You have to use Ender Eyes to locate a portal not Ender Pearls.
Would suggest making 32 eyes for your quest, to locate and to activate the portal.
Should also make a couple Unlinked Link books and set one to your base.
Once you get into the end you can set a second one up under the bottom of a pillar, Dragon can still get you but if you don't hang around there it should be safe-ish for teleporting in and out. This is a good trick for getting in for a collection of lilies before you are really ready to take on the dragon.
I usually go for the end as soon as I have any form of flight and get the books setup so I can get back in when I'm geared up.
Would suggest making 32 eyes for your quest, to locate and to activate the portal.
Should also make a couple Unlinked Link books and set one to your base.
Once you get into the end you can set a second one up under the bottom of a pillar, Dragon can still get you but if you don't hang around there it should be safe-ish for teleporting in and out. This is a good trick for getting in for a collection of lilies before you are really ready to take on the dragon.
I usually go for the end as soon as I have any form of flight and get the books setup so I can get back in when I'm geared up.