TSS Stelle Ref- color
Re-/cross-post of an old image.
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12170875/
__________
EDIT: Cut the page and got it to fit on my scanner properly. Tooth of the paper still sucks and the color isn't great, but at least the blur is gone.
Coloring this was almost physically painful.... my prismas kept breaking, CONSTANTLY, and the grain on this new sketchpad's paper is ridiculous and shallow... probably ought to just save it for pure ink pictures, as barely touching pencil lines makes them smear as well. My backup plan is to go get a pack of cardstock and just use that. x'D
Anyway! Hard part's done, anyway. This is Stelle, my character for TSS. Thankfully I'll be getting help putting it into a more digital format and slapped on the application template, which aside from the materials issues, was my next worry.
~~~~~~
EDIT: Cut the page down so I could scan it in better and get rid of that side blur. Doesn't change the fact that the lack of tooth makes this paper sucky, buuuuut...
Coloring this was almost physically painful.... my prismas kept breaking, CONSTANTLY, and the grain on this new sketchpad's paper is ridiculous and shallow... probably ought to just save it for pure ink pictures, as barely touching pencil lines makes them smear as well. My backup plan is to go get a pack of cardstock and just use that. x'D
Anyway! Hard part's done, anyway. This is Stelle, my character for TSS. Thankfully I'll be getting help putting it into a more digital format and slapped on the application template, which aside from the materials issues, was my next worry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Name: Stelle
Age: ~95 (approximately, a mature adult in the early 20s range)
Gender: Female
Race: mixed blood Lion Animen
Deity: All known and acknowledged, but not particularly devout to any in particular.
Faction: Vanguard
Rank/Occupation: Instructor
Dragon: none
Family:
Mother, Indura; living.
Father, name unknown; status unknown.
Physical Appearance:
Taller than average human height due to her stance, and very slender. Her facial features are more humanoid than animal, suggesting some non-Animen blood in her recent family tree. Her muzzle is virtually nonexistent, animal nose small and pink-tinged. She walks on her toes as many other Animen do, yet her feet are more delicate and reminiscent of plantigrade feet rather than true paws. The fur covering her body is uniformly white and fairly thin, longer only on her head, forearms, and the tip of her tail.
Personality:
Though her appearance is less animal like than other Animen of her species, Stelle still carries herself with the fluid grace and poise of a feral cat. Her slender frame holds a quiet power, and her words and actions convey the same. She has a quiet confidence that is never spoken outright, yet is fully confirmed by her voice. Hesitation rarely colors her words, and when her mind is set on an action, she follows through. That's not to say that she is completely rigid, however. Adaptability is another trait she bears, the ability to maneuver in unsure circumstances, even if she doesn't truly know the outcome. She can be stern or jovial in turns, usually only when the time is appropriate; at others, she is quiet and reflective, and those who know her would likely be surprised to see her dark expressions. She seems a born leader, yet will often defer to others for final judgment (unless she feels especially strongly about something); Stelle actually seems rather content to be second, for even with her leadership qualities, ambition seems strangely absent.
Strength (Maximum of 4)
-Stelle has a strong, indomitable will, unlikely to be swayed by mentalism or intimidation. She's just as likely to turn such attacks right back.
-Graceful and acrobatic as a wild cat, Stelle is able to perform surprising feats of agility and speed. Opponents have a hard time getting to her unless they are able to anticipate her movements, or match her speed.
-Quietly as a shadow, Stelle can sneak around just about anywhere if she has a mind to. This also translates to an 'invisible in plain sight' sort of skill that is just what it sounds like, enabling her to blend into a crowd as if she belongs.
-She has an odd connection with wild animals, dragons included, and is able to get closer to them than most others (that is not to say, however, that she is any safer).
Weakness (Minimum of 3)
-Though quick and strong for her size, if an opponent did manage to get hold of her, the fight would be overly fairly soon. Agility is her strength, rather than brute strength.
-Her fur is thin, and thus, her flesh is just as vulnerable to weapons or weather as any unarmored human.
