Quests & Challenges

----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2698754/10#post_39534517]Previous[/url][/center] ----- [center][b][u]Day 12: Lightlock[/u][/b] [item=Sticky Webbing] Sentence: Writing[/center] ----- [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51066578] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=1&body=3&bodygene=13&breed=12&element=2&eyetype=3&gender=0&tert=97&tertgene=5&winggene=14&wings=13&auth=4de8bdd6faab99f4f38e4e8f20d04b7d57faf9d5&dummyext=prev.png[/img] [/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51536637] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=51536637&skin=0&apparel=23081,12897,12904,10724&xt=dressing.png[/img] [/url][/center] The coatl, who had later introduced himself as Morpheus, led Larkin and her entourage into a dark stone house. It was too dark to see anything within, even with the flicker of the lantern. Suddenly, there was a burst of light as Morpheus lit an oil lamp and everything became clear. The house was hardly better shelter than a cave. The entrances to the other rooms were blocked off by rubble, and something slimy was drifting through cracks in the ceiling. Why Morpheus had chosen to live here was beyond Larkin, not that it looked like he had much, just the bare essentials. A leather sack, some food, some small tools. "Forgive me for not offering anything to eat. My supplies are dwindling, and where I come from, you'll take every morsel you can get," Morpheus admitted. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52717225] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=52717225&skin=0&apparel=24245,371,24248&xt=dressing.png[/img] [/url][/center] "Then why invite us in?" Zunde snapped, clearly growing irritated with hunger. "Because you have something special," Morpheus hissed, turning on the other coatl for his hostility. "That lantern..." He trailed off, pulling away the hand he had reached out towards the flickering light. "What do you want with my lantern?" Larkin narrowed her eyes, pulling it towards her protectively. "It seems to me like you are leaving the ruins, correct?" Morpheus asked, flicking his tongue. "What business of that is yours?" Larkin snapped. She was beginning to grow very suspicious of the coatl. "Look, what you have there is quite possibly one of the only antidotes to the curse that lies on these ruins. I have not felt such warmth since I arrived. It will not break the spell, but it offer protection. Are you really so selfish as to take that from those who still live here?" Morpheus challenged. Larkin felt a pang of guilt. "I- Um-" She took a deep breath. "Look, here's the thing. I have two children to look after. Three after that other coatl left me with these two imps. Explain to me how protecting them is selfish." "Look, the choice is yours, I'm not trying to remove you from that, but you are all stronger than you think," Morpheus scanned the gathered dragons, pausing as he eyed the imperial twins, who were looking up at him with rapt curiosity. "Those two are children of light. Due to their very nature, the curse should affect them less. Perhaps they have abilities that will allow you to expand the range of your lanterns protection." [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52950388] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=38&bodygene=20&breed=8&element=8&eyetype=1&gender=1&tert=78&tertgene=17&winggene=20&wings=32&auth=02a6abe4b7b85f8dfdd089b23503f50c24e85f0b&dummyext=prev.png[/img] [/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52950390] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=78&bodygene=20&breed=8&element=8&eyetype=0&gender=1&tert=134&tertgene=17&winggene=20&wings=32&auth=69baca34e665cc231aea935b4bd8d43e46c124b6&dummyext=prev.png[/img] [/url][/center] Larkin thought again of the dragons back at the core of the city. Ulf, who was quickly becoming a dear friend. Khepri, the dragon her son had befriended. And... Topaz. She could just leave him, not after swearing to journey with him to the ends of the world to find his kingdom. She may not want to become his queen, but he still had a special place in her heart. Besides, Age would only grow more restless not having her father around. And above all, that old mantra from the orphanage where she grew up was stuck in her head. [i]Be the light[/i]. If there was any place ever in need of light, it was here. "I thank you for your kind hospitality, but we should be going," Larkin said, dipping her head curtly. "To use your gift and bring light to this kingdom once again?" Morpheus asked, eyes twinkling. "We'll have to see, won't we?" Larkin challenged, not wishing to be told what to do. "Well, if you are, I'd recommend setting it up before the end of Brightshine Jubilee. Sornieth will not see this much light energy again for twelve years." Morpheus warned, eyes flashing. "Noted, thank you," Larkin said, her tone bordering on a growl. "Come on kids, let's go." And with that, they left. In the winding streets of the city, it was difficult to tell what direction they were going. Only the increasingly cold grip on her chest told her she was getting closer to the epicenter. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52876940] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=146&bodygene=13&breed=6&element=7&eyetype=1&gender=1&tert=172&tertgene=18&winggene=20&wings=5&auth=4da5086f145111dc00c11a8119fd0b3a5a08fbb9&dummyext=prev.png[/img] [/url][/center] "Where are we going, Mama?" Age asked, "Home," Larkin told her daughter. "For real this time?" "For real." ----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2698754/11#post_39557693]Next[/url][/center] ----- [center]@CleverDual @HauntedWhale @Disillusionist @AlchemyFox @Tirtouga678 @catmeow1 @Leopardmask @Midwinter @chantric @Dynami @ShinyDecidueye @tigressRising @FallenEclipse @Stitched @Willnotgogently @Sabariel @MisterMylez @Skystrider[/center] ----- Featuring Morpheus the NPC traveling dragon again! I figure it was to to give my NPCs a little more plot purpose.

