Priceless Freedom · Dragon Village

Nov '25 (edited) • Main Story

Priceless Freedom

Patient as painting, I stay still as the jeweler retrieves the embellished gold collar with inlaid rubies from my neck. We are professionals even if he takes longer than he should. It's a simple clasp but I can't get it myself. He inspects it with the glass on his face. When he's satisfied it isn't damaged, I'm paid my share of commission coins. My claws knead at the delightful clinking and rich metallic smell of coin. They inspire joy - as Mother might say. I offer gratitude as he suggests what I could display tomorrow. Sounds like he wants to see if I can handle something more intricate and delicate. Oh, I can handle anything! Even if it's not to my liking, I make it look good.

I actually liked that collar and might encourage him to let me model it again. Wish I could get it. It's tempting to ask Mother to buy it for me but I don't know if she has enough gold today. And I don't think she'd pick clothes over dinner. Maybe I have enough coin but Mother doesn't want me to spend any of it! Well, I spent a little for a celebration feast of my successful business arrangements. But now Mother just wants me to hold onto my coins and keep them safe. SHE wants to buy everything for us! It's MY coin! I should spend it! I can't find it in my heart to go against her but I don't have to like cooperating.

I see Mother at her pretend-stall-of-a-crate calling to the crowd offering her lost wishes. Her constant smile sharp, her voice inviting, her eyes observing, her ears swiveling, and her energetic gestures exaggerated. When she spots me, her expression softens into genuine fondness her smile more sincere. She motions me over but I don't want to! I've been working the market all day and I'm clearly big enough to be by myself! Besides, it's not like my presence increases business there.

Mother's ears draw back and I can sense her worrying.

I just want to explore! I hate that I'm pleading for SOME independence. Doesn't she want me to find a safe place to keep it?

She's not fully convinced but then she smiles and winks at me. I'm allowed to venture on my own! Finally!

Her thoughts send a warning, she doesn't want me to pick a place without her seeing it.

That seems to defeat the purpose but I agree. Mothers are so demanding.

I turn ready to explore this whole village on my own. Or maybe another dragon will join me. Wouldn't say no to some company but then I won't be able to find a secret place for coin.

Mother sends her love and my claws and tail feel heavy. I can't just leave.

Turning back to her, I dash and leap up on her crate pressing my head against her soft chin where I can best hear her rumbling happiness.

"Back before nightfall," Mother says, embarrassingly kissing my head, "Safe choices, wise actions, find fun."

I rush away before she changes her mind or the villagers notice her doting over me.

For the first time, I'm truly free.

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