Within the depths of a terribly dark swamp invaluable herbs, mushrooms, and various minerals unique to the environment resided. For centuries this swamp had lain dormant with the only disturbances being that from the wild creatures that called it home. Swamps are rich in organic material and are filled with natural dangers for those foolish enough to try to collect it. However, this swamp was an exception... for it was far worse than any normal bayou. The darkness of this swamp swallowed up light and adventures alike, with those who entered never returning home again. The locals began to call the swamp, "Recusant's Dwelling", for it refused to bend to the will of those trying to subdue it and make it more... habitable. Still, the resources found in Recusant's Dwelling were extremely valuable, particularly the rich herbal sprawls and mushroom colonies that were known to hold special properties. It was all too tempting for foraging humans to be convinced to enter the dark swamp to earn some coin for the special resources within.

The Fumblehand brothers were prime examples of what happened when the temptation outweighed the grim rumors of something dangerous lurking beneath the murky waters. They'd heard about a special flower that grew around the water's edge within the heart of Recusant's Dwelling and set out to find it. To that end, the brothers did in fact find their prize. They gathered all they could within their pouches and bags, stuffing them full of the delicate blue flowers. With glee they crawled up from the water's edge, boasting aloud about their plan to go home and brag about their findings. One brother turned around to suggest keeping the location secrete so they can hoard the flowers to themselves before they froze. Their face paled as their heart dropped into their chest, raising a shaking hand to point a trembling finger...but before the other brother could even turn around to react an explosion of power erupted from the swampy water!

A massive maw surged from the green foliage and the the first brother was snatched up with a quick crunch before the second followed suit with only a few seconds of screams echoing into the swamp's vegetation; nary of which makes it out of the swamp's damp leaves. Venom snarled angrily and spat out a shredded basket with a shower of blue flowers. The number of these strange trespassers were growing in frequency and invading his swamp more often. How many hairless apes did he need to kill before they learned to leave his territory the hell alone?! Perhaps the source needed to be sought out before he could relax...the ant's nest flooded out. The beehive crushed beneath his claw.

---

I am regularly shocked into gibbering awe by the sheer power and movement of Blackwing's art and this gorgeous piece is no exception. Featuring my swamp dragon Venom displaying the behavior he's most known for. Please do not redistribute, and take a look at Wing's socials to look at more of her art as well as her version of this piece.

Twitter - https://twitter.com/WildBlackWing
Deviantart - https://www.deviantart.com/black-wing24
FurAffinity -  blackblueblaze
The absolutely amazing story writing was done by my partner  faluma.