FSE

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I awoke late at night. Or from what I first had thought. But it was actually somewhat early in the morning, around 5 by the hand positions on my watch. I tried to get some more rest, but decided it was better to get up. I lifted myself up to a seated position and turned on my lamp. When I zipped open the tent, I immediately realized just how cold it was outside. I figured it was around 20 degrees or so by the ice formed around the once lit fire pit. It was also dark. Only the slightest hint of the sun's rays were peeking over the horizon, creating a slight but visible shade of deep purple.

I got out of my tent and walked over to a tree to relieve myself. The snow on the bark of the tree disappeared on contact, and the ice at the base of the tree began to melt. Once finished up, I walked back to the tent and grabbed my watch and put it on. It read 5:13. I had no plans as I wasn't expecting to be awake at this time. So I went for a walk. I knew there was a lake up about a mile north of my tent, where my dad and I used to go fishing. I figured I'd go there for a while.

I began my hike to the lake. A powder thin blanket of snow lay on the ground from last night's snowfall. I checked my surroundings, icy leaves and pine needles strewn about on the ground. I'd purposely go out of my way to step on the frozen leaves to get that satisfying crunch. Further checking my surroundings I noticed there was only a small breeze, but it was never constant. Which was unexpected, but it wasn't anything new. Despite camping so often, the forest was still unnerving to me. There is just always something that seems like it could jump out and kill you. Or some freak accident could leave you stranded in the woods left to freeze to death. Then again, always being with my father provided some comfort. So I never really thought about stuff like that.

I reached an opening in the vegetation which was next to the lake. The lake was frozen over from the winter, but it would soon thaw, come the next few weeks or so. A few mountains scattered across the lake from my position. My father always told me to never stand on a frozen lake if I could see through it. It being night time I couldn't really tell. I decided to not brave the ice. The lake was somewhat large. It spanned about 100 yards in every direction from the center. I laid down completely on my back on the bank of the lake. Only the stars and the moon were in my view, no clouds, trees, or mountains. The moon, a full moon, shone brightly creating a gleam across the ice. I looked to the stars, where I saw Sirius. It always had shown the brightest, and was the easiest to point out. I could clearly see my own breath. Every exhale produced a thick smokescreen that dispersed through the air. The now rising sun created an orange-pinkish hue at the horizon. Everything was calm.

But then my heart dropped. I heard the iconic sound of cracking ice across the lake. I shot up, then I heard what sounded like nails on a chalkboard to my right. I saw the source of the cracking ice. There was some sort of animal, a large animal at that, that began to cross the ice. An animal that would surely break the ice if it continued. But it kept moving towards me. I realized whatever it was it was coming after me. I began to run in the opposite direction. The beast continued on, more ice shattering beneath its feat, shooting cracks throughout the ice on the lake. The lake now looked to be completely shattered, yet was still holding the beast's weight. I turned my head, the beast was moving fast across the ice. The chase was on. But almost immediately as it started, it ended, or so it had seemed. I heard the ice completely shatter followed by the sounds of splashing water. It appeared whatever was coming after me had fallen through the ice.

But I continued running back to my campsite, or what I thought was the way to my campsite. But I realized I was running west. I could tell by the rising sun. And my campsite was to the south. I was lost, and on top of that being hunted. My heart rate pounded in my ear, and my temples hurt from the blood rush. I felt like I was running forever. My lungs screamed for air. I slowed my pace to a jog, and eventually a walk. I stopped, I looked around, there was nothing. I had escaped the beast. Yet everything felt uneasy, and my hair stood on its ends. It was still fairly dark, but I tried to look around. My attention turned towards my left. I heard rustling in the trees. That's when I saw them, two purple eyes, staring directly at me. It found me. It lunged at me, knocking me back with such force my head slammed into the ground.

I lay on my back, groggy after the impact. My ears ringing and the taste of blood in my mouth. I look up and see a vague black silhouette blocking the stars. My vision clears and I see what is really pinning me to the ground. It was a dragon, a wyvern to be specific. It's wings were attached to its arms, and it only had two hind legs. It was covered completely in black scales, which moved effortlessly around the contorting muscle. It's chest and rib cage were more predominant like that of a bird. It had purple eyes that almost glowed. It was large, looked to be around 18 feet tall and about 50 feet long head to tail, and it's neck took up a good portion of that. Its tail was also barbed. It's talons laid directly next to my ears. One claw on each side of my head, they each were a full foot long. It had two long horns extending at the back of its head and frills on the side and tops; the frills on the top of its head running down on its back. It had a pointed chin, and multiple smaller horns extending from its cheekbones.

