"Our brightest blazes are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks"

Leaves parted as a figure rushed through, whispers, cries in the darkness of the forest could be heard all around –but you would have to be a fool to give them any thought. In the ebony surroundings, lit only by the gentle breeze of the moon's rays, a whisk of dark red passed as if it were a shadow. The sound of the footsteps, or rather, the fast pit patter of her feet touching the leaf-carpeted floor was the only give away that she was there –the only sound she couldn't avoid making.

Voices were heard nearby and the amber cat-like eyes darted towards them, her hearing as sharp as an elf's. This forest was her domain, she was the protector, the slayer, the very heart and soul of it and these humane voices disturbed its dead silence. Naturally, the curious silhouette went to investigate on who trespassed, was it friend or foe? Was it trying to get to her tree? Bring her down with the whole forest? The paranoid thoughts faded between the light rustle as she came to a halt near a clearing –and her eyes widened, pupils dilated and lips parted in pure wonder. There was a dragon in human form, his scales on his tail looking rather young and his horns not yet completely evolved and of course the humans that were having swords and arrows pointed at him were oblivious to that fact. The color that adorned his beautiful scales was a dark red, hair long and of the same color, otherwise she could see nothing due to his position.

The nearby humans that lived not far from the forest seemed rather angered by the creature as their tone clarified for her as well.

"You filthy abomination! You tried to bed my daughter! Impregnate her with your filth –so that meant the poor dragon took human form to meet with his beloved human girl…was that too cliché even for her taste? Yes it was.

Before the vulnerable dragon got to say something and get impaled, the exotic woman finally showed herself with speed that rivaled even that of wolves on the run; her blade dug in exposed flesh until she had knelt the band of 12 villagers armed and screaming in agony. One of them dared look up at her and gasped at the sight –mainly the scar that ran over her left eye, then her green-yellow eyes with pupils thin and the bright crimson hair that shone like a flame.

"I am Minthe, nymph of this forest, slayer of those that dare trespass my forests, my lands…my dominion with hatred and darkened heart"

The villagers were well aware of her presence in the forests, after all, she was the whisper that surrounded each tree, that made them blossom in spring and the one that protected travelers with good will and honesty in their heart when in her forests. She was a great creature, a fable that most didn't believe true but still rid themselves of negativity within her domain.

Her double swords glinted maliciously, despite her calling herself a protector. The dragon behind her shifted in a standing position and before she could turn, she heard the sickening cracks of bones and then a great shadow covering the light of the moon while the eyes of the wounded villagers widened in fright.

"A..A DRAGON!" and as hurt as they were, they scrambled away like bats in daylight. possibly going back to the village and tell the others what happened. That also meant that they were not safe here anymore.

Minthe finally turned to face the beast, not as big as the older dragons, but clearly a size too big for the approximate age that she gave. It was clear that he was a powerful dragon and he was going to be one of the strongest of his kin –a fire draco by the dark red adorning his scales, tints of black and horns atop his enormous head.

His nostrils flared as his burning gaze fixed her "I am Smaug of the great dragon kin…I have no need for a pathetic nymph saving me" his voice boomed through as the female remained unmoved "What an insult you have downed upon me…I should just chew on your flesh and bones-"

"Watch your tongue, dragon, my patience is running thin" the dragon stared at her with wide eyes before it roared in anger, making the birds that nestled in the trees take flight at the powerful shriek.

"YOU DARE INTERRUPT THE GREAT SMAUG?"

"Your temper is something to be ashamed of…I would lower the tone, your scales are not fully developed, you are still young as a dragon and that makes them penetrable, you cannot spit fire the way you should because of the same reason and my blades are not ordinary either which makes you an easy target…Smaug" she mocked with a gentle smile.

He had never met someone to talk to him like that and he was furious beyond relief. It was all true, he was still young and he didn't reach maturity completely, his scales vulnerable and his emotions too powerful to grasp. Snarling at her, the beast wearily shifted some space away and glared at her menacingly, eyes ablaze at how he didn't have a choice but to let her treat him like this. He was smart though and he knew that this one needed him to back away, she was no human that was to cower in fear at only his sight –just that he was a dragon and bigger than them –she didn't even flinch at his display!

