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>>Line art<< >>Part of Artist's upload<<
Tar-Ra, Celestial Drake of Haat'Tar and Percival by
Some info:
Path to ascension may be unexpected, even as nothing is gained and all seems to be lost, there's hope... but when there's no hope, rage remains as driving force, as final defiance of the odds stacked against you.
Tar-Ra, an Irrokka (local lizards of Haat) warrior from Serrated Claw tribe lived a simple life, until he met some extraordinary being. In a jungle of distant island, a trap was triggered. With his spear Tar-Ra rushed to check what predator got caught into the nets. To his surprise it was a dragoness lithe and graceful, body being sleek and aerodynamic, scales a blend of silvery-grey with dark shadowy stripes, curved black horns, strong leathery wings. Dragoness got one eye was missing, strangely burned away buy unknown magic, remaining eye was purple almost demonic. Yet, dragoness radiated a faint aura still lingering around her. One look at claws of living diamond, black lips and playfully teasing silver tongue, Tar-Ra understood... net's won't hold her, one wrong move and tribe is doomed, he needed to act while dragoness in more amused by Irrokka, than threatened by them. Tar-Ra lowered his spear and ordered other hunters to do the same. "Tar-Ra", he told, telling his name. Dragoness rumbled "Ree-Va", returning the favour. Tar-Ra made a careful step and touched her snout, Ree-Va closed her eyes, purring. In a few minutes Ree-Va was free from the trap, nets cut in haste. Tar-Ra walked with dragoness, leading her to tribe's settlement. Other Irrokka was cautious around strange dragon, but soon they accepted Ree-Va. She got a small cave to rest, food and water, soon tribal markings were painted on her sides. Tar-Ra approached Ree-Va with caution, trying to 'tame' her, but dragoness clearly being intelligent easy resisted some attempts, while played along with others. Somehow, even without the words, Ree-Va was toying with Irrokka warrior. It took several weeks to establish mutual trust and Ree-Va allowed Tar-Ra to ride her back, to share the sky and soar together. A set of sings was developed: rubbing Ree-Va's neck, making pat-pat at in from different sides, small harmless lashes of Tar-Ra's tail against Ree-Va's back, all to make flight more controllable, stirring direction, changing wing flapping speed, halting the acceleration and asking Ree-Va to glide, all without words, just gestures. Initially an ally and means of fast transportation around the archipelago, Tar-Ra found that Ree-Va is increasing his fame, her very presence was elevating him to a kind of champion of Serrated Claw, even if self-proclaimed. Tar-Ra's influence and fame was growing, a dragon rider was quite beneficial to the tribe. Much to Tar-Ra's disappointment Ree-Va wasn't aggressive towards tribe enemies, she remained passive, providing little aid in combat situations, unless threatened directly.
Status quo lasted up to a day when pirate ship was sighted on the horizon, approaching on of Irrokka islands. Tar-Ra flew to intercept on Ree-Va's back. Archers from pirate ship shot at approaching dragon... and Ree-Va unleashed a lightning from her maw. Tar-Ra was fascinated, he got dragoness that breath out not fire, but lightning, a real sky rage incarnate. After some consideration, Tar-Ra understood that Ree-Va needs encouragement to use her breath power, he developed a code phrase "Ree-Va, sky rage!" to help her unleash the lightening, strangely it worked flawlessly. What Ta-Ra didn't knew, that each time he spoke the code phrase, he was effectively taking responsibility for Ree-Va's actions. Fact that he won't pay attention to for many years. As their relationship evolved, Ree-Va was showing more of her abilities, blending in shadows, controlling the winds, even summoning and dispersing thunderstorms at will.
Surprised and fascinated by Ree-Va's powers, Tar-Ra took a chance. He indeed become tribe's champion and with Ree-Va's help participated in almost every conflict his tribe was up to. Tar-Ra got constantly trained his endurance and agility, practiced with weapons, trying not to depend on Ree-Va completely. Eventually, he challenged Serrated Claw's chieftain to a duel and won. Gaining power and authority over all the tribe, with Ree-Va's help a new age begun for Serrated Claw. Eventually tribe's expansion led to conflict with Golden Dawn tribe. In order to crush the will to fight and minimise the losses among Irrokka, Tar-Ra guided Ree-Va to attack one of the major temples that Golden Dawn was guarding. Unknown to Tar-Ra, it was temple dedicated to Sol, Celestial Dragon of the Sun. Temple was built like impenetrable fortress, standing tall above the sea, not far from the shore. With nine huge stone pillars acting as foundation, the only way to get inside the temple was through the gates and narrow wooden bridge leading to it from the shore. With roof build to resemble a shell and pillars covered by the sea and temple walls, the structure was marvel of engineering, protected from any assault from land, sea or air... But nothing in the world was protected from Ree-Va's rage.