-Since her nose is smaller and more humanlike than a full-blooded Animen's, her sense of smell is only slightly better than the average human's. Likewise, her ears do not have the full range of a mobility that an Animen's would, and just like her sense of smell, are only somewhat better than a human's.
Equipment:
-Javelin
-Knife-gauntlets
Accessories:
-Metal tab earrings on both ears, and a large ring and eartag on the left.
-Always has long, thin leather straps tied on her arms and neck 'for emergencies'.
-Though she tends to keep them covered, there are scars on her chest and upper back.
History:
Stelle was born to Indura, a lioness Animen then living in the kingdom of Viendet. Her father, whose identity her mother never shared, was not a part of her life. It was rumored that he was elven, or some bastard child of human and Animen races, but nothing solid was ever known. Stelle never sought his identity, nor really seemed to care much. If he were worth thinking about, she reasoned, he would still be around. As it was, the young Animen and her mother were forced to fend for themselves; Indura did her best to give Stelle a good childhood, and let her relish her youth, but hard living forced her to grow up quickly. Her quick movements and ability to go where others couldn't worked to her advantage, allowing Stelle to get her hands on the various tools and materials she needed. Her deft fingers and keen mind served her well, and she used her skills to craft gloves, satchels, and armor for the local miners. With this new source of income, Stelle was finally able to set funds aside, a coin at a time. Eventually, she had enough to book passage with a trading caravan heading to Ival. Over the years, the heavy, soot-filled air had taken its toll on Indura. Her health was poor, and Stelle had been the only one able to do any real work for a long time, though her mother still tried. At her daughter's insistence, Indura relented and took the one ticket they were able to afford. Stelle bid her mother farewell, promising to meet up again soon, and went back to her growing business. By this time she was a young woman, and though she had been living in Viendet her whole life, it seemed more barren and bleak than ever. For once, she was truly alone. She didn't have the liberty of stopping to contemplate her fate, however, as any moment of weakness shown was an opening for the hungry eyes all around. So, she did as she always had, and fought to maintain her position.
Years passed, and she remained in Viendet. She had become a well known leather and metal crafter in the area, miners always in need of new equipment, or armor to protect them from the monsters below. Much of her income was sent ahead to her mother in Ival, with a fair amount held back for her own use. Despite her changed lot in life, Stelle still collected her own materials when she was able, always aware that wealth could come and go with a breath. She never let herself get comfortable. Yet it was during this time that her world would change more than it ever had...
Deep in the mines of Viendet, near the very roots of the mountain, she discovered an egg. She wasn't sure how she knew, but somehow, the old tales were true. She smuggled her treasure away, back to her home and workshop where she kept it hidden away from the world.
When it hatched, she kept her hatchling close, keeping it better fed than she had ever been, and safer than her gold. But as it grew, rumors spread. Some who had been jealous of her good fortune saw an even greater opportunity now, thinking the treasures she had were ripe for the taking. But no one would have believed her true prize was cloaked in scales, and had breath as hot as the sun. When Stelle's home was broken into and her life threatened, her young dragon leapt to her defense. The invaders were killed and her home set ablaze, Stelle and her yearling barely escaping the looting mob that descended. They raced for the edge of civilization, stopping only when they were far out in the rocky, barren wilderness. Their escape did not go unnoticed, however. With their guard down, Stelle and her dragon never saw the band that fell upon them while they rested. Protective to the end, her dragon fell, and she was left for dead.
