The Dragon Queen

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Introduction to dragon-land and my life

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The dragon-land, where I live is large, colorful, shimmering, and full of life. It has the highest mountains, where the mountain dragons live, and the deepest seas, where the sea dragons are at home. There are lush green valleys, bubbling streams, rivers with clear water, and extensive forests. A unique feature is the picturesque sand desert with its meter-high dunes and refreshing oases full of palm and date trees. The ice worlds with their large glaciers and icebergs are fascinating. It will come as no surprise that this is the preferred home of the ice dragons. dragon-land is a land where the energy frequency is extremely high. This means that everything is creative, fun, encouraging, affirmative, strengthening, and nourishing. There is no fear or worry, judging others is unknown, and serious illness does not exist. There is no money; everything that’s needed is always available. You imagine it, and then it materializes. If I am thirsty, I imagine a jug of delicious, fresh water, and it is already in my hand. It works like this with all needs. We dragons fly through the land, but we can also beam ourselves from one place to another; our imagination then takes us there.

In our dragon-land, there are many communities of different sizes. They enjoy and share their lives with each other. If we want to, we can live a couple of thousand years. New life is created in dragon-land because a community wishes it. Two men and two women from the community agree to take on the main tasks of growing and learning until the dragon child is an adult. Basically, everyone in the community is responsible for the newborn dragon, but those four are responsible to a greater extent. We leave dragon life when we are drawn to a new experience on another planet. Then we dissolve the body into golden light, and the soul manifests itself in the new place.

We have many different professions that we enjoy and that serve the community. One of these professions is to be queen of the land, with the main task of representing the land well to the outside world and establishing sustainable cooperations and

networks. Within the country, it is her task to ensure that everything is in balance. And since this is a great challenge, this profession means that the queen lives in no romantic relationship as it could distract her too much.

Well, I am this dragon queen, and my name is Ismira. I have pearlescent dragon scales, and I am very tall and slender.

I chose this profession because I was fascinated by how one of my mother’s (that’s what

I call the two female dragons who were responsible for raising me) practiced this profession. I often traveled to other planets, and it was wonderful to be welcomed everywhere. I was able to play with the dwarves, the

elves, fairies, and the whales. I love everything about my country, and I also love traveling to other planets.

Lately, there is something that has been particularly on my mind and even causing me concern. I can’t discuss it with anyone, not even Ari, my very best friend, nor Mari and Nori, my wonderful friends. This is very unusual, but that’s how it is.

So, I’m going to tell you about it now, if you’re willing to listen?

There are all kinds of relationships in our communities. Some live in romantic relationships, others with friends, or with romantic relationships and friends, etc. I know all these possibilities, except for romantic relationships, as they are not meant for me as a queen. The fact that I don’t know this form of togetherness has been making me restless for several weeks. I tried to bring it up in the community and also with Mari and Nori, but that didn’t work. I didn’t want to discuss it with Ari, it seems inappropriate to me. I don’t think anyone understands what I mean. How am I supposed to keep perfect balance within the country when there is something I can’t really feel? I can guess, but you only really know what you feel. And feeling, in turn, works best when you experience it. Since I can’t experience this under normal circumstances anywhere in dragon-land, I’ve come up with a plan to make it happen anyway. Unfortunately, I can only implement this plan by cheating a little, maybe even more than that, but it’s only for a short time. I think it will ultimately benefit everyone because I will then be able to feel this part of our lives in its entirety. No one will ever find out, and I will be able to do my job even better.

My plan is as follows: I will pretend to travel to another planet for a month for exchange purposes. Since it is the very familiar planet of the whales, no one needs to accompany me. However, I will not travel to the planet of the whales but will fly incognito to one of our communities and find out everything about romantic relationships. I have already applied to a community far away from ours, where I am not so well known, as a goldsmith. I have found out that there are a particularly large number of couples in this community who are in romantic relationships, some for as long as 500 years, which is just right for my plan. I hope that I will be accepted, and then the adventure can begin.

Chapter 2 - The Acceptance

Oh, my goddess, I’m so excited, I’ve been accepted as a goldsmith in the dragon community of Scalegloss. I’ve already prepared everything for my departure. Fortunately, no one suspects anything, as I’ve never cheated before. Ari seems to suspect something, he asks unusually often what my assignment is and what I’m planning to do and seems surprised. But even though it’s really hard for me, I haven’t told Ari anything. Tomorrow I’m leaving. First, I’ll leave dragon-land, then secretly return, transform myself into a small green dragon, and fly to Scalegloss.

