Why monsters scare me!

Why do monsters scare me? Well, let me tell you. They have tough scales, area-of-effect breath attacks, flight abilities, and, as if that wasn't enough, some even have magical super powers. Today is my coming of age ceremony and I am terrified that the Orb of Choosing will make me have to face these fearsome beasts.

As I walk to the ceremony grounds, Xenia, my childhood friend, is right beside me. I am so glad that she is here to provide support. She is nervous as well, because it's her Choosing too. The wind keeps blowing her silver hair into my face, but it smells like strawberries so I don't really mind. Suddenly, she turns to me and says, "Don't worry so much Xenos! You are going to be great at whatever the Choosing has in store for you!" She has always been supportive of me. She is looking at me with the greenest eyes I have ever seen and a smile which could turn night into day. I love her pointed elven ears, which twitch as if listening to some secret melody. I often wonder if she has heard my heart racing as she holds my hand.

The only reason I haven't made a move is because her dad, Brunus, said she will only be allowed to marry someone who can best him in battle. Currently, I am a tad underpowered for that venture. Maybe, if I can get a job at the Choosing which will build muscle, then I can at least make the attempt.

After my random thoughts about Xenia and her father, I thought about the real reason I fear monsters. My parents were killed by a monster with black scales over a semi-human frame, ruby red eyes, bat-like wings, and acidic spit. They were dissolved before my eyes trying to save the other villagers in the town. My dad was a city guard, and my mom was a doctor. This incident is still vivid in my memory after 4 years.

I presently live with my grandpa, Grumas, and my grandma, Betis, who love me very much and have been my only family in town since the incident. They were barely able to afford a new outfit for my Choosing. It is in fact far grander than I have ever worn, because it is made from soft and sturdy silk from a monstrous silk worm known as a Seligos. It is a royal blue color with silver adornments, and the silver thread is a matched set with Xenia's glorious hair as if she had donated it for just this occasion.

I greet the townsfolk and they provide words of encouragement as I cross the streets and byways to the hill upon which the ceremony will take place. All manner of people are selling good luck trinkets and festival foods. I know Xenia loves the fruit tarts and so I am currently purchasing one for each of us. Unfortunately, as I mentioned, I am low on funds and the 8 large coppers it costs makes me cringe as normally that is two days worth of food money.

I have reached the end of the line for the choosing and am making nervous small talk with those around me as we shamble along. It takes an hour for the line to allow me to even see the entry gate for the ceremony. The gate is magically sealed except during this very ceremony, which only adds to my anxiety. The gate, I am told, was made by dwarves over a thousand years ago and has been a staple of the town since before anyone can remember. Even the dwarves who brought it here are several generations removed from the dwarves who maintain it. The inscription reads, "Enter those whose path is firm, whose heart is steadfast, whose head is clear of distraction, and whose feet carry them ever onward." I have read those words at least a thousand times since I learned them. Now, I can experience the sensation of entering through this gate to actualize my future and my heart is pounding with excitement. My feet carry me onward.