Chilly wind sweeps through the mountains, whistling and howling between the cracked stones. The morning is rising in the unhospitable northern wasteland. For civilized folk, these are yet uncharted lands, retaining much of their pristine beauty. A lone dragon stands watching over from a cliffside sill, seeing how the valley below awakens with light and life. A routine of living in the wilderness may be monotonous, much different from inhabited lands filled with strife. But it is here, in a place still ruled by nature, where a dragon, the natural sovereign, can find his peace.

Zenvaydir, the dragon in this picture, is a reclusive specimen. Born in a time of rapid human colonization, his original homeland quickly became running with parties of hunters and settlers, stirring problems and unrest in once serene region. The encounters with men turned more and more hostile, the dragons being percieved as a threatening obstacle in developing a local nation. Zenvaydir made a choice uncommon for a dragon - he turned away from perspective of an open conflict, going away from the now troubled land. He chose north, frigid and rocky, as his destination. There may come a day when he will spot some wagons and explorers in the valley below, but for now, solitude and return to the simple life were his to enjoy. Those who will disturb him, should be wary - a dragon's compliance, even a peaceful one's, has its limits.

This piece is a digitally colored version of a traditional sketch with a somewhat half-assed background. I still need to learn how to draw environments.