Quests & Challenges

Ooh the Auras have a fun dynamic! Also oop, jig’s up for Nova. Whoops. Glad to see a letter from Jacinto!

Ohhh the whole family getting together to read the letter im so ;u; frantically typing out a response now

But I love those Boas! They’re lovely hatches, i’m excited to see what happens with them

Looks like families are seeing each other once again, which is always nice to see. Jarna is a really beautiful dragoness with her Fuchsia/Red/Carmine palette, and it is also cool to see the auraboas. Arkose's Varnish/Lacquer is so unique. I can't wait to see more of the auraboas.

(Also Ishtar group is casually being the biggest)
Ishtar - 21
Atlas - 18
Shui - 11
Lewsyn - 9
Grimm - 7
Outsiders - 6
Ulfer - 5

RIP Ulfer barely having anyone on his side.

@Phanerozoic

Thanks! I'm definitely going to have fun with them! And yeah, a letter from jacinto was a lovely surprise!

@Kayfox

I can't wait to see the response!

Thanks, I got really lucky with all of them!

@Aquasparky

I love these big family get-togethers for sure! And thanks!

Oh! Your count of the populations reminded me I forgot to do a level check-in this mail day! Oops, I'll do it next chapter!

----- [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3244658/80#post_55697258]Previous[/url][/center] ----- [center][b][u]Day 66: The Weight of a Life[/u][/b] [item=scholar] Sentence: Death Streak Roll[/center] ----- [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89798226][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=89798226&skin=0&apparel=33506,20831,20830,16492&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/91006008][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=136&bodygene=82&breed=9&element=2&eyetype=3&gender=1&tert=69&tertgene=7&winggene=24&wings=96&auth=29030b98cdb30b494b1e68b3698b5faaee5a6298&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url][/center] Cosmos looked at her newly hatched daughter, curled up next to her and still damp from the egg. Shui had not deigned to witness such an event, but that was okay. There would be no place for Shui once she was done with everything. And having his children was only one step of the plan. Mena would grow up big and beautiful, and hold the spirit of Jett inside of her, just as Cosmos carried it inside herself. All that ambition and drive and birthright was nothing Shui could compete with. [center][img]https://64.media.tumblr.com/9a138c26554e324936484ade5021b573/280633acce0f81d9-f0/s540x810/4749c14343af35096e06119b885d7bc79977c4c5.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/86639173][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=86639173&skin=0&apparel=38412,47024,332,50503&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] Alexandrite had barely slept since The Challenge of Earth. Everytime he closed his eyes, he was just plagued by visions of Eneko and everything that had happened in that final cave - he shuddered to even think. At first, he thought he was seeing things when the skydancer appeared on the corners of his vision - hallucinations from lack of sleep. But soon, it became clear that he was very, very real, and he was being pursued. [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89504210][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=89504210&skin=0&apparel=49308,41509,41493,41519,41526,41516,49309&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] So Alexandrite ran as fast as his legs could carry him, taking note of the familiar symbol of the Oro family. How had he only shed one pursuer to end up with another? Unless they found out- “I’m not trying to hurt you!” The skydancer called out, interrupting Alexandrite’s train of thought. “Please, just stop.” “I’m not falling for that, I’ll never return to the Oro family!” Alexandrite called back, pushing his body to run faster. His body strained under the effort, the lack of sleep not doing him any favours. Eventually, his body failed, and he collapsed from all the strain, allowing the skydancer to catch up. “Are you okay?” The skydancer asked as he approached Alexandrite at a steady pace. “You don’t look very good.” “Kill me, I’d rather die than go back there,” Alexandrite panted. “I won’t lie and pretend I wasn’t sent here to bring you back, but honestly? I can’t really be bothered,” The skydancer shrugged. “You don’t seem like you deserve it, and quite frankly, you look like hell. I’m not all big on the whole contract and commitment thing. My name is Gourd, by the way.” “I’m Alexandrite,” The wildclaw panted. “I know,” Gourd just stared at Alexandrite. “You’re really not going to bring me in?” Alexandrite looked at the skydancer warily. “Nah, don’t really feel like it,” Gourd shrugged. “I’ll come up with some excuse when I go back. You’re not going to tell on me, are you?” “Of course not, not if I get to go free,” Alexandrite winced as he got up, suspecting that his leg was sprained. “I’m gonna be honest, I thought you were going to be here to get revenge on Eneko.” “What happened to Eneko?” Gourd perked up. “Forget I said anything,” Alexandrite shuddered. “Dude you look haunted,” Gourd tilted his head as he regarded Alexandrite. “You sure you’re alright?” “Eneko cornered me recently, and I,” Alexandrite gulped. “I killed him. I don’t know how I did it, fight or flight kicked in and normally I run but I had nowhere to run, so, um yeah.” “That’s impressive,” Gourd’s eyes widened. “Nobody could beat Eneko in training. I [i]really[/i] don’t want to mess with you then. Taking down a dragon that much bigger than you, wow! I can see why the Oro family wants you back.” “I just want to get away from this all, honestly. And now I’m stuck here with