Orchids

Fabienne walked the paths around her mountain. She always did this when she was back home, on the extinguished volcano where she'd hatched. Here, she knew every tree, every brook, every boulder. She liked the colorful flowers in the meadows, but her favorites were the rare, unobtrusive little orchids at the edge of the forest. Just outside her cave, there was even a small patch. Occasionally, she'd sit there for a while and watch the bees figure out the peculiar shape of the orchids' flowers.

But this morning was different. The little forest was too quiet. The birds were letting out warning whistles. Someone who didn't belong was on Fabienne's mountain. She drew back into the thicket and waited.

It wouldn't be the first time people came up to her cave looking for treasure. Sacrifices to appease the scary dragon were scarce these days, nor did she know any girl in the area desperate enough to come on her own. So it was probably a treasure hunter.

She didn't have to wait long. However, it turned out not to be one of the usual rogues. He didn't have a spear, nor a lance, nor the usual sacks. Not even a bow. Fabienne was almost disappointed. What he did have, she realized after a moment, were a basket and a trowel. Fabienne frowned.

Then, she gritted her teeth. The man had stopped in front of the orchids. The bastard wasn't after gold or jewels. He'd come for her orchids. Anger rose in her like fire. She didn't even realize what she was doing as she leaped out of her hiding spot into the clearing.

She was already unleashing her magic before she landed, transforming into her true form. She roared. The man dropped his tools. One look at the giant dragon and he was running as fast as his legs would carry him.