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A friendship between a princess and dragon. |
[Introduction]
A princess and a dragon have been life friends. They spend time together.
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Gulp Dragondawn was a large Golden Cosmic. A "gentle giant" of a dragon he prefered living his days mingling with the human villages patronizing their stores and going on adventures of rescue and protection with a beautiful princess. As he was friendly with the king and his court he was there at her christining. Upon looking at her he could sense she was destined to be a great friend of dragons. They had played together when she was young, but now she was grown and their bond had deepend. His presance could cause her to acquire temporary unexpected "gifts" like dragon wings to fly or unexpected strength to lift a boulder off a woodsman. This morning he woke up and stretched in the castle courtyard (he had visited the castle to volunteer to be a practice target for the knights to hone their skills against the "rogue" dragons that terrorized the land). He was never in danger because his golden scales could only let him be hurt by magic. He yawned and waited for the princess to appear. |
Princess Stephanie had just had breakfast and saw her father, the King was leaving with the knights. They waved to her and she smiled. She had some berries that she wanted to give to Gulp Dragondawn. He was her friend. She snuck some apples out of the kitchen and they were for her friend as well. Stephanie went to the cave to find Gulp Dragondawn. He was glad to see her. He bowed down and she gave him his treats. There was a cold breeze coming off the sea but it wasn't unpleasant. It was sunny today. Gulp and her ran by the sea. This was fun. A big dragon who was gentle as can be. She loved this guy. No one had tried to harm him. Gulp could breathe fire but he never needed to. Gulp was an only dragon and Stephanie felt sorry for him. He didn't seem lonely. A blue bird landed on him but the dragon didn't mind. Birds were his friends. Gulp ate some sand. Stephanie laughed. "That can't taste good, you silly boy." Stephanie hugged him. Stephanie looked out over the sea to the horizon, There was a ship and it looked like it was headed towards shore. It wasn't one of her father's ships. It had a white sail and the emblem looked Viking. She would rather face pirates. "Gulp. We may be in trouble. I promise you can use your fire if you need to but I hope these Vikings aren't going to cause any trouble. Let's go hide in the cave and we will see what happens." Stephanie got on Gulp's back and flew to his cave. |
GD telepathically told her that sand was a necessary ingrediant for his fire. He had seen the ship long before her with his enhanced senses. He knew what the ship was. He shuddered as a memory surfaced. Once, long ago he had been captured by that ship. The vikings had their wise elders cast spells on their weapons. They had wounded him then bound him in magical chains and muzzle leaving him helpless. It was only thanks to his friend the king (younger then) who personally lead his knights & navy after the ship. After a mighty sea battle the king had boarded the vessel and forced it's captain to free him at sword point. Now the same ship had returned violating their promise to never come back. He gently picked the princess in his mouth and set her on his back. He lifted off and set fourth not for his cave but a secluded spot deep in the forest. The vikings knew where his cave was. That's where they had caught him. "I wouldn't worry about your people or castle. The vikings are after me." He told her the story. |
Princess Stephanie wasn't sure she liked being in the forest but Gulp was fast and she would have to hang on as they went fast. The Vikings wanted Gulp and Stephanie wouldn't let that happen again. She didn't have time to alert her father. A blue and green parrot was flying beside them. The parrot's name was Artoul. He was a parrot that the pirates had but the knights and guards chased them off. The parrot could talk and was friends with Stephanie. "Artoul. Fly to the Kingdom. Tell father the Vikings are here and want to get Gulp. He needs to get his men together and protect us. Repeat it back to me." Artoul repeated the conversation back word to word. She would give the parrot crackers once this was all over. Artoul flew to the castle. Gulp and Stephanie were deep in the forest and she couldn't see the Viking ship now. There was a pond near by and it looked peaceful. Gulp went and got a drink of water and so did Stephanie. Stephanie was afraid the Vikings might come into the forest. She was nervous and kept looking around. A breeze blew her blonde hair and she smiled. Frogs were playing. All of a sudden, Stephanie heard twigs breaking and she saw two Vikings headed towards her and Gulp. Gulp growled and started to chase them. Some of the palace guards showed up and were fighting with the Vikings. Stephanie got back on Gulp and they ran