Shui,” Alexandrite groaned. “Until the ritual ends.” “Oh! Is that where we are? The Oro family is [i]very[/i] interested in what’s going on here. Immortality is something the family really craves, and if this is the genuine article-” Gourd said wistfully. “So you’re saying more Oro family members and mercenaries are going to come?” Alexandrite groaned. “I don’t know either way. I think a lot of them think it's all a scam. Immortality scams are a dime a dozen in the black market.” Gourd pointed out. “But there are some believers out there, I wouldn’t be surprised if they hire people to check it out, or even come themselves. There’s even talk that the Oro family wants to find Shui to offer him a high-ranking position instead of punishing him for deserting.” “Great. Of course I ran away just to get trapped again,” Alexandrite winced. “No, that’s not going to happen, because I’ve just decided I’m going to help you out. I like the idea of that much better than dragging you back for a bounty.” Gourd offered. “How do I know you’re going to stick to your word?” Alexandrite narrowed his eyes. “I guess you don’t really, but you don’t have much in the way of allies, do you? Not ones who know the Oro family anyways,” Gourd pointed out. “Yeah, you’re right,” Alexandrite sighed. “Alright. Allies it is.” “Maybe even friends?” Gourd brightened. “I’m not making any promises,” Alexandrite said. “That’s not a no,” Gourd smirked. “Shut up,” Alexandrite shot back, but he couldn’t help but smile. Maybe he could finally sleep. [center][img]https://64.media.tumblr.com/9a138c26554e324936484ade5021b573/280633acce0f81d9-f0/s540x810/4749c14343af35096e06119b885d7bc79977c4c5.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/87583393][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=1&body=23&bodygene=56&breed=18&element=2&eyetype=0&gender=0&tert=91&tertgene=47&winggene=47&wings=68&auth=b4d2e58f56f2f3c980262d1694b22c61b4f42f5f&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89581379][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=89581379&skin=0&apparel=12898,17903,1867,6267,17930,17894,17921&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come in,” Ulfer sighed, looking up from his desk at Quell as she entered. “What can I do for you?” “I just wanted to check in, you’ve seemed overwhelmed lately,” Quell said softly. There was something in Ulfer’s eyes that betrayed his internal insecurity, but it was immediately replaced by his usual confidence. Confidence that Quell was sure was feigned. “It’s just navigating inter-faction dynamics. You know, being the smallest faction and all that, makes us vulnerable. There’s a lot to defend from.” Ulfer said, not meeting Quell’s gaze. “You don’t have to do this alone,” Quell reminded him. “Leadership is a lot for any dragon to bear.” “Yeah,” Something in Ulfer’s voice cracked. “Yeah, it is.” For a moment, Quell wondered if leadership was something Quell even wanted, but now did not feel like the time to bring it up. This was something to tuck in her mind for later. “Well, if you need anything, me and the rest of your clanmates are happy to help. You only have to let us know, we can’t help you if we don’t know,” Quell said softly. “Yeah,” Ulfer responded, but he did not seem to be listening. [center][img]https://64.media.tumblr.com/9a138c26554e324936484ade5021b573/280633acce0f81d9-f0/s540x810/4749c14343af35096e06119b885d7bc79977c4c5.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/89581378][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=89581378&skin=0&apparel=42698,47677,30829,20835,6266&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] The first thing Viva heard was a loud thump, followed by the crying of her baby sister. Viva raced into the main chamber of her family’s tent. Wasn’t her mother with her? Had she gotten hurt. As she burst into the room, it took a moment for the scene before her to register. [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/91006012][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=167&bodygene=10&breed=13&element=2&eyetype=2&gender=1&tert=76&tertgene=8&winggene=12&wings=21&auth=191010baeab8135e6e0f0797540108299abbe818&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/24340611][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=24340611&skin=0&apparel=37886,13083,15710,30057,30062,30061,30060&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] The first thing she noticed was Tetra crying on the floor, next to what looked like a large rolled up rug. Had her mother left the room? Had Tetra knocked over a rug or a roll of fabric? And then it hit her. That wasn’t a rug, that was her mother. Viva immediately raced to scoop up Tetra, moving her a safe distance away, and then went to check on her mother. It did not take long to realize that she was dead. She immediately began searching for evidence of the cause of death, but the only thing around Zarzuela was a shattered teacup and the remains of her drink soaked into the carpet below. Viva immediately saw red. Making sure Tetra was safely away from Zarzuela, she burst into Scallop’s section of the tent, immediately tackling her sibling and pinning xir down. [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/90121193][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=90121193&skin=47487&apparel=37385,37394,16234,37374,37365,50503&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] “[i]You,[/i]” Viva snarled, putting in all the venom she could muster into her voice. “What did you do to Mom?” “I don’t know what you’re-” Scallop began, then xir eyes widened as xi caught sight of an empty vial on xir worktable. “Oh.” “Get out!” Viva shouted, slamming Scallop