ONE TIME - Poem

One Time

Danielle Myre 9/30/2013

Pain radiates down to my chest, 

And fear strikes my gut, 

This is more than being stressed, 

All doors seem shut.

Broken by a voice,

Frightening is the hidden note, 

How could that be your choice? 

What shall be wrote?

It only takes one time, 

And a good images fades. 

It’s as if there has been a crime,

And I’ve been struck with blades.

How do I say I am mad? 

And where do I direct this pain?

I can’t cover this feeling with sad, 

Things are now strain.

I will grin and bare,
Even when agony is all I feel,
It’s by no means fair,
But what was said will never be real.

Alive - (Poem)

Alive

Danielle Myre 05/19/2012

My heart is beating a bit faster, 

My soul is screaming a bit louder,

I'm reaching forward, 

Stretching so much that all I feel is pleasure. 

Almost breathless, 

My heart is restless, 

Emotions are reckless, 

But it is endless. 

Every moment is precious, 

And each day is being tested, 

But I can always count on finding a message, 

Because I'm alive. 

Not every day will got as planned, 

And sometimes it will seem unfair, 

But those painful moments dull, 

And I will see what I have worked so hard for. 

Being brave is suggested, 

Smiling is highly needed, 

And love is the best, 

But living is required. 

Every Word - (Poem)

Every Word

Danielle Myre 05/20/2013

For every word in the world, 

Such as belief, 

Or maybe hate, 

There is a beginning. 

Strength can be strong, 

And allow you to share every word, 

But where does everything go when it falls flat? 

And trust me it falls fast. 

But the same can be said when you find yourself again, 

And at that moment, 

Every word flies whether spoken or written, 

You make sure you are heard. 

Not every word is kind, 

And at times those words are pointed at you, 

But the thing you need to remember in this moment,

Is that all the wonderful things that you have heard outweigh the bad. 

Every word has a meaning, 

Some can leave you dumbfounded, 

But I like to think there's always a reason, 

Because every word does have importance. 

Accept every kind word, 

Shun every cruel comment, 

Believe in yourself, 

And every word you need will follow. 

"Dragon Valley" Chapter 6

"Dragon Valley"

Chapter 6

        I fly out of the front door of the hospital and the fresh air hits my lungs like a ton of bricks. The pain is scolding and makes my eyes well with tears but I don't stop. I hear Kyle's voice but don't stop. I can't be here! I run as fast as I can towards the path on Dry Ridge but I don't make it. My body seizes up and I can't move. I hit the ground and slide across the grass.  
        "Lynn!" Kyle is on his knee's beside me in seconds. "Lynn! What's wrong?" He lifts me in his arms and turns me around so I'm not face planted into the dirt. I look at him but I can't move. Tears pour down my face and I try to speak but I can't. I can't move my mouth. I can't even make my voice box crack. 
        My vision starts to go fuzzy but not from the tears. Kyle can tell there is something wrong with me because I see his face turn into pure panic before everything turns black. I can deal with the darkness but I can't deal with the pain that I'm about to feel. I don't know how I know I'm going to be in pain but I do. 
        It hits me like nothing has ever hit me before. My eyes feel like they are being crushed in their sockets and burning in hell's fire. Falling down the stairs when I was fourteen and dislocating my shoulder and breaking my leg in three places is nothing compared to this. The agony and three surgeries I had to go through after I had a car accident when I was seventeen is nothing compared to this. The fear and pain I felt before the Rain Zone is nothing compared to this. Nothing can compare to this because this pain is of another world. I can't even scream which makes the pain worse. My body feels like it is encased in cement and burning a hole through the center of my body. 
        The agony feels like it goes on for days and days on end but in an instant it is gone. All the pain is gone. I open my eyes and Kyle is holding me and crying. Why is he crying? I gingerly lift my weak hand and touch the side of his face. He turns his head so fast that I think it's going to fly off of his shoulders. His tears dry up instantly and he looks at me with horror and shock and relief all at the same time. He grasps my hand in his and squeezes it. 
I try sitting up but Kyle forces me to lay flat on the ground. "Stay still," he says with a breath. 
        "I'm fine," my voice cracks from lack of moisture. I try to get some saliva in my mouth to easy the saw dust dryness in my mouth but I can't. I feel devoid of all liquid. 
Kyle squeezes my hand again and shakes his head while looking at the ground. He shifts a bit and his eyes meet mine for split second before he looks away. I sit straight up and Kyle falls backwards. I stare at him and he his face pales. "Okay," I try to keep my voice from breaking, "Why won't you meet my eyes?" 
Kyle's head snaps up to look at me but he flinches when he meets my eyes, but his glare hits right on target. "Why can't I look at you? Because you have been nothing but a pain in the ass since we met. You keep saying you are fine and there is nothing wrong. Guess what Lynn? You are not alright! There is something wrong with you." I look away and feel his relief. 
        "Okay, you fell down the a slope in the Needle Forest," Kyle gets to his feet and paces beside me. "Before we entered the Rain Zone you were screaming in pain and passed out for several hours. I'm not going to count the countless times you fell when were were coming down this side of Dry Ridge, because that is nothing compared to the fact that your cut up hand that should have needed stitches is healed!" 
        "So," I sigh, "I had a few accidents. This place must be making me accident prone." 
"Accident prone?" Kyle laughs and stops pacing. He looks directly at me and the look in his eyes makes shivers scatter all over my skin. "Do you know what happened to you just now?" I arch my eyebrow at him and get ready to say I just fell, but I can't because the look on Kyle's face says he will lose it if I say I fell. My eyes stay focused on the ground as I wait for him to tell me what just happened.        
        Kyle's black booted feet obstruct my view of the grass and dirt. I look up at him and he squats down and stares directly into my eyes. But he can't keep looking at me and turns his head to the side. My nerves stand on end and butterflies gnaw at my stomach. Is there something wrong with my face? I reach up to check but Kyle snatches my hands in his. "Lynn, your eyes were bleeding." He looks at me but avoids direct eye contact. "I don't mean just a few drops of blood. They were," he stops, "They were bleeding."
        "Bleeding? My eyes are fine," I say. He looks at me and gives me a soft smile. I feel myself pale. What is wrong with my eyes? I look around me and I can see just perfect. I spot a bird in a tree and focus on it. The bird becomes clearer and I can see his pale pink and grey feathers and huge blue and orange beak. I feel all the blood from my body become cold. My eyes aren't fine; they are better than fine. 
        Kyle shakes me and I glance at him but I can't force myself to speak or make a gesture. Why is my eye site better? A lead weight drops itself into my stomach and makes me shiver with fear. What happened to my eyes?! That pain I felt. And the blood? I reach up and touch my cheeks and pull my hand away to look at it. Tears-at least I hope they are tears-fall down my cheeks. My fingers are covered in blood. 
        Hands cup my face and I look at Kyle, "I'm taking you back to the hospital. Everything will be okay." I force myself to nod so I don't panic him any more than I already have. He picks me up like a princess and carries me towards the hospital. 
        We reach the hospital porch and Kyle puts me on my own feet. I reach for the door handle but pins and needles prick at my skin and make my stomach shiver in fear. I feel like I'm being watched. I spin around and look for whatever it is that is watching me. My eyes literally zoom in on the lake and the feeling increases but there is no one there. Kyle pulls me into the hospital and I let him but I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched. I glance back one more time and standing in the water is a a man with raven black hair longer than his body. His eyes narrow onto me and mine do the same. His dark, inhuman eyes hypnotize me and hold me until the door is shut. 
        Who is he?! No, what is he? I fling the door open but he not there. He's not there but I can still feel him watching me. Goosebumps pop up over my skin and reality hits. I really, really should not have came here. Coming here is the biggest mistake of my life. But now I also know that I can't leave. If I leave now things will become disastrous  That man isn't human, and somehow he is related to the dragon my ancestors sealed. My gut clenches. I'm going to have to be the one to stop him. My knees give out and I hit the floor. How do I know this? Why the hell did I come here?!

