During these two days of hell

Of almost getting eaten thrice

Of almost dying four times

I managed to, at least, become better at stealth

Haha I am great!

I am the best!

But it was hell, those two days.

That stupid dragon, putting me through that, being so high and mighty

Thinking he’s the best. 

Well, what do you think of me now?

But, I can't be too hard on him, he gave me some meat earlier; It was very nice of him.

I dried a bunch of it, now I’ll have food for days!

So the next time he tries to avoid me, I’ll be ready.

But it was very weird of him, giving me something...

Anyway, we are finally getting somewhere

The trees are getting more sparse, and the wildlife is way more shy, only getting close when they think I can't see them.

Which I can, or at least mister dragon can?

The trees are also getting smaller, I can see the top of most of the trees now

Maybe I could climb them?

Ooh, that would be a view.

But I’m still kinda weak

I can walk normally now at least, but only if I hold on to my walking stick.

The pain is gone, which is a big plus.

“Hey, mister dragon, can you fly me up to the top of those trees?”

“No.”

Of course not

Always worth a try though.

“Then, can you at least fly up and see if we are close to the. Stony land?”

Not responding, he swiftly flew up and out of sight.

Then quickly came back down.

“I can see it from here.”

“How close?”

“You will know soon enough.”

“You mean like, you’ll tell me soon or I’ll get there soon?”

...

No response

“Stupid dragon”

Muttering it under my breath, I could see him twitch in response.

Hehe, I see that my masterful nickname still bothers you.

I am, after all, a genius socialiser

Or something.

Let’s continue walking!

Forward on our adventure!

Why does adventure have to involve so much walking?

I mean, we have had our fair share of stuff happening, but

Compared to how much we are walking, it’s like, nothing

Mister dragon is flying, but I’m guessing it’s just as boring for him.

And it’s kinda stressful to have to always check your surroundings.

If only I could use my bow.

I mean, I can, I think. But, not strong enough to deal with the wildlife around here.

Most bears we’ve met are, I think strong enough to deal with most adventurers.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

And those chickens...

I’m not even gonna give them the courtesy of an estimate

They don't deserve it, they totally ruined my legs.

And don't point out that it was my own bomb that did it, that misses the point.

…

I need new clothes, the ones I have all reek. And there are holes almost everywhere.

Especially the big one on my stomach.

Oh yeah, the wounds looking a lot better.

Healing nicely, if a bit mushy.

Anyway, the rats at the village were very nice and did their best at patching up my clothes.

But the fact that they barely wear any clothes reflected in their way of patching up my clothing

Which is to say, badly.

If there was a fashion guru nearby, he would totally puke at the sight of me.

Which he would deserve. Who is he to call me ugly with a blue skirt and a purple shirt!

It’s totally cool, I tell you.

Anyway, I don't have any new clothing to dress in. And I did not bring any sewing materials.

I really should have. Or at least brought more than what I did.

But, you know, I needed a lot of arrows.

And I did not think I would go on such an epic adventure!

In the next settlement, I’ll make sure to bring all the necessary stuff.

Especially flaming arrows, they are like, totally necessary.

“Mister dragon, what would you bring on an adventure?”

“I do not go on adventures.”

“I know, I know. But, I mean like, if you did”

Deep in thought, mister dragon started thinking.

“I guess, I would bring a spatial-bag.”

“Woaahow, you mean one of those that you can fit anything into, and has enough space to fill an entire empire’s worth of gold?”

“It is not limitless, but yes, one of those”

“Oh my gawd! Thats so cool, your such a genius! I should have thought of that, but how do you get one?”

“Yes, I am a genius. But I thought you of all people would know. Hmm, can you not buy one in your, erm, adventure guilds? I think they were the ones that sold magical items to those foolis- I mean. Brave enough to venture into the wilds of this world”

Hmm, yeah, I should look for one of those

“Thanks, mister dragon! you’ve been very helpful recently”

Not responding to my comment, I lightly shrugged

You get used to it.

----------------------------------------

As the sun approached dawn, we finally saw something new.

