Dragons are one of the most feared and respected races of the Valir continent, and while their kingdom of Caelum Imperium rests isolated on a sub-peninsula of Dracoden, its influence stretches far and wide across the continent, thanks to the invasions and subjugation over its long history. In an effort to assert their own culture to newly conquered lands, local traditions, religions, libraries and scholars would be heavily repressed or destroyed. Few would dare resist the imposing dragon army, for it would spell certain doom for everything they held dear. Those who did, however, would find themselves face foes beyond their worst nightmares. Few could stand against a dragon, as on ground their imposing size and overwhelming strength would prove difficult to match, let alone surpass. Adding their aerial superiority, as well as their choice of weaponry, which consisted of long-range weapons such as spears and halberds, it was next to impossible to engage them, resulting in a one-sided massacre.
Under the draconic rule, many customs from the Imperium would set root across the continent, as well as improvements to infrastructure, hygiene, and establishment of trade routes. Some were content with the quality of life that Imperium brought, while others could not bring themselves to enjoy the fruits which sprouted from blood, and worse yet, were given to them at the cost of freedom. Many insurgent groups were formed in an effort to resist the draconic rule, but to no avail.
Over time, Caelum Imperium shifted its focus to internal matters, as there was political turmoil brewing within. Realizing the potential predicament, Imperium called for diplomatic talks with various races under their rule. Many concessions were made, but ultimately needless bloodshed was avoided by allowing autonomy of kingdoms and dutchies and its right for self governance without Imperium influence. As a sign of goodwill, trade routes still remained open between the Imperium and newborn kingdoms. For further diplomatic relations, each bigger city had a platoon of dragoons, led by the Imperial diplomat, and communication on important matters would be handled through such channels across the continent.
“...Why do I always think about history lessons when I try to relax?” Glanix murmured to himself as he grinded the leaves of Aliry plant between his fingers. “Hmm, but if it wasn’t for the Imperium influence, I wouldn’t find you guys around, eh?”
Glanix carefully threaded through the bushes and high foliage which obscured his view. “Considering you little guys grow around here, that can only mean one thing...”Glanix pushed on, slowly making his way through, before suddenly stepping into something soft, and sinking just below his ankle.
“Bingo...”
His intuition was correct. Aliry plants only grow in specific conditions, soft and wet ground being a key part as its roots were too weak to pierce through hard earth. Originally only found in Dracoden plains, the Imperium expansion resulted in them spreading throughout the continent, as dragons valued the plant for its rejuvenating properties. “I can’t even remember the last time I had a mud bath.” Glanix thought to himself. After his exile from Caelum Imperium, survival was the only thing on his mind. To think that such a rare opportunity would present itself so far away from his home was incredible, finally being able to shine up his scales, and relax.
Dragons value hygiene and cleanliness highly, and as such any dragon worth their salt would make sure to keep their appearance in top shape, regularly taking baths, cleaning their teeth by chewing on various types of herbs, and shining their scales and horns. Over time, different approaches came and went, but Aliry plant remained as a herb to go for many dragons to clean themselves. Those of lower standing would pick them fresh and throw them in water, while more wealthy individuals would have their slaves grind the herb and mix them in clay mud. There would be no difference
when it came to the shine of scales, but mud would also make the scales feel much smoother.
Glanix slowly made his way further, slowly sinking more and more into the soft clay, until he was knee deep. The feel of mud caressing his scales reminded him of his home, the mud pools that his family owned and how he would play around in it with his siblings, making a mess as they ran through the halls and angering their elders, seeing the result of their play splattered all over the floor and walls. A smirk found its way to his lips. “Simpler times...” he thought.
A soft yelp snapped him back to his reality, followed by a soft laugh coming from behind him. Unable to move through the thick mud, Glanix could only turn around as a blue dragoness emerged from the high foliage. As they met each other’s gaze, silence took the main word. Glanix couldn’t believe his eyes as he gazed on his female counterpart. “...Who are you?” he asked.
Dragoness stood in silence, ignoring the question. Instead, she slowly measured Glanix, inspecting him for any potential signs of aggression. Not wanting to be seen as a threat, he slowly bowed down while maintaining eye contact and putting his hands in the air, signalling that he has nothing to hide.“
I am no threat.” he spoke softly, making sure to keep his voice low to not alert her. Still remaining careful and at a distance, dragoness finally spoke, but it would seem that the day would not end with its surprises just yet. She spoke in an unfamiliar language, one that Glanix could not understand. “Just great... How am I going to get out of this mess..?” he thought. For a moment he paused, trying to come up with a way to communicate, as the dragoness slowly threaded through the mud, going around him in a circle as to avoid getting to close.