The New Life

I did it, I’m already on my way to Scalegloss as a small, green-shimmering dragon. Only my eyes are the same, they can’t be transformed. I have strongly shaped eyes with long, black eyelashes, and my eye color is turquoise. So, I decided on green scales, because I thought they would go well with my eyes and wouldn’t stand out. Everything worked out according to plan. I even traveled to the whale planet, paid a quick visit to the whale committee that works for the good of the country, and then flew back quickly. I used my camouflage scales in time, which made me invisible, and so everything worked out. I’m so looking forward to this month. Besides, I’ve always wanted to learn goldsmithing. That’s an added bonus. Oh, I can already see Scalegloss. It’s called that because the slopes shimmer in all colors, green, red, brown, even shades of blue and violet are there. The goldsmith is located in one of the big mountains.

Slowly, I glide down. Here I am, standing in front of a golden door. I take a deep breath and knock. May everything go well and may no one recognize me. The door opens, and a dragon with blue scales stands before me. She looks at me and greets me warmly. “You must be Ismira, it’s nice to have you here, come in. I’m Frederike, I’ll be your teacher for the first five months. How nice, you have the same name as our queen.” She looks at me kindly. I hide my brief alarm and nod. We enter a room with several work tables, tools and metals lying on the tables and on the floor. Several dragons are concentrating on their work. They use their own fire to melt and work the metals. “Well, observed,” says Frederike, “using the fire to the right extent is an art that you need in goldsmithing. You will learn it from me.” I look at Frederike in surprise, as I hadn’t said anything. “It’s fascinating,” I say. “Later, you’ll get to know everyone who works here, but now I’ll show you where you’ll be staying. That way you can settle in, and then we’ll see.” We leave the workroom and come back outside, climb a few steps and reach a rock niche.

“This is your apartment. I hope you like it.” You have a wonderful view of the countryside from here. “Thank you, it’s beautiful.” “It’s lunch break in an hour, come down then, so everyone can get to know you.” I go outside again and let my gaze wander over this wonderful landscape. “Hello, you must be the new goldsmith,” I hear a woman’s voice, but I don’t see anyone. “I’m up here, right above you.” I take a step forward and turn around. There stands a large, forest-colored dragon. “I’m Moss,” she introduces herself and flies next to me. “I live with Mark in the cave above you.” “Nice to meet you, I’m Ismira.” I’d love to ask her if she’s in a romantic relationship with Mark, but I decide to leave that for now. Better to be a little cautious. “Are you a goldsmith too?” I ask. Moss laughs and says, “No, I’m in charge of the forest, but Mark, my partner, works in the goldsmith.” “Yeah, they’re lovers, and they live right above me,” a voice inside me cheers. “If you need anything, just come up to us,” says Moss, and then she’s gone. I’m satisfied; this is a good start to my project. My cave is very comfortable; there is a living room, a cooking area, and a bedroom. There is a door at the other end of the cave. That’s unusual. I try to open it, it sticks a little, but there, I’ve got it open and I almost slip in my astonishment. Before me lies an infinitely wide valley in shades of green and blue, through which rivers meander, a sea of green stretching to the horizon. I hear a clearing of the throat. I turn around and there is Mos again with a basket full of fruit. “A welcome gift for you,” she says, “quite an impressive view here, isn’t it?” “It’s incredible,” I stammer. She’s already flying away again. “Thanks for the welcome basket.” “You’re welcome.”

It may be important for you to know that we hardly eat anything. Since the energy in dragon-land is so high, we don’t need food or drink, but sometimes we eat or drink anyway, simply because it can be enjoyable from time to time.

Oh, how wonderful it smells. The basket has fresh mangos, red and green apples, and huge pears. There is also a bunch of brushwood that smells wonderful. I place the basket deeper into the cave so that everything stays nice and fresh and make my way to the goldsmiths. Frederike waves to me and motions for me to come to her. “It’s almost lunchtime, then we’ll sit outside on the plateau together. You can go out now.” The plateau is like a large balcony right in front of the goldsmiths. “Hello,” says someone behind me. I turn around and there stands a large, golden dragon. “I’m Mark!”

