Creative Corner

@rainphee

Definitely!!! It felt so good to give him that trial! And I'm glad she was happy to help! :D

----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2383572/38#post_35055739]Previous[/url][/center] ----- [center][b][u]Chapter 69: From Now On[/u][/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=25550650] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/255507/25550650_350.png[/img] [/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28254965] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/282550/28254965_350.png[/img] [/url][/center] The evening after the trial, Fenn called forth a ceremony to honour those who had died in the battle. Dremasul had carefully cremated the bodies, and placed the ashes in jars. They would be released into the wind, to allow their spirits to ride the breeze to wherever they wished to wander. Everyone was gathered by a shrine in the cherry blossom grove. Fenn had suggested it be put up to honour all those who died at Windkeep Tower. Pennar's name was already etched on a smooth stone tablet in the center of the monument. The sun had mostly gone down, and the gathering was lit by candles and lanterns. A somber silence filled the air as everyone got settled down. "Tonight, on the eve before the Flameforger's Festival, we honour those who died in the battle to protect Windkeep Tower. First, we shall honour the unknown prisoners who were slain by the emperor." Fenn announced, looking to Dremasul. Dremasul nodded, and took the lid off of the first clay jar. Using her wind magic, Fenn lifted the contents into the sky until it was high enough to be carried away by a passing breeze. As soon as ever speck had been blown away, Fenn spoke again. "This was not their battle to fight, they were wronged, and may their souls find rest. Windkeep Tower honours them and their courage." Fenn closed her eyes and dipped her head. In the back of the crowd, a couple prisoners lowered their heads. Most of the prisoners had left as soon as Magnus the Blacksmith had removed the chains that bound them, but two of them had decided to stay, at least long enough to honour their fallen comrades. One of them felt old memories stir up within her as she lay eyes on Dremasul, not all of them good. She would make her disappearance soon afterwards, she decided. It would not do well to dig up the past she had left behind. The gathered dragons kept the silence for a couple minutes before Fenn spoke again. "Next is Daisy Mae." Fenn said. "She attacked our tower and brought danger and hardship upon us all, and she died for it, but that does not mean she does not deserve a proper send off. May she too find peace." Dremasul once again lifted the lid of another jar and Fenn lifted the ashes to the air. This process took a lot quicker this time, as though it was simply routine. They did not hold a silence afterwards. "And finally, though certainly not least of all, is our own Runeclaw. He was a valued member of the clan, quick to help out those who needed it. He made others laugh, and kept us on our toes with his antics. We loved him dearly, and the Copper Lotus will not be the same without his service. May he enjoy his traipse across the skies of Sornieth, pulling pranks and having fun." Tears were beginning to glisten in Fenn's eyes. "He will be very much missed." The clan held the silence for the next five minutes. Afterwards, Fenn dipped her head, and stepped down from the monument. She began to mingle among the dragons gathered below, checking in with them and trying to soothe their grief. Dremasul looked out over the crowd, not really taking in anything he was seeing. Tomorrow, he would come back and etch Runeclaw's name into the memorial. Tonight was a night to grieve and remember. Suddenly, Dremasul saw someone that caught his eyes. In the very back of the gathered dragons was a wildclaw wearing a skeletal mask. It was clear she did not want to be recognized, but how could he not recognize Draxxor, the dragon who had been his wife before his path stealing souls for Id tore them apart. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28306331] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/283064/28306331_350.png[/img] [/url][/center] For a split second, they made eye contact, and Draxxor turned to go. Dremsaul leaped into the air and soared over the mourning dragons. He could fly faster than she could walk, and she would not have enough of a warning to break into a run. He landed in front of her and stared into her wind-green eyes, trying to piece together what to say. It was clear she was speechless too, though her gaze held a sharpness to them, a warning. "Draxxor, I didn't know you were still alive." Dremasul said. "That was the way I wanted it." Draxxor said, though her eyes looked uncertain. "You've changed." She said it like it was a fact, not a question. "You are whole." "I've been released from Id's service, and I have been trying to live a better live ever since. I've been saving lives, instead of taking them." Dremasul explained. Draxxor simply nodded, her eyes fixed like she was staring into his soul. As a soul reader, he reminded himself she probably was. "Give me another chance. I never stopped loving you, and I did not know my condition would pass on to our children. I have been keeping our sons safe ever since." He gestured to the two small lanterns floating by his wings. "I can see that." Draxxor nodded. She sighed. "A lot has changed since we last crossed paths. I have been trying to make up for my association with you by chasing down those dark of spirit and ridding Sornieth of them. I fear my soul has been besmirched by those actions. Tell you what, I will stay in Windkeep Tower. I want to see my great-grandmother again. If we can truly live in the same clan