Creative Corner

[center][size=7][font=century gothic]Sekil's Travels[/size][/font][/center] [center][img]http://orig04.deviantart.net/52ca/f/2015/147/4/5/fr__shadow_by_baelfin-d8uyn7o.png[/img][/center] [font=Century Gothic][left][font=century][size=4][i]Sekil Bramblewood is one of my oldest dragons in the game, born of the very first nest I hatched with a friend. He is also my oldest traveling dragon, so he has many stories to tell and adventures to be remembered! His bio was getting a bit cluttered, so I moved his story here for posterity purposes. If you would like to add more to his travels, just PM me![/i] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/15281438][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/152815/15281438_350.png[/img][/url][/center] ----- [columns] [font=Century Gothic][left][font=century][size=4]Just old enough to seek independence from his mother, this restless Mirror abandoned his Plague birthclan in search of a new pack to run with. With nothing but the skin on his back, he set out on his journey. Who knows what he will encounter? [center][img]http://orig04.deviantart.net/52ca/f/2015/147/4/5/fr__shadow_by_baelfin-d8uyn7o.png[/img][/center] [br] [left][font=century][size=4]The first place he stumbled upon was a tiny Earth [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/lair/35236]village[/url], a band of few who were a close-knit family. He stopped for a while, but ultimately felt he didn't fit in. They were hospitable, yes, but it didn't feel right. He continued on. [center][img]http://orig04.deviantart.net/52ca/f/2015/147/4/5/fr__shadow_by_baelfin-d8uyn7o.png[/img][/center] [br] [left][font=century][size=4]Meandering through the Sunbeam Ruins, exhausted and thirsty, he began to feel very out of place in the bright golden sun. Finally he neared where the shadows gathered, the great Hewn City. He met a Tundra in the city who appeared to be catching fireflies. The Tundra named [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=14584480]Yemaya[/url], navy-blue fur sparkling, saw at once how tired Sekil seemed, and invited him to come back to the [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/lair/40606]Scrollseeker Clan[/url]. In the Great Library he read for days on end by firelight, and even went on a few firefly hunts himself. He watched with amusement as the fireflies danced, the young hatchlings scampering after them. It was then that he decided to have a brood of his own. He and Yemaya vowed to settle down and nest a few eggs before he went on his way once more. He left his three hatchlings with the Scrollseekers, knowing that the safety of the city was much better-suited for young dragons than the harshness of the elements. Perhaps he would dream of fireflies, and of watching his children grow up. [nextcol] [center] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/plague_0.png[/img] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/196.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/8v0FNRM.png[/img] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/585.png[/img] [/center] [/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/arcane_0.png[/img] [br][br][br] [img]https://i.imgur.com/oXLHcMt.png[/img] [br][br][br] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/21375.png[/img] [br][br][br] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/arcane_1.png[/img] [nextcol] [font=century gothic][left][font=century][size=4]Sekil put the Hewn City far behind him, spending several nights alone in small makeshift camps, trying to adjust to the solitude of his pilgrimage. Eventually he managed to travel all the way to the westernmost edge of Sornieth. Once he arrived at the Crystalspine Reaches, he joined a slowly-growing [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/lair/184352]clan[/url] of Faes who always seemed lost in their research. However, after a short while the young Mirror decided that there were too many towering stacks of parchment and too many unexpected pink explosions for his taste. And so he left. [center][img]http://orig04.deviantart.net/52ca/f/2015/147/4/5/fr__shadow_by_baelfin-d8uyn7o.png[/img][/center] [br] [left][font=century][size=4]After another immense number of days traveling, Sekil found himself in the Ashfall Waste. Exhausted, trembling, and unsure of where to go next, he hunkered down for the night only to find himself in a clan of dragons in the morning. Slightly shocked by the change of scenery, he asked a Guardian named [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=172483&tab=dragon&did=12801297]Dawnsblood[/url] for help. The drake explained that they had found him sleeping on the outskirts of their territory and then brought him here during the night. Sekil then told him that he was not a threat to the clan, just a traveler seeking a new home. Dawnsblood then simply said that Sekil could stay for a while until he regathered his wits and strength. The Guardian then walked away without another word. So after spending a few days recovering from the constant travel, Sekil began battle training alongside two of the most skilled dragons of the clan — [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=172483&tab=dragon&did=15086308]Midnight[/url] and [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=172483&tab=dragon&did=8565030]Bronwyn[/url] — in the Scorched Forest. However, despite the friendships he made, he knew that this home was only temporary. With his newfound survival skills and a full satchel of rations, he traveled on to his next adventure. [center][img]http://orig04.deviantart.net/52ca/f/2015/147/4/5/fr__shadow_by_baelfin-d8uyn7o.png[/img][/center] [br] [left][font=century][size=4]Once more Sekil returned to the land of the Arcane Flight to join a familiar clan during the Starfall Celebration. The [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=view&tab=userpage&id=184352]Crystalspine Lilies[/url] enthusiastically greeted him once again and proposed to guide the Mirror around the Starwood forest. Since his last visit, the clan had outgrown their lair at the Crystalspine Reaches and were seeking new place to settle. This time there were significantly less explosions and pink glitter, so Sekil could truly enjoy the company of the tiny Faes throughout