if your village is kinda broke, they can’t even afford a nice altar, so they just make the sacrifices walk up the mountain to the dragon themselves
the girl gets up there to find the dragon sprawled out in the sun, laying on the cobblestones with her wings spread and her eyes closed. she starts to recite her prepared speech about how she’s a worthy sacrifice and the dragon cuts her off about three words into it
shush. i know you’re here; i can smell you. come lay in the sun with me, it’s nice
the girl nods, confused, and lays down next to the dragon’s massive head
close your eyes. soak it in
she closes her eyes. she has to admit, the sun is kinda nice
y’know you don’t have to keep giving me humans? i don’t really want you. i don’t even eat you, i just kinda send you back on your way. a fruit basket or a gold ingot would suffice
the girl gulps. “you- you’re not going to kill me?”
the dragon chuckles. heavens no. i just had my claws done. no blood for me