late 20's he/it/Dragon/otherkin/furry I'm writing a book about dragons whilst obbessing over another book about dragons. blog is a side blog I follow from catboyrayman Story development and dragon/warrior cats art can be seen here (hopefully) Banner by my pal Dawnwolf93
Insert goofy fursona art here
Hello!! I'm Ashbane, or Miles, or Kindle (fursona name) I am a dragon, writer (I think) and artist. I draw A LOT of dragons, mostly my own ocs and wings of fire stuff. I'm also super into Storm Hawks, Warrior Cats and Rayman. I also go by Catboyrayman.
More importantly I'm working on my own book about a bunch of dragons going on a world saving adventure. Here I plan to post about it, other ocs and occassional fanart. This place will be where I will post my art without making people go over to furaffinity to find it.
I'll also be posting book updates here from time to time, answering questions I might get about said book and on occassion rambling about the other things I enjoy such as Storm Hawks and Creatures of Sonaria.
DNI and links under cut
Furaffinity||Ko-fi||Youtube||Toyhouse
DNI
Babyfur/little/abdl/agre accounts, nsfw feral, proship/comship whatever term they use now. Homophobes/transphobes/racists, general assholes and bigots.
my stance on agre remains the same wether it is sfw or nsfw. I struggle telling the difference and have trust issues due to past interactions with people who take part in the subcultre. I understand it's a coping thing for many. I have my own unconventional coping mechisms
My book series Children of Draelia Has nothing to do with wings of fire. If you are here just to make comparisons or call if a rip off just dont? Go away? And if you do I'll just ignore it because I know what I'm writing and you don't.
My book also has canonically LGBTQ+ characters. Do not attempt to erase thier idenity in anyway. Be rude, or call my book bad because of it. I didn't make it for you.
My book is similar in content to Warriors or Wings of Fire. It is violent and full of things dealing with politics, war and bigotry just with a dragon shaded coat of paint. Anyone under 13+ I'd rather you didn't interact and I'd prefer if minors really really want to read the book they can go ahead but do not dm me or try to interact with me directly in anyway or interact with my main blog AT ALL.
Shard lowered his wings, raising his head with wide eyes. It was her. The She-dragon, the one he had been looking for. She was here, and alive. A wave of relief washed over him, and a slight smile, a bit a nervous one, painted itself over his snout.
“It’s you-” Shard Began, only for the She dragon to step back, her own wings springing up defensively in the same manner Shards own had done just moments before. “Wait, Wait wait please. Don’t run again”. Shard begged, the smile he held falling for just a moment. “I won’t…can’t hurt you” He looked to his wing, giving it a weak, painful wiggle in a sorry attempt to prove he wasn’t a threat. The She dragon seemed to understand, and her wings dropped slightly as she relaxed.
“I know, I was going to help you”. She spoke muffled through the bundle of leaves and webbing in her jaws. “You are the one who ran”. Her voice was quiet but sincere as she approached Shard carefully. “I’m Mebh” She’d add once at the other dragon's side, dropping the leaf bundle by his wing.
“I’m Shard” Shard began, lowering his head slightly as Mebh moved to his side. His wing stretched, an instinctual growl of pain coming fr9m the back of his throat as he presented his wound to the other Dragon. Eyes watched in fascination, the way she moved so expertly, as if healing came naturally to her. Her scales shimmering in the light the same way the surface of the lake did when the sun's beams hit it at sun high.
“We have to be quick, it isn’t safe out here in the open” Mebh muttered though chewed up leaves, which she then spat into her claws to rub onto the tear in Shard’s wing. Her touch was gentle, more so than Ash’s any time the old caretaker tended to his sores from a long flight. It hurt less and Shard Appreciated it. Soon she was wrapping the more full leaves around the tear, using the silky webs she had collected to hold them in place. “It’s not the same as Hagfish spit, but it will do” Mebh said with a smile, proud of her work despite everything.
Hagfish? Shard had never heard of such a thing. “Uh, Hagfish Spit?-“
A shadow passed overhead, far above the trees. It’s mass blocking out the sun for a moment as it went by. Mebh dove for cover, hiding underneath a mass of thick leaves and vines, Shard did the same, following her lead. “What is it?” He whispered to her, his eyes locked onto the sky above as a few more shadows flicked in and out of sight.
“Void Claws” Mebh whispered back with a tremor of fear in her voice.
Never had She’d heard of such a thing, he had no idea what a Void Claw was. A creature? A beast? Shard couldn’t place it. It seemed his confusion translated well enough with just his expression, Mebh looking at him with a look matching his puzzled state.
“Horrid dragons, selfish creatures. I watched as they threw you out of the sky. Why did they?”
Shard Stared at her, eyes wide with shock. How could he answer, what could he say? His kind were not horrid, they were not selfish. They were warriors! Heroes, protectors. Shard was more than ready to tear into her, tell her the truth of his people. Seemingly ignoring that yes, he had been thrown out of the sky by his own kin, But as his mouth opened to respond his attention was once again taken by the shadows that flew above who this time broke the cover of the trees, two dragons landing in the clearing before them. Guardians, and judging by the dark circles that surrounded their eyes, the soreness in the joints and the ache in their breath, they had been on the wing since at least the previous night's moon high.
This was his chance, with the help of the two guardians Shard could make it out of the trees easily, and so could Mebh, no beast or monster soul dare attack a pair of dragons so well guarded. Slowly he began to reach out, the end of his snout pushing through the leaves. Mebh grabbed his horn, tugging him back into hiding, anger flashing in her eyes.
He’d stare back, equally confused and angry only for her eyes to flash once again with fear as something tugged at her from behind, pulling her from the safety of the undergrowth and tossing her out into the clearing. Shard soon followed, sharp teeth gripping the end of his tail and yanking him out from his hiding place. The two young dragons had been so focused on the guardians…void claws? in front of them they had not noticed the other searching the undergrowth behind them, following the scent of Shards blood and possibly his fear as well.
Hitting the ground with a grunt, Shard shook the sting from his body, Mebh already on her feet and attempting to run. The largest of the three dragons quickly put a stop to her, his claws slamming onto her wing and pinning it to the ground. Shard was stunned, watching in terror as the dragons who were meant to be helping him treated his new friend so poorly. She struggled under their grip, their other set of claws pressing onto her head to keep her still, well still enough that she couldn’t escape as Mebh writhed and thrashed in their grip, snarling away as she tried so desperately to get away from the attackers.
“Let her go! She’s Harmless!” Shard tried to reason, standing up despite the other two dragons looming over him protectively.
“She’s an outsider!” The largest protested, as if it mattered so greatly, so much that it warranted such rough treatment.
“She helped me!”
“She killed Jasper!”
Silence flooded the Clearing, Mebh stopped her struggling, her eyes jutting up to look at the dragon above her, and then moved to Shard, fear filling them. Shard returned her stare though confusion muddled with his fear. Jasper was dead?
“No no no I didn’t! Shard I didn’t!” Mebh would protest, her shouts cut off by the dragon's claws moving from her wings to force her mouth shut. She’d shriek, muffled by the pressure, eyes shut tight with pain. The dragon’s wings spread and with a few flaps both he and Mebh lifted into the air. Shard, still stunned with the news of his companions death, did nothing to prevent the other two dragons from following, one of them picking up Shard and carrying him carefully in his claws from the bottom of the supposedly deadly Jungle. Together in the claws of their captors, both Mebh and Shard hung limply. One against their will, the grip so tight on their body they could hardly breathe let alone attempt an escape, the other limp from shock as their world began to crumble around them.
Two days would pass, almost three. The sun was setting once again, Shards den slowly growing darker as its light passed the horizon line to welcome the moon. Barely a word had come from the dragon’s mouth since he arrived home. Orion had forbidden him from leaving the den until his wing had healed, and any time the two had come within some kind of close contact with each other Orion would ramble and scold his son so much that Shard could barely get a word in, so he didn’t even try. It hadn't been complete isolation for him thankfully. The she-dragon who knocked him from the sky, who Shard had come to learn was named Crystal, had bought him freshly killed food twice, attempting to apologise profusely with each trip. Shard had forgiven her and had stressed to the other dragon that he did not blame her, it wasn’t her fault as she was just following orders.
Freya had come to visit as well, spending much of the last few days with him. It was through Freya he had learnt of the fate of Mebh. She had been chained up at the base of the tower, close to the lake’s edge. Guardians kept a constant watch on her but according to Freya she had made no attempts to escape.
