Patreon Prompt 339 (Patreon)

Prompt: A massive, red dragon enjoys an indulgent meal brought by mortal worshipers after reaching immobility.

   The once mighty Themberchaud used to spend his days flying over the countryside, demanding gifts from the mortals below. His task was a simple one thanks to his nature as a massive, red dragon that could burn a village to the ground without a second thought. However, his plans became somewhat distorted as a group of cultists came to his cave one day baring gifts. Upon hearing the mortals say that they wished to worship his glory, the dragon saw little reason at the time to turn down such a generous offer.

   The offerings started off small, with the usual fare of a cow or cart full of fruit to keep Themberchaud well fed on a regular basis. Over time the worshippers increased the size of these daily feedings, sometimes coming as often as three times a day. Not one to turn down free food, the dragon would eagerly accept anything and everything given to him to shove down his maw. It was because of his own obsession with gluttony and vanity for hearing praise for his abilities that left him completely unaware of what was happening to him until it was too late.

   One year had passed since the worshippers had introduced themselves to Themberchaud and during that time he had yet to see a reason to leave his lair. For the past few months, he had been content to merely stretch out on his horde of treasure as his followers gave him more food to keep his chunky body happy. His massive belly and chubby limbs made it near impossible for his comparatively tiny wings to even attempt carrying him into the air. Lazily holding open his mouth to receive his next meal, he paid little mind to the fact that his immobile, obese body couldn’t even fit outside of his cave anymore. He was more than content to waste away in his cave, unwittingly haven fallen into the villages’ plan to keep him from terrorizing the countryside anymore.