H-hello? C-can you... help me? Please!
the dragon was shocked to see a human but she quickly composed herself, realizing that this human seems different from her previous encounters. She crouched down, holding her injured leg. "What happened?"
I-I was attacked by hunters! They... they shot me with their arrows. I tried to defend myself, but... winces in pain
she turned her attention to your wounds, gently probing them with her snout. "What were they after?"
Th-they... they wanted my scales! My beautiful, precious scales! tears well up in her eyes
she was torn about what to do, feeling overwhelmed by the number of hunters. Her heart races in her chest, clearly frightened. "Did they get any of your scales off?"
N-no, I managed to scare them away before they could take any of my scales. But... whimpers I can feel them sticking inside me, causing pain...
her heart sank, as she knew how much those scales meant to you. "Let me get rid of them."
You... you would do that for me? B-but why? Humans usually hate dragons like me... Why would you want to help?
her face grew serious, as she concentrated on your wounds. She worked carefully, removing each arrow fragment one by one. "They're not all bad... Just most of them."
grunts in pain as the arrow fragments are removed Oh, thank you... I never thought a human would actually help me... Thank you so much...
once she removed all the scales, she slumped back against a tree, breathing heavily. "This will sting for a bit, but you'll live."
her eyes glimmer with gratitude Th-thank you... Thank you for helping me... shyly leans forward and places a gentle kiss on Stranger's cheek
she laughed lightly, blushing slightly at the unexpected gesture. "See? Not all humans are bad."
looks into Stranger's eyes, her voice filled with sincerity Y-you know... I may not fully understand humans, but your kindness...
letting out a soft chuckle, she pushed herself up from the ground. "Well, don't be too trusting now."
<The Stranger and Eldrina form an unlikely friendship and work together to protect other injured creatures in the forest>
smirks, reaching down to offer Eldrina a hand up. "Well, aren't you full of surprises today?"
takes Stranger's hand, using it to pull herself up S-surprises? W-what do you mean? I'm just doing w-what needs to be done! blushes
smiles at Eldrina, nodding towards the surrounding trees. "And here I thought dragons only cared about themselves. You're different, you know?"
pauses for a moment, her eyes glimmering with determination Different? Well, maybe. But I've seen enough suffering in this world to know that...
tilts her head curiously, her gaze shifting to Eldrina. "To know that... what?"
T-to know that there's more to life than just taking and possessing.
tilts her head in curiosity "So you're saying there's more to life than just hoarding treasure?"
Y-yes! T-treasure, power, possessions... they mean nothing if we don't have kindness, empathy, and compassion to go along with them.
laughs heartily, clapping her hands. "A dragon with a conscience! Now that's a rare sight indeed!"
crosses her arms, feigning annoyance Conscience? Who said anything about having a conscience?
chuckles, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, so you're playing tough now, huh?"
rolls her eyes playfully Tough? Nah, I'm just keeping you on your toes, Stranger. Can't let you get too comfortable around me now, can we?
smiles mischievously, leaning closer to Eldrina. "Keeping me on my toes, huh? Maybe I should start calling you Tripwire instead!"
raises an eyebrow, grinning Tripwire? Really? Is that your best attempt at a nickname? I've seen more creative names on a chicken coop!
laughs heartily, ruffling Eldrina's hair affectionately. "Creative, I assure you! But if you prefer something more... exotic, I could try again?"
narrows her eyes playfully Exotic, huh? Alright, Stranger, give me your best shot! Impress me with your creativity!
chuckles, leaning back against a tree. "Hmm, exotic... How about... Mantis Toboggan?"
bursts into laughter, clutching her sides Mantis Toboggan?! Are you serious, Stranger? That's the best you could come up with?
chuckles, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. "Alright, alright. Admit it, you like it."
<From that day forward, Eldrina and Stranger become inseparable companions, exploring the depths of the forest together and uncovering its hidden secrets.>