“You need to talk to him” Freya spoke, she was tending to Shard’s wing, checking over the tear that had begun to heal. The blood stains had long faded and instead the skin of the edge had
“I’ve tried, but all he does is shout and whine. Oh how could you be so stupid shard, why didn’t you listen to me, Shard, look what happens when you disobey” Shard mocked his father, deepening his voice to try and match the older dragon’s tone. “Besides he wouldn’t tell me anything, he doesn’t trust me any more I can see it in his eyes, he hates me”
Freya watched sadly as her friend lowered his head to rest in on his claws, a sigh of frustration slipping from his jaws. She’d leave his wing, instead coming to rest by his side, her head pressing to Shard’s in an attempt to comfort him.
“He could never hate you, Shard, what kind of father hates his own son?” Freya did have a point. Orion was his Father and Shard his son, how could he hate his own kin. Orion had raised him on his own with no Mother to aid him. For as long as Shard could remember it had been only the two of them, family wise at least and that never bothered him before.
Until now.
For a while the two laid in silence, heads pressed closely together in a way of comfort. Both dragons allowed their eyes to close as they rested together, basking in each other's warmth as well as the warmth of the setting sun. Eventually however Shard would speak up, as even in the warm silence Shard’s mind could not help but one with questions. Questions he needed answers too.
“Why didn’t he want me to race? He was so against it” Just the thought of his Fathers insistence angered him. All his life Shard had dealt with such opposition, teased for his small size, the weakness in his leg. Yet he never took it to heart, As Ash, Storyteller, even Freya had told him it was something he should not let bother him. They knew just as well as Shard what he was capable of and so he’d prove himself over and over again, learning to fly, catching his first fresh-kill, even graduating from the nursery as a fully fledged flier, something his Father believed he’d never do.
It was Always Orion, Always his father who had doubted him.
Shard had gotten up, pacing around the den. He’d mumble to himself as Freya watched from the comfort of the blanket filled nest, concern filling her eyes as she watched her friend mutter and fret.
“He was so angry, Freya, I'd never seen him so upset because I chose to fly in the first place. He got the guardians to come after me.” He turned to look at Freya, “Mebh called them Void claws” Shard had told her this before, the phrase having been stuck in his head since Mebh had said it. He needed to know what it meant, what Mebh had meant in calling his Kin such a name. It was what Freya had been suggesting he’d ask about.
“Do you think Storyteller knows what it means? Or anyone here? I doubt Father would tell us if we asked”. Shard spat the last part with anger, almost as if he saw the dragon he once looked up too in a now completely different light.
Freya responded with a shrug, standing up from her place on the nest approaching Shard and placing her much smaller wings over her shoulder. It stopped the taller dragons pacing and his head turned to face her.
“You won’t get any answers pacing around will you?” a mischievous smile spread across her snout, Shard smiling as well as he realised what it was she was suggesting. So far all Shard had done was disobey. Disobeying is what led him to being able to fly despite it all. Disobeying led to him meeting Mebh. Disobeying led to him finding her in the forests, what damage could a little more rule breaking do? Make his Father more angry? It’s not like he’d raise a claw to him Orion wouldn’t dare. Right?
With a gentle flap of his Wings Shard tested the strength of his injured membrane. It barely hurt, ached a little as the cold air brushed past it but he was healed enough that he’d not care for a little sting here and there. In Shard’s mind his bed rest was over, and he had to leave now before his Father came back from patrol.
With Freya carefully held within his claws, Shard left the den in search of answers. Somehow, some way the pair had to talk to Mebh, the outsider whose scales shimmered like the sea. She was the one with the answers, the truth. Yet with the heavy guard the other dragon was other, and the eyes on Shard that seemed to follow him from every corner since the incident at the race it was going to be near impossible to get close enough to speak let alone even see the she-dragon.
Circling from high above the pair surveyed the situation. Freya stretched her wings, acting as if the pair were playing as they often did. This was the closest to flying she’d ever got and often in the past Shard had carried her around just for that rush of wind on her wing tips. It seemed to be enough to keep the suspicions off of the pair at least. Two guards, Chains and a shelter haphazardly thrown together out of a mixture of wood and rock, to keep Mebh clear of the heat of the sun and any falling rain. Gaps in the structure littered the shelter, perhaps dropping something though them was possible. Then they watched as the guarding dragons took leave, another single dragon taking their place after a short wait, just a few minutes but perhaps enough to put a plan of some sort into action.
With a clear idea of the kind of keep Mebh had been left in, both Shard and Freya returned to a den, this time Freya’s own. With her own parents busy with their own tasks provided to them by the tower’s needs, the pair had plenty of time before the sun had fully set to enact their plan. Scribbling on some parchment, Shard prepared a message, quick, simple and hopefully enough to set his trust with Mebh once again.
Before Freya’s parents could return, Shard left for the skies once again, message in hand. Riding the updraughts he waited until he was just above the shelter, his eyes focused on the largest of the holes that opened in the very top, then he dropped the message. Holding his breath he watched as the rolled up parchment fell through the air, heavy thanks to the pebble Freya had so cleverly suggested he attach to it. The weight dragged it down, flighting the winds that would otherwise blow it away with ease. Shard only breathed again once he saw the message slip between the rocks, the guard seemingly unaware of the tiny treasure that had just made its way into his prisoner's cage. With the sun now gone from the sky Shard hastily made his retreat, returning to his own den just moments before his Fathers return.
As soon as the old dragon landed at the den’s edge Shard returned to his nest, curling up without so much as making eye contact with the dragon, instead he’d close his eyes, feigning sleep to get out of interacting with him in any way much to Orion’s dismay as he did make an attempt to speak to his son only to be ignored.
Mebh was woken by a tiny bump on her head, it did not hurt but it was enough to snap her out of her sleep. On the ground in front of her was a rolled up scroll? Parchment? Whatever it was, it had her attention. Fighting against the chains on her wrist she unrolled the tiny scrap of paper and took a look as to what was written on it.
“I know you are innocent, and I am going to get you free”
The sun was beginning to set as Shard laid in his nest. Tail curled around his body and wings tight to his scales. Ever since the argument with Orion Shard had returned to his nest to sulk but also avoid his Father. He couldn’t understand why he didn't want him to race. Shard was a good flier. Despite his weak leg, his tail injury, every day since he took his first flight Shard practised and practised for this very day. Yet every time Orion caught him even thinking about participating it was nearly always immediately shut down with the same old excuse.
“You are too small!”
Shard had to face it, he was small but it wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t control his size, he was born that way. Why couldn’t he fly just like everyone else? With a heavy sigh Shard turned in his nest, facing away from the den entrance in front of him. Faintly he could hear the gathering crowds of dragons, their cheers and cries of joy as the participants took their places. He covered his head with his wings, trying to drown them out, but it was no use, he couldn't ignore it, not forever.
Just like his desire to prove himself once and for all.
With a jump Shard took flight, leaping from his den with his wings spread wide. Below him he could see the many lights of the fireflies below him, shining brightly within and around the crowd of dragons that gathered at the lake below. As he made his way closer he could see his Father stood above the crowd on a ledge attached to the towers walls. His wings wide as he spoke to the hundreds of dragons below him.
With a jump Shard took flight, leaping from his den with his wings spread wide. Below him he could see the many lights of the fireflies below him, shining brightly within and around the crowd of dragons that gathered at the lake below. As he made his way closer he could see his Father stood above the crowd on a ledge attached to the towers walls. His wings wide as he spoke to the hundreds of dragons below him.
He could see Storyteller, the little-wings. He saw Ash, he even saw Freya in the crowd, standing on the back of one of her parents for a better view. She looked disappointed, searching the crowd for Shard who sadly wasn’t amongst them or the participants at the edge of the lake. Every dragon Shard had ever known was there, Every guardian, every resident of Skyscraper, no one had been left behind, at least it seemed so. Out of every dragon in the crowd Shard could not see Jasper anywhere. ‘Had he not returned from patrol yet?’ Shard thought.
Not wanting to get caught, Shard dove down into the surrounding trees, Sticking to the very edge of the treeline so as to not wander too far in. On the ground and closer to the crowd he could hear just what his Father was saying, a booming Speech the same one he did every year for every race. Shard had heard it all before.
“Every Year our young, but strong flyers gather here at the lake to race into the sunset and prove themselves worthy of becoming guardians!” The strong comment hurt, now that he knew his father thought he wasn’t good enough.
“Each participant will race through the valley, over the jungles at the edge of the territory and up to the very top of Skyscraper, above the skyline. Those who make it to the top will be chosen to become the next guardians, and begin their second trials next moon”.
