A long time ago I hosted three contests… two have been judged, one remains. You guys made these contests sooooo hard! There were so many beautiful dragons! Here are the winners and their prizes! First, a recap of the contest and the judge...
This fearsome Ridgeback gives you a sly wink. You don’t like the vibe from him… or the way he stares at you. He sneers at your discomfort and taps his long talons against the ground impatiently. He seems in charge of everything going on around him. Including you, for the moment. Approach him with caution!
“My my, what have we here? Don't be shy. Name’s Nemesis. Oh, darling… the pleasure is all mine. Say. I’m looking for a very special dragon. Know anyone? Come to me only if you are truly exceptional. Very pretty or handsome... very unique and precious. Yes, I like the sound of that. Someone your clan could not bear to be without. I’m don’t have time for ordinary dragons.“
Kore. A goddess's name, meaning Pure - as in pure of heart, and pronounced /kôr/. Spoiled to perfection, though wise, leading, and highly respected, she is everything royalty is meant to be, and is a spitting image of a perfect queen. The fair and lovely Kore has shimmering, iridescent scales that catches the eye of every dragon she passes, her gait never faulting. When the warm sunlight is just right, the soft jade hue of her feathered wings seem to melt into the delicate blades of grass, in which she settles herself to watch the bustling life she leads. Her gaze soft while tending to the young, her spirit strong when dealing with the problems of everyday life. With her brain, her soul, and her pride, she is just what the clan needs to keep it alive and well.
She is indeed beautiful, flawless, majestic. At first he gives her a respectful nod and a quick glance over with a hint of approval in his eyes. He does not dare show how enraptured he is by this Imperial. As he goes to the next dragon, and the next, many beautiful females, many that could be princesses and queens… his thoughts linger on Kore. She was so pure, so strong, so gentle. Nemesis imagined how her clan would collapse without her. Such an image of despair made him shiver with delight. This is exactly what he wanted. She is light. She is hope. She is purity. Everything he stands against. Everything he wants to control.
His competition was far from a fashion show. At its core, he would use it to assemble a list of dragons precious to their clans. What he would do with that information… was his to know. And at the center of it all: Kore.
He approaches her many weeks later, stronger, fiercer, more armored and impressive than ever.
“My goddess… My Kore…” He purrs. “Should you ever need a wing to rest under, do seek my company. I would be honored to host you in my lair! The clan is in need of a dignified role model such as yourself. And our local hatchlings…” Nemesis gives a light chuckle and a smile. “They would love the company of such a gentle mother. The young ones would grow beautiful and kind under your guidance. If they are lucky, maybe as beautiful as you one day. Although unlikely any could compare... Ah, please do consider my invitation! I promise I won’t keep you… at least not too long!” He almost looks shy as he speaks to her.
Almost.
His words are laced with lies. His lair is a prison. His subordinates are battle-trained Wardens. And the hatchlings - there are none. They are too small and weak to interest Nemesis. And if she were to fall victim to Nemesis’s charms, as many have before, Kore would not return.
But she is, in his eyes, the ultimate beauty.
(Get as far away as you can, Kore! Beautiful dragon, love her design!)
Fenicis was never considered “beautiful.” She was auctioned off for practically nothing with a plea in her information reading “If you’re going to exalt PLEASE NAME FIRST.” That was all her owner asked. Just to give her a name before shipping her off to serve. And Fenicis knew she shouldn’t take it personally, but it was hard not to. She was ignored and told that her colors were strange and her genes were garish. She was called her the ugliest dragon in the entire lair. Even though she was proud of other parts of herself, her looks were a point of shame. When she landed in the lair, she was unsure what to expect. But they welcomed her with open arms. They called her gorgeous; they complimented her eyes.
She is beautiful. Her lair helped her realize that. That her colors weren’t something to be ashamed of. That her genes were gorgeous even if they were complicated. Fenicis is a beauty in her own way. Beauty in the choices she makes and the abilities. And though she didn’t always know that, she certainly does now.
By the end of the day, Nemesis had been presented many beautiful, precious dragons. He was already musing over which to take for his own… the prospective dragons were to drool over… The Ridgeback and his Wardens begin the trek back home when one final dragon blocks their way. As Fenicis’ clan brings the green-toned Fae forward, Nemesis gawks with disbelief.
Do they think this is a joke? He cackled to himself, a wicked sneer crawling across his maw. He raised a claw and beckoned for his lackeys to deal with the tiny nuisance. He never did like Faes. They were pitiful creatures and useless to the Stormcatcher’s cause! But as his subordinates close in on the Fae, Fenicis’ companions block the way. There are many dragons of all shapes, sizes, and colors that seem to be appreciative of this Fae. Nemesis’ soldiers step back, intimidated by the group of dragons that support her. Nemesis bristles as the Fae and her friends explain why she is indeed a beautiful dragon. He seems to be quivering with rage, but unable to muster a response. He leaves her, embarrassed that a dragon such and Fenicis has the courage to stand up to him. Baffled, Nemesis’ escorts trail after him with their tails between their legs.
For weeks he cannot shake the fury from his mind. He becomes obsessed with the thought of this Fae. His allies swear the Righeback is going mad. Surely it’s just one little, ugly Fae? Why all the fuss? But it’s more than that to him. And perhaps… in the back of his mind, Nemesis remembers… he was not so different from Fenicis.
(She's beautiful and I loved her story! <3)
(Her image is a bit darker, if you want it brighter and more intense so it's easier to see, let me know!)
”Clan "My Goodness". Dreamwalker has a voice as soft as lace, and if she ever had another name, it's long been forgotten; she's unanimously known for not just tempting the dreams of other dragons, but being so ethereally beautiful she may as well be a dream walking in daylight.
Of the many dragons he met that day, there was one very different from the rest. She was hauntingly beautiful. Nemesis saw her every night in his dreams. He would chase her through the clouds, between the spires, and across the oceans. He would wake, heart racing, wings aching…
He begins to doubt. Is she real? Is she a dream? Did he really meet her? The more mysterious Dreamwalker becomes, the more he desires to have her. She is magic, she is wonder. She is lightning. Although a nature dragon by birth, Nemesis was drawn to lightning. The Stormcatcher was his one true master. Could this spectral spiral be more than she seems? A messenger of the Stormcatcher himself? A new power source? A lightning magician?
He is obsessed with this beauty... His nameless, mysterious dream.
(Gorgeous dragon, such a beautiful theme! Love her!)
Enjoy your spectral art guys! Thanks for entering, I know the contest was ages ago! XD