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The Littlest Flame: A Dragon's Heartwarming Beginnings

by Bill Tiepelman

The Littlest Flame: A Dragon's Heartwarming Beginnings

In the vast kingdom of Elderwyn, home to towering castles, enchanted forests, and creatures of legend, something extraordinary happened one quiet morning. No, it wasnโ€™t the usual kind of extraordinaryโ€”the kind with knights rescuing maidens or wizards hurling fireballs. This was different. This was the day that a very small, very adorable dragon decided to make its debut. Meet Smidge. And yes, thatโ€™s exactly what he wasโ€”a smidge of a dragon, no bigger than a loaf of bread. But donโ€™t let the size fool you. Smidge had big dreams, despite being born in the smallest egg of the clutch. His brothers and sisters had all hatched into impressive little fire-breathers, already causing minor property damage to the local village (a rite of passage for any dragon, really). Smidge, however, had yet to produce more than a puff of smoke and some particularly aggressive hiccups. โ€œYouโ€™ll get there, Smidge,โ€ his mother, a glorious red-scaled dragon named Seraphina, would say in her deep, echoing voice. โ€œIt just takes time.โ€ Smidge wasnโ€™t so sure. While his siblings were off practicing their flame control, he was busy... well, trying not to trip over his own feet. His legs seemed too long for his body, his wings flapped more like a startled chickenโ€™s than anything majestic, and his fire? Letโ€™s just say no marshmallows were getting roasted any time soon. The Quest for Fire (And Not Burning Himself in the Process) Determined to prove himself, Smidge set off on a mission. It wasnโ€™t a typical โ€œslay the knight, hoard the treasureโ€ kind of mission. No, Smidge had something much simpler in mind: learn to breathe fire without sneezing. It was a modest goal, but you had to start somewhere. He waddled out of the cave early one morning, waving goodbye to his siblings, who were busy setting a small forest on fire (totally accidental, of course). Smidgeโ€™s journey was one of discovery. He needed to find a quiet spot, away from distractions, where he could really focus on his fire-breathing technique. โ€œAh, here we go,โ€ Smidge muttered, stumbling upon a clearing in the forest. It was peaceful, with the sun filtering through the trees, birds chirping, and most importantly, nothing that could accidentally catch fireโ€”except maybe a few shrubs, but sacrifices had to be made. Smidge squared his little shoulders, took a deep breath, and... poof. A tiny puff of smoke escaped his nostrils. Well, it was better than last time, when nothing but a few weak sparks fizzled out. He puffed his chest out, feeling rather proud. โ€œAlright, letโ€™s go again,โ€ he said, this time putting every bit of effort he had into it. He inhaled deeply, focused, andโ€”achoo! The sneeze came out of nowhere, and with it, a burst of flame that wasnโ€™t quite forward-facing. Instead, the flames engulfed his own tail. โ€œYow!โ€ Smidge yelped, hopping in circles, frantically patting out the flames with his tiny claws. After a few minutes of awkward tail-chasing, the fire was out, but his pride had taken a hit. โ€œThat,โ€ he muttered, โ€œcould have gone better.โ€ Making Friends (or, How Not to Burn Bridges) Despite the hiccups (and sneezes), Smidge wasnโ€™t about to give up. He just needed a bit of helpโ€”some guidance. And so, he set off deeper into the forest, hoping to find someone who might teach him the ancient art of dragon fire-breathing. What he found instead... was Barry. Barry was a troll. Not the menacing, bridge-guarding kind of troll, though. No, Barry was more of a โ€œtree-hugging, amateur painterโ€ kind of troll. He stood about 12 feet tall, with moss growing on his back and a pair of reading glasses perched precariously on the end of his bulbous nose. โ€œHi!โ€ Smidge chirped, looking up at the towering troll. โ€œIโ€™m Smidge. Can you help me learn to breathe fire?โ€ Barry squinted down at the tiny dragon, one mossy eyebrow raised. โ€œFire, you say? Hm. Not really my specialty, kid. Iโ€™m more into watercolors.