Его осень – призрак прошлого счастья.
Стресс, сигареты, вечерний сплин…
Боль, от которой ломит запястья,
Ночи, где он - даже с кем-то - один.
Его осень - лихорадочность бреда ли?
Тёмные залы беспокойного сна…
Ему снится август. Те, кто предали.
И то, что семь лет
Не приходит
Весна.

Её осень – низкое небо ль?
Долгим дождём обесцвеченный день,
Вечер, укутанный в книжную небыль,
Ночи бессонной тяжёлая тень.
Её осень – холодные руки,
Опущенный взгляд, рассеянный свет,
И горечь, как будто от долгой разлуки,
Которой быть не с кем и,
Кажется,
Нет.

Их осень – сплетённые, тёплые руки.
Гул их разговоров как море прян.
Горящие листья и сонные звуки,
Которыми полон осенний туман –
Их осень.
Золото первого снега,
Янтарных закатов блаженный покой
И сладкая нежность, и светлая нега,
И вечность меж бледной и смуглой рукой.

The Hero Forge

Young Arthur moved quickly along the dirty walls overgrown with wild moss and lichens. He was hoping that no one would hear his steps. He would have cursed Melvin, if his words had any power, but to his deep regret, it wasn’t possible. Firstly, Arthur was just a warrior, he knew no incantations. Secondly, Melvin was a wizard himself. Not just an inept student of the witch, but one of the most powerful sorcerers in the King’s conclave. And, thirdly, Melvin was his friend.
“Great Gods, why did I fall for the bait of that mage? Everybody knows that you can’t expect anything good from the mages. Why didn’t I look for the easier quests? I could have chased thieves or… Oh, gods, even taking kittens out of the trees seems to be attractive for me now! But no, these jobs were too easy for the great Arthur, his heart’s desires are glory and gold!”
Poor warrior ridiculed himself, but that could hardly reduce the fear.
Something loudly cracked deep in the damp depths of the cave. The boy stopped. Drops of cold sweat ran down his pale face. He could have imagined his bones cracking with the same sound, squashed with the giant leg of the dragon…
“Good day to you, young sir. What brings you to my humble cavern?”
Voice of the beast sounded like a peal of thunder. It came from the narrow passage that seemed to be empty till now. Two yellow eyes lighted up in the darkness, as if it was an enormous wild cat sitting there, watching his catch from the shelter.
Arthur trembled and kept silent. His blue eyes sparkled with despair. 
“Why don’t you answer? Each day is a blessing, why do you put your life under threat?”
Enormous lizard moved, and small stones rolled from under its feet. Wrists of its wings were scratching the ceiling each time it breathed in. Arthur mustered up all his courage.
“I came here to slay you!” His voice was loud, and echoes in the heights of the cave repeated his words over and over again. 
“Charming,” dragon watched Arthur with a strange expression on its muzzle. Its eyes twinkled with gibe, “And why did you come alone? Are you mighty enough to slaughter me all by yourself?”
It seemed that a beast was smirking.
“I’m not afraid of you! I’ll chop your head off, monster!”
“Don’t you think it’s rude for the guest to offend the hospitable master?” Yellow eyes slowly flared up to red.
Arthur went quiet. It looked like his courage has ended.
“I have an offer for you, young sir; an equal value exchange. You need to stay alive, whilst I need… An employee, let’s say. I would have chosen someone older, stronger and cleverer, but well… You are the first visitor here for the last twenty years. I am sick and tired of waiting for heroes. It seems to be easier to create one by myself…”
…Young Arthur moved quickly along the dirty walls, and his legs were still shivering. He had no idea what he should tell to Melvin, but one thing he knew for sure.
If he tells the truth, the mage will never believe it.