Lights upon the lake

The stars shone down upon the lake, their chilling light mingling with the harsh silence that hung like fog along the shore. The beach was lined with large stones, all dark in coloration. Upon one of the stones was a splash of color that stood out in the starlight.
Cheerful yellow scales softly scratched the stone as the dragon shifted, lifting his head to stare across the lake. The dragon's blue eyes narrowed as he caught the flickering of flames on the other side of the lake.
Torches.
Man.
Releasing a low growl, the dragon's tail curled as he slowly thought.
The night of cold, and man was not a creature of the night. It would take them some time to reach his side of the lake, if that was their intention. He could easily evade them.
Or he could drive them away.
Releasing a yawn, the dragon lowered his head. No, fighting the men would be too tiring. He was not some young fledgling, eager to gather a hoard and impress a female.
Watching the progress of the torches, the dragon shifted his wings slightly.
They were on the lake now.
In boats, man would reach his side far more quickly.
His growl grew louder as the dragon released a puff of smoke. They were going to make themselves into an irritant.
Perhaps if he were younger, he would welcome the interruption of man.
But not tonight.
Slowly, the dragon rose and shook out his wings. The night had been so pleasant before their arrival, but now he would have to leave his lake.
Looking up, the dragon wondered if any of his brood were near. Perhaps he would send one of his more ambitious fledglings to test themselves on these men, if he found one.
The dragon crouched down, then sprang into the air. Wings beating against the cold night air, he slowly rose higher and higher.
Glancing down at the flickering lights upon the lake, the dragon gave a huff before flying west toward the mountains.