#or has a partner dragon or acts as an emissary for dragons

[merlinmeta]

1. What are your thoughts on the very concept of dragonlords? The concept of dragonlords being capable of subjugating the wills of a sentient species is such a severe violation of individual autonomy to me. 2. Any fic recs that address character development (Arthur's in particular) and morality? Specifically, where Arthur's character arc is not because 'I need to change the law to protect my best friend' but because he's an individual capable of self-reflection and critical thought? Thank you!

First off, I'm not the right person to ask for fic recs. When I was doing most of my reading (aka during the show itself and a few years after--so maybe 5 years ago at this point), I wasn't keeping track of what I had or hadn't read, didn't use the AO3 bookmark function at all, and just blasted through any rec blogs and all the "magic reveal" tags to binge as much fic as possible. I've read a LOT of fic...but my memory of titles and authors is garbage, so even if I have read a fic that fits what you're looking for, I probably can't find it. I can give you my fic rec page, but tbh off the top of my head, I don't remember if any of these match your interests.

(....I just remembered that what you said is kind of exactly the plot of my fic The Right Thing, but it is a) not very long, b) not at all complete, and c) possibly-probably never going to be truly complete, so enter at your own risk.)

With that said, DRAGONLORDS.

To be honest, I love the concept of dragonlords--but I think we're looking at them in different ways. I never really thought about the "subjugation" aspect that much, maybe because we don't see it used or abused extensively in the show? Like, Merlin certainly bosses Kilgharrah around sometimes (to get him to stop rampaging, to leave, to come when called, to help when he's reluctant) but I guess...I never really tied those instances directly to the concept of "dragonlord" itself, if that makes sense. To me, in the context of canon, "subjugation" is something a dragonlord can do, but it's not what being a dragonlord is.

Outside of the context of canon, I’d probably get rid of the “subjugation” ability anyway. You’re right, it’s pretty morally shifty, and on top of that, it’s just not interesting to me at all. (I would also get rid of that bullshit “passed from father to son” rule, or rephrase it as “passed from parent to child” instead because seriously?? There is no WAY dragon magic is a dudes-only club, nuh-uh, absolutely not, unacceptable.) I’m much more interested in dragonlords as a subset of magic users whose language, magic, culture, beliefs, etc are inextricably linked to dragons, and vice versa. In pre-Purge times, I like to imagine them as partners, protectors, keepers of lore--really leaning into the “kinship” angle that the show tried to play, but like, way more heavily than they ever did outside the “Aithusa” episode. 

So picture this: Dragons are incredibly powerful, an ancient race of beings who tend to see humans as insignificant and lesser, short-lived to the point of irrelevance. They do not play by our rules, they do not fight our wars, they do not share our values, they rarely deign to speak our language. And they are impossible for the average warrior or average sorcerer to defeat. For many people, that makes them unknowable and dangerous. But then there are the Dragonlords--who draw their magic from the same source as dragons, and so know how to counter and defeat them; who have learned to speak their language and be heard as equals; who understand what drives each species, and can negotiate peace between them, settling disputes with minimal bloodshed. Working alongside dragons for generations and generations, sharing in their knowledge and magic, Dragonlords become trusted as kin; they become dragon as much as they are human. 

I don’t know how the Purge would happen with this setup--hell, I don’t even know how the Purge was possible with the canon concept of dragons/dragonlords/magic in general. Maybe as the societal attitudes toward magic shift, dragonlords become less and less trusted by both humans and dragons alike, leading to them shifting allegiances instead of remaining neutral, betraying their dragon kin to protect their legal/political/social standing in human society as their friends and neighbors slowly turn against them??

But whatever, this is just MY take on what the concept of “dragonlord” entails. I hope it’s a satisfying answer for you!

[sxvethelastdance]

Gentle touches, the whisper of fabric, the rumble of thunder not so far off—the boudoir is open to the night air, gossamer curtains floating in the breeze of a many-faceted ocean. The moons of several realms hang in the sky, casting a beautiful, chilly glow down through the glass camera above the bed’s artfully-carved canopy. Nothing but the glittering, bejeweled eyes of the dragons entwined about the posts are their witnesses this night.

Already pleasured, such that his great, shapely legs will not hold him, the former god of thunder and celestial emissary is on his back, cushioned by luxury, pillows and sheets of only the finest material, silver-white hair spread out around his head like a halo. His partner must wonder minutely how he could ever, for a second, have though this glowing-eyed being beneath him could be anything but a god.

Fingers trace the intricate markings of divinity—there are so many—finding purchase where those skilled hands will be most appreciated. Words off affirming praise flow from the mouth of a man who, in other timelines, is the greatest enemy Earthrealm has ever known.