The following days were blurred together. In fact, she was never sure if it was days, weeks, or years. All she remembered was the pain, and the feeling that something that had been blooming in her heart was suddenly and brutally cut out. Her appearance grew haggard and haunted, and she lashed out at anything and anyone with grief and rage. Time dragged on, and she kept stumbling forward. Sometimes her mind would register the date, or hear it in passing conversation, and as the emptiness dulled, her eyes truly started to open. What she saw caused her wandering feet to finally stop. Trees. Everywhere, tall as the mountains she’d known all her life, trees and foliage touching the sky. And green, everywhere she looked, the burst of color steadily pressing into her mind. There was an all-encompassing peace to the forests of Lhuin, and it was sorely needed by the bereft, would-be rider. She was wild as the elves who called this place her home, each keeping their distance from each other; when they did have a rare encounter, there were no words passed, or questions asked. There was nothing more than a look, and each would continue on their way. She passed several years this way, living in the quiet of the forest and the solitude of her stricken mind. Often she would find a patch of grass, or an easy perch, and merely watch the world. She even started crafting again, though it was all small things. Things were different now from when she lived comfortably in that harsh and dark place—but she dare not think about it. Instead she focused on the here and now, with no wonder about tomorrow. The birds of the sky became her closest companions, though she could not say why. She learned to train and nurture them, as she had something else before, and eventually, started to find peace within herself.
As Stelle reconnected with humanity, she began to listen once more. Decades had passed, and the world had continued on without her. She learned of the split that had arisen between the races, from the proud Shadra to the honorable Dargona, and lastly to the Vanguard, never taking a side, yet always trying to remain even with the other two. Her long rest was over. She bid farewell to her hawks and owls, waving to the eagles as she turned her back on the forests. One person had entered, and someone completely different left. Stelle adjusted her pack, and set off south to find the Vanguard.
Soaking in the sights as she walked, it seemed the Jagged Teeth mountains rose in front of her in no time at all. It took awhile to get into the base proper, numerous questions asked and bags checked, but she made it inside. She thought she might set up her armoury again, but that brought back painful memories. Instead she sought work with the guard, tending to their messenger hawks. This work also brought her into contact with their war hounds, whom she often spent time with as well. She was offered a position training them as well, which she took to immediately. Her skills with dealing with people were far from great, but the results of her animal training were undeniable. The effectiveness of her animal handling eventually drew the attention of the Vanguard’s dragon riders, who sought her out. And at first, to everyone’s surprise, she declined. Stelle had never said a word about her tragedy, so long in the past now, to anyone. The riders were persistent, yet each time, she declined. She only changed her mind after the Vanguard were attacked by an opposing force. In the aftermath of the battle, which was hard-won, she is remembered to have remarked: “You’re sloppy. I’ll have them fixed up in no time.”
Interesting Extra Info:
Fun Fact: Stelle had no idea her fur was white until she ventured from Viendet. She'd always been stained a grey-brown color.
Likes
-Craftsmanship
-Animals
-Puzzles and mental challenges
Dislikes
-Orcs
-Entitlement of the nobility
-Extravagance
Relationships:
-Stelle continues to keep in touch with her mother in Ival, who has taken up work with the local church of Apsu.
-She does not currently have any love interests.
Roleplay Example:
A darkly clad figure crept along the edges of the tunnel walls, barely dislodging stone or dust as it moved. Miners, hard at work and clinking away with their picks, probably never even noticed as it passed. Most mining activity was concentrated a good distance away from the tunnel entrances, but once you went far enough, even the sound of mining faded away. Deeper and deeper, the heat of the mountain's heart warmed the air. The air was surprisingly dry because of it, and in the deepest reaches, even the stone began to sweat off its moisture. It was to these depths that the shadowy explorer went, never once forgetting stealth even though there was no one in sight. Deep in the earth, things were far from safe. Yet for those who dared enough to try, and were smart or quick enough to get back out, the rewards were immense.
