The temple stands before you, as broken and marred by time as it has long been described. And yet still, in the light of your campfire as you take refuge on its stoop for the night, there springs even to the decrepit stone a new life, as if it were happy to see the light of a hand-made pyre once again.

And on the steps, blink once, and a shining silhouette appears of a spirit sentinel to the temple, clad in treasures that catch the light.

Blink again, and it’s gone...but the long-dead sconces on the pillars framing the stairs are now blazing with golden fires. Something is there. Watching. And you know you won’t sleep.

***

So, I was bored enough to want to try my hand at a lineless digital painting on Clip Studio Paint...which ended up turning out to be fun! Not to mention I learned a couple of new tricks, such as reference layers and clipping, that made shading and lighting a bit more of a breeze. xP I’m especially loving how the old stone building with all its cracks and chips came out, considering I can barely stand to draw backgrounds much of the time.

The dragon itself was a bit of an experiment in lighting. Something imposing, phantom-like, and very shiny. I think I got what I wanted, but I know I still have a few things to learn patience-wise with digital painting...I've gotten more in touch with it though that I may re-do one more more of my pieces. x3 Enjoy!