Winging It in Middle-earth: A Hatchling's Adventure (Lord of the Rings Dragon Self Insert)

[Michael Schachter]

Chapter 1: Eggciting New Life​

I woke up with a strange sensation. I felt warmth all around me, something cozy and strangely comforting. I tried to move, but everything felt confined, as if I was wrapped in a tight blanket. Panic started to rise in my chest when I realized I couldn't move properly, and that I couldn't see when I oppened my eyes. I squirmed, pushing against the strange walls around me. My hands—no, they didnt feel like hands—hit something hard, and I felt pieces crack and fall away. Was that... an eggshell? I blinked, or at least I tried to, trying to make sense of what was happening. My mind was foggy, and everything around me was strange and unfamiliar.

Slowly, memories started to return. I remembered my old life—being a teenager, hanging out with my friends, school, and then the accident. The terrifying, sudden moment when everything went dark. The memory of it was vivid—the fear, the impact, and then nothingness. Now, here I was, alive, but everything felt different. The confusion was overwhelming. How could I be here?

How could I be alive after that?

I pushed again, harder this time, determination overriding my fear, until the shell around me finally gave way with a satisfying crack. Fresh air hit my face, and I paused, taking in the sensation. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced—more intense, more vibrant. I took another deep breath, the air felt sharper, cleaner, almost electrifying as it filled my lungs. I blinked a few times, my vision slowly clearing, and when I looked down at myself, I froze. Instead of my usual human limbs, I saw golden scales glinting in the sunlight, each one shimmering like a precious gem.

A strange mixture of awe and disbelief washed over me. I stretched my wings—wings?!—and as they unfurled, I could feel the power and strength in them.

The muscles of my other limbs moved smoothly, and I realized just how much force they held. It was overwhelming, almost like I had to relearn how to move all over again, but there was something inherently natural about it, as if my new body knew what to do even if my mind was still catching up. Bit by bit, it started to make sense. Somehow, I had been reborn—not as a human, but as a what seemed to be a dragon.

The realization hit me in waves—shock, disbelief, and then a thrill unlike anything I had ever felt. I wasn't just different; I was something entirely new, something powerful. I crawled out of the rest of the shell, feeling the rough edges of the broken pieces beneath me. As I stood and stretched, my wings unfurled fully, catching the light. The sunlight touched my scales, and they shone brilliantly, almost blindingly bright. It was mesmerizing, as if I were made of pure light. I caught sight of my reflection in a nearby pool of water, and for the first time, I saw myself fully—a magnificent creature, covered in radiant golden scales, with wings that seemed to catch every beam of sunlight.

Woah!

Sudenly, instincts kicked in, and without even thinking, I turned back and began to eat the pieces of the eggshell I came from. It was surprisingly delicious, each bite tasting rich and satisfying, like nothing I had ever tasted before. It had that umami flavor, I couldn't stop myself as I consumed more, feeling my strength grow with each bite.

I was creeped by my instinctual actions but a small part of me tryed to assure me that it was perfectly normal and necessary. My new body needed the nutrients.

As I feasted of my eggshell I realized that the brightness of my scales were catching the attention of a few creatures nearby, who paused to stare. A couple of birds chirped curiously from their perch, and a deer cautiously stepped closer, its eyes wide with wonder. For a moment, I was both amazed and amused—me, Michael, the same kid who used to spend hours reading fantasy novels, was now probably the prettiest dragon ever. And that was saying something.

Yes! admire my magnificence you non draconic peasants!

I couldn't help but laugh, a strange rumbling sound that vibrated through my chest and echoed around me. It was exhilarating, the idea that I had been transformed into something so pretty and powerful. I wasn't sure what this new life had in store for me, but I knew one thing for certain—it was going to be an adventure like no other!

It was true that i felt mesmerized and excited, but at the same time it was also true that a big part of me grieved for the life I had lost, the friends and experiences I had left behind. My family. I hoped my big brother was doing fine, he was probably the person I would miss the most. But here I was, given a new chance at life, even if it was as a dragon. I refused to let it go to waste.