I tried to move but it's paw had me firmly locked in place. My adrenaline spiking as well as my struggles. I continued to fight against its weight. It was useless to do so, and I knew that. But I wasn't going to give up. It was looking at me, I hated the way it looked at me. It made the expression of accomplishment. It made me filled with rage. I could taste blood in my mouth. It couldn't understand me anyways. I looked directly into it's eye before saying, "Fuck. You."

It reeled back at my response. A slow grin speed across its muzzle before leaning back down again. That's when I heard a small chuckle resonate from the muscular throat of the dragon, "I can speak your tongue. It's not very wise of you to say that, considering someone in your current situation." My face went white. It could speak! A look of pure regret on my face. "You thought you were in the clear didn't you?" By the tone of its voice I determined it was a she. I didn't say a word, too nervous to speak. Sensing my fear the dragon leaned in and spoke again, "Hello, I didn't knock a screw loose did I? Or perhaps, a dragon ran off with your tongue." She laughed clearly amused at her own joke. I still didn't speak. She began to get annoyed. She started to put more force down on my chest with her winged arm. Her claws gripping at the Earth, tearing up the dirt. The added pressure on my chest began to hurt and I struggled to breathe. I heard a rib crack. Which sparked an urgent response. Using what air I had left I finally choked out, "Okay! Okay!" Immediately the arm lifted slightly, enough to allow me to breathe, but still holding me firmly in place. "That wasn't so hard now was it?" She asked rhetorically. She bent down, her muzzle inches from my face; she exhaled through her nose. And back in, familiarising herself with my scent. The air was hot and intimidating. It blew some of the fresh snow off to the side and into the air, creating a momentary swirl of snow around me. She spoke again, "I'd advise you not to say anything you would regret."

She reeled back, her neck forming a "S" shape. "What's your name?" It asked. Questions flooded my mind. Why did it want my name? Why did it care? What was her name.... What was her name? Huh, I thought. I then asked, "What's your name?" It replied, "Oh no, you're not in any position to ask for my name. So once again, what's your name?" I decided it was best to answer her questions and comply than to end up more on the dragon's bad side. "Jack, Jack Ryan." I said. "Jack, Jaaaaack..." She sounded out the syllables, letting them roll off her tongue, almost as if she were tasting the words themselves.

"Now Jack, Have-" She was cut off. "Are you going to let me go?" I asked. "No." she responded. Hearing those words made me feel empty inside, like a punch to the gut. There was no way I was getting out of this; I was completely at her mercy. She continued on. "Have you ever seen-" I cut her off once again. "Are you going to kill me?" She growled and leaned down to my face once again, "That depends on if you keep interrupting me off or not." I shut up real quick and let her continue. "Have you ever seen a dragon?" I responded with a simple No. "Okay, what do you know about dragons?" She responded. "I didn't know dragons existed." I responded. "Okay." She answered back, sounding somewhat relieved. Genuinely concerned and scared for my life I asked, "What are you going to do to me?" She looked to the sky as if looking for an answer, waited a second then looked back at me. "I didn't expect to find a human out here while hunting so I don't really know yet. But you're coming with me back to my cave whether you like it or not." "Why me?" I asked. "Because you were lucky enough to get caught." She responded with a smirk. "Plus, I could use your help with something." She added. "Help with what?" I asked. What could a dragon possibly need my help with? She responded with, "Don't worry about it right now." She paused then continued, "I'm going to let you up now. You're not going to run are you?" I hesitated. Seeing me fumble with my words she added, "If you do run I'll break your legs." I sighed, "No I'm not going to run." I said aloud.

Pleased with my answer she released her arm off of me. As I stood up my chest hurt. One of my ribs was definitely cracked. I stood the rest of the way up and dusted myself off. I looked down and saw the snow print my body and her claws in the snow. I could taste the metallic taste of blood in the back of my throat. I had a busted lip and a nose bleed. I put my hand to my nose to stop the bleeding, it didn't take long to stop the blood flow.

