super-artydragon

[super-artydragon]

[super-artydragon]

Yay, I finally wrote something about the cursed dragon princess :3

Ghosti’s notes: This post was submitted to my blog via the submissions function by an anon, but in my email notification it did display an email address. If it shows an email address on this post when I post it, and you’d like me to remove it, or repost it for you as a new post but clearly marked as an anon submission, then do get in touch!!!! I have no idea what Tumblr will do with it once I hit post!

That being said, here’s anon’s response to another anon’s ‘cursed’ princess/dragon idea!

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I stepped gingerly into the dimly lit cave, a remote, distant abode high up in the mountains. The inside of the cave was wide and spacious, with faint sunlight shining in from an opening above, turning the walls a dull warm hue.

This was where she lived, they said.

I never really believed the tall tales of magic and monsters, but this one seemed way too curious to not be worth a look. All the townsfolk of the kingdom below all told the same story…one of long ago, the story of the king’s eldest daughter transformed into a nightmarish creature, by a curse on her wedding day by some unknown dark magic. Everyone knew the tale, young and old alike…it seemed as unbelieveable as any of the tall tales, but it…this one had a strange allure to it.

And so here I stood, in the high mountains, miles away from civilization, in the possible abode of something that may or may not exist, driving me onward with a peculiar curiosity. Foolish me, I thought.

I proceeded deeper into the cave, the walls opening into a sunlit chamber. A hole in the roof let the bright light in, revealing a small space that seemed to be made of volcanic rock. In the center was a large flat stone, broad as a house and piled up with glittering gemstones, shimmering of nearly every color of the rainbow.

And there, to my surprise, she lay, amongst the precious stones she seemed almost a part of.

She was a dragon, over forty feet in length, coated in beautiful iridescent scales that seemed to be red, pink, purple, or all of them at once, depending how the light hit them. She was curled up, fast asleep, and I could barely make out much of her shape, save or a pair of leathery wings that enveloped her in a self-embrace, and her long scaly tail, slender and supple as a snake’s, trailing out from behind her.

I could not believe my eyes. She did exist.

Cautiously I stepped forward, treading lightly not to wake the slumbering beast. I could hear her breath, a deep, rumbling of satisfaction as she dozed peacefully on her stony bed. I quietly stepped around her, trying to get a better view of the majestic creature…

*Clack.*

A large ruby, about the size of an egg, slipped beneath my foot as I strode forward making a loud, sharp noise against the obsidian floor.

And somewhere within the glittering mass, a shining golden eye snapped open…

The dragon was awake.

With a fluid elegance like a massive shining cat, the dragon uncurled herself and rose to her full height. Truly she was simultaneously the most beautiful…and most terrifying thing I had ever laid eyes on. 

Four slender paws with brilliant ivory claws pushed her bulk upright as she stirred. Her wings spread to their full size, the sun shining through their impressive span and turning them a bright salmon-pink. And lastly, up rose her head, a slender, elegant head, partly like a snake’s and partly like a bird’s, adorned with about a dozen short, curved horns, and a pair of golden, feline eyes that seemed to piierce me with their very gaze.

“Who…are you?” she hissed, in a voice both melodious and musical and yet beastly, resonant and powerful. “Why did you come here…to disturb me in my sleep?”

Trembling, I stammered out, as I slowly backed away against the wall, “I…I…have not co-come to m-mean you any harm, P-Princess…”

The dragon cocked her head, surprised. “Princess? So…you do know…”

“Y-yes…” I whimpered out, as I found myself cornered in a small rock crevice. “I-I heard tales from…from the people of the k-kingdom…about the princess who was cu–" 

I paused, as the word seemed to refuse to leave my throat, ”–who was cursed.“

The dragon was silent for a moment, eyeing me from where she stood.

Then she began to laugh, a strange sound with the mellifluous note of a robin’s song yet the might and fierceness of a lion’s roar.

