Creative Corner

645

March 04, 2017 21:54:46

Something I've always wanted to do is get into the heads of my dragons, exploring their thoughts and feelings. And so I've decided to start writing Dragon Diaries - a daily project where I write 1-page (~300-500 word) journal entries from the point of view of my dragons.

I've selected 12 of my dragons and will randomly select one each day to write a journal entry for. Since I actually began this project yesterday, we have two to start with!

This is mostly something for my own enjoyment. But feel free to read, comment, or even write journal entries for your own dragons if you'd like! And come back tomorrow for more :)

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Index wrote:

Update: Since this thread has become pretty large, I decided to provide links to the beginning of each round as well as a brief description of each one, for those who would like to read a little at a time!

Round 1 - Hello Light Flight! - The Brightwing Clan have moved to a new home. How will that affect daily life for its inhabitants?

Round 2 - The Wishmaster - Who is Chandelier, and why might her life be in danger?

Round 3 - Clash of Philosophies! - Drama surrounds the recently built Academy of Magi as veteran dragons disagree with the teachings of the new Archmage.

Round 4 - Summoner's Wrath! - A powerful force of destruction attacks the Brightwing Clan. Where did he come from, and who can stop him?

Round 5 - Anniversary - The Brightwing Clan celebrates a full year of its existence by reflecting on what has come before. But beneath the peaceful exterior, drama is brewing again.

Round 6 - A House Divided - Hieroglyph had his magic taken away, and House Royal seems to be behind it! Drama ensues.

Round 7 - Pearlcatcher Takeover! - The Brightwing Clan has seen a recent influx of Pearlcatchers. Is there a reason behind it?

Round 8 - Night vs. Day - A revenge plot! A rebellion! A captured "princess"! Who is left to save the Day?

Round 9 - Enter the Sanctum - Sol Sanctum: the hub of all clan traditions and ceremonies. But behind the temple's walls, some secrets may be brewing...

Round 10 - Roses and Enchantment - A dark plan is in the works, centering around a mysterious pale Pearlcatcher. Does the clan's newest Noble House have what it takes to keep the clan safe?

Round 11 - The Gates of Hades - A dragon's soul was sold to the netherworld, and now they've come to collect their due...

Round 12 - A Fractured Clan - A controversial alliance has led the Brightwing Council to take decisive action, sparking an event that might change the clan forever...

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Day 1 : Seagull

The sea swells, delivering a fresh salty scent through the wind. The waves caress the shore, their rhythm beckoning me: Come. Stay a while.

So once more I find myself compelled by its siren song. I am seated in the sand, quill in hand, but words elude. I shut my eyes and inhale to collect my thoughts when, unbidden but unsurprising, a vision of her fills my mind.

My muse, my LadyLove, Lacy.

There was a time when thoughts of Lacy filled my chest with warmth and my mind with inspiration, my words flowing and free as I described her beauty. Her pink fur, soft as a dove’s breast. Her voice, the gentlest, purest sound one could fathom. The thought of holding her gave me joy as vast as the ocean stretching out before me, especially in knowing she was mine!

Now, though, thoughts of her bring an ache deep within, a sadness I can’t fight. And an anger. For my LadyLove, the one dragon to ever hold my heart, is mine no longer. And that of itself, though painful, is not unbearable. I consider myself a strong enough dragon, even, to bear such heartbreak on its own. Were she to find happiness in the arms of another, so long as he were worthy, I might be able to accept it.

But -- and therein lies the anger. He does not deserve her. He, who lurks in the shadow, who feigns dutifulness, who conceals his true intent to all.

I will name the villain -- Summersby.

There is no worse soul in the clan -- indeed, in all of Sornieth. I saw him, and those strange, ill-scented herbs he added in as he mixed tea for his mistress, Duchess.

Later that day when Duchess rose up to confront her wayward nephew, how unusual that she could not get her magic to work at that crucial moment! But not so unusual if one were to simply pay attention, notice the details as I do.

What is worse than poisoning one’s own employer? Only the most evil of dragons could perform such a vile act -- and even now Summersby still serves as her butler, my accusations ignored by all. Even now I must watch him escort my beloved Lacy to the nesting grounds, as dread unfurls anew inside me. This cannot stand.

Someday, my love, I will free you from his dark clutches -- to this, I swear.

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Day 2 : Royal

Reclining on a high cliff in the glow of the afternoon sun, I survey my kingdom.

And yes -- it is mine. I allow Hasil his delusions of leadership. He sits at the head of the Brightwing Council where he feels stable and unthreatened. He has his ideas, his petty concerns, and he can handle those -- that’s fine.

But when it comes to the one who holds real sway over the actions of the clansdragons as they adjust to their new home, that, of course, is me. The council knows it, and even Hasil, for all his blindness, is not oblivious. Let us lay things out simply. A third of the clan is related to me, either by blood or bond to their mate. Another third fears me (and rightfully so, for I’d happily decapitate a dragon just to admire the color of their blood in contrast to my radiant scales). And the last third are the newcomers who will inevitably fall into the other two camps in time. And so without an uprising, without a coup d'état, I hold my rightful place as true leader.

