Well, if you must go, then being eaten by a dragon is as good a way to go as any other. But how the dragon feels about the whole deal, well, we'll just have to find out.
The Dragon And The Queen
Midway between sunrise and sunset, midway between life and death, the old woman watched the sea crashing against the time worn rocks, the rocks covered with the green patina of the ages, so dark as to be almost black. The sun warmed her back as she sat facing the sea, watching the eternal erosive force of the waves wear upon the majestic indifference of the ancient rocks. A faint salt tang touched her nostrils, the cries of distant children at play reached her ears and with her eyes she watched as the occasional child would pause in play and wave to her.
She raised her eyes to the sky, crossed her hands across her chest, and said "Thank you. This day could not be more perfect." She lowered her head, closed her eyes and silently prayed. A few moments later she opened her eyes, gazing out over the heaving sea.
"You know, there was a time when I would have feared this day, but now I know that when you are ready there can be no fear. I've felt it coming, the night time twinges, shortness of breath, the quick pains in my chest, and the feeling of an approaching darkness. But this morning I knew there was nothing more I could give to my village, my people, and that from this day on I would take, not give."
She continued, in a whisper "And that is not my way."
The old woman allowed herself to dwell upon her memories, savoring the pleasures and the pains of her long life. She had ruled this tiny village from girlhood, married, borne children, buried her husband and one child, and brought her eldest daughter to the place where she was ready to assume her mother's burden.
She smiled, said "I am complete, there is nothing left to prove, all is in place and now there is naught to do but do the thing. Are you ready?"
A few feet away there was a muffled, bassoon like snort and the giant head of the dragon moved but slightly. Stiff in her movements she picked up her cane and tapped the dragon's head sharply.
"Arise Yauqwurt, and do thy duty. Do you not lust for the taste of Godsblood, the feel of my bones in your mouth and a full stomach?"