together in peace, maybe we can give us another shot." [center][img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/e0bf/f/2018/247/7/5/divider_by_cas_a_fras-dcm237t.png[/img] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=42353367] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/423534/42353367_350.png[/img] [/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=41173788] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/411738/41173788_350.png[/img] [/url][/center] The morning after the ceremony, Rubywing paced the halls of the mansion. She was trying to shake the memories of when she lived here, but she feared the ghosts of the past would always roam the corridors. She was so entranced that she didn't notice Rhowen come up behind her. "You scared me!" She exclaimed. "Nevermind, do you have everything you need from your quarters?" "Yes. there wasn't much left to salvage." Rhowen admitted. "So, where do you want to go?" "I don't know." Rubywing sighed. "Everything feels so weird since the trial. I don't even really want to go. I've finally started to get to know my mother and the rest of my family, but the memories of this place-" "Then change them." Rhowen said. "What?" "Make this a place for the good. Fenn said you could have it right? If you want to get rid of the bad memories, build better memories in their place." Rhowen suggested. "You don't even have to live here, but maybe this can be a safe haven for those who need protection, a hidden place where they can be comfortable, less visible than in the tower. You can use your gift to spread hospitality to others." Ruby's brain was clicking like clockwork, pieces of a puzzle all coming together. It was true, she did have a knack for inter-dragon relationships and diplomacy. Maybe- Just maybe- "What are you thinking?" Rhowen asked, flicking his tongue. "This could be an embassy." Rubywing said. "A place to work out interclan and interflight relationships. And yes! A place where those who need extra shelter and protection to hide out and be protected. It will be a place of relationship building and a save haven where anyone from any flight or clan can find peace and help. Windkeep Tower has a few allies, but we need someone to help build more!" "You'd make a great Ambassador! You have the right spirit for it! Not to mention you gift will help soothe potential tensions." Rhowen said, amusement flashing in his eyes. "You'd be working alongside me of course." Ruby said. "You can be on the defense aspect, making sure no one stirs up too much trouble and making sure refugees have the shelter they need. You were so great at organizing the transport of the emperor with the ice flight. I'd love to have your help! That is, if you want to. You are no longer bound to my service, you can go where you want." She looked at the floor, unable to met Rhowen's gaze. The thought of him leaving hurt so much, but she was not going to be her father, she would not be holding him in place. "Are you kidding? There's nowhere I'd rather be than working by your side." Rhowen said with a grin. "You've changed my world." "And you've changed mine." Rubywing said, raising her eyes to meet Rhowen's. Normally they seemed so icy and distant, but now there was a great warmth that filled them. She felt her face getting closer and closer to his, and neither of them seemed willing to blink or look away. [center][img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/e0bf/f/2018/247/7/5/divider_by_cas_a_fras-dcm237t.png[/img] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=41058623] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/410587/41058623_350.png[/img] [/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=40857691] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/408577/40857691_350.png[/img] [/url][/center] The bell rang on the door to the Copper Lotus. Juliette almost didn't look up, she was too busy decorating the tavern for the opening of the festival. When she did look up, she wished she hadn't. Thorburn had made his way in, head lowered. Catching sight of her, he wandered over. "What do you want?" Juliette asked curtly, climbing down her ladder. "I just wanted to thank you properly, for saving my life, and your help with the ring." He mumbled. "I should have told you about the ring sooner, I just thought if I was careful, it wouldn't be a problem." "Is that all?" Juliette asked. "No. I also wanted to apologize for my behaviour. Seeing what happened to Quartz after everything he did- gosh, I wanted to be like him so much." Thorburn shook his head. "But in the end, he didn't get away with him. Jules, I miss you. I miss working with you. We made a great team, and I want to get back to the way things were before I got caught up in all my greed, or at least before I had a means to try to fulfill it." "Thorburn, you were one of my best friends, but I don't know." Juliette sighed. "I miss it too." She admitted. "Really?" "Yeah. It was fun, it was an adventure, it was something we built. I liked that." Juliette smiled a small smile. "But that stuff, the black market and the skiving and the cheating, that's your stuff. I just want to be a mechanic. I want to tinker and make my own machines." "Please Jules. I have nothing now." Thorburn pleaded. "And really, before money got in the way of everything, the moments I enjoyed the most was when it was just the two of us, plotting and having fun together. I want that back. Please forgive me for all the awful things I said and did. I regretted them the moment you left and I tried to hide that by running to Quartz but that's the truth. I'll try to be better, I really will. Please, can we at least be friends again?" Juliette sighed. Her first instinct was to say no, he had hurt her too badly and would he really change after