โ€ He gestured to a nearby easel, where an interpretive painting of what Smidge assumed was a tree stood. It mostly looked like a blob with branches. โ€œOh,โ€ Smidge said, his tiny wings drooping. โ€œWell... thanks anyway.โ€ Barry sighed, scratching his head. โ€œLook, kid, I may not know much about fire-breathing, but I do know about practice. Thatโ€™s what painting is, really. Practice. You just gotta keep at it. Eventually, youโ€™ll figure it out.โ€ Smidge tilted his head, considering the trollโ€™s advice. โ€œPractice, huh? Thatโ€™s it?โ€ โ€œYep,โ€ Barry replied with a shrug. โ€œAnd, uh, maybe donโ€™t set yourself on fire next time.โ€ Smidge couldnโ€™t help but laugh. โ€œYeah, Iโ€™ll try not to.โ€ The Littlest Flame Ignites With Barryโ€™s advice echoing in his head, Smidge returned to his clearing and tried again. Days passed, and though his flames were still small and sputtering, they were growing. He only set his tail on fire twice more, and there were no major forest firesโ€”just a few smoking bushes. One evening, as the sun began to set, Smidge felt different. He had been practicing all day, and though he was tired, something inside him felt ready. He stood tall (well, as tall as a baby dragon could), focused on the horizon, and took the deepest breath yet. Flame surged from his mouth, a beautiful, controlled stream of fire that lit up the sky in shades of gold and red. Smidge blinked in surprise. Had he just... done it? โ€œI DID IT!โ€ he shouted, hopping up and down in excitement. โ€œIโ€™M A REAL DRAGON!โ€ At that moment, his mother appeared, her massive wings casting a shadow over the clearing. โ€œI knew you could do it,โ€ she said proudly, watching her littlest flame with a smile. โ€œYou just needed to find your spark.โ€ The Future of the Littlest Flame And so, with his newfound fire-breathing ability, Smidge became a legend in his own rightโ€”not for his size, but for his heart. He wasnโ€™t the biggest or the most powerful dragon in Elderwyn, but he was certainly the most determined. And that, as any dragon will tell you, is the secret to greatness. As for Barry, well, he continued painting his abstract masterpieces. Smidge, now a proud fire-breathing dragon, made sure to stop by every now and then to check in on his favorite troll, usually offering him a little flame to dry his watercolors. Because thatโ€™s what friends are forโ€”helping each other, whether with flames, brushes, or a little bit of encouragement. Smidge might have started as the littlest flame, but he knew one thing for sure: the world was about to see just how bright even the smallest dragon could shine. ย ย  Bring a Piece of Smidge's World Home If the heartwarming adventures of Smidge, the littlest flame, brightened your day, why not bring a bit of that joy into your own space? Whether youโ€™re looking for something whimsical to decorate your home or a playful gift for someone special, weโ€™ve got just the right items to capture Smidgeโ€™s charm. The Littlest Flame Puzzle โ€“ Piece together the adorable world of Smidge, one puzzle piece at a time. Itโ€™s the perfect way to relax while celebrating the little dragon who lights up our hearts. The Littlest Flame Tote Bag โ€“ Carry a bit of Smidgeโ€™s playful spirit with you wherever you go. This tote is perfect for your everyday essentials, and it comes with an extra dash of dragon-sized cuteness! The Littlest Flame Tapestry โ€“ Transform your space with this vibrant tapestry featuring Smidge, the little dragon with a big heart. Perfect for adding a whimsical touch to any room! The Littlest Flame Metal Print โ€“ Elevate your decor with this stunning metal print. Smidgeโ€™s colorful world will shine beautifully on your walls, capturing the spirit of adventure and fun. Each product brings Smidgeโ€™s delightful story to life, making it easy to keep his uplifting energy around you. Whether it's a puzzle for a quiet afternoon or a tote bag for your daily adventures, Smidge is ready to brighten your world. Explore more at Unfocussed Shop!