At first Tar-Ra guided Ree-Va to fly in circles around the temple, summoning the storm, then he pointed at the flaw - during high waves, for moment foundation pillars were exposed. Few minutes of observing the pattern and Tar-Ra commanded "Ree-Va, sky rage!". Lightning strike connected to stone pillar and left a crack. Ree-Va repeated that trick over and over, searched for the opening in the waves then unleashed her lightning. As first pillar was shattered, temple fate was sealed. No number of archers, priests or mages was able to stop Ree-Va from dancing in the storm around the temple and unleashing lightning again and again. As four corner pillars was taken out, structure begun to crumble, panic occurred inside and Golden Dawn tribe begun to flee, saving themselves, priests and relics from the temple. Ree-Va strangely gave them time to flee, continuing her dance, but pausing the attacks. Tar-Ra waited, understanding that he wasn't in control, he could only ask Ree-Va to follow his lead. As last of the fools escaped from the temple, Ree-Va resumed, flying just above the waves, targeting central pillar and destroying it. Pride of Golden Dawn, magnificent temple of Sol... collapsed to the side and was swallowed by the sea.
Sol, Celestial Dragon of the Sun, didn't forgot this gave offence and dedicated himself to hunt down Ree-Va. Despite best attempts to stay low, one day Sol arrived to confront Ree-Va. Despite all, Tar-Ra met this challenge on Ree-Va's back. Battle wasn't simple or understandable by mortal mind. Ree-Va danced around Sol, dodging his attacks, barely retaliating with lightning. Despite her formidable powers, gap between mortal and celestial being was enormous. But Ree-Va roared and laughed, agitated to the point of becoming fearless, while Sol tried to capture her alive, subdue, punish, but not end outright. All was decided by Sol's protective celestial aura and mercy of the sea. Ree-Va took flight, climbing vertically, flying high above the clouds, right until the point where air became cold and thin, still she tried to keep up, with Sol directly behind her in pursuit. Sol's protective aura was triggered, allowing him to survive not just lack of air, but extreme temperatures of the void above Haat. Ree-Va and Tar-Ra didn't get such luxury and had to endure. At some point darkness crawled to Tar-Ra's eyes, he passed off. Next was Ree-Va, she closed her eyes and wings, then fell like a rock, straight down, constantly accelerating. Sol being much larger and bulkier tried to catch her up, before Ree-Va could impact the sea surface, his honour demanded that she's brough to justice alive. Tar-Ra opened his eyes, he was barely holding on Ree-Va's back, wind so strong, speed enormous, yet he was still with her... and she fake being unconsciousness. Moment before impact, Reeva spread her winds and flew up, bones and membranes strained, but not torn or broken. Seeing that Sol tried to pull up, but Ree-Va unleashed all her power over the wind on him. With celestial protective aura still working Sol crushed into sea, aura trying to dampen the impact and annihilate the obstacle. Huge explosion occurred, cloud of steam rising from the sea. Sol lay sprawled on the sand bottom, that turned into glass, completely spent, exhausted, all his power reserves depleted to negate the impact and keep him alive... but waves was coming from all sides. Ree-Va flew and grabbed Sol by the tail, she dragged him across the waves, pulling out to the shore, saving from mercy of the sea... into horrible reality of Celestial Dragon being offended, defeated and spared by mortal...