The amusing part is Hasil thinks that the clan’s migration to the Sunbeam Ruins is somehow a point against me. Poor Hasil. He doesn’t understand that I have nothing against Light, against the pursuit of truth. I do not lie; I have never had anything to conceal. Light serves only to illuminate my splendor.

If anything, I have more integrity than Hasil ever had. I have been loyal to my precious Aesling since day one! And Hasil? When he finally stopped playing flavor-of-the-week to settle down with Arodan, she started stepping out on him. It’s too delicious, really.

And no, I’m not the rabble-rouser I once was, but clearly I no longer need to be. I can just sit back and watch as events never fail to amuse. What’s next, I wonder? Will my brilliant little Duchess make another powerplay? Or will my youngest offspring, Queen, do something fun with her clever disguise? Only time will tell.

And I’ll be surveying it all from my place above everyone else.

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Last edited on Jun 09, 2019 13:57:26 by OneWing

[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 3 :[/b] Lacy[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=27772836] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/277729/27772836.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]I watch them play across the golden grass: my two little hatchlings. A pair of girls, both with rich, deep purple coats like their father’s. I giggle as the lighter colored one trips over her wings -- still clumsy, still adjusting to her body. As I coax her back to her feet I watch the jewels sparkle from her limbs. Some dragons think of gembond as an affliction, I reflect, but there is a beauty to it, too. Then I gasp, my heartbeat quickening as an approaching dark form interrupts my thoughts. I’m still clasping my chest when I realize who it is. “You came back,” I say. “I wasn’t sure if you would…” “But of course.” Even in a whisper, Summersby’s voice carries that refined, posh quality that makes me shiver. “Just handling a few brief tasks is all.” He settles in beside me, his narrowed gaze fixed on our two girls at play. I wonder what he is thinking, but of course he doesn’t tell me. He’s always been such a mystery. Even now I have no idea what sort of ‘brief tasks’ he could be talking about. Maybe something for his employer, Duchess. I really don’t know much about what he does for her or why. He doesn’t seem to really like her, yet he’ll do anything she asks without question. “As milady wishes,” he’ll say every time. I find my thoughts drifting to a different male in my life. I never had to wonder about Seagull’s thoughts or actions - he described them all to me in vivid, poetic detail. The things he’d say about starlight, about the breeze, about me… Seagull really was good with words. And he’d ask me a dozen questions, too. “Tell me what you’re feeling, my dove,” Seagull would say, or “Describe to me something that makes you blissfully happy.” Sometimes I miss that a little bit. But then Summersby’s arms slip around my waist, seizing me close against him. I can feel the cold, hard gems across his body, feel his sturdy form against my delicate one. He exhales a breath across my neck. Licks it. A wave of heat sweeps down all the way to the tip of my tail. As color rises to my cheeks I can’t help but think it -- Summersby doesn’t need to ask me a dozen questions. He can sense my mood in my rushed breath, in my pounding heartbeat, my shaking hands. My body tells him more than words ever could. [/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing

645

March 05, 2017 13:09:16

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Day 3 : Lacy

I watch them play across the golden grass: my two little hatchlings. A pair of girls, both with rich, deep purple coats like their father’s. I giggle as the lighter colored one trips over her wings -- still clumsy, still adjusting to her body. As I coax her back to her feet I watch the jewels sparkle from her limbs. Some dragons think of gembond as an affliction, I reflect, but there is a beauty to it, too.

Then I gasp, my heartbeat quickening as an approaching dark form interrupts my thoughts. I’m still clasping my chest when I realize who it is.

“You came back,” I say. “I wasn’t sure if you would…”

“But of course.” Even in a whisper, Summersby’s voice carries that refined, posh quality that makes me shiver. “Just handling a few brief tasks is all.”

He settles in beside me, his narrowed gaze fixed on our two girls at play. I wonder what he is thinking, but of course he doesn’t tell me. He’s always been such a mystery. Even now I have no idea what sort of ‘brief tasks’ he could be talking about. Maybe something for his employer, Duchess. I really don’t know much about what he does for her or why. He doesn’t seem to really like her, yet he’ll do anything she asks without question. “As milady wishes,” he’ll say every time.

I find my thoughts drifting to a different male in my life. I never had to wonder about Seagull’s thoughts or actions - he described them all to me in vivid, poetic detail. The things he’d say about starlight, about the breeze, about me… Seagull really was good with words. And he’d ask me a dozen questions, too. “Tell me what you’re feeling, my dove,” Seagull would say, or “Describe to me something that makes you blissfully happy.”

Sometimes I miss that a little bit.

But then Summersby’s arms slip around my waist, seizing me close against him. I can feel the cold, hard gems across his body, feel his sturdy form against my delicate one. He exhales a breath across my neck. Licks it. A wave of heat sweeps down all the way to the tip of my tail.