to the ground in the direction of the tent-flap separating Scallop’s room from the rest of the larger tent. “You’re not welcome here anymore, you need to go!” Scallop didn’t need to be told twice. Xi slinked off, showing only the tiniest signs of remorse as xi left. Viva collapsed to the ground crying. What was she supposed to do without her mom? Who was going to look after Tetra? A part of her wondered if this was a nightmare. She wanted it to be a nightmare, a cruel trick Aesc played on her. But that would be too easy. Besides, she had walked in enough dreams to know the difference between dreams and reality. [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/86667702][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/dressing-room/dragon?did=86667702&skin=0&apparel=19647,16235,19637,6030,1706&xt=dressing.png[/img][/url][/center] She was crying so hard, she didn’t even notice Sunny enter, holding Tetra in her arms and soothing her. “Hey,” The tundra said, pulling Viva into a hug. “I heard your shouts and say what happened out there. It’s going to be alright, I’m here. You’re not going to be alone. Tetra’s not going to be alone.” Viva leaned into Sunny, sobbing into her semi-solid form. She was aware of the sensation of Sunny’s own ghostly tears landing on her scales, but she didn’t care. She was just relieved she didn’t have to grieve this loss alone. She knew that the news would have to be shared with her siblings, and Nova. But that could come later. Now, all that mattered was being here with Sunny, and she never wanted to let go. [center][img]https://64.media.tumblr.com/9a138c26554e324936484ade5021b573/280633acce0f81d9-f0/s540x810/4749c14343af35096e06119b885d7bc79977c4c5.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/87121424][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=1&body=75&bodygene=135&breed=21&element=8&eyetype=2&gender=0&tert=124&tertgene=170&winggene=114&wings=65&auth=318d46c8e8770d3966df6347004a56aff0d479bc&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url][/center] [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/91006016][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/dgen/preview/dragon?age=0&body=10&bodygene=114&breed=9&element=2&eyetype=0&gender=1&tert=118&tertgene=73&winggene=82&wings=21&auth=76f49e0b7182f63147b466486d4d6e3732ae0660&dummyext=prev.png[/img][/url][/center] Taper was trying to concentrate on looking after the newly hatched Obsidian, but he couldn’t deny what was in front of his eyes, and he was furious. He would never take it out on the child of course, the child needed care. But anger at Octavia’s lies burned within him like hellfire. The kid was undeniably Octavia’s. Taper had raised enough of her children to know. But seeing the patterns on the baby snapper’s scales made the reason she had hid the nest undeniable. The child was not Atlas’. No, the child bore the patterns of Silver. And handing Obsidian off to Taper was a clear attempt to cover up a double-sided affair. ----- [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/qnc/3244658/83#post_55737626]Next[/url][/center] ----- [center]@pinglist-3016[/center] ----- Oh man, this is a big one... I was not expecting after I ended The Challenge of Earth to have a double death, let alone ones that put the last chapter of The Challenge of Earth in a whole new context. [b]Eneko and Zarzuela are available to claim until 23:59 FR Time on Thursday December 14th. First come first serve.[/b] Speaking of dragons available to claim, I'm going to make the spares from the nests I hatched available to claim for the next week, again first come first serve. Obsidian's sister is a Naomi descendant! (Speaking of Obsidian, I technically rolled to keep her sibling, but I decided to implement a rule where if a dragon inherits a gem genes against HUGE odds, I automatically keep them as one of the rolled number. So I kept Obsidian instead). [center][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/91006007][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/910061/91006007_350.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/91006011][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/910061/91006011_350.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/91006018][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/350/910061/91006018_350.png[/img][/url][/center] ALSO! I forgot to give a level update during the Mail Day, and I want to do a check in before NOTN hits on Sunday and everything gets thrown to chaos: [LIST=1] [*] Ichabod, Demon, Cosmos, Mena, Dawson, Lyrate, Syndal, Izel, Brightsea, Ouro, Jarna, Joshe, Nova, Scallop, Tasman, Runik, Crocodile, Tetra, Gourd, Silver, Sunset, Sahara, Rockabillie, Gole, Pala, Ostrich, Obsidian, Ilyana, Stoker, Yarla, Lvad, Lavender, Bloodrush, Piano, Hollow, Fect [*] Aerial, Atlas, Quell, Ravage [*] Echo, Juan [*] Viva, Taper [*] Cynar, Mizt, Shinya, Pyrrah, Aesc, Ishtar, Cure, Sunny, Buttons, Alexandrite, Octavia, Faust, Lillian, Stripey, Winterguard, Halibut, Hurri, Ulfer [*] Lewsyn, Missy, Bluegrass, Pearl, Mato [*] Klassia, Capriccio, Merlot [*] [i]None[/i] [*] Glacier [*] Hime [/LIST]

I'd love to give Zarzuela a home! I've been mired at work, but will be rereading this chapter and the previous one so I can compose a proper reply for them. ^^

@Disillusionist

I'll send her over right away! I'm glad she's found such a good home!

Thank you so much! Out of curiosity, has Capriccio already been pre-claimed? His and Zarzuela's story has really tugged on my heartstrings, and I've been wondering if there's a chance of reuniting them. :'3

Noooo Zarzuela! D: this is so sad, after the Challenge. Capriccio didnt get to say goodbye... ;n;