Lirle, The Dragon

I was dreaming.

That much was clear.

Because Troy was there and he was laughing.

It'd been a long time since I heard him laugh.

Warmth and love radiated from him and I felt such joy. Even when he started to lick my face.

"Troy," I said, giggling. "Stop it."

His face changed from my gorgeous Troy to something red and scaly.

I opened my eyes and looked directly into the face of the dragon that had been in the nest with me.

Surprised, I rose up on my elbows, hoping the dragon would get the hint and get off, but it just scooted down into my lap before resting its forehead against me.

I heard the distinctly female voice inside my mind: Hello, my name is Lirle.

"Can you get off me, Lirle," I said, aloud, forcing myself to remain calm.

Of course, she said, flying up and landing on the ground beside me.

The ground was cracked and flaky like it hadn't rained in months.