A dragon emerges from
smoky grey and black
clouds.
Ancient symbols
spin around his head.
Razor sharp, spiky teeth
and scaly back, glisten
like carefully crafted
obsidian spears.

The maiden is not afraid.
Her long hair is loosely
gathered.
A single braid is pulled
to one side. Heavy silk
layers of soft mauve
seem to disappear and appear
again as smoke swirls about
the cavern.

Restlessly, the dragon
circles the space.
The maiden remains still.
She dreamt of this
majestic beast.
She saw his ferocious eyes
sensitive to the slightest
movement.
She saw his bravery
and his compassion.

When the dragon stops pacing
their eyes meet,
their hearts lock.
The maiden steps toward
the flaming roar,
her trust protecting her
from the raging fire.
As her small hand touches
the chest of the beast,
a single drop of blood
is drawn from her delicate
finger. With a swift turn
of his head the dragon
catches the drip on the tip
of his tongue.
Their fate is sealed.
Her treasure
will be forever protected.