As color rises to my cheeks I can’t help but think it -- Summersby doesn’t need to ask me a dozen questions. He can sense my mood in my rushed breath, in my pounding heartbeat, my shaking hands. My body tells him more than words ever could.

~~~
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Last edited on Mar 05, 2017 19:34:37 by OneWing

[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 4 :[/b] BloodyKiss[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=30133621] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/301337/30133621.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]I love to hunt small prey. Watching it wriggle, fight, claw, anything it can do to cling to life -- but it can’t escape ME. Sorry, little guy. Today your new home will be BloodyKiss’ belly. Yum yum yum. I also enjoy hunting larger prey. There’s an indescribable thrill in springing upon something bigger and stronger than you, something that could kill you. Nothing like a brush with death to make a dragon feel truly alive, that’s what I say! Of course in these cases I usually end up running away -- I might be crazy but hey, every dragon’s got her limits. I just like to push mine as far as I can. Apparently my clan isn’t a big fan of my hobbies, though. I remember when I first found this out; I had only been in the clan for a week or so when I spotted this big imperial trailing me around -- not saying anything, just watching me, hand never far from the hilt of a big red sword strapped to his waist. “Hey, big boy,” I said, “Whatcha doin’? You stalking me? Because it looks like you’re stalking me.” He looked away kinda awkwardly, like, this wasn’t part of the plan, I wasn’t supposed to actually go up and talk to the guy following me around everywhere. What, did he think I wouldn’t notice? So after a bit more questioning I finally got him to admit that the clan leader had assigned him to “keep an eye on me.” He wouldn’t say why, but I had a feeling it has to do with my hobbies! So I asked the guy, why did he need to do what the clan leader said? Life is about doing whatever you want, right? So if you’re all concerned with what somebody else wants, suddenly that life becomes not yours. Blight didn’t know how to answer me, but I knew I had gotten him thinking. So I decided to show him a few ways to push his limits, to make the most out of life. Cut to a month later. Now, guess what? Blight is pretty into my ideas. He’s also pretty into ME. And vice versa. Yum yum yum. [/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing

645

March 06, 2017 11:21:51

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Day 4 : BloodyKiss

I love to hunt small prey. Watching it wriggle, fight, claw, anything it can do to cling to life -- but it can’t escape ME. Sorry, little guy. Today your new home will be BloodyKiss’ belly. Yum yum yum.

I also enjoy hunting larger prey. There’s an indescribable thrill in springing upon something bigger and stronger than you, something that could kill you. Nothing like a brush with death to make a dragon feel truly alive, that’s what I say! Of course in these cases I usually end up running away -- I might be crazy but hey, every dragon’s got her limits. I just like to push mine as far as I can.

Apparently my clan isn’t a big fan of my hobbies, though. I remember when I first found this out; I had only been in the clan for a week or so when I spotted this big imperial trailing me around -- not saying anything, just watching me, hand never far from the hilt of a big red sword strapped to his waist.

“Hey, big boy,” I said, “Whatcha doin’? You stalking me? Because it looks like you’re stalking me.”

He looked away kinda awkwardly, like, this wasn’t part of the plan, I wasn’t supposed to actually go up and talk to the guy following me around everywhere. What, did he think I wouldn’t notice?

So after a bit more questioning I finally got him to admit that the clan leader had assigned him to “keep an eye on me.” He wouldn’t say why, but I had a feeling it has to do with my hobbies!

So I asked the guy, why did he need to do what the clan leader said? Life is about doing whatever you want, right? So if you’re all concerned with what somebody else wants, suddenly that life becomes not yours. Blight didn’t know how to answer me, but I knew I had gotten him thinking. So I decided to show him a few ways to push his limits, to make the most out of life.

Cut to a month later. Now, guess what? Blight is pretty into my ideas. He’s also pretty into ME. And vice versa. Yum yum yum.

~~~
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[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 5 :[/b] Arodan[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24950677] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/249507/24950677.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]It’s strange - I’m actually happy. I don’t think I’ve actually felt this way in a long while… for a time, it honestly felt like I never would get to this place again. Each problem that arose seemed to bleed straight into another one, either for Hasil, or for me, or (inevitably) between us. But now it’s as though all he and I have been through has strengthened the bond we share -- a connection forged in the fires of adversity, made sturdy as steel. Now, for better or for worse, his burdens are my burdens. And although he still has several (that’s Hasil, never letting something go unattended, always taking up responsibility upon himself), I’ve noticed a lightness to him that definitely hadn’t been there before. The clan’s migration to the Sunbeam Ruins probably has a lot to do with that. In his heart I think Hasil always still thought of it as home -- and, well, so do I. I didn’t think I’d ever be back. It’s… nice. Everyone seems to be settling in surprisingly well. I’ve also been enjoying watching Evenglow grow into adulthood. It might not have been the easiest experience for her, and I know that’s my fault. Being my daughter, but not Hasil’s, it raises a lot of talk and I’m sure she’s noticed. But though some dragons might interpret her nocturnal lifestyle as a sign of sullenness, she’s confided to me that she’s actually happiest in the night. She enjoys seeing the territory bathed in shadow, feels more comfortable that way. And she’s made friends with others in the clan who prefer the evening hours too. They even have a name for themselves -- Night Allies, I think? I look forward to seeing what she becomes! And Hasil is growing too. A younger version of him might have banished Evenglow just for existing. But between managing the clan, fending off Royal’s numerous attempts to undermine him, mentoring Veritas, and orchestrating the migration, he’s become a stronger and wiser dragon overall. And yes, I might be able to take some credit for that too. Now there’s this project he’s working on with Paladin… I admit, I don’t really know what it will lead to. But if Hasil thinks it will continue his self-betterment, then I can only trust and support him, right? It seems to be what I do best. [/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing

645

March 07, 2017 17:55:29

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Day 5 : Arodan

It’s strange - I’m actually happy. I don’t think I’ve actually felt this way in a long while… for a time, it honestly felt like I never would get to this place again. Each problem that arose seemed to bleed straight into another one, either for Hasil, or for me, or (inevitably) between us. But now it’s as though all he and I have been through has strengthened the bond we share -- a connection forged in the fires of adversity, made sturdy as steel.

Now, for better or for worse, his burdens are my burdens. And although he still has several (that’s Hasil, never letting something go unattended, always taking up responsibility upon himself), I’ve noticed a lightness to him that definitely hadn’t been there before. The clan’s migration to the Sunbeam Ruins probably has a lot to do with that. In his heart I think Hasil always still thought of it as home -- and, well, so do I. I didn’t think I’d ever be back. It’s… nice. Everyone seems to be settling in surprisingly well.

I’ve also been enjoying watching Evenglow grow into adulthood. It might not have been the easiest experience for her, and I know that’s my fault. Being my daughter, but not Hasil’s, it raises a lot of talk and I’m sure she’s noticed. But though some dragons might interpret her nocturnal lifestyle as a sign of sullenness, she’s confided to me that she’s actually happiest in the night. She enjoys seeing the territory bathed in shadow, feels more comfortable that way. And she’s made friends with others in the clan who prefer the evening hours too. They even have a name for themselves -- Night Allies, I think? I look forward to seeing what she becomes!

And Hasil is growing too. A younger version of him might have banished Evenglow just for existing. But between managing the clan, fending off Royal’s numerous attempts to undermine him, mentoring Veritas, and orchestrating the migration, he’s become a stronger and wiser dragon overall. And yes, I might be able to take some credit for that too. Now there’s this project he’s working on with Paladin… I admit, I don’t really know what it will lead to. But if Hasil thinks it will continue his self-betterment, then I can only trust and support him, right?

It seems to be what I do best.

~~~
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[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 6 :[/b] Blight[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=26286089] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/262861/26286089.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]Almost loose. I set my tools aside, using my claws to work the stubborn stone from the dirt. I brush it off, examine it. Silver Ore. That’s what I thought. I tuck it in a pouch with a few other less interesting finds -- bits of coal, old clay statues, a small chunk of granite -- and start my flight back toward the hoard. Seline is there when I arrive, sorting and counting while making idle chit-chat with Elision, who is packaging up goods for auctioning. Not wanting to disrupt them, I drop off my treasures as quietly as I can. “Find anything good today?” I hear Elision say. I glance around to see who he’s talking to. “Hey, Blight. I said did you find anything good?” Oh. Me. “Uh --” Being flung into unexpected social interaction makes my mind go blank; I completely forget the words for Silver Ore. So I just stand there blankly, searching. But by the time I remember, Elision has already returned to his conversation with Seline. Well, never mind then. I sweep back into the air, begin gliding around as I plan out my next treasure hunt. But it isn’t long before a voice from below calls up to me. “Oh, Blight. Can you join us a moment?” I alight on the ground before a pair of figures. The pearlcatcher that called to me is Hasil, who besides being clan leader is also among the few actual friends I have. The young skydancer with him is one I don’t know very well -- Paladin, a newcomer who has been helping the clan learn Light Flight culture. “Do you mind if I have a look at your sword?” Hasil asks me. I hesitate. Generally I don’t let anyone touch my sword. I never felt quite right without its assuring weight on my hip. But it’s thanks to Hasil that I have the clan’s respect, that they don’t treat me like some weirdo. Tentative, I unsheath the jeweled red blade with ravenskull pommel, delivering it to his waiting hand. Hasil thanks me, and then as I look on, he braces the weapon in front of himself and takes a few practice swings while Paladin offers advice on improving his stance. I frown. Since when has Hasil had any interest in swordsmanship? At last he returns it to me without explanation. The whole encounter strikes me as kind of weird, but oh well. Now maybe I can get back to my digging. But no sooner do I hit the air then I hear yet another voice calling to me, in a playful sing-song lilt that could only belong to one dragon. “Hey, big guy~ Wanna come play awhile?” Once more I pause. Well, maybe digging can wait. [/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing

645

March 08, 2017 14:40:50

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Day 6 : Blight

Almost loose. I set my tools aside, using my claws to work the stubborn stone from the dirt. I brush it off, examine it. Silver Ore. That’s what I thought. I tuck it in a pouch with a few other less interesting finds -- bits of coal, old clay statues, a small chunk of granite -- and start my flight back toward the hoard. Seline is there when I arrive, sorting and counting while making idle chit-chat with Elision, who is packaging up goods for auctioning. Not wanting to disrupt them, I drop off my treasures as quietly as I can.

“Find anything good today?” I hear Elision say. I glance around to see who he’s talking to. “Hey, Blight. I said did you find anything good?”

Oh. Me. “Uh --” Being flung into unexpected social interaction makes my mind go blank; I completely forget the words for Silver Ore. So I just stand there blankly, searching. But by the time I remember, Elision has already returned to his conversation with Seline.

Well, never mind then.

I sweep back into the air, begin gliding around as I plan out my next treasure hunt. But it isn’t long before a voice from below calls up to me. “Oh, Blight. Can you join us a moment?”

I alight on the ground before a pair of figures. The pearlcatcher that called to me is Hasil, who besides being clan leader is also among the few actual friends I have. The young skydancer with him is one I don’t know very well -- Paladin, a newcomer who has been helping the clan learn Light Flight culture.

“Do you mind if I have a look at your sword?” Hasil asks me.

I hesitate. Generally I don’t let anyone touch my sword. I never felt quite right without its assuring weight on my hip. But it’s thanks to Hasil that I have the clan’s respect, that they don’t treat me like some weirdo. Tentative, I unsheath the jeweled red blade with ravenskull pommel, delivering it to his waiting hand. Hasil thanks me, and then as I look on, he braces the weapon in front of himself and takes a few practice swings while Paladin offers advice on improving his stance. I frown. Since when has Hasil had any interest in swordsmanship? At last he returns it to me without explanation. The whole encounter strikes me as kind of weird, but oh well. Now maybe I can get back to my digging.

But no sooner do I hit the air then I hear yet another voice calling to me, in a playful sing-song lilt that could only belong to one dragon. “Hey, big guy~ Wanna come play awhile?”

Once more I pause. Well, maybe digging can wait.

