The Severis Tales 1: Post-Teen Growing Pains

The Severis Tales

1: Post-Teen Growing Pains

©2018.06 Patrick Rivers

For all the tea in the east, and all the peace in the west, Larry would just like to be alone. Born to Xiveer (pronounced Zai-Veer) and Leena Severis, Larry “Arendor” Severis is a half-dragon-a mixture of elf and dragon species that have existed for most of history.

At the very least, most half-dragons have horns, semi diamond-shaped eyes, claws, and coloured skin, including some scaled dragon-like skin in various places. Some half-dragons are roughly fifty percent dragon and fifty percent elf, while others vary on each side.

Larry, however, has more pronounced horns, more scaley skin, and claws. Like true dragons and bipedal dragons (also called bipeds, dragons who are more elf or humanoid in design), he has a tail and functioning wings. There is one feature Larry has that no half-dragon or bipedal dragon has, however: the ability to breathe fire. That is a trait characteristic of the more pure, elder dragon race, yet Larry possesses such a skill. His father, Xiveer, is a half-dragon, yet he does not possess Larry’s features; while his mother, Leena, is a pure elf. From there, if one were to take a guess with percentages, Larry would be something like seventy-five percent dragon, and twenty-five percent elf.

Bullied and called a freak all his life, Larry succumbed to anxiety, depression, and stress at an early age. Called out on his “freakish” nature from all walks of life, even to this day, he rarely travels through his home town of Barlett on his own. Helping him throughout his journey is Elcra Winterbottom, his long-suffering, yet patient childhood friend. An elf and a tough farmer, Elcra is very defensive of her friend, often persuading others with threats of violence in the most extreme of cases.

As Larry became sensitive, and unable to cope in primary school, he was privately educated. He learned the ways of the world, learned to read and write, while his parents tried to be gentle, and support him in every way they can. He grew up, without many friends or experiences, while protected from the cruel, hateful world.

~ # ~

Today, on Mondas, Septela 1, 1103, Larry’s cocooned world of warmth and safety unravels. Not only is it Larry’s eighteenth birthday, but it is the first day of registration for the Barlett College of science. As a grown man, he learn to must face and adapt to the ways of the world. Naturally, this sudden change has caused Larry undue stress and it has made him quite anxious.

Leena opened the front door to their house. Larry was standing on the top step of the porch, kicking the leaves off the top step. She modified his leather jacket so his wings would poke through. Her skill at sewing is less than apt, to say the least; so it was to her astonishment when Xiveer found a knack for creating gloves to hide Larry’s “deformity,” which he wears on his hands to stop bystanders from unexpectedly shrieking.

“What’s wrong?” she asked him.

Larry whimpered. “Oh, you know, just everything.” he replied. A gruff-sounding voice, Larry sounds more grown up than he really is. Others are put off by the unintentional pseudo-aggressiveness of his tone. His voice is like that of a dragon, but distorted since the onset of puberty.

Leena brushed back her long, blonde hair. “Dear, you aren’t a small child anymore. Everyone you knew has grown up and matured. At least, I hope they have. They aren’t likely to push you around anymore. They aren’t like Toln Faresteed, who I know you hate the most,” She sighed, and closed her eyes. “I know you’re nervous and agitated, but if you don’t want to spend the rest of your life, hiding, and without any sort of goal in life, you need to try!”

Larry frowned. “Yes, I know…”

Leena put her hand on Larry’s arm. “It’s only registration day. It’s a brand new thing for everyone, including the College. There will be lots of people from all over Marius County and beyond coming to Barlett to invest in their future. You’ll get to meet various people, maybe even e someone like you. Elcra won’t be able to bail you out forever, you know?”

“Yes, yes, I know,” said Larry, kicking the floorboard under his feet. “It’s just a new thing for me. I look different from everyone, I just don’t know…”

Xiveer opened the door, and stepped out. “I hear you’re having some little boy issues, eh, son?” he said, slapping Larry hard on the shoulder. He took his pipe out of his pocket, lit it, and put the stem in his mouth. “I was like you when I was your age. I learned quickly to get over it, and move on. You’ll grow out of it too…I hope…”

Leena shouted at her husband. “Xiveer! Don’t antagonize him like that! He’s already having a hard enough time as it is!”

“Oh, come on, dear! I’m just giving him some encouragement!” said Xiveer, laughing.

Larry squinted at his father. “Encouragement, like the little bit of encouragement you gave me last year. You know, the one that nearly cost Jok Ferguson half his cornfield because you accidentally gave me a bag of flour to throw into his bonfire, instead of the powdered stone he asked for? He’s still annoyed at you about that, you know!”

“I know, son. I’m sorry about that,” said Xiveer. “Well, if it wasn’t encouragement, at least you had adventure!”

Leena glared at him again, and Xiveer glanced away. Larry took her hand off his arm. “Mother, father is right,” he said. “I’ll grow out of it, I’m sure.” His deep amber eyes suddenly popped out of their sockets, and he let out a painful squawk. “Yeow! What the hell?!” he cried.

Behind him, Michale “Mike” Severis-Larry’s insufferable and belligerent younger brother-swung from his tail. “Look! I’m swinging through the forest!” he said, laughing.

Leena yelped. “Michale Harold Severis! You let your brother go right now!” Just as quickly, Mike obeyed, and darted off into the house. She held her head down, and sighed. “Larry, you better get going. The college coach is up the street, and it will be taking off soon.”

