Paliborn and Allendra reveled in a sumptuous evening, savoring a delectable rabbit stew that tantalized their taste buds. The little girl's joy knew no bounds; it was, perhaps, the happiest day of her life. They nestled by the roaring fire for hours, enraptured by the halfling's amusing anecdotes and captivating tales of his travels. Paliborn even toasted marshmallow candy over the flames for Allendra, a unique dessert made from flour and sugar that delighted her palate. The halfling promised to impart the recipe's secret one day.
"The Qui-Sartry Mountains and Quartry Settlement are a realm unlike any other in Illuthar, Eli. It's a place apart, a hidden paradise awaiting discovery. Imagine ancient cherry trees that have stood for a millennium, towering plane trees and poplars stretching to the heavens, colossal mushrooms thriving in hidden mountain valleys, and hot springs bubbling with life-affirming energy. Oh, to be there now. And that's not all; vast caves, labyrinthine sinkholes, and subterranean rivers snake through the depths, unseen by the sun's rays. There are waterfalls that plummet hundreds of meters, colorful algae and herbs that provide the foundation of my secret spice blends. I have voyaged far and wide, Eli, and seen much of this world, but no place exudes such vibrant vitality as the Qui-Sartry Mountains."
"I concur, Pal, I intend to explore every inch of this world, and the Qui-Sartry Mountains hold a special allure for me. May we venture there together one day?" Allendra mused wistfully about the future.
"Why not. Fate may yet grant us that privilege," Paliborn replied, infused with the same fervor.
"Promise?" Allendra's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Promise," Paliborn affirmed, grinning from ear to ear. "But now, it's time for you to retire, Eli. It's long past midnight, and you need your rest."
"Okay, Pal, but tell me one more story," the little girl implored.
"Of course, my little fairy lady, but only if you're snug and settled in your bed. Let me see now, what tale shall I recount? Ah, I know, how about an ancient fable, long forgotten by most, of one of the most formidable creatures ever to roam this land. Master Sarcastic related it to me once, and I'll do my best to channel his storytelling prowess." Paliborn paused, mulling over the details.
"I'm all ears," Allendra enthused, snuggling deeper under the covers.
In the ancient times, when the world was young and steeped in magic, there roamed a formidable being, known by the name of Astorius Phallanx Ophare. Astorius was a legend in his own right, a myth unto himself, for he challenged the very concept of time and the divinities that ruled over it. His eyes were the hue of the finest gold, his skin harder than the most precious diamond, and his scales shimmered in every color that basked in the sun's rays. His razor-sharp fangs and claws were the envy of all who beheld them, and his wingspan exceeded that of the largest sails that could be imagined. Astorius possessed both incredible strength and immense knowledge of magic. Astorius possessed both incredible strength and immense knowledge of magic. He could stop time, freeze lakes with one breath, and tear down mountains with one stroke. Everyone was afraid of him, and he of nothing. However, something was missing in Astorius' life. He had no one to continue his lineage. He was unique. One day, he journeyed to the realm of the gods, who cowered before his might and had no power to resist him. Astorius made an unprecedented request of the divine beings, seeking an heir to bear his legacy. The gods, who until then had been unable to find a way to halt him and trembled in terror at his approach, beheld Astorius' vulnerable side for the first time. They pondered long and conversed for ages, finally agreeing to his request, but only on one condition. The gods spoke, "If you will share your power with the creature you have created, we shall grant you the right to create anew."
Pal paused for a moment and continued;
"Astorius had grown tired of his solitary existence, so when the opportunity arose, he embraced it with fervor. He bestowed a fragment of himself upon his heart, and thus was born Piessa Garros, a being of towering beauty and strength who captured the admiration of all those who beheld him. Like his progenitor, Piessa blossomed into a fearsome mage and warrior of unparalleled might."
"As time flowed like a river, Piessa grew desirous of a mate to perpetuate his lineage. His father indulged him, and crafted Archia Meides as his bride. As time dragged on, stretching out like an eternity, this time Archia yearned for a younger kin. Thus, Iquarius and Phersah Metheus were brought forth into existence, and so the cycle continued. The initial progeny had burgeoned into a vast and sprawling family. Subsequently, their offspring multiplied in exponential fashion; what was once a meager dozen expanded to scores, scores gave way to hundreds, and hundreds blossomed into thousands."
"But as the years wore on, Astorius felt the sands of time slipping through his fingers, and he grew feeble and aged. Once elevated above the gods, he now dwelt upon the earth in a mountainous region of dizzying heights, far removed from all other immortals. Though his glory had waned, he found solace in the warmth and love of his children and grandchildren."
"Yet conflict soon erupted between Astorius' kin and the other beings that roamed the land. Driven by an insatiable hunger for conquest, they laid siege to Archia. Astorius, watching helplessly as his descendants fell one by one, was consumed by an all-encompassing rage. The gods scorned him, offering no succor, while humans colluded with his enemies to bring his bloodline to the brink of extinction."
"Enraged beyond measure, Astorius drew in a deep breath, and exhaled with all his might. He unleashed a tempest of such magnitude that it lasted not mere hours or days, but weeks and months. The very continent of Archia was frozen in its wake, every mountain, lake, stream, and valley forever preserved in ice."
"But the price of his vengeance was steep. Astorius, once robust and towering, was now a mere shadow of his former self, a frail and emaciated shell. He unfurled his wings and let out a cry that shook the very foundations of the earth. "If I were to take another breath," he bellowed, "the entire Aerkha Realm would be frozen solid!"
"And so it was that the gods and mortals alike fled in terror from his wrath, leaving Astorius and his kin to fade into obscurity, never to be seen again. Such was the final fate of the glorious Astorius, who had once ruled over all with a power unmatched and a heart that burned with an undying flame."
"Alas, this tale had no joyous end," commented Allendra in a mournful tone.
"But it is but a chapter in the grand story, Eli. And who's to say it has reached its conclusion? Nay, the crux lies in its being forgotten," replied Paliborn.
"Be that as it may, pray tell, what were the beings birthed by Astorius called? Astorians, mayhap?" queried the little girl.
"Nay, fair lady, though that be a name not unfitting. The name they were bestowed with was none other than 'dragon'," replied the halfling with a sly grin.
"Dragons? Can it be that they truly exist?" exclaimed Allendra, her eyes widening in wonder.
"Once upon a time, they did. But now, they are naught but legend. Now, rest thy weary head, dear Eli. I shall keep vigil outside," said Paliborn reassuringly.
"Good night, Pal."
"May thy dreams be filled with dragons, Eli," replied Paliborn, his steps fading into the night.
On a starry night without a moon, the halfling sat on a wooden bench in front of his tent. Though he had rested, he was still wracked with pain. His gaze drifted to a flask of bright purple magical liquid tucked away in one of his pouches, but he soon relinquished the thought. "We'll save that for another day," he sighed. With the night dwindling, the coming day loomed, promising to be long and arduous. Retrieving his pipe, he filled it with tobacco and ignited it, inhaling deeply.
"Oops, I've snatched Sandman's pipe again. He'll be fuming this time," he chuckled, the corners of his lips upturning.
Closing his eyes, he envisioned himself lounging atop colossal mushrooms in the Qui-Sartry Mountains, staring at the heavens. The fragrances of lavender, orchids, honeysuckles, lithium, magnolias, and lotus flowers that grew in the vast valley intertwined within his thoughts. Above all, he yearned for the aroma of cherry blossoms carried by the gentle summer winds, ringing like a distant bell. As his fatigued body slumped to one side, his consciousness plunged into a deluge of memories.
* * *