Sol's defeat was a triumph for Ree-Va, but... bittersweet moment for Tar-Ra. Hundreds of angelic sentinels arrived to pick them up. Sol, Ree-Va and Tar-Ra arrived at Sanctuary Shard. Each met their fate: Ree-Va, her name actually Reeva, an exiled Celestial Dragon... got audience with Elion and her celestial status restored; Sol got ashamed, but quickly recovered, welcoming Reeva back even if he wanted to bite her throat until she stops moving; Tar-Ra got before Shard's Council and was judged... Reeva was forgiven for her deeds, but Tar-Ra wasn't. He spent some time in the cage with two other Irrokka - a nomad named Dwang and despised Golden Dawn priestess - Kimberlian. Sadly, Tar-Ra faced Reeva as his final judge and executioner. There was no need for words, no need for explanations, they both knew, what they did, they both cried. Reeva was restored as Celestial Dragon, no longer just scaled, but magnificent otherworldly being... Tar-Ra got diminished, his sounders no longer holding warrior's posture, head bowed down. He would gladly accept death from Sol... but Reeva, his 'Ree-Va', it was too much for him. Especially seeing other condemned, Dwang to lose honour (in Tar-Ra's opinion), accepting collar inscribed 'sinner', but keeping his life. Kimberlian looked scared, but uncertain, still clinging to some hope. Tar-Ra lost hope, grief and betrayal, he could not save himself and Reeva was unable to avoid participating this execution, even if she didn't want. They were friends, allies, shared the sky, understood each other even without words... and now she is his executioner.
Final meal, being dressed in white robe from strange otherworldly fabric, blindfold over the eyes. This was his final moments, his reality. Being secured to metal rack on the top of Reeva's tower, Tar-Ra waited, listening to the howling of the wind. He was hearing Reeva crying and familiar buzzing gathering around near, Reeva was going to unleash lighting at him, ending his life in an instant. Without ill thoughts, just to encourage her, Tar-Ra shouted "Ree-Va, sky rage!". Their code phrase... it backfired in most unexcepted way. Reeva overwhelmed by the feelings faltered, lightning hit connected not with Tar-Ra, but the rack. Would be lethal strike was partially dispersed, but Tar-Ra got jolted hard, feeling the most agonizing moments in his life, roaring as tears was falling, then his word went dark.
Tar-Ra woke up, seeing not the Endless Line of Souls, but open sky and worried Reeva. His execution failed. Tar-Ra tried to stand up, but soon realized, that while his life was spared, he paid the price. Reeva failed the execution, but permanently crippled him, leaving disabled, not feeling the legs, no longer capable of standing or walking. It was horrible turn in their relationship, crippled warrior, spared out of pity. Reeva arranged healing and recovery, yet walking again was beyond wildest dreams. In few days, he was 'gifted' a wheelchair and escorted to Shard's Council, his case being discussed again. Verdict was harsh - there won't be new execution, but Tar-Ra would remain as lifetime prisoner in Reeva's tower. With his disabled status additional restrains was deemed unnecessary. And so, his years in the tower begun. Tar-Ra spoke with Reeva, got news about both Kimberlian's and Dwang's ascension. Even spoke with Kimberlian few times, but she only confirmed his wors fears... for Tar-Ra ascension was beyond reach. He was a warrior... not a scholar, his understanding of the world was limited and rather primitive. No matter how long he was reading tomes and scrolls in tower's library, he got only glimpses of knowledge, full picture, understanding of the universe eluded him. Tar-Ra found some laws of Sanctuary Shard strange and unfair, rigged against mortals, he didn't understand some completely. History of Haat, Sanctuary Shard and even whole Hatt'Tar uvinerse was just a fairy tale, collection of names and events that didn't make much sense to him. He imagined being in Kaida's place or Elion's, questioned their decisions. Each time Reeva provided explanations, Tar-Ra guessed that he just scratched the surface, trying to understand some epic events using his own experience.
As years passed, Tar-Ra wasn't getting younger. He remembered that Kimberlian got special runes on her forehead 'health' and 'ageless' and asked Reeva to replicate them on him. Request she completed partially, just out of pity again. Tar-Ra got 'health' rune, that still didn't fix his legs. He would just remain in good condition until his final days, just to say goodbye and fade away. Warrior's spirit was still lingering in Tar-Ra, with all the knowledge he gained about Sanctuary Shar and Reeva's tower, about laws and angelic sentinels, about celestial hierarchy and ascension... all resulted in a plan. First Tar-Ra needed to wait for a moment when Reeva is absent from the tower, as his friend, caretaker and warden would prevent gambit from happening.