It was for this reason that Stelle descended there now. She was not a miner, but she was hard to catch. Down in the stone tunnels where only monsters walked, raw gems and ore were ripe for the taking. Things were even easier for her since she had no need for a lamp, blessed as she was with her mother's sight. All that was left to do was to gather her spoils. Stelle paused occasionally to inspect the odd rock or twisted piece of old metal, brushing them clean on her pants for a closer look, or giving them a cursory glance and setting them aside. This had been her work for years, and she knew in a single look whether a piece was worthwhile or not, but this had only been learned through endless practice. At first, she had been so anxious that she might have overlooked something valuable that she would arrive back home, dirty and bearing a bag full of twisted sticks and sandstone. She snorted softly at the thought, allowing an inward chuckle. Everything began with one being clumsy, it seemed, and yet here she was to day. Those who survived their youth were destined to become masters of their craft, or to die memorably. She had no doubt-- Stelle suddenly jerked her hand back as it encountered something much warmer than the wall she had been tracing. She was frozen in place, ears perked and listening sharply for anything that might have been stirred. Her darkvision didn't reveal anything, but that didn't mean much. Some predators were nigh invisible until it was too late. Minutes ticked by. Nothing moved except the stray warm breeze as it passed through the mountain. Nearly an hour. Nothing moved, and finally, Stelle allowed herself to relax, but not completely. Perhaps it was time to start back. But the warmth she had encountered was nagging at her mind, and she couldn't hold back the curiosity. Creeping closer and keeping low to the dusty ground, Stelle examined the rock she had brushed. It was odd, this rock. It was surprisingly uniform in shape, a large oval with a tapered tip, even its surface designs somewhat uniform and patterned. One might have thought it was carved, but why it was and how it ended up this far away from anyone who might have made it was a mystery. Carefully, oh so slowly, she reached out to touch it once more. Her fingertips brushed the surface, and she was nearly blinded by the light that followed.
The surface of the stone came alive with light and color, the dark, craggy surface broken up by countless veins, separating and reconnecting all over it. In these veins, what looked like living magma flowed slow and bright, filling that section of the cavern with a living glow. Stelle was caught in that glow, an arm thrown up in front of her face and her heart thudding so hard she thought it would stop. Then, just as suddenly as it had flared up, the glow receded. The stone was once more an ordinary stone, though the red veins remained for a good while after its display.
Stelle hadn't moved after she drew back in surprise. Her blood ran cold, and she was rocked to her core. Though neither she, nor anyone else, had seen something like this for hundreds of years, she instinctively knew...and it was impossible.
It was a dragon egg. And it was hers.
Image/Story/Character (c) Khitzu
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/12170875/
__________
EDIT: Cut the page and got it to fit on my scanner properly. Tooth of the paper still sucks and the color isn't great, but at least the blur is gone.
Coloring this was almost physically painful.... my prismas kept breaking, CONSTANTLY, and the grain on this new sketchpad's paper is ridiculous and shallow... probably ought to just save it for pure ink pictures, as barely touching pencil lines makes them smear as well. My backup plan is to go get a pack of cardstock and just use that. x'D
Anyway! Hard part's done, anyway. This is Stelle, my character for TSS. Thankfully I'll be getting help putting it into a more digital format and slapped on the application template, which aside from the materials issues, was my next worry.
~~~~~~
EDIT: Cut the page down so I could scan it in better and get rid of that side blur. Doesn't change the fact that the lack of tooth makes this paper sucky, buuuuut...
Coloring this was almost physically painful.... my prismas kept breaking, CONSTANTLY, and the grain on this new sketchpad's paper is ridiculous and shallow... probably ought to just save it for pure ink pictures, as barely touching pencil lines makes them smear as well. My backup plan is to go get a pack of cardstock and just use that. x'D
Anyway! Hard part's done, anyway. This is Stelle, my character for TSS. Thankfully I'll be getting help putting it into a more digital format and slapped on the application template, which aside from the materials issues, was my next worry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Name: Stelle
Age: ~95 (approximately, a mature adult in the early 20s range)
Gender: Female
Race: mixed blood Lion Animen
Deity: All known and acknowledged, but not particularly devout to any in particular.
Faction: Vanguard
Rank/Occupation: Instructor
Dragon: none
Family:
Mother, Indura; living.
Father, name unknown; status unknown.
Physical Appearance:
Taller than average human height due to her stance, and very slender. Her facial features are more humanoid than animal, suggesting some non-Animen blood in her recent family tree. Her muzzle is virtually nonexistent, animal nose small and pink-tinged. She walks on her toes as many other Animen do, yet her feet are more delicate and reminiscent of plantigrade feet rather than true paws. The fur covering her body is uniformly white and fairly thin, longer only on her head, forearms, and the tip of her tail.