to the other side of the woods. The witch lived in a cottage on the other side. She would be easier to deal with then the Vikings. Gulp and Stephanie continued their journey. The sun wasn't so bright in this part of the forest and Stephanie and Gulp hoped they would be alright. Artoul showed up and said message delivered. He was here to help. Stephanie felt better about things. The witch Grendella appeared. She had a navy blue face and warts all all over her face and buck teeth. She had been riding on her broom. "What do you want? I will make soup of your dragon and parrot. You, pretty Princess. I will steal your looks and life. I will make you look like me. I think I will." Grendella raised her hands and sparks came out of her finger tips. Stephanie jumped in the air and Gulp flew into the air and they were safe for now. |
Gulp was really scared now. He was visibly shaking. First the vikings with their magic weapons and now the witch wielding potent dark magic, both of which could hurt him. He knew that most humans were powesless against magic so he feared for the princess as well. He could hear the vikings to the south and the screeching witch to the north. The west was covered by the ship just waiting to launch their magic nets and tangle him up. There was only one way to escape and he didn't like it one bit. To the west was a stinky swamp. It always held a feel of forboding and death, but at least there was no magic to be concerned about. He bid the princess to come with him. Thankfully the princess had received a temporary gift from his wild magical aura. Gulp couldn't control when or what but they were always useful. This time the princess gained unimaginable speed and grace. She ran through the trees like a deer headed to the swamp. |
The Princess was able to run to the swamp fast like a deer. She remembered the dungeon that hadn't been used at the castle. She and Gulp could hide there until the Vikings left. Atoul was flying beside her. She told Atoul she and Gulp were going to a secret dungeon in the back of the castle. She would leave a window open and Atoul could fly in the window and tell her when the Vikings were gone and things were safe. Stephanie and Gulp would have to fly to the castle and the Vikings might see them. She stopped and grabbed her dress. She touched the potion. Yes! The wizard had given her this potion. This potion would make her and Gulp invisible for a few hours. She signaled for Gulp to stop. She told him about the plan. Gulp agreed. They would fly to the dungeon in the back of the castle. Stephanie spilled potion on her and Gulp and they were invisible. Atoul was flying with them. She splashed potion on Atoul as well. He was invisible. They flew to the dungeon in the back of the castle. Atoul took off to spy on the Vikings. The dungeon was dark. It was spooky. Stephanie found a torch and some flint to light it. They had light. A bat flew over. There were rats. Gulp stepped on them. Stephanie hoped her father's men would capture the Vikings and this would soon be over Maybe they should go back to the swamp and hide. Stephanie opened the window. Now, they had to wait. She hoped it wasn't long. The witch had found her way to the window. Oh no! Gulp growled and the witch fell unto the rocks below. Stephanie hoped no one heard the growl. Just then the dungeon started to shake. Now what? |
Gulp's face turned red. "Sorry," he thought spoke. "That was my stomach." He began exploring the dungeon space in hopes of finding food. After sniffing in one particularly dusty corner he sneezed. It was so forceful it collapsed a portion of the wall revealing a secret passage that had been sealed for over a thousand years. Gulp's tail wriggled. He could sense something ancient and powerful down their. Perhaps a magical weapon or a sacred artifact. One thing was for sure, they would be on a grand adventure together. Plus, Gulp loved secret underground places. |
Princess Stephanie was in awe. Why didn't she know about this secret passage? Wow. Surely, her father knew about this place. "Gulp. We could hide in here or I can hide you from those Vikings. Since you ate a lot of food today, you would be good until tomorrow. I am going to leave you here and go face those Vikings. If I am not safe, I will whistle and you can hear it. It is our special message that only you and I can hear. I love you." The Princess kissed his about. "Be careful, Princess. Love you, too." Princess Stephanie left. She knew Gulp would be safe. She loved being in the sun She headed towards the castle. She saw them. The Vikings. They saw her. They were headed towards her. She was scared. Just then a loud screeching noise was heard. She looked up to the sky. A creature with big lion feet and an eagles head was swooping down and grabbed two of the Vikings. Princess Stephanie hoped she wasn't next. |