the duration of the holiday. He learned a great deal about the Starwood Strand from [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=15835096]Aibell[/url], the Clan Leader, who was raised among trees of this mystic forest. He also forged a friendship with [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=16621617]Vivien[/url] – a young Mirror from the Plague Flight – who had joined the clan to be raised by a distant relative. He was reluctant to leave her once the Celebration had ended, but he knew that it was time to journey on. There were more places to see, and new dragons to meet. [/font] [/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns] [font=century gothic][left][font=century][size=4]As the Starfall Celebration came to a close, the fully-fledged adult Mirror abandoned the Starwood Strand and crossed over into the Wandering Contagion. Somehow it was comforting to once again feel the slimy, almost flesh-like substance between his toes as infectious tendrils slowly slithered up his forelegs from the ground. Before he had set on his journey, his family had been situated along the border of the Arcane and Plague Flights. Luckily they had not migrated in the time that he had been exploring. Sekil was creeping along the familiar borders of his home clan when he was tackled and pinned by his [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=view&id=198162&tab=dragon&did=6162283]mother[/url], whose ever-sharp teeth glinted with foamy saliva as she snarled threateningly down at him. She did not recognize him at first, with his muscular adult frame and the glowing bulb that had sprouted from his head as a result of his refusal to wear the proper safety gear in the Crystalspine Lilies laboratories. The old, thin dragoness thought of him merely as an intruder. But as he spoke his name to her, his mother's eyes sparked with recognition and she immediately brightened, tears welling in her eyes as a toothy grin crossed the face that only a son could love. Nefta returned with him to the clan with much rejoice from the clan elders, but to their dismay Sekil admitted that he would only be staying for a few days. It was nice to immerse himself in these familiar scents and surroundings once more, but the journey still called to him. His thirst for discovery and adventure could not be quenched if he were to stay in one place. After sharing his stories and stretching his wings, he gave a tearful farewell to his mother and his clan before turning to the south and pressing onward. [center][img]http://orig04.deviantart.net/52ca/f/2015/147/4/5/fr__shadow_by_baelfin-d8uyn7o.png[/img][/center] [br] [left][font=century][size=4]After a long flight, the wanderer found himself high up in the clouds, where the air was crisp, clear and ever-moving, up into the Twisting Crescendo where only the most skilled fliers dare to take wing. For him, it was more like bad luck, getting caught in the unceasing whirlwind and then having his small form snatched from the sky by a large pure-white [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=19670&tab=dragon&did=968701]Guardian[/url] dragon. She set him down upon a rocky outcropping beneath the outskirts of the vortex and informed him that he had inadvertently ended up in the territory of the [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/lair/19670]Ascent Clan[/url]. However, he was made welcome by the stranger and was shown to where several other travelers had made their temporary homes. He settled in for a while, just to see what may happen.[/font] [nextcol] [img]https://i.imgur.com/Fr27VMv.png[/img] [br][br][br] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/equipment/817.png[/img] [br][br][br] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/25763.png[/img] [br][br][br] [img]https://i.imgur.com/qFCn0sw.png[/img] [/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/earth_0.png[/img] [br][br] [img]https://i.imgur.com/SqPpO1P.png[/img] [nextcol] [font=century gothic][left][font=century][size=4]It wasn't long before Sekil caught word of a [url=http://www1.flightrising.com/lair/117006/112752]traveler's hub[/url] in Dragonhome, in which adventurous dragons of all walks of life could gather. He set forward on foot this time, so as to avoid getting caught in another of Windsinger's hurricanes. Once he arrived, the first dragons he bumped into were [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=22481361]Eggzi[/url] and [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=20499959]Zethany[/url] – a pair of dragonesses who had been traveling together for quite a while. He wasn't sure that he wanted to stay for very long because a handful of the dragons were cold and standoffish, making him feel more than unwanted there. Eggzi tried to comfort him with the fact that these hostile dragons were just grumpy, journey-worn travelers, but Sekil didn't want to risk anything. He may have had some battle training, but he was easily outnumbered here. The hub was a bust. After a brisk, but polite goodbye, he set off the very next morning to a destination unknown.[/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns][left][font=century][size=4]Soon, Sekil found himself in a frozen land where most of the dragons were draped in thick capes to protect themselves from the cold. The winds were blistering and his scales took a lot of blows from the ice shards that flew at him from all directions. An icy [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=181221&tab=dragon&did=15219367]Tundra[/url] approached him through the blizzard, throwing his emerald cape over Sekil. "Come," his voice boomed, beginning back the way he'd come. Without much choice, Sekil followed, relief flooding him as they appeared at the entrance of a large cave. A taller dragon, [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=181221&tab=dragon&did=19464583]Arzit[/url], approached him with a mischievous grin. "Drink," she directed, handing him a bubbling concoction. The smell alone made him gag, but he did as she said. Tiredness overtook him and his eyelids fell shut, ushering him into a deep slumber. The sunlight was blinding as his eyes fluttered open, and a yawn forced itself out of his mouth. His vision was slightly blurry, and his head felt heavy. "What... What