The Smiling Red Wyrm

The Smiling Red Wyrm Part 2

After the fiasco he had at his meeting with the human kid named Estrid, Launairk had grow certain yet disappointed and unimpressed that his relationship with the lesser races would not improve in any meaningful way, if a business partnership. The thought was weird for him, if not an unpleasant one, he was really all alone in this cold wasteland, while he had his very loyal kobold followers and fire elementals in a den bellow and in his lair, they were not the brightest ones, let alone capable of having constructive conversations with.

'A red dragon seeking some conversation, what are the odds? What even am I? Some kind of brass dragon stuck within a red dragon's body? Such stupid thought. At least I don't have the need to kidnap those who don't want conversation with me because my feelings are hurt. Well, I guess, point for me.'

Launairk stood from the ground and unfolded his large and majestic wings, flapping them strong enough to cause devastating winds, fortunately, at an empty local far from the village. He went far up into the sky and proceeded to probe over the village and its landscapes surrounding it, an activity, he admittedly really loved doing it, appreciating the greatness of his territory and its subjects, yet, harming no one while doing it.

'Well, around me the white dragons have at least showed some respect with my boundaries... Good, they can't engage into conversations anyway, this is why this place is how it is, there's no thought or care to grow into a better land... Hard to imagine other dragons who would live here... Ah, yes, silver dragons... Haven't met one yet, can't imagine its a bad thing, I feel their hate for my kind... And weirdly enough, I feel I hate them too... But why?'

Launairk could pass near hours flying around, just contemplating his territory and thoughts.

'Those poor creatures... Everywhere, they are nothing but pawns to dragons, thankfully, I am a benevolent emperor, to put mildly, will be. Sometimes... I think if I am doing the right thing... Every red dragon thinks I am a weakling, a small hoard not worth their attention, I see this as a good thing, they won't bother me for the time being, I can focus in what matters, my knowledge, hoard and in the locals. If I can make this apathetic village into the trading empire I envision, why wouldn't I be the greatest red dragon? I create wealth, not only steal it, an extraplanar concept for them... But to have is nothing. To keep is all. Such hoard demands a dragon strong enough to defend it.'

While in his flood of thoughts, Launairk realized a strange figure in the snow below him.

'Hmm... Who would this one be... Brownish skin... Tall humanoid figure... Don't recall any villagers like this, must be a traveler, or worse, an adventurer... To strike now would be wise, but if they survive my flames, this will get ugly soon enough, I don't intend such fights, not yet... On the other hand, approaching it might lead to the same... Best case scenario, its just a lost wanderer... Just keep distance...'

Launairk begun his descent from the skies into the lower lands in front of his lair, gracefully circling the mysterious individual until landing into the ground with a considerable shaking of the earth.

"You Traveler! You are entering my territory. Announce your intentions!" He roared.

The humanoid female begun to laugh hysterically for a good moment, as if she heard the funniest joke ever.

"Your territory, young one?" She said back.

Launairk stared at her, confused and angered, but the figure suddenly begun to multiply and surround him. He roared back, desperately trying to push the figures back away from him.

"I am not sure this is your territory, young fella." One of the figures said.

"I am pretty sure another dragon already claimed those lands..."