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The Flame-Furred Dragonling

by Bill Tiepelman

The Flame-Furred Dragonling

In the quiet, maple-scented corner of the Everamber Woods, something far from quiet was about to happen. It all began when a certain someoneโ€”letโ€™s call him Boris the Nearly Braveโ€”decided that dragons were nothing more than oversized chickens with fire breath. "Iโ€™ll make my fortune selling flame-proof armor," heโ€™d declare, waving his sword around in the village tavern, entirely forgetting heโ€™d spent the last three years cowering from squirrels. But fate, as it tends to do, had other plans. Plans that involved tiny claws, fiery pink fur, and an ego-deflating encounter in the heart of autumnโ€™s most beautiful, and least predictable, forest. The Trouble with Eggs Boris, fueled by one too many tankards of mead and even more bad decisions, set out on an epic questโ€”well, a quest anywayโ€”to find dragon eggs. The village rumor mill had been in overdrive: someone had spotted a strange glow in Everamber Woods. And since Boris was running out of excuses to avoid his debts, he figured, "Why not? Maybe Iโ€™ll find an egg, maybe Iโ€™ll die. Either way, it's less embarrassing than borrowing more coin from Granny Norgle." So off he trudged, swinging his sword at nothing in particular, and muttering about becoming the most famous dragonslayer this side of the River of Regret (a fitting name, considering his future). The deeper he ventured into the woods, the more brilliant the autumn colors becameโ€”reds, oranges, and yellows swirling in the wind, as if the trees themselves were on fire. And at the heart of it all, nestled between two particularly ancient-looking oaks, was an egg. Now, youโ€™d think Boris would be suspicious about an unguarded, glowing egg just lying in a bed of autumn leaves. Youโ€™d think heโ€™d stop to ask, "Whereโ€™s the giant, fire-breathing mother that laid this thing?" But no, Borisโ€”drunk on mead and egoโ€”picked up the egg and stuffed it in his satchel like it was a stolen loaf of bread. The Hatchling Awakens For a good five minutes, Boris was convinced heโ€™d won. He could already picture himself strutting through the village, selling dragon omelets for a fortune. But then the egg began to crack. A faint glow seeped through the fissures, followed by a high-pitched chirp. This, of course, was the part where Boris panicked. "Stay in there, you overgrown lizard!" he shouted, as if that would stop nature from taking its course. And thenโ€”pop!โ€”out came the strangest creature Boris had ever seen. It wasnโ€™t quite the fearsome dragon of legends. No, this little beast had fluffy, vibrant pink fur, big soulful eyes, and wings that looked like they belonged more on a bat that had partied too hard than a dragon of terror. Its scales glittered, but in an oddly adorable way, and its tiny horns curled like it was still deciding whether to be cute or dangerous. The baby dragon blinked at Boris, then promptly sneezed. A puff of smoke curled out of its nostrils and, as luck would have it, ignited the nearest pile of leaves. Boris jumped back, flailing as if heโ€™d been shot at by a crossbow. The dragonling, however, just sat there, wagging its tail like a puppy whoโ€™d discovered fire for the first time. "Great," Boris muttered. "Not only did I find a dragon, but itโ€™s defective." The Unlikely Partnership Now, most people wouldโ€™ve left the pink, fluffy ball of destruction right there in the forest. But Boris, ever the opportunist, figured there might still be a way to profit from this. Maybe he could train it to breathe fire on command, torch a few bandits, or at least keep his feet warm at night. He named the dragonling Fizzle, because thatโ€™s all it seemed capable ofโ€”small bursts of smoke, little pops of fire, and an uncontrollable knack for setting things ablaze that shouldn't be ablaze, like Borisโ€™s beard. It turned out that Fizzle wasnโ€™t just a dragon. He was a flame-furred, overly affectionate, extremely curious dragonling who thought everything was food, including Borisโ€™s sword. "Stop chewing that, you oversized squirrel!" Boris would yell, yanking the blade away before Fizzle reduced it to scrap metal. But Fizzle would only blink those big, innocent eyes, as if to say, "What? Me? Iโ€™m just a baby." And that, dear reader, is how Boris the Nearly Brave became the babysitter to the least threatening, most destructive dragonling in history. The Quest for the Great Dragon Mother As the days turned into weeks, Boris and Fizzle became an odd pair. The dragonling grewโ€”not in size (because letโ€™s face it, Borisโ€™s luck wouldnโ€™t allow him to raise a proper dragon)โ€”but in curiosity and chaos. Every day was a new adventure in avoiding complete disaster. One time, Fizzle ignited a cart of hay in the middle of town, sending Boris scrambling to explain why the "big, scary dragon" looked more like a stuffed toy gone wrong. "Itโ€™s not dangerous! I swear!" he shouted to the mob with pitchforks. "Itโ€™s... uh... just playing!" The villagers were, understandably, not convince ย ย  Bring Home the Chaos and Cuteness If raising a dragonling like Fizzle seems a bit too much, donโ€™t worryโ€”you can still bring a piece of his fiery charm into your life without the singed eyebrows. Check out these delightful items featuring the legendary Flame-Furred Dragonling: Throw Pillow โ€“ Cozy up with this vibrant and whimsical throw pillow, featuring Fizzle in all his pink-furred glory. A perfect touch of magical mayhem for your living room. Tapestry โ€“ Transform any space with the warm, autumn vibes of this stunning tapestry, featuring the adorable and mischievous dragonling. Itโ€™s like bringing a piece of Everamber Woods into your homeโ€”minus the accidental fires. Fleece Blanket โ€“ Stay warm (just like Boris tried to!) with this ultra-soft fleece blanket. Curl up under its magical design and let Fizzle keep you cozy without the risk of unexpected flame bursts. Tote Bag โ€“ Take a bit of dragon mischief on the go with this enchanting tote bag, perfect for your adventuresโ€”whether youโ€™re braving the woods or just heading to the market. Whether youโ€™re an aspiring dragonslayer or just a fan of fiery cuteness, these items will let you carry the spirit of Fizzle with you, without the need for flameproof armor. Shop now and add a little dragonling charm to your life!