@Petall Whew, I got bogged down after work yesterday. But at least now I have two chapters to read! [emoji=bogsneak star size=1] [b]Let There Be Light:[/b] Gotta say, when I saw the words "Death Streak Roll" and read about Khepri lying sick in bed, I feared the worst. Topaz and Ulf as well -- you did an excellent job showing all those narrow escapes! Topaz and Ulf's confrontation in particular was really good. It was so tense and ended on a taut, mysterious note. And after that, I started lol'ing at Larkin getting [i]two more children[/i] dumped into her arms. Larkin is Everybody's Mom. Seeing how the NPCs interact with the traveling party is pretty fun. [b]Lightlock:[/b] Morpheus seems like kind of a shaky character. I'm imagining him as a more unhinged version of Radagast the Brown. Looking forward to see how the party will deal with the information he shared! Also the two new kids, wow. I get the feeling Topaz and Ulf will be just a teensy bit horrified. [emoji=spiral tongue size=1]

@Petall Aww, Zunde is such a good big brother! So kind to his little sister! And poor Khep, finally being effected by the curse... and/or a bad cold. He seems like the type who would be a total baby when he gets sick. Topaz, bringing out the big guns! Show that Nature thug that you don't mess with Wind! LOL~ I do always love the way you write dragon fights, not that I'm implying dragons should ever fight, but dragon fights are just so cool! But... err... does Topaz know that crown looks a bit big for him? [img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2e/0c/a5/2e0ca5e526ac416c21e61781ae844af5.gif[/img] I also love how important the lantern is! How important light and warmth is in general to the story, in fact...

@Disillusionist

I was terrified through the whole battle, I was glad I could portray some of that in my writing! Right now, I can't imagine this story without any of these characters! Of course, I'm prepared and haven't written myself into any corners for when I don't get quite so lucky, but still.

Sooner or later, I always seem to end up with a mom character! (I'm not surprised, they are a favourite of mine!) With Windkeep Tower, the main one was Amberlyn, and now it seems Larkin is stepping into that role rather nicely! I didn't even intend for that to happen, it's just fallen into place!

@AlchemyFox

Wouldn't that be hilarious? Someone thinks they're being attacked by the curse but it's really just the flu or something? XD

Thank you so much! As someone who's not big on combat personally, I'm glad to hear you think I can pull it off in writing! (It helped that I wrote it immediately after watching several episodes of Shadowhunters lol). Also, that gif is everything!

