In memory of the Good Times of Old.

I was a young dragon then, exuberant, sharp-witted and mighty. Wings outstretched and mane flowing amidst powerful gusts, the Lover of the Winds. Taking in the Sun's warmth, the light reflecting in my gleaming, pristine white scales. My armor-like scutes, Gift of my bloodline, making me feel formidable, indomitable. A robust, yet nimble Body and an open Mind.

Days were good in the Old World. Uneventful, perhaps... But good. Surrounded by friendly souls, Never finding myself wanting for much, except for more knowledge or thrill. My lively gaze made them smile, my snout's expression was gentle for that of a dragon. My company and insights were cherished, my scales polished, my mane - brushed and braided.

In the Old World, so welcoming and safe, I was proud to be a Dragon. Pride is the creed of my Kin, yet this quality curiously comes in many forms. My youthful Pride wasn't of the scornful kind, the one that looks down on the lesser ones. No, not then, at least. I witnessed and experienced True Goodness of the world, even if it was my small, constrained world. I might have been gullible, looking back... Yet I am thankful.

Thankful to have something to look back to. My Pride was one of a being who had found his place, found comfort and dignity within.
With Acknowledgement of the Cherished Ones, I had no need for bargaining with my Self.


...Yet I wanted more, wanted to experience the Vast World. I wished a curse upon myself.
Shame on me for not staying true to what brought me joy.

I shall make one more wish... A wish for the memory of the young, Proud Dragon to endure.
May at least the Old World remember the one that could inspire Love and Trust, moreso than Dread and Awe...
...for Respect belonged to both.

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This fantastic and jaw-droppingly impressive traditional piece was a gift from a friend who is exquisitely skilled with both the ink pen and understanding of the very best qualities of dragon anatomy. Wairu, the author of this splendid art, really outdid himself here, capturing the elusive essence of what I love in Western Dragons as creatures - a combination of slender and muscular that achieves a perfect expression of both physical might and deadly agile grace of a swift predator. What's more, the choice of pose, with all its subtleties, is a graphic representation of the words "proud" and "majestic". On top of that, it features my all-time favorite execution of scale plating (scutes) on a dragon, where it both feels like firm natural armor and an integral part of the flexible body, augmenting its elegant silhouette. What else? Big wings. And thick, looong tail.

It gave me great joy to receive this artwork in physical form, in person - I was truly elated! This gift has a lot of meaning to me, as it shows me at my best, reminding me of the times when I was truly proud of what I was, of what I could be with a spark of good fortune. One couldn't ask for much more from art - it is one of these cases where it hits you just right and reaches the heart. Many, many thanks.

The artist who so generously honored me with this treasure is:
You can view his own post there: https://twitter.com/RevenantWairu/s.....48370164879360
Arcaizen/Arcdanis belongs to me. Mine. My dragon.