Lirle, The Dragon

I was dreaming.

That much was clear.

Because Troy was there and he was laughing.

It'd been a long time since I heard him laugh.

Warmth and love radiated from him and I felt such joy. Even when he started to lick my face.

"Troy," I said, giggling. "Stop it."

His face changed from my gorgeous Troy to something red and scaly.

I opened my eyes and looked directly into the face of the dragon that had been in the nest with me.

Surprised, I rose up on my elbows, hoping the dragon would get the hint and get off, but it just scooted down into my lap before resting its forehead against me.

I heard the distinctly female voice inside my mind: Hello, my name is Lirle.

"Can you get off me, Lirle," I said, aloud, forcing myself to remain calm.

Of course, she said, flying up and landing on the ground beside me.

The ground was cracked and flaky like it hadn't rained in months.

When I fell, I felt myself go into the ground, but now I'm lying on a flat surface without an indent where my body w