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Fallโ€™s Fiery Duo: Phoenix and Dragon in Autumn Water

by Bill Tiepelman

Fallโ€™s Fiery Duo: Phoenix and Dragon in Autumn Water

It was a perfect autumn day in the enchanted forestโ€”the kind where the trees shed their golden leaves, squirrels planned their tiny revolutions, and somewhere, a centaur was probably wondering if he could pull off skinny jeans. In the middle of all this, a young phoenix named Blaze was making a ruckus, splashing around in the forest pond like it was his personal birdbath. Blaze wasnโ€™t alone. His partner in crime, a baby dragon named Scorch, was right there with him. Scorch, despite having the scales of a dragon, was terrified of fireโ€”ironic, considering he lived with a walking bonfire like Blaze. But today, it wasnโ€™t fire he had to worry about. No, today was all about causing as much watery chaos as possible. โ€œLast one to splash the biggest leaf has to clean the otherโ€™s nest for a month!โ€ Blaze shouted, his fiery wings sending water droplets and a couple of startled frogs flying in all directions. Scorch puffed up his tiny chest. โ€œI donโ€™t even have a nest, you overgrown feather duster! And good luck beating meโ€”Iโ€™m part water dragon!โ€ he bragged, which was technically true. He had a cousin who swam once. The same cousin also peed in the pond, but no one talked about that. The Splash Showdown Blaze eyed the giant maple leaf floating nearby. His beak curled into a grin. โ€œPrepare to be dethroned, lizard breath!โ€ With a screech, Blaze flapped his wings with all his might, launching himself into the air. A blur of fiery feathers shot toward the leaf, his wings glowing against the autumn sky. The leaf, in all its golden glory, was about to be obliterated by the splash of the century. Exceptโ€ฆ Blaze didnโ€™t account for the fact that wet feathers are slippery. Mid-flight, his wings gave out, and the phoenix plummeted. He hit the water with an epic belly-flop that sent ripples across the pond, a wave of water shooting up and drenching Scorch from snout to tail. Blaze emerged, sputtering, his feathers plastered to his body like a soggy chicken. โ€œNice one, Blaze! Maybe next time aim for the water instead of trying to fly through it!โ€ Scorch roared with laughter, his wings flapping in delight. Blaze shot him a glare, but with his drenched appearance, it wasnโ€™t exactly intimidating. Scorch's Big Moment Feeling cocky, Scorch decided to show Blaze how itโ€™s done. He flapped his wings and paddled toward the floating maple leaf. โ€œWatch and learn, Blaze. This is how a real dragon does it!โ€ He smirked as he prepared to unleash a tidal wave with his own splash. He pumped his tiny wings, took a deep breath, and dove. What he didnโ€™t realize was that there was a rather sizeable fish in the pondโ€”one that had taken a particular interest in Scorchโ€™s wiggling tail. Just as Scorch was about to dive, the fish chomped down on his tail with an audible snap. The baby dragon yelped, his dive turning into a flailing mess of wings, tail, and water. He spun in circles, trying to shake off the fish, his attempts only managing to launch him into a spectacular, but very undignified, belly-flop of his own. Blaze burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the forest. โ€œWell, well! Looks like youโ€™ve got your own problems to deal with now, Scales McFlop!โ€ Chaos Ensues The fish, perhaps thinking this was all a game, continued to chase Scorch, nibbling at his tail every time he tried to take flight. Scorch screeched and flailed, sending sprays of water everywhere. By now, the pond had become a battlefield of flailing limbs, fire-colored feathers, and the occasional fiery sneeze from Blaze, who was too busy laughing to care about getting wet again. At one point, a pair of ducksโ€”clearly annoyed by the ruckusโ€”decided theyโ€™d had enough and waddled over to investigate. They honked indignantly, but when Blaze turned to sneeze and accidentally lit one of the ducksโ€™ tails on fire, they quickly decided that retreat was the better option. The Aftermath Eventually, the fish got bored, Scorch managed to paddle away to safety, and Blaze, still soaked, was wheezing from laughing too hard. They both floated in the water, surrounded by the drifting leaves of autumn, their chaotic energy finally subdued for the moment. โ€œThat wasโ€ฆ actually pretty fun,โ€ Scorch admitted, still shaking water from his scales. โ€œBut next time, we leave the fish out of it.โ€ โ€œDeal,โ€ Blaze agreed, smoothing down his soggy feathers. โ€œAnd maybe next time, you can actually manage to splash a leaf without getting eaten by a fish.โ€ Scorch rolled his eyes. โ€œYeah, yeah, laugh it up, featherbrain.โ€ He paused and grinned. โ€œBut at least I didnโ€™t almost set a duck on fire.โ€ Blaze froze. โ€œWaitโ€ฆ whereโ€™s the duck?โ€ They both looked to the shore where the ducks had fled. In the distance, a faint trail of smoke could be seen disappearing into the forest. โ€œLetโ€™s, uhโ€ฆ letโ€™s just pretend we didnโ€™t see that,โ€ Blaze suggested. Scorch nodded. โ€œAgreed.โ€ And with that, the fiery duo floated there, enjoying the crisp autumn air and deciding that maybe next time, theyโ€™d pick a pond without such feisty fishโ€”or flammable wildlife. ย  ย  Bring the Magic of Blaze and Scorch to Your Home! If you laughed along with Blaze and Scorchโ€™s chaotic splash in the autumn pond, why not bring some of that magical mischief into your own life? Check out these delightful products featuring the duo from "Fall's Fiery Duo": Tapestry โ€“ Transform your space with a stunning tapestry of Blaze and Scorch, perfect for adding a touch of autumn magic to any room. Fleece Blanket โ€“ Snuggle up with a cozy blanket featuring your favorite fiery duo. Whether youโ€™re enjoying a book or planning your next splash, Blaze and Scorch will keep you warm. Jigsaw Puzzle โ€“ Piece together the autumn adventure with this vibrant puzzle, capturing Blaze and Scorchโ€™s playful moment in the enchanted pond. Tote Bag โ€“ Take Blaze and Scorch with you wherever you go with this colorful tote bag. Whether youโ€™re heading to the library or off on an adventure, theyโ€™ll be right by your side. Donโ€™t miss your chance to bring home a little piece of Blaze and Scorchโ€™s magical world. Perfect for gifts, decor, or just indulging your love for all things whimsical and fiery!