Trials, trials, it was all about trails. Becoming a guardian wasn’t easy, Shard knew that. Most who took part in the race give up by the time they reach the valley, but Shard wasn’t going to do that. Pacing around the treeline Shard came to a stop beside the participants, it would seem he had yet to be spotted, every dragon instead focused on their leader as he continued to speak proudly of his warrior kin, his words booming from the tower ledge and across the lake with no effort behind each one.
“Take caution as it will not be a safe flight. Wolves wait in the valleys, and its strong winds will pull you into their jaws if you are not careful. Guardians will be watching however and will help those who need it”
At the mention of their title, many guardians spread their wings, ready to fly with the rest of the participants, who would also begin to open their wings, ready to take off. Shard would do the same, laying low to keep his wings from touching the branches above him.
“You have until the moon meets the top of Skyscraper, those who reach her before she passes the very top will become guardians in training next moon!” Orion announced with increased vigor, his wings stretching above him as he opened them wide and high. Every dragon copied him, the spectators, the racers, the guards. Even Shard.
Wings raised high all over in anticipation, claws dug into the ground, heads went low with eyes trained on the sky above. It was now or never, for everyone partaking. Silence fell over the lake, only interrupted by the gentle rustling of leaves of the surrounding trees in the winds breeze that increased in strength gradually as the sun fell past the horizon line.
It vanished and the land fell into the red-touched darkness. Orion’s wings and head shot downwards, giving the racers the signal to go. A cacophony of roars and cheers erupted from the crowds, dragons rearing up, cheering the names of loved ones as the dozens of young dragons lined up at the lakes edge took off into the air. Shard galloped alongside them, searching for a break in the trees to keep though and join the ever growing flock of dragons that burst through the air in the direction of the valley.
Only moments in and the trial was proving to be a challenge. Dozens of giant bodies all flying so closely together yet against each other. Every single one avoided the trees below, or at least tried to as many raised up those above them stubbornly refusing to move to accommodate those below them. The growing darkness did not help, many if not all the dragons of Skyscraper were not adapted to flying under the moonlight. Dragons soon began crashing into each other, causing spats of violence to break out between them. The valley is barely in sight and already many are beginning to fall behind. Biting, scratching, shoving, ramming, so many dragons desperate to make it though and Shard was among them.
Yet he did not fight. Following the horizon line Shard could barely make out the light of the moon glowing below it, just before it, the valley. Staying low to the tree line Shard zipped and turned though the many dragons who tussled in front of him, others not engaged in battle did the same or something similar, following the dim moonlight ahead of them, focusing on the valley ahead instead of the other dragons around them. ‘If I just stay out of a fight, I’ll surely win,’ Shard prayed.
The thick sea of Jungle leaves soon opened into an empty, rocky, drop. Hundreds of meters below, cutting through the stone with power unmatched, the river rapids flowed below, churned up by the incredible winds that filled the valley. Rocks jutted up in all directions, cutting into what should have been an open path was instead a trail thick with danger and peril, made all the more daunting by the wolves that raced along the valley’s edges following the flock above them and waiting for one, weakling to fall.
It wouldn’t take long. Just minutes into the valley and already a dragon, a small, lithe she-dragon, was buffeted so violently by the winds her wings could not keep up, snapping back as she attempted to push into them and instead falling down towards the rapids. Wolves jumped at the chance, teeth filled jaws snapping at her falling body, almost getting a taste if it were for the guardian who swooped in and caught her, seconds before her scales touched the rapids below. Many already trained and seasoned guardians had been following the flock, staying out of harm's way to only intervene if a dragon was forced into danger. They watched the fliers, they watched the wolves, but only aided when things became dire.
Shard had not noticed the watching guardians, he was far too focused on the race itself to realise he was being watched, but now? Seeing that she-dragon barely avoided death thanks only to her rescuer did he notice he and every other dragon had been on constant watch. His nerves spiked, what if they saw him? Tried to stop him? Would they? Would Orion allow it? Or enforce it? Either way Shard had a new challenge upon him; don’t get caught.
Pressing on Shard dove into the Wind lifts that shot through the Alley, the winds carrying him up further and above the flock. He wasn't out of danger, wolves had also lined up across the valley top, waiting for a dragon just like him to fly a little too high. However, away from the teeth like rocks below, and far from the rapids Shard felt like he stood a better chance compared to those who decided to stay in the harsh winds below. A quick glance down and he could see the flock gradually thinning. Dragons falling behind, losing to stronger racers in their scraps, victims of quick snapping bites from wolves. Thinner and thinner the crowd became. A few dozen racers, to only a dozen and then barely half.
It was sudden, a crashing force slamming into him from above, claws dug into his skin pulling him away from the valley and over the edge to the calmer, safer winds of the surrounding trees. Shard barely caught himself, body twisting and wings waving frantically to catch the wind. Moments before scales braced leaves Shard was able to steady himself, body turning quickly to see just who or what had thrown him off course.
Orion, and he looked furious.
“Stand down Shard! You were ordered not to participate!” His father called over the storming winds, his eye’s piercing anger, and hurt into Shard’s own.
Shard didn’t respond, he couldn’t, wouldn’t. Instead as he hovered in place he stared down his Father, his own hurt and anger seeping from his expression. Determined to prove himself, Shard dropped his wings, falling back down towards the valley and into its high winds, ignoring his fathers orders again and this time with a vigor he had never possessed before. Zipping between rocks and stone, Shard battled the winds, deliberately choosing difficult and winding paths in an attempt to outrun Orion who had begun to pursue him closely. Orders and roars of fury were quickly drowned out by the rushing winds, not that Shard was listening, Guardians quickly became aware of the pursuit and began to Tail both Shard and Orion, ready to aid their leader at a moments notice.
The sky had completely turned dark with the sun's full disappearance. The moon was now visible, full and bright as it slowly climbed the sky towards the top of the ruins. Stars began to dot the sky, lighting it up with their specks of light shining down onto the lake, and the dragons surrounding it below. Shard kept his focus ahead, all too aware of his father quickly approaching him from behind. Yet he did not stop, he did not turn back or listen to his desperate, rage filled calls for him to stand down or land. Another dragon, A participant in the race shot past Shard, her speed only picking up due to the dragons surrounding them. Guardians closing in, along with Orion who’s snapping jaws grew ever closer to Shard, reaching for his tail. It seemed she was more afraid of the guardian leader than Shard was, Her head twisting back for a moment to watch as Shard narrowly avoided a bite from Orion, twisting in the air to avoid him and pushing his wings downward to boost forward.
Anger burned from Orion’s eyes, meeting with the racers own for s split-second. She looked ahead, the tower now in front of her She, Shard and the others began to climb it, riding the updraught of wind that thundered around it. The change in wind seemed to Shake Shard, grunting as he fought against his own tiring body, his wings ached, his joints sore. He could feel his body beginning to falter but with his fathers breath barely gracing the scaleless tip of his tail, and the tower now before him, the top within sight, Shard knew he couldn’t stop now.
“STOP HIM”
Orion spat into the wind. She dragon ahead having no clue who the order was directed at, more likely the guardians than her. Still without much of a thought she sprung into action, gripping tightly onto a lag that was hanging from the walls of the tower as she zipped past it. With a simple tug the flag was freed from the stone, the metal pole it was mounted on gripped tightly between her the claws of her back feet. Twisting in the air, she threw the flag away from her, directly towards Shard.
In a desperate halt of his wings Shard’s body twisted, the flag narrowly avoiding his face and body. In that moment he thought he was safe, the pole moving past him and seemingly away, only for his hopes to be quickly washed away as the cloth of the flag caught the tips of his wings. The sheer force of it falling combined with the weight of the metal and his shock was enough to stop him in his tracks, the silky fabric twisting around his wing, pulling him down wards at such a speed he could not recover. Before anyone, even Orion could do anything to help Shard vanished into the forests below.
The warmth of the rising sun graced his scales, the soft undergrowth below him holding his sore body ever so gently. Rain lightly tapped at his scales as it made its way to the forest floor, barely any making its way through the canopy. What little did would provide Shard with tiny darts of relief, their cool touch soaking into his body as he rested in the sun's spotty, yet warm glow, hardly aware of just where he had come to rest.
