“What?” The man said.
I chuckled at the human’s response. Honestly, it was to be expected after having all that thrown at him at once. Mortals were easily bewildered, so perhaps I should have eased him into taking it all in. Oh well.
A part of myself wondered why I let this human find me. I don’t have the best track record with humans. They were often quick to anger and afraid of the unknown. In many cases, they simply hated magic with a burning passion. That didn’t mean they were all bad. Mother of me, no. Many of them were amicable. Well, once I got to know them. I’ve given many a child a little ride about and I had the most interesting discussion with a man I, to this day, highly respect. Ghandi, I believe his name was. Perhaps I should visit that world one day, if the mirror still works. If not, I wish him the best of luck with his quest for peace.
I had sense his presence for some time now, far longer than he had known of me. I could have hidden myself. Gone back to Smaug. Instead, I let him find me. Why? Hmm, perhaps it was his aura. His strong will. I could sense a righteous soul in him, a natural born leader. I wanted to talk with him, if only to have someone else to talk to. Smaug was delightful at times, but he was a tad too reclusive at the moment for my tastes. Hopefully, I could do something about that soon.
“I said ‘hello’,” I said with a smirk.
“....Hello.” The man muttered.
I quirked an eyebrow at his sudden silence. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts. “Is something troubling you? If it’s me, I can assure you I mean no harm.”
The man slowly shook his head. “It’s just...Pardon me for saying this, but you are by far the strangest creature that I have ever seen.”
“Thank you,” I bowed my head. “I take that as a compliment.” Craning my head back up, I quirked an eyebrow. “Tell me….” I paused. This human had given me no title to which to call him. “What is your name, human? I do believe you haven’t introduced yourself. It’s rather rude not to do so for a lady.”
“I am known as Bard,” the man simply replied.
“Well Bard,” I glanced at his bow. He still had it at the ready. “What brings you here to these woods?”
“I was hunting,” Bard replied. “These are trying times and my family isn’t doing well enough in the town.”
I narrowed my eyes slightly. “Is that all?” He was hiding something. Whether it be great or small a truth, I could not tell. The story of his family seemed to ring true, however.
Bard nodded. “Yes. I apologize if that upsets you.”
“Not at all,” I smiled. I figured it wasn’t anything of importance. He seemed like a trustworthy sort of fellow. “I appreciate the efforts to aid your family, but I do believe I’d be a bit more appreciative if you put away your weapon. Common courtesy and all that.” While the arrow certainly couldn’t harm me, I sensed no magical qualities form it, it would certainly sting at my current power level.
Bard glanced down at the bow and remained silent for a few seconds. Slowly, he put it behind him. “These woods can be fierce at the best of times. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“But I have traversed these woods for a while now and found nothing to worry over,” I remarked. True, there could be the occasional bear, but nothing to be so fervent in my defense as he was.
“Aye, but what ails man may not ail you.” Bard remarked. “I can’t outrun a beast. I can’t outfly them either. I have to stand my ground and a bow is a better weapon than my fists.”
“Well said,” I nodded.
“Perhaps I could ask you why you’re here?” Bard questioned. “You already know why I’m here. Tis only fair.”
“You’re right,” I pursed my lips as I thought about what I was going to say. If I said I was living with Smaug, I’d think he’d shoot me. Again, I wouldn’t die, but an arrow to the head would be rather annoying. That and I might lose a link to the outside world. “I’m just taking a walkabouts. These lands are new to me. I wished to gain my bearings.”
Bard stared at me for a moment. I could tell he was searching for a lie somewhere. He wouldn’t find one. As he did so, I couldn’t help but get lost in those eyes. Not in the romantic sense. They were sharp but so kind. I could tell there was love in there. He was a man who would fight the hordes of the Underworld to protect those he cared about.
I had just met this man and yet I truly respected him.
“Well,” Bard finally spoke. “If you are in need of a guide, I can be of use. I grew up in these woods and know them better than the back of my hand.”
I shook my head. “There is no need. Not at the moment, at least. I simply wished to meander for a while. Perhaps another time.”
“Very well then,” Bard bowed his head. “It was nice talking with you, Princess Celestia.”
“As I enjoyed conversing with you, Bard.” I bowed my head in return. It was then that I noticed a little magic that dwelled close to him. It wasn’t his own. It was far too powerful, but it was small. Just a little piece of a greater whole. It was certainly alive and I noticed the type of spells that were used upon it. As I walked past the man, I said, “And do please give my regards to your wizard. I would be delighted to meet them in person.”
Bard had stiffened up at that. “Of course. I’ll pass the word on to him.”
“And don’t be a stranger, Bard.” I smiled. “I would love to see you once more. I find it refreshing to talk to new people.”
