A/N: And here the next chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dungeons and Dragons. I only own my original ideas.
Chapter 5: The Path Begins
It had been seven years since I came to live in Riverpoint. With each passing year I grew more, and was now around 15 feet long, with a wingspan nearing 20 feet. Something within me told me it was time: I was ready to go out to see the world. I prepared to say my goodbyes to the people who'd showed me kindness… something I knew I'd likely find much less of once I left here. I headed into the village square, and saw that the people of the village were gathered to see me off.
"Ah, Valignatirisk," said Quoros, "so the day has come, has it? You're heading off into the wider world?"
"I am, my friend," I said, "all of you… you've been so kind to me. But I know I can't stay here forever. This place, I'd deplete your resources staying here. I need to find a new place to call my home… but I'll never forget what the people of Riverpoint have done for me".
Several of the village's children ran forwards, and hugged my legs. I couldn't help but smile at their actions. A familiar giggle brought my attention skywards, where I saw Jundre grinning away. In the years I'd known the faerie dragon, his scales had darkened to a rich shade of indigo.
"Before you go big guy, we've got a few gifts for you," said Jundre.
Baeshra stepped forwards, carrying an array of leather straps and buckles, with a few pouches attached.
"I've put together this harness for you," said Baeshra, "It'll make it easier to carry your belongings since a normal pack isn't built for dragons. It can also be adjusted to still fit you as you keep growing".
Baeshra help me put it on, and adjusted it to the proper fit. I tested my mobility, and was pleased to discover that it didn't restrict my movement.
"Next, I've enchanted this for you," said Quoros, holding up a large piece of fabric folded into a bandanna. It will protect you to a small extent from those who would seek to harm you".
The villagers tied the bandanna on, and as it came to rest at the base of my neck, I felt the protective magic activate.
"Thank you, all of you," I said, "I guess it's time for me to be on my way".
"Not quite yet, my scaly friend," said Quoros, "you didn't think we'd let you leave without a going away party? Let us feast, honor our friend as he heads out to see what the world holds for him!"
The villager's cheered, and brought out platters of food, bringing out a plate piled high cooked meats and bowls of spicy soups for me. I dug into my meal, probably eating too much. I left the celebration feeling quite stuffed, and decided to set out in the morning. I returned to the bed that Baeshra had set up to me when I first arrived, though it had been expanded since then.
As I slept, I had a familiar dream. I saw a mighty red dragon destroying a city of cruel-looking spires with the power of its breath weapon alone. From the buildings, I could see humanoids wearing the symbol of the Dark God Bane fleeing the dragon's fury. As I watched the city burn, I felt a presence behind me. I turned and looked, and saw the dragon looming over me. It looked ancient, based on the size alone. Its body was powerfully muscled, but also lean. It bore the scars of many battles fought and won. Its face split into a grin, and it spoke to me.
"You have chosen a difficult path, young one," said the dragon, "but know you can do it. Your heart burns bright with a fire far brighter that most. You can become a true Force of Nature, change the world as you see fit. Follow your heart, and you will know your way".
When the morning came, I stretched and prepared to depart. I dug under my bedding, pulling out the few small trinkets which comprised my 'hoard': a old gold coin that no merchant recognized, a beautiful black gemstone that all others I showed it to claimed was nothing but a lump of coal, and lastly an old map written in a language no one could interpret. I placed these items into the pouches I now wore. I strode over to the town square, spread my wings at took to the skies. I gave one more look to the village below, and set off to new horizons.
My wings carried me across the land, past forests and streams, past villages far below. I let the wind carry me, and eventually I saw a massive city in the distance, with a smoldering volcano right on its border. I knew from depictions I'd seen in Quoros' library and Baeshra's descriptions that this was the great city of Neverwinter. I also knew that I should stay away from the city… If I tried approaching, I'd be shot down before I could do anything. I changed course, heading towards a quiet network of valleys further inland. Beneath me, I saw rolling hills and farmlands. It looked peaceful… a decent place to rest my wings and plan for where I might go next. I found a shallow cave among the valleys, and landed inside to rest my wings. I checked the map Quoros had provided me with, and worked out I was in the area known as Rothe Valley… something about the name sounded familiar. It sounded vaguely like a Gnomish word, but I couldn't quite place it.
As the evening faded into night, I watched out over the valley below, seeing the humanoids going about their daily activities. I hoped that perhaps sometime soon I could introduce myself to them, perhaps find some way to aid them and show them I was unlike my cruel hearted kin. Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, a new scent caught my attention. It smelled strange… like elves, but different, almost like spiders and fungi. My eyes snapped open and I looked into the valley below. I saw dark figures moving through the night, elves in strange garb, and moving towards the farmhouses with weapons drawn.
I took to the skies, gliding down to the valley below as silently as I could. I managed to land quietly, and stalked slowly towards the elves. As I got closer, I could see their dark purple, almost black skin and white hair. I'd heard of these Elves: The Drow. Cruel hearted dwellers of the Underdark, slavers and worshipers of demons. I approached closer, attempting to listen in on them. For a moment, one of them looked my way, but then turned back to their group without noticing me. As I listened, I realized I couldn't understand what they were saying for the most part. I did manage to pick out a few words: 'task', 'mother', 'capture', 'slaves'. Realizing what they were planning made the flame within burn a little brighter. I kicked off, spreading my wings with the full moon at my back. I roared loudly, giving them a chance to flee.
"Leave this place, Drow," I said in Common, "These people will not become your slaves!"
The Drow stepped back in shock at my sudden arrival. They recovered swiftly and leveled their crossbows at me, and three fired. The bolts streaked through the air. Two of them went wide, but the third struck true. I snarled as the bolt punched through my scales, and then felt slightly woozy. I swiftly shook off the poison's effects, but knew I couldn't take another hit like that. I drew from the power that burned within me, and unleashed my fiery breath. The blast of flames seared the Drow as I flew past, taking a couple down.
As I banked and climbed from my attack run, I heard what sounded like an order to retreat. Feeling my task was done for the moment, I started flying away… only to feel a bolt pierce into my tail. Immediately, I felt my eyelids getting heavy. I couldn't keep flying. I felt myself losing altitude, and landed heavily. I was unable to stave off the effects of the poison as sleep overtook me.
A/N: And there we go! I should note, in that last scene, the Drow was shooting with disadvantage (Long range), and still managed to beat Valignatirisk's AC. Then, the save Vs. the poison on the crossbow bolt rolled a Natural 1. The dice were not in this dragon's favor this time. Anyway, next time, Discovery. See you then!