The griffen landed and turned to the princess. Bowing, she said "Do not fear noble Princess Stephanie for I come to help my cousin Gulp. I had been keeping an eye on the Vikings in their homeland and followed their ship. I had heard how it captured your dragon friend many years ago and knew they were up to no good. I am here to help and am in your service for as long as the Vikings plague you. A friend of Gulp's is a friend of mine." Meanwhile Gulp moved farther down the secret passage. Somehow he just knew that he had to find whatever was hidden deep within. It was if a power was speaking to him, urgently calling out in need to be used. It had to be found. Suddenly he had a realization. Perhaps the vikings came for this! Perhaps last time they came they mistook him for this power! Gulp redoubled his search. If the Vikings were back now it was likely they figured out where to search this time. |
Stephanie felt relieved. Gulp had a Griffin cousin. The Griffin flew at the Vikings. The Vikings had their hammers and spears and were trying to attack the Griffins. The Griffin decided it was time to go the bathroom. On the Vikings he went! The Vikings ran to the woods. Stephanie laughed. She headed towards the castle. She ran into the secret passages. She went to her room and came out of her room. Where were her parents? Stephane went to the Throne Room. She found her parents. "There you are. We are being attacked by Vikings. I hid Gulp in the secret passage behind the Dungeon." "Daughter! That passage is forbidden. I told you not to use the dungeon." "Send your guards to protect us from those Vikings. They are after Gulp." "Gulp can take care of himself. We will handle the Vikings." "You are sitting on your throne. A Griffin and Gulp is more protection then your guards, father." "What Griffin?" "Gulp's cousin and my new friend. As for your passage. What are you hiding? Gulp won't hurt anything. I am going back to be with Gulp. I warned you about the Vikings." Stephanie left to go back to the Dungeon. What ever her father was hiding in the secret passage, she hoped Gulp was safe and if the Vikings found it. Too bad. She didn't understand her father at all. |
Gulp pauses after a few turns into the hidden labrynth. Figuring it might be better to explore it with a companion he backs out to wait for his princess. Once back in the underground room he notes the royal family crest above the secret door. Stephanie arrives with supplies such as food and mapping tools. The two of them set forth into the unknown. A little ways in they come to a huge grotto. Plenty of plants climb the walls and even a few small trees dot the inside. An underground river runs through the cave. They sit in the nice soft grass and have a few apples for a snack. |
Gulp noticed the family crest. A dragon. He smiled. ME. A Princess. Stephanie. A Wolf. It was purple and blue. A nice crest. Plants. More like weeds. They were green, black and creepy. No human could live down here. This wasn't fit for a dragon. He could handle it. He hoped Stephanie would come back. She was his best friend. He saw water running but it was a few drops. The smell. He saw a pink rose and red rose. Maybe this underground passage had some good qualities. Stephanie found the Griffin on her way back to the underground passage. The Griffin had chased the Vikings. Gargoyles were flying over. Oh great. The gargoyles had found the Vikings and picked them up and dropped them in the ocean. She hoped she and Gulp wouldn't ne next. She kept walking towards the passage. It was dark and she climbed down into the passage like before. Spiders and lizards. A cute green lizard ate the spiders. Good boy. Stephanie petted him. "Gulp. I am back. Father is no help. Gargoyles took the Vikings and dropped them in the ocean. Gulp? Are you here?" "I am here Stephanie. I am looking at your family crest. Why isn't in the palace? " "Father hates wolves and dragons. Sorry. The woman in the crest is my aunt. She died as a young girl. Pirates kidnapped her." "Stephanie. Your aunt is alive. She is Queen of The Pirates." "What? Father said pirates killed her." "I know things. When the Vikings kidnapped me, they had me in a big cage and I got a glimpse of your aunt. I heard them say she was the King's sister. " "Really, Gulp. I would like to meet her. What does she look like?" "You. I saw you and I knew the truth. Your aunt ran off with pirates." Just then the underground passage started to rumble. Now what? Would Princess Stephanie and Gulp survive?: |
A huge cracking soun rolled through the cavern. A nearby wall caved in revealing a dark chamber. Within the hole phospherescent plants glowed. It was very beautiful. The passage lead deeper. Gulp turned to Stephanie and spoke. "This must be the entrance to a legendary place. It is rumored to be very beautiful, full of life, and rich in treasure. If we explore further we will come across amazing scenes. Let us go and explore. Your kingdom is now safe from the pirates. We could use the break to just have fun together." Small glowing lizards crawled over their feet. Stephanie giggled. They were cute and ticklish. She would explore. She would find treasure for her pirate Mom and Gulp could fly it to her. Another chamber was up ahead. It looked like a room in a cathedral. It was huge. They looked around. |