She looked at me. Pausing for a moment as if to say something. After a second she said, "You're not going to like this." "Like what?" I responded. But before I could get a response she brought her head down to my side and opened her maw. I tried to jump out of the way but she was too quick. She clamped down onto most of my torso. Leaving only my head, arms, and legs out of her mouth. She picked me up leaving me facing the ground. I tried to push myself out of her grasp but she clamped down firmly. Holding me in place. Wincing at the pain in my chest. I kicked my legs and pushed my arms against her snout to try and free myself. I heard a growl emit from her throat, encouraging me to stop struggling. I gave up, it was no use anyways. I laid limp in her grip. I was sure she would end me here. Snap my body in half like a stick. But she didn't, instead she waited. I tried to focus my attention elsewhere to calm myself down. I looked towards her teeth. Why did I look at her teeth? Like that would calm me down! But strange enough it did. I noticed her teeth were not always the same size, they never were exactly straight or aligned. She did have two predominant teeth in her upper jaw. I figured they were the equivalent to canine teeth. One thing for certain though is that all of her teeth curved towards her throat. Like that of a python or similar serpent. One evolutionary trait which made sure no prey would escape unless allowed to.

Once she was sure I was somewhat calmed down. She brought her head back up. She extended her forearms, slightly unfolding her wings, and dug her hind legs into the ground. Lastly, she clamped down harder on my waist ensuring I wasn't going anywhere. Causing even more stress on my chest. It hurt like hell. But I didn't complain, I realized she was preparing to take off. She was going to take off! “Wait, you're not going to-," She lifted her arms off the ground and lowered her hips. In one powerful stroke she flapped her wings forward and jumped in the air. The wind was immense. The trees swayed and the snow flew up off the ground. The snow print I had left behind nearly faded away in the action. She continued to beat her wings until we were about 100 feet off the ground. I had never liked heights. Being on an airplane I could handle, but this? I tried to grab onto something. I did manage to grab one of the extensions from her chin but I lost my grip. I was forced to hope she didn't drop me. She then began to fly for speed rather than height, reaching speeds of what I presumed were 60-70 miles per hour. She stayed low to the ground while dodging trees and other debris. I thought I would fly out of her mouth because of the constant maneuvering. But she ensured I would not be let go. I looked down, trees whizzing by. I began to feel dizzy from the unusual height and speed. We passed over the lake where we once were. In the middle was a hole of cracked ice. I guess she did completely break the ice. I took a second to look around. I thought to myself, this must be what birds feel like all the time. It truly was amazing. Seeing the sun's rays streak across the sky. We weren't high up at all but it felt as if you could see on for miles upon miles. It was almost euphoric. We continued onto the mountains going east.

It took only two minutes or so to reach the mountain. I scanned the ground for a cave that she may have. But I couldn't see one, perhaps it was on the other side of the mountain? She cut sharply to face the mountain, but continued at the same speed. We were going straight into the mountain. I got nervous and started to struggle again. I looked back at her and she moved her eyes to make a quick glance at me. "Uhhh dragon! Mountain!" I warned her. She just looked forward again. I braced for impact, but instead we slowed down drastically. She spread her wings out completely and angled them vertically. She beat her wings gently as her hind legs made contact with the ground again, followed by her arms. I relaxed once I knew we were safely on the ground again. I took note of the area. We were on a flat area next to a ledge that dropped straight down to the base of the mountain. There were a few trees and shrubs littered across the small expanse. The area overall was about 50 yards in length and width. I turned my attention to the mountainside, there was a large fissure streaking up the side of the rock. That must've been her cave. She walked through the entrance of the cave. It was warmer in the cave, a bit cooler than room temperature I supposed.

The dragon leaned her muzzle down to the ground, opening her jaw and letting me drop onto the rocky surface. "So, how did you like the ride?" She asked me with a wide smile. "Uhhh, it was definitely something different. Kind of like a roller coaster ride." I responded. "You didn't have to clamp down on my chest so hard, I think you broke my damn rib." I added on. She made an almost apologetic facial expression, but it quickly turned into a grin. "Eh you'll be fine, I was just making sure my Jack wasn't going to fall out" The hell did she just call me? "Don't call me that." She frowned, "And why not?" She was already calling me her Jack, claiming me as if I were her's to own. Even though she wasn't aware of it. "Just don't call me that, okay?" I responded. She put a clawed finger to her chin, thinking about a valid response. "Mmmmmm, no. I like the sound of it."

Changing the subject I asked her, "So this is your home?" "Yes, do you like it?" I looked around. It was only a medium sized chamber. It had a branching corridor further into the cave. But overall the cave looked to be undersized. "Yes, but it's a bit on the smaller side don't you think." I told her truthfully. Scoffing, she lifted her paw to point down the natural tunnels, "There's more to it. Those hallways lead further into the mountain, into much larger rooms compared to this one. There is a sleeping chamber, a latrine with drinking water, and some other smaller rooms. Here, Follow me."

