The Lonely Dragon

    By Jazmin

    The Lonely Dragon cover image

    14 Feb, 2024

    a boy is standing in front of a dragon on a village street with a backpack on his shoulder and a green dragon on his shoulder, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, storybook illustration

    Once upon a time, in a small town nestled between the hills, a young boy named Sam moved in. The town was known for its unique tales about a mysterious creature, the Night Dragon. Sam, being a curious boy, was instantly intrigued by the stories.

    a boy walking down a path in the woods at night with a full moon in the background and trees, sots art, a character portrait, Diego Gisbert Llorens, comic cover art

    Sam's parents warned him of the village rule: no one was to venture out after sunset. But Sam's curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to explore the night.

    a dragon sitting on a rock with a full moon in the background and trees in the foreground, with a full moon in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Anne Stokes, dragon art

    That very night, Sam saw it. A massive creature soared through the sky, its scales shimmering under the moonlight. It was the Night Dragon, but it wasn't attacking, just flying peacefully.

    a boy holding a crystal ball in a forest with a dragon nearby and a glowing orb in his hand, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, rossdraws global illumination

    This was strange to Sam. Why did the dragon not attack? Why was it merely flying around? He decided to find out.

    a boy standing in a cave with a backpack on his back and a mountain in the background with a cave entrance, dau-al-set, concept art, Diego Gisbert Llorens, promotional image

    The following day, Sam gathered his courage and ventured towards the dragon's cave, located at the foot of the nearby mountain. He was determined to uncover the truth.

    a boy standing next to a dragon in a cave with a fire in its mouth and a glowing eye, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, dragon art

    As he entered the cave, he saw the dragon lying down, its eyes filled with sadness. Sam approached cautiously, not wanting to frighten it.

    a boy standing in front of a dragon and a lantern in a field with a full moon in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, dragon art

    Sam introduced himself to the dragon. To his surprise, the dragon spoke back in a soft, melancholic voice. The dragon was lonely.

    two boys are sitting in front of a dragon and a book in a forest at night with the moon shining, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, storybook illustration

    The dragon explained that it didn't want to harm anyone, but was merely searching for a friend. Sam was touched by the dragon's words and offered his friendship.

    a boy sitting on a dragon holding a lantern in a forest with a dragon in the background and a lantern in the foreground, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, storybook illustration

    From that day forward, Sam would visit the dragon every day, bringing stories and games from the village. The dragon's loneliness began to fade.

    a dragon is standing on a hill with a full moon in the background and a village in the foreground, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Anne Stokes, dragon art

    Over time, the villagers noticed the change in the Night Dragon's behavior. It no longer flew aimlessly, but seemed happier, even playful at times.

    a boy pointing at a dragon on a city street with a full moon in the background and a full moon in the sky, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, storybook illustration

    One day, Sam decided to reveal his secret to the villagers. He explained how he had befriended the Night Dragon and why the dragon had been flying around at night.

    a dragon is standing in front of a house with people standing around it and a full moon is in the sky, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, dragon art

    The villagers were taken aback. But when they saw the change in the dragon, they too wanted to befriend it. They realized their fear had prevented them from understanding the dragon.

    a dragon is sitting on a cobblestone road with a group of people watching it in front of a castle, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Andreas Rocha, dragon art

    From that day on, the Night Dragon wasn't just Sam's friend but a friend to the whole village. The villagers began visiting the dragon, sharing their stories and their company.

    a dragon is standing in a cave with a boy and a girl looking at it and a boy standing next to it, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, dragon art

    The dragon's cave soon became a place of joy and laughter. Children would play around it, and the dragon would watch over them, a gentle guardian in the night.

    a dragon sitting on a rock in front of a castle at night with a full moon in the sky, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Anne Stokes, dragon art

    The once feared Night Dragon had become a beloved part of the village. The villagers realized that sometimes, all one needs is understanding and friendship.

    a boy with a backpack and a dragon on his shoulder in front of him and a group of people, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Clint Cearley, rossdraws global illumination

    Sam, being the one who had extended his hand of friendship first, was respected and admired by all. He had not only befriended a dragon but also taught a valuable lesson to his village.

    a group of children sitting around a dragon in a room with a window and a book shelf on the floor, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, storybook illustration

    Years later, Sam became a storyteller, narrating the tale of the Lonely Dragon to children. The story served as a reminder of the power of friendship and understanding.

    a dragon and a man standing in front of a full moon with a full moon in the background and a castle in the foreground, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, dragon art

    The tale of the Lonely Dragon became a part of the village's folklore. It was a story that brought people together and reminded them of the bonds that they shared.

    a dragon is flying over a city at night with a full moon in the sky above it and a full moon in the sky above it, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Anne Stokes, dragon art

    As for the Night Dragon, it continued to live with the villagers, no longer lonely but surrounded by friends. It was a testament to the magic of friendship that had transformed its life.

    a boy and a dragon in a town at night with a full moon in the sky above them and a little boy standing in front of a dragon, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, storybook illustration

    And thus, the village with its once feared Night Dragon became a place known for its unity and love. The boy and the dragon had changed the course of their lives and the lives of those around them.

    a boy and a boy standing next to a dragon in the night sky with a full moon behind them, furry art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, official art

    Sam and the Night Dragon's story became a beacon of hope, teaching everyone that even the most unlikely of friendships can lead to beautiful changes.

    a dragon with a lot of people standing around it in front of a full moon sky and a house, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dirk Crabeth, dragon art

    With the Night Dragon as their friend and protector, the villagers lived in peace and harmony. Their hearts filled with love and friendship, they cherished the bond they shared with the dragon.

    a boy with a backpack standing next to a dragon on a hill with a valley in the background and a river running through it, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, key art

    The tale of the Lonely Dragon and the boy who dared to befriend him became a legend. The echoes of their friendship resonated through the hills, a symbol of unity and love.

    a boy standing next to a dragon on a street at night with a woman looking at it in front of him, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, official art

    And so, in a small town nestled between the hills, the story of a boy and a dragon lived on, inspiring generation after generation to embrace friendship and understanding.