"Cursed?” she bellowed. “From a different eye’s view, it’s hardly a curse, so to speak.”

“But..but the tales!” I blurted out. “The tales of woe they spoke of! How you went mad with rage at what you became…" Even I was surprised at how confident I suddenly spoke before the mighty, mythical creature. "How you were turned into a vicious creature…with no knowledge of what you once were…fighting, slaying even, the very men who sought to break the curse and grant you your freedom…”

The dragon suddenly turned away with a huff, flicking her tail irritably.

“Grant my freedom?” she growled.

“Never before have I been so free in my life.”

And with a tremendous flap of her wings that sent jewels scattering upon the floor, she took off, soaring gracefully through the cave opening and vanishing into the sky, where I, bereft of flight, could not follow.

I awkwardly stepped from the crevice toward her now vacant bed of gems, and gazed upward from where I stood, pondering her words. 

“Freedom." She does have a point, I thought.

Princesses couldn’t fly, after all.

[super-artydragon]

Colored sketch comic commissioned by @DexTheDragon !  Dex goes to a mixed-size bar and has an interesting morning after.  (Mixed-size bars are a super fun concept)

[super-artydragon]

the signs as dragons

Aries: A mountaintop dragon. Can either have thick scales, or fur, both groomed and kept neat-looking. Monochromatic, usually white, black, or grey. These dragons are usually found in flight, in groups of three, six, or ten. However, they are usually solo or with one trusted other on the ground. Extremely protective of their territory. A hoard of gems, bones, and wood carvings. Powers include spectacular endurance and keen eyesight. Large, impressive wingspan.

Taurus: A village dragon. Works with the people to keep the land safe. Colors range from murky browns to emerald greens. Found alone dragon-wise, but with many other species of magical creatures. Usually low to the ground, and armored well with thick scales. Very diplomatic, will not attack without reason. A natural leader. A hoard of gold coins, emeralds, and rubies. Powers include fire breath and magical influence over other creatures. Average wingspan, usually only flies short distances.

Gemini: A guardian dragon. Very wide range of colors, usually vibrant. Found either alone or with its mate. Long necks, sharp claws, and sharp wit. A chatty dragon that is fiercely protective. Has a knack for riddles, and is an excellent judge of character. Guards temples and ancient treasures in jungles and mountains. Extensive hoards, usually the riches of powerful leaders of the past. Likes to adorn themselves with silver and sapphires. Powers include night vision and venom. Wings have sharp talons on the ends.

Cancer: A glade dragon. Colors are usually light, almost pastel. Most often have long wisps of delicate fur along their spine, feet, tail, and ears. Very friendly with other dragons, usually lives in groups of three or more. In touch with the natural magic of the earth, this dragon likes to make potions from the resources around them. Most lairs are open, usually by a stream or brook. May seem vulnerable, but can and will be extremely fierce when threatened. A hoard of potions, plants, petrified wood, and river rocks. Powers include innate magic, enchanting, and healing. Feathered wings. 

Leo: A forest dragon. Colors are usually golds, yellows, oranges, reds, or greens. Doesn’t like to be alone, and is usually found with either a small group, or with several magical creatures/pets. Proud, confident, and charismatic, these dragons have a passion for both their riches and the arts. Many of these dragons are artisans themselves, who carve stories and characters into the tree trunks and mountains surrounding their lair. A hoard of gems and gold, intricate jewelry, swords, sculptures, and whatever else they can get their claws on. Likes to wear their treasures, especially their gold. Powers include fire breath and enhanced agility. Shimmering wings.

Virgo: A scholar dragon. Colors are deep purples, blues, and blacks, with silver accents. Many look similar to starry skies. These dragons live in cities of like minds, and are very advanced in the fields of both magic and technology. Many dragons are also involved in the arts. They often don’t travel outside their city except to study new specimens, or without someone they trust beside them. Though they may appear distant, a befriended Virgo dragon is always loyal and kind. Agile and light on their feet, the dragons less inclined to studying and the arts become excellent hunters and spies. A hoard of scrolls, manuscripts, and a variety of crystals/gemstones. Powers include enhanced intuition and night vision. Nearly transparent wings to make them seem invisible against the night sky.