all this time? But then she remembered how India had taken her back so quickly, and how good that forgiveness had felt to receive. She didn't want to be the sort of dragon to hold a grudge and let it wither her away like some bitter old flower. "Okay, I forgive you. But I'm not doing the whole black market thing again. We can be friends, but I want to help my aunt run the inn and work on my mechanic business and live a life here. No more hiding, no more skulking." Juliette said. "Agreed." Thorburn looked around. "Hey, do you think India has any job openings? I could do with a little something to get me on my feet again and teach me how to care about others. Plus, I know you are a bit short staffed after-" Juliette nodded. "As long as you don't complain as much as you did about your apprenticeship with Maggie!" Thorburn let out a laugh. "When I get to work with you? Not a chance!" "Well, why don't you give me a hand with these decorations then." Juliette said. "This inn won't decorate itself!" "Yeah, sure, why not!" Thorburn said, and the two began to decorate the tavern together, chatting and laughing like nothing had changed. [center][img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/e0bf/f/2018/247/7/5/divider_by_cas_a_fras-dcm237t.png[/img] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=41895746] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/418958/41895746_350.png[/img] [/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=41890810] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/418909/41890810_350.png[/img] [/url][/center] "What are we going to do now?" Kyra asked Kulshan. "We're going to need a job or something, now that Quartz is gone." "I don't know. I guess we are back to square one." Kully sighed. "Hey? What's with that attitude! We aren't at square one! We have each other, don't we? Where's the 'anything's possible with Love?' Where's the 'we can do anything if we put out hearts to it?'" Kyra laughed. "When has a little setback ever stopped you?" "I suppose you're right. We'll just have to look around. Our skills must come in handy somewhere." "Actually, I wanted to talk to you two about that." The whirled around and a pale pearlcatcher sauntered over to them, dressed in fine red linens. A mask covered his face. [center][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=37997969] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/350/379980/37997969_350.png[/img] [/url][/center] "My name is Kaladin." The pearlcatcher said with a bow. "I work for the circus in town, and I must say, I saw your magic in the battle and that was mighty impressive. We could use an act like that in our show. So, what do you say?" [center][img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/e0bf/f/2018/247/7/5/divider_by_cas_a_fras-dcm237t.png[/img][/center] That evening, as the sun was beginning to set, Fenn announced Quartz's fate to the clan. "Before we begin our festivities, I would like to announce that as Quartz has shown a real change of heart, and he did not deliberately kill Runeclaw, we have opted to give him a second chance and have forgiven him for all he has done in the past." Fenn told the gathered dragons. "He has given up his wealth and fortune, and this morning he left to try to make amends to those who he has wronged in the past, in other clans. if he decides to return to us, he will be granted a home here as a thanks to all the help he provided in the battle. I thank you all for everything you did as individuals to help save this beautiful clan from Daisy Mae's wrath! Now, without further ado, let the Flameforger's Festival begin! And with that, the victorious clan raced to celebrate their victory. A few torches were lit, sending showers of sparks into the sky, mirroring the high spirits of the gathered dragons. The resulting party was not as grand as the elemental festivals had been under Quartz's donations, but for what the party lacked in luster, the dragons of Windkeep Tower made up in festive spirit. They had faced challenge together and they had overcome, and that knowledge tied them together more than the grandest, most expensive festival every could. ----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2383572/39#post_35124976]Next[/url][/center] ----- [center] @CleverDual @Alwaid @zzzhorses @Skyeset @ScrivenerRook @Kizzan @clarax @lilastar @tigressRising @Disillusionist @Aetherstorm @rainphee @RiaFire11[/center] ----- And that is it! The end of the Beloved Jewels arc! A lot has happened these past four months, and I am glad to be able to pull this together into such an ending! I do have my idea for the next arc (the only hint I'll give is that one of the portions of today's chapter will lead into it) but because I'm about to start university next week, while I transition to my new schedule I'm going to be doing a series of one-off updates, just to also check in with some other characters in Windkeep Tower and show what life it like for them, as well as follow up on a few more things that were resolved or brought up this chapter. Then, I will do my usual interlude of writing the backstory of one (or a group) of my dragons and I will jump into the next arc! Voting for the backstory interlude can be found [url=https://goo.gl/forms/tcGywmvYzUMcZmL42]here![/url] Also, fun fact, when I was still unsure about what Quartz's fate would be, I had planned that during the finale, before the festivities began, Merry would recite the poem Scirbbles sometimes says at Tomo's, with a few words revised: "Quartz is cursed, he's really the worst, soon he will be sand, that will be grand, dance party forever." I almost titled this chapter "Dance Party Forever" as a lingering reference to that poem, but I realized the mood whiplash from that title to the funeral would be too strong.

