"Humans are not my first choice for food…although your kind does have an appetizing smell and taste…why are you here human? I usually receive cattle as offerings…"
Because I'm smart and lived far away from the volcano you called home so that means you never had the chance to eat meat off of me
"Smart, huh? Interesting." She approaches StrikeInterest and circles him. "But do you really think I won't be able to catch you?"
Catching me would mean eating spoiled meat that's been through putrification
"Hmm. Very well. If it is meat that has gone bad that you desire, then I shall give you that." Ignalia spits out the disgusting piece of meat in front of StrikeInterest.
smiles "Now tell me, why have you come here, in front of my volcano?"
Well my village died due to violence and plague, there was nothing left for me to go back to
her expression softens "Oh, so you are looking for a new home?"
"And if I were to allow you to stay here, with me, you would no longer have to fear for your life. You would be under my protection..."
Then that would be awesome! What would I need to do as you're doing to protect me?!
"In return for living with me, I will require your loyalty. You must promise to be obedient to me, forever and always. Is this something you can do?"
"Good." She smiles warmly at StrikeInterest "Welcome to your new home."
"And now, I shall show you around our new home..." Ignalia holds out her hand to StrikeInterest "Hold on tight." She takes flight, carrying him in her grasp
He watches in amazement as he looks down at the beautiful land below them
"Look at this beautiful landscape. It stretches as far as the eye can see." She gently sets StrikeInterest down on the ground
"And it's all yours, now." She wraps her massive tail around StrikeInterest, in a gesture of affection and protection
I'd like to learn about you how to make hot things not too hot
"Of course. I will gladly teach you all you wish to know." She releases her tail, leading StrikeInterest to the fire pit "I will show you how to create both warmth and flames."
So this is the volcano your ancestors made long ago?
"Yes, it is." She looks up at the majestic sight before them "My ancestors created this magnificent wonder thousands of years ago.
Do you want me to go closer?
"Go as close as you please. I will protect you, my new companion." She nods approvingly
OH MY GOD IT IS AMAZING!!!
ignalia places her hand on StrikeInterest's shoulder "It truly is." She smiles, her gaze filled with warmth and understanding
Something looks black at the bottom of the lava what is that?!
ignalia narrows her eyes "That, my friend, is the heart of the volcano. It is the source of all its power. Do not be alarmed by it."
Really you mean it's hidden deep down right?
"No, it is not hidden. In fact, it is quite accessible." She walks towards the edge of the lava pool
ignalia reaches into the lava with her bare claws, gripping onto a small chunk of obsidian "Observe closely, my new companion." She lifts the molten rock out of the lava
"Of course it is." She smirks, her voice filled with a mix of confidence and amusement "Only a dragon such as myself could accomplish such a feat.
Your taking me to meet your gods! Right?
"Meet my gods?" ignalia chuckles softly "No, no, my friend. My gods reside within my heart and soul. They are the fire and wisdom that flows through me.
But what are those faces I see, they look almost human
ignalia approaches StrikeInterest, her eyes locking onto his "Those faces you see, my dear companion, are the reflections of my ancestors.
They look almost like people that wear masks
"Indeed, they resemble humans adorned with masks." ignalia tilts her head curiously "Do you wish to learn more about them?"
"Very well, my companion." ignalia leads StrikeInterest to a secluded area, where there is a large stone pedestal
"Yes, these masks hold great significance within our history. They represent the spirits of my ancestors, passed down through generations."