Philomelus

A Tale of Flowers:
Philomelus, a male Obelisk dragon with a dull palette of dark purple, brick, and hints of dark brown, led a solitary existence within the confines of a cavern. He had watched the passage of time unfold, observing the birth and growth of a bustling city in the land below. The new arrivals, Fae and Nocturne dragons, had established themselves, and the city thrived as more immigrants joined their ranks.

Yet, Philomelus remained an enigmatic figure, his dark and unremarkable scales blending seamlessly with the cavern walls. He kept a vigilant eye on the dragons' daily lives but maintained his distance, harboring a curiosity that lay dormant for many seasons.

One fateful day, a group of dragons adorned in crystalline scales ventured into Philomelus's cave. They established their own village within the confines of his sanctuary, and the Obelisk dragon continued to observe their activities with quiet inquisitiveness. Their conversations piqued his interest, as they spoke of a city outside that welcomed dragons of all breeds and backgrounds. It was a place of second chances, where pasts and appearances held no sway.

Intrigued by the stories he heard, Philomelus took his first step outside his cave, breaking his hermit-like existence. It was during this momentous occasion that he crossed paths with a cheerful Aether dragon named Amaranth. Her delicate appearance, with hues ranging from blush to cotton candy and rose, contrasted greatly with his own unimposing visage.

Amaranth was a renowned botanist, known for her expertise in cultivating plants and gardens throughout Faerun. Her past research, conducted in the Astrolab high above, had focused on space-based plant cultivation, providing oxygen to fellow Aethers. Now, her talents were dedicated to adorning Faerun with lush and colorful gardens.

Their encounter marked a significant turning point in Philomelus's life. The two dragons, seemingly worlds apart in appearance and disposition, forged an unlikely connection. Amaranth's gentle spirit and love for the beauty of nature resonated with Philomelus, who found himself inexplicably drawn to her.

As Philomelus stepped out of the shadows of his cave and into the light of Faerun, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. He would come to realize that true beauty lay not just in one's appearance but in the connection formed with others and the contributions made to the world around them. Philomelus, the once reclusive Obelisk, and Amaranth, the vibrant Aether botanist, would go on to create a remarkable partnership, sharing their unique perspectives and bringing newfound splendor to Faerun. Together, they proved that even the most unremarkable of appearances could blossom into something beautiful when touched by the magic of friendship and shared purpose.
(Thank you, Healoe!)
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Stitched/Eel/Capsule