Finally at the right moment, Tar-Ra done almost impossible... he collected brooms and mops, took some rope and cut canvas from the frame of a large painting. Leaving wheelchair, disabled Irrokka warrior slowly dragged his body and all the supplies to the flat roof of Reeva's tower. There he made a makeshift glider, secured himself to it and took off from tower's edge. Soaring again for the first time in many years, Tar-Ra set a course to Elion's palace, directing the glider to the gates of God of Light and Creation. In the distance Reeva spotted him, clearly unhappy by this 'escape', she was trying to control the wind and redirect glider back at the tower. Yet, Tar-Ra fought against the wind, his glider starting to break apart, but still directed at the palace gates. Having no magic or powers, he got past the defenders almost undetected, flying directly into the gates, making few rough turns in the corridors, before glider crash landed on the floor. Alarms were sounded in the palace and Reeva's roar was heard in the distance. Angelic sentinels stood near Tar-Ra, unsure what to do, while Reeva was approaching. Tar-Ra with all audacity crawled from glider remains and declared "I'm here to see Elion, I have... unexpected audience". He got no weapons and hardly pose any threat, broken warrior, almost dying of age and injuries he just got during the crash. Angelic sentinels stepped aside and shown him the way. Tar-Ra crawled across huge corridors, strangely long and tall for his almost miniscule form. Alarm served its purpose helping him - Reeva was delayed by closed gates. Racing against time and against exhaustion, he crawled forward. Finally, he reached the doors to the throne room, where Elions resides on his throne, the locked doors, blocked by Celestial Drakes with spears and tower shields, Dwang among them. Tar-Ra and Dwang looked in each other eyes, they understood each other without words. Reeva was already at the end of the corridor, ready to take Tar-Ra away, lock him in the tower and subject to mandatory pampering until the end of his days. Dwang stepped aside and gestured other guards to do the same. Reeva froze in place, as Tar-ra knocked on the doors three times and doors begun to open...
Tar-Ra made a mistake, he expected that number of obstacles he already passed can grant him something like indulgence, second chance, salvation. Hope dies last... but it did so, as Grim Shadow stepped out from the doors. Elion's personal executioner with nasty habit of taking everything close and personal, especially after he got the Curse of Blink Traveller. For Grim Shadow it all was simple: mortal, condemned criminal, once judged to execution, cripped, spared, granted a chance to live up to the end of his days confined in the tower under the watch of Celestial Dragon, escaped and penetrated the defences of Elion's palace, used personal connection with Dwang to gain entry into sacred throne room, guilty. There was no need for Elion's command, Grim Shadow acted on instincts, adding a bit of satisfaction - stepped on Tar-Ra with his feet and started to slowly crush his fragile Irrokka body. Reeva was too far, Dwang and other guards turned away to let Tar-Ra pass, there was no hope. Tar-Ra tried to push away Grim Shadow's feet and roared out of... not pain or desperation, but rage. Roar that shaken palace walls for a moment, Tar-Ra's body turning not into bloody paste, but red motes of light, gathering into cloud, wild uncontrolled ascension... not through knowledge and connection to the universe, but through rage, refusal to be extinguished even when facing impossible odds. Reeva stepped in, pushing Grim Shadow away and applying her powers, trying to stabilize the process. This ascension wasn't sanctioned or even expected, in such case Elion won't be helping even if he's just on the other side of the doors. Alarm in the palace played its role again... other Celestial Dragons was called to it even before ascension had begun. Despite clearly having grudges Sol, Celestial Dragon of the Sun stepped in, helping Reeva. Luna, Celestial Dragon of the Moon joined too, followed by Noctua, Celestial Dragon of the Night. Four of them, united with minor assist from Dwang was doing 'blasphemy' right under Elion's 'front doors'. Tar-Ra's form took shape, becoming living being again, a Celestial Drake with anomalous colouration, especially one detail was strikingly distinct - crimson feathered wings. Just as Tar-Ra recovered from the ascension, Reeva took him to embrace, covered with her wings and almost strangled, because of emotions she got by witnessing and participating all this situation. Finally, Elion ordered Reeva to release Tar-Ra and took him to private audience.
Tar-Ra stayed by Reeva's side, he slowly learns and expands his knowledge, trying to understand the universe around him. Rather humble and shy, he's far from getting his white skull mask, still he got hope. As for his unusual ascension, Tar-Ra is under observation, let's say, probation. Tar-Ra can't initiate protective celestial aura but can sustain it for shared from others, he hopes that in time Elion will fix this problem. Until then, Tar-Ra is mostly busy with 'sinners' on their penance, trying to keep things in check and help souls in need. Tar-Ra was getting confident until he met Percival, as his book of laws and rules clearly don't include instructions how to deal with her.
