Welcome to the Kingdom

Pumpkin walked through the halls of the palace before opening the large arched doors to the balcony.

The heavy velvet curtains swayed as the door creaked open and the soft wind whistled inside.

Pumpkin stepped onto the balcony and rested her elbows on the side of the stone fence. She placed her head in her claws and gazed at the kingdom below. Despite the sun beginning to sink under the horizon, dragons were still bustling through the streets.

She watched for a little while before the sun had slowly submerged and the dragons had returned to their homes. Pumpkin peered at the moon and the clear starry sky. The warm air and cool breeze soothed Pumpkin’s stressed mind.

She couldn’t help the urge to stretch her wings; it was such a beautiful night. It was simply calling for her.

She leaped into the air and soared over the kingdom. She flew around and dove under the bridge, doing a barrel roll and chuckling to herself as she flew.

Pumpkin landed on the top of a pillar and gazed into the distance. The forest—deep and mysterious. It was only used for traders to come back and forth between kingdoms, on the dirt and pebble road.

But what was beyond the road? Had anyone ever seen it?

Pumpkin’s curious nature drew her forth, and she began soaring towards the lushes trees.

She landed just outside the large doors of the kingdom, where one of the guards, Whittaker, stood.

“Where are you off to, your majesty?” Whittaker asked.

Pumpkin shrugged. “Just going to take a stroll in the forest,” she replied shortly.

“You shouldn’t. You don’t know what’s in there. It could be dangerous,” Whittaker reasoned.

Pumpkin scoffed. “Dangerous? Nah. If there were danger just outside my kingdom, I would know by now.” Pumpkin strode on the road and filtered out Whittaker’s squabbling.

“Well if you must go, I’m coming with,” Whittaker declared, running towards Pumpkin’s side.

“Oh, really? How do you know I won’t stop you?” She asked playfully.

“Because... Er... I’m to irresistible to miss the chance of being alone with?” Whittaker gave a playfully cocky grin.

Pumpkin snorted. “Not that. But let’s go anyway.” Pumpkin began walking into the forest, watching as the moonlight disappeared under the thick canopy of trees.

They continued to walk for a while before a sudden swish of leaves made Whittaker leap in front of Pumpkin, his sword drawn.

“Who’s there?” He demanded.

it was silent for a long time. Pumpkin gazed around the almost completely dark forest. Suddenly, a dragon burst from the undergrowth and landed roughly on the stone road.

The dragon looked up and squeaked in surprise. She was carrying a little lamp, which gave off a dim ember lighting.

“S-sorry! Did I do something wrong...?” She asked quickly, diving behind a bush.

Whittaker drew his sword away a little but still kept cautious. “Who are you?” He asked.

“I-I’m Sulfur,” she muttered. Pumpkin saw that she had many scrolls attached to her satchel.

“What are those, Sulfur?” Pumpkin asked. Was it writing? Stories she hadn’t read yet?

“O-oh! These are all my poems... Silly, I know, nobody writes poems anymore,” Sulfur explained.

Pumpkin stepped out from behind Whittaker. “Poems? Cool! I love literature. Could I read them?” Pumpkin asked.

“Sure,” Sulfur gave a slight grin, handing Pumpkin one of the scrolls.

Pumpkin read the poem, using the little light they had. It was beautifully written, and full of meaning.

“Wow,” Pumpkin breathed, “these are amazing. We have a poet in the kingdom, but his aren’t nearly as good as these!”

Sulfur smiled. “Thank you. There’s a kingdom nearby? Cool! I’ve always been interested in living in a community. I never have,” she explained.

“Really? Well, how’d you like to join us? I could really use some more interesting poems to read.” Pumpkin smiled.

Sulfur’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’d be amazing!”

“Awesome! Follow us.” Pumpkin began walking out of the forest. Sulfur walked beside her while Whittaker took the back.

They pushed through the last of the trees and open into the clear view of the kingdom.

Sulfur was stunned. It was so beautiful as the sun began to rise.

“Wow... It’s breathtaking,” she muttered.

“Isn’t it?” Pumpkin chuckled. “Well, Sulfur...” Pumpkin clapped as the gates opened. “Welcome to the kingdom.”