Finally, Glanix slowly raised to his height, and slowly gestured with his hands, pointing to himself, uttering: “Glanix.” As he said his name, he shifted his hands to point towards her, with his palms open outwards: “Friend?” he asked, hopefully passing through the message that he meant no harm. As those words passed to her, dragoness slowly approached Glanix, not letting him out of her gaze. As she pushed through the thick mud, she stopped just outside of his reach, making sure to give herself enough space in case she would have to flee. With a puzzled look, she repeated the words: “Glanix? Friend?”
Feeling that he was slowly getting his message across, Glanix once again gestured with his hands towards himself, saying: “Glanix.” As he did, dragoness repeated his name, this time with more clarity, and seemingly understanding of what he was trying to do. Once more, Glanix gestured towards her, speaking: “Friend?”
It seemed that she picked up on his attempts to communicate, and in similar fashion, she placed her hand on her chest and spoke: “Kristina.”
Glanix smiled. “Well, that went better than expected.” he thought to himself. With a grin on his face, he slowly allowed himself to relax once more, sinking deeper into the mud, just above his waist. Kristina seemed to pick up on his intentions, and let a chuckle that echoed moments before. Again she spoke, but the meaning of her words eluded Glanix, however, the intentions behind those words would prove friendly as she moved through the mud to get closer.
Now that both parties were relaxed, Glanix could take a better look at Kristina. Even though dragons are incredibly diverse when it comes to looks and bodily features, her appearance left an impression. Her slim and gracious figure had trouble going through the mud, but it seemed she didn’t mind it that much. Her scales were incredibly small, from a distance they would be impossible to notice, while her front scales didn’t fare any better in that regard either.
“Curious...” he thought as the focus started to move towards her head. Beautiful, blonde strands of hair fell freely on her shoulders, splitting across her fin-like ears. Her snout was much narrower and shorter than his, coming to a somewhat sharp end at its tip. Short, brown horns decorated her head as a crown. It was the only thing he could think of before Kristina suddenly lost her balance accompanied by a surprised gasp, and clumsily fell on Glanix, pushing him deeper into the mud.
Kristina, with an embarrassed look on her face, uttered what sounded as an apology as Glanix pulled himself back up, mud dripping from his wing as it tried to cling on. “Haha, it’s alright!” he responded, gesturing with his hands. “Well, might as well get on with it, right?” Glanix dug in with his hand into the soft, cool mud, picked up a chunk and slowly started to spread it around his arms and chest. Kristina followed in suit, applying mud over her hands and slowly coating her body in thick clay.
Few minutes passed before both of them were covered from neck to toe in mud. “Ahhhh....” Glanix sighed as he slowly laid on his back, wriggling to let himself sink into the clay and allowing himself to release all the stress and hardships from his travels get absorbed by the clay. Kristina snickered, as she looked upon him in complete bliss.
“What’s so funny?” he asked, curiously. With no warning, she lunged her arms at him and pushed his head under the thick mud. Caught by complete surprise, Glanix pushed himself back up, blowing the mud from his nostrils and clearing his vision as Kristina laughed at the scene. Slightly annoyed, Glanix tried to ask what was that for, but before he could even open his eyes properly, Kristina picked up a big chunk of clay, forming it into a ball and threw it directly at his face.
Frustrated with having to clean his nostrils again as small chunks of mud went pretty deep, Glanix shook his head in attempt to throw off the mass of mud now hanging from his snout. As he opened his eyes, Kristina was laying on the soft mud, barely able to breathe from laughter that filled her lungs. “So that’s how you want to play...” Glanix thought to himself as he saw her tail sprawling next to him.
As he observed the curious form of the tail, which resembled a fin, devious idea crossed his mind as Kristina was still preoccupied getting the laughter out of her chest. “Let’s see how you like this!” he shouted, before grasping her tail and pulling her towards himself! With mud providing little resistance, her lean body slid across effortlessly, and before Kristina could realize what was happening, Glanix placed his hand on her head and pushed deep into the mud. This time it was her who blew the mud out as she resurfaced.
