I am being called to return from Exile. I don’t even remember the Kingdom that calls to me, only that it does. I’d heard, at first faintly, the call of a world that is not complete without me, a purpose unclaimed, a life not lived to full capacity. The call grows ever louder, the pull in my heart stronger, to abandon my self imposed Exile and step up to the throne I abdicated~the one waiting, empty, in my own soul.

It frightens me, because there are many who do not wish me to reclaim that which is mine. Those who have dragons trained to use fire, and tail, and claws, and terrible teeth to burn, crush, and tear anything that causes them fear or discomfort. If I remain in exile, they retain all the power and benefits that are rightfully mine, those I have never lifted a hand to claim as my own.

I approach the edges of what has become the Kingdom of Misery, and I am haunted by an image super-imposed over all I see; a forgotten dream of such power and beauty that it brings tears to eyes long gone dry. The tears pull a fire up through my heart, a longing so strong and deep that I cry out, unable to deny it.

As I draw closer, I see the dragons rise and circle above me; fear, blame, shame, doubt. They dive, circle and claw at this heart and mind already so heavily scarred. I am relentless in my taking of the next step…and the next. The power in my heart is growing, the closer I get to the center of it all; this land of my destiny. The dragon wounds have only released the poison festering inside me, and it drains drop by drop as I approach The Beginning.

What they thought would stop me has only made me stronger, the fear I face has only made me more courageous.

The Sandpaper people who guard the walls begin to tremble and retreat, unsure of whether to adjust or flee these new circumstances, this new reign brought into power by the Return of the Queen. I will let them do as they will~I cannot let that matter to me now.

As I draw ever closer, I see lights flicker from hidden places disguised as Hopelessness, and the new clarity of my vision allows me to see those who long to run to me, throw their arms around me, and shout their welcome to the Heavens.

Oh my God, I can name them now! I remember them!

They are Joy, and Truth, and the twins Love and Acceptance. Right behind them are Forgiveness, Understanding and Hope.

The dragons above me begin to swoop and dive in a greater frenzy, and all those welcoming me home cringe in fear. I cannot lose them again, I will not. I raise my hands to the darkening sky, and with all the power won from a thousand lifetimes I speak a new world into existence, My World.

And I say…

You Have No Power Here.

And then, I smile.