~~~
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[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 7 :[/b] Summersby[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28675888] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/286759/28675888.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]My mistress is really quite terrible. Judgemental, manipulative, and passive-aggressive to a ruthless degree. So cowed by Duchess’ shrewd tongue, even her mate and closest friends are constantly licking her feet, afraid to land on her bad side for even a moment. And when I first arrived, Duchess was clan leader. Naturally I decided that simply wouldn’t do. How does one manipulate a master manipulator? By leading them to believe they control you, of course. And so it was that I became the lead foot-licker. Whatever it is Duchess demands, I fulfill it -- in record time, no less. A world-class butler, that is what I am. Swift and obedient, I never question orders, I simply fulfill them. As it so happens I also know how to prepare a cup of tea just the way my mistress likes it. The perfect cup of tea can be a powerful thing. In the right hands, it can even dethrone kings. Or queens, or, as it were, Duchesses. You see, Duchess is no longer clan leader. This is not a coincidence. How did I do it? Well let us just say it involved the right application of herbs at the right time. One also may also be wondering why I remain under Duchess employ even now that she is no longer in a position of power. And there are several reasons. First of all, it does not hurt to have a skilled Arcane scholar in your debt. Duchess is the one who granted me the jewels that run across my flesh -- gembond, the most luxurious of afflictions. The hard stones grant pain with every slight movement, but it is worth it to be a walking display of jewels (yes, I am a bit vain). Secondly, Duchess’ family is the most influential of the whole clan. Not the worst of allies. (Which reminds me, I was recently inquired as to which I wished to join a slipshod group of dragons known as the ‘Night Allies,’ to which I merely laughed.) And of course if Duchess ever makes another grab for too much power than I deem healthy, I’ll be right there, toxic teas well in hand. The clan should be thanking me for the service I’ve done them in keeping her in check. Because she is most verifiably terrible. And I do not exactly enjoy all the hours spent hovering at her side, bowing to her every menial request. I do, of course, get some respite. The lovely Lacy, who is every bit Duchess’ opposite in nature, provides most amicable company. Most amicable, indeed. [/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing

645

March 09, 2017 21:38:52

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Day 7 : Summersby

My mistress is really quite terrible. Judgemental, manipulative, and passive-aggressive to a ruthless degree. So cowed by Duchess’ shrewd tongue, even her mate and closest friends are constantly licking her feet, afraid to land on her bad side for even a moment. And when I first arrived, Duchess was clan leader.

Naturally I decided that simply wouldn’t do.

How does one manipulate a master manipulator? By leading them to believe they control you, of course. And so it was that I became the lead foot-licker. Whatever it is Duchess demands, I fulfill it -- in record time, no less. A world-class butler, that is what I am. Swift and obedient, I never question orders, I simply fulfill them. As it so happens I also know how to prepare a cup of tea just the way my mistress likes it.

The perfect cup of tea can be a powerful thing. In the right hands, it can even dethrone kings. Or queens, or, as it were, Duchesses. You see, Duchess is no longer clan leader.

This is not a coincidence.

How did I do it? Well let us just say it involved the right application of herbs at the right time. One also may also be wondering why I remain under Duchess employ even now that she is no longer in a position of power. And there are several reasons. First of all, it does not hurt to have a skilled Arcane scholar in your debt. Duchess is the one who granted me the jewels that run across my flesh -- gembond, the most luxurious of afflictions. The hard stones grant pain with every slight movement, but it is worth it to be a walking display of jewels (yes, I am a bit vain).

