The Rain Dragon

The Arrival of Spring

In Thimblewood, the seasons are not measured by frost or thaw, nor by the turn of a chilly breeze. In Thimblewood, the seasons arrive by dragon.

The Rain Dragon flies high overhead and stretches for longer than the whole of Thimblewood itself. He shines a prism of colors across the land, and the clouds open up their floodgates. He signifies the start of spring.

The Flower Dragon flies low, his sparkling scales almost visible to the eye. At his majestic presence, flowers open, and honey drips, and the trees stand as tall as they can, in hopes of reaching him. He signifies the start of summer.

The Harvest Dragon is the broadest of them all, shimmering in gold and amber. He glides through the clouds, sparking hope in all the creatures of Thimblewood for an abundant harvest. He signifies the arrival of Autumn.

The Snow Dragon is as white as the mountain top, and glistens like freshly fallen snow. He roars as he flies, and the land once again becomes covered in a blanket of white sparkling snow. He signifies the arrival of Winter.

* * * * * *

Mosswater pond had already lost its frost. The trees of Moonroot Hollow were budding, and the hedgerows were a darker shade of green than they had been throughout the Winter.

Pip was first to notice a difference in the air.

“I think today is the day”, she said cheerfully.

“I think so too”, said Milo.

Fern sat at the edge of the pond, Hugo by her side, both watching the sky. Tilly was quiet as she stared at the clouds overhead.

Then it happened. A sound much like thunder rolled through the sky, and a faint shimmer of prismatic light stretched across the clouds. A roar from the heavens shook the earth, and The Pocket Pals watched in awe as the Great Rain Dragon made his appearance.

Tilly smiled wide and the majestic sight. Hugo nodded, as if greeting the magical beast from far below.

The first drop of rain hit Fern on the nose, and then another struck the surface of Mosswater Pond.

Then the skies opened wide, and a torrent of rain shimmered down on The Pocket Pals. They laughed as they lifted their faces toward the sky.

Spring had begun.