Libra: A nomadic dragon. Colors range from deep blue to light green. Usually the largest of the dragon species. They are, like Taurus, diplomatic dragons, inclined to resolve disputes. Unlike Taurus however, they cannot be pinned down to one area. They are filled with natural wanderlust, going wherever the breeze takes them. They may pine for the company of other dragons at times, but they are most content being alone. They do, however, return to certain places to meet up with others and tell the tales of their travels on a regular basis. A hoard of souvenirs, artifacts, and memorabilia from the places they’ve traveled, kept in various hidden caves, or with them in a satchel or pouch. Powers include strength, endurance, and magical influence. Large, strong wings.

Scorpio: A desert dragon. Colors are a range of browns, golds, reds, and yellows. Usually somehow connected to royalty, these dragons make powerful leaders. They are almost always around others, and they form extremely loyal friendships and bonds. They may live in caves, but prefer to live in desert cities and palaces. Their thick scales keep them safe from the whipping sands in the winds, cactus spines, and jagged rocks. They may also have dark markings and patterns around their eyes, neck, spine, and tail. Their society thrives on competition, often holding grand events and banquets for contests, sporting events, and tests of quick thinking. A hoard of treasures and weaponry, passed down through the ages.Their powers include formidable speed, both on land and in the air, and venom-ignited fire breath. Powerful aerodynamic wings.

Sagittarius: A jungle dragon. Usually green or blue with bright accents that mimic the flowers found in their habitat. Playful and adventurous, these dragons live in groups in the treetops. Extremely talkative, generous, and inquisitive, many of these dragons are philosophers, explorers, or magic users. Their tails are prehensile, able to grab onto branches with ease. They make wonderful allies to other dragons, and are a fighting force to be reckoned with. They are omnivorous, with a diet mostly consisting of fruit. They always have new ideas that they are eager to put into action, which makes them a tad reckless at times. A hoard of gemstones, ancient gold, and bright crystals. Their powers include flexibility, innovation, and innate magic. Average-sized patterned wings with bright markings.

Capricorn: A semi-aquatic dragon. Colors range from greens and blues to purples and blues. Patient and wise, these dragons are the thinkers and the caretakers. They are often found in family groups. They are highly skilled with magic, especially healing magic. Many are cautious, and will not wander far from their oceanfront lair. They can be fierce defenders, and usually have large curved horns for protection. Their tails fan out like a mermaid’s or dolphin’s, which gives them great speed in the water. They make their lairs on massive rocky beaches or jetties, and have a complex series of tunnels leading from one cave to the next. They are also musicians, whose songs can be heard echoing around the harbors at night. A hoard of shimmering stones, shells, and coral. Their powers include healing magic, enchanting song, and night vision. Small wings for gliding short distances, or wingless.

Aquarius: A deep-sea dragon. Colors range from dark teals to dark purples. Bio-luminescent markings atop their scales that light their way. Lives entirely underwater, within caves, shipwrecks, or trenches. Usually found solo or with few other dragons. Studious and inquisitive, but shy, they rarely come to the surface. A hoard of ancient sunken artifacts. Powers include a piercing roar/scream that stuns and immobilizes prey, and incredible eyesight. Wingless. 

Pisces: A beach dragon. Colors range from sky blue to deep green. Adorned with bits and bobs of jewelry, hollowed-out stones, sand dollars, or starfish. Able to feel incredibly small vibrations through the sand. Usually found alone in their own personal seaside cave, or with family in a larger shared cave. A hoard of shells, sea glass, bottles, and manuscripts. Powers include amazing agility and camouflage. Usually wingless.