Reluctantly, Larry sighed, and lumbered down the steps, through the path, past the gate, and onto the sidewalk of Pine Street. “Alright. I’m off, then. I’ll be back before dusk, I think.”

His parents walked to the gate to see him off. “Come back in one piece now, you hear?” Xiveer yelled to Larry. Irate, Leena punched him in the shoulder, and punched him hard. “Owww!” he cried, rubbing his shoulder. “That hurts!”

“Do you think we’re too forgiving to him?” asked Leena. “I mean, maybe we’re the ones responsible for making him like this. He doesn’t have that thick skin. I’m worried about him.”

“That’s a tough one,” Xiveer said, scratching the back of his head. “He really isn’t like his peers, or like me, for that matter. He’s a very sensitive person. Don’t get me wrong-I would like to breath flames and fly over Barlett, just like my ancestors. I thought that would have been something of a blessing. Instead, he’s written off as some sort of anomaly, of which even I do not fully understand. I’m just glad others have sense not to come knocking on our door, and create a sacrifice of sorts. We’ve shielded him from most of that harshness, but we never encouraged him enough to build that thick skin, as you say. Indeed, maybe we are responsible.”

“I’m not sure he’s capable of defending himself,” said Leena, nodding in agreement. “He’s likely to go to another adult, rather than fix things himself. “It’s a good thing we’re a bit more strict with that creature running amok in the house…”

Xiveer raised an eyebrow. “Michale?”

Leena’s eyes sunk. “Why did he grow up to be an aggressive little…he’s so different from Larry when he was small. He doesn’t have that gentle demeanour and friendliness-it’s all outward aggravation and torment!”

Xiveer wrapped his arm around Leena, and held her close. “Don’t worry, dear-he’s a small boy. It’s just a phase…” The large clock in the town square rang out eight times, it’s chimes rippling through most of Barlett. Xiveer panicked. “Good gracious me! Only half an hour until we open shop! Mrs. Wigglesworth will be most unpleased if she doesn’t get her bread right on time!”

“I’ll get Michale to school. Take the keys and open the store. I’ll be there as soon as I can!” Leena kissed Xiveer on the cheek. “Love you!” she said, running back inside the house.

Xiveer puffed gently on his pipe. He held the keys up to the clear blue sky. The thin, blue-dyed granite fob, with the words “Severis General Goods” engraved on the surface, glistened in the sunlight. With a sigh, he put the keys in his vest pocket, and walked off, muttering to himself, “Oh, it’ll be a good day, for sure…”

~ # ~

At ten past eight in the morning, the horse and carriage going to the College-stationed at the corner of Pine and Morton-began its journey back to the cathedral tower-like College with a carriage full of students. There must have been at least twenty students who got on. Larry was not among them. In fact, he was still a few metres away when it disembarked from the curb.

“Hey! Wait! Stop!” he called to the carriage. He ran like hell down the sidewalk, the slats of wood clunking under his feet. Despite his laziness, Larry can run incredibly fast. He was quick, but alas, he was not quick enough-the carriage and its two horses galloped away. Nonetheless, determined to make that carriage.

A few passengers have started to take notice of Larry. “Look! Someone nuts is running after us!” said one person, while another shouted “That man’s insane!”

Panting, Larry made a judgement call, and made a fantastic leap off the cobbled road. “Oh, no you don’t!” he roared, grabbing the edge of the carriage. His feet slipped off the ground, and he dragged along the road, bouncing up and off the pot holes and unexpected miniature mountains in the middle of the road. “Oh my god, what have I done?” he yelped. The bouncing on the cobbles caused constant hiccups in his voice.

A man near to him opened the carriage door. “Come on-grab my hand!” he shouted. Bravely, Larry grabbed the kind man’s hand, and pulled him up. “Ow! Ow! Ow!” he cried as Larry’s claws dug into the skin of his arms.

“Sorry! So sorry!” said Larry. He got a leg up onto the step, and hurled himself onto the flat floor of the carriage. He simply laid there, exhausted, moaning “I hate everything.”

“What the hell possessed you to do that?” the man asked him. “You could have been injured, or killed!”

Larry dusted himself off, and sat beside him. “Yeah I know,” he grumbled. “So, what’s your name?”

“Terrance,” the young man said. “You’re that Larry kid, aren’t you?”

Larry frowned. “Yeah, I’m that kid.”

Another voice echoed from the opposite side of the carriage. “Oh, look. It’s Larry Severis!” It was the unmistakable deep, monotone voice that he knew all his life. It was the voice of Toln Faresteed, his arch nemesis and life-long bully. “I see you’ve come out of that cave of yours to come amongst civilization?”

Larry crossed his arms. “Go away, Toln. Leave me alone.” he said.

Toln laughed. “How about…no! Freaks like you should be…what do you want?”

A woman with short, red hair sitting next to him held her hand out, and produced a small fireball in her palm. “You heard him. Leave him alone.” she said.

The whole carriage looked over. Toln snorted. “What ‘ya gonna do, then? Are you gonna torch me? Come on, I dare you, mage-freak!” he taunted her.

“The whole carriage is looking at you right now,” the woman said. “Maybe you should mind your manners, and be nice.”

Toln grumbled. Eventually, he gave in, sticking his nose up at the woman, and looking away.

