The penalty for killing a dragon was death, but when I killed one, I was granted eternal life.
I too was close to death when I came across the injured beast. Our dimming life lights must have called to each other across the dark forest as I searched for a way to live, he for a way to die.
The illness raging inside me pulled me from my village, where healers of spirit and science alike had placed their hands upon my cheek and dropped their gaze to deliver the news that I was beyond help. As is custom in my village, I bid my family farewell, left all my earthly belongings behind, and set out on my death journey to find and greet the great creator.