“Haha, how did you like that?” Glanix asked playfully, as his attempts to contain the laughter were met with failure. To his surprise, Kristina joined in with laughs, as she cleaned the mud from her eyes. “Aren’t you a tricky one.” he continued. Suddenly, Glanix felt something wrapping around his chest, and as he looked down he saw Kristina’s tail around him. Before he could react, she pushed him downwards and dunked his head face first into the mud.
As Glanix emerged back, his thoughts were filled with all the possible ways he will get her back, laughter of both dragons filling the stillness of the muddy clearing. All those troubles that he carried days on end simply vanished, as he matched Kristina’s playfulness, pushing through the mud in an attempt to pin each other down, which would prove difficult as the slickness of the mud made it difficult to keep each other within a grasp. Their scales brushed against each other like snakes, wrapping their tails around one another to keep them in place before dunking each other in the mud.
After what seemed like hours of play, both of them were sitting by a river, cleaning themselves from the thick clay. After washing it off completely, he could see the clear difference in the shine of his scales, as well as Kristina’s, not to mention the smoothness as he caressed his arm. As much as he wanted to remain here with his new friend, Glanix knew that he had to return to the village. The forge wouldn’t keep running on its own after all. He turned around to face Kristina, and as he picked up her attention, he bowed in thanks. She smiled, and bowed back in response, once more uttering words that he could not understand.
But in the end, it didn’t matter. She was a curious dragon, and even though he had his doubts about her at the start since he hadn’t seen a dragon other than himself for months, he grew to like her company, even if the couldn’t understand each other. Krsitina waved her hand and she turned to leave, slowly vanishing the in the greenery of the forest as the sounds of her steps were drowned out by the running river.
Glanix sighed, and began his way back to the village. “Curious day indeed...” he thought, as he wondered would he see her again? Perhaps he might return to this place sooner than he had originally planned...
Lovely art done by: nonnoko_nonko
Make sure to give them a follow!
Story by me.
Under the draconic rule, many customs from the Imperium would set root across the continent, as well as improvements to infrastructure, hygiene, and establishment of trade routes. Some were content with the quality of life that Imperium brought, while others could not bring themselves to enjoy the fruits which sprouted from blood, and worse yet, were given to them at the cost of freedom. Many insurgent groups were formed in an effort to resist the draconic rule, but to no avail.
Over time, Caelum Imperium shifted its focus to internal matters, as there was political turmoil brewing within. Realizing the potential predicament, Imperium called for diplomatic talks with various races under their rule. Many concessions were made, but ultimately needless bloodshed was avoided by allowing autonomy of kingdoms and dutchies and its right for self governance without Imperium influence. As a sign of goodwill, trade routes still remained open between the Imperium and newborn kingdoms. For further diplomatic relations, each bigger city had a platoon of dragoons, led by the Imperial diplomat, and communication on important matters would be handled through such channels across the continent.
“...Why do I always think about history lessons when I try to relax?” Glanix murmured to himself as he grinded the leaves of Aliry plant between his fingers. “Hmm, but if it wasn’t for the Imperium influence, I wouldn’t find you guys around, eh?”
Glanix carefully threaded through the bushes and high foliage which obscured his view. “Considering you little guys grow around here, that can only mean one thing...”Glanix pushed on, slowly making his way through, before suddenly stepping into something soft, and sinking just below his ankle.
“Bingo...”
His intuition was correct. Aliry plants only grow in specific conditions, soft and wet ground being a key part as its roots were too weak to pierce through hard earth. Originally only found in Dracoden plains, the Imperium expansion resulted in them spreading throughout the continent, as dragons valued the plant for its rejuvenating properties. “I can’t even remember the last time I had a mud bath.” Glanix thought to himself. After his exile from Caelum Imperium, survival was the only thing on his mind. To think that such a rare opportunity would present itself so far away from his home was incredible, finally being able to shine up his scales, and relax.
Dragons value hygiene and cleanliness highly, and as such any dragon worth their salt would make sure to keep their appearance in top shape, regularly taking baths, cleaning their teeth by chewing on various types of herbs, and shining their scales and horns. Over time, different approaches came and went, but Aliry plant remained as a herb to go for many dragons to clean themselves. Those of lower standing would pick them fresh and throw them in water, while more wealthy individuals would have their slaves grind the herb and mix them in clay mud. There would be no difference
when it came to the shine of scales, but mud would also make the scales feel much smoother.
