Legends of Hawthorne

There weren’t always dragons in the Valley.

Dragons had had to move through the ages, to seek places where they could stay hidden, and find sanctuary. It seemed the world of humans was forever expanding. Still, they had found a place of lush forests, food, and peaceful serenity. Where their human interaction had been limited to a select few chosen ones. Those of the hidden realms. The humans that referred to themselves as Hawthorne. They had shown themselves to be faithful and true. Long ago the dragons had accepted the Hawthorne as kin.

Sarawynn lives in a small Canadian coastal town, in the midst of a rainforest. Though she lives on the mainland, her home is surrounded by islands of many different native tribes such as the Nisgaa, the Haida, the Tsimshian, and far too many more to list. People who believe in the spiritual worlds. Where seeing things of the magic realm can go unnoticed. Most of the villages are serviced only by boats and seaplanes. There is little sea or sky traffic, making it perfect for all types of unusual creatures. It is the end of the actual road but for the marine highway to Alaska. The Great Bear Rainforest is lush, green, and full of wildlife such as black bears, grizzlies, ravens, eagles, seals, seal lions, moose, cougars, mountain goats, and whales. It is the bears and whales the tourists pay to see. Sarawynn often thinks its funny as those animals are pretty common in this part of the world. Still, the tourists ooh and aah while snapping photo’s on their cellphones. Then they try and upload them and frown. Cell service isn’t the greatest in these parts. Most people have internet in their homes but cell service is sporadic at best. Facebook, Twitter, instagram and all the social media is just as popular with the masses here, it just isn’t always instant.

Sarawynn loves working at the local game store, so she sees a lot of tourists in the summer. The owner of the store is known as Saro the elf king. Few people realize that he truly is an elf king, nor do they know how old he really is. Just as Sarawynn herself is a woodland elf. Living in the human world but also part of the hidden realms, both of mystical origin. The game store itself has become well known in the gaming world for its Dungeons & Dragons, it’s Magic games, but mostly for its large attendance and followings. Yet none outside of the Hawthornes know that real dragons exist here. Though sometimes Sarawynn wonders if they sense it. For everyone gets lost in the game play, the sword fights, the live action role-playing, it is as if imaginations catch fire here. One thing is certain, Sarawynn will never leave.

Zaida was just preparing to meet the other Ladies of Hawthorne for a rousing round of Dungeons and Dragons at the game store when Whisper appeared. In the hidden realms, Zaida was a Gnome Druid, attuned to the natural world but gifted with ability of manipulating lightening. In the human realms she works in a hospital in the Pharmacy. Whatever the realm, Zaida knows that medicine is always needed. It gives Zaida a sense of pride to be able to care for her communities - both of them. Busy getting Nanaimo bars ready for the game Zaida didn’t notice Whisper at first. Whisper is a Rufous Hummingbird. Green with a beautiful orange front, very vain, as he knows just how much he is adored. Whisper blends into most foliage. His wings beat so fast you really have to listen to even hear them, and right about the time you sort it out, well he’s already gone. It could be said he’s a good spy, or a very good gossip.

‘Well, what’s the news today Whisper?’ Zaida asked. Noticing that Whisper was unusually quiet. ‘Is Zane causing a stir at the port?’. Zaida waited a beat. ‘Is Scarlett back in town?’. Still no answer. Zaida stopped to look at Whisper who oddly enough was perched and still on the edge of stove handle. Whisper, as a hummingbird, is very rarely still. ‘Well… what is it?’ Zaida asked.

Once he had her attention Whisper replied ‘I’ve been summoned to the lake’. Zaida, a little perplexed, asked. ‘By who?’

‘By the thunder of dragons’ Whisper replied. Zaida looked over the top of her glasses, ‘And you’re here? Go - now!’

It’d be dark when Whisper got there and she would have no idea what was stirring until morning, so Zaida loaded up her treats and headed to the game store where she met up with Sarawynn, and Calypso (a human Wizard). ‘Seems a wee trip might be needed a little sooner than usual’ Zaida said. ‘Oh?’ asked Calypso. ‘Is everything ok?’ asked Sarawynn. Sarawynn and Zaida exchanged a glance. The exchange bothering Zaida as usually there was a form of telepathy between the dragons and one of them. Yet neither had sensed anything unusual. ‘I really don’t know but it’s very odd, and I am a little concerned.’ Replied Zaida. ‘We shouldn’t worry the ladies until we know more’ stated Calypso. All nodded in agreement.

The Ladies of Hawthorne had been helping the dragons for a very long time. Visits to the lake were regular and well planned. The ladies managed whatever they needed and mitigated any potential exposures to the outside world. Sometimes it required a healer, or magic, for minor issues. A few times the Ladies of Hawthorne had accidentally deleted files, got a tourist drunk, or sprinkled a lil crushed mushroom dust on food. Whatever it took, if a dragon had managed to get itself exposed to our world, and we needed to protect them from exposure. Heaven knew what would ensue if people discovered dragons still existed. It was something no one wanted - especially not the dragons.

It was going to be a long night for Sarawynn and Zaida who still could not understand why they were not sensing anything - from any of the dragon. This felt ominous…