-Here is chapter six of "Dragon Valley." I hope you like it! If you think I should change something or find a typo or or misspelling please let me know! I'd really appreciate your help. If you have been reading this story could you take a moment out of your busy day to put a =) or =( smiley face to let me know 1. that you are reading and 2. whether or not you like my story. I would really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart if you would take the time to do that.

-Thanks,

Danielle

Can I Ask? (Poem)

Can I Ask? 

Danielle Myre

Can I ask...? 

Do you believe?

Is it sweet? 

Can I ask...? 

Where are you going?

What is your path?

Can I ask...? 

When does it become bitter? 

Where do we end up?

Can I ask...? 

Can I ask so I know? 

Can I know everything? 

Can I ask...? 

Who am I?

Who will I become? 

05/01/2013

Voices (Poem)

Voices

Danielle Myre

Voices are wisdom waiting to take you to a different place, 

They are the growth of mentality, 

And a way to escape the chase. 

They are the spaces between reason and reality. 

But what to do when that voice falls flat? 

Is there a way to come back? 

Does it return if you do combat? 

Or will everything crack? 

What can be done other than asking a question? 

Can you ask for that voice to come back? 

Maybe it's only masking its discretion. 

But what if you lose track? 

Do voices always do this? 

They keep fluctuating and turn you inside out. 

But the thing is that it is bliss,

Because they make you think and even doubt. 

Voices are smart,

Sometimes they have reasons for turning silent,

Because everything needs a breath and restart, 

Otherwise things may turn out violent. 

05/01/2013

"Dragon Valley" Chapter 5 UPDATE/CHANGE

"Dragon Valley"

Chapter 5 UPDATED

I updated and changed the ending of chapter five of "Dragon Valley." I am adding the updated chapter now so everyone knows what is going on in chapter six. I have changed my original story idea a bit because it needed something and I think I found it so I have to completely rewrite chapters six and seven and part of eight. I will be adding chapter six soon.   -Danielle 

