HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
The little dragon drug his tail, dejectedly, behind him. It made an odd weaving line in the dust, rather like an erratic snake following his foot prints. Gornul heaved a great sigh. He should have been happy. It was, after all, the anniversary of his birth. A momentous occasion by any standards.
Gornul had proved to be a real force for good in the world. Whether he was battling alongside Duke Hassan's forces in Metamore Keep, or journeying along with his dear friend Oren the Otter, Gornul always stood for what was best in the world.
Yet all his wisdom and all his experience couldn't do anything to brighten this day for him. He felt so alone. The one he would dearly love to share the day with was not with him anymore. At least not physically, and that hurt more than Gornul would admit to anyone.
He missed the gentle wisdom and the sage advice. Always when Gornul had needed guidance, he had been there. But he was no more. He had gone to a better place and left Gornul behind to continue the fight alone.
A tear found it's way down Gornul's scaly cheek. It just a wasn't fair. Why did he have to go on without that dear presence? It was then that he felt a familiar warmth envelope him. Ideas that he thought could not be his own seemed to spring into his mind.
"You're not ever truly alone Gornul. You will always carry me in your heart and in your spirit. You also have many friends who love you and who will always stand by you. No one should be alone on their birthday Gornul. Why don't you go to them."
"But...but how can I celebrate my birth anniversary when I feel so sad."
"It's when we're at our lowest that we need our friends the most. Let them celebrate with you and you may find yourself surprised at how much you have to be happy about."
Gornul finished his internal conversation, no longer certain whether it was his thoughts or another's. Either way he realized that the words were true. He had friends. People who loved him and cared about his happiness.
He decided to drop by the Furry Funnies Stand and see if any of his old friends, like Oren-and FatCat-or Sunblaze-or WOLF were present. Even if his birthday wasn't quite what he may have wished, he could still spend it with friends. After all friendship and love were the greatest gifts we can give each other, and he had that in spades from those around him.
Smiling the little dragon felt his heart lift a little. Turning toward the sun he headed over to the stand and his waiting friends.
Lest we forget... Birthday wishes from the band, too. Click on the image for a full size version of the photo autographed with "Happy Birthday Gornul" by John Schlit.
(Story to be added momentarily. Keep yer britches on. Hee hee!)