For the Marathon Competition (Fifth Mile, creature fic 2 of 3) and the Chutes and Ladders Challenge (I pray)
"She doesn't have long left," Zoelie tells him. "She's fading fast. I thought you might want to say goodbye."
Charlie nods, swallowing dryly. It's the only part he hates about his job. All lives must end, but that fact is more painfully when he's spent so much time shaping a life.
He enters the enclosure, grateful that Zoelie doesn't follow him in. She understands his need for a private farewell.
"Hey, old girl," he says, approaching Elowen, the oldest Ironbelly on the reserve.
Elowen lifts her head weakly, snorting. No sparks fly, and Charlie tries not to remember only a few years before when she would breathe fire at anything that moved.
He puts a hand on her side. Her scales are duller now and flaking off in some places. But he still remembers the great, majestic Elowen who had caused his first major trip to the infirmary. The massive scar still rests on his stomach like a trophy.
"We've had a good run, eh?" he says soothingly.
She blinks at him. He wonders if she can understand what he's saying, what's happening.
"You've had a good, long life," he continues. "Gave at least two dozen trainers nightmares their first week."
Elowen rests her head on the ground. She exhales, and Charlie notices how shallow her breathing is.
Not long now, he thinks.
"Countless offspring. Though, between you and me, none of them are as fierce as their mum," he says. "Beautiful offspring, of course. Strong and fast. I know you must be proud."
She groans. Charlie presses his hand more firmly against her side. It's hard to tell her vitals beneath the thick hide, but he can guess that her heart is slowing down.
"You were Roxanne's favorite dragon when she visited," he tells her. "She'd always write me and tell me to give you a big hug for her. Never did because that's quite terrifying, if I'm honest. But maybe…"
His arms move awkwardly, barely able to wrap even halfway around her neck. In all his years, he never thought that he'd ever attempt to hug a dragon. "Sleep well, old girl. I pray that you find peace."
Her body grows slack, and Charlie pulls away, blinking back tears. He closes her eyes with his fingers, sighing deeply. "Goodbye, Elowen," he says quietly.