Secondly, Duchess’ family is the most influential of the whole clan. Not the worst of allies. (Which reminds me, I was recently inquired as to which I wished to join a slipshod group of dragons known as the ‘Night Allies,’ to which I merely laughed.)

And of course if Duchess ever makes another grab for too much power than I deem healthy, I’ll be right there, toxic teas well in hand. The clan should be thanking me for the service I’ve done them in keeping her in check. Because she is most verifiably terrible. And I do not exactly enjoy all the hours spent hovering at her side, bowing to her every menial request.

I do, of course, get some respite. The lovely Lacy, who is every bit Duchess’ opposite in nature, provides most amicable company. Most amicable, indeed.

~~~
~

[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 8 :[/b] Hasil[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=25238078] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/252381/25238078.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]We’re getting closer -- I dare to hope it. Closer to unraveling an ancient mystery that may just be a myth… But I think I need to back up a bit. A month ago from today, we -- the Brightwing Clan -- saw the biggest change in our clan history: we migrated from the Starfall Isles to the Sunbeam Ruins. It wasn’t an easy decision. We’d set roots here, built our lifestyle around the culture and ideals of the Arcane flight. But as clandragons became more attuned to the Arcane energies around them, harnessing them with greater ease, there arose a problem I could not ignore: driven by anger or a desire for control, these powers were being used for more and more destructive purposes. The cataclysmic battle between Veritas and Hieroglyph, which almost completely destroyed our homeland, was the last straw for me. Being a native to the Light flight, I saw no better place for us to turn. What I didn’t anticipate was how powerful an effect coming home would have on me in particular. It was reinvigorating. I felt life inside me that I thought had been choked out long ago by hardship after hardship. Not only did I feel empowered to take on the same challenges I always had to deal with as clan leader, but I also felt something new, a burning drive -- to become a better dragon. A wiser dragon. A stronger dragon. One that could stand up to any challenge, who did not need to run and hide when the storms come. My clan deserves it. And Arodan deserves it. She, who’s always been there. My better half, before I even recognized the truth of it. I would not be who I am without her constant support. Nor am I worthy of it. I’ve been blind to her wishes more often than can be counted. Yet she always comes back to me. And I would spend my last breath making it up to her if I could. When the clan was first settling into our new home, I remember the guilty look Veritas wore as he confided to me: “You know, coming here, my powers aren’t any weaker. I’m just as magically adept as I had been on the isles.” But the thing is, I had already known that. The migration wasn’t about taking powers away. It was about a change in focus, in values, in lifestyle. The pursuit of power for power’s sake makes dragons vicious and dangerous creatures. But power, tempered with truth and understanding -- that is what will create a better world. Which leads to my current pursuit. I want to believe we will find it soon. I am not afraid of what I will become, not anymore.[/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing

645

March 10, 2017 13:32:12

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Day 8 : Hasil

We’re getting closer -- I dare to hope it. Closer to unraveling an ancient mystery that may just be a myth…

But I think I need to back up a bit.

A month ago from today, we -- the Brightwing Clan -- saw the biggest change in our clan history: we migrated from the Starfall Isles to the Sunbeam Ruins. It wasn’t an easy decision. We’d set roots here, built our lifestyle around the culture and ideals of the Arcane flight. But as clandragons became more attuned to the Arcane energies around them, harnessing them with greater ease, there arose a problem I could not ignore: driven by anger or a desire for control, these powers were being used for more and more destructive purposes. The cataclysmic battle between Veritas and Hieroglyph, which almost completely destroyed our homeland, was the last straw for me.

Being a native to the Light flight, I saw no better place for us to turn.

What I didn’t anticipate was how powerful an effect coming home would have on me in particular. It was reinvigorating. I felt life inside me that I thought had been choked out long ago by hardship after hardship. Not only did I feel empowered to take on the same challenges I always had to deal with as clan leader, but I also felt something new, a burning drive -- to become a better dragon. A wiser dragon. A stronger dragon. One that could stand up to any challenge, who did not need to run and hide when the storms come. My clan deserves it.

And Arodan deserves it. She, who’s always been there. My better half, before I even recognized the truth of it. I would not be who I am without her constant support. Nor am I worthy of it. I’ve been blind to her wishes more often than can be counted. Yet she always comes back to me. And I would spend my last breath making it up to her if I could.

When the clan was first settling into our new home, I remember the guilty look Veritas wore as he confided to me: “You know, coming here, my powers aren’t any weaker. I’m just as magically adept as I had been on the isles.” But the thing is, I had already known that. The migration wasn’t about taking powers away. It was about a change in focus, in values, in lifestyle. The pursuit of power for power’s sake makes dragons vicious and dangerous creatures. But power, tempered with truth and understanding -- that is what will create a better world.

Which leads to my current pursuit. I want to believe we will find it soon. I am not afraid of what I will become, not anymore.