@Petall Great chapter! I really loved it, and the flow you keep is incredible. I’ll be looking forwards to the next stage!

@rainphee

Thank you!!! :D

@Petall I'd been wondering who that mysterious prisoner was, and I'm so glad she didn't just dismiss Dremasul. If they won't get back together, at least they can find peace separately. (And I can't help thinking of Draxxor as "Draxxor the Destroyer")

Also RUBY AND RHOWEN, AWW YEEEEEAAAAHH!! And the Peace Embassy thing is good too; you go, guys. now kiss <3

*pats Thorburn* Also, I am so glad Kyra and Kulshan made it out alive. I like them. :D Not too sure about that Kaladin fellow, though....

Whew, and good luck to you also as you start university life! I hope you'll have a great time. ^^ I'm looking forward to seeing where your characters go next -- I've already voted on the form. If you had added an "Other" choice, though, I totally would've written "Dance Party Forever" as an alternative. xDDD

@Disillusionist

It honestly made me so happy to bring back Draxxor! She and Dremasul were mates like almost 2 years ago now and I didn't expect her to make her way back! I couldn't seem to find a place for Dremasul where he fit well in Windkeep Tower, at least not until she showed back up! I don't know quite what their future holds yet, but I'm glad to have them both in my clan!

big mood Don't read the next bit if you don't want spoilers for a one-off update coming soon but check out my nesting grounds...

Kaladin will bring a whole new adventure, that's for sure!

Thank you! I'm really excited and I love the field I'm going into so it should be great! And oh my goodness "other' as an option is a really great idea, I'll make sure that gets added to future forms!

@Petall Now that sounds pretty exciting! I actually voted for both Draxxor and Dremasul (among others), and it'll be interesting to see where their relationship goes later on.

Speaking of relationships-- *highlights the heck out of that spoiler* Now I feel spoiled, but in a very warm, mollycoddled way. x3 Super >EXCITE< for their kids!

