Falafel

Chapter 9: Dragon Love

Gregory was in love with a human. Never had he ever imagined that his appreciation for the flexibility and ingenuity of the human race would lead him down this path but here he was. In love. Her name was Jezebel. She was everything good about humans, at least, according to Gregory. She showed up as if by a miracle about two months after he started staying in the human village to keep an eye on Dick’s operations.

Every time Gregory went to Dick’s house to look after their affairs, Jezebel was there with her bright eyes and easy smile to entice him away to some village outing or another. Gregory could not find that he minded. He would much rather pick wild flowers with this lovely maiden than check over spreadsheets in a small stuffy room. Jezebel had a quick wit and a sharp tongue, which Gregory took as a welcome challenge to keep his superior dragon intellect sharp.

There was only one problem. Gregory could not tell Jezebel he was a dragon. That knowledge was strictly forbidden to share with humans. He felt the deep gulf of deceit spreading each and every time he had to lie about his background or even something as simple as his age. He knew that they could further their relationship with this lie between them so he decided to ask the dragon council permission to tell Jezebel his secret.

The council responded with a resounding and unanimous “No.” Under no circumstances was he allowed to share with the female human “Jezebel” the biggest secret of their race. Gregory was distraught. Jezebel could tell. She was so gentle and understanding and coaxed Gregory to tell her what was causing him pain. She took him on long walks in the forest and let the silence fill the air, begging to be filled with unspoken secrets. Gregory was convinced more and more each day that she was his future, despite the verdict of the council.

He devised a plan to help Jezebel figure out his secret without telling her directly and thus skirting the command of the council. He would leave a message with Dick for Jezebel to meet him in a clearing they loved to picnic in for dinner. He would already be in the clearing in his dragon form, of course, and when she was close enough to see through the trees he would transform into his human form. It was perfect! He wouldn’t have to tell her anything but he could finally let her see who he really was.

The day arrived and Gregory waited patiently in the clearing for their appointed dinner time. With his keen dragon senses he could smell Jezebel’s lovely scent approaching their spot. He could hear her soft pitter-patter feet as she wound her way through the trees until she was finally close enough to see his glorious dragon self, standing proudly in front of the setting sun looking for all the world like an extension of the setting sun itself. He heard her soft gasp as she caught sight of him and, waiting only a few seconds, shifted into his human form.

Gregory had rehearsed many possible reactions to his revelation in his head, but what he had not expected was the look of smug satisfaction on his beloved’s face. She showed no signs of surprise or distress, and meeting his gaze let her smirk grow to a full blown sneer. Gregory was shocked. This was his loving angel, he had never seen her sneer at him. Ever. And now, after he has revealed the biggest secret of his life, a sneer is her response? What does that even mean? As quickly as it had come, it was gone and Jezebel was all sweet shock and innocence.

“Is that really you Gregory?” She hesitantly inquired.

“Of course it is, my sweet.” Gregory quickly reassured her. “Do not be afraid, I would never hurt you.”

“Oh, I am not afraid, only confused. Have you always been a dragon, or did someone turn you into one?” Jezebel was beginning her subtle investigation, not that love-struck Gregory noticed.

“I have always been a dragon, who could turn into a human to be with you. Does it bother you?” Gregory was a little nervous now.

“Of course it doesn’t bother me, why wouldn’t I want to be with a fierce dragon? Can all dragons turn into humans, or just one as grand as yourself?” Jezebel looked away demurely.

“Obviously I can turn with a speed and skill some dragons will never achieve but yes, all dragons can turn into humans.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth Gregory knew he had done wrong. That blasted smirk was back on her mouth with a calculating gaze. “But of course, this must stay between us, my love, for other dragons would not want humans to know of their abilities.”

“Is it a great secret then, Gregory?” Jezebel asked a little too eagerly.

“It is very important that it stays a secret, my dearest.” Gregory could only pray she understood, but he could already see the wheels in her head turning. “Please, love, do not tell a soul.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it… except Dick, of course. I must tell Dick, he is my dearest brother after all.” Jezebel had already found an exception and she had known this secret all of two minutes. Gregory did not have a good feeling about this turn of events. But she was his dearest love, surely she wouldn’t betray his trust….right?

Gregory had a lot to think about and he knew just the place to do it. The Naan shop! It has falafel! What, your kids don't like falafel? They'll like this falafel, promise.