Chapter Six

The following morning was gloomy as scattered gray clouds blew gently across the amber colored sky. Every so often the sun would peak behind them as it rose higher and higher bathing the mountains in its light. Smaug's peak was struck the most by the sun's warm rays from its height and caused the air to warm up significantly.

That awoke Smaug deep within the mountain as the warmed up morning wind blew in and tickled his nostrils. The Great Fire Drake opened his eyes and took a moment to sniff the air for any signs of Orcs before raising his head. There was not much of a scent other than the faint trace of Orc blood that he had picked up during the night. Still, despite this he kept his piercing gaze on the entrance tunnel for any new scents on the air or any signs of movement.

Vanya awoke only a few minutes later and looked over to see Smaug keeping watch at the entrance tunnel. She quickly noticed that his gaze was that of being on guard so she sat up slowly wanting to know what was going on. "Good morning, my Lord Smaug. Is there something the matter or some scent that you have picked up?"

"There is nothing the matter at the moment," Smaug replied while still fixated on tunnel, "but there was something last night I detected. The scent of Orc blood and the howling of vile wolves from somewhere down below, but that is no concern. Wolves cannot reach here, nor do I believe that those wretched creatures dare to venture in here again. So," he turned to look down on Vanya, "what is it that you plan to do now that your strength is returning? I have had my share of flesh to last me several days so hunger will not interfere and I will be able to keep a close eye on you. No one will be able to trespass into MY mountain as I remain unless they wish to die from the flames."

"Has anyone ever trespassed like that before," Vanya asked as she gently tucked in her legs under her still facing the dragon.

"Not since I have first made claim to this mountain many years ago, and no other dragons have tried claiming this peak since."

"If I may ask, how long have you been living here and what sort of foes have you faced in the past?"

"Many years I have spent living here," Smaug answered as he looked away in smug thought, "and many foes I faced during that time. Most were from the other dragons who had all been fighting for this very peak, including against me which they have lost. They could not defeat me though they had tried their best, but their best wasn't good enough to succeed. There were also times when I had fought filthy goblins and nasty Dwarves from the distant Iron Hills in which they inhabit. While during those times I had slain some, I was focused more on obtaining food rather than slaying them. Ever since I had claimed this mountain as my own, I had not found myself in many battles that were worthy of me. There will be others who will try to claim my mountain and challenge me, I'm sure, but they will all fall to me."

Vanya felt for sure that his boasting wasn't a lie as she saw a brief glimpse of his power when he rescued her. "Well, knowing how large and powerful you are, I know that you could easily defeat at least 100 foes with little difficulty. In fact, I would even say that you must be the most powerful and largest of the dragons in all of Middle Earth."

Smaug let out a small chuckle as her compliment caused him to smile slyly the moment he heard her say so. "You think so, do you," he asked as he turned back to face her bending his neck down close to her eye level. "Well, you would be mistaken in thinking that I am the largest and most powerful of all dragons, Fire Drakes or not. There are many other dragons who are as large and as strong as I, and even some who are more significant as I. In fact, there was one long ago who was the most powerful and largest of all our race that I have heard of. Tell me, have you heard of the one called Ancalagon the Black who terrorized the land within the First Age?"

"Ancalagon the Black? Hmm….," Vanya thought about it for a moment trying to remember if she had heard that name before. It was only a moment later when she let out a gasp and looked back at him as if she was well aware of the name. "Wait…I do remember hearing about him. It was said that he was as deadly a threat as the original Dark Lord Morgoth himself was back in that age. The dragon's size was immense and his power was unmatched by and Peoples of Middle Earth at that time. However, I also remember hearing that when he was finally slain and fell, he destroyed the entire mountain range of Thangorodrim as well. That was all I can recall about him, but looking at you it's clear that you are also large and very powerful. So, as I am curious about this, how large was Ancalagon compared to you Lord Smaug?"