“That’s better,” she said, extinguishing the flame in her hands. She got up, and sat down next to Larry. “You know that guy?” she whispered to him.

Larry sighed. “It’s a long story. He’s the bane of my existence.” he whispered back.

“Well, he won’t be bothering you for a little while, at least.” She stuck her hand out. “I’m Tarla. You’re Larry Severis, right? I’ve heard a bit about you. Can I just say, that I’m sorry.”

Larry raised an eyebrow, and shook Tarla’s hand. “Um, thank you, I guess. How do you know about me?”

“My mother, Dyanne, knows Leena,” she replied. “She runs the River Ridge Inn…in…River Ridge. The Inn’s a regular customer of Severis General Goods.”

“That must make you Tarla Wilfellow, then,” Larry said. “I heard my mum talk about you a couple times. River Ridge is quite the distance from here. What are you here for?”

Tarla pushed her thick rimmed glasses up. “I have this idea that magic can be used for practical purposes, and I dream one day that we can blend advances in technology with magic for the betterment of everyone. I want to pursue that dream, and it starts here.”

“I see,” said Larry. “That’s a noble cause. What are you here for, to start?”

Tarla giggled. “Theoretical mathematics for one. I’m a nerd.”

Larry nodded. “Nothing wrong with that. I’d probably be doing that too. I’m sort of nerdy like that, but I don’t get out much.”

Tarla’s giggles went silent. “Neither do I, to be honest…”

Larry smiled, and turned his head to the right. “What about you, Terrance? What are you doing?”

“Agriculture, next generation farming, that sort of thing,” said Terrance. “Are you really the guy who people talk about around town? The one who is more dragon than elf?”

“If it makes you feel better, yes, yes I am,” said Larry, annoyed. He looked at the gloves Xiveer fashioned for him. The fabric wore thin, and his claws stuck out on the ends. “Sorry about your arms,” he said. “Thanks for the help.”

Terrance wobbled his head. “Yeah, no problem.”

~ # ~

The carriage continued its way up the long, unwinding road to the College. The College’s mission is to advance the future of the world’s science and technology over the diminishing hold of magic that has existed for thousands of years. Founded before the Invasion of the Marsh Dragons in the year 1006, the College finally opened its doors in the year 1021, about eighty two years ago. Featuring a large courtyard, an internal park with gardens and deer, several faculty buildings and student residences, Barlett College is at the forefront of the world’s knowledge.

The carriage made a few turns around the central water fountain, and then came to a stop. Larry got out with Terrance and Tarla. Toln-who was the last to get out-set his angry, obsessive hatred on Larry. Tarla put her hand up, and Toln simply walked away.

While Terrance departed, she and Larry continued talking about random things, taking their walk to the great hall slow. It seems Larry has made a friend-and despite his own glum attitude, perhaps Leena was correct after all. Maybe this “getting out and meeting people” thing is not so hard after all.

The great hall lay north of the fountain. It is indeed a great hall: an elongated building with a high, vaulted roof, sporting arcades and fresh stone columns. Several hundred prospecting students mingled all over the hall, while others formed long queues to register in their chosen future area of expertise.

Tarla stopped near the middle of the hall, looking around for her queue. Over in the northwest corner hung a large banner that read “Engineering”, with smaller banners pointing to many subdivisions. “Well, that’s my line over there,” said Tarla. “It looks like I’ll have to say goodbye for now.”

Larry stuck his hands in his jacket pockets. “Good luck. Maybe we’ll run into each other sometime?”

“It’s a big school. I’m sure we will. Bye!” Tarla darted off, waving at Larry.

Larry waved back, and sunk his head into his shoulders. This making new friends thing isn’t going as bad as I thought. As the students cleared around him, he felt a heavy poke on his shoulder, followed by the tug on a wing. Larry turned around, and shrieked.

Toln stood over him. “I told you we would have a chat. Let’s get one thing clear: I don’t like the fact you are here. You’re a deformity. You do not deserve to be here.”

Larry smirked. “Yet, I’m still here.”

Then, Toln himself got a hard tap on the shoulder. He turned around. “What the hell do you want, woman?” he shouted.

Elcra gazed angrily into his eyes. “I want you to take your leave.” she demanded of him.

Toln grabbed her arm. “Don’t you lay your hands on me! This is between me and him!“

With her strong hands, Elcra squeezed Toln’s arm, squeezing a pressure point on his wrist. “I said get lost! Or, do I have to kick your stupid arse yet again?”

Powerless, Toln struggled to escape. “I’ll leave! I’ll go! Just let me go!” he begged. If he fears anyone, it is Elcra. Not so long ago, she caused a minor incident near Mila Daruginna’s pub, when Toln put a fist in Larry’s face. Elcra, who is older than Larry, had a drink, and came out with Mila to deal with Toln. The two women threw him off the property, and when Toln challenged Elcra, she held him up against the wall. Since then, Toln has feared any altercation with her, and today’s incident made him weep.

Eventually, Elcra let him go. Toln yanked his wrist out of the way. Before leaving, he gave Larry threatening eyes.

“Well, thanks for that.” said Larry, cheerfully. He did not flinch from Toln’s threatening glance. He knew was safe.

