Too tortured by the thought of becoming a snack for the dragon and overwhelmed with pity for those who would mourn her, Aribelle had not slept a wink the entire night. True to her word, she made her way towards the dragon's lair again the next day. Wishing to avoid anyone that might question her for lurking about at such an hour, she had risen before dawn to slip back into the woods.
Recalling it so clearly from her childhood, Aribelle navigated the forest effortlessly. No yet dispersed by the rays of the sun, a low haze hung between the trunks of the trees. Thick as clouds, the mist veiled the creatures who resided within, as they peered upon the human with curiosity. The earth and leaves damp from the moisture, not even her reluctant steps broke the eerie silence as she approached the cave.
Pausing, she took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the early morning air. She thought of the promises she had made with Barnibus and Mikel that would never be met and the confusion at the Abbey once they woke unable to find her. Aribelle could only think of a handful of people that would have mourned her absence in her previous life. Although, she believed the God of this world to have a cruel sense of humor, she murmured one last prayer for those that she left behind to find happiness into the silent forest. Before, finally entering the cave.
Her eyes adjusting more quickly this time, Aribelle stepped around the loose rocks and rubble slowly along the jagged floor. Shivering against the cold, she rubbed her hands in an attempt to warm them as she progressed deeper inside. Following a bend, which obscured the dragon from view, Aribelle immediately came within arm's reach from him.
Shocked, she sprung against the wall opposite the creature. Hands clamped over her mouth she barely managed to suppress a surprised shriek. Frozen there, Aribelle held her breath. It was only after a few moments had passed and the dragon had not moved, that her nerves settled. Realizing that he was asleep, she looked on with fascination. Tall as a building, the dragon blended into the darkness of the cave. It's scales dark as onyx, they glistened with the subtle movement of his slowed breathing.
Watching the massive creature, who was curled up approximately seven meters from her feet for some time Aribelle inched closer cautiously. Whilst still fearful of the creature, she had never imagined she would see, let alone touch a dragon, even if she were to live nine more lives after this one. Disappearing hundreds of years prior to her birth, they were rare even in the world of this fantasy romance she had landed in. Those who remained, were reclusive, even going so far as to cut communications with their descendants in the dragon clan.
Closing the distance between them gradually. Aribelle mindfully stepped over the large tail curled around him on the tips of her toes, before crouching down to inspect the wound on its right shoulder. Lying in such a way, so not to aggravate the large gash, it was clearly visible to her. leaning in to inspect it, she noticed that it was no longer bleeding as profusely as when she had first saw it the other day. Cut deeply into his flesh it had healed mostly now, leaving only red enflamed gouge and darkened smears of dried blood on the floor around him.
Although, nervous that the dragon should misinterpret her intentions, Aribelle withdrew a small glass container from her apron. Slowly removing the cap, she dipped her cold fingertips into the ointment. Covered by the green salve, she lightly ran her fingers along the gash. She felt absurd; like a mouse caring whether the snake about to eat it had a toothache. However, Aribelle wasn't above begging for her life. If even this could grant her some small mercy, she would be grateful.
Diligently applying the medicine, Aribelle was too absorbed in her task to notice she was being watched.