  ____________________

        I reach the top of Dry Ridge and below me Dragon Village sparkles with light. Its beauty is breath taking with the stars twinkling over the land. I can’t stop my heart from hammering itself against my ribs. I snap a few pictures from my spot and start my descent. Thank goodness the path down Dry Ridge on this side is mainly a downward slope. 
        “We are still going to the clinic when we get down to the village,” Kyle says, coming up next to me. 
        “I’m really fine you know,” I smile, picking up my pace. He easily keeps up with me. “I’ll go. But I promise you that I’m fine.” 
        Kyle snorts, “Yes, you just fainted and made me carry you for several hours. You are just fine.” I smile and shrug at him. He smiles and shakes his head at me. “Be careful so you don’t fall.” Just as he gets done saying that I slip on gravel and land on my butt. I hear Kyle sigh and laugh at the same time. 
        I get up from the ground with Kyle’s help. My eyes lock onto Dragon Village again as I dust off my butt. I can now see tiny specks of people moving about the town. I glance at the lake; the moonlight makes the water glisten like shiny black snake scales. I smile and start walking again. My eyes don't leave the village for a second as I move towards it, and because of that Kyle has to help me up from the ground five times. 
        I plant my feet at the base of Dry Ridge and stare straight into the village. Ten more feet, when the dry and crackling ground turns green, I will truly be inside Dragon Village. I take a step forward and a gush of wind caresses my skin and blows my hair out of its messy bun. With my second step warmth fills my entire body, tingles wiggle their way through my body with my third step. Each step increases the sensations around me and inside me. As I take my final step I feel my body go numb and I lose all my senses. I can't feel anything, anything at all. It's like my body has disappeared completely and I only have my conscience.
        Quickly, everything starts coming back to me. I stumble in place but Kyle is there to keep me upright. His laughter is gone now, and he can only shake his head at me. "Take a look around," Jim's voice booms. "You are in Dragon Village. I'm glad to see that everyone is in one piece. Alright, I'm sure you are hungry and tired so follow me.” I expect Jim to lead them straight into the village but he leads them towards the direction of the lake.
“There is a stable over there with a few horses,” Kyle says from behind me. I turn and look at him. “It’s a couple of miles before reaching the living quarters so they will take a horse and buggy the rest of the way.” 
        I look back to the group. They get into wagons like the ones in old western television shows and the horses start trotting towards town area of Dragon Village. “How did you get horses in here?” There are animals here, unnatural ones, but not horses or anything of like. 
        Kyle glances up at the sky, “Once a month, the wind barrier that protects the sky over this place shifts. When it shifts a small hole is created that allows us to get some supplies in cargo containers down here via the sky but it closes within minutes.” I look at the sky. I’ve always wondered why they don’t use a helicopter to drop us into the village. The barrier up there is probably a lot stronger than the wind in the Wind Zone therefore more dangerous than travelling through the valley.  
        “Let’s go,” Kyle tugs my arm and leads me in the direct of a two story log house 100 yards away. Even from this far away I can see the large red plus sign like those on first aid kits painted neatly on the door. 
        I open the hospital door and gawk at the wide open, spacious and beautiful room. The floor is painted a shiny white and the non-log shaped walls are painted a creamy, pale green. Everything smells fruity and like early morning dew. I don’t know what I expected but I never expected to see painted walls, a table with blue and pink flowers or neatly made beds lining a wall, or a huge reception desk or chairs and book shelves. It’s cozy. 
“Surprised?” A woman exits from a door behind the huge desk and makes her way towards me, “Most newcomers are.” She smiles at Kyle and motions us forward. “So what happened to this one?” 
        I shrug. “She slid down the drop in the Needle Forest, cut her hand, and fainted before entering the Rain Zone.” Kyle states and the woman pales. Before I can tell her I’m fine she rushes to the stairs near the book shelves and chairs and yells for a man named Dave, and instantly I hear foot steps above. 
        “What’s going on Delly?” a man, Dave I’m assuming, asks. The woman, Delly, tells him what Kyle told her but he doesn’t look nearly as panicked. He walks over to me and holds my hand while checking out the bandaging. “Let’s examine you,” he smiles. 
        “I’m fine,” I sigh. “The cut is just from the impact and I only fainted cause I’m sacred of earthquakes.” I’m starting to believe my own lies. Dave looks at Kyle and they have a silent eye to eye chat. When Dave looks at me he smiles again and guides me towards an examine room. I knew that I wouldn’t get out of it but I still had to try. 
        I sit down on a hard wood chair, like the ones in the rest area. Dave sits on a square wood stool in front of me while Kyle leans against the door watching me like a hawk. “Let’s take this wrapping off shall we?” Doctor Dave peels the tape back and unwraps the gauze. I stare at my hand in disbelief. When I saw my hand before Kyle wrapped it, it was cut up pretty badly. But as I look at my hand now it looks just fine except for a few tiny paper-cut like wounds. Uneasiness fills my being and makes my stomach turn. Impossible, this is completely impossible. I shake my head and pull my hand towards me. 
        “This isn’t so bad,” Dave smiles at me. I glance at Kyle and he is frozen. I turn away because I can’t face him. He saw how bad my hand was cut up and now it’s not. My stomach clenches with fear and something inside me realizes that being here isn’t good idea. I shouldn’t be here. 
        All of a sudden my fear doubles. The air around me cools dramatically. I take a breath in and my lungs freeze and burn like hot needles stabbing them. Dave notices the change around us and so does Kyle because he snaps out of his frozen state. But they can breathe just fine. Why can they breathe and I can't? Fire coats my throat and I shake my head and squeeze my eyes shut. I scratch at my chest and neck in the hopes of it helping me breathe but I can only inhale air that is like lava. 
        The ground under my feet starts vibrating and a loud hum starts echoing around me. I slide off my chair and curl into a ball in the corner of the room. I should not have came here. The hum get’s louder and louder and turns into a growl and makes the very air tremble and me tremble with it. The vibrating increases and makes everything shake. I scream and I feel Kyle's arms around me. At first I struggle against him but my body goes limp and I don't have any strength left in me. He holds me until everything stops. Very quickly I feel my strength come back and I am on my feet and running out the door. I can't be here. I should never have came here and I am leaving right now! 