Elcra fixed her shiny, platinum-coloured hair back into shape, and rolled down the sleeves of her brown and beige dress. “You really need to learn to stand up to bullies like Toln. I can’t keep separating you two forever! At some point, I won’t be there, and it’ll be up to you to deal with him yourself.”

“Yes, I know. Everyone tells me so,” said Larry, nodding endlessly. “Either way, thanks for coming.”

“You got yourself out of the house, at least,” said Elcra. “I see you’ve already met someone that didn’t despise you, so that’s a good start!”

“I suppose,” said Larry, smirking. “The others on the carriage here didn’t care much, maybe except for that Terrance guy. Then again, he kept asking questions that I really didn’t want to give the answers to…”

“So? Maybe he’s just curious.” said Elcra

Larry leaned back against a column. “I suppose. Anyways, I probably should be getting in line myself.”

Elcra thought Larry was a bit mad for going for something rather interesting “Are you seriously going through with astronomy? There are so many other areas you would be good at, but science and you?”

Larry went on with a lengthy explanation. “I don’t know why, but I’m seriously interested in what’s past the sky than counting beans for a living. You know, it’s been estimated that we’ve only explored, um, roughly forty percent of the Earth. New plants, animals, places, people, oceans, lakes, continents-exploring is a big thing these days. Yet, while that is all fantastic and astounding, and while I’m drawn to it, I’m more drawn to what is up there. The stars, where we are in our humbled existence, and the possibility of other worlds-that is what fascinates me. It’s only been a hundred or so years that the great elders have denounced the old teachings, concluding with the others that the sky is not made of glass, nor are the stars hung up on little cosmic strings by tiny angels. That day changed the course of Earth’s history for good, and I…”

Elcra stopped his passionate lecture. “I understand, Larry. I do. You’ve told me countless times before. I can see there’s no changing your mind, but do you parents approve?”

“They’re on the fence about it,” said Larry, laughing. “They think I’m partly mad. Then again, pursuit of knowledge is a noble thing. The only thing I can do is give it a shot, and see how it goes from there,” He spotted the sciences section, and found the astronomy banner. A surprisingly long queue formed for that one field alone. “I’m gonna go stand in line before it’s too late.” he said, stepping back.

“I’ll hang around for a bit,” said Elcra. “I don’t really get a chance to come up here, so I’m gonna take a walk. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye!” said Larry, walking off.

Elcra watched Larry run off into the crowd, and stand at the back of the long line. What a kid. I can never tell when he’s serious, or when he’s going to back out. At least he’s trying. Better than hanging around me for the rest of his life, I suppose… She smirked at the thought, and walked off to tour the College.

~ # ~

And so, the school year began. While some students gave him problems, Larry tried his best to not let it dissuade him from his studies. Even Toln was not seen. On the other hand, however, he had not seen Tarla since reception day. Despite difficulty wrapping his claws around some of the more advanced topics, like advanced maths, he seemed to be doing very well. Mrs. Biggs, one of his professors, thought Larry had a very intelligent mind. Meanwhile, Larry began to see less of Elcra, giving her more breathing room, much to her, Leena, and Xiveer’s relief.

Unfortunately, Larry still has been unable to do the one thing he had hoped to accomplish: be social. He told Elcra and his parents things were going well. In reality, people avoided him, or refused to look in his general direction. He tried to ignore the comments and sniggering behind his back. As the days progressed, the stress became worse, and his emotions began to buckle.

So, it was no surprise that next Fridas after registration day, Septis 12, Larry had a breakdown. Upon leaving for the afternoon and weekend, he passed by classrooms and professor’s offices on the top floor of the centre wing. With his books and papers in hand, Larry was about to descend the grand spiral staircase, when a small group of elf students brushed past him. As he placed his foot on the first step, he suddenly stopped. He could not pull himself away from eavesdropping on their conversation.

“Look, it’s Larry Severis, the weirdo!” whispered one student, Carla.

“I hear he’s a loner, no one wants to be friends with him.” whispered another, Janis.

“Maybe because he looks like freak.” whispered Marta.

“Who would want to be friends with something that came out of a swamp?” whispered Carla.

“I know I wouldn’t, he’d probably eat me for dinner,” whispered Marta. “It’s not normal. He scares me!”

Larry’s hands tightened around his books. He growled. They continued with the degrading comments, made deliberately within earshot, until he finally broke. Larry threw down his books on the ground, making a loud, thunderous noise. He turned right around, and confronted them, in a angry, emotional meltdown. “What the hell is wrong with you people? I am not a freak! I look a little different, that’s all! What gets into your thick heads, that I’m some sort of terrible monster, or that I’m a soulless deformity of nature? Can you tell me that? Can you? Can you?” They screamed, and retreated into a small, recessed corner. Snarling, and with his tail in full swing, Larry lurched towards them. “You think I enjoy being talked about behind my back? Do you think I don’t feel anything when I see people give me that look, or laugh at me, or suddenly walk away from me? Come on, dammit-tell me!”

Mrs. Biggs came out of her office, with other faculty staff following suit. “What in the world is going on here?” she asked him.

“The freak’s going to eat me!” cried Carla. “Get the freak away from us!”

“For heaven’s sake, he is not going to eat you!” Mrs. Biggs yelled. “This isn’t elementary school. Stop being such a child, and come out of that corner at once! All of you!”

“Not until the freak leaves!” yelled Marta.

“Yeah, get rid of the freak!” yelled Janis.