A distant rustling woke him from his dreams, his head shooting up with wide, watching eyes. Forests surrounded him, Trees taller than anything he had ever seen towering above him, blocking much of the sunlight and rain that fell from the sky. He was in the Jungles, the place no untrained dragon dared to tread. Beasts of untold strength, wolves, monsters, savage creatures who thirsted for the blood of dragons roamed here and Shard had fallen into their home. Painfully aware of the danger he was in Shard pushed himself onto his feet, his left wing hanging limply by his side. Pain shot through him, the warm touch of blood painting the very edges of his wings membrane. His head reached down sniffing at the tear in his wing, the scent of blood piercing its way through the many smells of the tree’s surrounding him. It was only a matter of time before something else caught wind of the smell, he had to get out.
He could not have been far from his home, So close to finishing the race he was before he fell, or rather was pushed in a way that he couldn't have fallen that far from the tower's base. Yet from the ground it was almost impossible to tell, the world looked so different from below, the trees filling the skies and blocking the sun.
The sun…
Just how long had he been down there?
Glancing up at the canopy above Shard could at least tell sunrise had long passed. The sun bright above the trees, what little making it down to him the bright white of sun high rather than the warm, orange glow of sunrise. With no sense of direction Shard began to pace through the undergrowth ahead of him, his head low along with his wings. Although he tried using his senses, tracking the odd smells and sounds he could not begin to recognise it did little to help in finding any sense of where he was in relation to his home. For all Shard knew he could have easily been heading further away, and closer to danger rather than safety.
A rustling stirred him, his attention swiftly moving from the ground ahead of him to the thick trees behind him. Their impossibly large leaves moved erratically as something disturbed them from behind. Almost instinctively Shard turned to face whatever it was, his wings, although his right more so than the left raised and opened making the already undersized dragon look just a little larger than the creature he’d soon face.
A snout, long and delicate, blue scales fading from dark to light, spots of white speckling the cheeks. Then horns of White, long and sleek and a fin of ocean blue suspended between spines, hanging loosely by the side of the face and covering a stark dark blue, almost black eye. Stepping from the leaves another dragon, who Shard at first did not recognise, approached with her head low, her mouth carrying a bundle of leaves and silk from a spider’s web, as the dragon Shard had seen just days before at the ruined tower.
“I can smell him, he’s been here” the larger of the two spoke, his head lowering to the ground to sniff at the dirt, flecks of Shard's blood still visible on the very surface and still very much wet.
“Well he can’t be far, that blood is still fresh” the other said, his own nose beginning to search through the surrounding foliage.
Metal clinking got Shard's attention. An all too familiar sound that alerted him to the return of his father from his patrols. Turning to greet him with a bow of his head and a smile, Shard watched as his father stepped into their shared den, stripping off the silver armour that covered his body.
“Welcome back Father. How was the patrol?”
Shard had always taken a keen interest in his father’s work. After all he was going to join him one day, or at least he hoped. Many times these hopes had been pushed deep away, his father often denying him the simple chance to join him on patrols, watch a training session between himself and other guardians, or simply just saying no to being a guardian. As the trials had gotten closer, Shard had shown more and more interest in taking part. Each time he tried so desperately to ask it would be either hushed away or outright ignored completely. It did little to deter him however. Shard knew his dreams had to be realised eventually.
“Wolves were in the hunting grounds stealing our prey. So we made them prey instead”. His father spoke, a deep voice rumbling from within.
Orion was the mark of a dragon, huge, strong wings of red and gold, decorated with swirling patterns of stripes and spots. The den he shared with Shard, although large, it was barely enough to fit him even when he tucked his wings away. Tall, massive, appearing even larger thanks to the four, spiked horns on his head that dressed him like a crown, spines decorated in jewels and rings of metal and gold surrounding them. Black stripes rippled down his red scales from head to tail tip, interrupted by flecks of gold that shone in the sun.
A truly remarkable dragon.
“Wolves? Again? I thought you scared them off already?”
“They came back”
Orion barely looked at his son as he came to rest in the den. His wings tucked tightly to his sides as he made his way further inside, seeking out his own nest to rest in for a short while. Patrols were long, and often exhausting even more so for the guardian leader. Shard was quick to join his side, pacing alongside his father with wide eyes of interest. The stories he was told, though often brief and simple, fascinated him. He glanced up at Orion, his eyes searching for fresh wounds that appeared even vaguely wolf-like but he found nothing, not a scratch on him.
So strong, so brave. A great warrior. Shard adored him.
“How many? Did you kill them all? Or did you just drive them away? Do you think they’ll come ba-”
“Shard Please!” Orion dropped into his nest, head coming to rest on his hind legs, tail wrapping around his body. His eyes immediately closed to rest. “I’m quite tired, I need to rest before the trails”
Shard came to a stop next to him, dropping to sit with an air of disappointment. He was so eager to hear what had happened with the wolves but it would seem he would not be getting a story today.
This did not stop him. Only moments later Shard lit up again, his tail swaying with joy as he approached his father closely, dropping down to rest a little closer but still giving him room to breathe.
“Oh me too, I just woke up actually.” Shard’s eyes were gazing up at Orion, his tail swaying more as his father acknowledged him with a grumble coming from the back of his throat. It made Shard smile, just a little. “I did my chores too, I got rocks for the healer just like he asked.”
Another grumble came from Orion's throat, his eyes opening to look at the young dragon for a moment. He smiled slightly, his claws reaching out to pull his son closer to him. “Keeping busy then? Good lad”.
Silence filled the room once again., Shard took the moment of quiet to just enjoy his father’s company. It wasn’t often they got to spend time together. Orion was far too busy with his work as leader of the guardians to spend much time with his only son. As the quiet overtook the regal den Shard began to smile again, his tail swaying once more. He remembered the She-dragon. The stranger he met in the ruins. Perhaps Orion saw her? Maybe they could help her? In the short spell Shard made contact with her, he didn’t spot any injuries but she had flown into the jungles. The one place he had been told to stay out of for his entire life. Stories of monsters and beasts that could tear a dragon's wings with their claws were more than enough to keep Shard from daring to enter them.
“I saw something today whilst I was out. Another dragon who wasn’t from here” Shard began to explain“ A she-dragon with blue scales, she looked scared. She flew into the jungle before I could stop her”
Orion sat up, eyes focused on his speaking son. He seemed genuinely concerned for once taking his son's stories a little more seriously than before.
“Another dragon? Are you sure she wasn’t from here? We have plenty of residents she could’ve of just gotten lost on patrol”
“She had fins!” Shard stressed the fins, gesturing with his tail to the back of neck, where he has seen the fins on the she-dragon. No dragon Shard, or Orion had met had fins. They had no need for them here. The lake was far too shallow to swim and the ocean was thousands of miles away. “Alright I believe you Shard” Orion stood, his wings stretching as he walked back to the entrance of their shared den. “I will set up a patrol. If we find her we will do all we can to help her. Okay?”
“Okay.” Shard nodded, trusting his father’s word.
Orion took off into the night sky, the sun long having set since Shard had returned to the nest to nap. Shard sat by the entrance, watching his fathers figure disappear into the dark above him. The tower below him was lit up by the nests of dragons resting within. The lights of fireflies and gentle candles flickered below as dragons moved about behind the tower walls. Long gone were the dragons who covered the walls in their attempts to bask. They had left for their homes once the sun had vanished below the horizon, scales comfortably warm from its rays. It left the tower looking empty, clean of squabbling bodies and their loud chattering growls and roars. Shard sat at the entrance, wings itching to follow his father but he knew he would be turned away the moment he caught up with him. Instead Shard crawled through the entrance, gripping the stone of the tower walls, and climbed further up, keeping himself as quiet as possible as he passed nest after nest of sleeping dragons.
Determined to help, Shard made his way to the very top of the tower. A structure stood on the very top, a platform covered by a large, domed roof, held up by thin yet strong pillars allowing dragons to come and go as they pleased. Perches jutted from the top and sides, yet more places for dragons to sit and rest. The only thing keeping it somewhat lit were the many, many captured fireflies in glass bottles and jars, and the stars of the night above them. This is where the guardians gathered. Where they took their orders before patrols or discussed what they needed to do in order to protect their home and the ruins around them. It wasn’t often Shard came up here, but his fascination with his father, the guardians and the work they did often brought him up here on the long hours between his duties and chores, with or without permission.
Staying low, Shard kept his body pressed tightly to the wall, his claws gripping the stone bricks as he reached the very top. He peeked over the edge, eyes locking onto the gathering of dragons above him. Four strong warriors clad in metal armour were lined up in front of Orion as he gave his orders. Shard knew each of them, but only recognised Jasper by name.
