It all started on a deceivingly normal day. Willow was walking through her town, took a right at the quaint and simple bakery, with the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the open windows. Then left at the blacksmith, where the sounds of a new sword being hammered carried through the walls.

  She paused, frowning, and wondered if it was a left or forward at the shoemaker. She shrugged, knowing that she could just backtrack and go the other way.

  She turned left and walked for a bit, but she soon ran into a dead end. She shrugged again, backtracked, and went forward this time.

  She found her target and smiled greedily. Hopefully what this woman offered would be worth all the trouble she went through to come.

  First, she had to lie to her parents, telling them that she was visiting her friend. Then, her sister, Brynn found out and she threatened to tell their parents until Willow gave her something in return. They had decided on Willow not ratting Brynn out on sneaking out at night to date someone who their parents strongly disliked.

  Now she was here. In the dark alley smelling of rotting fish. Ahead, she saw the woman who had promised her something good stood there.

  “Here.” The woman said without a hint of argument, while pointing at an oddly shaped thing covered in a thick cloth.

  “What’s beneath?” Willow asked.

  “Be my guest.” The woman replied with a grim grin, gesturing to the cloth.

  Willow slowly pulled the cloth away, fingers trembling with anticipation. She threw the cloth and what she saw shocked her. There was a star underneath the cloth!

  “Where’d you get a star?” Willow said, trembling with pure eagerness.

  “I have my ways. No more questions." The woman snapped, “Pick up the star and say the word Dragona.”

  Willow shook her head in disbelief but complied. “Dragona” Willow whispered.

  Suddenly, the world around her began to twist and turn. The world slowly became brighter, grass grew underneath her feet, the buildings disappeared and were replaced by tall, redwood trees. The last thing she saw was the delighted smile of the woman.

  ‘Welcome to Ajula, the land of the harmonious dragons. (Uh-Jool-uh)’ A sign made of redwood read in front of Willow. She rubbed her eyes. Was this a dream? She thought. She pinched herself and smacked the sign to see if it was. Nope, definitely not a dream, She thought.

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  She scowled as she looked at her hand, there was a splinter! She plucked it out and threw it onto the floor.

  “Who are you and state your business!” Boomed a dragon as they landed in front of her, showering dust into her mouth and eyes.

  She wiped her eyes and stammered, “I-I am Willow B-Bryd.” She examined the dragon more closely. It was a dark green and had 1 horn in the middle of their forehead. Then she coughs up the dust in her mouth. "Someone brought me here."

  “Hmm… interesting, interesting…” The dragon muttered. “Well, I’m gonna have to take you to the queen.”

  She stood in shock for a second as she processed the statement. “The queen? Oh man. This was a mistake. I should have just stayed home then none of this would have happened. I’ve gone way too far this time. UGH.” Willow said and did a face palm.

  “Hop on, I don’t have time for this.” The dragon said, crouching down for Willow to get on. “Get on to the saddle then hold on to that scale and hold on tight. Here we go!” The dragon, which Willow had officially decided was a boy, actually yelled the last part after Willow had gotten on securely.

  He lept into the air and flapped his massive wings. He soared forward and Willow freaked out. She was not used to going so fast. She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned forward in her seat and gripped her arms tightly around his neck. She heard him sigh.

  Soon, they arrived at the palace! It was made out of sparkling marble and had soaring towers with swooshing flags that were swishing back and forth in the wind. This was the domain of the queen, and it was the most beautiful thing Willow had ever seen.

  The dragon let her admire the castle for a quick minute, but ushered her to come inside. Willow followed, wondering what would happen.

  They entered the castle and the inside did not disappoint. There were dazzling gold pillars that reached up to the high roof, a luxurious red carpet bordered with a thin layer of gold, white marble for the walls similarly to the outside. There was many halls that led off. It smelled of cinnamon and that reminded Willow of home. She had the thought with a wistful sigh.

  They walked straight to the throne room. Or rather, the dragon walked and Willow jogged behind him. Then they finally got to the throne room and it was the grandest thing so far! The throne was made of solid gold and it was so very tall, and it had a luxuriant red velvet cushion for the queen to sit on. It was a big room and had some doors in the back.

  Willow had to wait while the dragon got the queen. She flew in and sank into her throne.

  The queen was a gold dragon and had 2 horns on either side of her head.

  “Welcome to my domain. First, are you impressed?"

  “W-what? Er- I mean-” Willow stammered, taken off gaurd.

  "Calm down, my child. It is not a hard question. I just want to know that my people did well."

  “Umm yes, your grace, this castle is very impressive.” Willow said, hoping she answered right.

  “Mm-hm. And second, what brings you here, young child?” The queen said in a pleasant, but deceivingly calculating voice.