“Mr. Severis,” said Mrs. Biggs. “Please come over here,” Larry moved towards her. However, instead of meeting her, he went around the bannister, and walked down the stairs. “Mr. Severis, where are you going?” she called to him.

Larry hung his head low. “Oh, what’s the bloody point…” he said sadly, lumbering down the stairs, and out of sight.

The other faculty staff-including professors, secretaries, assistants-all chattered with one another about what had just occurred. Mrs. Biggs stood at the stairs, taken back by the appalling display of humiliation. Never in my thirty years of service to anyone, have I seen such abuse to one individual. What has gotten into these people? She looked over at the commotion, then at the three girls, who were patting themselves on the back. They acted as if they had done a heroic thing. So, she yelled at them. “You three! Come over here right this instant!”

Janis, Carla, and Marta casually walked over. “Yes, Mrs. Biggs?” they asked.

“What in god’s name have you done? No one gives you the right to humiliate someone like that! This is a college, an academic institution! What you have done is absolutely disgusting, and not in line with our policy!” yelled Mrs. Biggs.

“Yes, but, look at him!” said Marta. “He isn’t like us! He’s scary! He looks deformed! He’s a monster!”

Mrs. Biggs countered their reasoning. “At this College, we treat everyone as equal-dragons, elves, half-dragons, half-elves, whatever! This is not for discussion, and not for you to decide!”

As it so happens, the college secretary, Mr. Arylls, was among the group who witnessed the altercation. He pushed his way through. “It’s you three again, ain’t it? I was warned about you! Come to my office immediately.” he said.

The three girls stood silent, giving him a look of disapproval.

“I said get to my damn office now!” he barked, pointing down the hall. His voice was so piercing, it made everyone jump. Mr. Arryls has been at the college for nearly four decades. When he was told about Larry, he had worries that incoming and current members would treat him with disrespect. He had never raised his voice to the point of fright, until now. It was a moment he was definitely not proud of.

The three students shivered at his voice, and without resistance, obeyed his order. The other staff escorted them to his office, while Mrs. Biggs collected all of Larry’s books and papers on the steps and floor. Looking down the staircase, she pondered on what to do.

Mr. Arryls stepped over. “I’m surprised that Mr. Severis lasted this long,” he said, tugging at his cloak. “This college has seen some barbs traded over identity before, but this trumps them all.”

“May I take leave this afternoon, to see his parents?” asked Mrs. Biggs.

“Sure,” said Mr. Arryls. “Punk troublemakers, I was told, when they arrived in their solid oak carriages. Rich, pompous troublemakers. I’ll see to it that your assistant cancels classes for the rest of today. Rest assured, they will be leaving the College in their rich, pompous carriages, and going back to where the came from.”

Mrs. Biggs nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Arryls. I’ll be off now.”

Mr. Arryls nodded waited for her to disappear down the spiral staircase. With a heavy sigh, he closed his cloak around him, and walked off to his office, with security following behind.

~ # ~

The autumn sun was still a ways away from the horizon when Elcra stopped by Larry’s house. The cool breeze and temperature forced her to abandon her grey and beige dress in favour of a knitted wool sweater and coat. She wanted to see how Larry was doing after his second week. As it was the weekend, she hope he would come out for a little while.

She banged the door knocker, and waited. Uncharacteristically, Xiveer creaked the door open, and peered through the crack. “Excellent! You’re here!” he said, throwing the door wide open. Before she could get a word in, he dragged Elcra into the house, closing the door quickly.

“Mr. Severis, what is going on?” she asked, irritated by his welcome. She sat down on the living room couch, while Xiveer sat down in his old, trusty armchair. “Where is Larry? Is he here?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” said Xiveer, lighting his pipe. “He never came home this afternoon. One of his teachers came to visit me and Leena at the store this afternoon. As it turns out, he isn’t doing so well after all.”

Elcra looked at him, then sunk her head down into her hands. “Oh, god. What has he done now?”

Xiveer took a sip of his tea from his side table, and puffed again. “There was an altercation between him and some students who didn’t take a liking to him. He threw a major fit-a real meltdown, apparently. When asked to step away, he simply left. No one’s seen him since.”

Elcra’s heart sank. “That’s terrible! Why didn’t he tell anyone?”

“That is a good question, my dear, and one that I hope you can get from him,” said Xiveer. “I know he likes to retreat to places of privacy, just so he can relax and calm down; but I have no idea where he goes. In all honesty, it’s none of my business-a private person’s life is private, after all. He may be my son, but I have to I respect his wishes. Would you happen to know where he would go, if he really, really had to chill out?”

Elcra put her finger on her mouth. “Umm, I do know he likes to go to that summit on Felgar Hill. You know, that small mountainous region southeast from town. There’s a place that faces away from Barlett, hard to get to for most people. He can fly, after all-it’s a piece of cake for him.”

Xiveer leaned in. “Would you be so kind, and try to talk some sense into him? Leena and I would rather have you go, as he responds to you the best. I mean, talk some sense-don’t beat it into him.”

“Sure, I guess,” said Elcra. “I would need a horse, though. It’s half an hour by horse, but I don’t have one.”

“Not a problem! Go see Jok Ferguson next door. He’s going through this phase of grooming our one horse, so it’s over there. For some reason, he’s become attached to it.”

