Dragonball-Y Pickup and Delivery Service at ENIGMA | Freewrite: 5/17/24 | Prompt: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Inspired by @deeanndmathews's ZAPFIC50 story, A Well-Read Dragon in her response to the Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Challenge dated May 17.

It wasn't more than a fortnight after Boris' visit to the kingdom's newest bookshop that a worried countenance descended. Unable to sleep, he lumbered as quietly as he could outside. Glancing up at the stars blanketing the sky, he choked back tears for his species. How long would they continue to exist in this world. Attitudes were shifting to a position he cared not to dwell upon.

The next morning, the aroma of fresh mint filled the house as Boris paced his steps, heading toward the kitchen. Stumbling, he'd woke with a flaming headache.

His wife, Amora, was busy steeping Chamomile tea before adding his favorite herb. Her husband's snoring was legendary. However, any illness exacerbated it. Boris reached across the table and grabbed a tissue before a short flame erupted. That nasal drip if allowed to land on Amora's tablecloth would disintegrate her delicate embroidery.

Not only was Boris experiencing a flaming headache, he was incensed at a conversation he overhead. He didn't want to burden Amora, but his head was about to explode.

The incident took place as Boris parked in the fire lane at ENIGMA. Ready to load his deliverables for that day, he overhead one of the shop's customers.

"The owner decided not to tell the dragonia about the recent addition of collective bargaining agreements for the service providers. The dumb beasts probably don't know any better to even inquire, which is a good thing."

Still flaming mad at the villager's insinuation, he shook his head violently as he retold the incident to his wife.

But today was his off day from servicing Enigma Bookstore, and he wanted to introduce his son, Oliver, to a new device he'd discovered in their educational toy section.

An eclectic shop was ENIGMA where the progressive owner adopted a "non-discriminatory policy". He enjoyed the bookstore's atmosphere, although the cobbled walkway posed problems for his take-off and landing. Delivery provider positions had become available a month before, but it wasn't until he read about the position from @deeanndmathews' kind posting on the Kingdom Valley West's social media page.

He and Amora had already decided to form their own company to provide speedy services for the kingdom. A blacksmith outfitted him with a coach in case villagers desired to experience flights for pleasure or necessity if a faster return home from outings was required.

Within two weeks of their application, a business certificate was issued. They became proud owners of "Dragonball-Y Pickup and Delivery Service".

A flurry of activity interrupted his thoughts as Oliver rushed into the kitchen.

He twirled an armful of his favorite dragonia stuffed animals. "Yep, we're sky warriors. Everyone knows we are the masters of the air. With one swoop, we can knock those ravens off their mail routes and give them some serious clouds to navigate through."

Oliver's throat hadn't developed its ability to flame yet, so he thrust his neck forward and grunted loudly.

"Mind your manners, son. I suspect you've been reading too many comics. Perhaps I'll pick up some historical reading at ENIGMA on dragonion etiquette. We've come a long way. It hasn't been easy to gain respect due to our violent history and misconceptions." Boris sneezed loudly.

Amora flashed a disapproving look that wasn't lost on Boris. He chose not to address it, instead redirecting her anger at the villagers in a more positive outlook. She took the opportunity to posture her position in light of the disparaging remark of the customer at ENIGMA.

"We were born out of necessity. We survived the only way possible at the time. We were woven into a specific class of human's need to control others, pawns in their deadly games forcing us to take sides in issues that were of no concern to or benefited our species. If misconceptions were bred, they weren't from our spreading."

Boris looked deep into his tea. He coughed, warming up his cup before sipping.

"Now Amora, you know full well that our world is changing rapidly. We no longer dwell in ancient times. In order to keep pace, if we want others to change their attitudes, we must change our actions."

'Big words to live by. Are you a crusader now? I'd like to see you gather all dragonia clans into a cohesive unit. Their objectives are not to live in peace after suffering under harsh treatment. Hurt and heartbreak is all they've endured for centuries."

"Gathering the clans together will be a daunting task, I grant you. But I have a vision for peace before we no longer exist in this world."

The family finished their breakfast in silence with only an occasional snorting flame.

But Boris couldn't allow his family to misunderstand his philosophical stance on peace and harmony: First you must come together before you can move forward together.

He decided on another approach; address Oliver until Amora could calm herself.

"Son, every living creature has a purpose in this world. Let's not begrudge the ravens their mail delivery business. Now, take for instance the Dungo Beetel. It helps our ecosystem deal with our solid waste. Now, we're mighty beasts I won't deny, but when it comes to solid waste, we're the most prolific abusers of our environment. And besides, they are the only creatures that can deal with our particular odor. Perhaps a collective union is the key for our delivery business."

Oliver piped in. "Why father, perhaps the Dongo Beetel can form a collection or get together with other insects and animals who clean up our messes."

Now that's the entrepreneurial spirit, son. I'll dwell on it further before presenting my proposals to the olive and green dragonia clans.

Amora smiled at her husband and shook her head lightly. It anyone can do, with his attitude and determination, he will succeed.

Boris slept well that night contemplating his new purpose, not allowing any negative thoughts to deter him from his mission.

Welcome back to my freewrite prompt story for this week. The photo that is the subject of the story spoke to me about a person :

Describe what you see.
A starry night where the moon is shining bright. A mythical dragon stands in the background of the square where villagers are perusing the shops. A cobbled walkway is visible amid fog low to the ground. The season is of the Halloween celebration with carved pumpkins sitting on the outside of the ENIGMA Bookshop. Inside are shelves of books and other wares.

Describe what you feel.
The dragon has come to the square for a purpose. Since none of the villagers appear to be frightened, he is a welcomed guest among them and pose no threat. He dragon has a story to tell, though as he arches his neck. Perhaps an upsetting encounter has occurred.

Write a story or poem about what you think is going on. I leave with you my story for: A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words - date.