StarShine

'StarShine' Caribbean / Magenta / Lemon Iridescent / Shimmer / Runes Unusual eyes 441 words lore 20kt / 20g

His wings were indeed magnificent for a bogsneak. The deeply hued magenta complimented his unusual pink eyes, a fact he was used to being praised for. But the gods had not been kind to this hatchling - he couldn't fly. "The muscles in the limbs are too weak..." the doctor had sadly announced. Even lifting his wings strained him... Flying was another matter.


It may have seemed ironic then, that he had a great obsession with birds and the long feathers that adorned their wings. The subtle green sheen on a black raven feather, the pale down of a robin, these all stunned the bogsneak. He could spend hours examining the individual barbs of feathers he hoarded and couldn't help glancing at the sky every now and then to catch a glimpse of their graceful flight.

On a particularly warm breezy day, the young bogsneak decided to go bird-watching on the highest peak of the Crystalspine Reaches. His family didn't question the bulging sack he carried on his back as he left. Nor did they notice the glue he had in hand.

Other dragons would have taken a simple flight, but he had to climb the whole peak. By the time he reached the top, he was panting and his muscles burned. Eagles soared above with curiosity as he reached into his bag and pulled out a delicate pink feather. Wincing as he tried to bend his wing down, he applied a drop of glue and placed the feather on his wing. One by one, feathers were painstakingly arranged in accurate patterns across his own wing. He could've been a skydancer or coatl now, for the feathers were so well placed they seemed to be a part of him. He examined his work and tentatively flapped his wings. It hurt to move them, but he was secretly proud of his handiwork.

The bogsneak looked down the mountain - miles of sharp crystalline edges and sweeping green plains. Adrenalin surged through him, a strange feeling of bravery and fear. Birds called below, as if encouraging him to join them. He shut his eyes and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Then, with resolution, jumped. He hurtled down. Heart beating fast in fear.

Then, remember! He tried to spread his wings, then slowed down suddenly. He was safe and he was... gliding. He couldn't hold back the laughter - of relief, of joy, of pure elation. It was a feeling he never felt before. Gliding through the air smoothly, effortlessly. All he needed was his own willpower and work, and no one could stop him!