“Hello Mark, I’ve already met Moss, I’m very happy that you live above me.” His friendly face is illuminated by a broad grin and looks even friendlier. “Moss is the best, you can always count on her.” The others arrive, sit down in a circle, and motion for me to take a seat. Frederike says a few introductory words and asks everyone to briefly introduce themselves. There’s Kuri, a black dragon with fur so shiny it looks wet. When she moves, there is a golden glitter in her scales. Next to her sits Mechthild, a gray dragon with a metallic sheen, who seems to be a little older. His movements are somewhat slower, but very dignified. “I’m Porti,” says a young silver dragon, "I’m in my third year of apprenticeship, and in a few weeks, I’ll be taking my final exam.” Now it’s my turn. I’m nervous, and suddenly I feel uncomfortable that I can’t tell the truth. What I’m doing here suddenly seems so absurd. Should I say that I’m the queen and tell them what I’m planning to do? Everyone is looking at me. "I’m Ismira, I come from Mountainy, and I’m very happy to be here to learn goldsmithing,” I finally say. “Why do you want to learn it?” asks Kori. Now I can say something that is really true. I explain that we don’t have any goldsmiths in Mountainy, but that I admire all the beautiful work on the jugs, pots, and necklaces and have always wanted to know how to make such things out of gold, silver, bronze, and copper. Apparently, I was very convincing, because I hear Mechthild call out, “She’s accepted, what do you think?” He looks around, and everyone nods in agreement. Frederike explains, “You have to know that although we have given you a commitment, we only take someone when we are sure that they have a passion for goldsmithing. Now that’s clear, so we can get started. You’ll have a one-month trial period, then you can make your final decision and we can make ours.” She claps her hands happily and waves me over to her. “I’ll show you your workspace, then we’ll start with the different materials, and

maybe I’ll show you how we use the fire.” I have a stool and a work surface next to Frederike’s workstation. And so, the learning begins. In the evening, when it’s over, my head is spinning from all the new knowledge. I thank Frederike and go to my cave. “Hopefully I’ll still remember what I learned today tomorrow,” says a doubtful voice inside me. I would have liked to go for an evening walk, but I’m so tired that I don’t even listen to Moss and Mark upstairs, I fall asleep at once.

It is still dark when I wake up, the air is pleasantly cool and fresh. What have I learned about romantic relationships so far? Moss and Mark seem to know each other very well. Mark was not at all surprised that Moss had already visited me; their great familiarity and deep affection for each other is obvious. I feel like taking an exploration flight through Scalegloss. I grab a mango and off I fly. The first signs of dawn are appearing in the sky, a bird sings, others answer. Below me is a playground, and the building next to it is probably a dragon kindergarten with a huge swimming pool and a breathtaking slide. Behind it, I can see a sports field and a fitness center. Then come the pottery and painting studios. Suddenly, a huge, beautiful domed building appears before me, with large glass surfaces facing the sky. This must be the Temple of Scalegloss. Delighted, I glide down to the entrance. There is no gate. I walk through a beautiful stone archway and “Wow.” There is a sea of colors and shapes on the walls, cloths and vines hanging from the ceiling. I am drawn to the center, where a large water lily mosaic adorns the floor. I stand there, feel my heart, my pulse, and enjoy. It becomes quieter and quieter inside me, I feel so comfortable with myself and with everything around me. I AM, time stands still. I breathe and enjoy this wholeness, the presence, the silence, and the connectedness. I know this state, but I would never have guessed that there is a temple here where you can reach this wonderful feeling so quickly. I stay until it gets light and the first rays of light flash through the glass windows above me.