Princess Stephanie petted the little green lizards. She looked at the cathedral. Painted glass pictures of her mother, father and her when she was a baby. A painting of a dragon. "Gulp. The dragon looks like you." Princess Stephanie and Gulp walked along the stones. Why hadn't she seen this before? She hoped the Vikings had left. She saw a bright light. It lit the way. A big, brown wooden chest was sitting there. A pirate's booty? Princess Stephanie bended down and opened the treasure chest. She saw gold chains and green emeralds, rubies, pearls and big, purple stones. Did these belong to her father? Maybe her aunt had bought this chest to her father. The Princess didn't trust her father. What was he up to? Gulp growled. "Your father, the King has secrets. The Pirate Queen must have smuggled this treasure in. " Stephanie took out a gold chain with a big, purple stone and put it on. She giggled. "I am Queen of the Ocean. I rule the sea creatures and the ocean. Pirates, bow down to me." Gulp bowed. Stephanie wished she could stay here forever. Why did Stephanie and Gulp feel like they were being watched? Maybe they should leave. |
Suddenly a bunch of goblins poured out of the tunnels. When they saw Gulp they stopped and bowed down. "Um Gulp, why are they bowing?" Stephanie asked. Gulp explained, "Many of the creatures of the air and below the ground reguard me as their leader. I have had many dealings with keeping the peace and protecting them. In your limited human language, the word king would fit me best. Above ground is the domain of your family. Your ancestors ruled the ground creatures as well as the humans. Your mother is queen of the seas and is ally to it's creatures. The goblins have been protecting her treasure." Stephanie was shocked. She had no idea of any of this. "So my father..." she said. "Your father does not like the fact that there are domains out of his rule. He wants to rule it all. Your mother and I have prevented him from taking over so far. This treasure must not fall into his hands or he will use it to raise an army against us. We must move it deeper below ground, so deep he will never find it." |
Stephanie agreed. Her father liked to rule her but her mother protected her and The Queen was in charge when it came to their daughter. The Princess was glad about that. "I know my father. He isn't getting near the treasure or ruling the domains here." Stephanie took off the necklace. "I will wear this someday and it will be mine." The purple stone blinked and made a shadow. PRINCESS STEPHANIE. THE UNDERGROUND DOMAINS WILL BE YOURS SOMEDAYS AND THE KINGDOM AS WELL. This made Stephanie feel better. I hope those Vikings left. They are annoying. Atoul, the parrot came flying in. "Vikings left. The King gave them swords. Away they went. Atoul wants his cracker." Stephanie gave Atoul his cracker and kissed his beak. "I dodged a bullet. Since things are safe again, I am going back to my cave. My goblin friends, protect things here. I know you will. I will be back to visit." Stephanie shook her head. Just like her father to give the Vikings swords. They were gone and she had a secret about the treasure. She smiled. "Thank you, goblins. Glad the treasure is safe. I will be back to see you." Stephanie headed back to the castle. She wanted to tell her father off but she decided to let it go. Crisis averted for now. |
They arrived at the castle. The King wasn't there. A maid told them he went off with the pirates to plunder some island kingdom. Gulp shook his huge head. He knew that Stephanie's mother would not stand for something of that sort. She may have been a pirate but she never would attack the innocent. She attacked other pirates and slave ships setting any captives free or offering them a place in her crew. "Stephanie" he said. "Let us play together while the land is safe and your father is absent. By the way, you don't happen to have any cookies for me do you?" |
"Oh Gulp. I always have cookies." Stephanie took cookies out of her liner in her gown and gave Gulp some cookies. He thanked her and gulped them down. He let out a big burp. Stephanie laughed. Gulp jumped in the pond. What a splash he made. Stephanie would need to go change her gown. Queen Joan came out. "Stephanie, you got your dress wet. You aren't five, you know." "Mom. You used to be a pirate and get wet a lot." "Stephanie. We don't discuss these things. Don't say anything about me and pirates around your father." "Father. He hurts people and isn't a kind King. He didn't care that the Vikings were here and wanted to cause problems. Gulp and I had to go hide. We found out some secrets." "Keep them to yourself. It will be time for dinner soon. Get changed and don't talk to your father about pirates and Vikings. We can't change him. He will be gone for a few days." Queen Joan looked sad. Queen Joan went back into the castle. Princess Stephanie almost hoped her father would never return. She was disappointed in him. |