To let sorrow consume me would be an awfull way to begin a new life, so I didnt, or at least I tryed to convince myself that I didnt.

Right now it was Adventure Time!

I quickly decided that I needed to discover which kind of Dragon I was.

Inheritance Cycle? A Song of Ice and Fire? Elder Scrolls?

At first, I thought I might have been reborn into some version of Dungeons and Dragons—I mean, I looked like a Gold Dragon and everything around me seemed fantastical! There was that otherworldly atmosphere in the forest I found myself in. And I was completelly sure that the electrifying feeling in the air was magic. I even tried to identify my "stats" and wondered if I had any special abilities, just to be disapointed after multiple failed attempts.

FUS RO DAH !!!

Nothing?

No cheat? Boo!

With dreams of great power destroyed, I decided to begin my iourneyy. I roamed aimlessly the forest for a few hours, looking for clues about this new world and admiring the beautiful place and the animals. Dont look at me like that. I was in fantasy land and I wanted to enjoy myself. The forest was alive with color and sound—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the soft crunch of twigs beneath my feet. I couldn't help but be enchanted by the vibrant life around me, from the curious squirrels that darted from branch to branch to the graceful deer that moved through the underbrush. Hey, was that a rabbit with a horn? Cool!

I suddenly regretted to not have my Iphone or opposable thumbs to take photos.

"Adventure Time!~

Come on, grab your friends~

We'll go to very distant lands~" I sang as I explored.

I tried to piece together where I might be, but there were no clear answers. At least ASOIAF was discarted as there was a disturbing absence of shit and grime everywhere for this to be Planetos. Besides, I had four limbs and just discovered that I could talk, so no Planetos.

A few hours later it started to get dark. I was just beginning to feel a little lost and frustrated when I suddenly heard a voice call out to me. It was deep and slow, resonating through the forest like the groaning of ancient wood. I turned my head, and to my amazement, I saw an Ent—a towering, tree-like figure with eyes that seemed to peer right into my soul. The Ent was massive, with bark-like skin and branches that formed a kind of natural crown atop its head. It moved slowly, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly, and its eyes were filled with an ancient wisdom, as if it had seen countless ages pass.

An Ent, I was in Middle Earth! Nice! Even if a little part of me regreted not having the creat codes the D&D dragons came with.

Boo!

Then the Ent spoke, its voice deep and slow, resonating like the groaning of ancient wood. "A dragon hatchling, wandering alone in my forest," it said, its tone filled with curiosity. "This is most unusual." I could sense the Ent's cautious interest, as though it was trying to understand my existence. Its eyes seemed to study me for a long moment, as if searching for something hidden beneath my golden scales. It continued, "I feel no malice within you, little one." The Ent leaned in closer, its eyes narrowing slightly. "Who are you, and why are you here?" Why do you exist. It seemed like he wanted to ask.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. There was a part of me that wanted to keep my past a secret, but something about the Ent's patient gaze made me feel like I could trust him. Finally, I took a deep breath and spoke. "I... I wasn't always like this," I began slowly. "I was once a human—a teenager, actually. I had a normal life until... well, there was an accident. Everything went dark, I died, or at least I believe I died. And then I woke up here, like this." I gestured to my golden scales and wings.

The Ent's gaze remained steady, and it listened without interruption. All in all it gave me the feeling of a gentle grandfather listening to his grandchild.

When I finished, the Ent tilted its head slightly, as if contemplating my words. "A most peculiar tale, indeed," it said, its deep voice thoughtful. "Perhaps there is more to your being here than you realize. Fate has curious ways, and Middle-earth is not unfamiliar with unexpected visitors." It leaned in a little closer, its ancient eyes studying me intently. "Tell me, little one, do you feel any call within you? Any desire to hoard or destroy, as dragons often do?"

I frowned, genuinely thinking about it. "No," I replied. "I mean, I like shiny things, sure, but I don't feel like I want to hurt anyone or take things that aren't mine. I just feel... confused, and maybe a little scared and exited." I hesitated, then added, "I want to understand what happened to me. Why I'm here, what I'm supposed to do, and how to make the most of the life I was given."