----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2698754/11#post_39547849]Previous[/url][/center] ----- [center][b][u]Day 13: Midas Touch[/u][/b] [item=Golden Cushionfish] Sentence: 30-40 Coli Battles[/center] ----- [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52650538] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=52650538&skin=0&apparel=749,26559,12927,13792,13808,13776,13848,440&xt=dressing.png[/img] [/url][/center] Khepri glanced up at the tower in its hulking height. He had never set foot in the palace in which Zunde lived with his mother, but Larkin had visited him the night before and asked him to do a job. If he wanted to make a living here in this city until he could return to his love, getting established as the resident blacksmith would be his best bet. So here he was. He had never worked for anyone so important before. Even if his blacksmith company had been known for their quality, he had never worked with the few higher status customers himself. Even when he got his new job, he hadn't been a high enough rank to work with such significant orders. Now it seemed he was working for royalty. He wondered what the monarch of this kingdom would be like. It seemed like a very newly established kingdom, so likely they wouldn't have as many formalities as he would expect, but he could never be too careful. It was a long walk from the forge to the palace entrance, especially carrying all of his equipment. There was, of course, an entrance in the market district, but whatever fire had destroyed half the palace had badly damaged the tower to the point where rubble blocked the entryway. Perhaps that would be the service he was hired for, fixing the palace. Though, that would require a lot more stone masonry and woodwork than Khepri was capable of. Once he reached the living district entrance, he knocked on the large, ornate doors. There was no response, and that was when Khepri realized that the population of the kingdom was probably too small to allow for servants. Hoping that he was following the correct protocol, he creaked the door open and stepped inside. Larkin had told Khepri to meet her in the throne room on the top floor, so the snapper began to make his way up the spiral staircase in the tower, hoping it would lead him where he needed to go. His tools were starting to feel extra heavy after climbing so high, and he found himself heartily relieved when he reached the top of the tower and swung the door open to find Larkin and a regal-looking coatl in deep conversation. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51536637][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=51536637&skin=0&apparel=23081,12897,12904,10724&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51366343] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=51366343&skin=0&apparel=16492,18782,2125,29290&xt=dressing.png[/img] [/url][/center] "Oh good! Khepri, you're right on time!" Larkin said, abruptly breaking off her conversation when she caught sight of the snapper. Khepri saw the coatl shoot a glare at the tundra as she walked off, but said nothing. "What can I do for you?" Khepri huffed, still out of breath from the climb. "I think, and Topaz agrees," Larkin paused, craning her neck over her shoulder to glance at the coatl. "King Topaz," Topaz hissed in correction. Larkin rolled her eyes, "[i]King Topaz[/i] agrees, that the time has come to build a beacon fire here at the palace. I was wondering you you could build a place for that. We have all the plans drawn up, although they will doubtlessly need adjustments. Neither of us know much about dimensions and what is actually feasible in metalworking." Khepri took the scrolls Larkin gave her. He unrolled it, and he recognized Zunde's handwriting labeling everything. Once he had taken it all in, he rolled it up again. "With some minor adjustments, that should work perfectly! I just have one question. Why are you so keep to have it indoors? Surely a beacon would be safer to have outdoors, and would be more visible." "That's what I thought too, but this beacon isn't just any beacon," Larkin explained. "You've felt the curse that has a hold on this city, haven't you?" "A curse? I thought I was just coming down with something!" Khepri exclaimed. "We've all been feeling the same things. Or, well, at least similar things. It seems to attack everyone differently," Larkin explained, "Anyways, we've found that there's one thing that seems to work in fending it off. Before Topaz and I traveled here, we took light from the beacon fire at the top of Windkeep Tower, a tower on the edge of the Windswept Plateau. We had heard rumors that taking a flame would grant travelers a safe journey, and it seems the stories are more true than we first thought. The flame in our lantern has not died out since we set out, and even being close to it has a huge impact on how dragons fare against the curse. I wanted it to be somewhere central and easily accessible by everyone so that as the kingdom grows, no one has any difficulty getting to it, but Topaz, sorry, [i]King[/i] Topaz, is set on having it in his throne room." "You make it seem like I'm doing this for selfish reasons!" King Topaz hissed, entering the conversation, "From the throne room, it is central to the entire clan, and visible for all the clan. It also seems to be where the curse is the strongest, so its fighting it at the source! This is strategy!" "And it ensures that you and your lineage are kept safe above everyone else," Larkin pointed out. "Well, a strong leadership is important, especially in times of turmoil!" King Topaz reminded her. "And that's not my primary reason! Besides, you want