"Dragon Valley" Chapter 5

        "Dragon Valley"

Chapter 5

-Danielle Myre

        I reach the top of Dry Ridge and below me Dragon Village sparkles with light. Its beauty is breath taking with the stars twinkling over the land. I can’t stop my heart from hammering itself against my ribs. I snap a few pictures from my spot and start my descent. Thank goodness the path down Dry Ridge on this side is mainly a downward slope. 
        “We are still going to the clinic when we get down to the village,” Kyle says, coming up next to me. 
        “I’m really fine you know,” I smile, picking up my pace. He easily keeps up with me. “I’ll go. But I promise you that I’m fine.” 
Kyle snorts, “Yes, you just fainted and made me carry you for several hours. You are just fine.” I smile and shrug at him. He smiles and shakes his head at me. “Be careful so you don’t fall.” Just as he gets done saying that I slip on gravel and land on my butt. I hear Kyle sigh and laugh at the same time. 
        I get up from the ground with Kyle’s help. My eyes lock onto Dragon Village again as I dust off my butt. I can now see tiny specks of people moving about the town. I glance at the lake; the moonlight makes the water glisten like shiny black snake scales. I smile and start walking again. My eyes don't leave the village for a second as I move towards it, and because of that Kyle has to help me up from the ground five times. 
        I plant my feet at the base of Dry Ridge and stare straight into the village. Ten more feet, when the dry and crackling ground turns green, I will truly be inside Dragon Village. I take a step forward and a gush of wind caresses my skin and blows my hair out of its messy bun. With my second step warmth fills my entire body, tingles wiggle their way through my body with my third step. Each step increases the sensations around me and inside me. As I take my final step I feel my body go numb and I lose all my senses. I can't feel anything, anything at all. It's like my body has disappeared completely and I only have my conscience.
        Quickly, everything starts coming back to me. I stumble in place but Kyle is there to keep me upright. His laughter is gone now, and he can only shake his head at me. "Take a look around," Jim's voice booms. "You are in Dragon Village. I'm glad to see that everyone is in one piece. Alright, I'm sure you are hungry and tired so follow me.” I expect Jim to lead them straight into the village but he leads them towards the direction of the lake.
        “There is a stable over there with a few horses,” Kyle says from behind me. I turn and look at him. “It’s a couple of miles before reaching the living quarters so they will take a horse and buggy the rest of the way.” 
        I look back to the group. They get into wagons like the ones in old western television shows and the horses start trotting towards town area of Dragon Village. “How did you get horses in here?” There are animals here, unnatural ones, but not horses or anything of like. 
Kyle glances up at the sky, “Once a month, the wind barrier that protects the sky over this place shifts. When it shifts a small hole is created that allows us to get some supplies in cargo containers down here via the sky but it closes within minutes.” I look at the sky. I’ve always wondered why they don’t use a helicopter to drop us into the village. The barrier up there is probably a lot stronger than the wind in the Wind Zone therefore more dangerous than travelling through the valley.  
        “Let’s go,” Kyle tugs my arm and leads me in the direct of a two story log house 100 yards away. Even from this far away I can see the large red plus sign like those on first aid kits painted neatly on the door. 
        I open the hospital door and gawk at the wide open, spacious and beautiful room. The floor is painted a shiny white and the non-log shaped walls are painted a creamy, pale green. Everything smells fruity and like early morning dew. I don’t know what I expected but I never expected to see painted walls, a table with blue and pink flowers or neatly made beds lining a wall, or a huge reception desk or chairs and book shelves. It’s cozy. 
        “Surprised?” A woman exits from a door behind the huge desk and makes her way towards me, “Most newcomers are.” She smiles at Kyle and motions us forward. “So what happened to this one?” 
        I shrug. “She slid down the drop in the Needle Forest, cut her hand, and fainted before entering the Rain Zone.” Kyle states and the woman pales. Before I can tell her I’m fine she rushes to the stairs near the book shelves and chairs and yells for a man named Dave, and instantly I hear foot steps above. 
        “What’s going on Delly?” a man, Dave I’m assuming, asks. The woman, Delly, tells him what Kyle told her but he doesn’t look nearly as panicked. He walks over to me and holds my hand while checking out the bandaging. “Let’s examine you,” he smiles. 
“I’m fine,” I sigh. “The cut is just from the impact and I only fainted cause I’m sacred of earthquakes.” I’m starting to believe my own lies. Dave looks at Kyle and they have a silent eye to eye chat. When Dave looks at me he smiles again and guides me towards an examine room. I knew that I wouldn’t get out of it but I still had to try. 
        I sit down on a hard wood chair, like the ones in the rest area. Dave sits on a square wood stool in front of me while Kyle leans against the door watching me like a hawk. “Let’s take this wrapping off shall we?” Doctor Dave peels the tape back and unwraps the gauze. I stare at my hand in disbelief. When I saw my hand before Kyle wrapped it, it was cut up pretty badly. But as I look at my hand now it looks just fine except for a few tiny paper-cut like wounds. Uneasiness fills my being and makes my stomach turn. Impossible, this is completely impossible. I shake my head and pull my hand towards me. 
        “This isn't so bad,” Dave smiles at me. I glance at Kyle and he is frozen. I turn away because I can’t face him. He saw how bad my hand was cut up and now it’s not. My stomach clenches with fear and something inside me realizes that being here isn't good idea. I shouldn't be here. 
        All of a sudden my fear doubles. The air around me cools dramatically. Dave notices and so does Kyle because he snaps out of his frozen state. I shake my head and cover my ears and squeeze my eyes shut. The ground under my feet starts vibrating and a loud hum starts echoing around me. The hum get’s louder and louder and turns into a growl and makes the very air tremble and me tremble with it. I don't pass out this time but I wish that I would. I wish I would have never came here. 

