The Midnight Magician🔊

Once upon a time, in the small, enchanting town of Dorsetshire, there lived an old man named Elidor. Strongly intriguing and mysteriously captivating, Elidor was no ordinary man; he was a Midnight Magician. The townsfolk knew very little about him, for he was as aloof as he was enchantingly peculiar, and his peculiarities were now part of the town’s folklore.

Elidor’s house was a stool-shaped hut on Hilltop Lane, set apart from the main town’s hustle and bustle. The children often scuttled up to his residence, eager to catch a glimpse of his magical exploits. They never witnessed any magic but were always thrilled by the high stacks of ancient, mystical books and the elusive twinkle in the old man's eyes.

Late one night, as most of the town was tucked up in their homes, a deafening thunderclap echoed through Dorsetshire. From his hilltop home, Elidor gazed at the storm terrorizing his town. But amid the chaos, he noticed a peculiar shadow darting through the downpour. His curious eyes followed the shadow to an old, abandoned fortress on the edge of the town. Acknowledging the unusual event, Elidor donned his magical attire—a long, dark cloak embellished with silver stars and the moon's phases, —and ventured into the storm.

Upon reaching the fortress, Elidor was met with a large, heaving chest. It was locked but was consistently vibrating as if something wanted to get out. With a wave of his cloaking wand, the lock burst open, revealing a small, shivering dragon, too scared to venture out. Elidor's heart softened at the sight. He helped the terrified creature, offered it some magical warming herbs, and named it 'Puff'. From then onwards, Puff became Elidor's companion in solitude.

Life in Dorsetshire began to change with the presence of Puff. Elidor surreptitiously started using Puff's fire-breathing ability for the good of the town. Frozen lakes were warmed for winter fishing, candle factories thrived with a newfound fire source, and even the chilliest winters felt a little warmer with Puff around. The townsfolk quickly noticed the changes, and rumors started to circulate about a dragon's presence.

One day, the rumor reached the town's self-proclaimed governing council. Intrigued and paranoid, they decided to corner Elidor. As much as Elidor wanted to protect Puff, he knew hiding was never the best answer. Gathering his courage, Elidor revealed Puff to the townsfolk. Looking at the fearful faces around him, he pleaded for their understanding and acceptance.

The town was abuzz with mixed feelings—fear and curiosity battling inside everyone's minds. However, it was the words of a little town-girl, Mary, that swayed the council. She pleaded, remembering how winters were less severe now and how their parents’ work had become easier with the help of the mysterious fire. She questioned, 'Isn't Puff, the dragon, just like us, trying to find a home and make this world a better place?'

Moved by Mary's words, the council conceded. The townsfolk learned to embrace Puff, and slowly, the Midnight Magician wasn’t so peculiar to them anymore. From fear sprouted acceptance, and with it, Dorsetshire's love for Elidor and Puff grew. They were no longer feared oddities but an integral part of the community. Dorsetshire was transformed from an ordinary town to a haven of harmony and magic.

The Midnight Magician and the Dragon taught their town something invaluable—embracing differences can kindle the strongest magic, that of love and acceptance. It’s safe to say that Dorsetshire lived happily and harmoniously ever after, under the watchful and magical eyes of Elidor and Puff.

And as for Elidor, he lived his twilight years in the joyous company of his faithful dragon Puff, basking in the success of their acceptance and the magic of living in harmony.