Gulp saw that Stephanie was sad. He wanted to cheer her up. "Princess, come to my cave. I have a surprise for you." They went to his cave. It was a network of caverns with a stream coming out and making a lake. It was a very zen place to live. Gulp led her to a cavern in the back. A pedistol was in the center with a skylight above it. An orb sat atop the colomn sparkling in the sun. Gulp explained, "If you put your hands on the orb you will become a dragon for a day. What kind of dragon depends on your heart." Stephanie blinked, "A dragon? Really?" She walked up to the orb and touched it. She felt her body tingle. Silver scales began to cover her body. Wings sprouted from her back. Her body grew larger until she was 10ft tall. Her clothes were ruined but she didn't need any in her new form. She shined like the moon and her new form was nice and slim. She felt the strength of her new body and the toughness of her beautiful scales. "What do you think?" Gulp asked. |
Stephanie felt different. She wasn't human. She as majestic. She was powerful. Being a Princess couldn't compare to this. Wow. Stephanie started to fly. It was wonderful. "Stephanie. Be careful. Go slow. Don't try to blow fire. You aren't ready for that." Stephanie saw a clear cloud by her. She looked into the cloud. She had silver scales. She was 10 feet tall and lavender and silver. Beautiful. She loved it Stephanie flew over the trees. She was flying too fast. She felt dizzy. She started to fall towards the ground. Gulp was beside her. Gulp knew he had to help her. Stephanie was going down faster. What would happen next? |
Splash! Stephanie crash landed in the lake. She suffered more wound to her pride than herself thanks to her scales. Gulp smiled. She reminded him of his first flight. He jumped in the lake and splashed around with her. They were having great fun. Gulp felt compelled to tell a deep secret part of his past. "Stephnanie, a long time ago I ruled an empire of human dragons. Each human had their own orb to turn into a dragon when they wished. However other humans were scared. They didn't understand the magic. They made war and destroyed both my subjects and the orbs. My orb was the only one to escape. You are using it's power now. However it's only temporary. But a permanent solution exists. It's called The Mark of the Golden Dragon. If I make a special tatoo on your forehead you can be a dragoness forever. You will be even bigger and stronger than even now. Just one issue exists. It is not reversable. You will never be human again. Your Mom knows this secret. She will still love you. I can teach you dragon ways." |
"Oh Gulp. This is fun being a dragon but I want to be sure. Can I try being a dragon for 3 days and thunk about it? I have to be sure. I do love being a Princess." "Sure you can. Enjoy being a Princess and see if you want it permanently. " Stephanie laughed. She flew and landed by the ocean. A seagull squawked at her. Stephanie flew again. The sun felt good on her. A bat bumped into her. Stephanie shook him off. She saw Enesto, the troll. Stephanie couldn't resist. This troll was always chasing her so she flew down at him and picked him up and dropped him in the ocean. The troll would be alright. Stephanie was enjoying this. She had three days to decide. A dragon. She laughed. She hoped the next 3 days would go slow. |
Stephanie's enjoyment as a massive dragoness was infectious. Gulp always felt like she was the hatchling he never had. He looked on in pride knowing that whatever she decided it would work out. However she did look beautiful as a dragoness. The silver scales and sleek form worked well on her. He laughed as the troll got soaked. Ernesto was the sort to take a good joke. Gulp then told Stephanie to follow him. He flew into the mountains and landed in the vally unreachable by climbing. He showed her the golden grass and silver lake as in actual gold and silver. As the sun set the orb's power wore off. It would return in the morning. Gulp wrapped his warm body around the princess so she would not catch cold. Human or dragoness they would always be the best of friends. |
Stephanie loved being with Gulp. He was a handsome dragon. She was a Princess and a dragon both. She loved flying over the ocean and the forest. She loved seeing the fish and creatures in the ocean. It was fun seeing ships in the ocean. A mean man on a ship tried to shoot her with arrows. She breathed fire on his arm. She hated to but she didn't want to be wounded or dead. People know dragons breathe fire. She liked flying with Gulp. It was night and she thought of her room at the castle. The dinners with her parents. Her mother. She wasn't sure if she would miss her father. Her mother she would. Sitting with Gulp. They looked at the stars. She saw a falling blue star. She loved Gulp. He was her best friend. Should she decide to be a dragon permanently or just have the ability to be a dragon when she felt like it? Two more days to decide. |