Next Chapter of "Dragon Valley"

I am revising chapter 5 of "Dragon Valley" and will  be adding it within the hour. I know it has been awhile since my last post and I'm sorry but life is life and it tends to get busy. I hope you enjoy this chapter and the upcoming chapters that I will be adding. Thanks for your patience and if you haven't been patient I promise I will try and pick up speed so I have a new chapter every few days. 

Thanks, 
Danielle 

Standstill - Poem

Standstill

Danielle Myre 04/13/2013

Is there a chance to see what I can no longer see? 

Is there a chance to remember? 

I can't picture this. 

Where has it gone? 

If I speak up, 

Will the answer come to me? 

Or do I wait? 

I don't want to wait too long. 

Imagining my perfect image, 

It feels so blurred. 

There is a line, 

But it's not where it should be. 

Doubt is near, 

Judgement is all I hear, 

So many things that I fear, 

I want to disappear. 

What do I do? 

I really don't know. 

Which path should I take? 

They are too dark to see. 

Should I let my path brighten? 

Or create a entirely new one? 

Do I stay or wait? 

I'm stuck at a standstill. 

P.S.  New chapters of "Dragon Valley" will be added very soon. I'm sorry for the delay. 

"Dragon Valley" Chapter 4!

"Dragon Valley"

Chapter 4

      Freezing water pellets my body. I groan and shiver against the cold and try to open my eyes but all I can see is hazy mist. "Are you awake?" Kyle asks me in a strained voice. I squint and try to get a better look at my surroundings. "Don't move!" He screams at me and I freeze in place on his back. His back? 

      My eyes adjust and I realize that we are on one of the bridges in the Rain Zone. Fear prickles my skin as I hold my breath. Everyone calls this part of zone three the fall from grace. There are two bridges in this zone and both are encased by waterfalls on either side that put the massive size of the Niagara Falls to shame. 

      I feel Kyle slide on the icy and rickety bridge and my heart threatens to give out. I hold on to him as hard as I can until he regains his balance. "Kyle," I shiver, "Put me down. I will walk on my own." He snorts and ignores me. I have the urge to punch him in the shoulder, but I know that the chances of us living if I did that would be zero since the bridge is covered in sheer ice and it is old and there is no railing. I remain silent and still. 

      "Are you going to cause me any more trouble during the hike?" he asks. I shrug mentally. I don't plan on causing more trouble but I don't know what will happen. "What happened to you back there on the transition plain? I thought the effects of the needles were working their magic but after you fainted your breathing and everything was fine." I mentally shrug again. I would like to know what happened as well. 

      Kyle walks slowly and carefully as I think of an excuse I can provide for my fainting. I squeeze my eyes shut and try to remember what happened before I passed out. There was that horrible sound that I don't want to think about and the ground trembled. I smile, "I don't like earthquakes. I'm terrified of them." Kyle doesn't offer me any kind of reply so I don't know if he believes me or not. 

      For over an hour I cling onto Kyle's back as he moves over the bridge. Our conversation remains at zero so I don't know what he is thinking. But even if he doesn't believe my fear of earthquakes story I'm still going to use it as my excuse. After twenty more minutes I can see solid ground and part of the group. Kelly is sitting near the bridge and once she sees us she jumps up and yells at the others. Everyone gathers around and waits for us to cross to safety. 

      Once Kyle's feet hit the muddy soil he slides me off of his back and crumbles to his knees panting. Kelly hands him a bottle of vitamin water and he gulps every last bit. I fidget awkwardly next to him. After a few breaths he gets to his feet and stretches out his muscles. He turns to me and looks at me with intense eyes. "Faint again and I'm leaving you behind." I nod and he turns his back on me and walks away and finds a nice rock to rest against. 

      All eyes turn to me and the awkwardness increases. “What the hell happened to you earlier?” Jim asks me. 

      “I’m terrified of earthquakes,” I say flatly so everyone leaves me alone. 

      “Of course you are,” he mumbles and walks away. Everyone else walks away after giving me weird glances except for Miss Kelly Murken. I ignore her and find a spot to rest like the rest of the group. My body feels stiff and sore from being so tense. 

      “Want one?” I look up and Kelly is handing me a bottle of vitamin water. I nod and take it from her. I chug the entire bottle in a few seconds and instantly want more. I reach for my backpack and it's not on me. Kelly notices and walks over to where she was sitting and gets my bag. She must have carried it while Kyle carried me. I give her a smile of thanks and dig into my backpack for something else to drink and eat as well. 