The Ent nodded slowly, as if satisfied by my response. "You are truly unlike any dragon I have known, young one," the Ent intoned slowly, each word resonating like the creaking of ancient branches. "And I have known many dragons throughout my long years, for I am as old as these woods, and I have seen countless ages pass. From the time Lady Yavanna walked amongst us to this very moment." it slowly said.

The Ent's words left me both confused and intrigued. Why would it expect me to be evil? I was just me, Michael—mischievous, sure, but not evil.

Okay, maybe a little evil sometimes.

But I am only evil towards those that deserve it! I promise!



As if reading my thoughts, the Ent continued, each word resonating like the groaning of ancient wood. "Most dragons, from the very moment they hatch, are consumed by great greed and malice. Your kind has often given itself to the service of darkness and its heralds. Harbingers of wanton destruction and suffering. It is the nature of dragons to crave power and riches, and to spread fear wherever they go." The Ent paused, its eyes narrowing slightly as if searching for something within me. As if he could see through me. "Yet you, young one, are different. I feel no malice, no dark intent. The taint of Melkor and his dissonant music is absent. Perhaps you are meant for a different path—perhaps there is hope for you."

Dude, why do you speek so slow?

The Ent straightened up, the rustling of its branches sounding almost like a sigh, as if it carried the weight of countless ages. "Come, little one," it said slowly. "The forest is no place for a lone hatchling, especially with nightfall approaching. There are dangers here even for one such as you. Let us find a place of safety and succor, where you may rest and learn. There is much to discuss, and perhaps, in time, we may find the answers you seek. Your place in the Ainulindalë."

As I followed the Ent through the forest, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—relief at finding someone who might help me understand this new world, and curiosity about what lay ahead. The forest seemed to come alive as the Ent moved, the trees parting to make way for it, as if they bowing at the presence of a king, and I felt a sense of awe at the power and majesty of this ancient being. Whatever this new life had in store for me, I knew I wasn't alone anymore, and that was a comforting thought.

 

[Michael Schachter]

Chapter 2​

As I followed the Ent through the forest, I couldn't help but marvel at the way the trees seemed to bow to him. They moved aside with a gentle grace, as if acknowledging his presence—a presence so powerful and ancient that even the forest itself seemed to show deference. Branches swayed and leaves rustled softly, creating an almost musical harmony that surrounded us. The forest felt alive in a way that I had never experienced before, and I was mesmerized.

The Ent moved slowly, each step deliberate, causing the ground to tremble just a bit. It made me wonder just how old he was. He had mentioned meeting Yavanna, one of the Valar, and I couldn't help but feel awestruck by the thought. Yavanna was one of the beings who shaped the world and sang it into existence, the Lady of the Forests. How ancient must the Ent be to have known her? I tried to wrap my mind around it, but it seemed beyond comprehension. I decided not to ask yet—it felt almost too big a question, and I wasn't even sure how to phrase it.

I felt like if I was walking next to a rock star. Tree grandpa suddenly became extremely cool.

Suddenly, the Ent stopped, and I looked up at him curiously. He turned his massive head toward me, and his eyes seemed to soften. "Ah," he said slowly, his voice deep like the groaning of old wood. "I just realized that we have not properly greeted each other." He sounded almost ashamed. "My apologies, young one. For I am old, and I rarely speak with anyone these days." He paused, his branches shifting slightly. "I am called Alderroot, guardian of this forest." His voice resonated through the trees as if the entire forest knew and acknowledged him.

"Nice to meet you, Alderroot," I replied, smiling. "I'm Michael. Or... at least I was. I guess I still am, even if I'm a dragon now."

Alderroot paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Michael," he repeated slowly, as if tasting the sound of it. "That is a curious name for these lands. The world I know has ancient echoes of that name, from a time long before. It speaks of humility, of devotion, perhaps even of Manwë himself, who is called the Humble One." He paused, his deep voice resonating like a distant memory. "Manwë, the greatest of the Valar, he who serves Eru Ilúvatar, the One who is above all—'Who is like Eru,' as some would say. Your name carries an echo of that meaning, 'Who is like God.'"