Smaug let out a chuckle and grinned as he lowered his head down close to her with his long, serpentine neck. "He was once indeed a mighty force in his age," he told her, "in both his immense size as well as his strength. They once said that he was as tall as my peak is, and if he did not fall many of us would not still have breath. Even I, whom you consider the largest and most powerful, would have difficulty defeating such a powerful foe." As he uttered those last words, he became bitter and rose his head again in disgust thinking of a dragon mightier than himself. His eyes became bright again in anger at the mere thought of Ancalagon and let out a loud snarl followed by a low growl. He was not upset with Vanya, he knew, but at himself thinking of someone who made him almost feel….insignificant.

Vanya saw his anger and frustration as she knew he didn't like to think of anyone more powerful than he. That's what she told herself, at least, and felt that she needed to do something or even say something of support. She looked over and saw his right winged foreleg close to the head of her bed and got a daring idea in her head. She reached her left arm out and gently placed her hand atop one of his claws, knowing well that no one would have dared to do so. However, she felt it in her heart that she trusted him enough and found herself caring about him slowly. That was what she wanted to prove to the great Fire Drake along with showing that she was not at all afraid of him.

Smaug, feeling her touch, looked down suddenly as he was surprised that she would dare such a move with him. He let out a low growl but did so as gentle as possible to not frighten her as he lessened the light in his eyes as well. Just by judging from the tenderness of the She-Elf's touch, he realized that she was trying to give him some comfort though he thought that it was unneeded.

"My Lord Smaug, I would not dwell on someone such as Anchalagon the Black from ages past," Vanya told him gently. "There is a large significant difference between the two of you that I'm sure you are aware of that I know for certain. His intelligence was nowhere as close as yours is, and he was too arrogant thinking that his size alone was enough to make him invincible. Because of those large flaws, he had fallen to the likes of my fellow Elves and the Men of those days long past. He died long ago, but you still remain because you clearly have more intelligence and power than he could ever wish to have. While I might have seen only one other dragon in my life, I will honestly say that you are indeed the most powerful and magnificent I have ever seen and known. Perhaps the most magnificent and powerful in all of Middle Earth, and I truly mean that with all of my heart."

Smaug couldn't help but smirk and let out a soft chuckle from hearing such praise coming from an Elf. He lowered his head more so where the two of them were able to talk face-to-face and let out another chuckle. "You assume too much, and your flattery as you know will not get anywhere with me," he said gently. "However, you do seem to greatly acknowledge my power and show great respect to me and who I am compared to that fool. Curiously I wish to ask you about something."

"What would you wish to know, Lord Smaug?"

"The first time that we spoke, you mentioned to me how you were attacked by a pitch-black dragon. It was now that you told me that I was the only other dragon you have ever encountered, correct? Tell me, was the first dragon the one who first gave you these powers over flame and the sight similar to mine?"

Vanya sat there in silence as she continued to stare up into the Great Fire Drake's eyes, nearly afraid to answer his questions. But, as she heard a low growl escaping him, she knew that she had to be honest with both him and herself. "Y-Yes, that is correct, Lord Smaug."

Smaug smirked once more and looked away from her, closing her eyes as he let out another chuckle. He turned back to face her while still smirking, as she was able to confirm to him something he witnessed a while back. "Now, that IS interesting. I do seem to recall seeing a dragon dark as night similar to that some years ago. He was not as large as I, but he was of formidable size as well as having a dark and terrible stench about him. To me, he did not seem to be a real dragon at all but something rather…..evil, yet still took the form of a dragon." As he was thinking about the dragon, he then found himself wondering something that he hadn't thought about in a while. He lowered his head down close to Vanya and gave her a deep sniff to confirm something he suspected during their first meeting.

"What seems to be the problem, my Lord," Vanya asked trying to remain calm as she felt his breath upon the back of her head.

"While we are on the topic of this dark dragon, you should know that I had picked up his scent upon you when I first brought you here. I thought that was something strange for an Elf to have a scent of a dragon, but now things have become clear." Smaug lifted up his head again and turned to face the tunnel leading to the entrance wondering where that dragon may be. "Perhaps that is why you wield such powers and also why your own people had to banish you from your land."

Vanya looked down into the flame somberly, fearing that the worst may have fallen upon her since that day. "If that is true, then…could it be possible that I've been cursed by that terrible creature? Also, would that mean I can never return home and reunite with my people or my father ever again?" At that moment, she closed her eyes and thought about her village and the smiling faces of her father and her people. But, as she did, her heart ached knowing that she could possibly never return home and be among them again. As these thoughts and fears entered her mind, she grew even sadder and a few tears rolled gently down her cheeks.

