Word Count: 510
“Keep up, Snapdragon.” Patty’s voice, crystal and calm as ever, hovered above the low sounds of the woods. Glitter bugs chirped and hopped out from the undergrowth as a pair of cloven hooves, followed by smooth clawed feet, trod over the forest floor. They’d been walking for a while, long enough for the sky over Whistler Crest’s forests to fade from pinks, oranges and reds into an inky black sky. Their path was an odd one, having veered off from any labelled hiking trail long ago, it spanned over rocks, rivers and fallen trees older than the town itself. The canopy was dark and thick, but with just enough gaps to let in pin prick streams of moonlight. Patty led the way with a lantern, but seemed unphased by the darkness, Snapdragon would be she had only brought the lantern to calm his nerves alone. She stepped confidently, whether from familiarity with the trail or her future vision, Snapdragon was unsure; either way, it was a confidence he did not share as he scrambled to catch up with his teacher.
Teacher was the word they had decided on. Ever since the sporepole ‘incident’, Snapdragon had been living exclusively with Patelia, and though they were close, they both had their reservations around their relationship. Patty felt too young, not maternal enough to call herself Snapdragon’s ‘mother’. Similarly, Snapdragon was slightly embarrassed at the idea of a familial bond, his sharp independence and deep respect for Patty as a scholar kept him from showing any inclination of familial affection. Caretaker, guardian, custodian, mentor, these phrases all worked, but teacher was what felt best for them. So that they were, teacher and student.
Through the thicket, they reached a cliff, clear of trees. Snapdragon blinked as his eyes adjusted to the uncut moonlight, now illuminating the cliff face like a spotlight. Snapdragon took in the view, the dark navy sky that met the still waters of Whistler’s Lake. He stood, frozen in awe, until Patty snuffed the lantern’s light out.
“Patty?”
“It’s alright Snap, I’m here.” She grazed the draken’s head with her tail, letting him orient himself in the darkness. “Can't you see them so much better now?” She asked, hopeful.
“Um…”
“Here, let me show you.” She kneeled down and allowed Snapdragon to climb onto her shoulders, holding on by her horns. Slowly she stood up, and Snapdragon saw. The stars, endless and iridescent. Away from the street lamps of town, the piercing light of the stars shone through. Snapdragon looked down to his teacher’s face, and was surprised to see her grinning widely with open eyes. His teacher was, for the most part, a calm and reserved woman. To see her giddy with excitement and childlike wonder was strange, unexpected, but Snapdragon couldn't help the matching grin that was beginning to spread over his face.
“I’m so glad I got to show you this, Snap.” Snapdragon nodded, lifting her head back up to drink in the night sky, the moment seeming to stretch on for a tranquil and wondrous eternity.