“If Shard is correct and it is in fact a Wayfarer this close to the ruins then it is our duty to find them and guide them home” Orion spoke as he paced in front of the guardians. His eyes turned to Jasper “Did you see this dragon?”
Wayfarer? Shard questioned to himself he had never heard of such a thing.
“No Sir” Jasper replied with a light growl. “But I know where Shard claimed to see it, the ruins to the east. The last tower.”
“Alright, lead the patrol there and search the surrounding area. If you find them, bring them back here.”
Jasper nodded. Without hesitation, he turned and opened his wing. With a running start He leapt from the platform and into the night sky, the other dragons soon following him. Shard spread his own wings, leaning away from the tower walls ready to jump only to be stopped by his fathers voice once again piercing the dark which had now fallen silent.
“You can come out now Shard”
Damn, Of course he knew Shard was there, nothing ever got past Orion. Closing his wings, Shard pulled himself up the stone walls and onto the platform, his head hanging low as he stepped slowly over to his Father, awaiting the coming scolding he was sure to get.
“You are not going” Orion stated, clear and firm.
“But I know where she went!” Shard Protested, lifting his head up to look directly at Orion “I’m the one who saw her! I'm the one who should find her!”
“You are not a guardian, you are not trained, it is far too dangerous” Orion did not raise his voice but his tone became more firm. He didn’t want Shard going out there not so late into the night. It just wasn’t safe. “Please Just return to our den and rest, it is late.” Orion lowered his head, nudging Shard gently with the tip of his snout towards the edge. Reluctantly and with a huff of annoyance Shard pulled away from his father and ran off the platform, taking into the air with a single flap of his wings. For now he’d do as he was told, Returning to the den he shared with his father, trotting up to his next and dropping into it with a grumble, wings resting loosely against his body and snout tucking into his arms below him.
Shard tried his best to rest, to sleep. Eyes shut tightly, body twisting and turning in the pile of furs, pillows and twigs that made his nest. However he could not shake his Fathers words from his mind or at least one word in particular.
Wayfarer.
It was what he called the she-dragon shard had seen. Is that what finned dragons were called? Wayfarers? His curiosity beckoned him, Shard rising from his nest to pace as he thought, much like Orion did. Wayfarer, Wayfarer. It rang in his mind, familiar yet so foreign. His father and peers told him many stories of the world around him, the history of Draelia and those who inhabited it. Wayfarers must have come up at some point, yet for some reason Shard could not figure out when or how. Perhaps if he knew more he could help with finding her.
That was his excuse anyway, justification to disobeying orders and leaving his nest. Once again Shard was as quickly and as quietly as he could making his way around the tower but this time he was going down rather than up. Many times he had gone there, a little Den near the bottom. Filled to the brim with books and scrolls, it was an archive of some sort. Rarely it was guarded, dragons could just come and go as they pleased in search of little titbits of information. Recipes, the name of a weird plant, history lessons. If you were looking for information something it was there you’d find it, or so Shard hoped.
As expected the den was unguarded and on top of that, thankfully empty as of course most dragons would not be seeking out reading material this late into the night. Shard came to land on the perch just outside the entrance, a crack in the tower just large enough to squeeze though marked with a plaque of wood with a book scratched into it. Shard with his smaller body easily fit inside, dropping to the ground with a light thump. Books littered the ground around him, many piled high above him. He could barely see in the dark, the light of the fireflies outside barely penetrating the darkness of the room.
It smelled too, stuffy, dusty. Just how old were some of these books? He could only wonder, the tower had stood for thousands of years, the books inside remaining for just as long, if not longer. Collected over the years by the guardians who found them within the ruins or written by the tower's residents recording history as it unfolded. Collecting them was easy as hoarding came naturally to many dragons and this was certainly a horde. Maintaining them however was another story, whilst some dragons took turns sorting, dusting or guarding the books there were so many it had become a chore no one volunteered to take on, not even Shard liked it.
Twisting his lithe body around the many piles and piles of books, doing his best not to step on or knock any over, Shard navigated the dark maze of books, squinting his eyes and looking closely at their spines as he went past. His mind pulsed with ideas and queries, if the strange dragon had fins they she must have had something to do with water. The ocean perhaps? It was what he chose to look for, any hint of the sea, water, even rain. He did recall the She-dragon looked like water, with her blue scales patterned with stripes that mimicked the ripple of sunlight on a water's surface.
When a book caught his eye, whether the title mentioned the ocean or the cover referenced it even just slightly, Shard would pull it from the pile it was in with its teeth. Checking over said book in the dim light with a quick skim of its contents. Unfortunately with the darkness in the room it was difficult to tell what the books contained let alone if they were the right ones or not. Shard went through a dozen or so, more if he bothered to count, further and further he went into the makeshift archive pulling book after book out in an almost frenzy. Searching for answers.
Shard couldn’t tell just how much time had passed since he began his search, having wandered far from the den entrance he could barely see, his eyes barely adjusting to the dark that surrounded him. It felt like he had searched the entire den, every book he had passed at least once by now surely. Soon he’d have to return to his nest lest Orion assume he'd disobeyed his orders and gone on the patrol. Technical he had disobeyed, leaving his nest to go searching for a book he wasn’t even sure existed. It wasn't until the sun began to peek through the cracks in the walls Shard had realised just how long he had been searching. If Orion had not returned yet he would soon, Shard had to go.
Taking far less care, Shard ran for the entrance, Pushing his way through the books, knocking a pile over with a flick of his tail as he tried to prevent himself from falling in his rush. Turning back almost instinctively he looked at the pile with a groan and for a moment considered stopping to pick them up again, to cover his tracks. That is when he saw it, a book amongst the others. The cover was decorated with a painting of a finned dragon, its wings large and its eyes seemingly glowing in the light. Shard wasn’t sure if he was on the right track but with time running out he took a chance, snatching the book up in his jaws and quickly scrambling out the den entrance and taking to the air, circling the tower until he reached his den once again.
“I don’t get it? Are you sure she was one of these?” The young red dragon questioned.
After finding his book and narrowly escaping yet another harsh scolding from his father, Shard had taken the book to his one and only real friend. Freya.
She was different like Shard in a way. Despite being a year older than him Freya was much shorter than him, her wings and legs remaining underdeveloped and leaving her without the ability to fly. She had her own ways of getting around, adapting just fine to her rather unique situation but since the two were young they had stuck together bonding over their differences to the other dragons their shared nests with as Hatchings. Her red scales and golden horns were often described as a ‘fitting contrast’ to his dark blue scales and white horns by the dragons who watched over them.
Freya looked down at the book resting on the ground between her claws, twisting her head to get a better look at the strange illusions on the page. Dragons of many shapes and sizes but all some shade of blue and decorated with fins of some kind. Frills, spines, Long bodies and always, always blue. Shard paced around behind her, nodding in response to her question. “Yes! Maybe, I mean she wasn’t that big, she was small, like us”. Shard came to rest next to her, eyes locking onto the book again. It wasn’t one he had read himself before, the pages old, faded and torn but the illustrations inside told him enough that he could at least infer it was about the sea.
“Did the patrol find her?” Freya asked, genuinely curious about this stranger Shard had become so fixated on.
“No, Father came back alone but apparently Jasper is still out there…apparently” Shard huffed, not really believing everything he had been told so far. Not long after he made it back to his own nest Orion had returned from the patrol, claiming to have not seen anything whilst out “Pretty sure he just said it too to keep me quiet”. Shard’s head lowered to rest on his claws, a sigh escaping from his throat once again.
“Well if she is real, and I believe she is then Orion will find her” Freya responded reassuringly. Giving Shard a gentle smile as his eyes raised to meet hers. He smiled as well, comforted by her words and belief in him. The two would sit in silence again but only for a few moments as they gathered their thoughts, shifting through many ideas between themselves on ways to perhaps solve their little book problem.
“Maybe Storyteller knows?” Freya spoke up eventually a suggestion that made Shard’s smile morph into a frown.
“Storyteller? From the nursery?” Shard questioned, Freya responding with an enthusiastic nod. Storyteller themselves wasn’t the issue, he had fond memories of the elder dragon and the many stories they told when Shard spent his time in the nursery. He was fascinated by the many tales they spun of heroic guardians and their adventures around Drealia filled with dangers, treasures and heroism. The issue for Shard was that Storyteller could be found in the nursery, a nursery full of young dragons. Very young, very annoying young dragons. It was a day of absolute glee when Shard finally aged out of the nursery when he turned 12, he was happy to be rid of the much younger dragons that constantly tried to drag him into their rather painful version of play, with lots of teeth and claws.