Raiden’s heart—his core; it is no heart as he is not of Earthrealm—is pounding still, racing and thudding viciously in his broad chest as Shang Tsung looms over him, leaning down to press a kiss to that most sensitive flesh between ear and jaw. Turning his head to receive another, the thunder god is given what he desires and still the rumbling thunder approaches; it must surely be almost atop them.

The air is still and the curtains have ceased their movements. It is heavy in the sorcerer’s chambers and they are both now acutely aware of their own exertions, and delighted thereby. Shang Tsung awaits only permission, pressed close as he is, ready to take what he is freely given, and to give back just as much.

A minute nod from the chaste entity below him and a whispered plea are the signal which he has so long awaited—perhaps thirty years or more. But he is gentle still, despite his deep desires, he remains gentle, pressing forth slowly, entering with great care, taking each moment as it is offered, acutely aware of the stillness in the room and what that signifies. He presses a kiss to that same spot, then to the lips which hang open in a quiet gasp. This, the sorcerer swallows greedily and without remorse.

They are one, with slow and deliberate motions, they have become that which never could otherwise have been and it is then the rain begins gently to fall, like the strange, mythril tears on the face of the god of thunder as he reaches up and wraps powerful arms about the sorcerer’s neck and whispers the three words of the oldest magic in existence.

“Look at you, how magnificent you are.” Utters Shang Tsung, running his palms with deliverance alone the hard planes of his lover’s body, grunts stifling the flow of his smooth speech. Velvet is the feel of one to another, and a gem more precious than all the treasures in the realms the texture of what belongs to him, and him alone.

Lost in the thunderous parting of the skies and the quiets exaltation of a spell that so thoroughly had the sorcerer in its thrall, Shang Tsung finds the words to illuminate the sky of their shared domain with proclamations that open the realm’s firmament with a single cry. Tsung drinks the sight, smell, and sweetness of the Thunder God’s gift, His submission is freely given, and so much more enticing is the taste of him when offered. Mortal Kombat’s victor anew and ancient descends to please and to take pleasure from the act of it.

This is more than a mere island’s conquest, but it requires the careful planning in spades, for Raiden is a being that requires the utmost tender of handling. To handle him as such would certainly be his end, and as the power that thrums within him is shared in the booming voice that floods their chambers and makes Shang Tsung more than he has ever been. No gold or gossamer compares to the exquisite vision that holds steadfastly to him, as if to part from the sorcerer is to be adrift in the sea of the veil. As lightning wrests peace from the skies, Shang Tsung wrests this from his lover and gives him direction through the storm.

[dragonsongsummoner]

Honest Questions Meme

What is your full name? “Lifthrasir, of Bahamut’s brood.”

What do your friends call you? “Zaltys. Tis a name a mortal gave me, and it has since stuck.”

What is your favorite animal? “Hm... perhaps fish, given how utterly delicious they are.”

Where were you born? “Meracydia.”

Do you have any children? “None of my own flesh and blood. But I have adopted many over the years.”

Is there a person/people you love? “Yes. There is and are.” {Shipverse: -insert name of partner here-}

What is your favorite color? "Gold. Like that of my father’s wings.”

What is your full occupation? “I act as an ally to those Chosen of Hydaelyn, mainly. To a lesser extent, I am a sort of emissary of my kind to mortals.”

Are you good at physical fighting? “Ahaha, you would be foolish to think otherwise.”

Which form are you best at? “I have mastered many forms, but fang and claw and breath is what comes most naturally to me.”

What about magic? “A dragon does battle with might and magic both. It would be remiss to neglect the practice of either.”

Which type are you best at? “Unaspected, I suppose.”

Craftsmanship? “I can shape things with magic and spittle, but I leave the finer points of crafting to my Spoken friends.”

Any other skills?  "A myriad of odd talents.”

Are you an only child? “I was not. The brood I hatched in was quite numerous.”

Where do you see yourself in five years? “Continuing on as I always have.“

Have you ever almost died? "I have had some close brushes with death, unfortunately.”

Do you have a secret, not just a secret, but like a really big secret hardly anyone knows? “Everyone has things that they keep locked away. This is nothing new to immortals.”

Salty or sweet? “Why deprive oneself of either?”

Do you like yourself? “I should think so.”

Do you believe in the Twelve? “Mortal fancy.”

Are you religious? “Gods are naught but constructs of conviction.”

Do you carry prejudice with you? “Not particularly... unless it regards such ilk that is Allag and its ruinous spawn.”

What do you consider entertainment? “My interests vary according to mood and whim. I quite like to listen to music. It is so different than our own songs, yet irresistibly similar.”