I decide to fly back; I want to be at the goldsmith’s on time. Then I hear the beating of dragon wings. I stride through the stone archway, look around, but can’t see anyone. Did someone watch me? “Well, even if they did,” I say to myself, “it’s surely allowed to linger here in this beautiful place.” But in that moment, I am startled. I have transformed back into my normal, pearlescent dragon form. How could that have happened? I quickly transform back into the small, green-shimmering dragon. “Did anyone see me?” I have to

find out what kind of special place this is. In any case, I have to be more careful, that’s for sure. As I approach the cave, I see Mark waving. “Come join us for breakfast,” he calls. I don’t need to be told twice and land right on the plateau in front of their cave. The stone table is set with delicious fruits, green vegetables, fresh salad, and fragrant herbs. “Where have you been so early?” Mark asks. I tell him about the temple. Mark smiles and says, “Ah, you were drawn to our holy of holies.” Moss comes out with a plate and greets me with a hug. “Ismira was at the temple,” Mark says to Moss. “Good choice!” Moss replies. We sit down at the beautifully set table. Mark and Moss shake hands and extend their hands to me. As I look at them in surprise, Moss explains, “We bless our food.” “Ah, I see.” I place my hands in theirs and enjoy the golden blessing that flows from above onto and into the food without words. “That’s nice,” I say afterwards. “Don’t you do that at home?” asks Mark. “You haven’t told us anything about yourself yet. What’s it like where you live?” Oh, I didn’t want to steer the conversation in that direction. I quickly say, “Can you tell me more about the temple? It was so beautiful there.” Moss smiles in agreement and says, “It’s a wonderful place where many things are possible. The energy bubbles up from the earth like a fountain. Some see it, others feel it. You can recharge your batteries there, relax, think clearly, and get new ideas,” says Moss. “And it’s the place where we confessed our love for each other and decided that we wanted to live together,” adds Mark. “It’s also a place of wisdom and truth,” I hear Moss say. I prick up my ears. Truth? “Does that mean you can find the truth there?” I ask. “It can present itself in different ways, but only what is true exists in the temple,” says Moss. Now I understand why I transformed back. That means it’s best for me not to stay in the temple. Something inside me feels sad about that. “Oh, it’s late, we should go to the goldsmith’s,” I say. They both nod. We quickly clear the table together, and Mark and I fly down to the goldsmith. Frederike is already waiting for me. Gold, silver, and copper plates lie on the floor. “Are you ready?” she asks me with a beaming smile. “Ready!” I speak. It’s another intense day of learning, which I enjoy so much that I’m completely surprised at how quickly it’s over. I ask Frederike if I could stay longer, but she says no. “It’s important to rest and spend time with the community, then tomorrow will be another good day of work.” I understand what she means. “Come to the garden party in the evening,” says Frederike. “Garden party?” I ask. I haven’t heard anything about that. “There are beautiful gardens just outside our village, and sometimes, like today, the garden dragons open the gardens, and we’re allowed to spend the whole night and the next day there.” “That sounds very tempting, I’ll be there,” I say. A community celebration, that’s good for my plan to feel love relationships more closely. I take a shower and spray rose scent on my scales, then I fly off to the garden party. I am by no means alone in the air. In front of me, I see Mark and Moss and lots of large, medium, and small dragons whizzing through the air, most of them clearly heading for the garden party. Suddenly, Frederike, Mechthild, Porti, and Kuri are next to me. “Glad you’re here too,” Kuri calls out. The black scales shine and shimmer even more intensely than in the goldsmith. Oh, I can already see the gardens. Giant sequoias, climbing plants, it must be a rainforest. Further back, I can see large mango trees. We land at the edge of the gardens. Kuri hooks her arm through mine and says, “Shall I show you everything?” “That would be great.” I hadn’t really had time to get to know Kuri, Porti, and Mechthild any better. We wander through the wonderfully fragrant gardens, and I am introduced to someone new every few minutes. I can’t remember all their names because there are so many. My attention is mainly focused on the couples. I see couples strolling around hand in hand, one couple kissing, another beaming happily at each other, one couple is so engrossed in conversation that they don’t seem to notice their surroundings. “Do you live at home with your friends or with your love?” I suddenly hear Kuri ask. I am torn from my observations and stammer. “I live with friends.” “I lived with a very nice dragon for ten years, but he wanted to spend more time in the Dragon Sea, so now I live with my friends again,” Kuri tells me. “Was it difficult when he moved away?” I ask. “It was strange at first, but we had a nice celebration of change, which helped. We’ll definitely see each other again, and we can visit each other.” “Would you choose a partner again?” I ask curiously. Kuri laughs “I already have. Do you see the silver dragon over there at the back by the vines? I’m in love with her, and I think she likes me a lot too. We spend a lot of time together and enjoy it, but we haven’t openly expressed our affection yet.” Kuri waves, and the silver dragon waves us over. I realize that I’d like to be alone for a while and say to Kuri, “Thanks for showing me everything, I’d like to be alone for a while. I think I’ll go to the temple.” Kuri nods understandingly and is gone. I fly to the temple and sit down outside in the meadow. I don’t dare go inside, lest I revert to my true form. “Hello!” A gray-and-white, very old dragon sits down next to me. “You must be the new goldsmith,” he says, looking directly at me. I nod amiably. “Would you like to see the temple from the inside? I am the temple guardian, I can accompany you.” Oh, I would have loved to do that, but I couldn’t. “Maybe later, I was already in the temple a few days ago,” I reply. He nods, and it’s as if he’s saying, “I know.” Suddenly, I don’t feel so well anymore, it’s as if I’m coming down with a fever. “I think I need to go home,” I say to the temple guardian. He looks at me kindly and nods. I fly toward my cave, and my heart feels so heavy that I feel like I’m about to crash. My breath is thick and sticky, and I’m glad when I finally reach the cave. How could I have come up with such a crazy plan? I don’t want to lie to all these lovable dragons anymore. I think of Ari, Mora, Nori, and all the dragons in my home and throughout the land, and the more I think of them, the more miserable I feel. I have failed as a dragon and in my profession as Dragon Queen. I open the door at the end of my cave and gaze into this infinite expanse. I feel myself calming down, my breath beginning to flow through me like a golden river again. Now I know what I have to do and what I want.

