Requiem

The bogsneak had always been intrigued by the circus. Each time it came to town, he snuck into each show. His momma and papa had never had never approved of his love of the circus, so they would not give him money for tickets. But when he was a little hatchling, he had a pretty easy time sneaking. However, as he grew, he became more obvious. Although an average size dragon, he was brightly colored and stuck out in any crowd.

One trip to the circus resulted in his being caught by the ticket bouncers at the door. They were big dragons and grabbed Rex by the scruff of his neck. They ignored his kicking and carried him into a little back tent that appeared to be a green room.

"What were you doing," one guard asked gruffly.

"I...I just wanted to see the circus," Rex said trembling.

"You didn't think you ought to buy a ticket," the other thug asked.

"I wanted to, but I couldn't afford it. My parents won't let me go to the circus but I just love it." The two guard dragons looked at each other and shrugged.

"Kid," the first one said, "We're gonna let you off on a warning this one time, because we know what it's like to be enthralled with the circus." Rex could not believe this thuggish dragon had used the word 'enthralled.' "If you want to stay behind, you could even meet some of the performers. But if you ever try to sneak into the circus again, we will toss you out so fast you won't know what hit you."
Rex nodded that he understood, and sat down on his hind legs to wait for the performers.

Soon, one performer came in. A small, yet majestic, purple-hued nocturne with a tricktrouper crown on her head. She must be the queen of the Circus, a position of honor held by only one per cast. She swooped to the mirror and checked her costume.

"Perfect," she purred, before noticing Rex in the background. "Who," she said in her slavic accent, "vould you be?"

"I'm Rex...I mean...Requiem," he said, making a little bow.

"Vhy are you here," she asked in a low, smooth voice.

"I love the circus. I tried to sneak in but those two dragons at the entry stopped me and brought me back here. Fore a second I thought they were gonna kill me, but they said I could stay back here and meet people." The words just came spilling out. He was so excited to be in her presence.

"I see," she said quietly. "Vell, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Senka, Queen of the Wispwillow Crescent Circus."

"It is an honor to meet you, your Highness," he said, blushing. The nocturne laughed heartily.

"Senka vill be fine," she said. "Well, Requiem, if you love the circus so, would you like to try it out?"