    1. You're too kind S.K. and too sweet. I really appreciate the support.

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  13. As long as you've tried and did your best, it's impossible for you to fail!

    Keep at it and I'm loving this story :)

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  14. Their are no failures, FD.... only triumphs ... you will persevere as we all have. WE are STRONG ... WE are INVINCIBLE ... WE are WRITERS ....

    And helping others always makes us feel alive. Our hearts are our greatest strength and treasure.

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    1. You speak dragon century-distilled wisdom, Sir Michael. :)

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  15. I have a flower bed that needs some love. You and the dwarfs are welcome to work it...if it will help you feel energized and work toward the end! I know, I am thoughtful ;)

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    1. Yes, you are. I think I'll accept the invitation. Thank you :)

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  16. Sounds like it's time for 'Panstering', and even though Dragons don't wear Pants, I feel sure the your 'Dwarf Cheer Squad' will be help you fly by the seat of theirs.

    My Letter 'U'...UFO Retreat
    Sue CollectInTexasGal
    AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee

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  17. Can I admit that I cried when I read this? You've reminded me of the importance of attitude in the face of overwhelming odds. Thank you.

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    1. I'm very glad of this and your words also help me. :)

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  18. While you're getting that attitude adjusted, can we talk about that favorite pile of gold?

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  19. oh m. I hope they find those five missing posts!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  20. Fight till the end! Yay! I like it and I'm looking forward to read the last five posts!

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  21. lol... I'm beginning to feel like the minions. :)

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  22. Great story, Al! United we stand and will finish those last five posts! I enjoyed this very much.

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  23. Keep going! We're all here for you! :)

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  24. No nobler heart beats than the one inside Father Dragon's chest. And around that magnificent dragon beats the hearts of his loyal minions. Together they beat. Together they prevail.

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    1. Your faith in me is always encouraging, Sir Jeff. :)

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  25. dragons aren't invincible???? But! But! Nooooooooooooooooooo!

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