I realize how that must have sounded. [He grimaces a little.] It wasn't intentional at first. I was simply exploring the mountains. Then when a dragon appeared, I... well... I wanted to get closer. To see it better. All went well enough at first... I even had an opening of sorts to get away... but then I made a mistake.

I was fortunate to get away at all.

But I want... I need... to go back out there and face it. Not alone, this time.