It was a bit weird, walking through a cave that belongs to a mythical beast. I walked the halls. Scanning the natural formations and patterns that flowed over the rock. Stalagmites and stalactites occasionally cover the corners of the cave floor and ceiling. Covering the walls were markings. They appeared to be faded claw markings. Once white now faded grey they blended in nicely with the walls

I followed her down the corridor and sure enough we walked into a large room. It was the sleeping chamber she said. We walked further into the mountain until we met an underground pool of water. It looked to be runoff and the mineral water that dropped from the rocky ceiling. There were only a handful of rooms to see. All of them were small and cramped. Overall the cave still made me feel claustrophobic. I noticed that there was nothing around. No piles of gold or gems like fantasy books and movies proposed. "I thought dragons were hoarders?" I asked. She looked at me, "I don't hoard or steal. It's hard enough to evade your kind. I don't need to be drawn attention to by stealing. If you couldn't tell I haven't done a very good job staying out of sight." I looked down to avoid eye contact. "You're the one that came after me!" I said aloud, trying to plead my case. She paid no attention to what I had to say, however.

She continued on, "I do however have a collection of books and clothing articles. I usually take whatever people have abandoned in the woods." "But you just said you didn't hoard or steal." I followed. "You consider that hoarding and stealing. Do you not understand what abandoned means?" I opened my mouth to make a rebuttal but she was right. It could hardly be considered a hoard. A new question formed in my head, "So you can read?" "Not how you think, I can only read and write in draconic, but I can speak both draconic and English." I was confused. "What the hell is draconic?" I asked her. "It's dragon language. Hence Dracon-ic." Okay that was obvious I should've picked that up. But something else crossed my mind. "Where'd you learn to speak English?" "The same way you did, I picked it up from others." She answered.

She looked at me once more before saying, "You ask a lot of questions, you know?" She began to walk back to the parts of the cave I was familiar with. I followed suit matching her pace. "Well yeah, you're a dragon. I've never seen one, you're cool." Her tail twitched slightly out of key when I said that. I could tell that statement made her quite prideful of herself. Turning to me she said, "Thanks but I knew that already." I rolled my eyes, not only was she 10 times my size, her ego was just as large.

A few moments of silence passed only to be interrupted by an audible groan emit from her stomach. The sound sent a shiver down my spine. I looked up to her and she turned down towards me. "I'm quite hungry, I never got to finish hunting. As something else came up." She paused, then smiled a toothy grin while turning her body to face mine. "Normally I'd just go out hunting but it seems I have all the food right here." She said playfully. I took a step back. "What are you implying?" She began to creep towards me slowly. "Oh, nothing much. Just, you know, you look pretty tasty." My fear skyrocketed. I continued to back up until I couldn't anymore. I backed into the wall of the cave. She continued to move in. In a last ditch effort I replied to her statement, "I'm really not." She laughed, "Now that's a lie and you know it." She moved in and lowered to pounce. I closed my eyes and stuck out my arms to brace whatever impact would follow.

But nothing happened. I slowly opened my eyes only to see her backed away grinning at me. She began to laugh. "That's not funny." I said angrily. "It's pretty funny." She responded, calming herself. I just stared at her, not amused whatsoever. She caught my expression. "Oh you're no fun." She responded disappointed. Did she just say that? "I thought you were going to kill me!" I retaliated. She reeled back offended at my response. "I would never." She responded. I was a little rattled by all this, but eventually I calmed myself down. I realized that I was hungry myself. I hadn't eaten all day. Sensing my hunger she spoke, "I take it you're hungry as well." "Yeah." I responded truthfully.

"Then it's settled. I'm going out to finish what I started." Hunting, I presumed. "If you will follow me I will show you where you will be staying while I'm gone." She said while nodding her head, notifying me to follow her. Which I did. Following her into the depths of the cave.

"Here we are!" She alerted me. I looked around, nothing but a hole in the ground. "There's nothing here?" I thought to myself out loud. "Sure there is, you're staying here," She said. She looked to me, then to the hole, then back to me. "What?" I asked. "By gods you're dense, you're staying in the hole while I'm gone." What! There was no way I was staying down there. It had to be 40 feet deep. "No way! How the hell am I going to get out?" "That's the point, I'm not going to leave you alone, that would be silly." I turned around looking for an exit route. But she had already sealed all exits.

