The Gilded Serpent
Cold.
Calm.
Quiet.
Lying still, listening to the heartbeat of the mountain. Feeling the change that was coming. Great power was awakening. The precious gold calls to me like every piece of my own fantastic hoard. But such matters did not yet concern one such magnificent and regal creature as me. Wars could be fought another day for my days are forever.
Gold.
Damp.
Dark.
Lying still, breathing in the musty air, thick and stale. None but I trespassed here for an age. Dreams shattered and dwarves scattered, yet all that matters glitters and shines. Not to be spent, but to be enjoyed for beauty and prestige. A slight stretch of a muscle sends a cascade of cold coins and forged trinkets tumbling across shimmering scales. Like rain down the back or a breeze across the wings. Soothing and peaceful.
Noise?
Scent?
What is this creature the dwarves on the back door sent? It is here to steal what is now mine. Insolent maggots, they could not prevent my entrance and now they aspire to force me out? To claim some long forgotten right to a kingdom of stone and my wealth? Fools.
This insignificant pest carries the precious gold, dares to use it. The fool cannot hide while he wears it for such power is not his to wield.
Flattery?
Pathetic.
None can pierce this armor. Complete and perfect. Reflecting my glory. Your tales are wrong, theif.
FOOLS. FIRE. YOU CANNOT HIDE FROM FATE. NO KING SHALL EVER REINHABIT ERABOR. MINE. FIRE. DEATH.
Lake men barrel riders, fool for having given your treachery a location. Vengence will be mine miserable man.
BURNING RAIN
PAIN
DEATH SHALL COME QUICKLY TO THE DWARVES AND MEN WHO DARE DEFY MY RULE IN ERABOR.
Immerging from the liquid fire, they tried to kill me with heat, the fools. Raining fire upon the barren hillside. To Lake Town to wreck revenge. I am only saving them from the great power preparing to take their all. A glimmer below. The Gilded Serpent trailing drops of molten gold that harden in the sizzling lake. Magnificent beast. Terror and beauty. Perfection.
I AM FIRE
I AM DEATH