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Laughing with Dragons: A Gnome's Joyful Moment

by Bill Tiepelman

Laughing with Dragons: A Gnome's Joyful Moment

In a forest where the trees never stop gossiping and the mushrooms grow as tall as your ego, there lived a gnome named Grimble Bottomsworth. Grimble wasnโ€™t just your average gnomeโ€”oh no, he was the gnome who could out-laugh a banshee, out-drink a troll, and out-flirt a tree nymph (not that the nymphs appreciated it). Sitting atop his favorite oversized toadstool, he was having one of his famous chuckling fits. But this time, he had a new partner in crime: a baby dragon named Snarky. Now, Snarky wasnโ€™t your typical dragon. For starters, he was about the size of a house cat and didnโ€™t breathe fire, but he did occasionally burp out something that smelled worse than an ogreโ€™s armpit. Snarky flapped his tiny wings, perched in Grimble's grubby hand, puffing out his chest like he was the king of this absurdly colorful jungle. Grimble cackled. โ€œLook at this little bugger! Thinks heโ€™s fierce! Ha! You couldnโ€™t roast a marshmallow if it begged ya, could ya, Snarky?โ€ Snarky, feeling the insult (or maybe just responding to Grimbleโ€™s constant stench of ale and mushroom stew), let out a tiny, yet surprisingly sharp, flame that singed a bit of Grimbleโ€™s beard. The gnome paused, blinked, and then erupted into laughter so hearty that a nearby squirrel dropped its acorn in shock. โ€œOi! Thatโ€™s the best ya got? My grannyโ€™s breath is hotter than that, and sheโ€™s been dead for forty years!โ€ Grimble slapped his knee, almost tipping off the toadstool as his leathery boots dangled in the air. โ€œBloody brilliant!โ€ The Unfortunate Toadstool Incident As Grimble kept laughing, his mushroom throne gave a low groan. You see, toadstools arenโ€™t exactly made to support the weight of a gnome who spent most of his life binge-eating pies and downing mead. With a rather unceremonious squelch, the toadstool gave way, collapsing beneath Grimbleโ€™s rotund rear with a fart-like noise that echoed through the forest. โ€œWell, bugger me sideways!โ€ Grimble exclaimed as he found himself flat on his back, surrounded by the remnants of what was once his beloved mushroom seat. โ€œThat toadstool didnโ€™t stand a chance, did it? Too much ale andโ€ฆ well, letโ€™s just say Iโ€™ve had a few more pies than I shouldโ€™ve.โ€ Snarky let out a snicker, which was an odd sound coming from a dragon, but it seemed fitting. The tiny dragon flapped his wings, hovering just above Grimbleโ€™s beard, which had now caught a few mushroom chunks. โ€œOi! You laughing at me, ya scaly little fart?โ€ Grimble grunted, wiping his hands on his tunic, smearing dirt and mushroom bits across it. โ€œBloody hell, this place is a mess. I look like a drunk dwarf after a wedding feast. Not that Iโ€™m much better at weddings eitherโ€ฆ well, not after what happened last time.