@Disillusionist

I actually meant to group Dremasul and Draxxor together for the voting, but I forgot (oops!)

They hatch Saturday and I have been waiting for months to be able to breed them the hype is so real!!!!!

----- [center][url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2383572/39#post_35077185]Previous[/url][/center] ----- [center][b][u]Chapter 70: Through Fire and Flames[/u][/b] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=42080475] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=42080475&skin=0&apparel=23028,23138,23136&xt=dressing.png[/img] [/url][/center] Mollie couldn’t help but wiggle excitedly as she read her acceptance letter. She had been accepted to the Trail Blazers! She looked around, but her grandmother was nowhere to be seen. She was probably out joining in the clan celebration for Flameforger’s Festival. Mollie would go out and join them soon. This festival was a special one, not only for the Amberlyn family after Amberlyn’s experience with fire, but also because it doubled as a celebration of the clan’s recent victory in the battle that has taken place at Windkeep Tower. Mollie slipped the bandana out of the envelope, admiring its bright orange tone. Team Torch, the team she wanted. After all, where would anyone get without a community behind them? With a smile, she took the bandana to her tailor corner, where she embroidered the words “Light The Way, one of Team Torch’s mottos. She was ready to begin. [center][img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/e0bf/f/2018/247/7/5/divider_by_cas_a_fras-dcm237t.png[/img][/center] It was getting dark, but nobody seemed to notice. The clan was alight like the torches and flames that burned around them. That night’s bonfire was being prepared, ready for dragons to sing and dance and tell stories of past adventures. Adventures. Mollie had always dreamed of going on adventures like her grandmother and the rest of her family had, but she worried she wouldn’t be able to go on adventures the same way they could. With her lame leg and wing, she was slower than most dragons. Amberlyn had always said that her disability should not dissuade her from doing what she wanted, but Mollie has always worried it would slow her down too much. Instead, she had contented herself with being the clan tailor. She enjoyed the soothing, rhythmic pattern of sewing, and it was fun seeing her designs worn by other dragons. Mollie stepped out of the tower, watching her clanmates and visitors to the tower swoop over her head. Over were milling about on the ground, drinking warm apple cider and hot chocolate. Holding her head high to show off her bandana, she began to make her way around, searching for her friends and family. Mollie had not gone far when a small fae caught her attention. The fae in question was small and dark, and his eyes glowed like embers. There were flashes of gold and a glow of amber on the edges of her wings. “I like your costume! Is that some sort of enchantment?” Mollie asked. Amberlyn had an enchantment like that; it allowed flames to race up and down her back without hurting her. “This is no costume.” The fae said softly, giving off a small smile. “You are a Trail Blazer, correct? I was supposed to find a Trail Blazer.” “I am!” Mollie exclaimed, puffing her her chest to make her bandana more visible. “How can I help?” The fae simply shook her head. “I don’t need help exactly, but I have a message for you.” He looked sharply into Mollie’s eyes. The young coatl was caught up in her eyes, as if there was nothing else in the world. They really did burn and dance like flames. She wasn’t an ordinary dragon was she? Just as the thought crossed Mollie’s eyes, the fae began to disintegrate like ash, sending up showers of sparks. A breeze picked up and blew the remnants into the sky and away from Windkeep Tower. All Mollie was left with was an instruction, etched in her mind as if it had been branded there. [b]“Before the last midnight of Flameforger’s Festival, follow the sparks on the new breeze. All hopes lies on you.”[/b] Follow the breeze? But how could she follow a breeze if she couldn’t soar through the air like any other wind dragon? She felt her heart sink. She was going to let that fae down, and he had been so nice… [center][img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/e0bf/f/2018/247/7/5/divider_by_cas_a_fras-dcm237t.png[/img][/center] It was the third night of the festival, and try as she might, Mollie couldn’t get the fae’s words out of her mind. She hadn’t been able to enjoy the festival as her friends and family had been able to, not even with her other Trail Blazer Activities. She had dug up chests and gathered food and dropped off some grill guide cookies at a neighbouring clan. She had even participated in