happened?" he asked, looking at the Wildclaw in front of him. "Look! Look! It worked!" she cried, "You have decorated wings!" Confused, Sekil slowly rose to his feet and wandered over to the pool of water to which Arzit was gesturing wildly. As he extended his wings, he was shocked to find that their once-plain appearance had been altered. Now a pattern of light and dark markings sprawled across them, resembling the camouflaged feathers of a bird of prey. An angry look took hold of his face and he yelled at her, "Next time give me a warning!" But deep down he was impressed by her experiment's success. Perhaps he would never be able to escape the effects of befriending over-ambitious mages. And perhaps he wasn't disappointed by the thought. After reluctantly thanking Arzit and paying his respects to Aquilo for rescuing him from the cold, Sekil left the Southern Icefield with a new physical reminder of his misadventure etched in his wings. [/font][nextcol] [img]http://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/ice_3.png[/img] [br][br][br] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/11151.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/6351.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/7694.png[/img] [/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns][img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/5179.png[/img] [br][br][br] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/28135.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/25780.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/19263.png[/img] [nextcol] [font=century gothic][left][font=century][size=4]After his experience with the harsh, merciless snowstorm and the surprise alteration of his wings, Sekil felt that it was time to go back home to his clan. Things were getting more and more wild as he journeyed, and he wanted to be grounded for a while. It was a long, tiring flight across the sea, but finally he found his way back home to the Contagion. What he found there, though, was even more terrifying than the blizzard. His surroundings were gruesome even for the Plague region. His birthclan's lair was in shambles and an advanced state of decay had taken hold. All of the dragons were gone, even his mother. In horror he cautiously stepped through the ruins, searching until he found a faint, but familiar scent trail. He reluctantly decided to follow it. After a day of tedious, anxiety-riddled travel he found a new clan with a scent similar to his birthclan's; they had the same bloodline, but these dragons were not his family. Among them he found his former patriarch, an elder Fae named [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=177846&tab=dragon&did=15126763]Traiqe[/url]. This new clan, the [i]Z'Arduani[/i], was one of deep Arcane magic despite being a Plague clan. Traiqe told the Mirror very blandly that his home clan had fallen into ruin after a particularly contagious virus wiped out most of the population. "Don't worry, though," he said, his voice flat even for a Fae, "Your mother survived. She will always survive." Sekil was relieved to hear that his mother was alright, but Traiqe had no idea where she had gone after the survivors defected, so there were no leads on where to find her. The [i]Z'Arduani[/i] was a welcoming clan, and its massive Bogsneak leader [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=177846&tab=dragon&did=30865474]King Inoso[/url] seemed like a good dragon, but this place did not feel like home. Traiqe could tell that Sekil was uncomfortable and prepared to flee at any moment. Rather than try to keep him in a place he did not wish to stay, the old drake urged Sekil to adopt a new marking upon his scales as a way to remember this new clan should he wish to return and then to go on his way. The Mirror agreed to his former leader's gracious terms and a transformative mage named [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=177846&tab=dragon&did=22679328]Trekora[/url] completed the gene change. He had lost his home. He had lost his family. All that was left was his adventure. And so he continued. [/font] [/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns] [font=century gothic][left][font=century][size=4]It was in the shadow of the Pillar of the World that Sekil died. It wasn't a gruesome death, nor particularly painful - some would say that in the grand scheme of things, it could be considered a merciful one. His mother likely would not have been pleased to learn what happened next. For what happened next was necromancy. [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=17371998]Versiaz[/url], who had long bothered his clan leader for test subjects, was the first to come across the body. Sekil's vessel was mainly intact, but more importantly, it was still warm! With the help of his fair apprentice, [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=18801754]Tirzela[/url], the cunning Skydancer set to work. Runes were painted over Sekil’s body and peculiar enchantment stones were placed around the dead one as a net to hold his soul to Sornieth. Then, as the gateway between the physical and paranormal was pried open, a crack large enough to send soul and breath back into the Mirror was formed. As far as Sekil was concerned, he hadn't died at all - which suited Versiaz just fine, as he was certain his clan leader [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=14244697]Zenith[/url] would deeply disapprove of his practices, no matter the success. Sekil was still weakened, however, and needed care, so the clan took him in. As it so-happened, he ended up bedridden next to a charming Spiral named [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=9966133]Lughnasadh[/url]. She had broken her leg in a high-flying accident. And so the two were stuck with each other for a month of healing, playing cards, and telling stories. She was magnificent, and he slowly realized that their friendship had grown into something more. Soon after they were both declared strong enough to leave the hospital, they settled together for a while as a couple. They raised three hatchlings together before he finally decided to journey on. It was only much later that Sekil would wonder why the runes on his skin wouldn't wash away, and why they kept glowing faintly in the dark. [/font][nextcol][img]https://i.imgur.com/h3FKJiz.png[/img] [br][br] [img]https://i.imgur.com/S8eRrP9.png[/img] [br][br] [img]https://i.imgur.com/esISD1t.png[/img] [br][br] [img]https://i.imgur.com/wc8VLbl.png[/img] [/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns][img]http://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/wind_3.