>>Line art<< >>Part of Artist's upload<< Tar-Ra, Celestial Drake of Haat'Tar and Percival by
Some info:
Path to ascension may be unexpected, even as nothing is gained and all seems to be lost, there's hope... but when there's no hope, rage remains as driving force, as final defiance of the odds stacked against you.
Tar-Ra, an Irrokka (local lizards of Haat) warrior from Serrated Claw tribe lived a simple life, until he met some extraordinary being. In a jungle of distant island, a trap was triggered. With his spear Tar-Ra rushed to check what predator got caught into the nets. To his surprise it was a dragoness lithe and graceful, body being sleek and aerodynamic, scales a blend of silvery-grey with dark shadowy stripes, curved black horns, strong leathery wings. Dragoness got one eye was missing, strangely burned away buy unknown magic, remaining eye was purple almost demonic. Yet, dragoness radiated a faint aura still lingering around her. One look at claws of living diamond, black lips and playfully teasing silver tongue, Tar-Ra understood... net's won't hold her, one wrong move and tribe is doomed, he needed to act while dragoness in more amused by Irrokka, than threatened by them. Tar-Ra lowered his spear and ordered other hunters to do the same. "Tar-Ra", he told, telling his name. Dragoness rumbled "Ree-Va", returning the favour. Tar-Ra made a careful step and touched her snout, Ree-Va closed her eyes, purring. In a few minutes Ree-Va was free from the trap, nets cut in haste. Tar-Ra walked with dragoness, leading her to tribe's settlement. Other Irrokka was cautious around strange dragon, but soon they accepted Ree-Va. She got a small cave to rest, food and water, soon tribal markings were painted on her sides. Tar-Ra approached Ree-Va with caution, trying to 'tame' her, but dragoness clearly being intelligent easy resisted some attempts, while played along with others. Somehow, even without the words, Ree-Va was toying with Irrokka warrior. It took several weeks to establish mutual trust and Ree-Va allowed Tar-Ra to ride her back, to share the sky and soar together. A set of sings was developed: rubbing Ree-Va's neck, making pat-pat at in from different sides, small harmless lashes of Tar-Ra's tail against Ree-Va's back, all to make flight more controllable, stirring direction, changing wing flapping speed, halting the acceleration and asking Ree-Va to glide, all without words, just gestures. Initially an ally and means of fast transportation around the archipelago, Tar-Ra found that Ree-Va is increasing his fame, her very presence was elevating him to a kind of champion of Serrated Claw, even if self-proclaimed. Tar-Ra's influence and fame was growing, a dragon rider was quite beneficial to the tribe. Much to Tar-Ra's disappointment Ree-Va wasn't aggressive towards tribe enemies, she remained passive, providing little aid in combat situations, unless threatened directly.
Status quo lasted up to a day when pirate ship was sighted on the horizon, approaching on of Irrokka islands. Tar-Ra flew to intercept on Ree-Va's back. Archers from pirate ship shot at approaching dragon... and Ree-Va unleashed a lightning from her maw. Tar-Ra was fascinated, he got dragoness that breath out not fire, but lightning, a real sky rage incarnate. After some consideration, Tar-Ra understood that Ree-Va needs encouragement to use her breath power, he developed a code phrase "Ree-Va, sky rage!" to help her unleash the lightening, strangely it worked flawlessly. What Ta-Ra didn't knew, that each time he spoke the code phrase, he was effectively taking responsibility for Ree-Va's actions. Fact that he won't pay attention to for many years. As their relationship evolved, Ree-Va was showing more of her abilities, blending in shadows, controlling the winds, even summoning and dispersing thunderstorms at will.
Surprised and fascinated by Ree-Va's powers, Tar-Ra took a chance. He indeed become tribe's champion and with Ree-Va's help participated in almost every conflict his tribe was up to. Tar-Ra got constantly trained his endurance and agility, practiced with weapons, trying not to depend on Ree-Va completely. Eventually, he challenged Serrated Claw's chieftain to a duel and won. Gaining power and authority over all the tribe, with Ree-Va's help a new age begun for Serrated Claw. Eventually tribe's expansion led to conflict with Golden Dawn tribe. In order to crush the will to fight and minimise the losses among Irrokka, Tar-Ra guided Ree-Va to attack one of the major temples that Golden Dawn was guarding. Unknown to Tar-Ra, it was temple dedicated to Sol, Celestial Dragon of the Sun. Temple was built like impenetrable fortress, standing tall above the sea, not far from the shore. With nine huge stone pillars acting as foundation, the only way to get inside the temple was through the gates and narrow wooden bridge leading to it from the shore. With roof build to resemble a shell and pillars covered by the sea and temple walls, the structure was marvel of engineering, protected from any assault from land, sea or air... But nothing in the world was protected from Ree-Va's rage.