Suddenly I felt something coil around my torso. It was her tail. Instantly I was being lifted off the ground and being brought down to the bottom of the hole. I was sent onto the rocky surface. She uncoiled her tail. Which I in turn, immediately tried to grab ahold of again. "Don't look so glum, I will be back shortly with food." "I'm not some pet, you can't just cage me all day." "Sure I can!" She said empathetically. I attempted to climb the wall but wherever there was a handhold, a foothold was nonexistent. She watched my futile attempts to escape. I looked at her, waiting for a clever remark. "Well, bye!" She turned away from my view. "Wha-, wait!" But no response, I was left to myself.

Did she just? What the hell!?

I looked around for the best place to start climbing. The problem was, there weren't any reasonable places to start my way out. Every surface was jagged and out of place. Even if I could get a grip on something, I'd just end up cutting up my hands on the stone.

I picked up a small rock on the ground and chucked it against the wall in a fit of rage. I let out an audible "Damnit!" that echoed ever so slightly. I looked at my watch. 9:17. I sat down against the wall and rested my head against the uneven stone and let out a long sigh. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be in the situation that I was in now.

I'm never getting out of here, I thought to myself

I sat and waited. And waited. And then waited some more. It was 11:13. Almost two hours. What the hell? She said she'd be back shortly. This was not shortly. I'd look up every few minutes. Only to see the same ceiling, and the same rocky formations. I stood up. I grabbed a hold of the stone and attempted climbing again.

I actually had climbed up maybe 6 feet or so before the stone became out of my reach. It was possible to jump and cling onto it. I didn't trust my abilities to do so, but I built up the courage and leapt. I grabbed a hold of the stone, but my momentum carried my body past the stone. My strength wasn't great enough to hold on, I slipped. Falling onto the rocky surface hurt like hell. But I was determined to continue to climb.

I tried again, and again, and again until physically my arms could not hold my weight. Another hour and a half had passed. I lay on my back. The cold stone soothes my aching joints. Breathing hard, I had completely exhausted myself. Waking up so early and working so hard proved to be a deadly duo. I was tired. I closed my eyes, falling asleep in not even a few minutes.

Darkness.

I'm weird in a way. I never dream. Whenever I fall asleep, I rarely dream, if ever. My "dreams" are filled with darkness and occasional static. Which in a way I liked. I never had a false sense of reality. I could always tell when I was awake versus when I was asleep. A polar opposite of lucid dreaming I suppose.

I awoke. Not quite rested or feeling relatively well. But rested. I looked at my watch. 5:52. I shot up. I've been in this damn hole for a whole 8 and a half hours!? "Dragon!" I yelled out. I waited for a response. None came. "DRAGON!" I yelled out a second time. " An audible roar echoed through the cave walls. Shortly after a head appeared over the entrance to my cage. "Where the hell have you been?" I asked harshly. "It's been nearly 9 hours!" "Sorry, I don't hunt in daylight. Things were harder, and took much more precision." Plus, I was only gone a few hours. I got back and you were asleep. I figured I'd let you continue sleeping. You've already had quite the busy day." She was right about me having an eventful day. But that didn't change the fact that I'd been in a hole for half a day. "Would you like to come out?" She asked. "Damn right." I responded with my arms folded over one another. "No need to be grumpy." She lowered herself and her tail, her tail coiling around me. Then hoisting herself up, and in turn me, I was finally out of that hell hole.

"Are you hungry?" She asked. "Yes, very." I responded. "Great! I hope you like venison." I've only had deer meat once or twice. It was very similar to steak, which I enjoy very much. "Venison sounds fine. Do you have any firewood?" I asked. "What for?" She asked, her head slightly tilted. "I need to be able to cook the meat. I could get sick if I don't." I informed her. "Yes, near the entrance of the cave. The pickings might be a little slim however."

I turned my attention down the hallway that eventually led to the cave entrance. Making my way down the hallway was a nice way to stretch out my legs. Not walking on them in a while was somewhat strenuous.

I got to the small wood pile just outside of the cave and rummaged through it. Mostly smaller tranches but there were a few pieces of serviceable wood. I set the wood on the stone floor near the cave opening. Enough to shield myself, along with the fire, from the conditions outside.

I noticed the dragon also walked outside, returning with a dead deer between her jaws. This deer had lacked antlers therefore it was a doe, not that it really mattered, just an observation. She set the dead doe down next to my makeshift fireplace. I set the wood up into the classic teepee formation with some kindling in the heart of the fireplace.

Starting the fire would be a whole different problem. I didn't have any matches or anything like that. I wasn't able to find rocks that we're capable of creating enough spark. And there were no sticks serviceable to use friction buildup. Noticing my efforts the dragon suggested that she help. "Please, be my guest." I answered back. She moved her head down, inspected the wood for a moment, then blew a magnificent blue flame over the firewood. The kindling ignited and shortly after made its way to the larger logs on the outside. Satisfied with her work, she brought her head back to where it was, her neck creating the infamous "s" shape.