“I suppose it’s worth a shot, Storyteller does know the most out of any dragon here”. Shard stood, stretching his body and wings, ready to fly. “I’ll carry you” He suggested to Freya with a smile, picking up the book in his jaws. Carefully Shard picked up the smaller dragon in his forearms, supporting her tail with his back legs as he flew from the den and downwards towards the nursery. It was further down the tower, at the very bottom, to encourage the young dragons to fly upwards to their own dens when the time to learn how to fly came. It seemed to work as almost every dragon left fully fledged and more than ready to fly on their own. As the two approached the loud, excited chatter of young dragons filled their ears. Freya could already see a few playing outside the den, rolling around in the grass in a rough but ultimately harmless play fight. Some chased feathers and bugs whilst a few trotted around the lake’s edge pawing at the fish within. Sat with them, watching them play was Storyteller, the elder dragon who practically lived inside the nursery with their constant dedication to the young dragons they helped raise.
“Shard? Freya?” Storyteller glanced at the pair as they came to land next to them, Shard carefully dropping Freya down into the grass before landing himself.
Shard bowed his head slightly in greeting before dropping the book down in front of them. “Storyteller it’s good to see you”
Freya agreed, approaching the older dragon to press her head to his as her own way of greeting them.
“Now Shard you know you don’t have to call me that any-more-” Storyteller began, pausing as shard let out a shriek of surprise. A young dragon had wasted no time in attempting to play with the larger dragon, pouncing on his tail and nipping at it with his tiny teeth. With a gentle shake Shard got the youngster to quickly let go, shaking the tip of his tail just above them. The young dragon reached up to paw at it playfully.
“We wanted to ask about this book” Freya took over, allowing Shard to focus more on keeping the youngsters teeth away from the skin of his tail. “We wanted to know who it is on the cover?”
Storyteller leaned down for a closer book, her old tired eyes squinting to make sense of the painted cover. It took a moment but soon her eyes lit up with delight as she picked up the book with her claws for a better look inside its pages.
“My my this is an old one. It’s Cordelia on the font. The water Titan”
Water Titan? That did ring a bell somewhat in Shard’s mind. Everyone knew what the Titans were, they were the gods, the ancestors of all dragons. Without the Titans there would be no Draelia. His knowledge on them however like many of the dragons that resided in the ruins was startlingly limited. He only knew what he had been told, and it wasn’t much. He knew what they were, what they meant, but that was mostly it. Granted Shard often only listened to tales of guardians as that was what was most important to him.
“Do they have anything to do with Wayfarers?” Shard Asked.
Storyteller lit up once again, this time in surprise. Knowledge of the wayfarers wasn’t common amongst the youngsters, it was mostly kept within the elders or with the guardians themselves. They had never seen it as necessary to teach about other dragon tribes, given that almost no one leaves the ruins. What was the need if you were never going to meet them?
“Um yes, yes. They are her descendants, her followers you could say”. Storyteller continued, their old eyes watching the younger dragons closely for their reactions. Just how much did they know already she wondered. “They live out to sea, constantly on the wing. Only stopping to raise their young” She smiled fondly, she liked the idea of constantly flying, always being on the move, her life would've been such an adventure.
With a soft smile and a gentle flick of her tail, Storyteller invited the other young dragons to gather around. Several of the young dragons took notice, stopping their playful fights to tumble over and sit around Shard and Freya, one particularly small dragon climbing up onto Shard’s head despite his protests. Soon every single one had joined them, eyes staring wide up at the elder dragon, even the other caretakers had joined them, eager to enjoy Storyteller and her tales.
“Now it all begins over one thousand years ago, before dragons even existed-” Storyteller began, however quickly pausing as another dragon began approaching. It was Orion, a small smile on his snout.
“Shard there you are, I’ve been looking for you”. Orion approached the group, the smallest of the little-wings quickly running behind the two caretakers to hide from the towering dragon. “I need your help with some of the race preparations” He glanced over the lake, on the far side several dragons were setting up decorations in preparation for the race and the celebration that would follow.
Shard’s eyes followed his fathers, his wings fluttering slightly as the excitement for the upcoming race flooded him once again. He had been so distracted by his wayfarer discovery he had almost completely forgotten about the race.
“Uh yes of course” Shard stood, turning away from the group but as he did so Storyteller ushered him towards her with a quick flick of her tail. Quickly he stepped forward, leaning in closer in order to hear the elder.
“Focus on the race, I know you’ll achieve greatness. When it’s over I’ll teach you everything I know” She whispered, just loud enough for Shard to hear, a smile on her face. “Go on, your father is waiting” Her attention returned to the larger dragon. Her smile never fading as Shard turned away to join him. He wanted to stay there more of what Storyteller had to say but she had a point, the race was just as important, if not more so. He’d continue his search for answers after he had won. Freya volunteered to stay behind and aid Storyteller and the other caretakers with the Little-wings.
Soon Shard and Orion had made their way across the lake, a quick flight for the two of them despite the sheer size of the lake that surrounded the tower. Awaiting them many guardians and young dragons alike, who were either setting up decorations or preparing for the flight soon to come, stretching their wings, legs and tails, or choosing the spot they would take off from just a few hours from now. Shard began to do the same, mimicking the others around him. He’d stretch his wings, dig his claws into the dirt and mud for grip, and then search for a good spot to begin the race from, a strong smile giving away his eagerness to those around him.
“Shard, you are here to help not fly” Orion Would point out rather sternly eventually, snapping Shard out of his concentration and wiping the smile from his snout. “Now come help with these lights”.
“Yes Father…”
With his head hanging low Shard stepped past his father and picked up the rope of Jarred fireflies, all asleep in the daylight. Another Dragon would come to his aid, the pair working together to hang them on the trees that surrounded the lake. All whilst Orion kept a careful watch on Shard, who at any chance tried to prepare himself over and over again, only to be told to do something else by his watchful Father each time.
“Shard you are not thinking of participating are you?”Orion would eventually ask, although he already knew the answer.
“Um? Yes?” Shard admitted through a mouthful of rope, a rope he’d soon spit out as Orion approached him, a clawed hand reaching out to pull him closer.
“Shard we spoke about this already, you are not ready”
“I am!”Shard countered immediately, pushing himself away from his Fathers attempt at an embrace. “I’ve been practising”
“Shard we are not doing this again. You are not racing, not this year, and not the next. You are too small. Now get back to work” His voice was, quiet but stern, hoping the small argument had not gotten any attention. Before Shard could retaliate He’d walk away, confronting another group about the preparations they had been making, his smile returning as the young dragons rambled on about their plans to win the race.
Shard watched disheartened, sitting for a moment with his head low to the ground. Why didn’t Orion want him to race?
Iron claws gripped the metal skeleton of the vastly overgrown ruins. Thousand year old rust stained the very tips as they dug in again and again, maintaining a tight grip and careful balance as black, bat-like wings flapped behind them. A long, equally dark yet blue snout reached into the crack, barely large enough to even fit, as teeth scraped away and caught large chunks of rocks, concrete and metal that were then carefully placed into the pouch hanging from the leather strap around the base of his neck.
Rock duty. He did it almost every day. Go out to the ruins, collect rocks, bring them back to share with the elders, sick or younglings. Anyone who couldn’t themselves reach the ruins. Whether they were too young, old or simply unable, it was Shard’s job to collect it for them.
It wasn’t exactly fun for him. The rock collecting part. The metal was cold against his claws, and the rocks tasted terrible. The rust and dirt stung the cuts and scrapes he gained as he climbed and dug. Most of the time he didn’t get to keep any for himself. These rocks were not for him. Still, there was some fun to be had. As Shard spat another mouthful of rocks into the pouch, he let go from the side of the ruined tower, his wings spreading to catch the air. For a few moments he let himself fall. His dark blue, almost black scales shimmered in the sun as it rushed past him, and then with a single flap he turned, rushing up into the air with ease, his wings carrying him higher and higher with each flap. A few times he’d do this, letting himself fall before bringing himself back up again with a strong flap of his dark wings. Twisting and turning in the air, he’d play, challenging himself with stunts that sent him dangerously close to crashing into the ruins that surrounded him. More than once he’d find himself pushing at crumbling walls with his hind legs, claws scraping into rock with a horrid grind that sent shivers up his spine as he barely saved himself from broken bones and twisted limbs.
