I was inspired.

Just watched Hobbit: DoS

So you have to put up with my late night plot bunnies.

Enjoy if such a thing is possible.

Dragons, as everyone well knows, are large winged reptiles, with ungodly strength, the ability to breathe fire are possessing of razor sharp talons and even sharper teeth, and above all else, an extreme love of gold and precious metals. It is also known that dragons are incredibly magical being, their armor has been used after death to make the most incredible shields lasting ten thousands of years, their blood is hot, and one of the deadlier poisons among men, their hearts have been used in the forging of powerful wants. It would seem as if dragons were incredibly magical in and of themselves, yet it is always heard of men and wizards using their enchantments for themselves and never a dragon using it's own magic.

There could be complicated intricate and completely boring hypothesis as of why, or even complex diagrams listing reasons to which theorize why a dragon is incapable of using magic. However, the answer to why a dragon does not use magic is a simple one. They haven't the need for it.

In actuality a dragon is a most skilled sorcerer. He has had many years to learn of spells and enchantments, illusion and alchemy. A dragon using magic would be a most formidable foe indeed. But most dragons find magic to be dull and frivolous, useless and cumbersome. They would much rather smite their foes with a breath of fire or a slash of their claws, the snap of quick jaws or the swing of a spined tail.

Yet, it is not for nothing that the Dragon Smaug had held the gold beneath the Lonely Mountain in his possession for so long. Indeed many had tried to take it from him, only to be met with their demise for a Dragon will guard it's treasure for as long as it lives. It was not only of men, dwarves, elves, goblins, or even orcs to face their doom upon the mountain in the glorious but it was of other Dragons as well, for the gold beneath Smaug's feet was of legend, and much sought after. Dragons with fire and ice and lightning in their breath would come seeking the treasure each determined to take it from the fire dragon, each one convinced they had a chance, and each meeting the same gruesome fate as those before it.

Smaug the terrible was no fool, and was not so quick as his brethren to disregard the powers of magic. To Smaug, magic was a tool, a weapon he extended as easily as his own wings or claws, it was a force to be reckoned with and with out a doubt, gave Smaug the advantage in battle. While simple fire was sufficient against the forces of men or elves, or dwarves, even spear like talon and sword like teeth would fell the orcs and goblins, other dragons required much more effort. While a strong warrior and a fierce fighter, Smaug could be at a disadvantage if he did not posses such an extensive knowledge of magic.

It was by this same magic that Smaug used to plunder every house in Erebor, for not all treasure could be taken by force. To extract some of the riches it required a fine, and gentle touch, something no dragon could be expected to posses. And yet the dragon was able to breach every safe, open every jewelry box and steal every wealth from the deceased's homes, even fine and fragile items such as a golden stringed harp and fragile jewelry. Such was his greed that all of his vast wealth must be laid before him so that he could keep it under his watchful eye, so that not a single one of his precious golden coins was allowed to stray.

It was among the vastness of his wealth that the hobbit Bilbo Baggins of the Shire had come to find Smaug. The great dragon was awesome in size and to behold such a terrible beast set him in a fright, but the hobbit kept his wits about him when confronted with this great and powerful creature. He stayed hidden as the dragon rose, seeking him out with long powerful strides, and grace for a creature of such enormity. Now there is much to be told about the vanity of dragons, and much less time than there ought to be to tell it in, but it is to this vanity that the little Bilbo appealed praising Smaug and his brilliance.

It was not very often Smaug got such glowing silver tongued praise, yet he was no fool, the hobbit had come to steal from him. And yet he reveled in the words of the barrel-rider as they came out in stuttered sentences. He knew the small creature was only seeking to prolong his own life, but all the same, Smaug deeply enjoyed the attention. Too long had Smaug been in the dark, while guarding his riches took priority, it was not very often that the world outside could appreciate his full glory, and when they did, the only did boring things, like plead for their lives or scream in terror.

And here was a little creature, so interesting it made Smaug's eyes spark with life as he stared down at the small thing at his feet, smelled the new scent of what he would later identify as hobbit, and observe the strange way it acted. Whether it was purely because of boredom, flattery, or a sparked interest that Smaug let the hobbit live one could not say. Curious by the strange thing that had wandered into his lair Smaug allowed the hobbit to leave. Inviting poor Bilbo back, with a pointed grin, "anytime [he] felt like dying." The poor flummoxed hobbit retreated, wondering what had caused the dragon to change it's mind, hoping, beyond hope that he would not have to return once more to the dragon's sight.

It was a hope that was in vain as the hobbit lingered in the door to the treasure room unsure of himself not wanting to disturb the fearsome beast below.

"Come out little barrel-rider." Smaug spoke from amidst the piles of jewels, "Are you so anxious to meet your death that you have returned to my presence a mere day after your so hasty retreat, or perhaps it is your dwarvish friends that have sent you to your doom so early in your life." He chuckled.

"It would be a discourtesy to your vast intelligence to claim otherwise oh Smaug the magnificent." Bilbo managed to say with out tripping over his words too badly.

"Do not assume pretty words will let you live another day." Smaug threatened as he came level with the hobbit. One vast eye staring at the small thing lingering in his halls.

"I wouldn't dare to do such a thing." Bilbo said after swallowing the lump in his throat.

"Oh but you've already tried luckwearer." Smaug hissed his eye narrowing as he looked upon the hobbit.

"Well surely someone of your glory deserves some praise, even if it is only in the dying moments of the person who offers it." Bilbo responded smoothly. Smaug grinned, an action which Bilbo could not see as he was too busy taking in the giant eye which was focused upon the hobbit.

"Praise offered as a last line of defense before death does not bring me joy nor ring with any truth." Smaug growled turning away from the hobbit, "As consolation, I promise not to kill you, not today." Smaug said strolling a distance away. Bilbo let out a small sigh, "In return you will give me the truth." He said and Bilbo's breath caught again as Smaug drew himself up to his full height breast alit with flame and fire dancing through the teeth of the dragon, "What do you see?" He asked.

"You… are truly a sight to behold." Bilbo said without the hint of a lie, "I see a fearsome, cunning, and powerful Lord." He flattered. Smaug allowed himself to lay on the ground fiery eyes staring amused upon poor Bilbo Baggins.

"That will suffice." The dragon said wishing he could observe Bilbo closer without having to worry so much about squishing his new toy.

"I mean every word." Bilbo squeaked afraid that the dragon had found fault in his words and decided to kill him after all. The dragon gave out a sound that made Bilbo flinch in fear, but soon he realized the dragon was laughing at him.

"I know." Smaug spoke simply, "and you will know when I know you are lying to me, because you will be dead." And he closed his eyes giving a small cough of fire as Bilbo scuttled out the door.

So… trying to write in a different style.

Kinda weird for me… hope you stay tuned. Smauglock in future chapters, just setting up the story for now.