I watched the flame in awe. "Uhhh, thank you." I said somewhat sheepishly. "No problem." She answered with a smile speed across her muzzle. "I didn't know you could do that." I said. "Well I would think not, I can also do a lot of other things." She paused as if she had finished her statement, but I was waiting for her to expand on the topic. "Like....?" I asked, putting heavy emphasis on the word. "I can spit acid. Matter of fact the fire I blew was just the ignited version of the acid. The acid itself is incredibly corrosive and flammable. My tail," She paused, bringing her tail into view to show it off, "Is barbed, the points would be toxic to you, so don't touch them." I made a mental note in my head to never get on her bad side. She returned her tail back to the ground.

She turned her attention back to the deer. "How much do you want?" She asked with a claw hovering over the meat. "Uh, not much, a small piece from the side would be nice." I answered. She brought the claw down to the meat and expertly cut a well sized chunk of flesh out, and set it down next to me. "Is this fine?" She asked. "Yes this is fine." I told her. Truth be told it was probably a bit too large for me. I would need to skin it before cooking also. Which I did first, I didn't have a knife however. I grabbed a sharp-ish stone. It wasn't particularly pretty, but it did it's job in time. Once it was successfully skinned, I grabbed some rocks and stone capable of holding the meat over the fire.

Once set, that's exactly what I did. I set the meat to cook over the fire. As I let the meat cook I turned to the dragon. Who had already begun picking at the whole deer in front of her. I believed she was cleaning bugs or maybe debris off it. But I had no real way of knowing. Once satisfied she began her own feast. She plunged her teeth into the neck flesh of the deer and tore a meaty chunk out of it; enough to see the bone. It was a very unsettling experience. That was probably a small bite for her. She continued to bite out more flesh and even bone. It amazed me that she could chew through the bones like it was nothing. Her jaws must've been insanely powerful. I was so caught up in her affairs that I nearly missed needing to turn my steak. Damnit. I cooked it more than I wanted to. I always like a nice medium rare, this would more than likely be more atone to a medium well. "Crunch!" I turned my attention instantly back to her. She had bit straight into the chest, breaking almost all ribs and ripping it's rib cage in half. She swung her head up and let the meat fly in the air for a split-second before catching it again. She could tell I was watching her. If she hadn't before she surely had now. She snapped her jaws around it and swallowed. She continued to eat while I waited for my meat to cook. Once it did, she was nearly done. Only a bite or two for her.

Finally, my food was ready. I took my meat and set it on the ground and off the fire. I removed the stones that helped cook the meat and threw the remaining sticks into the fire. I grabbed the meat from the ground but almost instantly dropped it because of the heat. I blew on my fingers and shook them through the air, alleviating the short pain. I picked it back up but this time more carefully and aware of its heat. It definitely looked good, and even smelled good, but if it tasted just as good remained to be seen. I brought it to my mouth and took a good sized bite out of it. It was pretty good, especially considering it possessed none of the spices and seasonings that I personally would've put on it. I took a few more bites, nice and juicy, but not too bloody either. I was almost done myself before I realized the dragon was doing the same thing to me. She was watching me. She watched as I bit and chewed, looks of interest on her face like when I had watched her. Once I caught her staring she looked away, back at the little remains of the carcass in front of her. "Sorry." She said sheepishly." I laughed slightly, "It's okay, I was watching also." "Yeah, I know." She responded. She turned her attention back to her food, and finished off what was left of it. Soon after I finished my share of the venison. I laid back on my arms, full after eating.

She herself made an audible grunt, falling more to the ground. It would appear eating also made her tired. My observations were correct as she then yawned. I saw her tongue naturally curled like that of a dog's when it yawned. I also noticed her blood-stained mouth. Her teeth and the flesh around her mouth were caked slightly in blood. She brought a claw to her mouth to pick away at the remaining bits of flesh that remained between her teeth. Once she finished that task, she licked away the blood from her lips, teeth, and newly stained claw.

She turned to me still examining her claws, like she wasn't fully satisfied with her work. "Well I don't know about you but I'm fairly tired." She stated. Now turning her full attention back at me she then asked, "What about you?" Although I slept earlier, it wasn't exactly that comfortable. It was only 7 or so. The sun completely set over the horizon, but light still crept into the cave from its rays. "I guess." I said. I wasn't ready for bed, but I felt when the dragon slept, I slept. Or when the dragon ate, I ate. I was always in her view, right where she wanted me. That was always unnerving.