Age to be safe as much as I do, you proved as much when you [i]stole[/i] her out from under me." "Our daughter is not some possession for you to covet and hold tight, she is her own person capable of her own decisions!" Larkin growled. "Oh, like you made the decision for her to leave my kingdom without even consulting me?" Topaz hissed. Larkin looked away, guilt crossing her face. "Anyways, the beacon is to be built here in the throne room," Larkin said, changing the topic and regaining her composure. "If you wouldn't mind, would you be able to help us make some measurements so we can set out the best location for the fire?" "Of course," Khepri nodded, and pulled out his tools, grateful for the distraction from whatever conflict she and the king were having. Just as he was staring to make the measurements, Khepri heard the squeal of hatchlings and turned his head to see a pair of green imperials running at him at top speed before ramming straight into him. They had been looking at a young tundra chasing them, laughing wildly. Though just children, they were almost as big as he was, and the collision set him tumbling over, scuffing up the chalk marks he had been making on the floor in the process. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52950388] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=38&bodygene=20&breed=8&element=8&eyetype=1&gender=1&tert=78&tertgene=17&winggene=20&wings=32&auth=02a6abe4b7b85f8dfdd089b23503f50c24e85f0b&dummyext=prev.png[/img] [/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52950390] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=78&bodygene=20&breed=8&element=8&eyetype=0&gender=1&tert=134&tertgene=17&winggene=20&wings=32&auth=69baca34e665cc231aea935b4bd8d43e46c124b6&dummyext=prev.png[/img] [/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52876940] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=146&bodygene=13&breed=6&element=7&eyetype=1&gender=1&tert=172&tertgene=18&winggene=20&wings=5&auth=4da5086f145111dc00c11a8119fd0b3a5a08fbb9&dummyext=prev.png[/img] [/url][/center] "Oof," Khepri huffed as he felt the pain of his landing throb through him. He cracked open his eyes, still feeling the weight of one of the young imperials upon him. The other had scrambled off and was dusting herself off, glaring at the snapper as if it was his fault she had chalk dust on her scales. The tundra, who Khepri assumed was Age, was rolling on the floor, incapacitated by laughter, not seeming to care how much dust was getting caught in her fur. "Neveah, could you please e so kind as to get off of our lovely guest?" Larkin asked sweetly, and Khepri suddenly felt the weight of the hatchling leave him, and he was able to get to his feet. He immediately began dusting off his scales and assessing the damage. Suddenly, Zunde burst into the room, a look of horror on the coatl's face. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52717225] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=52717225&skin=0&apparel=24245,371,24248&xt=dressing.png[/img] [/url][/center] "I am so sorry, I knew you told me to keep the occupied and out of the throne room," Zunde apologized breathlessly to his mother. "I thought tag would be a safe option." "There's no harm done," Khepri said, putting on a smile. But deep down, something within him ached. He wasn't old enough to have children yet, but he had always hoped someday that he and his love would have hatchlings of their own someday. He wanted to settle down with her and raise a family, and now she hated him so much to go so far as to banish him from her company. If he didn't get his act together soon enough, she might move on and start a family with somebody else. He wouldn't blame her if she did, after everything he did to hurt her. "Khepri? Are you okay?" Larkin asked, breaking into his thoughts. She looked concerned. "Yeah, I'm fine," Khepri answered, mouth dry. It wasn't exactly a lie. Physically he was fine. Emotionally, not so much. "The twins always seem to find trouble sooner or later," Larkin said, smiling and shaking her head. "And half the time they drag Age into to along with them. Still, it's good for Age to have some friends to play with." Khepri smiled, still thinking about his lost love. He gave himself a little shake to push the thoughts away and return his focus to the task at hand. "Right, so back to these measurements." [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/38b30b419b80446dfb5163715d894882/tumblr_pr6wevGMDK1ugssd3o3_500.png[/img][/center] The project seemed to take longer than Khepri had expected. Some of the more delicate and ornate details had proved to be difficult and there were a few occasions in which he had to redo a section several times over to ensure it was done perfectly. What he wouldn't give to have one of his old co-workers here to give him a hand. The more time passed, the more pressure was added. Larkin was insistent that it had to be complete before the end of the Brightshine Jubilee, but that only gave him a couple weeks. One thing that was helpful, however, was the aid of Ulf. The gaoler had used his bulk and strength to help Khepri carrying things to and from the palace, as well as offering a hand with whatever setup he could. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52380401] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=1&body=19&bodygene=0&breed=17&element=10&eyetype=9&gender=0&tert=15&tertgene=0&winggene=0&wings=114&auth=968586440067b88f06ba28aedc835e6bb6be8006&dummyext=prev.png[/img] [/url][/center] "Hey, how good are you with chains?" Ulf asked. The two were carrying a particularly large set of pieces up the the palace. "Chains? As in making them?" Khepri asked. "Yes," Ulf said. "You see, the dungeon tower of the palace has been somewhat damaged by the fire, and I was wondering if you could give me a hand in restoring it. I mean, I don't see myself locking anyone up in the near future, but one can never be too prepared. I would need bars to fill in some of the gaps, as well as new sets of chains." "I could do that," Khepri nodded. "How soon do you need them?" "Oh, there's no particular rush," Ulf commented. "Even if we could just start by getting a few cells ready. It can be a gradual project of ours." "That sounds great," A grin crossed Khepri's face. It looked like he would have work here after all. [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/38b30b419b80446dfb5163715d894882/tumblr_pr6wevGMDK1ugssd3o3_500.png[/img][/center] On the last day of the Brightshine Jubilee, the last pieces for the beacon fire were put in place. The casing was one of the finest jobs Khepri had ever done. He wished his love could be here to see it. Crafted out of metal and coated in a layer of gold, statues of the past kings and queens of the city ringed the barrier, a reminder of the legacy the beacon would protect. [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/32203317]Arcene[/url] and [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/32141147]Akira[/url], with halos of moonlight and sunlight respectively. [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/33201294]Basil[/url], surrounded by flowers. [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/34221621]Chrisha[/url], clutching a rose in her talons. [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/35162896]Daphnie[/url], wearing a delicate veil. [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/36130359]Ender[/url], wearing a bored expression. [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=37069518]Fabian[/url], an sharp expression on his face that even intimidated Khepri. [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/37997970]Gryffin[/url], looking as if he was trying to fly off of the wall. [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=38973680]Haven[/url], holding out a sword in both her hands. [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=39870748]Ivi[/url], her face half shattered, a mistake on Khepri's part, but a good representation of the curse that tore her reign apart. Last but not least, Topaz, wearing his crown proudly. "It looks, amazing, thank you," Larkin said, breathless with the beauty of it. "You will be well paid for your efforts," Topaz promised. "But we don't have much-" Larkin said, looking confused. "I found the royal hoard. We're good," Topaz whispered. He then pulled out a large bag of treasure and handed it to Khepri. The snapper graciously pocketed it. It was more than had been agreed upon, and he was grateful for his king's generosity. "Well, let's gather everyone together, and we can start the ceremony," Larkin said, grinning widely. "Do you know of anyone else living in the city?" Khepri shook his head, "I've never run into anyone else." "Great, then I'll gather Zunde and the kids and we can get started and kick this curse in the butt," Larkin's eyes flashed with determination, and she left. Khepri couldn't help but feel honored to be part of such an important ceremony. He just hoped it would be enough. The curse still held his chest tightly, making it difficult to breathe. The sooner they had protection, the better. ----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2698754/12#post_39572304]Next[/url][/center] ----- [center]@CleverDual @HauntedWhale @Disillusionist @AlchemyFox @Tirtouga678 @catmeow1 @Leopardmask @Midwinter @chantric @Dynami @ShinyDecidueye @tigressRising @FallenEclipse @Stitched @Willnotgogently @Sabariel @MisterMylez @Skystrider[/center] ----- You know, I feel as if the Coli is lulling me into a false sense of security. I can't believe I haven't lost anyone yet, and I'm starting to feel like I won't. Which is a bad mindset to get myself into, I know the rng will strike when I least expect it and there is going to be a bit of a level gap between some dragons once levels start getting above the woodland path and I'll have to duck down there instead of the training fields for lower level battling. Today the RNG chose Zunde, so it was his first day in the coli, which is very exciting. Oh! And before I forget, today is the last day you can claim Topaz and Larkin's son! Their lost daughter I traded to someone for another dragon, but if the son doesn't get claimed before he grows up, he will be given the name "Lost" and exalted. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52876939] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/528770/52876939_350.png[/img] [/url][/center]

@Petall

I'll take their son!

@FallenEclipse

Awesome!!! I'll send him over right away!

this story is so good, i’ve read it all in one sitting. you’re quite good at keeping the plot moving and the pacing is lovely. (&& i don’t want you to lose anyone lol, they all have a function and personality! even tho’ that is the way of the pinkerlocke)

@Petall Never have I related as much to Khepri. xD That scene where Larkin and Topaz are arguing right in front of him -- I can only imagine how disoriented he must've been, especially being out of breath from the climb. It's great to see him and Ulf getting along, though! They're both chill. [emoji=heart size=1] I also LOVE your description of the statues! It was so fun to click through each of the dragons and imagine them as you'd described them. Plus I got a good laugh out of "Daphnie, wearing a delicate veil. Ender, wearing a bored expression." X3