At first Tar-Ra guided Ree-Va to fly in circles around the temple, summoning the storm, then he pointed at the flaw - during high waves, for moment foundation pillars were exposed. Few minutes of observing the pattern and Tar-Ra commanded "Ree-Va, sky rage!". Lightning strike connected to stone pillar and left a crack. Ree-Va repeated that trick over and over, searched for the opening in the waves then unleashed her lightning. As first pillar was shattered, temple fate was sealed. No number of archers, priests or mages was able to stop Ree-Va from dancing in the storm around the temple and unleashing lightning again and again. As four corner pillars was taken out, structure begun to crumble, panic occurred inside and Golden Dawn tribe begun to flee, saving themselves, priests and relics from the temple. Ree-Va strangely gave them time to flee, continuing her dance, but pausing the attacks. Tar-Ra waited, understanding that he wasn't in control, he could only ask Ree-Va to follow his lead. As last of the fools escaped from the temple, Ree-Va resumed, flying just above the waves, targeting central pillar and destroying it. Pride of Golden Dawn, magnificent temple of Sol... collapsed to the side and was swallowed by the sea.
Sol, Celestial Dragon of the Sun, didn't forgot this gave offence and dedicated himself to hunt down Ree-Va. Despite best attempts to stay low, one day Sol arrived to confront Ree-Va. Despite all, Tar-Ra met this challenge on Ree-Va's back. Battle wasn't simple or understandable by mortal mind. Ree-Va danced around Sol, dodging his attacks, barely retaliating with lightning. Despite her formidable powers, gap between mortal and celestial being was enormous. But Ree-Va roared and laughed, agitated to the point of becoming fearless, while Sol tried to capture her alive, subdue, punish, but not end outright. All was decided by Sol's protective celestial aura and mercy of the sea. Ree-Va took flight, climbing vertically, flying high above the clouds, right until the point where air became cold and thin, still she tried to keep up, with Sol directly behind her in pursuit. Sol's protective aura was triggered, allowing him to survive not just lack of air, but extreme temperatures of the void above Haat. Ree-Va and Tar-Ra didn't get such luxury and had to endure. At some point darkness crawled to Tar-Ra's eyes, he passed off. Next was Ree-Va, she closed her eyes and wings, then fell like a rock, straight down, constantly accelerating. Sol being much larger and bulkier tried to catch her up, before Ree-Va could impact the sea surface, his honour demanded that she's brough to justice alive. Tar-Ra opened his eyes, he was barely holding on Ree-Va's back, wind so strong, speed enormous, yet he was still with her... and she fake being unconsciousness. Moment before impact, Reeva spread her winds and flew up, bones and membranes strained, but not torn or broken. Seeing that Sol tried to pull up, but Ree-Va unleashed all her power over the wind on him. With celestial protective aura still working Sol crushed into sea, aura trying to dampen the impact and annihilate the obstacle. Huge explosion occurred, cloud of steam rising from the sea. Sol lay sprawled on the sand bottom, that turned into glass, completely spent, exhausted, all his power reserves depleted to negate the impact and keep him alive... but waves was coming from all sides. Ree-Va flew and grabbed Sol by the tail, she dragged him across the waves, pulling out to the shore, saving from mercy of the sea... into horrible reality of Celestial Dragon being offended, defeated and spared by mortal...
