The Dragon's Heart
By Anya Larson and Benjamin Foster

**Characters:**

* Cressida: A brave, kind, and witty young girl with a fiery spirit and a love for adventure.
* Pip: A small, intelligent squirrel with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, who can speak English, but only Cressida understands.
* Garrett: Cressida's loyal and slightly nervous sidekick, always ready to help, but often worried about the dangers they face.
* Prince William Gryndalor (disguised as Gryndalor): A once-proud and arrogant prince, now trapped in a dragon's form, yearning for freedom and redemption.
* The Wise Witch: A mysterious and powerful being disguised as an old woman who tests the hearts of others.

**Setting:**

A lush, enchanted forest, with towering trees, a babbling brook, and a distant, snow-capped mountain peak.

**[SCENE START]**

Cressida and Garrett are exploring the forest, their laughter echoing through the trees.

Cressida: (Excitedly) Garrett, have you heard the legend of Gryndalor, the fearsome dragon trapped on the highest peak?

Garrett: (Nervous) Yes, Cressida. They say he's a monstrous creature, breathing fire and terrorizing the land.

Cressida: (Smiling) But what if the legend is wrong? What if he's just a poor creature, trapped and misunderstood?
Pip, perched on Cressida's shoulder, squeaks in agreement.

Cressida: (Smiling at Pip) You think we should help him, don't you?
Pip: (Squeaks) Absolutely! We must break the curse.
Cressida: (Determined) Then let's go!

They embark on their journey, facing treacherous paths and puzzling riddles. After days of climbing, they reach the mountain peak.

Cressida: (Whispering) He doesn't look so scary.
Garrett: (Shivering) That's just because he's sleeping.
Cressida: (Approaching the dragon cautiously) We must show him kindness.

Cressida offers the dragon a wild berry, a symbol of peace and friendship. The dragon, surprised, hesitates before accepting the offering.
Gryndalor (in a deep, raspy voice): Who dares disturb my slumber?

Cressida: (Calmly) I'm Cressida. I've come to help you.

Gryndalor: (Scoffs) A mere mortal thinks she can help a dragon?

Cressida: (Patiently) We believe in the power of kindness.

Pip squeaks encouragement, and the dragon's eyes soften slightly.

Gryndalor: (Skeptical) Kindness? A weak and foolish notion.

Cressida: (Smiling) Maybe you just need a friend.

Over time, Cressida and her friends spend countless hours with Gryndalor, sharing stories, laughter, and simple pleasures. Slowly, the dragon's heart begins to thaw.

Gryndalor: (Quietly) You're right. I've been a fool.

A blinding light surrounds Gryndalor, and he transforms back into Prince William Gryndalor.

Prince William: (Surprised) What has happened?

Cressida: (Smiling) Kindness, Your Highness.

The Wise Witch appears, disguised as an old woman.

Wise Witch: (Chuckling) It seems you've learned your lesson, young prince.

Prince William: (Bowing) I am truly sorry for my past behavior.

Wise Witch: (Smiling) You are forgiven.

The Witch vanishes, leaving behind a peaceful aura.
Cressida: (Happy) We did it, Garrett!

Garrett: (Relieved) Yes, we did.

Prince William: (Grateful) Thank you, Cressida. You and your friends have restored my faith in humanity.

They all smile, knowing that kindness is the most powerful magic of all. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the mountain, they bid farewell to the prince, starting on the long journey home.

**[CURTAIN]**

The audience cheered loudly as the makeshift curtain was lowered while the five took a final bow. People from all over the village had gotten wind of the play and there were so many people that they scarcely fit in Mrs. Maude's dusty little shop. The duo's play was absolutely wonderful and the moral was appreciated by all.

People from all over the village cheered and all my worries and doubts melted away as the curtain fell, and I threw my arms around Ben in a tight hug. "We did it! We did it!" I said cheerfully, smiling ear to ear as I took a deep breath, my arms still latched tightly around his neck. "I know," Ben said as he chuckled and wrapped his arms around me. "I can hardly believe it's over,"