FotN '21: Celebration

The ranch was always busy. This was nothing new. If Ryoki never took another dragon under his proverbial (or literal) wing, the ranch would still be busy and bustling. Michael would never, of course, expect Ryoki to stop. He would never consider asking for it even if he wanted to. The kindness Ryoki had for others in need of a home, in need of a family, in need of shelter for the storm was so warm, like a fire in the hearth or the light that beckoned sailors to shore.

This wasn’t, though, the usual business one would expect from the ranch.

Michael wasn’t sure the cause of the celebration. He hadn’t thought to ask. But there were people here. Some had brought food or drinks. Others had brought nothing more than themselves, and that seemed to be enough. A few extra dragons were wandering about, interacting with the others, but Michael had quickly hidden away in the rafters where he could watch and not be disturbed. He could listen to people telling their stories, unaware of the extra set of ears turned towards them.

There was so much laughter, so much joy, so much that Michael enjoyed watching others experience even if he didn’t, himself. Not right now. Not yet.

Late into the evening, after some of the guests departed, a single voice raised in song, and to Michael’s wonderment, others joined in. They were off-key, off-tempo, amateur but eager as they bade farewell to the darkest nights and rejoiced that the days would grow longer and that they would be together even if they were far apart, even if they were in different realms.

Michael hummed to himself, just as clumsy as the rest of them (if not more so), but enjoying the feel of music in his chest and through his bones and the feeling of belonging that came with joining the chorus.