Glanix slowly made his way further, slowly sinking more and more into the soft clay, until he was knee deep. The feel of mud caressing his scales reminded him of his home, the mud pools that his family owned and how he would play around in it with his siblings, making a mess as they ran through the halls and angering their elders, seeing the result of their play splattered all over the floor and walls. A smirk found its way to his lips. “Simpler times...” he thought.
A soft yelp snapped him back to his reality, followed by a soft laugh coming from behind him. Unable to move through the thick mud, Glanix could only turn around as a blue dragoness emerged from the high foliage. As they met each other’s gaze, silence took the main word. Glanix couldn’t believe his eyes as he gazed on his female counterpart. “...Who are you?” he asked.
Dragoness stood in silence, ignoring the question. Instead, she slowly measured Glanix, inspecting him for any potential signs of aggression. Not wanting to be seen as a threat, he slowly bowed down while maintaining eye contact and putting his hands in the air, signalling that he has nothing to hide.“
I am no threat.” he spoke softly, making sure to keep his voice low to not alert her. Still remaining careful and at a distance, dragoness finally spoke, but it would seem that the day would not end with its surprises just yet. She spoke in an unfamiliar language, one that Glanix could not understand. “Just great... How am I going to get out of this mess..?” he thought. For a moment he paused, trying to come up with a way to communicate, as the dragoness slowly threaded through the mud, going around him in a circle as to avoid getting to close.
Finally, Glanix slowly raised to his height, and slowly gestured with his hands, pointing to himself, uttering: “Glanix.” As he said his name, he shifted his hands to point towards her, with his palms open outwards: “Friend?” he asked, hopefully passing through the message that he meant no harm. As those words passed to her, dragoness slowly approached Glanix, not letting him out of her gaze. As she pushed through the thick mud, she stopped just outside of his reach, making sure to give herself enough space in case she would have to flee. With a puzzled look, she repeated the words: “Glanix? Friend?”
Feeling that he was slowly getting his message across, Glanix once again gestured with his hands towards himself, saying: “Glanix.” As he did, dragoness repeated his name, this time with more clarity, and seemingly understanding of what he was trying to do. Once more, Glanix gestured towards her, speaking: “Friend?”
It seemed that she picked up on his attempts to communicate, and in similar fashion, she placed her hand on her chest and spoke: “Kristina.”
Glanix smiled. “Well, that went better than expected.” he thought to himself. With a grin on his face, he slowly allowed himself to relax once more, sinking deeper into the mud, just above his waist. Kristina seemed to pick up on his intentions, and let a chuckle that echoed moments before. Again she spoke, but the meaning of her words eluded Glanix, however, the intentions behind those words would prove friendly as she moved through the mud to get closer.
Now that both parties were relaxed, Glanix could take a better look at Kristina. Even though dragons are incredibly diverse when it comes to looks and bodily features, her appearance left an impression. Her slim and gracious figure had trouble going through the mud, but it seemed she didn’t mind it that much. Her scales were incredibly small, from a distance they would be impossible to notice, while her front scales didn’t fare any better in that regard either.
“Curious...” he thought as the focus started to move towards her head. Beautiful, blonde strands of hair fell freely on her shoulders, splitting across her fin-like ears. Her snout was much narrower and shorter than his, coming to a somewhat sharp end at its tip. Short, brown horns decorated her head as a crown. It was the only thing he could think of before Kristina suddenly lost her balance accompanied by a surprised gasp, and clumsily fell on Glanix, pushing him deeper into the mud.
Kristina, with an embarrassed look on her face, uttered what sounded as an apology as Glanix pulled himself back up, mud dripping from his wing as it tried to cling on. “Haha, it’s alright!” he responded, gesturing with his hands. “Well, might as well get on with it, right?” Glanix dug in with his hand into the soft, cool mud, picked up a chunk and slowly started to spread it around his arms and chest. Kristina followed in suit, applying mud over her hands and slowly coating her body in thick clay.
Few minutes passed before both of them were covered from neck to toe in mud. “Ahhhh....” Glanix sighed as he slowly laid on his back, wriggling to let himself sink into the clay and allowing himself to release all the stress and hardships from his travels get absorbed by the clay. Kristina snickered, as she looked upon him in complete bliss.