Personality:
Though her appearance is less animal like than other Animen of her species, Stelle still carries herself with the fluid grace and poise of a feral cat. Her slender frame holds a quiet power, and her words and actions convey the same. She has a quiet confidence that is never spoken outright, yet is fully confirmed by her voice. Hesitation rarely colors her words, and when her mind is set on an action, she follows through. That's not to say that she is completely rigid, however. Adaptability is another trait she bears, the ability to maneuver in unsure circumstances, even if she doesn't truly know the outcome. She can be stern or jovial in turns, usually only when the time is appropriate; at others, she is quiet and reflective, and those who know her would likely be surprised to see her dark expressions. She seems a born leader, yet will often defer to others for final judgment (unless she feels especially strongly about something); Stelle actually seems rather content to be second, for even with her leadership qualities, ambition seems strangely absent.
Strength (Maximum of 4)
-Stelle has a strong, indomitable will, unlikely to be swayed by mentalism or intimidation. She's just as likely to turn such attacks right back.
-Graceful and acrobatic as a wild cat, Stelle is able to perform surprising feats of agility and speed. Opponents have a hard time getting to her unless they are able to anticipate her movements, or match her speed.
-Quietly as a shadow, Stelle can sneak around just about anywhere if she has a mind to. This also translates to an 'invisible in plain sight' sort of skill that is just what it sounds like, enabling her to blend into a crowd as if she belongs.
-She has an odd connection with wild animals, dragons included, and is able to get closer to them than most others (that is not to say, however, that she is any safer).
Weakness (Minimum of 3)
-Though quick and strong for her size, if an opponent did manage to get hold of her, the fight would be overly fairly soon. Agility is her strength, rather than brute strength.
-Her fur is thin, and thus, her flesh is just as vulnerable to weapons or weather as any unarmored human.
-Since her nose is smaller and more humanlike than a full-blooded Animen's, her sense of smell is only slightly better than the average human's. Likewise, her ears do not have the full range of a mobility that an Animen's would, and just like her sense of smell, are only somewhat better than a human's.
Equipment:
-Javelin
-Knife-gauntlets
Accessories:
-Metal tab earrings on both ears, and a large ring and eartag on the left.
-Always has long, thin leather straps tied on her arms and neck 'for emergencies'.
-Though she tends to keep them covered, there are scars on her chest and upper back.
History:
Stelle was born to Indura, a lioness Animen then living in the kingdom of Viendet. Her father, whose identity her mother never shared, was not a part of her life. It was rumored that he was elven, or some bastard child of human and Animen races, but nothing solid was ever known. Stelle never sought his identity, nor really seemed to care much. If he were worth thinking about, she reasoned, he would still be around. As it was, the young Animen and her mother were forced to fend for themselves; Indura did her best to give Stelle a good childhood, and let her relish her youth, but hard living forced her to grow up quickly. Her quick movements and ability to go where others couldn't worked to her advantage, allowing Stelle to get her hands on the various tools and materials she needed. Her deft fingers and keen mind served her well, and she used her skills to craft gloves, satchels, and armor for the local miners. With this new source of income, Stelle was finally able to set funds aside, a coin at a time. Eventually, she had enough to book passage with a trading caravan heading to Ival. Over the years, the heavy, soot-filled air had taken its toll on Indura. Her health was poor, and Stelle had been the only one able to do any real work for a long time, though her mother still tried. At her daughter's insistence, Indura relented and took the one ticket they were able to afford. Stelle bid her mother farewell, promising to meet up again soon, and went back to her growing business. By this time she was a young woman, and though she had been living in Viendet her whole life, it seemed more barren and bleak than ever. For once, she was truly alone. She didn't have the liberty of stopping to contemplate her fate, however, as any moment of weakness shown was an opening for the hungry eyes all around. So, she did as she always had, and fought to maintain her position.
