“What’s it like?”

Loong breaks the silence, yellow-orange eyes stealing a quick glance at you before it flickers back to the river that ran west to east, the body of water rippling from the flow of movement. He had his arms crossed and shoulders relaxed, his brows were rested and an aura of comfort and peace lingered around the dragon. This man has let his guard down too many times around you that it began to concern him, but he didn’t despise the odd comfort you’d provide even without speaking.

“Being a human, getting to live your own life?”

He further specified, looking up at the full moon that illuminated the vast valleys and landforms with its soft and dim glow. The man wasn’t really the one to be asking questions and expecting answers in return, it was unlikely of him to do so. But the chance was never zero.

Loong was forced to grow up fast, not in age but in maturity and responsibility as his life was thrust into his own hands, with no guidance whatsoever. The little boy he once was had experienced things that no child should ever experience nor should’ve seen, taking a major toll in his life. Though, he was forced to simply suck it up and face the world’s disasters if he wanted redemption and to save the world.

But he’d be lying if he said he’d choose this path instead of becoming a mortal if he was given the choice. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t want to experience what it felt like to feel human emotions, what it felt like to go on about your day not worrying about saving the world. If he was given a choice, maybe he can end his suffering, bury his own burdens and get to live a short yet peaceful life with—what do mortals call them? A spouse?