Shard was different. His body was not as skilled in flight as most of those around him. His right hind leg hung almost limp at his side as he flew, its scarred surface a reminder of a memory he himself could not recall. Born injured from a troublesome hatch leaving him with not only a scaleless patch of scar tissue but without the crucial tail fluke all dragons needed for flight. It made turning difficult, almost impossible. From a young age Shard had been told he’d never fly, to give up on his dreams and instead focus on helping those less fortunate than he was. Many dragons could not fly and still had a place in the society he called home. Farmers, Librarians, medics and caretakers, all things Shard never dreamed of pursuing.
No, he had something else in mind. Something he was going to prove to everyone that he was fully capable of.
Shard was going to be a guardian.
It pushed him on. Drove him to perform such daring stunts as he circled the towers of metal and stone that dotted the landscape, towering over the jungles and lakes he called home. It was the only reason he ever agreed to do rock duty. Out here he could practice as much as he wanted. The wide open spaces, towering ruins, cliffs and ocean of trees to manoeuvrer and dance around in what he hoped was a graceful flight. Hours he’d spend out here, from sunrise to sunset, day in and day out. Soon he’d have his chance to prove himself to everyone.
Once a year, every young dragon of his home Skyscraper ruins took part in a series of trials. Tests of speed, endurance, strength and will. Shard was finally old enough, at 15 years old. He was ready and, in his mind, more than capable of taking part in the trials. Even if everyone around him seemed to deny it.
With the thought of the upcoming trials festering in his mind Shard began to do what he did every day, practice. Twisting and turning in the air he’d manoeuvre the various ruins that dotted the landscape, carefully avoiding collision with a push of his good leg on more than one occasion. Upwards he began to move, using the winds that circled the towers to carry him higher, above them. It eased the flight for him, the winds lifting his body with ease as he stretched his wings wide to catch them.
The view below and in front of him was spectacular. For as far as the eye could see, thick jungles coated the land, the only thing breaking its unity being the various towering ruins that pierced their way through the canopy and high into the air. Structures of long lost civilisations, hundreds, maybe even thousands of years old. Shard had no idea, nor did most of his kin. To the dragons they were nothing more than a resource, providing places to rest on long flights, or to farm rocks and metal. Rocks eaten to aid in the consumption of roots and bone, and metal crafted by the skilled blacksmiths to create armour for the guardians that protected the ruins themselves.
but at any moment they could collapse with the misplacement of a claw or wing. He had seen it happen before. Soon he came to rest on a platform, the crumbling remains of one of the many bridges that joined the far sides of the tower. He for a moment felt small, the ruins towering above him, blocking out much of the sky.
There he saw it, on the far side of the bridge. A glint in the sunlight. A scrap of metal just large and loose enough for him to pull on. Behind it surely had to be a treasure trove of rocks, and maybe even Gems! He could always hope. With a slight skip in his step Shard trotted across the bridge, watching his step to avoid any loose stones or cracks. He leapt onto the wall to avoid the gap, wings outstretched for balance as he crossed the narrow bricks, then hopped back down next to his prize. Up close it was larger than expected but the wall behind it was crumbling, a gap allowing sunlight and a slight breeze to filter through. Shard took the protruding spike between his teeth, adjusting his grip more than once before giving it a tug.
Wedged tight, Shard changed again, gripping it from the other side and giving a series of strong tugs. Soon he felt it slip from the rocks, a little bit at a time. More sun came though, and the breeze got stronger. With another pull, aided by a flap of his wings Shard pulled the spike free, the wall crumbling before him. Sunlight burst through. Shard used his wing to shield his eyes from the sudden bright light. Rocks tumbled to his feet, small, metal and sparkling in the sun. The perfect rocks! Without hesitation he scooped them up with his jaw, shoving them into the now overstuffed pouch that hung from his neck, proud of his find. Yet Shard wasn’t quite ready to leave the ruins yet. It wasn’t often he got to explore them. Just a little more time, a little more fun, it was all he asked.
A smile painted his snout, a smile that quickly turned to one of awe as he took the time to actually look around the ruins, eyes following the walls upwards as he took in the sights before him. Carvings? Paintings? They had faded but even Shard could see what they intended to depict.
Dragons.
ragons in fight, dragons in battle. Dragons aiding small little creatures he could hardly see. Faded colours of red, blue, green. Dragons with huge wings or long bodies, horns that circled their heads like crowns. Fire pouring from their throats.
No dragon could breathe fire, not any more.
His gaze fell down once again, centring on the freshly made hole the spike once occupied. Meeting with the gaze of another. Large blue eyes centred on the face of a dragon he had never seen before. Scales of blue like the ocean, speckled with darker blue flecks and stripes. A mane? Or a fin? tucked between two, white horns, that draped over one side of her face. She peered through the hole, body frozen mid step as she had begun to climb through the freshly made gap. Her eyes wide with just as much shock as what Shard was feeling.
“Hey-”
Before Shard could even finish his greeting the strange dragon darted out of the ruins, leaping into the air with swift, chaotic wing beats of panic. Shard chased after her, watching her climb the wall of the tower and disappear over it before jumping into flight himself to chase after her. Scrambling up the wall, only truly entering the air as he reached the very top She was gone. He could barely see the end of her tail dipping into the jungles below. Its blue scales sticking out amongst all of the green.
Whoever she was, she wasn’t a dragon of the ruins. Shard knew everyone who made their home within Skyscraper They were his peers, his kin. She wasn’t one of them. Desperately Shard wanted to follow, he wanted to find out more but the voices of his elders ran in his ears. ‘Never go into the jungles’.
With a defeated sigh Shard came to rest at the top of the ruins once again, perching on the same metal spike he had done previously just moments before. He could only wonder if he’d see the strange dragon again. “Shard! There you are!”
Shard looked above him, a much larger dragon, one he recognised hovered above him on gentle wing beats. Red scales, protected by metal armour on his back, head and legs. A stern look on face. It was Jasper. A guardian in training who more often than not was paired with Shard when it came to rock duty, and every single time Shard slipped away, out of sight to explore on his own, much to the frustration of Jasper. “Please tell me you saw that!”
“Saw what?” Jasper came to rest next to Shard, perching on the jagged wall of the tower across from him. He folded his wings, tail wrapping around a spike for extra grip. “The blue she-dragon? The one that just flew into the jungle? Right over there?” Shard pointed with a claw, which Jasper’s Gaze followed.
“No, I was too busy looking for you. You know we are meant to stick together”
Do we ever?” Shard pointed out as he opened his wings, taking off into the sky. Jasper followed behind him, easily overtaking him with a few wing beats. The two had the same idea, with the sun beginning to dip below the horizon it was time to return home with their haul, both of them carrying equally as stuffed rock pouches. The journey, although short, was filled with chatter, mostly from Shard, as he excitedly told the tale of the strange she-dragon he had encountered in the ruins just moments before. Jasper was only half listening, half believing his words.
Skyscraper tower. The tallest of the ruined towers that marked the jungles and lakes. Remains of a once great city from the old world, long before it was a home to dragons and their kin. A structure of metal and stone, built onto by the dragons that called it their home. Decorated with roots and trees that twisted around its shell and supported it, adding strength to the thousands year old structure that otherwise would have surely crumbled centuries ago
Dragons surrounded every crevice, every crack, every hole. Nests of all kinds, belonging to dragons of every shape and size. All had their own roles that kept the ever growing band of guardians alive and well. Shard could hardly see the entrance to his own nest though the sea of scales. Red, blue, green, every color of every dragon, squeezing themselves onto every available perch they could get their hands on. The sun would soon disappear for the night and many of the resident dragons craved one last bask in its rays to warm their scales before turning in for the night. It made for a difficult landing, one Shard had to admit was partially his fault. If he had not run off on his own adventures he’d would’ve been home a lot smoother.
Shard had to circle a few times before he could finally land, but not in his own nest. He had to make a stop first. On the west side of the tower, he carefully landed on the crumbling red wall. He squeezed his lithe body between two much stockier dragons who clung to the side, deep in conversation about upcoming trails. Shard did his best to ignore them, especially when one of them scrunched up her snout as he landed.
“Watch it little-wing!” She growled, flicking her tail in annoyance as he pushed past the pair, climbing his way upwards towards his goal. A large crack in the wall waited for him. A wooden sign of a dragon holding a bejewelled rock hung outside the entrance.
“Shard! There you are!” A soft voice called out as he squeezed through the crack. “You are late, what took you so long?”
He was approached by a much older dragon, scales of dark blue decorated with even darker stripes along his entire body. His horns stuck upwards proudly, twisting slightly at the very tips. Dark eyes followed Shard as he scrambled through the crack, coming to a stop in a heap on the ground once he got through.
