Quests & Challenges

@Disillusionist

It feels very exciting to be moving onto this stage of the plot, and I finally see my vision for this clan more fully laid out, now that I know how everyone works together! And thank you, I think they are going to make a wonderful new duo!

----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2698754/29#post_39956697]Previous[/url][/center] ----- [center][b][u]Day 34: Moodboard Day[/u][/b] [item=expertly-crafted spear] Sentence: Art[/center] ----- I am so tired I don't even know what I am still doing up it's almost 1am but I wanted to post my moodboards so that I don't fall back a pull tomorrow. I didn't end up writing because I got on an Art Fight kick. If you don't know what Art Fight is, it's a fun annual online event where you compete by drawing the OCs of the other team. It's been great for improving my drawing skills, but that's besides the point. The point is, here are the moodboards: [b]Bahat[/b] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/30/2f/90/302f90fc026d9192241e0c2b73f9f3d9.jpg[/img] [b]Bonegnasher[/b] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/cc/e1/98/cce1983a368b6747c2530ce2de172527.jpg[/img] [b]Bailaduel[/b] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5b/74/a0/5b74a03b4f358d371a15a52b074e9196.jpg[/img] [b]Seaberry[/b] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ba/62/6c/ba626cc7122b74ac498486d485c4e83e.jpg[/img] Aaaaand, as a fun added bonus, because I am extremely excited to have drawn a decent human being for once, here's the ref of my werewolf OC that I drew today instead of writing. (I mean, it's not the only thing I drew, but it's what I'm most excited about!) [img]http://images.artfight.net/character/EecVMxEcKNZ1BIS26XIsCcUvZaXcwkAGgtZh6SwYN5d967SBYb0G1ze14IgU.png[/img] Goodnigh y'all ----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2698754/30#post_39986515]Next[/url][/center] ----- [center]@CleverDual @HauntedWhale @Disillusionist @AlchemyFox @Tirtouga678 @catmeow1 @Leopardmask @Midwinter @chantric @Dynami @ShinyDecidueye @tigressRising @FallenEclipse @Stitched @Willnotgogently @Sabariel @MisterMylez @Skystrider @Starongie @icetail0912 @myriadofstars @Aetherstorm[/center] -----

"'No but I have a strategy' 'oh no'" is so great. Can't wait to see Bahat develop that personality!

@Leopardmask

I am so excited to do more with the brothers as they grow up!

It occurs to me that about the only times I've written Normal Siblings are with my Mirrors. I keep either getting single hatchlings or pairs wyork some sort of Connection that makes them Different.