โ€ He trailed off, muttering something about a goat and too much wine. A Foul Bet โ€œTell ya what, Snarky,โ€ Grimble said, still sprawled on the ground, one leg draped over a broken mushroom stalk, โ€œif you can manage to burn that there big olโ€™ mushroom,โ€ he pointed to a colossal red-capped toadstool about ten feet away, โ€œIโ€™ll get ya all the roasted rabbits you can stomach. But if you fail, youโ€™ve gotta clean my boots for a month! And trust me, they smell worse than a troll after a spa day.โ€ Snarky narrowed his eyes and let out a determined growl that sounded more like a hiccup. He swooped down to the ground, planted his tiny claws, and puffed up his chest. With a snort, he unleashed a pathetic puff of smoke that dissipated in the wind faster than Grimbleโ€™s last bit of dignity. โ€œOh, come on! My piss after a night at the tavernโ€™s got more heat than that!โ€ Grimble guffawed, rolling over and clutching his belly. โ€œLooks like youโ€™ll be lickinโ€™ my boots clean, mate!โ€ Snarky, thoroughly annoyed, darted forward and clamped his tiny jaws onto Grimbleโ€™s nose. It wasnโ€™t enough to draw blood, but just enough to make the gnome yelp. โ€œOi! You cheeky bastard!โ€ Grimble yelped, pulling the dragon off his face and glaring at him, though the effect was lost because he was still laughing. โ€œAlright, alright, Iโ€™ll give ya a rabbit anyway, ya little shit.โ€ He scratched the back of his head and let out a deep sigh, the kind only someone whoโ€™s eaten one too many pies could muster. The Aftermath As the day wore on, Grimble and Snarky settled into their usual routine of half-hearted bickering, mushroom-smashing, and general forest chaos. Despite their insults and shenanigans, they made quite the pairโ€”both oddballs in their own right, united by their love of mischief and the fact that neither of them could take life (or each other) too seriously. And so, in the heart of the enchanted forest, with his belly full of pie and his beard smelling faintly of burnt mushrooms, Grimble Bottomsworth spent his days laughing with dragons, farting on mushrooms, and reminding anyone who crossed his path that even in a world full of magic, sometimes the best thing you can do is sit back, have a laugh, and let the dragon bite your nose when you've earned it. โ€œHereโ€™s to another day of nonsense,โ€ Grimble said, raising his flask to Snarky, โ€œand may your farts never be hotter than your breath, ya useless little lizard.โ€ Snarky burped in response. โ€œAtta boy.โ€ ย  ย  Bring the Whimsy Home! If you enjoyed Grimbleโ€™s wild antics and Snarkyโ€™s mischief, you can bring a piece of this magical world into your own! Check out these delightful products featuring "Laughing with Dragons: A Gnome's Joyful Moment": Jigsaw Puzzle โ€“ Perfect for piecing together Grimbleโ€™s hilarious adventures while enjoying some leisurely fun. Acrylic Print โ€“ Elevate your space with a vibrant, high-quality acrylic print that captures every laugh and mushroom fart in stunning detail. Greeting Card โ€“ Share a bit of Grimbleโ€™s joy with friends and family through whimsical greeting cards that feature this fantastical scene. Donโ€™t miss out on these enchanting collectibles! Whether youโ€™re a fan of puzzles or looking to brighten someoneโ€™s day with a card, these products bring the magic to life in your hands. ย 

