The Dragon and the Shapeshifter
From Create Your Own Story
Katya was free. Her long black hair billowed out behind her like a curtain. Her dark eyes widened in elation and a smile grew on her face. She had just turned 18 yesterday and she had just bid her parents, King Kevynn and Queen Sahndra, goodbye as they prepared to travel to Einoweidd Castle for diplomatic matters. She explored the castle happily, walking through her bedroom, the dining hall, the guest room and even the servant's quarters, without a worry in the world. This was the first time in forever since she had been home alone. She was so sick of her parents prying eyes and their hesitance to let her leave the castle alone (even if it was just to buy a loaf of bread). The young princess quickly grew bored of exploring the castle and climbed back up the stairs to her bedroom. She hiked up the skirts of her long pink dress, put on her spider-silk socks, then laced up her black leather boots. She was going to go for a walk. But where?
Katya climbed back down the stairs and strode outside the castle. She rested her long fingers against her chin, gently tapping it. She looked around and saw the forest. It had always been a source of wonder for her. Too bad that when her father brought her, she never got to stay there for long. Now that both her parents had left, she could stay as long as she wanted. No one could tell her off, after all, her servants never even left the castle! She walked into the lush emerald forest, noticing the way the sunlight shone through the trees. "This is so beautiful", she exclaimed. She continued to walk, looking down at the moss under her feet, hearing the chirps of the woodland creatures around her and touching the rough tree trunks and smooth leaves. She was quite enjoying herself. Little did she know was that she was being watched. She saw a fluffy white rabbit and an odd, black creature that looked like a combination of a dog and a cat. They were both drinking something that smelt like alcohol. But what she didn't see was a huge dragon, the colour of grass. She was even more oblivious to the fact that the dragon was staring right at her.
She had so many questions. What kind of alcohol was it? How did they get hold of it, being forest animals? Are animals allowed in the tavern? What kind of creature is next to the bunny? She wondered and leaned against a tree, once again tapping those long, beautiful fingers on her chin. She never was interested in trying alcohol until now. She giggled awkwardly when she remembered her first taste.
She was 9 years old and it was the Day of the Royal Feast. She was excited, elated, so happy, because this was her favourite day. Everyone was always surprised at how much the little princess ate. The food was so delicious that she couldn't stop! But something came along to ruin the fun. Her mother offered her a sip of wine from her goblet. Being only a young child, she grabbed the goblet from her mother's hands and to her mother's horror (and father's amusement), she took the biggest gulp you would ever see. The bitter taste of wine flooded her mouth and she swallowed, pulling a face of disgust. From that day on, she vowed she would never drink alcohol again. But now that she was older, maybe she could stand it.
So, she walked out of the forest, to the local tavern. It was a vivid scene, men rowdily singing songs and wrestling each other. She gasped when she saw a hulking man who resembled a rhinocerous down 3 jugs of beer without stopping. She had never seen this before, her parents wouldn't have let her anyway. Despite the fact that the whole atmosphere intimidated her, she clenched her fists and bravely strolled up to the counter. She didn't have to order alcohol if she didn't want to. She quickly scanned the list of drinks. Something caught the corner of her eye, a strong, stocky lumberjack drinking from a big mug of a flowing, silky-looking golden liquid.
The man at the counter was surprised when he saw her, his eyes widened and his mouth flopped open like a fish out of water. "Y-your majesty! W-what would you like?" he stammered.
She giggled a bit at his reaction and pointed at the lumberjack. "I'll have what he's having," she declared. The man at the counter looked at her a bit oddly.
"Your highness, you do realise that's just Honeymead, don't you? It's not like the fine wines in the castle. In fact, there is no alcohol in it at all!"
She smiled. "No no, that's perfect. How much is it?"
"3 scandians," he said.
She paid him the money and took a seat on a rough wooden bench. He handed her the drink and she took a sip. It was magnificent. It was sweet like honey, but also rich and buttery. Not a hint of that bitterness from the castle wine. She happily downed her drink and observing the loudness of her surroundings, she burped loudly. Nobody noticed. Just as she was about to leave, the green dragon from the forest smashed in the door and stomped in. The disruption brought her back to her senses. Everyone screamed when they saw the dragon. Suddenly, it flew over and took her in its jaws. She continued screaming as it takes her away.
Does she:
