Welcome, welcome, one and all, to
The Draconic Forest!

Tell me, what DID you think of our fine collaboration? How satisfying it is to have an audience again, watching my every move with bated breath, raging and weeping over my delectable plot twists... Ah, the general tenor of terror warms my heart. Just like the olden days! Which reminds me, I have a few friends hiding in this forest that I've been looking forward to seeing again... a former protégé, a loyal dog, a puppet who snapped a few of his strings... Yes, I will have quite a few words to share with them...

But look at me, blathering on, when I am but the humble writer behind the scenes! No, no, I must introduce you all to the star of this particular show - and believe it or not, her lines are ALL her own! Please, follow the flaming spotlight with your eyes as I direct your attention to my newest muse and close collaborator....

Everyone, put your hands together to welcome your latest leading lady:

The Dragon!

It does indeed. Well spoken, my daring Dragon! Don't you agree, audience?

Oh, don't look so shocked... Am I really so loathsome that you can't conceive of your perfect former Princess willingly collaborating with me of her own volition? Even after you witnessed her with your own eyes, drinking my magic down with delight and welcoming me, wide-armed, into her passionate embrace? Surely it's not SO surprising... then again, you fools always were the worst at reading my foreshadowing.

I spent so long courting this particular collaborator, whispering to her suspicions and coaxing her concerns over the course of so many months, I was almost concerned you might figure me out too soon... Not that I didn't have plenty of unintentional help from that bellowing General and simpering Courtier, of course, may they be enjoying their tenure in their jail cells. Oh, and how could I forget the dear sad Willow Tree, so pitifully easy to manipulate... Pathetic Dryad, filled with such hopeful happiness whenever I whispered sweet words through their leaves.... Yes, they played their part well until it was time to turn my attentions elsewhere. They don't seem to be in the dungeons, so I presume they've crawled off to die somewhere in peace, but you know, I really can't be bothered to find out.

Regardless, what a reward I've reaped for all my efforts! Look at your former friend - do you like her transformations? Really, despite how long it's been, I clearly have not lost my touch. Spread the word! Thespians are positively passé, in comparison to my newest creation!

Her Healing Dragon's Top, her Healing Dragon's Headband, the razor-sharp metallic Healing Dragon's Claws that are perfectly fitted to the twisted claws upon her hands... Yes, I have outdone myself here!

And what about this costume change that she's selected for herself? Her Healing Dragon's Leggings and Healing Dragon's Coat fit her chosen role so well...

My dastardly Dragon, I believe I speak for all of us when I say that this new outfit truly suits you! Of course, it is but a first draft; once you've finished hoarding all the magic of the Heart of the Forest for yourself, and you've completed your physical transformations, we can make the changes a little more... drastic.

Hmmm... You know, I haven't quite made up my mind. After my temporary journey away from the Stage, I was feeling very prepared to forgive the Thespians for their little quibbles against me, but I must admit, their prolonged defiance has begun to wear upon my nerves - particularly after my brief encore over at the Coral Reef. Taking control of that "dreaded Everstorm" to test their mettle... How disappointing that they didn't call on me to save them, even as they scampered about like ants.

Oh, look, our audience is dumfounded. Did you not believe me to be behind that? Dear me, when will the audience learn that they should be listening to the Hero of the play? Yes, the resurgence of that storm was me - after all, her magic is a song so familiar that I could sing it in my sleep...

But the Enchanted Forest, with all its fortifications! Now, that did prove a challenge. Honestly, I hadn't planned to try my hand here - not until the the former ruler of this land accidentally sent me such a tempting an invitation by means of invoking these ancient Rituals! I could scarcely believe what I was sensing. It has been so, SO long...

Fair enough, my pet. I shall pay a quick visit to the cell of the former Headmaster to let him know that we'll be distributing The Dragon's Badge Bundle and Pick A Part: The Dragon's Badge via his beloved Headmaster's Office, whether he consents or not - really, those temporal shadows are a marvel, though I'm afraid they don't have much life left in them! But that's neither here nor there. I expect that, for all their protestations, we'll find many audience members who are more than happy to echo your magnificent transformations with their own... Let it serve as a prelude to our eventual cross-Remnant Empire!

Oh, this will be fun...