Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighty-two

by Educated Guess

Epilogue

Gar watched as Rag, carrying a single twinkling scale under his arm, walked out into the evening and disappeared over the edge of the mountain slope. He smiled. It was amazing what a little bit of light in the right place could do.

“Fascinating,” he heard Soot squeak.

The dragon turned to look at the elder, who was, in turn, eyeing him curiously.

“What is?” Gar rumbled.

“You are, of course. How do you speak in our tongue with such grace?”

“Twenty-one years of constant study works wonders for learning languages, I’ve found. I was worried that my lack of practice might cause a brief barrier, but I suppose I have a gift for such things.”

Soot shook his head in wonder. “I must admit, I’m baffled. I have seen many beasts in my time, but I have never met one with such regard for the lives of lesser beings.”

Gar nodded sagely. “If there is one thing that I have learned over the years, it is that all stories hold merit and meaning, no matter how small. To cut those stories short is a travesty even more tragic than the loss of their characters.” He turned back to the dissapearing sun. “Mice, in particular, have always been inspiring to me. You are so quick to find faith - so full of conviction, and hope for the brighter tomorrow. Every being could stand to learn something from you.”

Soot chuckled. “And here I was afraid you were just going to eat me.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” Gar yawned, and set his head back down on his claws with a ground-shaking thump. He looked at the elder with one lidded, mirthful eye. “I’ll still eat you. I’ll just wait until you’re dead to do it.”

Author's Note:

Because I wanted to write this scene, but it wouldn't fit in the word-count restrictions.

Comments

[M1Garand8]

Hmm, this is a damn good story. I nailed the specie halfway through but it doesn't detract from the story, it's still awesome.

Makes my own entry feel like a kid.

[Csquared08]

D'awww, that was a cute little epilogue.

Overall, very nice story. Well done. One thing, though: Em dashes are your friend.

[Educated Guess]

2091364
I'm still somewhat dumbfounded whenever anyone favorites this little bit of silliness, but thank you, all the same.

For me, Em dashes have always been infuriatingly difficult to create outside of any program other than Microsoft Word, which makes them for me automatically - but I'll do my best. Is there a keyboard shortcut for them?

[Csquared08]

2095486

Is there a keyboard shortcut for them?

I'm not sure what it is. I know there is one, but it's hopelessly complicated on a laptop, so I don't bother. When I use 'em, I copy+paste from a google search.

[Burraku_Pansa]

2095486
On a standalone keyboard, with Windows, Alt+0151 on the numpad. On a Mac, Alt+Shift+-. On a Windows laptop, no dice.

[Educated Guess]

2276378
I'd hardly call that 'misspent', my good fellow! 'Twas a wonderful series!

Though, that does remind me... there's still a few of them that I haven't read. I should really get on that some time.

[Educated Guess]

2740033
Famous, eh? I'll have to take your word on that.

As for had-hads, I'm a big fan of had-hads! That-thats, too! I can understand that they wouldn't be to everyone's tastes, though.

[PaulAsaran]

You can has review!