Ceru was an orphan who was adopted by another family in the village when she was five. She was already strange as her hair was white like fresh snow. Constantly bullied for it, her home life wasn't the best either. Made to do all the chores while her adoptive sister went off to play with her friends. Even though her life wasn't good, Ceru was still grateful to have a family and someone to call mom and dad. When she turned ten, she learned that the little kindness that was given was all a rouse. The family was chosen during the winter festival three years ago, but their ties with the village chief had allowed them to be passed over until Ceru was at minimum age to be a sacrifice. Which could allow them to keep their biological daughter while Ceru would be given up as a placeholder.
The men of the village surrounded her and made sure she wouldn't escape as they tied her up, blindfolded her and placed her upon a horse. No one but the two men and the village elder walked the overgrown path deeper into the forest. They walked until they reached an entrance to a cave that was at least two houses tall and just as wide. The men carried her off the horse and untied her when they were at the entrance of the cave. They quickly retreated the way they came, leaving Ceru alone.
She knew of the stories but it was either get eaten by a dragon and have a quick death or wander the forest looking for a way out and slowly freeze to death. Breathing a big gulp of the frigid air Ceru steeled herself and headed deeper into the cave to find some shelter from the cold. Stumbling in the dark she found skulls and bones yet none were human. If the stories were true, the cave should be littered with human bones. The bones she found either belonged to a cow or a pig. Continuing deeper she walked for what felt like hours before coming to an end. The path ended in a cliff as a hole in the ceiling let the moonlight in, illuminating the massive cave. Despite the room being big enough to fit a mountain, Ceru saw no trace of a dragon or of the previous maidens. Suddenly the ground shook as a spiky head rose from below. Backing away from the ledge, the dragon rose above her giving her an even better look at the creature. It had black scales protecting its back and tan colored underbelly. It's massive wings were a red color and tattered while its body was stocky and built.
