Buddy

I was once in a room speaking to some friends about the incoming ruler of the land. I had yet to meet them but had heard that they were a scary force to be reckoned with.

That day arrived and I was pleasantly surprised to see a kind soul walk through. Unfortunately, I was always told this ruler was unkind and unfair to my friends. I felt conflicted.

I steered clear of this ruler at all times, as I believed they did not like me for being friends with some of their servants. We rarely interacted, but I was always greeted with a smile by them, so they couldn't be that bad. Right?

Constantly, it was bad thing after bad thing that was being told to me and I felt awful for my friends. They then began lying to the ruler just to keep them off their back.

I once remember the ultimate struggle happening for my friends. I was the stability for them. I kept them afloat, but I eventually began drowning myself. None of them noticed. I kept my smiles and kept everything secret so everyone felt loved. But I was alone. I had nothing left to give and began to self-destruct.

Then, the ruler began checking on me. Noticed the small things that changed about me. Would ask how I was doing and want to talk about my previous adventures. Showing me the ultimate kindness. I began to question if there were ulterior motives. This ruler never cared before, so there must've been a reason why.

One day, the ruler requested to speak to me in their lair. I was hesitant but decided to do as they said. They mentioned everything they noticed had changed about me, what they were concerned about, and wanted to make sure I was alright.

I broke down. I was finally seen.

I told them as much I could that day and from then on, felt a deeper connection to this ruler and decided it was right to work as one of their newest servants.

We went from being strangers; me only knowing the version of them as the awful mean ruler that had been painted for me, to one of the kindest souls I have ever met. We became friends.

My service to them was not the easiest, as the other servants had a deep hatred for me and everything I was. It became physically impossible to want to continue my service for this ruler, but they supported me in every way possible.

This ruler and I became family.

When things became too much, the ruler would help me escape and remind me that this place was only temporary and I will find my permanent escape. Just like they did. And while it pained me to see them go, I knew they needed their peace and they wouldn’t ever abandon me.

And so outside the of being a servant, we went on our own adventures and created our holiday traditions that would last. It was the first time where I felt as though I finally had a forever friend and I never want to let go.

So to my dragon, thank you for all that you are. I cannot imagine a world without your power. You have done so much for me that I cannot express my gratitude.

While the saying goes, people can come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, I am glad that my dragon will be part of the journey for the lifetime.

To my dragon, thank you. I don’t know where I’d be without you.