It's more a thought than a sound that you hear
as you walk through the old wooden door
to the Caverns of The Castle Century.
.As your eyes become accustomed to the 
dim light cast by the flame torches, you notice movement.

"Don't be afraid !",the tiny voice says,
as whoever (or whatever) it is nuzzles your hand.

"More light !".

Another voice.
Older.
Female.
         "This is but a mortal and it fears what it cannot see."

           Suddenly, the room is warm,and a soft glow,
in the room's recesses,
gradually builds to a comfortable light.

"Welcome !"

The greeting comes  again.
 But this time an audible sound.

            " I am Enoon." , the voice's owner says,
as she walks towards you.

Enoon is tall and fair,
       dressed in a loose-fitting robe.
             She is smiling as she reaches out for your hand.
             Her skin is very warm to the touch.

    "I am sorry if my children frightened you.
        I was to have met you outside, but was detained."

Her voice is as warm as her touch.

It is then you notice the creatures
that have gathered around you.

   The tiny animal next to you appears to be a baby Gryphon !

"Hello!", he says."My name is 'Featherfluff'' .
What's yours?"

 As he nuzzles you, the distinct sound of purring is heard.
  But before you can answer,two little dragons
start chattering to each other !

"I told you they were all one color!",
says the multi-hued little boy.
The equally colorful little girl shakes her head.

"Don't you remember?
Enoon told us that each one is only one color,
but they can be different colors from each other."

"Huh ??!" ,he answered.
               The little boy was definitely confused,
but the little girl was sure
she knew what she was talking about.

          "This", explains Enoon,laughing,"is 'Hermes' ".
She gently strokes the little dragon.
"This handsome young man is very inquisitive
and wants to know everything!
He is very bright and I do believe someday he will ! "

"And this lovely young dragoness is 'Harriette',
    Herme's  twin sister.
   She is just as curious as her brother,
but has a lot more patience !"

   Everyone laughs at this , including 'Hermes' !

"They are very young
and do not yet know of The Dragon Grace .
Please forgive them."

This voice comes from the slight shadows by the wall.

Walking out from these shadows
    comes a beautiful young golden dragon !

" 'Sun' is this young dragon's name", says Enoon,
"because his handsome golden scales shine so brightly.
He is older than most of the other dragons
& has some knowledge of The Grace.
He is teaching the young ones."

She bows, slightly, to Sun,
showing him the proper respect due to such a fine young dragon.

You, in turn, follow suit.

He smiles a regal smile & nods,
letting you know you have found favor with him.

"Two legs !
Like you, Enoon, but NOT like you!"

    This voice comes from behind you & you turn, slowly,
wondering what you will see.

 There, standing tall  & shy, is a lady centaur.

Enoon smiles."This is my friend, ' Cyline '.
  She is a sweet child who is a great help with the young ones.
You are the first human she has ever seen outside of a book!"
       Cyline smiles, & holds out a bouquet of wildflowers.

"These are for you. ", she says.
I picked them myself in The Garden Evergreen.
We hope you will enjoy your stay !"
 You smile and thank her as you accept the fragrant flowers.
"
How many 'children' do you have here?",you ask Enoon.
 " Quite a few, Friend.
And the number is growing all the time."
There is a note of sadness in her voice.

" You see, these children
are from the Worlds of Imagination ,Wishes, & Dreams.
Unfortunately, their Worlds are dying out for lack of interest
and they have so few to turn to in their plight."
  "Can I be of any help?",you ask.

  Enoon smiles a glowing smile.
" I had hoped you would !", she says
and, again, takes your hand.
" Let me introduce you to the rest of my 'brood'
& then I will tell you how you may help."

      As you move towards another door,
it suddenly bursts open & a baby green dragon,
holding a bunch of balloons floats in !

"Am I too late? Is the Hu-man still here?", he chatters.

         Everyone laughs at this charming sight !

"No, my dear, you are in time !",says Enoon.

"This lively young chap is 'Daemone'." , says Enoon.
   "I believe he also has a gift for your Welcome."

           Daemone floats to the floor, and says,
"Oh, yes! These are for you !
Balloons are such happy things !
I thought you might like them."
           Smiling broadly you thank the little fellow .

           "Would you be so kind as to take care of them until I leave ?", you ask him.

             " I will be very careful not to let them fly away!
They do that sometimes, you know!",
he says with a slight frown.
     You nod, smiling to yourself at the solemn expression
on the little dragon's face.

     "Come, Friend.", says Enoon.
   "The others await.
We will return here later."

 "Until later...." ,
you say to the faces watching you leave the room.

 " Until later....",
they say with their smiles......