_____________________________________________________________________
That was certainly odd on all accounts. A princess. A winged unicorn princess. I honestly couldn’t make that up if I wanted to. I see now why the wizard was curious enough to ask for my aid. She was certainly a sight to behold. I could sense, in our short meeting, centuries worth of wisdom. Her eyes shone with such brilliance. It was like gazing into two, small suns. Her brand was odd and how her rainbow mane flowed in the wind was certainly eye catching.
What unsettled me, however, was how she had guessed the wizard’s involvement. Could she spy upon us whenever she wished? That was an unsettling thought. Hopefully the wizard could do something about that, or at least sway those thoughts. Taking out the butterfly, I whispered into it like Gandalf had told me to. Then, I let it go.
I sighed in relief. My job was done. I could go home and put these events behind me. Although, a small part of me considered bringing my daughters out here for a visit. Perhaps they would take to this Celestia quite well.
As I made my way home, I couldn’t help but glance at a raven. I don’t know why I did. It was just a raven, nothing unusual. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel distrustful of it. It was probably just all the magic talk getting to me.
I swore I saw it smirk before it took off.
______________________________________________________________________________
It did not take long for me to find Smaug once more. The dragon had moved considerably closer to the lake and dragons were easy to spot regardless of the situation. I had a small pep in my step as I moved about. While my conversation with the human was short, there was no doubt in my mind that I would see him again soon. Perhaps our fates were joined in a ways, such as mine was already with Smaug’s. Not nearly as strong, but something to consider. Either way, I would have to keep an eye out for this Bard.
Smaug was lying still with his eyes closed. He looked so peaceful that I had to resist that motherly urge of mine to kiss his forehead and wish him well. Oh, there are times I feel a tad bit sad that I’ve never had a child of my own. Nevertheless, I’ve helped plenty of young creatures grow and I will see many more so in the future. I just had to get back home.
“I take it your little chat with the human went well,” Smaug said without opening his eyes.
I stopped in my tracks as my eyes widened. “You-”
“Knew?” He chuckled and raised his head. His draconic eyes looked at me with mirth. “Of course I did. Do you really think I wouldn’t keep an eye on my precious gem? I am not so foolish as to give you such trust so freely.”
“And yet here I am,” I remarked. “Coming back to you on my own accord.”
“Yes you have,” Smaug nodded. “And I thank you for that. Hunting you down would be a needless chore.” He narrowed his eyes. “Your human friend, however, is something that needs to be addressed.”
“I can talk with whoever I wish.”
“You are my property and as such, I dictate who you can talk to.” Smaug scoffed.
“There is no harm in a simple conversation,” I pointed out. “Do you believe me vile for conversing with Thrush?”
“Thrush is a bird,” Smaug snorted. “A bird who has worked for me for years. That...human is something else entirely. I would rather burn a thousand of their cities than allow them to touch even a single coin or piece of fur on your hide.”
“I am flattered with how highly you praise my body, Smaug.” I said. “But, again, I say there is no harm in talking with him. Do you believe him to be a threat?”
“No,” Smaug said with conviction. “No being alive can threaten I. The balrog learned that much.”
“With my help,” I added.
Smaug growled. “Do you think that gives you power over me? That since you saved my life, you can do what you so please?”
“If talking with him gets you so upset,” I glared at him. “Then why didn’t you interrupt.”
“The race of men are worms compared to me,” Smaug said. “They come by the tens, hundreds, thousands to slay me. Each time, their ashes cloud the skies above this country. No matter how large the army, I will endure. I am Smaug, the last and mightiest of the fire drakes.”
“And you wonder why you are the last,” I shook my head in sorrow. “You didn’t answer my question though. Why didn’t you stop it? Why didn’t you just kill him and be done with it?”
“....Because that would be a waste of time,” Smaug glanced away. “A single man can do nothing to me or my hoard.”
“A single man can move a mountain if he pushes in the right spot,” I remarked with a smile. Was that a tinge of jealousy, or was I just hearing things? “I believe you didn’t kill him because you aren’t the monster you yourself claim to be.”
“I am a dragon,” Smaug snorted. “Not a monster.”
“Yet, you praise yourself on the death and destruction you caused others,” I pointed out. “Isn’t that monstrous?”
“Are you going somewhere with this?” He growled at me with a hard glare.
I didn’t budge. “That is something only you can answer. Am I?”
“I think you are just grasping for something that isn’t there,” Smaug retorted. “However...since you are so adamant to think that ‘talking’ with him can be in your best interest, I will allow it. On the condition that I attend.”
I bowed my head. “That’s all I ask.”
“Good,” Smaug curled into himself. “Then let me sleep for a bit.”