Sol's defeat was a triumph for Ree-Va, but... bittersweet moment for Tar-Ra. Hundreds of angelic sentinels arrived to pick them up. Sol, Ree-Va and Tar-Ra arrived at Sanctuary Shard. Each met their fate: Ree-Va, her name actually Reeva, an exiled Celestial Dragon... got audience with Elion and her celestial status restored; Sol got ashamed, but quickly recovered, welcoming Reeva back even if he wanted to bite her throat until she stops moving; Tar-Ra got before Shard's Council and was judged... Reeva was forgiven for her deeds, but Tar-Ra wasn't. He spent some time in the cage with two other Irrokka - a nomad named Dwang and despised Golden Dawn priestess - Kimberlian. Sadly, Tar-Ra faced Reeva as his final judge and executioner. There was no need for words, no need for explanations, they both knew, what they did, they both cried. Reeva was restored as Celestial Dragon, no longer just scaled, but magnificent otherworldly being... Tar-Ra got diminished, his sounders no longer holding warrior's posture, head bowed down. He would gladly accept death from Sol... but Reeva, his 'Ree-Va', it was too much for him. Especially seeing other condemned, Dwang to lose honour (in Tar-Ra's opinion), accepting collar inscribed 'sinner', but keeping his life. Kimberlian looked scared, but uncertain, still clinging to some hope. Tar-Ra lost hope, grief and betrayal, he could not save himself and Reeva was unable to avoid participating this execution, even if she didn't want. They were friends, allies, shared the sky, understood each other even without words... and now she is his executioner.
Final meal, being dressed in white robe from strange otherworldly fabric, blindfold over the eyes. This was his final moments, his reality. Being secured to metal rack on the top of Reeva's tower, Tar-Ra waited, listening to the howling of the wind. He was hearing Reeva crying and familiar buzzing gathering around near, Reeva was going to unleash lighting at him, ending his life in an instant. Without ill thoughts, just to encourage her, Tar-Ra shouted "Ree-Va, sky rage!". Their code phrase... it backfired in most unexcepted way. Reeva overwhelmed by the feelings faltered, lightning hit connected not with Tar-Ra, but the rack. Would be lethal strike was partially dispersed, but Tar-Ra got jolted hard, feeling the most agonizing moments in his life, roaring as tears was falling, then his word went dark.
Tar-Ra woke up, seeing not the Endless Line of Souls, but open sky and worried Reeva. His execution failed. Tar-Ra tried to stand up, but soon realized, that while his life was spared, he paid the price. Reeva failed the execution, but permanently crippled him, leaving disabled, not feeling the legs, no longer capable of standing or walking. It was horrible turn in their relationship, crippled warrior, spared out of pity. Reeva arranged healing and recovery, yet walking again was beyond wildest dreams. In few days, he was 'gifted' a wheelchair and escorted to Shard's Council, his case being discussed again. Verdict was harsh - there won't be new execution, but Tar-Ra would remain as lifetime prisoner in Reeva's tower. With his disabled status additional restrains was deemed unnecessary. And so, his years in the tower begun. Tar-Ra spoke with Reeva, got news about both Kimberlian's and Dwang's ascension. Even spoke with Kimberlian few times, but she only confirmed his wors fears... for Tar-Ra ascension was beyond reach. He was a warrior... not a scholar, his understanding of the world was limited and rather primitive. No matter how long he was reading tomes and scrolls in tower's library, he got only glimpses of knowledge, full picture, understanding of the universe eluded him. Tar-Ra found some laws of Sanctuary Shard strange and unfair, rigged against mortals, he didn't understand some completely. History of Haat, Sanctuary Shard and even whole Hatt'Tar uvinerse was just a fairy tale, collection of names and events that didn't make much sense to him. He imagined being in Kaida's place or Elion's, questioned their decisions. Each time Reeva provided explanations, Tar-Ra guessed that he just scratched the surface, trying to understand some epic events using his own experience.
As years passed, Tar-Ra wasn't getting younger. He remembered that Kimberlian got special runes on her forehead 'health' and 'ageless' and asked Reeva to replicate them on him. Request she completed partially, just out of pity again. Tar-Ra got 'health' rune, that still didn't fix his legs. He would just remain in good condition until his final days, just to say goodbye and fade away. Warrior's spirit was still lingering in Tar-Ra, with all the knowledge he gained about Sanctuary Shar and Reeva's tower, about laws and angelic sentinels, about celestial hierarchy and ascension... all resulted in a plan. First Tar-Ra needed to wait for a moment when Reeva is absent from the tower, as his friend, caretaker and warden would prevent gambit from happening.