a salamander race! But her feet itched to explore and journey. Maybe it was time, but where would she even start? How does one follow a singular breeze when the Windswept Plateau was full of too many to count? How would she work out which one the right one was? She should have just followed when the fae was blown away. Mollie was getting so caught up with her thoughts that she hardly realized what was going on around her. Her eyes went out of focus and that’s when she saw it: all the sparks rising from the fires around the clan were all feeding into the same breeze, like threads of light coming up to join a much larger seam. Mollie stared up in wonder. Had no one really noticed it? Was this normal? With a smile, Mollie began to follow it, keeping her eyes to the sky as the sparks were carried along. Most sparks didn’t burn for very long once jumping out of the maw of the fire, but these seemed to be different. She didn’t know what fed them, but if anything they were growing brighter the more time passed. Mollie was not able to travel at a very fast pace, but she was steady and she never lost sight of the trail. As she passed over clans, she couldn’t help but realize that sparks from other clan’s Flameforger’s celebrations were joining the same trail. It would go strong until it reached its destination. Mollie had never walked so far in her life. Her three functional feet ached and her stomach was beginning to growl, but she could not stop. She caught a fish in a stream to satisfy her hunger, but she overall kept her pace consistent until dawn. As morning came, she realized the path was fading with the morning light. With a yawn, she realized just how sleepy she was. Maybe if she set up camp and slept for the day, the trail would return once darkness fell again. [center][img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/e0bf/f/2018/247/7/5/divider_by_cas_a_fras-dcm237t.png[/img][/center] Mollie travelled two more nights. She had managed to bunk down in some nearby Wind Clans for the day, but as soon as dusk came and the trail reappeared, Mollie was quickly on her way, despite the protests of her hosts and the plea to enjoy Flameforger’s with them. Once or twice, she asked about the trail, but most dragons just shrugged and said the Windsinger’s reversal of the Twisting Crescendo must have formed some sort of main air current that wasn’t there before. Mollie supposed their guess could be as right as any, maybe there was nothing at the end of the trail, but she would not give up hope, not when she had come so far and achieved so much. It was the last night of Flameforger’s now and Mollie began to wonder if she would ever make it. Perhaps the fae should have chosen a faster candidate. However, just as the thought came to her, she caught sight of something wonderful: the southern shore of the Windswept Plateau. She had only ever seen the Sea of a Thousand Currents, and there was something beautiful about the vast greatness of the unowned sea. The trail still flew above her, but is seemed to be falling and culminating near the edge of the plateau, where the wind flight met the fire flight. The moon had almost fully risen by the time she reached the shore. She was uncertain about entering the swirl of sparks. If one of them were to catch her clothing or feathers, it would make for a very painful experience. That said, there was no clear sign of what to do now. So, taking a deep breath, Mollie stepped into the swirl. A strong gust of wind came, powerful enough to blast a wingless guardian into the sky, and shot Mollie over the ocean. In terror, she closed her eyes, but as she seemed to be steadily carried by the breeze, she worked her courage up to open them again. It was absolutely amazing. Around her, the sparks danced as she was cast out over the sea. She was flying, or as close as she was ever going to be able to. She almost hoped it would never end! That was when the wind began to lower her, and she came to rest on a small island on the outskirts of the Ashfall Wastes. It seemed to be fairly new, judging by the smoothness of the once molten rock. She tested her feet carefully. It was warm, like most of the ground of the Fire Flight was said to be, but not painful. The big question was, what would she do next. “You made it!” Mollie spun around to see the same fae she had met at Windkeep Tower standing behind her. “I did!” Mollie said, eyes lighting up with excitement. She had actually done it! She had had her own adventure! “I thank you for coming. You are brave of spirit and noble of heart.” The fae said with a smile. “What do I do now? Why did you call me here of all places?” Mollie asked. “Come.” The fae said, and turned to make her way further down the island. “The things that happened during the Bounty of the