      “I never thought you would be so much trouble,” Kelly sighs. She takes a seat next to me and rummages inside her bag as well. We both eat and drink in silence. 

I look around at my surroundings and I don’t know if we are past both bridges or between them. Everything looks the same. “Where are we?” I ask Kelly. 

      She flies up from the ground and starts stretching. “We are past both bridges. Kyle carried you over both of them.” My eyes widen I turn to look at Kyle, sleeping against the rock and his bag. He carried me over both? I look to Kelly and she nods at me. “Jim offered to carry you over the second bridge but Kyle said he got the hang of it going over the first one. I honestly just think he has a crush on you.” I look at Kyle again and he falls to the side.

      I look at Kelly and nod a thank you to her before I grab my bag and walk over to Kyle. I move him so he is against the rock again and sit next to him and let his head fall on my shoulder. For over an hour I let him sleep against me while waiting for the rest of the group to cross the bridge. Like an alarm, when the last person reaches safe ground he wakes up. He looks a bit confused as he sits up. He looks at me and I give him a soft smile. His cheeks blush and he rubs his hands over his buzzed orange hair. 

      “You looked uncomfortable tilting to the side so I thought I’d thank you by helping you get a nice rest.” I tell him, blushing myself. Kyle gets to his feet and helps me up and mumbles a quick thank you before he heads towards Jim. I grab my bag and position it on my back since I’m sure we are going to leave any moment. 

      Jim tells everyone to gather around. “All right everyone, we have about four more hours before we reach Dragon Village. There will be no more stopping until we reach our destination. Soon we will leave the Rain Zone and get right into the Dry Ridge Mountains that serve as the entrance into the village. There are dangers but Dry Ridge is a walk in the park compared to what you have already been through. Let’s get moving.” 

      We get moving and within a few minutes we are exiting the Rain Zone. A mile or so ahead of us Dry Ridge starts to climb towards the darkening sky. Until we reach the strenuous incline I enjoy the flat walk on firm ground surround by red and silver and purple trees. For the first time during this trip I am actually able to take out my camera and take pictures. The other group members take the time to have a little photo shoot of their own.  

      The fun ends soon because the incline starts. But my excitement bursts in my stomach and gives me extra energy to fly through the Dry Ridge Mountains. Dragon Village will be in my sight in about three and a half hours. I don’t care that my feet are throbbing or that my legs are burning or that I need a long bubble bath and nice long massage as I move up Dry Ridge because I am almost there.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read my work. If you could provide a little feedback it would be greatly appreciated. Even though I don't put chapters up every day I am putting a lot of effort into this story every day. I know I still have a lot to do with "Dragon Valley" yet (since this is only draft one) but I hope that you are enjoying it and wanting to know what happens next. Comment if you have any questions! Thanks again! 

"Dragon Valley" Ch 4 Soon!

Waiting for "Dragon Valley" chapter four? I'll get it up. It's coming soon, very soon. Might even be up in an hour or so. =) 

"Dragon Valley" Chapter 3!

"Dragon Valley" 

Chapter 3

       After three more hours of fighting the Needle Forest we reach a flat plain bare of everything except wet soil, dry dirt and rocks. Roughly 100 feet away I see the craggy downward slope that will lead us to the Wind Zone. With constant wind storms and winds reaching 200 plus miles per hour at times, the Wind Zone is even more dangerous than Needle Forest. 
      "How are you feeling?" Jim comes up to me. I jump up and down and do a cartwheel to show him and the people lurking about that I'm just fine. He nods and looks onto the group. "We have a 15 minute break. Eat, have a bathroom break and take a breather. We leave in 15 minutes flat.
       I immediately dive into my pack for food and an energy drink. A shadow lingers over me and I look behind me to find Kelly looking at me oddly. "Can I help you?" I sound more rude than I want to be. 
       "Lynn, I saw your hand-" She shakes her head. "Never mind. I just want to make sure you are okay." I tell her I'm fine and she accepts it. She sits next to me in silence and eats with me. I finish my energy drink, a bottle of strawberry flavored water, and four chocolate and coconut protein bars. The only thing that fall did to me is make me absolutely ravished. 
       We start our descent into the Wind Zone. We are not even in the actual zone yet but I can feel the wind urging me to fall on my butt. I'm sure it will happen. I reach the dry ground and wipe the dust off my goggles so I can see better. I feel like I'm in a red sea. The stone almost looks like it has dyed red with blood. 
       After being in the Wind Zone for 45 minutes we have to find shelter in one of the caves carved into the valley wall. The winds scream so loudly against the metal door over the cave opening and makes me cringe. The door is welded together from various sizes of heavy metal, and every time the wind smashes into it, it shakes and I think it is going to shatter like glass and kill all of us in the tiny shelter. My mind and nerves tremble in fear for over an hour. 
       Luckily, the rest of the trip through the Wind Zone is bearable and we don't have to make any more stops. I climb up the craggy mini mountain that mirrors the one I had to climb down not too long ago, and when I reach the top my breath freezes in my lungs. The misty but pure green landscape and trees so tall and big that they block the sun and sky make my heart beat like it has never beat before. Zone three, the Rain Zone, is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. 
       The pools of crystal clear water covering the ground glisten like diamonds. Unlike the dirt and soil transition space between the Needle Forest and Wind Zone, this is beautiful and serene. It’s so beautiful that it's hard to believe this is the most deadly of the zones. But then again, sometimes the things that are the most beautiful are the most deadly. 
Kelly comes up to me and admires the scenery with me. "We are almost there," she smiles. "What's the first thing you are going to do when we get into the village?" 
       I glance around to find Kyle. He notices my glance and narrows his eyes onto me. "Probably be drug to the clinic," I sigh. "After that-" A shock of pain erupts through my body and makes me scream. But something echoes my scream. An earth shattering grumble roars through the sky from the direction of Dragon Village so loud that it makes the ground shake. Fear and terror rocket through my body and make me crumble to the ground. I weep and shake. What is this feeling? 
       "Lynn! My God Lynn! What's wrong?!" I hear Kelly scream but I can't answer. I tremble and shake my head. My fingers dig into the wet earth as I gasp for a breath, unable to get air into my lungs. The sound tears through the air again and clouds my vision. I feel sick but it slowly stops as I lose consciousness.