Elcra nodded. “I shall go find him. By the way, where is Mrs. Severis?”

Xiveer laughed awkwardly, rubbing the horns on his head. “Ah! Funny you should say that! I can’t say, really. She closed up shop a little early, and went out to do something. Some mission, she said.”

“You have no idea, do you?” said Elcra.

Xiveer shook his head. “No, I don’t.”

Elcra got up, and went to the door. Just before opening it, she asked him: “Aren’t you worried about your son, Mr. Severis?”

Xiveer pointed his pipe at her. “I know my son, Ms. Winterbottom! He may be sensitive and shy, but I raised him, and I know how he works! I’m never worried about him, because I know he ends up doing the right thing in the end. I may have words for him when he gets home, that will be said! There is one more thing I ask of you, if you will…”

“Yes?” said Elcra.

“I know I don’t need to remind you about this, but if he’s in one of those moods, god knows what he may do. Mrs. Biggs said he was looking quite glum. Just…watch your words, that’s all.”

Elcra smiled. “I’ll bring him back, Mr. Severis, don’t you worry!” She left the house, and shut the door behind him.

Xiveer chuckled. He kicked his feet up on the wicker ottoman. “I think I gotta start coaching that kid in real life issues. Maybe it’s time he got a proper job…” he muttered to himself, puffing away on his pipe, and reading the newspaper.

~ # ~

It took nearly fifteen minutes for Elcra to convince the Severis’ next door neighbour, farmer Jok Ferguson, to let go of their horse. With the light fading, she sped off to Felgar Hill, and got there within half an hour. One of his favourite places to rest, Elcra hoped Larry retreated to the usual spot: a hard to reach summit that most do not attempt to reach.

Felgar Hill is a series of small mountains sat on a rather large base. There aren’t many trees, but there are numerous running streams and small waterfalls. The summits offers a tantalizing and pristine view of the surrounding hills and forests, including Lake Volgas, a body of water which is fed by the many rivers sprawling across Marius County. Away from the bears and other dangerous wildlife, Felgar Hill is an idyllic place to visit through the year.

Fitted with a special harness to carry a lamp, the horse carried Elcra way up to the eastern mountain, eyeing the tops for any sign of the half-dragon. Come on, Larry, where are you? Please tell me you’re here! Show me a sign! As she went around the corner, she looked up, and saw a glowing light up at the summit. She smiled. I knew it! I knew you would be here!

Elcra tied the horse to a tree, and with the lantern in tow, climbed to the summit. The top has a small cave that makes excellent shelter from the elements, and provides a warm place for a fire when the temperature gets cold. It was a place she also knew well, either to convince Larry to come down, or when she would try to get away herself. Through all their journeys together, Larry and Elcra never spent time here together-but, as it was a place to be alone from everyone and each other, she never thought once about it.

Elcra climbed up onto the small path, and carefully made her way around. She poked her head around the corner. Larry sat against the wall, with the fire near his feet. Nearer to the wall, the rocky ground was darker than in other areas. They were wet from tears. He had been crying.

“Hey.” said Elcra, softly.

“Go away! Just leave me alone!” barked Larry.

“I heard what happened from Mr. Severis. Your teacher been to see them. Those students have been expelled, and they won’t be coming back.” said Elcra.

Larry looked away from her. “That just leaves Toln and everyone else at the College.” he said grumpily.

Elcra lumbered to the wall, and sat down beside him. “Everyone is worried sick about you,” she said, stretched her legs out, and resting her feet near the fire. “Your parents are worried sick, especially your father. He says he isn’t, but I know better. Others who are worried, too-Mrs. Biggs, for example. Why didn’t you tell anyone you were having problems?”

“Because I didn’t want to have everyone think that I’m the failure that I always am!” said Larry. “Everyone thinks I’ m deformed in some way. I hear them behind my back. I scare them. I’m a monster, I’m going to eat them, or any other combination of that shite! I’m not welcome anywhere. What’s the point in trying, if they can’t stand what I look like? Maybe they’re right. Maybe I am deformed, and maybe I am useless…”

“Stop saying that, for heaven’s sake!” Elcra said. “You’re not a freak. You certainly aren’t deformed. You’re a bit more dragon than you are elf. So what? Half-dragons often vary-you just happen to be a lot more than the other. You aren’t certainly unique, either. Maybe others go through what you’re going through, and I bet they’ve succeeded. Who knows, but you certainly aren’t deformed!”

Larry turned away from her, laying on his side, and swinging his tail between his legs. He remained silent for quite some time before responding. “I tried. I couldn’t do it. I guess it’s all I’m destined to be…” he said, sniffling.

Elcra stood up, and looked over him, thinking of what to do next. What if he never comes down from here? What if I fail myself? Oh, what to do, what to do… She recalled Xiveer’s warning about her choice of words. The solution dawned on her. This is all our faults. He needs a strong arm to set him right. Yes, that’s it! I hope I don’t screw this up… Casually, she picked up a stone from the ground, built up her rage, and threw it against the wall. “Larry Arendor Severis! Stand up on your damn feet and face me!” she screamed at him.

Larry’s diamond-shaped amber eyes nearly popped out of his head. Without missing a beat, he stood up, quickly shouting “Yes, ma’am?”

Elcra scolded him. “I’m done feeling sorry for you! All these years I’ve held your hand and helped you out of situations you wouldn’t face yourself! I’ve had it with you, and this crap you put everyone in!”