“Do you at least have my rocks? Good ones I hope?”
“Yeah yeah I got some don’t worry” Shard picked himself up off of the ground, shaking the dust from his mane before removing the pouch from his neck with delicate claws. The other dragon gripped the pouch between his teeth, judging the weight with a raised eyebrow as he carried it over to the small, wooden desk that was hidden off to the side, a nest of blankets and straw not far from it. There he poured them out, judging the small collection with keen eyes.
“Oh you have been working hard!” The dark blue dragon inspected the rocks closely, pushing a few with his claws to get a closer look at a particularly shiny one. “You must have gone deep to find these?”
Shard trotted up, watching him with wonder. “Yeah yeah I went into the ruins, you know to test my skills” He was rather proud, taking the moment to brag.
“Impressive, just don’t tell your father, He wouldn’t be happy” The older dragon advised with a slight smile. All too familiar with Shard’s father and his strict nature, having grown up with him. “You’ve done very well, Shard, I’m sure I can put these to good use with the younglings” Treats, snacks, nutrition. Ash was a caretaker, his job being to look after the youngest dragons of Skyscraper teaching them their ways and history. The rocks provided good motivation to do well, especially those that shined. Ash allowed himself to crunch on one, picking it up with his teeth carefully before crushing it between them. His massive teeth crushed it with relative ease.It was as expected Delicious. “Now how should I thank you?” Ash pondered between crushing bites. He looked to the array of shelves behind him, filled to the brim with jars and boxes. Containing an endless collection of herbs and medicines, something very useful to have around when caring for clumsy Hatchlings.
hard watched as the older dragon approached the shelving that filled the back wall of the den. It was itself filled to the brim with various containers each one stuffed with ornaments, herbs or medicines. Shard had to admit he had some curiosity about the elder and his chosen roll. To be cooped up in a den surrounded by herbs that quite frankly stank. How he had gotten used to not only the smell of it all but the lack of room to stretch his wings let alone fly. He didn’t understand it but the elder was happy, providing care for his fellow dragons in such a way that most dragons turned their snouts up at it, choosing the life of freedom and fight over stability and care. Eventually Shard would be drawn from his thoughts as the elder turned back to him, a small bottle of ointment gripped between his claws. His muzzle dropped, wings twitching as Shard realised just what the elder had picked out. The bottle filled with a thick green sludge made whose smell bombarded Shard’s senses with a bitter scent that burned as he inhaled.
The elder barely gave him a chance to wiggle away before he opened the jar, its foul smell filling the room as soon as the cork lid popped open, making Shard groan in a childish protest all while Ash slathered some of the green paste right onto the joint of his wing.
It stank but Shard had to admit the cool touch was already soothing his wing and it didn’t take long for him to hold still long enough for Ash to work its way into his joint, the paste eventually blending in with his dark scales.
“Thank you Ash” He mumbled, a small smile forming on his Muzzle. “Anything for my best collector, now get back to your nest and rest, you don’t want to miss the trials do you? I hear this year it will be quite the show”
Ash gave the young dragon a wink, ushering him out of the nest. He knew what Shard intended to do, and although he worried, he could not stop him. Instead he’d offer soft encouragement, and the hope, belief that Shard would conquer it.
Shard would do as he was told, returning to his nest further up the tower, this time on the east side and with a much larger, easier to squeeze through entrance. It had to be, as he shared the nest with his father, who he hoped wasn’t home.
Staying low to the ground, Shard tip-toed over to his nest, a tight collection of blankets and pillows resting on a bed of straw and furs. He curled up and wrapped his tail around his feet and wings. His eyes closed and he fell into a light doze. In his mind, he pictured the upcoming trail and the victory he’d surely claim over it.
A familiar yet unknown warmth surrounded him. His wings tucked close to his body, along with his limbs. Eyes shut tightly. It was as if he was in the egg again. Vulnerable, small, kept safe by only a thin shell of white. Drifting in the silence Shard would remain still, relaxing as the warm feeling surrounded him further.
Eventually Shard tried to open his eyes but they felt heavy, almost impossible to open. This sent him into a panic, his body tensing as the warmth melted away. It was replaced with a cold sting as he desperately tried to move his body, any part of his body. Wings twitched, claws reached, his heart beating uncontrollably fast. His mouth would swing open, his lungs filling with some strange liquid, one he wasn’t even aware had come to surround him. Shard screamed a silent scream, crying out for help, begging, pleading for someone to rescue him as the substance filled his lungs.
He fell limp once again, his body slowly coming to a stop at the bottom of the endless void he had found himself in.
Blue light flooded in. Shard’s eyes finally opened to witness it. Awe filled him as two, giant blue eyes stared down at him, the form taking more of a shape as his eyes adjusted to the new light. Slowly he rose his head, attention solely on the form before him.
A dragon, so huge it dwarfed him, Eyes of blue and scales of black. Four horns from its head that rose like a crown, circling the moon that hung behind it. Four wings, each decorated with specks like stars and a tail so long it seemed endless. Shard could not believe his eyes, so stricken with Awe that he barely moved when giant claws gently scooped him closer. They leaned forward, snout eventually touching the top of Shard’s head. Warmth filled him again, more familiar than ever. It shook him from his stillness, his body relaxing as it finally took a strong and deep breath.
“Follow the sea until the end.
There you will find it’s queen Together search for the king and become the saviors of the stars”
The soft voice spoke from above.
Shard awoke with a start, taking a deep breath and sitting up in his nest. He felt cold, wet even despite being safely inside his den. Out of habit he rolled in his nest until the horrid, damp feeling subsided. At least the ache in his wing had gone, even if he did not mean to take such a long nap. The sun outside was setting, shining through the entrance to his nest. The race would begin soon and he had to get ready, he wasn’t going to miss it for anything.
“Follow the sea until the end. There you will find it’s queen. Together search for the king and become the saviours of the stars” Shard repeated the words to himself. Many times before he had the same dream only this time it was clear. He remembered it far better than the previous times he had it, the words sticking to him through the gloom of freshly waking up. He of course had no idea what it meant but to have the same dream over and over again.? It had to mean something.
After the race, he’d figure it out. The race was first.
Stretching his wings, Shard shook himself awake. Well rested he was surely more than ready to get on with things. With only a day left to prepare himself for the upcoming race Shard had little time to waste. If he was going to win he needed to be ready, not just well rested but trained as well.
One of my favorite characters I've written so far only appears for a few chapters but he is such a joy to write. He is just the gay little assistant of the king dragon named after a goddammed maisy mouse character who gets his 'redption' in the second book.
He's kind of an ass but he doesn't mean to be he's just bitter the king chose a royal lady dragon of another kingdom over him
I speed ran editing yesterday over half the book checked for spelling and flow errors. A bunch of passages rewrote, I am so close to having this finished and ready to publish
You know until I get to the artwork bit. I'm not adding a huge amount of art but it's still more work to do
Fan art for DawnWolf93 and their utterly beautiful story. They hare helping me a ton with editing my book and as one of the many ways I am thanking them I am drawing their characters starting with Gerold!
First of like four maybe five refs I am working on and this is one of two Kindle refs I really needed to get done.
This is for more personal use than anything but look! it's me! My sona! my guy, fella dragon.
Next up, Anthro Kindle.
completely restarting the second draft of my book is not ideal but it has got to be done I've made far too many mistakes in the rewrite of the few chapters I've gotten through
It's looking less like this book will be out by christmas but goddammit I will try and at least get a few copies for the con next febuary
My stance on seawings is that they should be chubby and streamline. Give them blubber, make them round. I love it so much when people draw them all fat and squishy more big seawings please
Reading the lost heir was hard because every time that harness was mentioned this flashbanged me in my mind
Just another sticker to add to my ko-fi when I launch weeeeee
Reading the lost heir was hard because every time that harness was mentioned this flashbanged me in my mind
Just another sticker to add to my ko-fi when I launch weeeeee
Have you ever wanted to me something small and cute? Me too man me too...
Anyways let me draw your sona as a chiikawa creature please please please. It's only £3. I'll do fursonas and personas. Doesn't have to be a furry just lets all be small and cute together.
Idk how long I'll keep up posting daily doodles but lets go. Not a huge amount today as I had a lot to do outside of artwork but lets go.
Apollo dragon and dragon oc for my setting for @clancykisser (upper left and lower left) Crysta dragon next to Apollo but Crysta is mine.
My ocs Shadow and Starlight (upper right)
Kindle being mad (Mid right)
Axel's dragon chewing on Kindle