Smaug detected the air about her growing heavy and let out a soft scoff at the thought of her becoming sad. Still, her fear of being cursed with the dragon-like abilities had him feeling unpleasant and decided to say something to get her over it. He briefly glanced back down at her before turning to face the tunnel again while not showing any emotion. "Perhaps, but then again, perhaps not. It will all depend on how you will use these powers that you were given from here on," he told her while not adverting his gaze.

Vanya gasped softly as she suddenly looked away from the flame and stared up unbelieving at him. She wasn't sure why he would try to comfort her by saying such a thing, but it made her strongly consider his words. "I don't know if you were trying to give me comfort, or if you wish for me to overcome my fear and sadness," she said to him. "However, I want to thank you and also tell you that I shall always remember your words as you are indeed right. Although, I could never have imagined that I would be out here in the Withered Heath with a powerful dragon such as yourself. Nor would I expect that some dark being would have given me these sort of abilities, but for what purpose is the question. I would love to have better understanding of them as well as better control, but I do not know where I can practice doing so. Lord Smaug, would you have any ideas on how I would be able to practice controlling these powers of mine?"

"Your thanks is not needed," the dragon told her as he turned to face her once again with a mild glow in his eyes. "I only told you that so I could get you to stop feeling so pathetic with your petty fears and worries. It was annoying. As for where you may practice controlling your powers, I may have a place in mind if you wish to follow me." With that, he turned his body around and began walking down a darkened tunnel at the back of the sleeping chamber.

Vanya quickly rose to her feet and hurried after him as they travelled through the darkened tunnel. She walked swiftly along his right side attempting to keep up with the dragon as the continued on their way. The tunnel was as dark as the darkest night, so she had to resort in using her Dragon Sight to help her see. The only light source was Smaug's inner furnace, which he lit up to provide more illumination for both of them. They had walked for only a few minutes, but the Elvish Princess's curiosity grew so she looked up at him as they continued walking. "My Lord, where are we heading?"

"You will see soon enough," was the Fire Drake's only response as he continued, never once looking down at her.

The two continued on for another half hour before finally they reached the end where they saw a bright light emitting from it. Vanya had to use her left arm to help shield her eyes from the light while Smaug raised his right forelimb above her. It was enough to help Vanya see while he rested his claws against the rock wall beside him as he looked down upon her. "We are here."

Vanya unshielded her eyes and looked past the light to what he brought her to see and was immediately entranced. Smaug had taken her to a large, hidden chamber with a large, open ceiling that sunlight was emanating through. There were numerous large crystals that stuck out from the rock walls that glittered with a rainbow-like hue. Along the rim of the ceiling were various large stalactites with numerous and equally large stalagmites below them. She observed that the chamber was as large as 5 Smaugs if they were stretched from snout to tail in a curled position. What caught her eye the most was at the center where a large yet brilliant campfire stood, much like a beacon placed in the center. 'Of all the things that would be in a cave," Vanya thought to herself, 'I never would have imagined something this beautiful.' She looked up at the Fire Drake, unable to believe that she was actually seeing something so beautiful hiding inside of his mountain. "Wow…..this-this is amazing. Lord Smaug, what is this place?"

"Somewhere where you can come and train yourself as much as you wish without disturbance or fear of attack," Smaug replied. He looked down and faced her, amused by her admired gaze at the chamber and chuckled softly.

"When did you discover this amazing chamber?"

Smaug glanced inside the chamber giving it a look-over before arching his neck down lowering his head close to hers. "Not long after I had claimed the peak for my own. I investigated the mountain thoroughly, to make sure there were no intruders attempting to make their home here as well. As I did, I came upon this chamber and was intrigued by the sheer size and beauty it held and decided to make it a sunbathing spot. That fire which you see in the center was what I placed there myself to mark this as mine like the rest of the mountain. However, I shall allow you to come and train here as much as you wish for as long as you wish until I say otherwise. Inside these walls, no one will be able to disturb you nor shall anyone find you when I am away hunting, should they dare to trespass. Now," he looked up and entered the chamber until he was along the back wall before facing her, "demonstrate your powers for me."