Larry stood back against the wall. “W..what do you mean?” he stuttered. He had never been talked to like that by anyone before, let alone Elcra.

She followed him, poking him in the chest with her index finger. “You want to get ahead in life? Reach down in your trousers and grab a pair of bigger balls! From here on, you need to solve your own problems. Those people talking behind your back? Ignore them, and continue on! You give in so easily, you give them every incentive to hurt you. Instead of wallowing in your goddamned sorrow, how about you man up a bit? Is that too damn hard to do?”

Larry tried to respond. “I-I…I can’t…” was all he could squeak out.

Elcra grabbed his hand, and held it up to his face. “Look at your hands! They got claws on them! Look at your skin! It’s reptile-like, like other half-dragons, and dragons alike! I don’t know about you, but from my experience, these things are not indicative of a recluse who wants everyone to feel sorry for him! I’m not saying be aggressive, but stop being a damn wimp!”

Here and now is the moment of truth. If he was truly lost, Larry would simply back off, cry, or run away. However, Elcra’s forced anger paid off. Instead of being submissive, Larry got angry. He grabbed Elcra’s wrist, nearly to the point of pain, and hurled it away. “Oh, is that so? It’s so easy for you to just say this and do that, isn’t it? Come on, try being in my shoes for a bit, and see how you feel after a couple days of being hounded and harassed! I bet you couldn’t!” he growled.

Elcra stepped back. “Okay, you’re on,” she said, folding her arms. “Let’s make a list of things that you think are stopping you from doing basically anything, and I will tell you on each point , that you are full of crap!”

Larry snorted. “Fine. First off, how about my name? Larry-it isn’t short for Lawrence, but fecking Larry! I would’ve liked Lawrence-but no, my father had to name me someone who looks and sounds like he’s advertising executive for a series of adult toys!”

“Lots of people are called Larry,” replied Elcra. “It’s a common name in this region, regardless of species. Try again.”

“Okay, how about my voice, then?” Larry said. “I sound authoritative, yet my age doesn’t fit.. I sound like puberty took off like it was pushed off a cliff, stretched out from here to the ocean.”

The comment caused Elcra to chuckle. Determined, she waved her had down across her face, recovering her seriousness. “Stop trying to make me laugh! This is serious!” she yelled at him. “You’re the only person who links his name to…whatever you just said! As for your voice, who cares? There are people in the world with squeaky voices twice your age. I’ve met a few! Come on, Lawrence-try again!”

Larry groaned. “My claws! Look how big they are! It’s really hard to trim these, you know?” he said, holding his fists in the air.

“Lots of half-dragons and bipeds have claws of various sizes. Yours just happen to have actual dragon-like claws. Yet, it hasn’t stopped you from doing things, has it?” said Elcra.

“How about my eyes, then? They’re not bipedal or half-dragon eyes, they’re the eyes like that of an actual dragon!” said Larry. He used his fingers to widen them, much to Elcra’s disgust. “I once looked at a cat. I traumatized it so much, it went into heat! It wasn’t even the mating season! It ran off, singing for a mate!”

“Yeah, and don’t you forget that it was my cat you did that to!” said Elcra. “Okay, fair enough, you have unusual eyes, but they fit your face very well. That’s, what, three to one? You gotta do better!”

Larry turned his head, and breathed a large flame from his mouth. “Bipedal dragons-dragons on two legs-they don’t even have that!” he said, followed by a burp. “It also upsets the acid in my stomach…”

Elcra let up. “To be honest, I think that’s kind of cool. I also think it’s cool you have wings, and that you have an ability to fly, like some bipeds.”

Frustrated, Larry threw his hands up in the air. “What the hell was the point of this conversation, then?”

“It’s three-all,” said Elcra, moving away from the campfire Larry made bigger. “Okay, you have some unique things about you, but equally, you share some things with everyone else. Everyone’s different, but they all have similarities in as well. Like I said, you aren’t as unique as you think, despite what others may say. You are just another person, filled with curiosity and emotion. Obviously, you do have ambitions in life, otherwise you wouldn’t be here,” She moved in close to him, whispering “Now, repeat that answer from your own mouth. Three-all. What do you think that means, hm?”

Larry gulped. “It means I’m not as unique and as I thought I was, and I should take what I have, and run with it!” he said. His mood turned on a dime, changing from sadness to joy. “I must try harder, and not let them get to me!”

“Yes!” said Elcra. “That’s what you need to do! Get yourself out there, and connect yourself with everyone else! If those in your position succeeded, so can you!”

Larry’s smile went away. “I did give everyone a worry, haven’t I?”

“You have, but there’s still time to fix that,” said Elcra. “How are you going to accomplish that?”

“Go home and apologize, I reckon,” replied Larry. “Yeah, that’s what I need to do.”

Elcra slapped him on the back of the head. “That’s the first step. Now, if you are finished here, would be so kind as to help me get back to town? My own parents are probably worried sick!”

“Lead the way,” said Larry, nodding. “Don’t worry about the fire. It will burn itself out.”

Elcra followed him out. “I hope so,” she said. “Otherwise, We will have a tough time explaining to Elder Mevis about why Felgar Hill is erupting.”

