Dani's new playmate

Almost every day after that first game of hide and seek, the purple dragon found Dani while she played alone.  Whether she was in the rocky plains west of town, the flowery meadow across the river (south of town), or in the rocky hillsides north of town, the dragon would fly in if she was alone (as she usually was).  They would play for hours all sorts of games Dani would make up, including tag, hunt and find, and hide and seek.

The dragon learned too, and Dani had to constantly adjust the rules so they both had a chance to win.  She enjoyed all her time with the dragon of course, and their friendship grew.

One time in the grassy meadow, as she was chasing the purple dragon after it found her in a game of hide and seek, the dragon suddenly stopped and stood still, as if listening.  Dani slowed down, breathing hard.  "What is it?  What do you hear?"  Suddenly the dragon jumped, and flew away quickly.  Dani sat still in the grass waiting. A minute later she saw Mr. Effert tall lean figure walking in the meadows towards her.

She held still, wondering if he saw her, but after a few moments, it was clear he was coming directly at her.  He called out to her, "Hello little lady!"

Dani flashed a smile in reply.  They hadn't spoke much since he told her the story of Mahina, though the story and picture burned in her mind constantly, and she wanted to hear more.

"What are you doing out here Dani?"

"Just playing with the flowers."  Dani replied, wondering if he saw anything.

"I thought I heard you playing with someone.  "Mr. Effert scanned the horizon, looking for Dani's playmate.

"Oh, the flowers and I were talking... just the flowers Mr. Effert.  Dani grabbed a pretty yellow near her and held it up for Mr. Effert to see.

"Ah!"  Mr. Effert exclaimed as he took the yellow flowers from Dani's hand.  "You know what kind of flowers are these?"

Dani shook her head, as she knew very little about flowers.

"These are yellow snap dragons"  Mr. Effert delicately pinched the flower between his thumb and finger.  "See how the flower looks like a dragonhead, and it's jaw is opening and closing?"

Dani watched in fascination.  It did look a little like a dragonhead!  "Wow!  That's beautiful Mr. Effert!  Can I try?"  Dani took the flower from Mr. Effert and gently squeezed the dragonhead, and started to pretend it was eating her finger.

Mr. Effert smiled broadly, adjusting the round skin tight hat he always had on his hat.  "You're quite a natural with that flower little lady, though, of course, it's a good thing that dragons don't eat people, isn't it.

Dani quickly stopped.  "What do... and I mean, what _did_ dragon's eat?"

"Almost anything... and I suppose they would eat a person too, if the circumstances were right."  Mr. Effert scanned the horizon again.  "Dragons ate whatever animals it could find.  Around here, I suppose mountain goats, warthogs, or fish, or birds mostly.  Whatever it could catch, Ah... that's what I'm looking for!"  Mr. Effert pointed off in the distance and stepped to go that way.  "You'll have to excuse me Dani, I need some moss I think I can find by those trees over there.  I've run out of rat poison, and will need that to make more.

"Rat poison?"  Dani asked as Mr. Effert walked away.

"Yes."  he answered.  "A number of people have been missing cats these last few weeks, and apparently the rats have benefited.  See you again soon Dani!"  He called out as he walked away.

Mr. Effert walked away, and out of sight, as Dani stayed where she was, hoping the dragon might come back.  When it didn't, Dani went home, wondering where the cats went.