The Dragon's Maw

The task/opportunity that Shannon had undertaken, was in fact, split into several miniature tasks and time wasn't exactly on her side. She'd only been allowed a three day visa and two days had passed already. The next part required her to visit the Dragon's Maw. That was quite a distance away and she needed to get there fairly quickly. Her wing power could only take her so far.

But what surprised her most of all, was the written scroll that had been handed to her. It was in Simandarin, but had been roughly translated. The woman who passed it over to her, gave her a long look before nodding quietly and whispering ... maybe you can charm the dragon to open it's mouth and reveal it's secrets.

Shannon mulled over this as she took the water taxi along the river. The sun was setting fast and it seemed even more peaceful than during the daytime. The nocturnal animals began their evensong as they sped along. But all too soon, the navigator told her that he couldn't go any further for fear of the rocks in the water. Too many sailors had lost their boats to these dangerous waters.

He pulled up to a shallow embankment, nodding and bowing gracefully, apologising continuously for failing to take her any closer. So she was forced to swim in the waters. He looked up at the sky and smiled, explained that the moonlight was strong enough for her to see.

After flicking the water from her wings, she sped onwards, still in her swimwear. She didn't have time to change and wanted to get to this infamous landmark before exhaustion took over. She needed to set up camp as soon as possible and get some rest.

A terrifying sound greeted her as she climbed the steep bank. It sounded like a groan coming straight from the belly of a beast. She craned her head up, to see smoke billowing from a gaping maw, red lights glowed brightly from where it's eyes should have been.

Nothing had prepared her for just how big this thing really was. It dwarfed her completely as she inched closer. Pulling out the scroll, she read it thoroughly in the moonlight.

Shannon: Hmm, they say there's a hidden switch here.

She entered the chasm, only to be faced with a tall black wall. Sliding her hands over the rough surface, she started feeling for the switch. But found nothing. Her heart sank as she realised that this was the legendary dragon. He'd only let people in if he deemed them worthy enough. And obviously, she wasn't worthy enough.

She sat down heavily and sighed, defeated, to the point of giving up, when she heard the distinct sound of granite grinding against granite. Turning around slowly, she blinked as she saw ..... nothing. The dragon head had vanished and in it's place, greenery, along with a single post.

She was thankful that the moonlight was strong enough to illuminate her way.

Approaching slowly, she spotted a flight of stairs leading downwards into a dark abyss. She was in a dilemma. If she turned back, she could easily miss this great opportunity to explore. The dragon itself might not give her another chance. Besides, she was really feeling tired out and desperately needed to sleep. She wasn't even sure if there was room down there to pitch her tent.

There was only one thing for it. Go forward and hope that she didn't run into any dangers whilst she was down there.

The chasm opened up to a dimly lit room, it's floor barely large enough for her tent, but it would have to do. She needed sleep ... NOW! Exploring would have to wait until later - provided she didn't oversleep and use up her last day there.

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If you look carefully in the fourth picture down, you will see Shannon swimming in the water. She is miniscule compared to this vast landscape. There are no more screenshots after this, because, after all, you don't want to see yet another Sim raiding tombs now, do you?