"What are you?" his words rolled out slowly, calm and sharp now, much to the redheaded nymph's delight. This was more on her liking. It seemed the dragon was young and impulsive but did not lack brains to know that she could end his reign anytime.

"A dryad"

And she passed by him as if he was not even there "I suggest you take flight, dragon, I do not like the way my forest, my territory became a bed for everyone to lay on and converse" her tone was cold as ice and if he were in his human form he would have probably been a tad bit intimidated, however, he didn't move, he only looked over to the village with longing. The nymph sensed that and glanced back with a sigh –he was acting like fourteen year old when flutters were felt in the pit of the stomach at every woman that passed by them and casted them a glance. He was even stupid enough to think that his 'human' form, a mix between a human and dragon could pass by unnoticed, just to see one human girl…she had to admit that it was admirable how far his 'love' took him, but reality was floating above him like a dark cloud.

"She is human, you are dragon….how did it even happen?" the question had Smaug turn to her with a scowl "It is not your business, nymph" he coldly grunted. "Ironic how you ended up running in my forest, hmmm?" a playful tinge in her voice had him turn his slit pupils to her and watch her intently as she sat down in front of him, cross-legged.

"It must have been the scent, no? The alluring scent of a girl becoming a woman can be intoxicating, even for a dragon and even if she is human…then again, that means we can get attached to even a frog" the woman spoke wisely "You are young, dragon, I understand you-"

"YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS!" a sudden roar thundering above her was heard and the woman had to stop herself from snapping at him and his reckless attitude. "Fine then…so you will spend eternities to no end chasing a human that will surely die of old age –come with me now, you need shelter" she prodded again with calmness she never knew she had in store and the crimson beast looked at her suspiciously, daringly and disapprovingly before casting another look at the far away village.

If anyone saw him around, be it man or beast, they would prey on him because of his heritage. He must have just left the lair because he was terribly inexperienced with the world around him –but that was fine, he had millions of years to figure that out.

"Come now" another tug at his conscience and logic and the dragon growled throatily and stood up in all his glory and glared at her for guidance, which she gladly offered as she stood up and started walking within the dense forest, trees parting and making path for her and the dragon in an eerie way that soothed the beast, comfort slowly seeping under his scales as he followed the light footsteps of the nymph.

Her presence was soaking the forest in peace and quiet, in serenity and security, every little organism in her domain reacting to her like a child to her mother –and then he realized that this is what she was to her forests, to her lands, she was their mother for she nourished them alive with a single speck of her energy, her magic that intoxicated her very person and sprung around her like an untamed fire with every step she took.

He couldn't help but admire the woman and above all, he could feel a light throb of his young heart. They stopped shortly in front of a large cave scooped in the base of a large cliff and the nymph turned to him, gingerly pointing him to that cave…to which he snorted. "I am not sleeping in that cave…there is no-"

"No gold, not treasure for you to bathe in while you slumber? You must have just left the lair of your kind" and she struck him hard again because he lost his temper and forced his head back at her, aiming his long sharp teeth at her before his maw met her cold hand and he stopped abruptly. "And it is not only the lair you have left back there, but manners as well" she smiled gently, the scar over her eye betraying her seemingly peaceful nature and he clasped his big jaw shut, retracting with a low growl and settling himself at the opening of the cave as his eyes peered at her curiously. The redhead climbed the nearest tree to his location and made herself comfortable on a branch as to watch over him in case more villagers came to look for the dragon.

Somehow, he felt oddly comfortable under her gaze and as much as his teachings went against getting help from anyone, he could gladly accept it until he was strong enough to take flight, the events he went through having worn him out –not that he would ever say that outloud, his draconic pride wouldn't allow him to voice any good thoughts about this…nymph.

"Have a good sleep, dragon" and he scowled irritated at how she would call him that, as if he were some ordinary dragon, oh noo, he was Smaug, he was going to be feared throughout Arda! The great Smaug, the magnificent Smaug! He could almost taste it on his tongue and a satisfied smirk played at his scaled maw.

They were all going to see him grow to greatness and fear would come along the path.

Okay, so this is my first attempt at a story with the...amazing Smaug, and I am excited to see some opinions!

Please tell me if I should continue or not, because I am all nervous ; u;

Review and Private message me, please please please!