"My Lord?" Vanya was confused but she entered the chamber herself and stood before the firepit looking up at the dragon nervously.

"Show me the powers that you wielded against that Orc filth so I may see how in control you truly are," Smaug repeated fiercely. As he spoke, his eyes began to glow with bright intensity and his inner furnace began to glow with the same while a smirk spread over his face. Without any sort of warning, he shot out a large stream of intense fire directly in the direction of the chamber entrance close to where Vanya was standing.

The Elf hardly had any time to react as she leaped inside of the chamber on its left side to avoid the frightening attack. She cartwheeled in that direction until she found herself behind one of the large crystals to use as a temporary shield. In those few moments of safety, she was alarmed and deeply confused as to why he had just decided to attack her like he was. However, as she remained behind the crystal, she knew that it wouldn't stand for long against the intense fire being released by Smaug. She peaked over on the right side of it looking at the dragon trying to time when he would strike again before making her move. As she watched him take a breath to breath out his flames, she swiftly jumped out in front of her hiding place and immediately ran towards the fire pit. When she made it to the pit, she soon found herself staring straight into a huge stream of flames and so held her arms out in defense. Almost immediately, the fire within its pit shot up and came before Vanya, blocking the fire used by the Fire Drake.

Smaug paused briefly and looked on in amazement as he watched his own flame melt away into the flame Vanya used in defense. He did not dare to admit it even to himself, but he was indeed impressed by her reflexes as well as how quickly she was able to control the fire. But, as he knew that this was only the beginning, he did not want to give her an easy time and decided to make it even more difficult. He began to move around the chamber breathing his flames in as many directions as he moved himself in order to test her further.

Vanya used both her keen Elf senses as well as her Dragon Sight to track the dragon's movements, but finally began to understand what was happening. Waving her arms left and right with each movement of Smaug's head, she controlled the pit's fire to counter the streams of intense flame he launched at her. Each time it became more and more difficult for her to react so she dodged either left or right depending on where Smaug's flame went. During the training, she would redirect the fire into the pit causing the blaze to become brighter and more intense for a moment.

The two of them continued this intense fire-wielding for what seemed like forever, with neither of them noticing the time passing by. Outside, the sun began its evening descent into the West as the mountains caught the last golden rays atop their peaks. Even the air, which felt warm and pleasant early on in the day, had become mildly cold as the evening arrived. Off in the distance towards the South the first few stars began to glow faintly in the clear, velvety blue sky.

Smaug began to feel the change in the air at that point and dimmed out his inner furnace and stood below the open ceiling at the back of the chamber. He looked up at the early signs of twilight before turning back to face Vanya. "That will be all for today, young She-Elf," he told her at last, lowering his head just to the left of the fire pit.

Vanya, exhausted from the intense fire-wielding, suddenly collapsed down to the floor only holding herself up by her arms. She breathed heavily for a few moments but then sighed deeply from the relief of the day finally being over. Weary, she lifted up her head slowly to catch Smaug's gaze peering down at her in the incoming evening darkness. "My lord, was that to your satisfaction," she asked him as she struggled slowly back to her feet still facing him.

"Quite impressive for someone the likes of you to accomplish with any form of proper training," the Fire Drake told her coldly. "However, you still lack the swift mobility that my kind is known for when we enter battle against others. You struggled to change the direction of the flame while dodging my attacks even when I saw you tracking my movements. Perhaps that will be something you shall learn the next we enter this chamber," he told her as he began walking towards the chamber's entrance.

"But my lord, how would I be able to find my way back here the next time you set out to hunt," Vanya suddenly asked him as she turned toward the entrance herself.

The Fire Drake stopped in his tracks just as he was entering the tunnel after hearing her sudden question and narrowed his eyes. He slowly turned his head back to face her with his long, serpentine neck and his gaze still burned with gentle light. "You shall discover that for yourself soon enough," he told her hissing softly before facing the tunnel again. "Now come, for we shall return to the sleeping chamber to prepare ourselves for tomorrow's training."

