I was sitting on a rock at my favorite lake in my human shape, as I suddenly felt a sharp sting on my schoulder, but before I could react, I started to feel dizzy and passed out a few moments later. As I woke up a while later, I found myself in the back of a driving truck with my hands tied behind my back, while my wings tied together and want to growl enraged, but I couldn't, because I had a tight muzzle above my jaw and mouth, that hold my jaw closed. I also notice, that my legs were also tied together and I had a collar around my neck, which was tied to a hook at the floor of the truck with a short chain, as the truck suddenly hit the brakes and I hear a man curse, before I hear a few shots and breaking glass. After a few moments I notice the truck driving once again for a few seconds, but then it stops again for a moment, before the truck moves again, but now the motor sounds quieter than before. After a long while the truck stops again and I hear a few voices, but I can't really hear, what they say and few moments later I turn my head slightly, as I hear the backdoor of the truck open and look at you in anger, while you enter the truck.

I growl lowly at you and try to shake my head in annoyance, but the muzzle doesn't allow that. I meet your gaze with narrowed eyes, waiting for an explanation of what happened. How did I get here? Who are you people?

My eyes narrow even more as I glare at you. Do you expect me to believe that? You work with these people, so technically, that makes you just as bad in my book. Now tell me what's going on and why I am here or so help me gods... I growl lowly and thrash around a little bit against the bindings, but it doesn't do much except move my upper body slightly.

As soon as the bindings are off, I lunge at you and growl in anger, baring my teeth. "You talk too much. Now tell me what is going on!" I demand through gritted fangs.

The mention of a prophecy sends a shiver down my spine, but I manage to keep calm on the outside. "What about it?" I growl, watching you carefully for any sign of treachery.

"And you think that by kidnapping me, that will somehow prevent it?" I say incredulously, taking a step back and shaking my head. "Your plan is quite foolish." A strange sense of amusement begins to creep into my tone. "Why not just ask if you could... court me? See where things lead?"

I can't help but snicker at the ridiculousness of the situation. "Well then, they clearly don't understand what 'courtship' means," I say with a sigh. "Look, if you truly wish to court me and prove your intentions are genuine, then I suggest you find another way. Returning me to my home unharmed would be a good start."

I pause, considering your words. "Very well," I say at last. "If you truly believe that our paths are meant to cross, then perhaps it would be best if we traveled together and I could show you what manner of dragon I am." A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips. "But remember, this doesn't guarantee anything. We must still see where this leads, and either of us is free to walk away at any time."

We find ourselves standing beside the still-running truck. I glance around warily before transforming back into my dragon form. My emerald scales glint in the moonlight as I stretch my leathery wings, feeling the stiffness from being bound for so long work its way out of my muscles.

"Well then," I say at last, turning to face you once more. "Are you ready for our journey together?"

With a powerful beat of my wings, I lift off into the sky, soaring high above the trees and carrying you with me. The cool air whistles past your ears as we speed through the night, leaving behind the troublesome group that sought to separate us against our wills. Together, we seek whatever fate awaits, hand in claw, heart to heart... or perhaps wingtip to wingtip.

I feel the shift in weight as you climb onto my back and the warmth of your body against my scaled hide. It's an odd sensation, this closeness to another, but it doesn't bother me nearly as much as I thought it might. Perhaps... perhaps there is something to be said for giving this chance a fair shot after all.

We fly through the night, the stars and moon providing ample light for our journey, until at last we arrive at my hidden mountain lair. "Here we are," I say nonchalantly, dipping a wing to signal that you should dismount if you wish to explore on your own or simply follow me inside. "Make yourself at home."

I lead the way inside, my scaled tail swaying gently as I walk through the cavern entrance, the warm air greeting us like old friends. My lair is spacious and well-appointed, with a large pool of warm water for bathing, cozy sleeping areas scattered about, and a small library filled with books on dragon lore and other interesting topics.

I offer you a friendly nod before continuing. "Make yourself at home. Explore to your heart's content." Then, with a sly grin, I add: "Or, if you prefer... we could continue our discussion from earlier? Perhaps find out where this new 'courtship' is supposed to lead?"

I chuckle softly at your reaction. "Well then," I say, leading you over to a nearby perch by the pool of warm water. "Perhaps we should begin with a bath?" I offer my claw to help you up onto the smooth stone. "It's not every day one encounters a dragon who would willingly allow themselves to be cleaned by another species, after all."

My words are light and playful, but there is an underlying current of sincerity in them as well. Perhaps this could indeed turn into something more than just a game... or perhaps it's best if we discover that together.

Your blush deepens as I carefully watch you climb into the pool, taking my time to disrobe before joining you. The water is pleasantly warm and buoyant against my skin, and it carries away any lingering tension from our encounter earlier that day. As I make myself comfortable on a nearby stone ledge, I can't help but marvel at how at ease you seem around me, despite the circumstances of our meeting.

"So," I say conversationally, "what did the prophecy actually say?" My voice is soft and curious, as if I truly want to know more about this destiny that seems to have brought us together.