________________________________________________

Sorry for taking so long to get chapter three up! I got absorbed into writing chapters five and six so I forgot. I have a one track mind when I start writing. Chapter three is short so I will probably add chapter four today as well. But I'm going to finish chapter six and move into seven so I don't know what will happen. Thank you so much for reading "Dragon Valley." I can see my page views increasing and it makes me excited. If you have anything to say please say it. If you can't think of anything that is fine too. I hope you enjoy chapter three and my future chapters! 

-Danielle 

"Attention to Detail" - Poem

"Attention to Detail"

Danielle Myre 03/12/2013

Words don't speak for themselves,

You put the meaning into them. 

Silence won't help, 

Those actions tell all. 

You read the book, 

But I read between the lines, 

I don't mean to stare, 

But I pick up every detail. 

Those slight movements, 

I measure every piece.

Don't try to avoid, 

I will notice that too. 

My eyes can't stop watching, 

And my mind won't stop working, 

Gears twist and turn, 

What will the product be?

My attention to detail,

I don't want to miss what I've been waiting for,

But will I read too much? 

Or see just enough? 

"Because I Love You" - poem

"Because I Love You" 

Danielle Myre (March 2013)

What can I say that I haven't already said? 

Not a day goes by without me telling you how much I love you. 

Because you are important,

I tell you I love you. 

Because you are great, 

I tell you how wonderful you are. 

Because you are my mom, 

I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

You are important, 

And needed by so many. 

You are the greatest person I know, 

And have such a beautiful heart. 

You are my mom, 

And my best friend. 

Everyday because of who you are, 

I will repeat myself just so you know... 

...Because I love you.

Poem for my mom

"Dragon Valley" Chapter 2

Note: This is chapter two of my story "Dragon Valley." If you read chapter one I hope you read this one as well! Please leave a comment if you wish to provide any feedback! I would greatly appreciate the criticism. 

"Dragon Valley"

