Deniz

In a colorless land, covered in ice and snow,
Lively dragons claimed the wasteland as their own
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The Tale

The skies are a marvel of invention, aren't they? The gods formed a whole world, a vast and full land ripe for the taking, then allowed only their favorite creations, the dragons, to soar over it all. Pathetic harpies and beasts can barely call their flailing flaps "fight" in comparison to us!

Or at least, in comparison to me. My grand spread of wings and immeasurable skill makes most of our kind pale in comparison, doesn't it? No dragon could match me in this fundamental part of our lives.

I am better. I am greater. Recognize it, and fall in awe- as you're meant to!

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Deniz always had a way of viewing the world that most find... unpleasant. The egotistical and self-centered imperial, while incredibly gifted in his abilities, holds a firm belief that all of dragon kind is his inferior, and all other creatures so far under him as to not even exist. One could expect this kind of illusioned belief system from something like royalty, archmages, or the unwell- but Deniz is none of those.

What he does possess is a gift of the most efficient, fastest, and possibly greatest ability to fly out of anything or anyone he's ever met. Being born a wind dragon already grants a natural increase in flight abilities, but Deniz excelled far beyond his sibling and peers in mere days after hatching. His parents, in weeks, and his community in less than a month- all watching in awe at his incredible skill and control, at an impossible age. Being born with such a primal nature could bring out the best, and the worst, of an individual- power warping their construction beyond mortal capabilities. Something about those swirling, magical eyes seemed to make him destined to soar and twist through the sky better than fish in water- so who would his parents' clan be to deny such a glorious godly gift? As Deniz grew up to adulthood, he was showered in praise, admiration, and whatever resources he needed or luxuries he wanted. Spoiled rotten and back, he very well was royalty to his first home. As an adult, some of this interest diminished- a child prodigy is seen as a much higher priority than a highly skilled adult. Dragons started to ask when he'd start applying that ability to help provide for them all.

Deniz, having grown up with everything handed to him on a platter, thought merely existing was help enough, and rejected the notion that he should have to do any kind of work. When pressed, he took everything he'd been given and some things he certainly didn't own, and disappeared into the sky, leaving clouds shattered in his supersonic wake.

With his born speed and clan left behind, the entire world was his plaything. He could manipulate the wind to always be at his tail, smooth and quick, carrying him anywhere he desired with little to no effort, and no monster or aggressive beastclan could catch the massive trespassing dragon. He simply couldn't be stopped. From town to town, city to city, he'd land with a burst of wind and introduce himself the same way a demigod would announce their divine heritage, awaiting adoration and showers of gifts.

Most places... did not follow along with his wishes. He was forced to get slightly more creative.

Rich nobility often took a fascination with oddities and shiny baubles, artwork and collectables. By playing to these desires, adorning himself with glitter and silks, turning his aerial expertise to his own form of wind-manipulated dance, he turned himself into a perfect performer overnight. Appearing at the front doors of manors and castles, he'd offer his entertainment at a steep cost that simply couldn't be passed up. Treasure is temporary, and collects dust- fantastical memories would be well worth the cost!

That's what he convinced them of, anyways. He'd stay as long as he was paid, the personal dancer of whoever he could convince, a marvelous object to be displayed at parties and the crown jewel of festivals, sweeping back manes and even entire small dragons with bursts of wind from his massive wings as he shot low over streets. What a spectacle! What a marvelous thing!

No novelty lasts forever, of course... Once his benefactors had enough and let him go, he'd fall into the same spoiled tantrum as his youth, grab whatever he could worth money, and take off- impossible to catch or pursue. He was not only an entertainer, but a criminal from his incredible arrogance. That will teach them to think twice before cutting me off again! I deserve this- nobody could pay enough to really have me, and they should have known I only stayed from my good will and graces. Those poor fools will regret offending me for the rest of their lives.

Deniz's infamy grew faster than his entertainer's reputation, and bounties from indignant nobles began to pile up. But who in their right minds would try to catch such a massive dragon that could cross the continent in a week, who could drive the very winds to bash any drake into the ground, and outrun any pursuit? Nobody except the crazy, and the desperate. Deniz was more than happy for the attention a panicked, desperate drake gave him in their relentless pursuits for his head. They were like fans! And they couldn't hurt him, of course- nothing could. He was untouchable, undeniable, perfect. In reality, his lack of morals and respect for dragon kind meant he could and would do anything to escape harm. Usually, throwing innocent bystanders in the way was enough to derail any pursuit- or at least shield him from harm with their bodies.

(still WIP)

Revenge Still Waits, Years In The Making

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