~~~
~

[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 9 :[/b] Duchess[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=27213873] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/272139/27213873.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]The day began like most any other. Hieroglyph had left early to take care of some sort of ‘surprise task’ (probably something for me, hehe!), and Summersby had taken the rare afternoon off. So I opted to seek out Father’s company. I decided to show him one of my favorite places he’d yet to see: the Mirrorlight Archives, home to a delightfully vast collection of tomes. Back when I first heard we were migrating away from the Starfall Isles, I was concerned I’d have to abandon my Arcane studies -- fortunately this was not at all the case, as the Light flight seems extra diligent in collecting knowledge in all fields. Of course as I was explaining all this to Father his eyes quickly began glazing over in boredom. “I will never understand how you can spend so many hours sitting in one place staring at dusty old tomes when you can be out hunting or flying,” he’d complain with a stretch of his luxurious wings. “Oh, but Father, you simply must understand!” I’d press him. “These are not simply dusty old tomes; within these writings are contained such mysteries as -- why, Transmogrification! Alchemical properties! Or--” But alas, he seemed even more bored than before. It’s funny, people say that Father and I are so alike -- and yet he does not share an ounce of my love for research! A pity, that. It was at this moment that the two of us noticed a few other dragons slipping into the library -- not through the main doors, but a side entrance. They were whispering to one another, very secretive-like. Father and I both lean forward to spot Hasil and what’s-his-face, that new skydancer Hasil has been dragging around all of Sornieth like a favored pet (you know, like he used to do with Veritas. Ugh, I’d rather not think about that dreadful fellow). We exchanged glances, Father and I, both thinking the same thing. Neither of us have ever been too fond of Hasil -- he’s daft, simple-minded and painfully lacking in ambition, preferring to keep the clan cozily entrenched in the status quo. And so we watched the two of them disappear down a dark row containing several particularly old tomes, half of which were nigh unreadable from age and wear. “You know,” I remarked to Father in a whisper, “I do believe Hasil might be seeking some sort of secret knowledge. Possibly something useful, even. Wouldn’t it be quite a shame, then, if someone happened upon it before him?” A slow grin spread upon Father’s golden features. “Why, my dear Duchess. I’m starting to see why you like it here after all.”[/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing

645

March 11, 2017 21:14:49

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Day 9 : Duchess

The day began like most any other. Hieroglyph had left early to take care of some sort of ‘surprise task’ (probably something for me, hehe!), and Summersby had taken the rare afternoon off. So I opted to seek out Father’s company. I decided to show him one of my favorite places he’d yet to see: the Mirrorlight Archives, home to a delightfully vast collection of tomes.

Back when I first heard we were migrating away from the Starfall Isles, I was concerned I’d have to abandon my Arcane studies -- fortunately this was not at all the case, as the Light flight seems extra diligent in collecting knowledge in all fields. Of course as I was explaining all this to Father his eyes quickly began glazing over in boredom. “I will never understand how you can spend so many hours sitting in one place staring at dusty old tomes when you can be out hunting or flying,” he’d complain with a stretch of his luxurious wings.

“Oh, but Father, you simply must understand!” I’d press him. “These are not simply dusty old tomes; within these writings are contained such mysteries as -- why, Transmogrification! Alchemical properties! Or--” But alas, he seemed even more bored than before. It’s funny, people say that Father and I are so alike -- and yet he does not share an ounce of my love for research! A pity, that.

It was at this moment that the two of us noticed a few other dragons slipping into the library -- not through the main doors, but a side entrance. They were whispering to one another, very secretive-like. Father and I both lean forward to spot Hasil and what’s-his-face, that new skydancer Hasil has been dragging around all of Sornieth like a favored pet (you know, like he used to do with Veritas. Ugh, I’d rather not think about that dreadful fellow).

We exchanged glances, Father and I, both thinking the same thing. Neither of us have ever been too fond of Hasil -- he’s daft, simple-minded and painfully lacking in ambition, preferring to keep the clan cozily entrenched in the status quo. And so we watched the two of them disappear down a dark row containing several particularly old tomes, half of which were nigh unreadable from age and wear.

“You know,” I remarked to Father in a whisper, “I do believe Hasil might be seeking some sort of secret knowledge. Possibly something useful, even. Wouldn’t it be quite a shame, then, if someone happened upon it before him?”

