//Aquatic.Essence

<font color='#000F22'>//Day.6
//Quarter.Tessera
//Year.81377

//. Magi lake. Cyrstaline waters reflected moonlight on the rocks that surrounded them, creating a spectacular light show for any who passed by. Hues and tones of all the colors in the spectrum flashed, making the stones brighter than any rainbow that had ever been. Then the wind blew, caressing the gentle water and ever so carefully did the breeze grasp the hand of the water and guide it in another direction. Again the aura of the lunar orb caught the surface of the lake and created once again a natural phenomena that few in this world were privledged to see. Only with each breath the wind took, the display was born anew, every one greater and more beautiful than the last, and never once was one the same as before. Like the souls of those who walked the world, it was unique.

Uniqueness in iteself is a gift to anyone who recieves it. However, not just any soul can look upon this treasure as such a special thing. Some disregard it, shunning anything that would set them apart from the rest, striving to blend in with the crowd, oblivious to the fact than in their quest to fit in, they stood out in their sameness. Gray and dull as rainclouds heavy with liquid, they became as much of the world wasn't. The world was full of color and diversity, unlike the humdrum persona they'd become. They weren't ignorant, simply timid. What were they afraid of? They were scared to let themselves be as they were meant to, frightened to unleash their souls and let their spirits fly. But what of the opposite? How was it they lived? Simply put, they were happy. Where as a colorless, bland world surrounded the ones whose souls were opressed, a rainbow as brilliant as the one cast upon the stones of the previously mentioned lake was shining from within the joyful souls of those who weren't keeping anything from the world. And what need they fear from letting the world know their true colors? Nothing! Many were the rewards of being themselves,  the most prominant and important of which was the fact they were free. Free to be as they wanted, not as society demanded. And did they abandon their colleagues, the ones who shunned their inner light? No. They reached out to them and pulled them into a world where all was well. And then, souls who'd once been in complete darkness became one with the light.

Sadly, most PenDragons these days forogt all of that as they aged. Truly, it was something only the ever-growing youth population knew and embraced. True, there were exceptions, but they were few and far between.

And indeed her life was youthful still, this small dragon. Ayokye Rheme, she was called. On this night, she was out agianst the will of her parents. They'd told her sternly never to venture out in the ungodly hours of the night, but she felt she simply had to disobey. She was seeking something, or rather, someone. A friend of hers, to be exact. She'd met him over a swim at the beach. He was older than her, but had a childlike essence about him that to Ayokye, was quite lovely indeed. He was a massive beast, and obsidian fur covered his huge body. But he was a lamb in wolf's clothing, rough on the top but soft and gooey like a marshmallow on the inside. Dreed, was his name. His joyful personality was what drove Ayokye out this night, she wanted to show him the thing she'd found. A pretty lake, that when the moon shone on it, made rainbows.

She waited patiently, chesnut fur blowing in the breeze. She glanced up at the moon and stars and wondered if Dreed might be comimng on this lovely night.

Hoping, she waited..</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. The winds changed. Ayokye sensed the difference in the atmosphere not only from the change in the direction of the breeze, but also from the ever-changing patterns that danced upon the small stones in the lake when the water reflected the moon. Turning her head to the skies, she noted too that she was no longer alone.

Up, in the star-filled skies, was a shadow. Or was it? To the average passerby, it'd seem a thing to fear, an unknown shape gliding through the air in the middle of the night, looking ominous as it passed. But Ayokye knew the truth. This was no demon of the twighlight hours, it was the friend she'd been seeking.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with delight at the famliar shilouette on the horizon. Once before had she seen it, and like everyone else, asumed it to be a terrible fiendish monster out to get her. But there was more to him than met the eye, as she learned. Though he was indeed a creature to be feared, you wouldn't want to get on his bad side, trained assasins usually aren't too reliable as far as anger management goes. But Dreed was different. He did seem dark and dangerous, but in reality, he was a compassionate soul who reminded Aykoye of her dad.

Her grin was even wider, glee filling her soul to the brim. Seeing him come closer.. closer.. and closer still. She wondered then if he could see her, after all, it was dark and she had fairly dark fur. Bouncing about happily, she called out to him..

"Dreed! It's me! Down here!"</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. Glee spread through her like wildfire. Her spirit alated at the sight of him, her comerade from the beach by the coast. Her eyes danced at his voice, over and over his words tolled like sweet bells in her mind. Almost without thought her legs began speeding toward him. Though those legs were small yet, they still propelled her at an amazing rate. Youth was surely on her side. As she drew nearer, she lept up and pounced on him, nearly falling over in the process.

So joyful was she! The stars were bright, but brighter was the aura her happiness emitted.

"Dreed! I can't believe it.. its like a dream.. I've missed you!"
She smiled.</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. She blushed. Not only was Dreed as kind to her as ever, but also just as flattering. Giggling like the young 'dragon she was, Ayokye got back to her feet, trying to hide the embarassment that had shown in her face a moment ago. She sat down, tired because the hours were far later than what she was used to normally. She yawned.

