Awkward Aesop & Fable Baby

Aesop never thought he’d meet Fable, an adorable peanut with charming space buns, barrettes, and glitter on the sides of her eyes; a festival baby it seemed. She smiled while the world around her glistened. Nymphs rested at her feet while fairies flew around mushrooms of red with white spots, shiny to touch, spectacular, nonetheless. She pumped herself up on her hands, to her feet, only to be about two feet joyfully tall, plump, and filled with curious naivety. Nearly knowing nothing and all together too much at once, Aesop wondered, where did this cherub come from?

When Aesop sat her down next to him, she blinked twice, very naturally, and stared at him with great wonder in her eyes. She knew she could trust him; however, he was not sure if he could feel the same way. As adults often kept their suspicious distance, he did not know which direction to go with this overtly friendly, impeccably tiny intruder. She pulled a scent of fruit punch and pop tarts from her pouch. While she was clearly a toddler, he was unsure what type of creature she was. She was surely smarter than her age and could move with the mind of a near adult. Could it be, his first human encounter in this forest?

He stood up and glanced at red fireworks above; they happened frequently during this time of year; this he knew to be true as it was nearing Fall. She almost inched closer, so he immediately withdrew. Unsuccessfully he hid behind a very normal sized tree, however the tree was rather small for his weight and stature. He wanted to say hello to tiny Fable but kept trying to decide against it. He was not sure if she could speak or if they spoke the same language.

Fable plopped down after taking a few steps while Aesop the awkward green dragon continued to spy from behind the forest tree. She toppled over and rubbed her eyes as if tired. He was unsure if she was going to pass out, cry from her fall, or speak! She did not seem to warrant someone looking after her. It was possible he thought, after all this time he had finally met his best friend!

Aemos from Hyacinthia, his other dragon friend from long ago, was possibly not his best friend after all. He had surely thought Aemos to be his best friend for some time but was often disappointed at his ability to avail himself. But back to the new friend. Fable continued to refrain from speech. He continued to wonder her name, age, and the like.

His belly button protruded still from beyond the tree. He wore a T-shirt that read “Look Out!” however it would be clear to any passerby there was not much to look out for given he looked quite harmless and friendly.

In their location, Jerpitrude would be looking for him soon. His wife that was, his lovely purple dragon wife. It was not normal to see a human in Fastudeon, a land far beyond where humans would venture. Let alone, such a wee one. It became clear that Fable might have been lost. As time passed Aesop knew not what to do. He decided he would have to speak to her.

“Hello little one, down there”, he peered anxiously over his invisible glasses. She again blinked a few times, looking quite innocent availing herself of what was to come next. His snout bristled and her eyebrow churned. Now, it was the moment when she began to become afraid. ‘What is this creature’? Her face seemed to think as she turned her head twenty-five degrees to the right? ‘Is he here to eat me’, her eyes bulged? Or even more joyously she thought, ‘save me and bring me home’! Her face relaxed, smiled and beamed, hopeful for the latter.

“Hiiii” Fable spoke, one of the only words she knew possibly. This utterance was followed by the question, “Where is my mom?” As she glanced upwards at Aesop believing he might have the answer for the knowledge that she was far from home began to sink in and her tummy began to ache. She looked down then at her chubby belly and giggled. Very naïve, very innocent and waiting for Aesop to take the fairytale savior lead.

Aesop contemplated the word mother and what a mother was and is. He then transitioned his anxiety to his almost friend, thinking could I possibly be her mother, even if for a little while? He decided to approach, kneel, and state, “I don’t know where your mom is, but possibly a cup of milk would help?” The child’s hesitant smile obliged. She felt trusting but knew not why. She decided with a nod of her head, as her tails bobbled, yes.

He scooped her up onto his shoulders and headed off into the forest, wanting to skip all the way home. Excited for what he would tell his wife and other community members about his new friend to tend to.