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/90e9/f/2018/165/8/8/waterway_ii1_by_croatiahetalia-dcedsez.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/wind_0.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/21371.png[/img] [nextcol] [left][font=century][size=4]As Sekil continued in his travels, he came across an [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&tab=userpage&id=256252]Inn[/url] floating over the Windswept Plateau in a large air ship. He grew curious about it, so he flew up to make a reservation. He was eagerly greeted by by the innkeeping staff and was quickly situated in a room. Not long after his arrival, however, he ran into some trouble. At first, he thought he was imagining the way the [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28306331]Wildclaw[/url] was staring at him, but once he was alone she cornered him an dragged him into an alleyway he had not previously noticed. He was shocked to discover a whole community of dragons living in the alleyway, but he did not have long to look around. The Wildclaw dragged him into her corner of the alley and began furiously questioning him about his intentions here. Sekil tried to explain that he had no idea what she was talking about, and that he was just travelling around with no intention of hurting anyone. To his relief, the Wildclaw seemed at least slightly satisfied with his answer, if not a little bit skeptical, and let him go. He left the hidden street in a hurry, hoping he would never have to speak to that dragoness again. He continued to see her around as he explored the small cliff town, however. It was not often, just a glimpse here and there, as if she were keeping an eye on him. Eventually, Sekil forced himself to stop paying attention to the mysterious Wildclaw and focused instead on enjoying his stay at the Windkeep Inn. During his visit he spent a lot of time with [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=16748214]Pria[/url], a Skydancer who had arrived at the Inn on the same day as he did. They bonded over drinks at the Windkeep's famous tavern, the Copper Lotus. Even the [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=256252&tab=dragon&did=40726683]tavernkeeper[/url] herself saw how well the pair hit it off and offered them a round on the house. When it came time to leave they decided to travel together, at least for the next stretch of their journey. Perhaps Eggzi and Zethany were onto something with this whole travel partner thing. [center][/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns][left][font=century][size=4]As the pair spoke of home on their travels, Sekil quickly realized that Pria was not a dragon meant for years of endless journeys like he was, so he proposed that they go together to visit one anothers' home clans. The dragoness quickly agreed, and with a warm smile shared between the two companions they headed for the Scarred Wasteland. When the time came for the pair to decide which way to go first – West to the Wandering Contagion or East to the Wyrmwound – they found themselves at an impasse. Pria wanted the two of them to settle down together in her home clan, to cease their travels and form a new life together. But Sekil could not simply abandon his nomadic lifestyle so suddenly. At the height of their heated argument, the Skydancer Sekil had learned to call his best friend took to the air in a flurry of feathers, never to be seen again. He didn't even get to say goodbye. [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/plague_1.png[/img] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/6347.png[/img] [/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/arcane_0.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/16454.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/20118.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]http://68.media.tumblr.com/c78bf6865672cea6ef43e29c10e704b5/tumblr_oeq859mCBf1ug3pd4o1_100.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/19262.png[/img][br][br][br] [img]http://flightrising.com/images/cms/trinket/577.png[/img] [nextcol] [left][font=century][size=4]"Ah. So it seems that you are undead." Sekil had returned to the only place that had any semblance of normality after Pria left him alone: the [i]Z'Arduani[/i]. He received a letter from the clan while he was staying at the Windkeep Inn, informing him that due to encroaching dominance wars the kingdom had relocated to the Crystalspine Reaches. When he arrived there he asked [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&tab=dragon&id=177846&did=22679328]Trekora[/url] – the High Mage who he had met during his last visit – to help him remove the mysterious runes that glowed on his hide. But when the Fae waved his arms across the runic inscriptions in an attempt to release the energy trapped within, the mana instead seeped further into Sekil's body until his very bones radiated with magical luminescence. "Undead..?" the Mirror parroted, tilting his head slightly. With a glance down at his talons he quickly noticed the effects of Trekora's attempted rune removal, eyes widening at the discovery. The mage nodded, attempting to seem genuine although his voice remained emotionless. "Yes. Undead. The runes on your flanks were not just markings, but a barrier spell made to contain your life force within your body. Whoever did this to you must have been quite pleased with the result – Revivals this successful are usually unheard of even among the most skilled necromancers." Sekil absolutely did not want to hear this. He [i]died[/i]? How did he die? When did he die? How long was he dead? Who had brought him back to life? All of these questions and more frenzied the dragon's mind as he stumbled backward, tripping over his own feet as he attempted to flee. He scrambled out the door towards the only place that could provide him comfort at a time like this: the