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Embers of Friendship

by Bill Tiepelman

Embers of Friendship

In a mystical forest where every leaf seemed to be on fireโ€”not metaphorically, but literallyโ€”an unusual pair floated in the shallow waters of a glowing river: a baby phoenix named Fluff, and a tiny dragon named Sizzle. And no, this wasnโ€™t some grand, legendary meeting between two majestic creatures destined to save the world. Nope. These two could barely save themselves from a sneeze. "Why do we even hang out here?" Sizzle asked, his stubby claws swirling the water around them. "The riverโ€™s basically lava, the trees are exploding with fire leaves every ten seconds, and I swear that squirrel tried to set my tail on fire earlier. I donโ€™t think we're safe!" Fluff puffed up his already ridiculously fluffy feathers and looked at his dragon friend with a calm, unbothered expression. "Relax, Sizzle. The squirrel just thought your tail was a marshmallow. Thatโ€™s a compliment." "Right," Sizzle said with an eye roll, swatting away a falling ember with his wing. "Because being mistaken for a snack is totally how I imagined my life going." Fluff squawked with laughter, sending a puff of tiny flames up into the air. "At least youโ€™re not perpetually one sneeze away from spontaneous combustion!" Sizzle nodded, still not convinced. "Speaking of which, remember last week when you tried to sneeze quietly, but instead you set a whole tree on fire? Then that deer looked at us like we were the worst things to happen to nature since pollution." "It was one sneeze!" Fluff defended, throwing his wings up in mock indignation. "And I can't help it if Iโ€™m made of fire. Itโ€™s a design flaw." The two floated in silence for a moment, watching as a few more flaming leaves drifted from the autumn canopy above and sizzled in the lava-like water. There was an occasional bubbling sound as the water burped up a few embers, which was, as Sizzle liked to put it, "disgustingly unsettling." โ€œSo, what now?" Sizzle asked, clearly bored of swimming in a river that doubled as a safety hazard. โ€œI thought we could maybe... I dunno, find a village, scare some humans, you know, the usual?โ€ Fluff offered casually, flapping his wings so he floated a little higher above the water. โ€œScare some humans? You? You look like a giant ball of yarn caught fire. Whatโ€™re you going to do, cuddle them to death?โ€ Sizzle shot back, grinning. โ€œHey! Iโ€™ll have you know Iโ€™m a very intimidating presence!โ€ Fluff said, puffing out his chest (which made him look even more like a fluffy orange dandelion). โ€œWatch this.โ€ Without warning, Fluff gave a powerful flap of his wings, launching himself out of the water and into the air. He soared upโ€”well, more like he awkwardly wobbled upwards like a drunken pigeonโ€”and perched on a low branch, his wings burning with fiery feathers. He looked down at Sizzle with a smug grin. โ€œThat wasโ€ฆ something,โ€ Sizzle said, snorting out a small puff of smoke. โ€œBut maybe next time, try to look less like youโ€™re being chased by invisible bees.โ€ Fluff sighed dramatically and flopped down onto the branch, causing a small fire to start on the leaves around him. โ€œYou know what? Forget scaring humans. Letโ€™s just take over a hot springs or something. We can relax, roast some marshmallows. Maybe I can figure out how to not sneeze fire for once.โ€ Sizzleโ€™s eyes lit up at the mention of marshmallows. โ€œNow that is the best idea youโ€™ve had all day.โ€ Just then, a single ember floated down and landed on Sizzleโ€™s tail, igniting it like a tiny sparkler. He stared at it for a second, then sighed. โ€œBut first, let me put my butt out.โ€ As the phoenix and dragon made their way down the glowing river, leaving behind a trail of smoking footprints, one thing was clear: they may have been made of fire, but their friendship burned brighter than any flame in the forest. Even if they occasionally set things on fire... unintentionally. ย  ย  Sizzle's Backstory Born into a proud lineage of fearsome dragons, Sizzle was, well... the family disappointment. While his ancestors could breathe firestorms that could scorch entire villages, Sizzle could barely manage a puff of smoke that smelled suspiciously like burnt toast. To make matters worse, his siblings were all soaring through the skies, spitting fireballs like seasoned warriors. And then there was Sizzleโ€”afraid of heights and forever stuck on the ground, where the only thing he could successfully roast was his own tail. From the moment he hatched, it was clear Sizzle was destined for something... different. His egg didnโ€™t crack with a mighty boom, but more of a polite โ€œpopโ€ followed by a weak sparkle. The dragon midwife even asked, โ€œIs this egg defective, or are we just going for subtle?