----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2698754/30#post_39973985]Previous[/url][/center] ----- [center][b][u]Day 35: A New Job[/u][/b] [item=Toridae Mythology] Sentence: Art[/center] ----- [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=51025816][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=51025816&skin=0&apparel=12267,739,17239,17260,17284&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52846259][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=52846259&skin=0&apparel=492,10385,26359&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=52876940][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=52876940&skin=0&apparel=27972,27907,27908,27910&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] "You know, this wasn't what I was expecting when the ad said you were looking for a [i]royal[/i] bodyguard," Bailaduel grumbled as the tundra led her through the ruins. Perhaps once this was a place of glory and grandeur, but it was far fro it now. Beside her Seaberry looked around hopefully. It was clear she had been expecting something a little more populous too. "We had hoped that describing it in such a way would cause more allure. And it's true, these hatchlings are the grandchildren of our previous king," Age explained, looking a little sheepish. She did not slow as she explained, pushing ahead with a fervor that impressed Bailaduel. The tundra hadn't shared much, but it was clear there was more going on here than met the eye. Why else would she look so scared, and insist both newcomers carry a lantern at all times. Bailaduel had a tendency to get suspicious easily, but something told her that her instincts were correct. "Hatchlings? You took a job to protect hatchlings?" Seaberry scoffed. "What are we even doing here?" "Hush, Seaberry! Money is money and money means survival," Bailaduel hissed. "I apologize for my daughter, she cares only for frivolous things. She is under no obligation to [i]stay[/i]." She cast a side glance at he spiral, who seemed to not be picking up on her hints. The wildclaw sighed. It wasn't that she didn't care for her daughter, it was just that she was just another liability. She had tried once to partner with another for survival, and it hadn't ended well. Now her youngest daughter was dead, her son had left to pursue his own goals, and only her eldest remained. It all just went to show, attachments only led to heartbreak. If she wasn't so dependent on her mercenary work for survival, she would tell this tundra that taking such efforts to protect her children was useless. You couldn't coddle them forever. "I apologize for my [i]mother[/i]," Seaberry shot back, rolling her eyes. "She seems to have forgotten there's more to life than simply [i]surviving[/i]." "We're almost there," Age said, interrupting before Bailaduel could make a sharp retort. At the tundra's announcement, Bailaduel strained to listen for sounds of life. She could hear two young voices growling, and the scuffling of a larger dragon. As Age pushed through the overgrown entrance to the camp, Bailaduel took in everything. It was important to know everything about your surroundings, so that you could react at a moments notice when danger hit. The clearing had obviously been lived in for some time, though there was no proper structure built. All the shelters had been fashioned out of the plant life growing around the clearing, enhanced by fabrics and other scavenged materials. Trinkets of all varieties were strewn around, some for decoration or utility, others seemingly serving no purpose. In the center, a mirror was bowed low, playfully hissing at what appeared to be his two sons. He looked up as his mate entered the clearing, though the hatchlings continued to fight. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=53073977][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=53073977&skin=0&apparel=12901,25184,25180,25185,27131&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=53798928][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=6&bodygene=9&breed=3&element=7&eyetype=0&gender=0&tert=75&tertgene=11&winggene=10&wings=2&auth=fad5a539d6c6a913c2929b438c54f4a7fc3859f7&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=53798929][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=10&bodygene=9&breed=6&element=7&eyetype=1&gender=0&tert=45&tertgene=11&winggene=10&wings=163&auth=7d166dda2a754954200aeef43021f33250834a8a&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url][/center] "Is this-?" The mirror asked, eyeing the newcomers nervously. "Yes," Age confirmed. "Accident, this is Bailaduel and her daughter, Seaberry. Bailaduel, this is my mate, Accident." "That's a rather unfortunate name," Seaberry scoffed, causing the mirror to flinch. She obviously didn't find him to be very much to her tastes, which was probably good considering he was clearly already in a committed relationship. "I've heard worse," Bailaduel shrugged. In the plaguelands, you were thankful for what you got. Even a name could be as precious as treasure. "Boys, stop fighting, there's someone I want you to meet," Age called out to the hatchlings. Their playfighting was growing more violent, and Bailaduel could tell it was making the young mother nervous. "Let them fight, it will sharpen their fighting instincts, so they may stand a better chance once they need to fight their way out of a tight corner," Bailduel suggested. The tundra flinched, but did not protest. "The mirror is Bahat, and the tundra is Bonegnasher. He goes by Bone," Age explained. "We fear they may be in danger as my father was murdered by a dragon who is currently very close to our current king. We don't know of her intentions yet, but we do know that with the way things are, the kingdom is growing more and more unstable. Even the curse is getting worse. Even with the light of the lanterns, you can feel the chill of its grasp. Not so much this far out, but in the palace, it is a constant. There is a team of us working to find out what Heaven intends to do and stop her. All of us have chosen this path willingly, knowing full well of the dangers, but my sons are too young to choose, and Heaven has proved she's not above getting her hands dirty." As the tundra went on to explain the situation, Bailduel listened raptly. So this wasn't just an ordinary group of dragons. They were clearly small, but they had chosen a dangerous path. Judging by the fact that someone had been able to get out to place the ad, they clearly weren't stuck here, though the kingdom itself was difficult to find. They lived here by choice, and there was clearly some shiftly politics among their small population. A royal family had not only been established, but had grown big enough to result in a challenge for the crown. Despite herself, Bailaduel felt a measure of respect for these dragons. They were tougher than they looked. "Who are you?" A voice sounded below Bailaduel. She looked down to see the tundra staring up at her wide-eyed. His brother lingered close behind, looking a little wary. Bahat's cautiousness would lead to better survival instincts, but there was something about Bonegnasher's boldness that reminded her of herself when she had first set out to fend for herself in the scarred wastelands. "Bahat, Bone, meet Bailaduel. She's going to be keeping you safe and teaching you how to protect yourselves," Age explained. "You're so cool!" Bonegnasher exclaimed. "I bet you can teach us all sorts of cool things!" "I can, provided you know how to