Author's note: This is probably the shortest chapter.

Chapter II: Time Flies

The study was a comfortably bright room. There were large books lined up on even larger shelves all around. And plenty of mushrooms, of course.

I heard a soft, rythmic ticking that seemed to come from all around. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that there were a number of clocks placed on the walls. There were all different kinds, from circular wall clocks to fancy grandfather clocks.

"Ah, I see you've found my clock collection. This is where I keep most of them. They are very dear to me. You see, every dragon collects something. Usually we like bright shiny gems or round, spherical objects; but I just have this odd affinity for time keepers."

The hair on my neck stood up, and I tried to tell myself that it was nothing but a coincidence.

"Oh, there I go rambling on again. Let me make haste and try to locate that book. As they say, my dear N. Gin, 'Time waits for no one'!"

I bit my lip, and watched him pore through the tall shelves. I was somewhat amazed as he floated up to the top of one bookcase and returned to the ground with a book that was slightly smaller than all of the others.

"This book was passed down to me from my father." He set the book down on one of the mushrooms, and I could see that the cover had a title written in some sort of odd runes.

"It has survived many generations, and the owner -- who was an acquaintance of my ancestor to whom it was given -- wrote this book based on his alleged experiences with a human that he had known secretly. Of course, no one had really believed him, so it was just passed off as a clever work of fiction by everyone else. Simply a biology book about wingless faeries, if you will. But I believe every word of it."

"What's it called?" I asked him.

"The title is Humanology," he traced his finger along the runes as he read them. He then opened the book, flipping through the yellowed pages.

"I must confess, my friend, that this is the very book I used to study in order to take on a human form. So if you note any abnormalities, then blame it on my limited knowledge."

I studied the pages of illustrations showing the human structure, inside and out. I was no biology major, but everything seemed to be depicted accurately.

The two of us scientists spent the better part of the evening (so it was, as he told me) discussing all he wanted to know about human life and habits, and in turn, all I wished to learn about dragons. He even brewed some mysterious aromatic tea (he had a vast knowledge of herbs) that tasted delicious with milk and honey.

I started getting sleepy around ten o' clock. I was startled by a cuckoo clock going off beside and above me. There was a small wooden creature thrusting in and out of it, but it was a dragon instead of a bird. A cuckoo dragon?

"Alas," Nefarious yawned, briefly baring his white fangs, "The hour is late. My, how time flies! We should both get some rest now. Here, I'll show you to my guest den."

I followed him once again down the cave tunnel. The dimly lit pathway put me in an even sleepier mood.

The guest den was located not far from the study. In comparison to the first two rooms, this one was quite small. But with its pile of straw in the corner, it was cozy enough. Nefarious had even brought me a couple of blankets that he explained were crafted by the faerie folk.

"Good night, N. Gin," I heard Nefarious say to me as I nestled in the soft bedding, "See you in the morning."

"If I'm still here, that is," I replied.

"Either way will be fine, I'm sure," he sounded hopeful, "No doubt (unless this really is some sort of dream) that you will remain here until it is time for you to return. In any case, I shall assist you in any way that I am able to."

"Thank you, Nefarious. Good night."

"Pleasant dreams, Gin," he exited the room and turned back one last time in my direction, "Should you need anything, just holler. I may have a rather large home, but we dragons possess excellent hearing, you know. Oh, and I suppose the echoing helps as well ..."

If he had had anything else to add, I didn't catch it; I had drifted right off to sleep.

+End of Chapter II+