โ€ Despite this, Sizzleโ€™s parents were hopeful. After all, every dragon goes through awkward phases, right? Wrong. Sizzleโ€™s awkward phase seemed to be permanent. By the time Sizzle was three, it became clear that traditional dragon activities were not in his cards. Flight lessons? Heโ€™d spend more time flapping around in circles than actually gaining any altitude. Fire-breathing practice? He sneezed once and accidentally roasted his own snack. Twice. Letโ€™s not even talk about the time he tried to roarโ€”it was more of a squeak. His parents took to explaining him as โ€œa work in progress,โ€ while Sizzle secretly wished he could just master the art of not embarrassing himself in front of the village squirrels. But what Sizzle lacked in brute force, he made up for with a sharp wit, a knack for sarcasm, and the strange ability to befriend creatures no dragon had business talking to. Thatโ€™s how he met Fluff, the baby phoenix. While other dragons wouldโ€™ve tried to eat a phoenix on sight, Sizzle just figured, โ€œHey, another walking fire hazard. Maybe weโ€™ll get along.โ€ And they didโ€”kind of like two flame-retardant peas in a lava-filled pod. Sizzle might not have been the fire-breathing terror his family wanted, but heโ€™d long since accepted that his talents lay elsewhere. Like being the only dragon who could make a phoenix laugh so hard it nearly sneezed itself into a fireball. Now, instead of burning down villages, Sizzle spends his days setting things on fire purely by accident, which, surprisingly, has its own charm. After all, not every dragon can say theyโ€™ve been invited to roast marshmallows by a phoenix. Sure, itโ€™s not the most โ€œdragon-yโ€ thing, but Sizzle figures, if you canโ€™t beat the fire, you might as well have fun with it. ย  Fluff's Backstory Fluff wasn't your typical phoenix. While most phoenixes were born in dramatic bursts of flame, emerging from their ashes like feathered gods of fire, Fluff's birth was more of a... poof. There was a small spark, a half-hearted crackle, and then, out came Fluffโ€”looking less like a fearsome firebird and more like a fluffy chick that got caught in a toaster. Instead of commanding the skies with blazing power, Fluff looked like he should be chasing breadcrumbs at a picnic. As a baby phoenix, Fluff had all the fiery potential of his ancestors, except for one tiny problemโ€”he couldnโ€™t control it. Every sneeze, hiccup, or even a slight twitch of his wings resulted in something spontaneously combusting. Once, he sneezed so hard he accidentally set the sky on fire for a whole afternoon. That wasnโ€™t even the worst of it. At one point, Fluff tried to take a nap in a tree, and, wellโ€ฆ letโ€™s just say that tree is now a permanent pile of ash. Forest creatures quickly learned that hanging out with Fluff was a bit of a gamble. Despite his fiery mishaps, Fluff had an annoyingly positive attitude. โ€œItโ€™s all part of the process!โ€ he would chirp after unintentionally torching an innocent flower bed. His family wasnโ€™t so sure. Phoenixes were supposed to be majestic creatures of rebirth and flame, but Fluff? Fluff was like a walking fire hazard with wings. His parents, who were on their fifth reincarnation by this point, just kept giving him awkward smiles and murmuring, โ€œHeโ€™ll grow into itโ€ฆ wonโ€™t he?โ€ But as time went on, it became clear that Fluff was never going to be the serious, majestic phoenix theyโ€™d hoped for. Instead, he was the kind of bird who found joy in starting accidental fires and saw every flaming disaster as an opportunity to make new friends. Thatโ€™s how he met Sizzle, the little dragon who was just as clumsy with fire as he was. The two bonded over their shared inability to not set things on fire. While other creatures avoided them like the plague, Fluff and Sizzle saw each other as the perfect partners in crimeโ€”or, at the very least, in minor forest fire incidents. Now, Fluff spends his days fluttering around, accidentally setting fire to things and making the most of his not-so-majestic phoenix life. Sure, heโ€™s not the intimidating, fiery phoenix of legend, but who needs all that pressure? Fluffโ€™s philosophy is simple: if youโ€™re going to accidentally set the world on fire, you might as well enjoy the warmth.ย  ย  Love the quirky and fiery friendship of Fluff and Sizzle? Now you can bring their hilarious antics and heartwarming bond into your own space! Whether youโ€™re looking to challenge yourself with a puzzle that captures their magical moment, send some laughter with a personalized greeting card, or elevate your dรฉcor with a stunning canvas print, we've got you covered. You can even stick a little bit of their charm anywhere with a sticker! Whichever way you choose, these products are the perfect way to bring the whimsical and fiery spirit of this duo into your life. ย 

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