nearest tavern. "[url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=177846&tab=dragon&did=28963272]Ayrkas[/url]," said Trekora, summoning one of his students from the shadows where she crept. "Keep an eye on him. He may have some side effects from the mana infusion." The skydancer nodded and quietly followed the traveler out onto the street, shadowing him from a distance. The Mirror entered the tavern with an obviously distressed and confused demeanor about him. The barkeep poured him a glass of something hard and bitter before he even sat down. "Rough day, pal?" Sekil only grunted and downed the liquid in response. A few dozen drinks, some overflowing emotions, and many mistakes later, Sekil found himself the next morning beside a younger [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=177846&tab=dragon&did=42118034]Spiral dragoness[/url] who he did not recognize. His head pounded and his body felt so tired, but his heavy heart stayed the same. Seeing this dragoness next to him only made him miss [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=9966133]Lughnasadh[/url] even more than he already had since leaving her behind. He carefully pried himself away from the stranger and ducked out of her home before stretching his wings and going on his way again, hoping to distract himself from this entire awful night. He left before he could have ever known that the Spiral, of whom he had never even asked her name, nested three eggs a few days after he left.[/columns] [center][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/aa5c0d11068f10de92c1e34daaefd766/tumblr_o1zrsv44JN1ufdm5xo1_400.png[/img][/center] [columns] [left][font=century][size=4]Perhaps a visit to another clan would somehow make him feel better. That was what he wanted and expected from the next place he went. The Tangled Wood already proved to be murky and unpleasant. Thick fog and a maze of brambles and trees, with a darkness that was difficult to navigate through. Perhaps coming to the Shadowbinder's domain wasn't a good idea, and it would be wise to turn elsewhere. But at last, Sekil was able to see someone, another dragon. His first thought was to ask them for directions, but their voice interrupted him. "You look lost," said the [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=54592829]Spiral[/url] ahead of him. "If you need a place to stay for the time being, there's a [url=https://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&tab=userpage&id=267105]clan[/url] up ahead." Sekil was relieved to hear that there was civilization here after all, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to stay in these woods any longer. Eventually, he decided to check it out anyway. He gave the Spiral a nod, and they headed off presumably in the direction of this clan. Along the way, he learned the Spiral's name was Cambria, but they didn't seem much for conversation. Suddenly, Cambria took to the skies, beckoning for Sekil to follow. The Mirror expressed confusion. After all, he didn't see anything. Why did they have to fly? Due to his apparent bad luck streak with trusting strangers so far, Sekil decided not to follow the Spiral to the clan of which they spoke after all. Instead he stuck to the ground, and to his wits, and continued in another direction, leaving Cambria behind. [nextcol] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/shadow_1.png[/img] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/33347.png[/img] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/cms/trinket/15587.png[/img] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/shadow_2.png[/img][/columns] ----- [center][size=5][font=century gothic][b]Lairs Visited:[/b][/font][/size][/center][br] [columns] [size=3][font=century gothic]MercuryShep (177846) Earthprincess (35236) Illy (40606) equeslilia (184352) DawnofFire (172483) LordMalak (83159) Nocturnesan (19670) [nextcol] [size=2][font=century gothic][color=transparent]MercuryShep (177846) Earthprincess (35236) Illy (40606) equeslilia (184352) DawnofFire (172483) LordMalak (83159) Nocturnesan (19670) [nextcol][size=3][font=century gothic]Spooner (45393) freeshootinxig (107101) kdskid003 (117006) IdaLynn (181221) Plenilune (47581) Zikul (12962) Korozo (50395) [nextcol] [size=2][font=century gothic][color=transparent]MercuryShep (177846) Earthprincess (35236) Illy (40606) equeslilia (184352) DawnofFire (172483) LordMalak (83159) Nocturnesan (19670) [nextcol][size=3][font=century gothic]caffeinefaerie (54701) Mallerin (224156) Petall (256252) Dynami (267105) [/columns]

Reserved

[i]Aerie is a young dragoness and one of the newest members of the royal guard within the Z’Arduani kingdom. However, despite her excitement for the new position, she has begun to feel the stirrings of something different, something [b]urgent[/b], within her heart. She knows now what this means. It is time.[/i] ----- [b]Aerie begins her Search.[/b] [img]https://i.imgur.com/a3oVKMj.png[/img] [columns][img]https://i.imgur.com/PP2YvaK.png[/img] [nextcol][img]https://i.imgur.com/rnQvDr7.png[/img][/columns] [columns] [outfit=1325035][size=2][center]An outfit purchased in dagrun In her visit, Aerie gained three levels![/size] [img]https://i.imgur.com/2P9orCY.png[/img][/center][nextcol] [i]Sept. 22[/i] [I]"The monthly ship has landed in Dagrun!"[/i] [i]A booming voice calls from the helm of the ship[/i] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/53436386]The Ice beast[/url] was woken to break the ice. When we passed through the gates we were told to wait above deck to watch. The air suddenly became so warm! It was like stepping into a den that had a fire waiting. It was astonishing to see the lack of snow, that and the salty air was suddenly gone. It was so busy, dragons mingling as if the blizzard just beyond the walls didn't exist. After the ship finally docked we were led off and given bracelets that were grey, [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/60543397]four small foxes[/url] waited at the start of the dock, all but one bouncing around with excitement. The ship crew also had these bracelets yet their's were colored, now that I think about it everyone has one of these bracelets- It took me five minutes to reach the front of the line before I would be allowed to walk around. The three foxes that were bouncing suddenly stopped looking at me. [i]"this one strong!"