I cannot tell whether I am awake or dreaming. These last few hours have been such a whirlwind.
It was a normal August afternoon and I was wandering about the meadow when I noticed a glimmer of scales out the corner of my eye. My curiosity was aroused when I realized that I had come upon a small red dragon! I hurried after it as it skipped through the grass. It climbed into a small hole in the ground and I knelt down to take a closer look. As I peered into the ground I felt the earth begin to tumble beneath me - there was a jarring drop in the pit of my stomach as I began to fall. I shut my eyes and braced for impact although it never came.
The next thing I remember is waking up on the ground. It was raining and I could hear upset all around me. There was lightning in the wind and buildings on fire. I cautiously picked myself up from and took in my foreign surroundings. I'd landed in the middle of a battleground.
A man called out, "Get to the inn! You'll be safe there!"
I made for the inn just down the street and took up shelter with the frightened villagers. My mind was racing. This was a dream. It was interesting, exciting, alive. A sudden spark ignited inside me as I decided that since I was living such a vivid dream I would make the most of it and act on all my impulses.
Picking up an axe from the floor I made my way over to a solider near the door and asked how I could join the war outside.
With his eyebrows raised he asked incredulously "Now why on earth would such a pretty young thing want to throw herself in front of raving lunatic centaurs!? You should stay here with the others, you'll be safe here."
"If you don't mind, I really do want to fight. I'm quicker than most and I'm good with an axe," I lied.
He frowned an shook his head "You'll be killed. Our best men are holding the gate, this will all be over soon love."
I smiled at the soldier before I left. If he wasn't going to help then I would make my own way to the gate. If this was a dream then I had nothing to be afraid of.
It wasn't difficult to find the action. Fueled with adrenaline I yielded my axe and ran at the frenzied centaurs. It was easier than I'd imagined. I must have left my fear back in the real world. In this world I was fast, agile and invincible.
I woke three days later in a bunk house. There was a letter waiting for me from a Lord requesting my presence at the castle. Much to my surprise he welcomed my arrival with a cocktail party - ball gowns, h'or dourves. Exactly the type of soiree I'd have attended back home.
I asked him why he was doing all this and he replied, "If such a beautiful dove could fly so bravely into the battle of fire then of course she should deserve the highest of honors."
He reminded me of the boys from back home. Friendly but conceited, and far too high maintenance for my liking.
I mingled in the party for a while when there was a sudden explosion and a raid of bandits spilled in with a burst of fire and smoke.
I snapped back into battle mode and took axe to the bandits with pleasure. Partygoers fled and Lord Faren and I followed the bandits to an abandoned farmhouse where we found and freed their hostages.
After all the excitement of the evening I thanked the Lord for the party but told him I needed a few moments to myself. He seemed a little put out as I made my way back to the inn, where I am currently unwinding over a pint of ale.
Mother never allows me to drink ale.
I think I will stay here at the inn tonight. It's late, I'm exhausted. I do expect I will wake from wonderland tomorrow.
x Alïce
Shaemoor Inn - lvl 3
