Cryostasis

By Dragonsmom!

It was a little cold this Halloween, but the dragons didn't mind as they gathered around the warm fire. There was plenty of tasty treats, and warm drinks to go around, and ebveryone was having a good time.
Hallows was enjoying watching the fire shoot sparks up into the air. She liked sitting here beside it, feeling the heat as it warmed her bones. They weren't as young as they used to be. As a matter of fact, it seemed the air around her was getting chillier so she scooched a bit closer. Still the temperature of the air around her plumeted. Looking around the clearing, it appeared none of the other dragons were affected. The Nocturne drew her cloak closer to her body.
But when she let out her breath, she could see it hanging in the air in front of her. What was going on? A shiver racked her entire body.
"Bit of a chill in the air, isn't there?"
Hallows jumped.
Where had the glistening figure sitting beside her come from? She couldn't quite make out what kind of dragon it was or what its costume was.
"Yes, it certainly has gotten colder, although no one else seems to be bothered by it."
"Ah, that's the way it is sometimes. There are those who react to the ghostly realms, and then there are those who don't."
The ghostly realms? What was the stranger talking about? Just trying to give her a fright on Halloween? But there was air definitely seemed colder now that the apparition had arrived. She tried to laugh it off. "Ghostly realms? Nice try. How'd you make it so cold?"
The "ghost" looked perplexed. "It's just the way of us haunts."
"You're saying you're a ghost???'
"That might be a bit strong of a word for it, but it'll suffice."
"If you are a ghost, how did you die, and why are you here talking to me?"
"I was lonely, and like to chat with other dragons on Halloween.
"Why me?"
"You were sitting here, and seemed like a nice dragon. Plus, I like your costume."
"As nice as you are, you do make it very cold."
"Do you want me to leave?"
Hallows sighed. "No. I'm happy to chat with you. Don't want you too lonely on Halloween.
"Ah, thank you so much. I may bring the cold with me, but I also can make you the warmest hot cocoa to ease the chill." A steaming mug appeared beside Hallows.
"How did you do that?" she gasped as she quickly snatched up the warm mugs, wrapping her talons around it. Just the heat and the scent warmed her soul. "Thank you so much!" She took a sip of the magikal drink, and began to purr. "Oh, this really is good. You're not having any?"
"Ghost, remember?"
They both laughed, then sat there chatting for awhile. The hot cocoa certainly did dispel the chill, and the ghost was an interesting creature to talk with.
They were interrupted when Dragoona came over to the fire to check on Hallows. "Why, Cryostasis- I didn't see you sitting here. Getting to know our new friend, are you?"
If it were possible for a ghost to look sheepish, Cryostasis certainly did. "Just having a bit of fun, Dragoona," she said.
"Well, I'll leave you two chatting. But here's a treat for you." The Tundra handed a present over. As she turned to walk away, Hallows excitedly encouraged her new friend to open her gift. When she did, it seemed the air around them suddenly became warm again.
"It's a ghost squishie!"
"Why, it looks just like you- hey, wait a minute. You're a ghost! You can't hold squishies!"
Again the sheepish grin. "You got me there," she admitted as she pulled some scarves and veils from her face to reveal herself a Wildclaw dragon.
"How did you do it?????"
"I know some magik and have practiced hard at chill, as well as making hot cocoa appear out of nowhere! It's a fun trick to share a treat on Halloween!"
"You certainly fooled me. But it was a lot of fun! Thank you for visiting with me."
Cryostasis grinned. She loved this trick! So much fun to fool dragons for awhile with her magik.
Beside her, Hallows grinned too. She's never admit to anyone that she kind of had her suspicions when she saw the big Wildclaw talons peaking out from beneath the ghosts robe!