A slow grin spread upon Father’s golden features. “Why, my dear Duchess. I’m starting to see why you like it here after all.”

~~~
~

[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 10 :[/b] Veritas[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28379713] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/283798/28379713.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]It’s not my fault! Sure, some of my concentrated energy blasts got out of control. Things got wrecked. Some dragons got hurt, okay, I GET it! But it was Hieroglyph who started it you know. My “wiser” older brother. The one who always says “Magic shouldn’t be used lightly!” And yet it was HIM who tried harnessing that strong channel of energy only to get overtaken by it. HE was the one who turned into a wraith, not me. All I was doing was trying to stop him, I mean, somebody had to, right? And nobody else has power that can equal Hieroglyph’s besides me, at least not in the clan. So we fought, things got wrecked, and next thing you know Hasil decides that the whole clan’s gotta pick up and move halfway across Sornieth. But it’s not just because of me… Except, it kind of is. UGH. Why can’t I get away from this guilt… Even after talking to Hasil, even when he pressed that I need to be more forgiving. Of course he wasn’t talking about forgiving myself. At the time I had been feeling betrayed by everybody else. Hasil. Hieroglyph. And especially, especially Serah. Everybody was just trying to use me, everybody. Even the ones I thought were on my side. “Sometimes if you want to be forgiven for your own failures, you need to forgive others theirs.” I know why he said that. Apparently Hasil had some pretty colossal screwups when he was younger too. But I’m not HIM. And I wish I didn’t have to deal with all this… Serah. Serah makes it all better and worse at the same time. I need her but I don’t WANT to need her. And she insists that she chose me but she didn’t, not really -- she was assigned to me. Like I’m a job. A problem that needs solving. She says she doesn’t see it that way, that she loves my unpredictability. That she wouldn’t want me to be any other way. But maybe saying those things is just part of her doing her job. I don’t know. But in the end -- no, I’m not angry with her. Hard to be angry with someone who says those kind of things about you. But the one I’m angry with, who I’ve always been angry with -- is me. [/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing

645

March 12, 2017 20:46:20

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Day 10 : Veritas

It’s not my fault!

Sure, some of my concentrated energy blasts got out of control. Things got wrecked. Some dragons got hurt, okay, I GET it! But it was Hieroglyph who started it you know. My “wiser” older brother. The one who always says “Magic shouldn’t be used lightly!” And yet it was HIM who tried harnessing that strong channel of energy only to get overtaken by it. HE was the one who turned into a wraith, not me. All I was doing was trying to stop him, I mean, somebody had to, right? And nobody else has power that can equal Hieroglyph’s besides me, at least not in the clan. So we fought, things got wrecked, and next thing you know Hasil decides that the whole clan’s gotta pick up and move halfway across Sornieth. But it’s not just because of me…

Except, it kind of is. UGH. Why can’t I get away from this guilt… Even after talking to Hasil, even when he pressed that I need to be more forgiving. Of course he wasn’t talking about forgiving myself. At the time I had been feeling betrayed by everybody else. Hasil. Hieroglyph. And especially, especially Serah. Everybody was just trying to use me, everybody. Even the ones I thought were on my side.

“Sometimes if you want to be forgiven for your own failures, you need to forgive others theirs.” I know why he said that. Apparently Hasil had some pretty colossal screwups when he was younger too. But I’m not HIM. And I wish I didn’t have to deal with all this…

Serah. Serah makes it all better and worse at the same time. I need her but I don’t WANT to need her. And she insists that she chose me but she didn’t, not really -- she was assigned to me. Like I’m a job. A problem that needs solving. She says she doesn’t see it that way, that she loves my unpredictability. That she wouldn’t want me to be any other way. But maybe saying those things is just part of her doing her job. I don’t know. But in the end -- no, I’m not angry with her. Hard to be angry with someone who says those kind of things about you.

But the one I’m angry with, who I’ve always been angry with -- is me.

~~~
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[center]~ ~~~ [b]Day 11 :[/b] Serah[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28828505] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/avatars/288286/28828505.png[/img] [/url] [/center] [indent][i]I still remember it like it was yesterday -- the day that changed everything. When I first saw the two male pearlcatchers eyeing me and whispering to one another, I feared they might ask something… unseemly of me. I grimaced a bit at the idea -- neither one was particularly my type: one seemed far too serious and one far too full of himself. But as they explained their situation, I was intrigued. Apparently their clan leader, a wizard called Hieroglyph, had been steadily passing power to his mate Duchess -- and from the looks on the faces of Hasil and Marble, this was something neither of them found too favorable. But the wizard also had a brother, they told me. Born with powerful latent abilities, this brother had the potential to be a better leader, they thought. But he needed a little… incentive. A small encouraging nudge from a pretty female, they mused, might be just the thing. Well, I was fascinated. So I agreed to meet this Veritas. And I quickly found that getting close to him was not going to be easy. Frustrated and moody, the young male treated everyone with distrust. But I liked that. For me, Veritas was the perfect challenge to test my wits. And it came with an enticing reward… I’d get to unlock his true self, discover what was hiding behind the walls. And just maybe, I might ensnare his heart in the process. Looking back now, I was perhaps a little naive. To think he would never figure me out, never see through my motives. I had spent such a long time building trust between us, but it all came crashing down when he learned the truth of that first day. The thing is, he was never just an assignment to me. He was… so much. A fascination. A mystery. A fixation. I saw all his energy, his uncertainty, his fire, and I wanted it for myself. And to this day, I can only admire him. But to think I could ever earn back his trust now that he knows the truth… He’s tired of being pushed and pulled by the world like a pawn, I know that. And maybe he’ll always just see me as someone trying to manipulate him like the rest. But doesn’t he see? The only reason the world pressures him is because of all that he could become, all that he could accomplish. Veritas could reshape the world as he saw fit. Someday, I believe he will. I just hope that when he does, he doesn’t carve me out of the picture. [/i][/indent] [center]~~~ ~[/center]

OneWing