The dragon of the cave

Previously

…This was it. The lair of the undefeated dragon. She paused at the entrance, her hand resting on the rough stone. The air here was still and heavy, carrying a faint, earthy scent, tinged with something else… something ancient and powerful. She took a deep breath, trying to quell the nervous flutter in her stomach. She had faced the chasm, the ice, the narrow passages. She had proven herself resourceful and determined. Now, she had to face the dragon. With one last look back at the distant, fading silhouette of her village, Elara stepped into the darkness of the Whispering Caves. The wind seemed to sigh behind her, a mournful farewell, or perhaps, a hopeful encouragement.