I blinked, caught off guard by the Ent's words. "I... I never thought of it that way," I said. "In my old world, it was just a common name, but maybe there is more to it here."

Alderroot made a deep, rumbling sound that might have been a hum. "Perhaps," he said. "Or perhaps there is more at work here than either of us know."

Alderroot nodded, and as we continued walking, he began to speak of the forest. He greeted the trees as we moved, whispering to them in his ancient tongue. The language sounded like wind through the leaves, soft and melodic. After walkin for a while he began to speak of the forest's history, how it had grown from a small grove tended by Yavanna herself, and how it had expanded over the ages, becoming home to countless creatures and plants.

As Alderroot greeted another tree, I couldn't help but ask, "Why do you talk to the trees like that? I mean, aren't they just... well, regular trees?"

Alderroot let out a sound that I realized was laughter, though it was more like the creaking of old branches in a gentle breeze. "Ah, young one, that is a common misunderstanding," he said. "All life is sentient in its own way. All things have a soul. These trees are still young, hundreds of years too young to have a voice of their own, but that does not mean they cannot listen. Not having a voice does not mean they cannot feel, or understand, or share in the song of the world."

I nodded slowly, trying to absorb what he was saying. The idea that everything around me had some form of sentience was both humbling and a little intimidating. It made me see the forest in a new light—every leaf, every blade of grass, every creature was part of something much greater, something alive and aware.

Does that mean that grandma was right to sing to her apple tree?

Food for thought. I might as well sing reggaeton to the plants to see what happens.

We eventually reached a beautiful clearing as the last rays of the sun began to fade. The clearing was full of animals—deer, rabbits, birds—all gathered peacefully. The fireflies began to emerge, their tiny lights flickering as they filled the twilight sky, creating a mesmerizing dance of light. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and I paused to take it all in, feeling a sense of wonder I hadn't felt in a long time.

Suddenly, an extremely quirky raccoon appeared from the underbrush, his eyes widening in alarm as he saw me. He skittered backward, his tiny paws trembling. His exaggerated reaction made me pause—he looked absolutely terrified, his fur puffing up comically as he tried to make himself look smaller. "D-don't eat me!" he squeaked, his voice high-pitched and trembling. "I taste terrible, really! All skin and bones, not worth your trouble! I swear!"

The raccoon continued, shaking his head frantically, "And I have fleas, the worst kind! And my fur is dirty! This brown thing in my tail is shit. Really, I'm a mess! And did I tell you about the rabies? Because I have rabies! You'd be much better off finding something else, I promise! Something more nutritious and healthy, and not me!" His dramatics, combined with the sheer panic in his eyes, made him look almost like a cartoon character—one that had been caught in the middle of some wild scheme gone wrong.

I blinked, and then a grin spread across my face. "Relax, buddy," I said, trying not to laugh. "I'm not going to eat you. Not yet, anyway." I winked, clearly joking, but the raccoon still looked wary.

"N-not yet?!" he stammered, his bushy tail puffing up in fright. But after a moment, he seemed to realize I was kidding, and he slowly calmed down, his posture relaxing.

Alderroot let out a deep rumbling laugh, the kind that seemed to shake the very ground. "Do not torment poor Rascal, young one," he said, still chuckling. "Rascal is the guardian of mischief here in this forest. He knows all the hiding spots, all the best places to find food, and all the secrets of these woods. He may be small, but he is clever, and he has a heart as big as the forest."

Rascal straightened up, puffing out his chest a little, clearly proud of Alderroot's words. "That's right," he said, his tone shifting from fearful to boastful. "I know every nook and cranny of this place! You need anything, you come to Rascal! Just, you know, promise not to eat me, and we'll be friends. Bestest friends!" He gave a toothy grin, his whiskers twitching.

I laughed, nodding. "Deal, Rascal. No eating you, I promise."