The Confession

In no time at all, I pack my things, take a piece of paper and write: “Dear Friederike, I’m sorry, but I have to fly home. You’ll hear from me very soon.” I take the note down to the workspace. I can’t explain anything yet; first I have to confess at home, then here in Scalegloss, and preferably at the same time throughout the whole of dragon-land. No one wants me as queen anymore, but I don’t care. It’s better than continuing to spin this web of lies and letting it grow bigger and bigger.

I take off and feel as light as a feather again. Should I beam myself up instead of flying? No, it’s good to have a little more time, I decide.

After a few hours of flying, I see Mountainy, transform back into myself, and fly straight to Ari. He is in his cave. With him is Mendi, a little dragon whom he and three others are primarily responsible for raising. Both are engrossed in experiments with light and speed. Ari is a researcher and constantly invents things that are important to us in dragon-land. “Hello!” I speak. They both turn to me, and I see Ari’s astonished face, which is also very pleased. “Why are you back already?” he asks. “I have something urgent to tell you,” I say. “Now?” he asks, a pipette in one one hand and a match in the other. I nod. “If it’s possible?” “Okay,” he puts everything aside, explains to Mendi what he can do in the meantime, and we go outside. “Ari, I’ve done something really stupid.” He looks at me in disbelief. I tell him everything from the beginning, from my thoughts, my plan, and how I carried it out, to how it became unbearable for me, and I flew back quickly, and what I plan to do now. Ari listens to me without saying anything until I calm down. “Oh, you dear thing,” he laughs, “you’ve gotten yourself into quite a mess, and all to find out what romantic relationships feel. You could have just asked me.” “Why you? You’ve never been in a romantic relationship,” I exclaim. “I’ve been in a romantic relationship with you since I’ve known you, with the only exceptions that we haven’t said it out loud and that we don’t live together.” “And we don’t kiss either,” I add. “Yes, but that’s only because you’re the queen and it’s not allowed,” says Ari. “You’re right, the more I’ve observed the romantic relationships in Scalegloss, the more I’ve thought about our friendship. I haven’t found any differences.” Suddenly, everything is quiet. Ari and I look at each other, and then we kiss, for the first time, quite naturally, as if we had done it many times before.

“I have to go now,” I say, I have some things to explain. “Good luck!” Ari calls after me.

I decide to convene the Dragon Committee to report everything, and then I will send a nationwide message telepathically, apologizing in particular to the dragons of Scalegloss.

Some members of the Dragon Committee shake their heads in disbelief as I tell my story. I tell them that I am prepared to give up my position as queen and that I understand if they never want me as queen again.I also tell them that I kissed Ari and intend to live with him in an official romantic relationship. The chairwoman, Meranda, a large dragon with golden scales, finally says that the committee wants three days to think about it to calmly consider the matter and come to a decision that is best for everyone in dragon-land. The committee agrees that I should send a telepathic message to the dragons of our land, informing them that the Dragon Committee will be in touch in the near future.

