couvert d’écailles: covered in scales, scaly

macérer: to steep food in something, like fruit in booze

chemin escarpé: a really steep path

coup monté de l’intérieur: an inside job

s’apitoyer sur son sort: pity party

un coffre: a chest (ex. of drawers)

une partie d’échecs: a game of chess

ronronner: to purr

égayer: to brighten, enliven

advenir: to happen, to come to pass

vaincre: to vanquish