Years passed, and she remained in Viendet. She had become a well known leather and metal crafter in the area, miners always in need of new equipment, or armor to protect them from the monsters below. Much of her income was sent ahead to her mother in Ival, with a fair amount held back for her own use. Despite her changed lot in life, Stelle still collected her own materials when she was able, always aware that wealth could come and go with a breath. She never let herself get comfortable. Yet it was during this time that her world would change more than it ever had...
Deep in the mines of Viendet, near the very roots of the mountain, she discovered an egg. She wasn't sure how she knew, but somehow, the old tales were true. She smuggled her treasure away, back to her home and workshop where she kept it hidden away from the world.
When it hatched, she kept her hatchling close, keeping it better fed than she had ever been, and safer than her gold. But as it grew, rumors spread. Some who had been jealous of her good fortune saw an even greater opportunity now, thinking the treasures she had were ripe for the taking. But no one would have believed her true prize was cloaked in scales, and had breath as hot as the sun. When Stelle's home was broken into and her life threatened, her young dragon leapt to her defense. The invaders were killed and her home set ablaze, Stelle and her yearling barely escaping the looting mob that descended. They raced for the edge of civilization, stopping only when they were far out in the rocky, barren wilderness. Their escape did not go unnoticed, however. With their guard down, Stelle and her dragon never saw the band that fell upon them while they rested. Protective to the end, her dragon fell, and she was left for dead.
The following days were blurred together. In fact, she was never sure if it was days, weeks, or years. All she remembered was the pain, and the feeling that something that had been blooming in her heart was suddenly and brutally cut out. Her appearance grew haggard and haunted, and she lashed out at anything and anyone with grief and rage. Time dragged on, and she kept stumbling forward. Sometimes her mind would register the date, or hear it in passing conversation, and as the emptiness dulled, her eyes truly started to open. What she saw caused her wandering feet to finally stop. Trees. Everywhere, tall as the mountains she’d known all her life, trees and foliage touching the sky. And green, everywhere she looked, the burst of color steadily pressing into her mind. There was an all-encompassing peace to the forests of Lhuin, and it was sorely needed by the bereft, would-be rider. She was wild as the elves who called this place her home, each keeping their distance from each other; when they did have a rare encounter, there were no words passed, or questions asked. There was nothing more than a look, and each would continue on their way. She passed several years this way, living in the quiet of the forest and the solitude of her stricken mind. Often she would find a patch of grass, or an easy perch, and merely watch the world. She even started crafting again, though it was all small things. Things were different now from when she lived comfortably in that harsh and dark place—but she dare not think about it. Instead she focused on the here and now, with no wonder about tomorrow. The birds of the sky became her closest companions, though she could not say why. She learned to train and nurture them, as she had something else before, and eventually, started to find peace within herself.
As Stelle reconnected with humanity, she began to listen once more. Decades had passed, and the world had continued on without her. She learned of the split that had arisen between the races, from the proud Shadra to the honorable Dargona, and lastly to the Vanguard, never taking a side, yet always trying to remain even with the other two. Her long rest was over. She bid farewell to her hawks and owls, waving to the eagles as she turned her back on the forests. One person had entered, and someone completely different left. Stelle adjusted her pack, and set off south to find the Vanguard.
Soaking in the sights as she walked, it seemed the Jagged Teeth mountains rose in front of her in no time at all. It took awhile to get into the base proper, numerous questions asked and bags checked, but she made it inside. She thought she might set up her armoury again, but that brought back painful memories. Instead she sought work with the guard, tending to their messenger hawks. This work also brought her into contact with their war hounds, whom she often spent time with as well. She was offered a position training them as well, which she took to immediately. Her skills with dealing with people were far from great, but the results of her animal training were undeniable. The effectiveness of her animal handling eventually drew the attention of the Vanguard’s dragon riders, who sought her out. And at first, to everyone’s surprise, she declined. Stelle had never said a word about her tragedy, so long in the past now, to anyone. The riders were persistent, yet each time, she declined. She only changed her mind after the Vanguard were attacked by an opposing force. In the aftermath of the battle, which was hard-won, she is remembered to have remarked: “You’re sloppy. I’ll have them fixed up in no time.”