Vanya nodded silently as she moved swiftly to keep up with the dragon once again as they made their way silently through the darkened tunnel. This time, she kept close to the wall pressing her right hand against the rock like a guide while remaining close to Smaug's hind legs. She soon realized that there were deep gouges within the stone and, using her Dragon Sight, saw the deep claw marks etched within the walls that Smaug must have left to mark the way to the cave. 'That is how I'll be able to find my way back to this chamber,' she thought.

It was another hour before the two of them finally arrived back in the sleeping chamber, and they both soon rested on their usual spots. Smaug coiled his tail around his lowered body while the Elvish Princess sighed with content sitting comfortably on her makeshift bed. As Vanya tucked her legs gently underneath her, she soon pulled her satchel close and opened it to pull out a piece of leaf-covered Lembas bread and her water pouch. Without a word, she took a few large bites followed by a half-dozen sips of water before sighing with content. "This was truly rejuvenating for me," she said at last before looking up at him with a playful smile and holding up her leaf-covered bread. "My Lord Smaug, are you sure that you wouldn't want to try some of my Lembas bread?"

But the Great Fire Drake only snorted in disgust as a reply as he looked down at her unamused at her attempt of a joke. "I would never take part in such disgusting filth like Elvish food," he told her bluntly while growling softly. "I'm only satisfied with the sweet taste of flesh no matter what kind it may be that I'm able to roast to perfection." As he said this, he had a sinister grin on his face and started licking his lips as he thought about those he had devoured in the past.

Vanya lowered her bread and returned it and her water pouch to the satchel concerned by what he may have been thinking. She sat silently looking up nervously at the wicked look on the dragon's face and couldn't help but worry what he may have been thinking. Was it possible that he may have eaten her kind in the past before they met, and would he be thinking of doing so again….by eating her?

Smaug soon stopped thinking about his past meals when he noticed the worried look on the young Elfling's face and let out a loud snort while his grin faded. "However, while I prefer the taste of wild beasts and a few other desirable meats, I do have some exceptions that do not satisfy my hunger. Orcs and Elves are those which I find truly distasteful so I never try to waste my time devouring their wretched races," he said bluntly looking away into the darkness.

Vanya gasped suddenly but softly before letting out a quiet sigh of relief as she focused her gaze into the warm glow of the fire. 'That's a relief…at least for now,' she thought to herself as a small smile began to spread across her face. Before she could stop herself, she looked back up at Smaug and said aloud, "I'm sure that all of this is strange to you."

"What did you say?" Smaug whipped his head back around quickly the moment he heard her utter those words, his eyes giving a stern yet curious gaze.

The Elvish Princess quickly covered her mouth as he turned, surprised at herself for saying something like that. However, she uncovered her mouth and took a deep breath before deciding to explain herself the best that she could in that moment. "What I mean to say is that I'm sure that this must all be strange for you to have an Elf living within your domain," she stated both calmly yet nervously.

"Indeed. But by all means," Smaug asked as he slowly lowered his head until it was above hers, "do continue to explain."

"Well, as far as I know, you've never had any sort of company inhabiting your mountainous domain," Vanya replied more calmly. "I am probably the first who has ever stepped foot into your home by your will and law, and as I am of Elvish descent that would make it even out of sorts for you. However, because of my curse, it only feels fitting that I live out my exile within a place far away from all Peoples. So, since I am here with you it just has to be here where I live out my life in exile, regardless of any desires to return home."

"You are indeed correct in how no souls other than other dragons have ventured here," Smaug replied lifting up his head about three feet up. "However, do you truly accept the fact that you may never return back to your people and your home again?"

"If that is to be my fate, then I shall have to accept that as my outcome and to also take any of the consequences. But, I swear upon my life that I shall never once dare to betray you as I have promised to you before when we first met. I reside within your mountain and I also owe you my life so whatever you wish of me I shall not refuse. May it be my powers or to have me as your slave," she finished as she bowed her head down to Smaug, "I'm yours to command."

Smaug chuckled with a wicked tone and a sinister grin spread over his face as he stared down at the bowing Elf. "Do not be too eager to accept this as your fate as you have only been here for the past three days," he told her coldly. "You know not how things will fare for you while you remain here, or even how long I intend to keep you alive. I may just end your life now so you will no longer have to worry," and as he spoke his eyes burned brightly and a low growl escaped his massive jaws.