“What’s so funny?” he asked, curiously. With no warning, she lunged her arms at him and pushed his head under the thick mud. Caught by complete surprise, Glanix pushed himself back up, blowing the mud from his nostrils and clearing his vision as Kristina laughed at the scene. Slightly annoyed, Glanix tried to ask what was that for, but before he could even open his eyes properly, Kristina picked up a big chunk of clay, forming it into a ball and threw it directly at his face.
Frustrated with having to clean his nostrils again as small chunks of mud went pretty deep, Glanix shook his head in attempt to throw off the mass of mud now hanging from his snout. As he opened his eyes, Kristina was laying on the soft mud, barely able to breathe from laughter that filled her lungs. “So that’s how you want to play...” Glanix thought to himself as he saw her tail sprawling next to him.
As he observed the curious form of the tail, which resembled a fin, devious idea crossed his mind as Kristina was still preoccupied getting the laughter out of her chest. “Let’s see how you like this!” he shouted, before grasping her tail and pulling her towards himself! With mud providing little resistance, her lean body slid across effortlessly, and before Kristina could realize what was happening, Glanix placed his hand on her head and pushed deep into the mud. This time it was her who blew the mud out as she resurfaced.
“Haha, how did you like that?” Glanix asked playfully, as his attempts to contain the laughter were met with failure. To his surprise, Kristina joined in with laughs, as she cleaned the mud from her eyes. “Aren’t you a tricky one.” he continued. Suddenly, Glanix felt something wrapping around his chest, and as he looked down he saw Kristina’s tail around him. Before he could react, she pushed him downwards and dunked his head face first into the mud.
As Glanix emerged back, his thoughts were filled with all the possible ways he will get her back, laughter of both dragons filling the stillness of the muddy clearing. All those troubles that he carried days on end simply vanished, as he matched Kristina’s playfulness, pushing through the mud in an attempt to pin each other down, which would prove difficult as the slickness of the mud made it difficult to keep each other within a grasp. Their scales brushed against each other like snakes, wrapping their tails around one another to keep them in place before dunking each other in the mud.
After what seemed like hours of play, both of them were sitting by a river, cleaning themselves from the thick clay. After washing it off completely, he could see the clear difference in the shine of his scales, as well as Kristina’s, not to mention the smoothness as he caressed his arm. As much as he wanted to remain here with his new friend, Glanix knew that he had to return to the village. The forge wouldn’t keep running on its own after all. He turned around to face Kristina, and as he picked up her attention, he bowed in thanks. She smiled, and bowed back in response, once more uttering words that he could not understand.
But in the end, it didn’t matter. She was a curious dragon, and even though he had his doubts about her at the start since he hadn’t seen a dragon other than himself for months, he grew to like her company, even if the couldn’t understand each other. Krsitina waved her hand and she turned to leave, slowly vanishing the in the greenery of the forest as the sounds of her steps were drowned out by the running river.
Glanix sighed, and began his way back to the village. “Curious day indeed...” he thought, as he wondered would he see her again? Perhaps he might return to this place sooner than he had originally planned...
Lovely art done by: nonnoko_nonko
Make sure to give them a follow!
Story by me.
Category Artwork (Digital) / All
Species Dragon (Other)
Gender Any
Size 2132 x 1729px
The way you draw mud is *so* goopy and lovingly detailed- with super lovely dragons to get covered in it to boot! And always appreciate when the artist has a nice story to go with it too- great work <3
Oop! I'm silly and see the artist in the description now, sorry!
But still, love the writing <3
But still, love the writing <3
Haha, it's alright. Thank you those words, I am sure the artist will be extremely happy to hear them! And thank you for the praise for the story, I always try my best! :)
I definitely gotta admit that this was a really interesting but also really good story, definitely showed how hard you worked on it, also I’ll admit that I actually got an oc, who would likely pull a prank on the 2 using the mud, sorry if that is weird,
Thank you for the compliments!
Sorry, I don't use this character in that sort of way. Maybe with some other OC's in the future. ^^"
Sorry, I don't use this character in that sort of way. Maybe with some other OC's in the future. ^^"
Umm okay also was just saying since why not, also I definitely got to admit that your art truly shows that you’re incredibly talented
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