Merlia had always dreamed of seeing more of the world. As a mouse, her perspective was limited by her tiny size and her life lived close to the roots of things. Paths twisted ahead, hiding their destinations, and every horizon was swallowed by ferns, stones, or tall grass. One morning, she spotted a great dragon gliding overhead, its wings carving slow, effortless arcs through the clouds. If only she could see the world from that height, she wished longingly.
So she decided to build a balloon.
Her woodland friends rallied around her. The squirrels bent sap‑smooth twigs for the basket. The beavers sealed the seams with resin. The rabbits braided grass ropes, and the hedgehog stitched a patchwork of old sailcloth into a bright, round balloon. Even the fireflies gifted her a flicker of their flame.
At last, the balloon was ready. Merlia climbed into the basket, stoked the firefly flame, and started to rise. She ascended higher and higher until the forest became a quilt of greens and golds. She squeaked with delight. Finally she could see everything.
Then the wind changed. A sudden storm rolled in, tossing the balloon like a leaf. The ropes strained. The fabric tore with a long, sorrowful rip. The basket lurched downward, and Merlia shrieked as the ground rushed up to meet her.
A shadow swept across the sky.
The dragon she had seen that morning dove through the storm, caught her in one gentle claw, and carried her safely above the churning clouds. When her trembling eased, she looked back at the falling scraps of her balloon and whispered, “My friends worked so hard. I’ve lost everything they gave me.”
The dragon rumbled a soft laugh. “Little one, ask me first next time. I would have given you a ride.”
From that day on, the mouse and the dragon explored the skies together – mapping forests, visiting far-off glens, and discovering wonders Merlia had never dared imagine. And soon, every creature in the woodland knew her story.
Not because she rode a dragon, but because she had tried to fly.
And whenever a young creature felt too small to dream big, the elders would remind them of Merlia, the mouse who touched the sky.
“Size has nothing to do with how high you can rise. And if you need a little help reaching the clouds… ask. Even dragons lend their wings.”
Invite Merlia and her dragon friend into your home. Visit the Carpe Draco Shop.
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Beautiful story. I had tears in my eyes.
You’re so sweet, thank you!
Such a sweet story, and I love the illustration.
Thank you, Karen, and thanks for stopping by!
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