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I recount to you a tale, a tale of our City’s founding that is both an end and a beginning; involving a dragon, a woman, and an oasis full of magic. Like many, this tale is one of ages past and as such many of the specifics have been lost to time. It starts with a magical oasis, a modest patch of green, lush with life and overflowing with water. The water sprawling out into the desert and slowly attracting the races of man to live on its banks. It is said that during this period life was simple and peaceful, the various villages wanted for nothing as the oasis provided all. It was revered and worshipped with not a soul setting foot inside as not to disturb whatever forces was allowing the constant flow of water. However, this all changed when a dragon, black in color and fearsome in size and strength stumbled upon it.
The dragon immediately saw the worth of the patch of green and so it claimed it. A selfish creature at heart, the beast began hoarding the magic caring not for the villages around. The beast trapped the magic and dried the rivers; empowering only itself. The towns, once able to enjoy the bounties the water brought, now barely were able to survive on the trickling the dragon allowed to escape. The villagers, petrified to act began referring to the area they once worshiped as the Lair of the Horned One. The only blessing the villagers could dare count after the dragons arrival is that the drying of their rivers was the worst thing to happen. The dragon had found a wealth unlike any other, and thus the villages were safe from attack for it was not in want of anything their meager existence allowed them to posses; and so time marched on. None alive remembered and few knew of the old days when the water flowed and life was easy. They accepted their new lot, survived as they could, buried who couldn’t and as before never once entertained the idea of entering the Lair; that was until the woman arrived.
A traveler in foreign clothes she was unlike any they had seen before. She arrived after a long journey and took pity on those she found there. Her own magic was plentiful and so she eased their woes and cared for them. Although they understood her to be a mage they couldn’t help but feel she was more as the sick became healthy and the frail became strong. This use of magic causing the beast to stir in its floral throne and this stirring bringing both to the other’s attention. Unafraid of what wait, the woman did what no other dared and with spear in hand made for the Lair. Although many volunteered none were allowed to follow and so I do not have for you a recounting of their battle, just the outcome. The dragon was gone and the woman remained; though forever changed. Through great struggle she freed the magic and the water once again could flow and the era of prosperity precious few recalled returned and better than ever before. In the end, this era spelled the end of the woman’s travels and the founding of our grand city. However, too many outside, this land is still the Lair of the Horned One.

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So once again I dabble at sharing some of the nerdy writing I come up with. Hopefully those who do read it enjoy it, and for those who don't read or enjoy it I hope you like the art. A bit of an explanation. After pretty much deciding that Veritha, the female version of my sona should exist in fantasy settings I set to work crafting one I enjoyed. Recycling a lot of things from my sci fi setting to be subtle nods, though mostly to myself. I've really been wanting to get art of the 'origin' of her and Inno did a fantastic job, especially with her opponent!

Art ©

Veritha/Dragon ©