Interesting Extra Info:
Fun Fact: Stelle had no idea her fur was white until she ventured from Viendet. She'd always been stained a grey-brown color.
Likes
-Craftsmanship
-Animals
-Puzzles and mental challenges
Dislikes
-Orcs
-Entitlement of the nobility
-Extravagance
Relationships:
-Stelle continues to keep in touch with her mother in Ival, who has taken up work with the local church of Apsu.
-She does not currently have any love interests.
Roleplay Example:
A darkly clad figure crept along the edges of the tunnel walls, barely dislodging stone or dust as it moved. Miners, hard at work and clinking away with their picks, probably never even noticed as it passed. Most mining activity was concentrated a good distance away from the tunnel entrances, but once you went far enough, even the sound of mining faded away. Deeper and deeper, the heat of the mountain's heart warmed the air. The air was surprisingly dry because of it, and in the deepest reaches, even the stone began to sweat off its moisture. It was to these depths that the shadowy explorer went, never once forgetting stealth even though there was no one in sight. Deep in the earth, things were far from safe. Yet for those who dared enough to try, and were smart or quick enough to get back out, the rewards were immense.
It was for this reason that Stelle descended there now. She was not a miner, but she was hard to catch. Down in the stone tunnels where only monsters walked, raw gems and ore were ripe for the taking. Things were even easier for her since she had no need for a lamp, blessed as she was with her mother's sight. All that was left to do was to gather her spoils. Stelle paused occasionally to inspect the odd rock or twisted piece of old metal, brushing them clean on her pants for a closer look, or giving them a cursory glance and setting them aside. This had been her work for years, and she knew in a single look whether a piece was worthwhile or not, but this had only been learned through endless practice. At first, she had been so anxious that she might have overlooked something valuable that she would arrive back home, dirty and bearing a bag full of twisted sticks and sandstone. She snorted softly at the thought, allowing an inward chuckle. Everything began with one being clumsy, it seemed, and yet here she was to day. Those who survived their youth were destined to become masters of their craft, or to die memorably. She had no doubt-- Stelle suddenly jerked her hand back as it encountered something much warmer than the wall she had been tracing. She was frozen in place, ears perked and listening sharply for anything that might have been stirred. Her darkvision didn't reveal anything, but that didn't mean much. Some predators were nigh invisible until it was too late. Minutes ticked by. Nothing moved except the stray warm breeze as it passed through the mountain. Nearly an hour. Nothing moved, and finally, Stelle allowed herself to relax, but not completely. Perhaps it was time to start back. But the warmth she had encountered was nagging at her mind, and she couldn't hold back the curiosity. Creeping closer and keeping low to the dusty ground, Stelle examined the rock she had brushed. It was odd, this rock. It was surprisingly uniform in shape, a large oval with a tapered tip, even its surface designs somewhat uniform and patterned. One might have thought it was carved, but why it was and how it ended up this far away from anyone who might have made it was a mystery. Carefully, oh so slowly, she reached out to touch it once more. Her fingertips brushed the surface, and she was nearly blinded by the light that followed.
The surface of the stone came alive with light and color, the dark, craggy surface broken up by countless veins, separating and reconnecting all over it. In these veins, what looked like living magma flowed slow and bright, filling that section of the cavern with a living glow. Stelle was caught in that glow, an arm thrown up in front of her face and her heart thudding so hard she thought it would stop. Then, just as suddenly as it had flared up, the glow receded. The stone was once more an ordinary stone, though the red veins remained for a good while after its display.
Stelle hadn't moved after she drew back in surprise. Her blood ran cold, and she was rocked to her core. Though neither she, nor anyone else, had seen something like this for hundreds of years, she instinctively knew...and it was impossible.
It was a dragon egg. And it was hers.
Image/Story/Character (c) Khitzu
10 years ago
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