I do not own RoTG, GoC, or a certain song by Peter, Paul, and Mary.
There is an ache in his heart that he cannot soothe. It has been so long, and he cannot recall now when long began. All that matters is that it does hurt, and it is a hurt that will not go away.
Leaves dance below, calling and coaxing. Come play, come play, come play! they call in their marvelous voices. Come and play, in mist and wave! Come and play and find your brave!
But the sorrow is too dread, and hangs all around like a terrible rain. How? He asks the leaves. How can I play? I am forever, and joy will always turn to sorrow.
The leaves fall silent in their voices, deep in thought.
Forever! one calls, beginning to dance. Forever, forever, forever and a day! Forever and eternity together must play!
The others stir, and dance, and spin. Forever! Forever, alone you are - never! Moon and sun and laughter and glee! Dance together, here by the sea!
He stirs, and lifts his head. I don't understand. Green glints. I am forever. No other is forever.
The leaves laugh. Wait and see, here by the sea. Wait, oh great Forever, alone is what you shall NOT be!
It is hard to trust the leaves. But all leaves have a sort of a wisdom to them, and Autumn leaves the most of all. So he waits, and for the first time in a very long forever, he dares to hope.
"Hello?"
Names did not want to work in this chapter. So in case it wasn't clear, the POV in this chapter was Puff the Magic Dragon.
And obviously, this chapter was inspired by the song (Bill Joyce referenced it on Instagram.) Specifically, the line "Dragons live forever, but not so little boys." Because there is one boy who is forever. (Also, Puff is so very like Nightlight.)
I'd been wanting to use the leaves again, and this chapter turned out to be perfect for them.
And - a happy ending at last!