"Great, if you'll follow me I'll show you where you'll be sleeping." She said that with great enthusiasm and with a rather large grin. She got up, then I, and began walking back to the cave depths. I could already tell her intentions. "Let me guess, the hole?" She turned her head with a wide grin across her muzzle. "Correct, you're so smart." "Ha." I laughed sarcastically, but changed to a more serious tone. "You can't be serious? I'm not sleeping in that damn hole." "Oh yeah, what makes you think that?" Truthfully I didn't have an answer, so I improvised. "Look dragon, trust goes both ways. I have to trust that you won't kill me. And you have to trust I won't sneak off." She stopped walking. I could tell I had caught her attention, I added on, " Considering I'm not dead, and I haven't escaped I'd say where I'm coming from is a fair statement." She seemed like she was going to say something but swallowed the words. Instead she let out a small sigh, and nodded. "Very well, you won't be sleeping in the hole. But let me make myself clear, if you sneak away, I'll bite your arm off."

I was caught off guard, I knew she was aggressive and dominating but this was a new level I hadn't yet seen before. I took a second to think of a response, not wanting to spit out a wrong answer. "I promise I will not try and escape." I finally let out. "Good, But you're sleeping where I can see you," She said. That was understandable and acceptable. I nodded showing my understanding.

I followed her to the sleeping chamber, there were various items such as lanterns, clothing articles, and even a first aid kit. I remember seeing some of these items when I first saw this room. But unfortunately there was no mattress or even blankets. Which made sense, why would a dragon need blankets? She laid down and I laid down on my back, it was the most comfortable position I could get in. It was quiet, only sounds were my breathing and hers. I lay in that position for a while, I looked at the dragon, it's eyes closed shut. Was she asleep? I assumed she was. I turned onto my side, maybe that would help? I closed my eyes, but I'd end up opening them time after time. I couldn't tell if I fell asleep in little bursts or never fell asleep in the first place. My watch read 12:34, if I don't sleep now it'll be hell in the morning. One thing became clear. I couldn't sleep.

But truthfully who could? I had too much on my mind. The ground surely didn't help either. I looked over to the dragon, she was asleep. Or at least, after time had passed it seemed like she was. What was I going to do? I needed to think, to clear my mind. I figured I'd get some fresh air, hopefully she wouldn't think I was escaping. Quietly I got up, quiet enough as not to make a sound that would wake up the dragon. I walked down the hall to the cave entrance. The fire had burnt out. Remnants in the form of ashes slightly scattered across the floor. The wood completely gone and the ground partially charred. I turned my attention towards the cave entrance. I sat down alongside the wall of the entrance. This way I would be shielded from the howling winds and snow, while still having access to some of the heat from the cave. I sat there for at least 30 minutes. Thinking of absolutely nothing. Fumbling with my hands and playing with the dials on my watch.

Eventually I got up and ventured out into the cool brisk air. A slight chill sent down my spine by the winds. I walked over to the ledge, where I looked to the stars, they always helped me find peace in some way. It was why I loved living near the mountains in Colorado. Man had barely touched the mountains compared to many other things. Nights were often very clear, clear enough to where you could see the bands of the galaxy. This however, was not the case tonight. It was cloudy. No stars in sight. I grabbed a hold of my watch. I had never been very religious. I like to believe there is an afterlife. One where my dad would be happy, and find his own peace. "What am I going to do?" I asked, yearning for a response that I knew would not come. I laughed gingerly at my question. I'm losing my mind, I thought to myself. I'm talking to the clouds while buried deep in the forest. I would've never thought I'd be in this position 24 hours ago.

I heard footsteps creep my way. They were heavy and followed by multiple small "clicks." I knew who they were. I turned my attention to the darkest parts of the cave. There a faint figure escaped the shadows, and eventually onto the snow. The snow crunching beneath every step. "Be careful, a drop would surely be fatal for you. I'd have to dig your remains out of the snow. It wouldn't be pretty." She pointed out. She was right, I'd die on impact, it had to be more than a 300 foot drop. I scanned around looking for a way down. No reasonable routes down; The only way down was through her. But deep down, I knew that was already the case. I turned to her, walking towards the cave entrance

"What are yo-" she began. "You lied to me, didn't you?" I asked. "What are you talking about? She responded. I answered back, "You didn't need my help with anything, it was just a ploy." She looked to the ground. I could tell she felt guilty. "Yes, it was a lie." "Why?" I asked. With her head lowered she looked at me. "I couldn't just let you leave, I wanted you to be more at ease." I looked back to the clouds, disappointed at myself. "Then why keep me around, why not kill me?" I asked her. She shot up upon hearing my question. "If I wanted you dead, you'd already be dead." She said, then adding on, "I'm not going to kill you, I swear." She was right about one thing, she could've killed me whenever and however she wanted to. "What if I tried to run? Tell the world about you." I asked. She opened her mouth to speak, but then shut it. That was all the answer I needed. I was nothing to her. I could see that now. Sooner or later I'd be dead with my blood on her hands. I stood up. "What are you doing?" She asked. Without hesitation I responded, "I'm leaving."