[/i] [u]"A guard A guard!"[/u] [b]"[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/51239098]Ianite! Ianite[/url]"[/b] [i]"..."[/i] The four foxes spoke yet it seemed like only I heard them, suddenly the bracelet turned purple and a [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/37341680]Wildclaw in gold armor[/url] waved for me to continue in. She certainly didn't seem nearly as weirded out as I was but I guess this is what they're used to...[/columns] [columns][i]Oct. 15[/i] I was summoned by the queen this morning, apparently, she wishes to speak with me tonight. At some point, I guess it must have got around that I'm visiting from anything kingdom. Apparently, it's rare to have visitors here. Everyone that I talked to in the past three days has said they were born here or moved here permanently, all besides the merchants anyway, the caravan that apparently is common mostly come from somewhere in the lightning lands. I walked around the city when I learned this [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/50531188]discovering a lovely little restaurant[/url]. I tried one of their delicacies, the Redstreak Frilled Eel dish, and some purified water. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/38274463]One of the shop owners[/url] says she actually was the one that hunted the ingredients herself, no wonder it's so fresh. It certainly seems like a local favorite, I don't blame them it's nice. Since I don't really have this lands currency we made a deal I'd join the owner on a hunting trip, said after I paid off my meal I could pretty much take on the job for a bit. I came back from the hunting trip now and quickly learned why Dagrun is the only town for miles. leaving the town is like walking into a wasteland, nothing could prepare me for how cold it was. no amount of pelt could keep me warm. I know now why no one else wants this job, but hey that's fine by me, the challenge is good. Yasei is the sweetest lady ever and told me I could eat free during my stay as long as I help hunt now and then. [nextcol] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/mV4tCic.png[/img][/center] [center][item=Redstreak Frilled eel] [item=Honeycomb Fragment] [item=Blueberries][/center][/columns] [columns] [img]https://i.imgur.com/Hk7OapP.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/VMZyPWQ.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/Hk7OapP.png[/img] [nextcol] [i]Oct. 16[/i] I was taken to see the queen last night as promised. It was amazing to see the reaction of those in her presence. It wasn't just her though, while I was being guided in multiple other armored dragons joined me walking in. I do believe though I was the only outsider as the other four walked with this air of confidence. It was quite inspiring honestly! When we arrived the four dragons and I were sat at a giant table with others wearing what looked to be common guard's armor. It was at this time the queen came out but also the two kings too! The three monarchs sat at the head of the table. I was too busy being distracted by the three to notice all the eyes on me. suddenly it was like I had a heavy-weight on my shoulders. "Welcome young one, what brings a warrior like you to our home?" a booming voice asked, the [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/44483913]Gold King [/url]at the head of the table "Don't be so formal brother! She obviously came here to declare war! We should be planning a defense and counter-attack!" The[url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/50802219] younger king[/url] called out clearly not trying to keep his distaste to himself. I felt so meek as the two glared each other down clearly at odds with each other. Finally to my relief a sign broke the silence as the queen rose her hand offering it to a purple coated dragon. "Jordan will you please bring me our guest's wristband? of course if you don't mind, you are our guest after all" "o-oh of course your highness! I'm not here to declare war I swear, I just am traveling to see the world. Something feels like it drew me here" The large dragon known as [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/51549333]Jordan[/url] took the purple band off my wrist and it turned grey once more. He took it to the queen and she inspected it fixing a small bangle onto it. "Brothers settle your quarrel, both of you are wrong. She happened upon us and our home. Aerie you're looking for something it seems you don't even know. We welcome you with open arms. Your free soul is fascinating, please feel free in the time you're here to call upon my champion Jordan for help. you are a child of balance after all" Her smile was so relaxing and we spent the rest of the night discussing Z'Arduani my home, as well as eat dinner. The two kings finally accepted me after some time of speaking, their champions also welcoming conversation between each other.[/columns] [columns] [img]https://i.imgur.com/rIlUd01.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/mV4tCic.png[/img] [item=encapsulated mist] [nextcol][i] Oct 22.[/i] I will miss the friends I made in Dagrun. After the dinner with the three and their champions, it's felt like a weight has been lifted. I found what I was looking for in this kingdom, yet something else is missing and I will continue my travels. The two restaurant owners said goodbye to me at the pier, they said they'd miss me and thanked me for the help with running the restaurant. I enjoyed helping anyway, it was fun getting stronger as well as getting to eat and stay for free. My next destination is in the Tempest chase, I hear its home to many warriors, perhaps my visit there will help me find what I'm looking for [nextcol] [img]https://i.imgur.com/MTZITe2.