Danielle Myre 

Chapter 2

        Besides the deadly needles on either side of us as well as hovering over our heads the path seems pretty easy to deal with. But then again I've seen photos of this path and I know that we haven’t reached the enclosed section yet. I lean to the side and glace forward. In roughly a mile and a half we will reach the enclose. That’s when things will get though. 
“So,” Kelly interrupts my thinking, “What made you come here? Why do you want to see Dragon Village?” I shrug since I'm unable to tell her my reasons. 
“Do you know the story or legend or whatever it is about Dragon Village?” She smiles, wanting to tell the story. I shake my head and tell her not really. 
“Well,” she pauses and clears her voice, “Once upon a time, 500 years ago to be precise, a wizard named Aiden and a dragon slayer named Adalynn…” Kelly looks at me and I give her a tight smile. Yep, I have the same name as her; probably because we are related, maybe. I’ll be keeping that to myself on this trip. 
“That’s pretty cool that you two share the same name. Anyways,” Kelly continues, “Aiden and Adalynn traveled into Dragon Valley to hunt down the creature that had been killing so many of their brethren…” 
As Kelly is talking I get lost in the story that I’ve read again and again. Adalynn was ordered by her father and mother to go to Dragon Valley and kill the dragon and destroy the village. She brought two of her friends and the two best fighters beside herself on the journey but both died before reaching Dragon Village. She met Aiden at the village. Both mistook each other as the dragon's helper and tried to kill each other but during their fight they realized that neither had the intent to kill. They realized that they were after the same thing: to kill the dragon. 
Aiden and Adalynn partnered up to destroy the dragon but after fighting him for months they only managed to damage themselves. They tried one last attack but that also failed. That’s when they knew that the only way to stop the dragon’s raging destruction was to seal him inside the village and then seal the village itself. For two weeks they made preparations as well as let their magical power build up for one final attempt to stop the dragon. 
Their last attack succeeded. They were able to seal away the dragon and the village with all the magic both had. But in doing so they lost all their power and forgave the power for future generations. They waited for several days on the outskirts of the village to make sure their seal held. Before they left they created another barrier and seal with the objects they blessed before the fight. They saved their time. 
However, because they gave up their magic to save lives, they were rejected by their families. But that didn’t stop them from starting a family of their own. After they left Dragon Valley they couldn’t seem to part. Their lives were bound together and found no pain or suffering in the rejection of their own family. Even if they didn’t feel pain I still felt sorry for them. The family they grew up with suddenly denied being them. But I guess if they hadn’t done that I wouldn’t be here. 
“And that’s the story,” Kelly smiles at me. “How was it?” 
“It was good. Thanks for telling me,” I act. 
“You’ve really never heard it?”
“Nope,” I say honestly. “I’ve never heard it.” I’ve never heard it because I have read it several times.
I found Adalynn’s journal in my dad’s old safe when I was seven. He didn’t know much about it except that it has been passed down through the family. I’ve been studying it every day since that day. I pretty much know everything about it but I couldn’t stop myself from making photocopies and bringing them with me. I like having the pages near. I believe everything in there is true, but part of me doesn’t believe or maybe I just don’t want to believe. That is why I’m personally going to Dragon Village. I want to see everything with my own eyes. I want to find all the answers to the questions that I’ve had for years.
“Alright,” Kyle speaks up. “We are going to be entering the enclosed portion of the Needle Forest.” He drops his bag and opens it up. “Put on your long leather coat and gloves. I know it will get hot but the leather will reduce the chances of the needles touching your skin as you move through. We have a five minute break before we move again.” 
Five minutes seems to drag on continuously. I stand impatiently as I wait for the group to start moving forward. This sudden overwhelming eagerness is eating me. But finally, we start moving and I have to remind myself not to rush or I will hurt myself as well as the others. The last thing I want is to be the cause of someone’s death because I couldn’t remain calm like how I was taught during classes. 
The porcupine trees get closer and closer with each step I make in the enclosed. My heart hammers away in my chest as I glance off to the sides to see each of the dead drops on either side of me. I saw pictures when I was taking my preparation classes but those pictures were nothing compared to the real thing. Two dark seas of poisonous needles surround me and that doesn't include the ones that I brush up against or the ones I have duck under. 
To avoid all the needles I move gingerly but despite being careful I feel myself start to fall. The ground gives out under my feet and I slide over the edge, screaming at the top of my lungs. I reach for anything and everything to stop me from falling further and slowly I slow down. But more fear creeps over me as my blood bubbles out of my torn glove. I look at my cut hand and the needles producing from wrist and hand. Effects start almost immediately but I feel fine despite the fear coursing through my veins.  
  "Everyone stop!" I hear Kyle scream. I glance up and he is carefully leaning over the edge with a panicking Kelly. I move my wounded hand out of his view and try to show him that I'm okay. "Adalynn," Kyle yells, "Don't move. You are centimeters away from the needles!" I nod and he turns his back on me. 
With Kyle busy talking to the lead guide or doing whatever it is he is doing, I take that opportunity to pull the needles out of my hand and throw them away from me. I slip my glove off and look at the damage. My hand is cut up pretty badly but I can pass it off as an impact wound instead of being stabbed with needles.I have pass it off as just that since I'm just fine even though I should be in complete shock right now and throwing up blood or something along those lines. I guess can add this to my list of why I should believe that I'm the descendant of dragon slayers. I smack my forehead on the soft, cool soil and shake my head.  
A heavy rope hits my shoulder and makes me look up. "I'm coming down to get you!" Kyle yells with concern.  
Kyle clips the rope onto his waist and gets ready to start his descent but I yell at him to stop. He almost falls with surprise. "I'm fine. Nothings broken. I can climb up by myself." He looks at me, dumbfounded, along with several other people. I grab the rope and position my feet properly so I don't slip down any further  I start climbing up to the group, making sure that I don't touch any needles. I'm immune to their effects but I can't exactly explain that to them.
Once I reach the top, Kyle and Jim and everyone start suffocating me. Kyle notices my hand first and snatchers it from my side. "I'm fine," I say quickly. "It was just from the impact." He doesn't buy it. 
"I saw you grab a needle bush Lynn," Kelly speaks up. 
I sigh and shake my head. "If I touched one they didn't touch my skin. I'm fine. Doesn't the poison coating these needles kick in immediately? Do I look sick?" 
"You're extremely pale!" Kyle snaps. 
I snap back, "Of course I'm pale! I fell and almost died! But I didn't. I'm fine!"
"I think you should go back," Kyle and the lead guide say in perfect harmony. 
I get to my feet and brush off all the dirt off of myself. Kelly hands me a travel pack of baby wipes and I take them to get the mud and dirt off of my face. I take another one and clean the debris out of my hand. It hurts but I don't let it show. "I'm not going back," I tell the instructors. "I'm fine. I really am." They don't look like they are going to budge. "Then I will go by myself," I say, moving forward and passing everyone in the group. 
I stop when Kyle grabs my arm and yanks me backwards. "You will get tested at the clinic in Dragon Village as soon as we get there. Now give me your hand so I can bandage it." I give him my hand without hesitating and watch as he puts cream on my hand and gauze over every small scrape. "Tell me if you feel sick. You have no idea how dangerous this poison is." I nod and he lets go of my hand. 
Kyle leaves my side but Kelly comes up to me and stands next to me without saying a word. I watch Kyle and Jim rally up the rest of the members and get them back on track. This time Kelly, Kyle and myself are in the lead. I like it better this way.