I fly to our news station and telepathically send my message to everyone in dragon-land, also saying that I am prepared to give up my role as queen. Addressing the dragons in Scalegloss, I say: “I would like to apologize to you from the bottom of my heart. The time I spent with you was a wonderful time for me, every second of learning in the goldsmith, like staying in the temple or in the magnificent gardens was unique. I enjoyed all our encounters very much and I am truly sorry that I deceived you. Please

forgive me!”

Then I fly to Ari, and I can tell from his serious face that he has already received the

telepathic message I sent. “Well, done,” he finally says. “If the committee still wants you as queen, is that what you want too?” he asks. I shrug. “I’m not sure anymore if I want to be queen, even if I’m allowed to live with you. The profession of temple guardian would be something that would interest me greatly, I think. I could visit the temples of our country and perceive their special energy, recording it and making it accessible to everyone in dragon-land. I could talk to the temple guardians and write down their experiences.” “That feels good,” I hear Ari say. Suddenly, I feel extremely exhausted. “I think I’m dead tired. Can I lie down on your couch for a moment?” “Sure, get some rest!” Ari turns to me and has to smile because I’ve already fallen asleep. I spend the next three days in my cave, because I don’t want anyone to see me until everything has been decided and clarified. I would like to fly to our temple, which always helps me when I’m restless, but I decide not to. I meditate, play the trumpet, let off steam, and am glad that Ari keeps coming by to see me and calms me down with his balanced presence alone. Mari and Nori also come by every day. Mari meditates with me, and Nori brings delicious things to eat, and we sing together, which does me good.

The Decision

On the morning of the third day, I almost fall out of bed with excitement because the committee has sent me a telepathic call. I freshen up, take a deep breath, and fly off.

Meranda, the chairwoman, stands up and begins to speak. “Queen Ismira, we have come to the following decisions.The provision that a queen or king may not have a romantic partner because it could distract too much from work is outdated. What you did was wrong, it was a big mistake, but we sense your sincere remorse and have accepted your apology. Your actions have shown us that a change is needed here.

We have sent this decision to all the dragons in the country and asked for their feedback. There was only positive feedback, from Scalegloss, we have received a special message about your correct and very positive behavior.

In the future, we expect 100% honesty in all matters, even if the path is difficult at times. If you can promise that, then we want you to continue in your role as queen. What do you say?”

I take a deep breath and stand up. What should I say? I am deeply touched that the dragons of my country would continue to place their trust in me, and I am very relieved that the dragons of Scalegloss are obviously not evil. Do I want to continue to perform the duties of queen, or would I rather become a temple guardian?

Everyone looks at me, intently, expectantly.

“Dear Committee! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your efforts and your decision, and also for involving all the dragons of the country. I very much enjoy being queen, but I would also very much like to visit the temples of our wonderful country, absorb their energy, and observe them. I would like to talk to the temple guardians and record the specifics of each temple. Then all the dragons in our country will learn about these high-vibrational energy places and can use them as needed. I am not sure if I can fulfill both tasks satisfactorily.”

Meranda looks around and asks a telepathic question that I don’t understand because it is only addressed to the members. The members exchange views with their neighbors. I observe numerous nods.

Meranda begins to speak again. “We think it’s a very good idea to give our high-energy places more significance in this way. However, we also believe that this is too much for one person. Therefore, our suggestion is that in the future, two people should hold the position of queen/king so that such important tasks can also be included. Do you agree?”

Oh, I hadn’t expected that at all. I think for a moment and reflect, then I say, “I think that’s a great solution, because I’ve often wished I could discuss and share my tasks with someone else and make decisions as a team.”

“So that’s a yes?” asks Meranda. From the bottom of my heart, I say, “Yes!”

Everyone applauds, and the news is immediately sent telepathically throughout dragon-land.

I thank them again and leave the cave where the committee is meeting. I see that Ari is already waiting for me. He looks happy and gestures to me – Well done!

I fly to him, take his hand, and say, “Let’s find a cave together.” We both beam with joy, our hearts shining brighter than all our suns, and we fly away.