Jewel

“What’s in the box?”

Jewel sat, staring at the strange item tucked away in the corner. For as long as she’d been free of the egg, it had been there, sitting. Waiting. At times, she thought she heard soft whispers coming from it, but when she would go investigate, all was silent. It piqued her curiosity, and she could often be found alone watching it closely.

“Never you mind, child,” her mother said, gently nudging her away from it. “it is meant for those more daring in nature.”

Reluctantly, Jewel left. “But who?” Everyone else – in the nest or from the clan as a whole – tended to avoid it. But she … Looking up at her mother, she asked, “Maybe that’s me?”

Her mother chuckled softly, leading her far away. “No, dear. The adventurer who claims that is a lonely one indeed. Now, go find your siblings and play.”

Pouting, Jewel scampered off. She was not in the mood for playing. She wanted to know what was inside that box as dark as the deepest shadows, framed only by gold and a few jewels. It called to her – not like the whispers, but something about it suggested that she was the one for whom it was meant.

The next morning, after assuring herself her mother was busy, Jewel snuck back into the room. This time, she moved in closer until the tip of her nose could practically touch it. “What’s in the box?” she whispered.

“Open me and you shall find out!”

Startled, Jewel stumbled backward a couple of steps. Once the immediate sense of danger passed, she stared at it, perplexed. “You … you did speak!”

“Of course I did!” it replied in a slightly muffled tone. “What else would you expect?”

Jewel scooted closer again. Tilting her head to the side, she asked, “Are you stuck inside? Why can’t I see you?”

The box moved, bumping and jumping a bit, but did not open. “Unlock me and you shall find out.”

“But, there is no key!” Jewel darted a quick look around, but it was true. No key could be seen nearby.

“You are a clever girl, are you not?” it challenged. “You can find a way to get me open and then I shall belong to you!”

Jewel sat for a few seconds considering the matter, but it wasn’t until she looked down and saw the light shine off the filigree adorning her shoulder, that she came up with an idea. Removing the piece, she wedged it into the lock, wiggling it until she heard a soft click. The lid popped open, and she jumped back a step. A pair of eyes glowed from inside while a smoke-like pair of hands extended, one holding a gem and the other a sword.

“Who are you?” she breathed.

“I am your companion,” it replied, the sword moving loose and free as if stretching tired, aching muscles long held in check, “and so long as we are together, you shall want for nothing. Are you ready to go on an adventure with me?”

Jewel nodded. All dragons needed purpose outside of the nest, but she had yet to find hers. And adventure sounded like a good way to find it. Stepping forward, she peeked further inside, noticing the wealth stored within. “You … this is mine?” she asked, making sure she understood.

“Indeed, it is, my girl, and together we will find enough adventure to last us a lifetime …”