Alderroot's gaze shifted towards the clearing, and then to me. "Come, young one," he said, his voice deep and gentle. "It is time you found a place to rest. There is a cave nearby where you may find shelter. Rascal here will help you make it your own. You will be staying with us for the foreseeable future, until you find your path."

The Ent motioned for us to follow, his massive frame moving with deliberate grace as we continued through the forest. Eventually, we arrived at the entrance to a cave nestled in the side of a mossy hill. It was larger than I expected, with soft patches of grass growing just outside, and the comforting sound of a stream trickling nearby.

Alderroot turned to me, his eyes softening. "Rest here tonight, young hatchling. There is much for you to learn, and we shall begin tomorrow. But for now, sleep, and let the forest watch over you." He then nodded at Rascal, who seemed to straighten up at the unspoken command. "Rascal, help our new friend make himself at home. I shall take my leave for now."

With that, Alderroot slowly turned and began to make his way back into the forest, his massive form gradually disappearing among the trees. I watched him until he was out of sight, and then turned to Rascal.

The raccoon looked at me with wide eyes. "So, you're staying, huh? Guess that makes us neighbors, I live in the mapple tree next to this cave," he said, his voice filled with curiosity. He scurried inside the cave, his small paws making little tapping noises against the ground. "Come on in, come on in. It's cozy, and there's no fleas—I swear! Well, maybe just a few, and maybe one or two ticks." He flashed me a grin.

I followed him inside, and Rascal immediately began to bombard me with questions. "So, where did you come from? What kind of animal are you? I've never seen a winged lizard like you before! A golden winged lizard, at that! What do you eat? Do you eat daisies and sunflowers? Is that why you are so yellow and shiny? Can you fly yet?"

His questions came so quickly that I barely had time to answer. When he called me a 'winged lizard,' I paused, giving him an offended look. "I'm not a lizard," I said, my voice sharp. "I'm a dragon."

Rascal's eyes widened, and for a second, he looked genuinely alarmed. "A dragon? Are you serious?!" He scampered back a few steps, his bushy tail puffing up. "But—but dragons are supposed to be huge, like mountains! And mean! You dont look mean! My mom told me about Smaug the Golden and he is really mean, he ate the dwarves and all the ponies, dont forget the ponies!" He looked at me with a mix of fear and disbelief.

Hearing the name Smaug made my heart skip a beat. It was like a puzzle piece clicking into place, and suddenly I realized where I was in the timeline. Smaug was still known in stories, which meant I was somewhere before or during the events of The Hobbit takes place. Before the rise of Sauron. My mind raced, trying to piece it all together.

Smaug and I where the last dragons of middle earth.

Seeing my contemplative expression, Rascal tilted his head. "Hey, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I shook my head, snapping back to the present. "I'm fine, Rascal," I said, managing a smile. "And don't worry—I'm not like Smaug. I won't eat you or burn down your forest. Its my new home after all."

Rascal visibly relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief. "Good, 'cause I really do taste terrible," he muttered, before his face lit up again with curiosity. "So, can you breathe fire or what? And how about flying?! Can you take me flying? I want to eat clowds, the seem so tasty!"

I laughed, realizing that Rascal wasn't about to let up anytime soon. It seemed that this little raccoon had endless energy and an endless stream of questions—and honestly, I didn't mind. In a strange way, his presence made everything feel a little less daunting and my heart quickly endeared to him.

As the night grew darker and I settled down in the cave, I found a comfortable spot and lay down, exhaustion from the day's events washing over me. I closed my eyes, ready to drift off to sleep, but just as I was getting comfortable, I felt a small weight press against my side. Opening one eye, I realized Rascal had decided to cuddle up next to me, his tiny body curled against my scales.

"Don't mind me," he murmured, sounding half-asleep already. "Just... staying warm."

I couldn't help but smile at the sight. Despite his initial fear, Rascal was trusting enough to sleep beside me. It was comforting, in a way, and as I finally closed my eyes, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't felt since I woke up in this strange new world. With Rascal snuggled next to me, I let sleep take me, feeling just a little less alone.