Deep in a forest not too far from here, is a place undamaged by time. Where the trees reminisce about the warm sun on their bark in the summer, and the lightness of their branches in the winter. The place can’t be seen from the highway, or from your back yard, it’s much farther in than that. The trek is hard and treacherous, as to keep the magical place hidden. However, some cannot be deterred.

Past the thick bunches of undergrowth, full of brambles, blackberries, and thorns. Over the dried-up creek bed that chipmunks scamper in during their free time. To the right of a gnarled oak tree, whose face is aged and cracked. A large motherly puma sleeps the day away here, be careful not to wake her. Three days walk from there is a winding snake of a river. Follow the rippling torrent until you get to a giant rock ripped in two by an invisible force. Walk around the left side of the stone and it will come into view.

A flourishing garden enclosed by a white picket fence. Ivy snakes over the boards, twisting its green fingers around the weathered wood. Roses peek out from over the fence, petals ranging from red to white. The gate will creak when you open it, groaning for having to exert the effort. Pixies flit around your ankles without you realizing that they’re there. Well tended flowers lean against the fence, heady with all the sunlight they’ve absorbed. The garden looks huge, much larger than you assumed. A funny looking bird lands near you on a panel of the fence. It titters and cocks its head, scrutinizing you. Deeming you harmless, it takes off again. Moving farther in, you see mice scurry around the flowers, romping and playing with each other. A plump gnome runs after the fastest mouse, calling out happily. Fairies gossip amongst themselves in the branches of the lone tree in the garden. Elves dive off of the top, using leaves as gliders. A stout troll trundles past you, smiling with crooked teeth. A sharp cry causes you to look up where three or four large masses circle above you. Dipping and diving, the shapes resemble hawks. A fountain gurgles in front of you, spitting water in a gleaming arc. Inside fish swim lazy circles. You spy a young fairy sitting on the rim across from you. She smiles shyly, and flies away. You see something sparkle out of the corner of your eye. Beside a small patch of daisies, a blue rock gleams in the sun. Upon further inspection, you find that the rock is breathing. It’s small chest rises and falls making a soft whistling noise. It’s a dragon, a little one, about the size of a football. The dragon naps in the warm glow of the sun, enjoying the feeling. The soft sound of a door closing comes from behind you. The little dragon whips his head around, a smile on his face. He’s up in a flash, sprinting past you and heading towards the previous sound. You can’t help but follow, jogging behind him. As he runs, his size increases. By the time he reaches his destination he is huge. You come up beside him to see what he’s looking at.

A small wooden cottage stares back at you. Smoke curdles out of the chimney and the smell of hickory wafts up your nose. The front door is open and standing in the frame is a woman. The dragon snorts playfully and shakes his head. The calm woman reaches out her hand, brushing his nose and rubbing his forehead. She only comes up to his shoulder, but he bends down so that his stomach touches the ground. Another cry from above sounds followed by a loud thud. So enraptured by the woman you do not turn. The dragon does and happily moves aside. Something brushes your shoulder. You turn and come face to face with a large mass of feathers. You take a step back and the griffon scrutinizes your face once more. He steps forward and lies down in front of the woman. He makes contented noises in his throat as she rubs between his ears. Behind you more dragons gather, in all shapes and hues. A fairy is sitting between the spines of one.

Somehow your gaze makes it back to the woman, who motions for you to follow her. She leads you to a small hut with colorful walls and a roof made of flower petals. She leads you inside and you both sit in soft wooden chairs. You can’t help but notice how the dragons lie within twenty feet of the hut, one with his head lying practically in the shelter. You feel calm, even with giant dragons lying mere feet from you. The woman beside you takes a small basket from under the table. She takes out a needle and thread and a small doll resembling the blue rock you spied earlier. This one isn’t breathing as she finishes putting the final stitches in the little dragon’s tail. She examines him, turning him over in her hands, looking at his face. Seemingly satisfied she sets the doll on the ground.

A tremor races down his spine, as he tries out his legs for the first time. His thin tail sweeps the floor of the shelter. He turns and lets out a happy yap. At a few encouraging growls from the others, the little dragon runs out of the hut. Instantly he starts to grow. He more than quadruples in size, letting his neck and tail elongate. The unique spine patterns on his back extend and his horns grow out. In a matter of minutes the woman’s creative creation is glittering in the sun and being welcomed by the others. A particularly inquisitive young dragon sidles up to the new boy and flits her eyelids at him. He stumbles about in a clumsy manner, still a little weak in the legs. A few of the older ones grumble a bout of laughter, but call encouragement at the youngster. Playing hard to get, the girl takes off and leads a race to the sky. The others call a goodbye to their creator for now and fly off as well. The youngster jumps once but only ends up falling on his rump. Undeterred he stands back up and this time flexes the strong muscles of his back. He extends his wings, feeling the power in each flap as he tests them. Then with a whoosh he takes off for his first flight calling to the other dragons to wait up. You race out the door to watch them as they wheel about the sky, nearly tripping over the one remaining dragon in the process.

Back in the hut, the woman has another form of a dragon, but this one is not close to being finished. A soft voice comes from behind her.

"You’ve done so well here Suzanne." A tall fairy walks around the table to occupy your empty seat. Vines wind up and down her arms and her clothes are made of leaves. The woman looks up at her, remembering when she had put the last stitch on her.

"This place is perfect for all of us. We have no fear here." She says.

"Thank you Lorelei. I just hate to see them leave." Suzanne replies a note of sadness hindering her voice.

"I know…but this way they can spread the happiness that you have created here to anyone who needs it." She smiles. "I do believe you may be spreading some happiness today."

You turn to apologize to the dragon for almost stepping on him. He stands four feet taller than you, but leans his head down to your level. His eyes are a soft brown color, like melted caramel. He touches his nose to your cheek. His scales are unexpectedly smooth. You run your hands over his neck, and he growls happily.

"I think he likes you." Suzanne says from behind you.

"He’s so handsome." You scratch under his jaw, sending shivers down his spine.

"I think he wants to go home with you." You turn around to face her.

"Really?" She smiles a wide grin.

"Definitely." The dragon wags its tail for effect. Overcome, you give Suzanne a big hug.

"Thank you, so much."

"You’re welcome. Now all you have to do is walk out of the garden without looking back." She spins you around to face the exit.

"Can I come back?" You ask.

"As much as you want." You smile wildly and head off. With the thought of your new dragon you quickly trudge off with him only a half step behind you. You reach the gate too soon for your liking, having forgotten to savor the last looks for today. The gate fails to creek under your hand as you exit the magical garden. You continue walking, along the river, past the tree, over the creek bed and through the underbrush. Your house has patiently waited for you and its new houseguest. The small bundle in your arms feels light as a feather, as you cradle him protectively.

Suzanne sits back down beside Lorelei and continues working on the fabric dragon. She stops a little while later to calmly admire her sanctuary. All of her creatures’ frolic and play without worry of being hunted, captured or otherwise being misused by careless humans. The dragons continue to play in the skies and the fairies continue to gossip in the tree. Hardship cannot touch her fanciful creations as they grow and learn. Behind her garden gate all her dreams can come true.