~ # ~

After Elcra departed for home, Larry took the horse back to their stable. It was near midnight. The streets were dead quiet. Coming home, he spent most of the time thinking about what he was going to say to his parents. It had to be the first time he caused genuine but unintentional stress on those who cared for him. The argument in his head lasted right up until he stood at the front door. Although he knows what’s behind the door, this time he felt unsure.

With a slow, deep breath, Larry turned the key in the lock, and opened the door. Much to his surprise, the house was dark and quiet. Leena and Xiveer are usually up at this time Are they looking for me? Maybe they went to bed instead. Cautiously, he closed the door behind him. “Hello? Is anyone home?” he called out.

Xiveer’s low voice came from of the darkness. “Hello, son. Welcome home.” He lit the lamp on the table next to his armchair, illuminating a portion of the living room. His chair and side table faced the door. He was expecting Larry.

“Um…” Larry said, standing against the door. “Elcra told me what happened, if it means anything.”

Xiveer puffed on his pipe. “Ah, so she did find you on the top of that hill, eh? Did she sort you out?”

“I…I think so,” said a nervous Larry. “She was really upfront about it. Like, really angry upfront about it. We talked, and stuff. Father…are you angry with me?”

Xiveer wildly shook his head. “Good heavens, no! If you went and tried to do something stupid, like jumping off a cliff and surviving, then yes, I would be angry with you. Sometimes, people need time to themselves. Sometimes, they need a kick up the arse to get them in gear. You got both of them in one day. I couldn’t be more happier! I trust you came back from that hill with a new sense of direction?”

Larry smiled. “I did,” He found it strange, however, that Leena wasn’t around. “By the way, where is mother?” he inquired.

Xiveer looked at the clock on the mantelpiece. “She should be here in five…four…three…two…one…”

Larry raised an eyebrow. “Zero?” he said. The door unexpectedly unlocked, and was kicked wide open. Larry squealed as he was crushed between the wall and the door, much to Xiveer’s shock.

Leena came through with a large basket of breads and cakes. “Mission accomplished!” she announced. Her joyful expression changed to confusion after seeing Xiveer’s dumfounded expression. “What’s wrong, dear?”

Xiveer pointed behind her. “Oh my god!” he cried.

Leena turned around. She saw Larry’s horns sticking above the door, and she gasped. Larry stuck against the wall, staring at her with a face all twisted and bizarre. “Oh my goodness! Larry! You’re home!” she said, dropping the basket.

Larry squeezed his face to reform it, and pulled himself off the way. “I’m fine, mother, thank you!” he said, letting Leena get in a full hug. “Everything’s fine. I’m better now.”

“I was so worried when Mrs. Biggs came down to see us at the store. I thought you had done something terrible!” said Leena. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”

Larry pointed at the basket of breads and cakes. “It’s midnight, and you brought home an enormous basket of bread. Where at this time did you get all of that?” he asked.

Leena looked at Xiveer, clenching her teeth. Xiveer laughed. “It’s a long story.” she said with an awkward smile, closing the door shut.

~ # ~

Fatigued and overcome with yawns, Elcra opened the front gate leading to the house at Winterbottom Farms. Coming up the path, she noticed that some of the wheat crops had been harvested, and very poorly. It confused her for a moment, but she shrugged it off,.

Elcra walked up the path, and went inside. “Mom? Dad?” she called out. Light moaning came from the kitchen, and it sounded demonic. Thinking the worst, she burst through the sitting room, leaping over the coffee table, and hurled herself into the kitchen. Her parents-Berton and Clara Winterbottom-sat in the kitchen chairs, slumped onto the table. “Mom! Dad! What’s wrong! What’s happened?” she said, terrified.

“No more bread. No more…” groaned an exhausted Berton.

“The hell?” Elcra looked around the kitchen. Flour, dough, and dirty pans adorned the tables and counter tops. “You baked bread at this time of the night? Why? Who for?”

“Leena Severis,” said Clara. “Leena came here with a bag of money. She sought out a big order of bread. She refused to say why, only mentioning it was important. I don’t get it…”

“I haven’t baked so much bread in my entire life,” said Berton. “As of today, I’m retiring from the farming business. By the way-welcome home! I suppose once in awhile its okay to stay out late with your friends. I suppose you were with Larry again? Well…I…” Berton said something incoherent, and he snored himself asleep.

Elcra stifled her giggles. Only them. No one else could do it. She distracted them, so they wouldn’t worry about me. That’s why Xiveer knew I would come. They had planned it all out. Good on you, Mrs. Severis. She walked back out of the kitchen, and let her parents be. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad.” she said quietly.

“Good night, dear.” said Clara, moving her head around on the table. Her black hair became caked with white flour, but it was too late to do anything about it. She just laid there, slumped over the table, fast asleep.

Berton, meanwhile, woke up just enough to wish Elcra a good night, promptly falling back asleep. He snored heavier than ever, a dn just enough to disturb Clara, and make her roll her head in the flour, turning her hair pure white.

In the end, however, no one was more physically and emotionally tired than Elcra. It was an interesting day for everyone. By yelling at Larry instead of being gentle, she knew she had strengthened her own resolve, as well as her tenured friendships with Larry and his family. This excluded Mike, of course-she dislikes him as much as Larry does. With all said and done, Elcra simply stood at the end of her bed, and fell forward. Her face bounced off the pillow, and she immediately floated to the land of nod-off.

~ END ~