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/mV4tCic.png[/img] [item=speckled savanna pelt][/columns] [img]https://i.imgur.com/a3oVKMj.png[/img] [columns][center][img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/8c116a2aa61d283815ee060f15c0f1bb/tumblr_ossjraxPmD1v8lm95o1_r2_100.gif[/img] [img]https://www1.flightrising.com/static/map/icons/wind_0.png[/img] [/center][nextcol][i]October 24, 2020[/i] I arrived unscathed at the Tempest Chase this morning, and apparently not a moment too late. They seem to be packing up, though the recruitment table was still out and open for dragons hoping to catch a last-minute contract of some kind. Though it’s certainly no city like Dagrun, it’s not what I’d call “small,” either. There are tents everywhere, in the common Wind colors of green, orange, and red. Of course there are kites and banners announcing the overall elemental loyalty to the Windsinger, but I’ve also seen the banners of other gods and the artefacts of other magic practices. There’s even a [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/33406927]blacksmith[/url] with a mobile forge. Well… “mobile,” I guess, if you’re strong enough to carry it. I still have my sword with me from Dagrun, and I may as well make myself useful while I’m here. The [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/15188028]curator[/url] seems just as eager to sign on fighters as the dragons here eager to fight. I’ll just have to read the fine print…[/columns] [i]October 29, 2020[/i] I read the fine print, but I’m pretty well convinced that no fine print can cover everything. I’ve been attached to a [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/50088085]Commander Tael[/url]’s group. She’s apparently set to lead the whole outfit one day. That’s what the rumors say, anyway. She runs a tough drill, but not so terrible that I can think I’m not cut out for this. I’m tired, but not exhausted… but that’s not what worries me. What worries me about that whole fine-print thing is that an even dozen of us have been assigned to Tael to head out tomorrow to fight a monster. She doesn’t seem to think it’s enough. I heard her arguing with one of the other commanders, but as soon as I got close enough to hear anything clearly, [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/26114809]Abbey[/url] ushered me away. I guess I should talk about Abbey a little. She’s another one of those commander dragons. That’s another thing that concerns me, but I’ll get to that. She’s been with the Chase her whole life, so I expect she knows a lot more than she’s saying, too. But you know, of course, that means that even commanders are being assigned to this duty. I’m not worried. There are plenty of things in Sornieth that will eat you if you look at them the wrong way. I just… don’t think I want to chase them down. [i]November 4, 2020[/i] I don’t know where we are, but the trip hasn’t been unpleasant! My flying strength has turned out to be helpful, as I can provide a perch mid-air for the smaller dragons if they need. I guess that’s one reason so many of the dragons in the Chase are quite large. At night, when we stop to camp, we tell stories and share songs and legends. I should also say I at least know what we’re doing: we are going to fight a wartoad. So not an unheard of creature from the depths of the abyss as I feared. But it is apparently very large. It would have to be to need almost 20 dragons to fight it. One of our company is a dragon called [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/49443039]Dagrun[/url]. That’s right, the same name as the place I visited last! He’s apparently from there originally, but he changed his name when he and his mate left that clan. His previous name was Khajiit, though he says he changes his name somewhat frequently to more accurately reflect who he is and what he thinks about. I gave him all the updates I knew of Dagrun. He apparently used to hunt a little with Yasei, the restaurant owner that caught her own ingredients. When I asked him if he missed the relative civilization of his own home I think he did all he could to not say he did. Or perhaps his mate, [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/49631794]Tabaxi[/url], misses it more than he does. He talked about her a lot and her job preserving the songs and stories of their old city. It’s been more of an adjustment for her than it has been for him: no matter where he goes, there’s hunting to do, and he seems to like the nomadic life. He asked about his son, Blinix. I didn’t have much to report except that I knew he seemed happy and healthy when I met him. He seemed pleased enough about that. [i]November 10, 2020[/i] Here we are. When I say ‘we,’ I mean myself (of course), Tael, Abbey, her father [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/24872228]Jonathan[/url], [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/26613152]a Mirror[/url] whose job it is to make sure everyone’s limbs are attached at the end of it, along with an assortment of other dragons that either joined when I did or tagged along on a lark. At least, that’s what it seems like when they talk about it. And when I say ‘here,’ I mean on the edge of the Mire. We’ve been flying for several days now, though I don’t think it’s been in a straight line. We’ve stopped at a few clans on our way, lost a few of our number as they were farmed out on contracts to take care of what Abbey calls “small pest problems.” I asked if that’s what we were doing and she just grinned. “I guess that depends on how big you are.” Then she winked. Whatever’s going to happen now is going to happen, I guess. I’ll write again as soon as I can. [i]November 11, 2020[/i] I survived. That was the biggest frog I’ve ever seen. More later. [columns] [img]https://i.imgur.com/JkfO25L.png[/img][nextcol][i]November 14, 2020[/i] As I said, that was a very big frog. We had no Imperials with us, but I think it had to be the size of one of the larger ones. When we got to the edge of the Mire, we were given a brief description, and that was apparently all we were hired with. A very large, very angry red wartoad. Did you know the red ones eat rocks? It melts the rocks in a special chamber in its stomach that it then regurgitates and either pastes on its back as armor or lobs at anything threatening it. Or, as the case with this angry wartoad, anything that it fancies. I learned from [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/39756008]Fran[/url], the field guide with us, that something must have been wrong with it because it was dropping magma off its back and burning its feet, which they don’t usually do. I’m no tracker, but even I could have found it on my own if I needed. The wartoad left a