Favorite drink? “Water.”

Do you have any family traditions? “If you would call ancestral knowledge and instinct tradition.”

Are you a good person? “While some may have doubts, I do not. But nothing in this world is black and white, and what is good in the eyes of some may be not in the eyes of others. But I hold fast to my convictions and strive to do right by those to whom I have gifted my allegiance.”

Thank you for answering my questions. “Go in peace, friend.”

Tagged by: @briidunviing 

Tagging: Whoever wants to do it really! xD

[aylinnworld]

As for Yona and Hak, they were given some development recently, but in my opinion if it were to lead to them becoming rulers, it was too little and too late. Hak for most of the manga does not express or reveals any political opinions. He is just concerned about Yona and the four dragons.

The scene where Yona deals with emissaries who behave like not so smart people is just not convincing that she would make a great queen. If Yona received from the beginning development like the main character of Altair: A Record of Battles, I would say nothing, but as it is I just cannot picture Yona as a successful politician who can also deal with smart politicians any time soon. We have never seen her being able to deal with someone smart. Unfortunately, all her opponents receive idiot balls. In my opinion if Yona being the ruler was the point of this manga, her political development should have started after the Awa arc in the latest. If after Awa arc she for example started to be interested in how the country is organized, how the ruler can find best people to help him rule? What kind of person would she appoint to replace Kum-Ji if she were the ruler? If she had expressed interest in finding answer to questions like these back them and she had learnt something about politics in the process, her becoming a ruler at the end of the manga would feel natural, but this is not what happened.

And there is still the point that Hiryuu didn’t enjoy being the King, so why would he want to return to be the King again?

For the reason mentioned above I don’t see what they got as a waste of potential if they do not end up becoming rulers. For Hak it is literally one arc only when he acted as the leader of an army, Yona doesn’t have much either. Just comparing it to Hak and Yona romance, taking aside the fact it doesn’t interest me in the slightest, I cannot deny that at least the manga was pointing out that they would be an end game for a long time and building their romance up in all arcs I think (Not sure as I have not paid attention to them, but I think I am correct), so if Kusanagi chosen to drop them as a couple, I would find it strange. Too much build up and too late in the game to give them different partners.

Speaking about Hak and his experience as the Winde tribe general. I do not think he was doing that much in the first place. He was Yona’s bodyguard, so I don’t think he had so much time to deal with the Wind tribe problems when he was not even there and secondly it seems that the one who was truly taking care of the Wind tribe as an administrator was Mundok.

As for Soo-won, I do not see anyone more suitable for ruling them him in this manga. Besides, I think for him, unlike for Yona, a little development would be enough to make him satisfied in doing his job.

Going back to Yona, if she faces the dragon gods and as a result will be hailed as a hero, perhaps given some cool nickname like ‘Yona the dragon conqueror’ or something, stories and legend about her being told, little girls imitating her, etc., I do not think it would be a humble ending. She may later live a peaceful life, but it would not change this fact.

There is the question what Yona and Hak will be doing after all of this. I have two ideas, either they will be going around like before what they seemed to enjoy doing, or they may settle in the Wind tribe and start a family. Perhaps Hak can go back to being the general if Hak, Yona and Soo-won explain things to each other and will be on speaking terms. I do not think they will go back to being on friendly terms, but speaking terms seem reasonable and possible. If someone has a different idea for an alternative ending to these two options, please be my guest.

Do You think Hak will become the King? What do You think about such ending?

Dear anon,

I don’t think that Hak is going to be the King, because he was never interested in politics to begin with. When he was in the palace previously, he was tired with the political stuff and royals, so it makes no sense to put on the throne a person who never showed any interest in ruling unless this manga is going to be Game of Thrones 2.0. It appears to me that he would be happier doing something else rather than dealing with Keishuks and Mei-nyans of his world.The same goes for Yona really. No prior interest politics and her recent feat is too far-fetched to make up for the lack of long-term development.

As for now, I think the best course this manga can take is to have at least one more arc after this one to make Yona deal with the mess of Hiryuu’s decision and face the dragon gods. It has plenty of advantages.

First of all, the reason why Yona was given four supernatural guys would be explained. In comparison if the story ended on Kai’s arc then there would be no explanation why Yona needed supernatural dudes to fight totally ordinary people.

Secondly, the fantasy elements will be given a closure.

Thirdly, if Yona’s end game was too clean up Hiryuu’s mess and face the dragon gods, I think the idea itself is epic enough for an ending of a story with fantasy elements. 

Fourthly, it can address the issue that already appeared in the manga that Hiryuu was not happy about being the King and it would be rather strange if his reincarnation returned to be exactly this once again.

This appears to me as the most natural development.