Finally at the right moment, Tar-Ra done almost impossible... he collected brooms and mops, took some rope and cut canvas from the frame of a large painting. Leaving wheelchair, disabled Irrokka warrior slowly dragged his body and all the supplies to the flat roof of Reeva's tower. There he made a makeshift glider, secured himself to it and took off from tower's edge. Soaring again for the first time in many years, Tar-Ra set a course to Elion's palace, directing the glider to the gates of God of Light and Creation. In the distance Reeva spotted him, clearly unhappy by this 'escape', she was trying to control the wind and redirect glider back at the tower. Yet, Tar-Ra fought against the wind, his glider starting to break apart, but still directed at the palace gates. Having no magic or powers, he got past the defenders almost undetected, flying directly into the gates, making few rough turns in the corridors, before glider crash landed on the floor. Alarms were sounded in the palace and Reeva's roar was heard in the distance. Angelic sentinels stood near Tar-Ra, unsure what to do, while Reeva was approaching. Tar-Ra with all audacity crawled from glider remains and declared "I'm here to see Elion, I have... unexpected audience". He got no weapons and hardly pose any threat, broken warrior, almost dying of age and injuries he just got during the crash. Angelic sentinels stepped aside and shown him the way. Tar-Ra crawled across huge corridors, strangely long and tall for his almost miniscule form. Alarm served its purpose helping him - Reeva was delayed by closed gates. Racing against time and against exhaustion, he crawled forward. Finally, he reached the doors to the throne room, where Elions resides on his throne, the locked doors, blocked by Celestial Drakes with spears and tower shields, Dwang among them. Tar-Ra and Dwang looked in each other eyes, they understood each other without words. Reeva was already at the end of the corridor, ready to take Tar-Ra away, lock him in the tower and subject to mandatory pampering until the end of his days. Dwang stepped aside and gestured other guards to do the same. Reeva froze in place, as Tar-ra knocked on the doors three times and doors begun to open...
Tar-Ra made a mistake, he expected that number of obstacles he already passed can grant him something like indulgence, second chance, salvation. Hope dies last... but it did so, as Grim Shadow stepped out from the doors. Elion's personal executioner with nasty habit of taking everything close and personal, especially after he got the Curse of Blink Traveller. For Grim Shadow it all was simple: mortal, condemned criminal, once judged to execution, cripped, spared, granted a chance to live up to the end of his days confined in the tower under the watch of Celestial Dragon, escaped and penetrated the defences of Elion's palace, used personal connection with Dwang to gain entry into sacred throne room, guilty. There was no need for Elion's command, Grim Shadow acted on instincts, adding a bit of satisfaction - stepped on Tar-Ra with his feet and started to slowly crush his fragile Irrokka body. Reeva was too far, Dwang and other guards turned away to let Tar-Ra pass, there was no hope. Tar-Ra tried to push away Grim Shadow's feet and roared out of... not pain or desperation, but rage. Roar that shaken palace walls for a moment, Tar-Ra's body turning not into bloody paste, but red motes of light, gathering into cloud, wild uncontrolled ascension... not through knowledge and connection to the universe, but through rage, refusal to be extinguished even when facing impossible odds. Reeva stepped in, pushing Grim Shadow away and applying her powers, trying to stabilize the process. This ascension wasn't sanctioned or even expected, in such case Elion won't be helping even if he's just on the other side of the doors. Alarm in the palace played its role again... other Celestial Dragons was called to it even before ascension had begun. Despite clearly having grudges Sol, Celestial Dragon of the Sun stepped in, helping Reeva. Luna, Celestial Dragon of the Moon joined too, followed by Noctua, Celestial Dragon of the Night. Four of them, united with minor assist from Dwang was doing 'blasphemy' right under Elion's 'front doors'. Tar-Ra's form took shape, becoming living being again, a Celestial Drake with anomalous colouration, especially one detail was strikingly distinct - crimson feathered wings. Just as Tar-Ra recovered from the ascension, Reeva took him to embrace, covered with her wings and almost strangled, because of emotions she got by witnessing and participating all this situation. Finally, Elion ordered Reeva to release Tar-Ra and took him to private audience.
Tar-Ra stayed by Reeva's side, he slowly learns and expands his knowledge, trying to understand the universe around him. Rather humble and shy, he's far from getting his white skull mask, still he got hope. As for his unusual ascension, Tar-Ra is under observation, let's say, probation. Tar-Ra can't initiate protective celestial aura but can sustain it for shared from others, he hopes that in time Elion will fix this problem. Until then, Tar-Ra is mostly busy with 'sinners' on their penance, trying to keep things in check and help souls in need. Tar-Ra was getting confident until he met Percival, as his book of laws and rules clearly don't include instructions how to deal with her.
Category Artwork (Digital) / Fantasy
Species Dragon (Other)
Size 1299 x 1401px
File Size 1.06 MB
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