burnt-out rut in its wake. I think the only reason the whole Mire wasn’t burned down is because… well, it’s a mire. There’s water everywhere. It was a longer fight than I expected, with a whole family of smaller wartoads emerging to help its elder. We were instructed to kill as few of them as possible, but it wasn’t the easiest thing to do. A Coatl named [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/56132861]Puyan[/url] ended up pretty badly injured, and at least one dragon was surrounded and carried off. Abbey and a few of the others are going to look for him as soon as they get their wounds bandaged. I made it out mostly unscathed, but I might get a pretty nice scar on my leg. I don’t know how scars are viewed in the rest of Sornieth, but here they’re like a badge of honor. Most of the dragons, regardless of their varying levels of injury, are all in high spirits. The temporary members of the Chase, like me, are excited to get paid. I might stay on a little longer. I was thinking about asking Abbey if I could tag along to find our missing member.[/columns] [columns][i]November 17, 2020[/i] I’m afraid we haven’t found the missing dragon yet. Fran told a horrible story about a molten wartoad eating a Pearlcatcher. She helped to bring down the toad as quickly as they could, but there was nothing left of the dragon but a bit of charcoal when they cut it open. Dagrun said it’s just a story, but Fran seems so sincere… [i]November 20, 2020[/i] The other dragons are giving up and going back to the Chase. We had a small ceremony to dedicate him, wherever he is, to whatever god he serves. I guess I didn’t expect that kind of thing from a band of monster hunters, but I’m sure death and disappearance is expected in this line of work. They’d have to have some way to deal with it. The Chase has apparently made it into the Abiding Boneyard and is camping there for several days. Since we’re so far I’m going to say goodbye to the Chase here. I haven’t been paid fully, but Abbey said I can send a courier wherever I land and they’ll send [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/39756008]Faelen[/url], their courier, with the rest of it. Dagrun told me to write no matter where I end up, since he’s curious where I’ll go. Me, too. I might go north. It’s a big world....[nextcol] [img]https://i.imgur.com/jJESYsr.gif[/img][/columns] [img]https://i.imgur.com/a3oVKMj.png[/img] [i][u]November 29, 2020[/u][/i] The world is far bigger than I could imagine. Dragonhome seemed empty, but I came across a lone tundra at a stall. I'm sure if I'd kept walking he would have ignored me, but I needed rest, and food was running low. I tried to tell him that I could fight, I could protect if needbe, but he waved me off (in an incredibly rude way) and said none of that was necessary here. He said to go straight and in enter the largest building within the caverns. I understood what he meant, but the phrasing caught me off guard anyway as I walked. The path went down, not deep, but enough for me to realize I was going into a canyon. Little doorways and windows were carved into the stone, flat walls of homes as well. Some others went in deeper, and you could see the floor of the room above you, acting as a makeshift patio over an entrance. The architecture is fascinating. [i][u]December 8, 2020[/u][/i] I have an escort to show and help me around, a golden spiral by the name of Honeydew. He's incredibly friendly, tells us about how his nephew was the charge of a guardian. He seems to carry no secrets, or worse, has no thought to hold things back in conversation. I have had my scales cleaned, claws done, a lovely oil applied to my wings, it would seem the tiny noodle of a dragon means to spoil me. While I am not against the occasional luxury, this does not appear to be something I'd do every day, let alone every week. It seems tedious to upkeep, but he enjoys it, and who am I to judge? [i][u]December 14, 2020[/u][/i] I have met something almost frightening. A statue of a guardian, but she moves, she speaks like the rest. I have not seen her eat, but something in her eye tells me I do not wish to witness it. We walked together and talked about the search. She says she searched long and hard for her charge before it eventually faded, the need, the urge, the want. She doesn't know if they died, or if it no longer needed protection. She seemed sad, and it made me afraid. Would I lose my charge if I took too long to search? Is this common among guardians? Is this something they don't tell you when you start your search? I hadn't been terribly afraid but, I didn't know this was something that could happen. Am I only being told the good stories of the search? Are there more bad than good? I need more guardians to talk to. [i][u]December 19, 2020[/u][/i] Only two other guardians in this clan, and their purples are striking. I would have thought them sisters, but they are merely good friends. Lyndel had felt the pull, the calling of a charge, she still has it, a small teacup. However recently she says the urge to protect it has lessened, but she doesn't feel sad about it. She's more frightened about feeling the pull of another charge, having to uproot herself and seek again. Ryese has not yet felt the pull, she wonders very much about what it is, but loses no sleep over it.THis doesn't answer many of my questions. I hear there is a library further down, but Honeydew has done his best to keep me away from it. I wonder if I can escape his large eyes. [i][u]December 21, 2020[/u][/i] I could never make my way down there. I don't know what's down there that they're avoiding, but I could not go to research. In the night a large, magenta colored guardian was in my temporary home. I did not know her, but she seemed to know me. "Your charge calls you home." was all she said. She spoke more, but that's what stuck with me. She spoke of, how the search is a two way street, about how the search is so sacred that many try not to speak bad of it in fear of tainting their own searches, but she seemed so old. She looked no older than myself but, she just seemed far older than me. I tried to ask around if anyone would know this guardian, but many townsfolk seem to have no idea. I leave back home tomorrow. I hope what I'm looking for really is at home.