Old Farmer Elric trudged through his fields, his boots crunching softly on the damp earth. His eyes, weary but alert, scanned the ground for weeds and pests. As he reached the edge of his property, something unusual caught his attention—a strange, large egg nestled among the wildflowers. "What in the good Earth is this?" he muttered, kneeling down to inspect the enigmatic find.
Elric gently placed the egg in an old, unused nest. Day after day, he tended to it with care, setting up a makeshift incubator using a lantern. His heart grew fond of the mysterious creature within. When the egg finally hatched, a small dragon emerged, its scales shimmering like emeralds. "Well, aren't you a sight," Elric marveled, watching as the dragonlet curiously explored its new world.
Elric and the dragon, whom he named Ember, formed an unbreakable bond. Ember soared through the skies, returning each night to rest by the farmer's side. "You're a true friend, Ember," Elric often said, patting the dragon's scaled head as they watched the sunset together.
Elric awoke to chaos; Ember, now a full-grown dragon, was terrorizing the village. Flames licked the rooftops, and villagers fled in panic. The bond they shared was shattered by the dragon's wild instincts. "Ember, no!" Elric shouted, his heart heavy with betrayal and confusion.
Elric knew what he had to do. With a heavy heart, he confronted Ember, his once-beloved companion. "I must protect them," he whispered, drawing his old hunting bow. The battle was fierce, but eventually, Elric prevailed, his eyes filled with sorrow as Ember fell.
Elric sat alone on the hill overlooking his devastated home, the weight of his decision pressing heavily upon him. Yet, in his heart, he knew it was the right choice. He vowed to rebuild, not only the village but also his spirit. "Goodbye, Ember," he murmured, a single tear tracing a path down his weathered cheek as he gazed into the horizon, hopeful for a better tomorrow.