Not even a second after my response I was pushed up against the wall, leaving me hovering off the ground by a few feet. Two talons holding me up against the wall on the underside of both of my arms. She looked at me and I looked at her. She brought her head to mine. "You're not leaving." She said with her eyes narrowed. "I'm not going to kill or hurt you, I swear. You said trust goes both ways. I don't trust you and you don't trust me." I looked away, not wanting to hear her lies. "But that's going to change, I'll prove it." I looked back at her. "And how do you suppose you'll do that?" I asked mockingly. Without blinking, looking at me, she answered, "The only way I know how."

She drew her claws away from the wall leaving me to fall to the ground. I could barely catch my own fall. I stumbled slightly before steadying myself. Suddenly before I could stand completely up, I was forced into a small space. It was warm and wet. Instantly I could tell where I was, I was in her mouth. She clamped onto my waist leaving only my legs outside of her maw. I began to struggle trying to escape her grasp. I tried to fight her tongue that began to slightly wrap around me. But it was too slimy and powerful to do anything against. My head was forced against what I assumed to be the opening of her throat. I looked at the fleshy tube using the faintest bit of light that filtered through her agape jaw. With that light I could see the entrance of her throat. It quivered and pulsed awaiting me. I could still smell the iron in the blood of the deer that met it's very demise between these jaws. She then pushed upward against my body powerfully, forcing my body against her palate. I tried my hardest to kick, punch, and fight. But to no avail, I was suspended in her mouth with nothing to hold onto. I had completely exhausted myself. Even if my efforts had been useful, now they were weak and held no power behind them. I still could use my arm but not by much. First I tried to grab her jaw to steady myself, but there was nothing to hold onto. I tried to grab the flesh that connected her upper and lower jaw, but before I could get a grip, she then swung her head upwards and swallowed. My head and shoulders entered her throat, pinning my arms to my side. Only my lower legs and feet remained free. I couldn't see what so ever, I tried frantically to grab a tooth or something using the little movement available to me. I gripped one of her teeth and held onto it, momentarily preventing me from going any deeper. But she swung her head and forced her tongue across my arm, making me release. She swallowed again, this time up to my waist. Only my feet remained in the cool air. I never wanted so badly to be encased in sun-zero temperatures. She swiftly moved her head up and tongue forcing my feet in and allowing my body to slide down more thanks to gravity. My feet scraped slightly over her teeth and onto her tongue. Despite being in her throat I could still clearly hear when I realized I was a dead man. Her mouth snapped shut, fully encasing me in darkness. There was no way out. In one final amplified gulp my feet were sucked down into her gullet.

I slowly descended down her throat. It was extremely tight. I could barely breathe and my arms were pinned to my side, moving them was impossible. I couldn't open my eyes because of the saliva forced against my face and body. My legs then feet entered her throat. I was now completely in her throat moving towards her stomach where I'd surely perish. The trip seemed to go on forever. But I knew it wouldn't last long. I began to slow, my head forced against a tight opening. Slowly, head first I entered her stomach, followed by my shoulders and waist. I reached the stomach floor before my legs could enter. Forced against the walls my legs and feet finally did enter. The passage I had just come through tightly closed once again.

I wiped my face and opened my eyes. Nothing. Absolute darkness. I felt around, the skin was soft and wet. It pushed on me from all angles. I couldn't even extend my legs without forcing my head awkwardly against the folds. It was also incredibly humid. I began to hyperventilate, the darkness, inability to move, and the sheer heat creating intense fear throughout me. All combining to make me feel severely claustrophobic. The air was stale. I could hardly breathe. With the lack of oxygen my breathing intensified and my heart rate skyrocketed. I could only hear my heartbeat pound infinitely in my ears. My muscles and mind had grown weaker with every passing second. My senses were failing me. I was blacking out. This would be it. My final resting place. Food for a dragon. Pure fear took over, I passed out...