The trees had opened up, leaving a gap where the ground suddenly turned, rocky

Like a big border where the forest ended, and where the stone-land started

No grass as far as the eye could see

Only rocky hills and boulders sticking up

I could not even see any mountains in the distance.

The ground, looking like big waves, stopped in time due to being made of stone.

The stone was also multicoloured, from red to the normal grey

Shifting in hues like a rainbow.

“Woah, this looks hella cool. Don’t you agree, mister dragon?”

“No.”

“Pfffff, such a loser, can't even appreciate a good view when you see one”

“Human, I have seen mountains fall, ocean waves climb higher than mountains, lava erupt and create new land. Why would something like this be a good view for someone like me?”

“Because it's a good view? Hello! This is why you are so stupid.”

“NO YOU ARE”

“Says the flying ball of farts”

“What did you just call me? HOW DARE YOU“

“Woah woah, watch the fire there, we don’t wanna cause a forest fire huuh?”

I Gave him a big mischievous smile as the ground behind me burned brightly blue.

Turning my view away from him.

“We should camp now, we dont know what kind of dangers there is in that, stoney land”

“Hmpf”

“I said watch the fire! Anyway, I’m gonna sleep here tonight”

Saying that, mister dragon flew up.

Gees, such a baby

Hehe, what a baby dragon.

Let’s settle down.

I don't think anyone will try to sneak up on me, considering no one but the rats have done so.

But I feel a little nervous, thinking about what lies beyond the rocky environment.

Maybe there will be stone golems!

Or stone salamanders

Stone wyverns!

Wait.

Stone salamanders?

Oh gosh, I shiver at the thought.

So much stone, I can't wait

Makes me a little giddy and excited.

Going around, I collected stick and rocks.

Creating a makeshift camp that stuck out from one of the big trees.

After that, I collected some smaller sticks and put them in a hole, surrounded by rocks.

Using my fire stone to start a fire.

Feeling warm and comfortable, I laid down

Waiting for the day to turn night

This is boring.

I should practice shooting.

Jumping up

Or trying to, as I had to awkwardly push myself up the last bit of the way.

I pulled out my bow and three arrows.

Aiming at a nearby tree, I used all my strength and pulled

Only making it halfway back until my strength failed me and I had to let loose

The arrow flew through the air and hit the tree with a weak thud.

Not even close to where I was aiming.

How long does it take for a wound to heal anyway?

It’s been like a week now, I think.

“HEY! MISTER DRAGON! HOW LONG DOE-

“I can hear you perfectly fine.”

“Oh, sorry. I meant to ask, how long does a wound take to heal?”

“You mean without magic?”

“Yeah.”

“I do not know. I do not remember the last time I were wounded. Nor did I ever care for humans time to recuperate”

“Wait a minute, you're telling me, that YOU, dont know something?”

...

“Hey! STOP FLYING AWAY WHEN I PROVE YOU WRONG YOU STUPID DR- I MEAN WONDERFULL DRAGON! COME BACK”

But I was too late. He had already flown out of sight.

What a baby, I should really have a talk with him about his tendencies to fly away when things get awkward.

It’s like trying to not step on broken glass.

Such a...

Okey stop that, don't be mean

I don't think many people have the opportunity to verbally harass a dragon.

He’s just not used to it, give him some time

Yeah 

Time

...

Wait, isn’t like… His way of thinking about time like, thousands of years?

…

Maybe I should have a talk with him.

Let’s

Have it if he continues being a baby.

And as I thought that, day turned to dawn.

The red horizon was in full view as the trees were not blocking it anymore.

The sight being as beautiful as ever

I hope I never tire of this.

And as I stared at the sun, climbing its way down

Not directly at it, mind you, I’m not stupid

I felt at peace

Yeah, peace.

Even though I’m kinda handicapped at the moment

And mister dragon is nowhere in sight

I feelt good

It’s nice to be alive.

Funny that I would come to think that.

Anyway, let’s hit the bed.

Or ground, I guess.

Soon after, sleep finds me

Giving me dreams of dragons

Happy dreams of dragons.