Suddenly she wondered if Dreed would leave if she looked tired. Would her tell her to go home? She didn't want him to leave, not so soon after he'd come! Attemptimg to mask her exhaustion, she spoke to him.

"So.. what have you been up to?"</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. She giggled again and smiled.

She liked to think she'd been fairly well behaved. Once or twice her parents had scolded her for forgetting her manners or for acting playful when the situation was serious. But other than that, Ayokye prided herself on being a model citizen.

Looking back at the lake momentarily, Ayokye remembered another thing her parents had reprimanded her for; telling legends and stories to other PenDragon cubs.

The lake reminded her of this because of the tale that a great monster dwelt beneath the surface of the waves. Her parents had told her firmly not to tell younger cubs this, because it might put ideas into their heads. Ideas of grand adventures, or finding out what really was down in the depths. Her parents didn't want to be responsible for the death of another cub, they knew how much others loved their offspring, and wouldn't wish the pain of losing them on anyone. They'd lost a cub once, before Ayokye's time. It'd been still born..

Shaking her head free of those grim thoughts, she turned back to Dreed, curious.

"Yes, I've been good. But Dreed, have you heard of the lake monster? The one everyone thinks is in this lake?"</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. Ayokye smiled and looked at her paws, slightly embarassed at mentionting silly childish things such as legends in front of Dreed. She didn't want him to think her immature.

Still, she thought it best she finished what she started.

"Well, everybody says there is a big monster down in there. There are a ton of stories... lots of dragons have tried to figure out the mystery but... no one has ever proved whether it exists or not."

She looked at Dreed again. He seemed remotly interested.

"I just wondered if you knew.. I was thinking about the lake and all.."

She looked back at the water, watching it's magnificent colors and smiling. It was like seeing a bunch of pretty little lights in the lake. It made her calm as she waited for a response from him...</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. She found herself cringing at the very mention of school. Her expression resembled that of an individual who'd accidentally endulged in a bitter fruit. Frowning, she replied.

"Well.. I'm 'sposed to register for that fancy school soon..."

She sighed.

"But I don't want to go to school. It sounds like it's no fun at all!"

Indeed, school was to many small 'dragons more of a prison than a place of learning. They felt confined, they had to obey rules. They wanted to frolic and to run, to be loud and to laugh and speak whenever they wished. At school, they always had to listen carefully, and they musn't ever talk or play when the time was not appropriate.

They didn't realize it, but it was for their own good. If they wanted to be someone later in life, school would teach them how. It'd show them all the skills they could ever possibly need for any desired profession. Ayokye, who was unusually mature for her age, acknowledged  that school was a bit of a paradox. You were confined, yes, but it was also benefitting you.

"Well.. I guess we have to though, if we want to get a job.."
She said, deep in thought.</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. Ayokye frowned slightly at Dreed's comment. It must've been sad, not to have much schooling, and not to remember much of it.

Shaking off the brief feeling of sadness, she smiled again. Dreed didn't need any schooling to be wise. He seemed very sagaicious even without much education, for the little bit of time they'd known each other, he'd taught her more than anyone else she'd ever met. He was also her first real friend. Sure, there would be her future classmates, but would they be as kind as Dreed? Would anyone like her?

Her expression changed suddenly, for she was worried now. Would anyone like her at school? What if the teachers were mean, or what if it was too hard? What if she couldn't make it, and they kicked her out of school? That would embarass her parents, and maybe Dreed too. Maybe they wouldn't like her anymore...

"Dreed.. if I'm not good at school, will you still be my friend?"
She said, her eyes wide with worry.</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. She sighed in relief. She'd had a feeling she could count on Dreed. Along with comfort, he brought her a little encouragement. Now she felt as though she could accomplish anything she set out to do. She perked right up as a flower does in the sunlight, eyes twinkling like little stars. She rose to her feet, visibly bursting with joyous energy. Now, she knew, was the time to play and to enjoy life.

She tapped Dreed lightly on the paw and scurried off. Panting partly from effort and half from excitement, she was running with all her might. Anticipation was building in her like a snowball rolling down a hill. When would Dreed give chase? Would she be able to keep ahead, or would he catch her? Young mind brimming with new questions, she continued to run, hoping he'd soon understand her intent. Still, she couldn't take the chance he wouln't get it, so she called out to him, explaining her game..

"Betcha can't catch me Dreed!"</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'>//. Upon seeing his mammoth paw reach out to tag her, Ayokye put on a little burst of speed. She knew now he'd catch her eventually, but for now, she'd try and stay in the game.

Grinning ear to ear, she turned sharply to the right, dashing toward the lake waters. She arrived in no time at the place where the lakw met the shoreline. She jumped as the water touched her paws, for it was cold with the coming of fall. But still, she laughed and let it surround her as she ran along the water's edge. As she went, it sloshed and she cringed as little droplets of water landed on her back and face. They too, were cold.

She looked back at Dreed, who was still running after her. Again, she knew her attempt to outrun him would be in vain, but that didn't stop her from enjoying every minute with her friend.

She called out to Dreed again, hoping the instigation would make him run faster.

"Hey slowpoke, still haven't caught me!"</font>