listen," Bailaduel growled playfully. The mirror winced slightly at her growl, but the tundra beamed widely. "Perfect!" Bonegnasher grinned. "Don't listen to him, he's terrible at listening," Bahat teased, shifting his paws nervously. He wasn't meeting Bailaduel's gaze. "Hey!" Bonegnasher exclaimed indignantly. "I can listen!" His bother only smiled nervously. Bailaduel knelt down to the young mirror's level. "Do I scare you?" She asked. "A little?" Bahat responded, finally lifting his head to meet her gaze. "Those are good instincts, not trusting someone unless they prove themselves worthy of it. I can tell you're a wise one. I bet you keep your brother in line," The wildclaw grinned. "I do!" Bahat said, grinning. He cast his brother an amused look. "Or at least I try to." "Good," Bailaduel flashed one of her rare smiles before standing up again. She looked at Age and Accident, who looked slightly nervous. She guessed they didn't usually tell their kids to be mistrusting of others, but she also knew their situation was dire enough that they wouldn't protest to such a lesson. "So, what do you think? Will you take the job?" Age asked. Bailaduel saw a level of respect behind her eyes. The wildclaw looked at the nervous parents, then again at their beaming hatchlings. It wasn't the sort of job she usually took. Normally she was an assassin or some other form of hired muscle. This would require a lot more babysitting than she had ever done before. But then again, they wouldn't be hatchlings forever, and it wasn't as if she knew nothing of kids. She had, after all, had a nest before. Besides, this small clan had a fighting spirit she couldn't help but admire. She wanted to stick around to see what would happen, if nothing else. "I'll take it," Bailaduel agreed, and she felt Seaberry wither beside her. "Oh come on, Mom!" Seaberry complained. "It's so boring here! I bet they don't even have a tavern." "We don't," Age admitted. "See?" Seaberry whined. "Like I've said before, you are not bound by my side. I'm taking this job, you are welcome to stay here with me, or you are more than welcome to go and live your life. I'm not forcing you to stay," Bailaduel reminded her. Seaberry huffed, but didn't say anything. She had almost given up hope that her daughter would leave to go live her own life by now. She had no idea [i]why[/i] she was so insistent on sticking so close to her, but she knew by now that it was pointless to argue. Seaberry had her stubbornness, she would do what she wanted. She just hoped her daughter would stay out of trouble. [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/38b30b419b80446dfb5163715d894882/tumblr_pr6wevGMDK1ugssd3o3_500.png[/img][/center] "Are you sure about this?" Accident asked. Bailaduel and her daughter had spent the evening with the family, getting to know them and getting acquainted with the family routine. Now, night had fallen, and the couple were curled up together, their children sleeping beside them. Bailaduel and Seaberry had returned to the living district to find a relatively intact house to settle in. "What do you mean?" Age asked. "I mean about all of this. About stopping Heaven. You don't want to be queen, I know that. We could leave, find somewhere safer to raise our family. This isn't your battle to fight," Accident pointed out. "But it is. It's my fault Jett is king, it's my fault we're in this mess at all. My father wanted me to carry on his legacy, and I can't just let everything Ivi and her family built be for nothing!" Age explained. "But that's not necessarily [i]your[/i] job," Accident reminded her. "Look at what you're giving up! You're inviting a stranger in to help us with our kids! Couldn't it at least wait until they're grown?" "It doesn't work like that Accident," Age said sadly. "Time is of the essence. Besides, you know I have a responsibility to the kingdom, whether we like it or not. I can't turn my back on what I was born with." "I had a feeling you would say that," Accident sighed. "I just thought I'd give it a shot." "And I appreciate it," Age said. "Really, I do. And I'm depending on you to tell me when I've gone too far. I don't want to lose myself in all of this. By the time this is all over, I still want to be me." "You will be, how could you not be?" Accident asked. "Power changes people," Age said, shivering. "A crown is a heavy weight to bear. It has corrupted many. I don't want to change like that." Accident didn't say anything. She had a point. Whatever happened next, it would change the life they had been living. It was impossible for it not to, it was foolish of him to think their corner of the city would remain untouched. It took a while for him to fall asleep that night. He kept feeling like he should say something, but he wasn't sure what to say. Soon Age too had drifted off to sleep, leaving Accident alone with his thoughts. There was so much darkness here, and he wished he could protect his family from it forever. ----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2698754/31#post_40118130]Next[/url][/center] ----- [center]@CleverDual @HauntedWhale @Disillusionist @AlchemyFox @Tirtouga678 @catmeow1 @Leopardmask @Midwinter @chantric @Dynami @ShinyDecidueye @tigressRising @FallenEclipse @Stitched @Willnotgogently @Sabariel @MisterMylez @Skystrider @Starongie @icetail0912 @myriadofstars @Aetherstorm[/center] ----- I know it says art pull, but I have actually had a really really rough day today. I've been really tired, and as a result I've found myself getting upset over a lot of things I wouldn't normally find upsetting. I don't really have the time or the energy to draw something, but I will stockpile that pull, and probably draw something tomorrow or on my upcoming camping trip. Speaking of which, Sunday July 28th I'm leaving to go camping until Monday August 5th, so there won't be any Pinkerlocke updates then as I obviously will a) not have wifi and b) be spending my time outdoors, enjoying nature. I'll likely still do brainstorming stuff, because camping provides the perfect mindspace for that. I'm going to try to get some sort of an update up tomorrow, but I will also be busy with work in the morning and preparing for camping in the afternoon so I can't make any promised. Unfortunately this means I may not really be able to do a Thundercrack update unless I do so after the fact (which I will probably do).

hey for what it’s worth - i love what you’re doing so far with the plot and all the complex dynamics and interactions that’ve been woven and consistent. i’m sorry to hear you’ve been having an awful day - i hope the camping trip helps and that writing this story brings you joy as well. i know i’ll still be waiting for updates even if it takes a while, don’t feel burdened to post a new chapter.

@Starongie Thank you so much for your kinds words! They mean a lot! [emoji=new friend size=1] Honestly, a huge part of it is just that I'm exhausted! I'll be heading to bed pretty soon, so hopefully I'll have a better day tomorrow!

I love Age and Accident so much!!

I hope you get some better sleep soon so you don't feel as tired, it's really not great is it? Like Starongie said, your story so far is absolutely amazing I love all the characters and their motives and dynamics, they all feel so real.

Omg Seaberry [emoji=gaoler deadpan size=1] A coworker was telling me a story the other day about a niece who Will Not leave her mother's house at 25 when her mother obviously wants her gone and independent, and Seaberry reminds me of that to a T.