Vanya gasped and leaned back suddenly, taken back from his words as she began to fear for her life at that moment. However, after that moment had passed that feeling of fear itself subsided as she watched the look on his face began to soften once more.

"I have told you before when we met that I kill who I wish when and where I wish especially when they enter my territory. However, my killing instincts regarding you is low so you needn't worry as I find myself more curious about you. There are things that I wish to know about you and intend on finding out those things in these upcoming days. But know this," he said in a more serious tone as he lowered his head once again, "so long as you remain here you will be under my protection. Your pursuers are still down below somewhere waiting for another chance to try and steal you from my mountain. Of course, that will only happen if they find themselves fortunate and that I am nowhere near to drive them out. It will also depend on your skills, for I am only helping you in training so I can learn more about your powers and also so you can protect yourself better." He then let out a loud snort as he once again raised his head with his serpentine neck and stared in the direction to the mountain entrance. "I will say that they do seem to be rather stubborn in their pursuit, but a bit more stubborn as those bothersome Dwarves from the distant Iron Hills."

Vanya looked back up still feeling a bit surprised from what he said, but couldn't help but let out a chuckle from what he said about the Dwarves. "Yes, even I have always thought that they must be the most stubborn of all Peoples in Middle Earth," Vanya laughed, "as well as terribly thick-headed."

The Fire Drake chuckled as well as it seemed like both of them agreed to the same thing, though he would never admit to it. "Indeed." He then turned his head back towards Vanya one last time as he lowered it down until it was above the head of her bed. "If you are finished sustaining yourself for the evening, then in insist that you get your rest to prepare for the morning. I shall keep vigil for some time tonight to make sure that everything is in the clear and so nothing will disturb us while we sleep. Now sleep."

"Yes, my lord. I hope that you rest peacefully as well," Vanya said before yawning loudly while her eyelids began to feel heavy. Within moments, she laid herself down upon her bed tucking in her legs close and within seconds she fell fast asleep.

Smaug chuckled softly as he looked down gently at his sleeping companion as he moved his head to its usual resting position. 'She is indeed an interesting one,' he thought as he kept his softly glowing eyes on the Elvish Princess, 'even though she's an Elf. She is already beginning to accept that she may never return back to her village and remain here with me. Though, I cannot understand why I am beginning to feel something pathetic like compassion for the likes of her. She has already peaked my interest as her being a noble of her race with powers similar to mine as well as the respect she so foolishly gives me. Still, I shall remain vigilant towards her and keep her protected while restraining my natural killing instincts for now. Not only that, but what she said about her accepting her fate as my slave or what else I need of her intrigues me. I may not need anything of her, but her fire-wielding powers are certainly something that I intend to keep her for as long as I wish.'

Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by a gust of wind that blew in that tickled his nostrils with a scent he was familiar with. His eyes became bright with rage but dared not awaken Vanya as he wanted her to be as rested as she could be. So, slowly raising his body up to not wake her up, Smaug silently walked out of the sleeping chamber and down the tunnel. When he arrived at the entrance a few minutes later, he raised up his head high and sniffed the air for any more signs of the scent he caught. Sure enough, the familiar scent of Orcs and Wargs caught his senses and he let out a low, angry growl as he bared his teeth. He quickly spun his head around to where the scents were strongest and finally realized just where they were lurking below. "So, that is where you are hiding, you filthy creatures," he said softly to himself with a wicked, teeth-baring smile as he looked. With his amazing eyesight, he caught a glimpse of the wooded grove off in the distance, with a little help from the gentle light of the moon above. 'I'm sure they are down there planning something wicked to do with my She-Elf,' he thought before he realized that he called her HIS She-Elf. He glanced back at the cave entrance and wondered whether or not to tell Vanya that her pursuers were closer than both of them thought. He took one last moment glaring at the wooded grove before returning back into his mountain to rejoin his sleeping companion. He lowered his body down in his normal sleeping position and slowly drifted off to sleep himself, but also remained on guard for the rest of the night.