Chapter Text
They say Smaug took the Mountain because of a dragoness.
The stories vary wildly on her actions.
Some claim he stormed the Lonely Mountain to please her, to attract her, and she spurned him for some other mate.
Others say she broke his heart and he attacked to make her jealous of his golden hoard.
Another version is that they were a happy couple before she was slain by dwarves, and he assaulted Erebor in revenge.
And there are some who say he conquered the Lonely Mountain for her, his pregnant mate, as a nest. That she was killed on her journey there in revenge for his actions. That he blames himself every day for her death.
The stories vary widely on what she looked like.
Some claim she was a red fire drake, like him, and that her scales gleamed like rubies and she could rain golden fire on her enemies.
Others say she was a turquoise-colored ice-dragon, and that he loved her for all the reasons they were opposites.
Another version is that she was a water-dragon, almost an eel in appearance with emerald scales and piercing eyes.
And there are some who say she was a small, golden dragon, with little tracks of tan fur on her wings and spine. That her appearance was more sought after than the gold that drakes are known to covet. That it was love at first sight for both.
The stories vary broadly on her why Smaug loved her.
Some claim she was a fierce fighter, feisty and strong, and that she had killed more enemies than most males ever did.
Others say she quick-witted, with a sarcastic streak that could make wizards laugh loudly, until they were so distracted she could eat them (though no one was sure if she had ever actually eaten one).
Another version is that she was unusually kind and gentle for a dragon, only eating livestock and straying away from Men and Elves because she didn’t see a reason to cause conflict, and that Smaug was attracted her because she was so different than most drakes.
And there are some who say he loved her because she was clever. That she had a tendency to speak in riddles and he enjoyed figuring them out. That she was cautious to let others get close to her and he wanted to know who she was and what she was really like.
None of these stories are true.
The truth, as few may know it, is that Smaug was actually gay, but that he was a strong, independent fire-drake that didn’t need no dragon. He could take care of himself, thank you very much.
Not that he wasn’t lonely. Conquering something called “The Lonely Mountain” did have its drawbacks.
And maybe, just maybe, there was something in the tiny, invisible thief that he found he liked. Something that he was actually attracted to. Not strength or brawn or wealth or power, but a kindness. A creature was risking his life, not for himself or his people, but because it was right.
They say Smaug died old and alone.
But the stories vary wildly.