PART 3 (Fullsize/HQ Image download attached to bottom of post!)
----- You examine your newly freed ankle.
Sure, a few hairs on your leg are singed from the dragon's flame, but overall you're amazed by the precision of such a large creature.
A singular quake interrupts your brief self examination. The dragon's head has plopped to the ground beside you.
"You're free - aren't you going to run? You must have done something, er...noteworthy, to become a prisoner."
You look to the grinning dragon and hesitate.
"...No, your kindness isn't taken for granted...before I go, is there anything I can do to be of service to you, Mister...?"
The dragon is entertained by your offer. He cackles.
*Khhkhhk* "...Mister...ahem, Master Lirus to you." ----
With that, the beast cups a forepaw behind you, gently scooping you up. Taken by surprise, you grasp the dragon's thumb to steady yourself. Thick digits curl around you protectively; your rear plops into his palm from the inertia of being raised. You find yourself sinking into the surprisingly soft padding.
Lirus' long neck draws back to get a better look at your pitiful, shivering self.
"You want to offer me a favor? Lovely."
Lirus' playful gaze hardens.
"I don't expect you'll disclose the location of your base's camp so easily, though. The Shadow Faction is growing inpatient with your inability to speak. Since starvation and the elements won't make you talk, I suppose I will." ----
Your stomach drops: This dragon is working with the enemy faction - The Shadow Faction - that had initially captured you.
"If you cooperate, you get to run free. If not...well...I have ways of making people talk."
Icy, half-lidded eyes bore into you.
"How about you make this easy for both of us and share the location of your base's camp...?"