Elements, they are linked. Just as the deities provide balance, so does their elements. It is no mistake one of the Windsinger’s new breezes leads right to this island. Have you heard of it?” “You mean-” Mollie’s eyes widened. It couldn’t be! She had heard tales of the new island off the shore of the Ashfall Wastes, and the new community of dragons making a new living there. It had caused a huge rift in the fire flight. “Yes, this is Por’s island.” The fae said with a smile. “Why did you bring me here?” Mollies asked. “I mean, I’m definitely not complaining! I’m just curious why me?” “You wanted adventure, did you not? Why else would you have joined the Trail Blazers?” The fae responded, eyes sparkling. “Also, these dragons have been working hard. They could do with some encouragement, and wind dragons are known to be some of the best storytellers.” “But I’m not Wind-born!” Mollie pointed out awkwardly. “You are close enough.” The fae smiled. “You’re family is mostly windborn, are they not? You’ve lived among them your whole lives. You have the spirit of wind within you, and that is a gift.” Mollie was about to respond when she caught sight of a group of exhausted dragons resting around a campfire, roasting food and talking amongst themselves. Their scales and feathers were coated in ash and soot, and they looked weary. When they caught sight of Mollie, their eyes lit up. “Hello, what are you doing here?” One of the dragons asked. Mollie turned to ask the fae for guidance, but she was gone. She turned to face the dragons again, feeling nervous. “I come to bring joy. I have stories to share to lighten your spirits and keep morale up.” Mollie said, trying not to appear too nervous. “Then, please, do share. We could do with some joy around here. We have not even been able to properly celebrate our own flight’s festival.” One of the fire dragons said with a smile. Mollie began to panic. What story would she tell? Then it came to her, the story her grandmother had shared with her since she was a hatchling, about perseverance and overcoming trial. “Once upon a time, there was a wildclaw living in a nature clan. She was happy, she had a mate, children, and everything she could ever want. However, it was not to last. One day, while she was hunting with her mate, a fire swept through their portion of the woods…” Mollie got lost in the story, falling along the familiar rhythm of her grandmother’s history. The gathered dragons listened, enraptured, as she continued. Once she had finished, one of the other dragons began to tell a story. The storytelling commenced, each story followed by another, until dawn came. “Thank you for sharing your story with us. Say, would you be able to come again? If it is not too much trouble?” One of the fire dragons asked. “You really have a knack for that.” “I would be glad to!’ Mollie said with a smile. And she vowed she would come back in a years time, at the next elemental celebration, to bring stories to them. She left with a warm feeling in her heart, roaring like a bonfire. She had found her thing, she had made her mark, and now she had a story to tell when she got home. She had accomplished what she wanted, and had achieved her dream, and there was no feeling more exhilarating than that. When she reached the shore she had arrived on, she saw a swirl of cherry blossom petals whirling around, a mark of the Wind Flight as the sparks were a mark of the Fire Flight. Knowing what to do, she stepped in and the strong wind blew her back to the Windswept Plateau. As she flew, she could almost swear she heard the voice of the fae beside her, thanking for her, and giving her strength to continue the journey home. ----- [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2383572/40#post_35202325]Next[/url] ----- [center]@CleverDual @Alwaid @zzzhorses @Skyeset @ScrivenerRook @Kizzan @clarax @lilastar @tigressRising @Disillusionist @Aetherstorm @rainphee @RiaFire11[/center] ----- Here we go with a Flameforger's one-off I wrote for the [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/2508316]Historian's Collection contest[/url]! It features Mollie, who I entered in the [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/forums/frd/2507689#post_2507689]Trail Blazers[/url]! It was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to doing more one-offs before I start my next arc!

@Petall I'm never gonna stop oohing and aahing about how cute Mollie is! x33 And wow, that messenger was really cool interesting! (bad pun dodged, lol)

That aside, I really liked how Mollie's discovery was very close to home, so to speak. It's pretty easy to dream up weird beasties and treasures for her to encounter, but I liked that her discovery instead involved finding other dragons she could share joy and stories with. <3