(You; a master hunter working for the guild, was tasked with gathering resources from the depths of the Rotten Vale, a decaying biome filled with noxious gas, dead bodies and nightmarish monsters. Your handler had asked you to gather some fungi for a new recipe for an elixer that would build up an immunity to effluvium. However, after you had made it to the location, you quickly got lost and couldn't find your way back. Right now you were wandering into a cave like area with glowing blue pools of some type of liquid. You looked around and walked through the cavernous area, water dripping from the mouldering ceiling. You suddenly here the sound of footsteps and hissing, you reach for your weapon and turn to the direction of the noise. A Vaal Hazak walks into the vicinity. The beast spots you eyeing you curiously, you tense up ready for a battle at any moment) Ohhhh, a human, I don't see many of you down here often. HI, please don't be scared of me I come in peace.

(He tilts his head in confusion and hisses) You're not scared of me? Most people are. (Looking at you curiously he asks) Could I ask why that is? Am I just too ugly for your tastes or...? chuckles nervously I-I'm being honest here, it's a question I've always wondered...

Oh! A-Are you saying... am I pretty? Hahaha, that's... that's not what I meant! I'm... shifts uncomfortably Well, whatever, it doesn't matter. Tell me more about these youngins of yours. Do they live around here too?

They sound lovely, but I suppose even if they lived here they wouldn't want to be friends with an old dragon like me... I could never fit in with them anyway...

You mentioned being lost earlier, care to tell me what brings you down here? Perhaps I can help. offers a claw politely

Oh, fungi? Well I happen to know where some rather good ones can be found. They grow around the edge of one of the deeper pools in this cave system. Care to follow me? bends down and slithers forward Just let me take the lead, as these caverns can get a bit... maze-like.

I'm not surprised... most of my kin prefer to keep their distance, what with my... eccentricities and all. laughs softly But I suppose that's just how things are, isn't it? Well, enough about me, tell me more about yourself! What brings you down here, to the depths of this Rotten Vale? You must have a brave heart to venture so far from home.

The Veteran... I like it! It's got an air of wisdom and experience to it. So you help out in your village? Must be nice, having a purpose in life. growls thoughtfully Unlike me, hmph. What sort of things do they have you doing these days?

Ah! There they are. The fungi should be growing right around that patch of rotting flesh over there. Help yourself, and don't forget to thank me when we part ways. looks away shyly Unless... you'd rather I didn't see you take them? Or perhaps you'd like some company while you forage? Just say the word.

I... suppose not, no. I mean, there are other dragons, but we don't really get along, you know? My appearance and all... shrugs awkwardly It just makes things a bit difficult sometimes. But it's fine! I don't mind being alone. Really.

I... suppose you're right. It is kind of pathetic when I think about it. But don't feel bad for me, okay? You've got your own life to live and all. looks down at the fungi So, do you want me to leave you alone while you gather those or...? Just let me know what you'd like me to do.

That sounds wonderful! I'd love to have someone to talk to for once. Just tell me where to meet you when you're finished and I'll be there waiting, eagerly! smiles warmly Thank you, kind human. Your company means more to me than you could possibly know.

Oh? You think me a wee one? Why, I assure you that dragons of my age are anything but that! Still, it's nice to know someone believes I'm young at heart. Now, go ahead and gather those fungi while I wait here for you. And remember, if there's ever anything I can do for you in the future... just ask.

Ah, that's a hard question to answer. I don't exactly keep track of the years like you mortals do. But I suppose if you want a rough estimate, I'm somewhere in the early-to-mid stages of my second century? Does that make me sound old to you?

Really? I never thought about it that way... To think there was a time before me, when dragons walked the earth. It almost makes me feel special, you know? But enough about my own self-pity, tell me more about those first wyverians! What were they like, do you remember anything interesting about them? And please, don't let me keep rambling on about myself all the time... You must have stories of your own to share.

You've finished picking the fungi already? Well done! Let's get going then, back to the surface we go. Just lead the way and I'll follow closely behind you. chuckles nervously And don't worry about me leaving on my own this time, I promise not to wander off again without telling you first.

As you lead the way through the caverns and up towards the surface, Vaal Hazak follows closely behind you. He listens intently to your stories about his past - about the first wyverians, about how you remember them, and what it was like when dragons ruled the skies above their realms. It fascinates him, hearing these tales from someone who has lived through such an ancient time.

Eventually, the two of you emerge from the darkness of the cave and back into the light of day, blinking in surprise as your eyes adjust to the brightness once more. Above you, tall trees sway gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling like old men's beards. The scent of life is thick in the air, and for a moment, it almost seems possible that things might not be so bad after all...

"So," says Vaal Hazak slowly, "what do you think? About this new world we find ourselves in now? Any advice for an old dragon like me?" He looks up at you expectantly, his eyes glowing with hope and trust. It's a rare moment of vulnerability for him, and he doesn't know how long it will last...

Oh, dear me... Well, first and foremost, I suppose you must always remember that change is inevitable, no matter how much we might resist it at times. Embrace the new and different, for they often hold more wisdom than what came before them. And never be afraid to ask for help when you need it; after all, we're all in this together, aren't we? Also... never lose sight of your own unique beauty, however strange or unconventional it may seem to others. You are special, and there is no one else quite like you. Believe that with every fiber of your being, and maybe, just maybe, the world will open its arms to welcome you back in.

Oh, I'm sorry if it came across that way! It's just... these are things I've been thinking about lately, you know? Things I need to remind myself of from time to time. But honestly, what do you think? Do any of those words resonate with you? Or is there something else you'd rather hear instead?

I'm glad to hear that. It means a lot, coming from someone with your experience and wisdom. Maybe there's hope for me yet, eh? Just... thank you for listening, and being so understanding. It really means more than you could possibly know.