Moony’s entry woo

Words coming soooon :D

https://wingsoffirefanon.fandom.com/wiki/File:October_entry_c1_vertialgo.png

*browns eyedropped from flower palette (the tree specifically)

**image embed here is a lower res screen-shot please look at the linked file (and click on it for proper res) thank you

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they're said to have been born from the mud of the Eldtree's roots with scales the color of the richest mud and tiny sprouts curling their way from the crevices of the thick plates that are tinged wine-dark. the only resident of Alaegro to ever be born within it's Sanctum and thus, gifted with the name of Caelian

Alaegro. a small spiralling archipelago far off to the east, devastatingly beautiful with the essence of calmness itself woven into the branches of blossoming branches, a sense pulses throughout the land, a universal heartbeat, steady and grounding, an unending pulse, the sunlight itself shines with a different light, catching in the leaves and falling down in dancing specks, before giving it's light to the blades of grass that whisper in the gentle soothing wind that brings a coolness, whispering into the sprawling meadows, the wind that plucks sakura blossoms and sends them up, up into the brilliant blue sky, filled with gently drifting clouds that billow out, seemingly endlessly, of cool clearings, crisscrossed by the shadows of ancient tangled lichen covered branches, the canopy of leaves illuminated by the loving warm rays of the sun, full of rocks, grey and rough, covered in the lushest moss, fading into the undergrowth beneath roots and bamboo shoots pushing their way through the undergrowth that gives way to sunlight shining upon rippling ponds, with buzzing dragonflies darting about with their eternal grace, of soil, soft and rich, and the scent of petrichor that comes with the warm nourishing rains

it's never truly dark, the way it's never truly barren of life with fireflies roaming freely through the inky darkness of the sky, glowing with radiant stars, like diamonds clinging to velvet, and this, this is Alaegro.

whispers of this place of beauty spread down smooth cobbled streets, shining by the streetlamps, through gentles sleep stories told by the light of the moon on those warm rainy nights of the rainforest, of words being whipped away by freezing winds of the place of ice and snow, of lights flashing deep undersea, tales spread everywhere and yet nowhere all at once

to them, Alaegro is nothing but a dream, a story, a myth, a comfort-

but to Caelian, it's home

as a young dragonet they spent their days exploring, playing with the dragonflies that buzz above the ponds they traipse through, pouncing at falling sakura blossoms or sitting still for hours upon a mossy rock listening to the words of the wind and the thrum of the earth as they watch the world around them.

a little older now and they've noticed that no one else on the island has scales like theirs. all the others, tall or short, green-eyed or gold-eyed, sea-descent or leaf-descent or desert-descent- their scales are all what they call 'bone-bleached' whatever that means. all they know is that theirs are different. they get told that their scales are a gift from the Eldtree and that it makes them unique.

barely months past their third earth-day and a little swirl of white has appeared on their right clawpad and- unlike dirt or berry stains it doesn't vanish with the water and it scares them just a little but they can't tell anyone because... their scales- they cover it up with a leaf-wrap and if questioned, laugh it off as a merely a thorn prick hoping that it goes away

it doesn't. it's gotten even worse, spreading from but a swirl to coat their entire underclawpad. panic spikes through them and they cover it up with a fresh leaf-wrap, a longer one this one

naught a week has passed till they're pulling thorns from their scales and they spot another little swirl, already spreading out into a patch, on their wing and this- and the paw-

they're panicked and worried cause they don't know why and so they go to speak to the Keepers (they're the ones who protect the Eldtree and- them too by an extension so surely they can help) they pray to the Eldtree, to the wind and the the earth beneath their feet as they reveal the patches, fearing anger or disappointment- and are met with a gentle chuckle and kind understanding eyes

bone-bleaching. that's what's happening and now they know why everyone else's scales look like that and "It's natural don't worry little one. It's what happens here. It won't hurt you." and they feel relieved beyond belief because they're not mad and because they're not sick and they don't have to worry and- they let go and breath as their heartbeat slows properly for the first time in... too long, matching to the pulse of the earth's life and their breath shifts, slow and deep and their mind and their senses open to the insights of Alaegro

their sixth earth-day has come and gone and the scales that are still mud-painted have faded with the time spent soaring through the skies of Alaegro washed out by the sun's warming rays and bone-bleached scales decorate their form and it's comfortable now, has been for a while because it's just a part of them and they look forward, although patiently, to the day where the color fades from an eye for then they can become a Keeper and protect their home

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AN: explanation of themes:

conceal: the island itself, although known is concealed from dragon sight. also Caelian tries to conceal the bone claiming of their scales

transition: this theme is reflected more in the style/structure rather than the story itself as the style transitions between places and moments and through time

*Caelian's scales also fall under both themes because the "bone" is concealing their mudden scales and they're transitioning from a dragonet to a Keeper

Selkie || SeaWing || Female

REPORT NO. Sm-102

IDENTIFICATION. Selkie-Myth

C O N F I R M E D

Extra notes seperate to report: Okay, now, this isn’t really anything new to me. I’ve done tasks similar to this before, because it’s my job and I am happy to serve my kingdom and queen. But I’m looking at this report now and- With all due respect, I think we should let the innocent parties continue on with their lives. My job is to get intel on any individual who poses a threat to our system and personally I don’t see this batch of happy-go-lucky sailors doing anything to us, apart from the captain, obviously, you wouldn’t have sent me on this if he wasn’t. I have halted any course of action for the time being and await your reply.

---

First things first, I have to commend them on their ship. That thing is a beauty, power and swiftness built into a bunch of planks, and while the sail was quite plain and definitely not my style, I think it would do the job well enough.

This ‘disguise’ is a bit too over the top. I’m pretty sure we could have done with some jewelry and bags (like come on, was the makeup necessary?), however I do have to say that no one has batted an eye yet. As for the crew, we’ll have to see but that's a problem for future Selkie to tackle.

It’s not too long before I’m met with a stocky MudWing.

"Hello, are you Myth?”

“I am indeed. You’re... Brook?”

“Wrong MudWing, I'm Sierra!” She starts walking at such a brisk pace that I have trouble catching up. “While we walk, I’ll explain the general process and rules of how things are going to look for you for the next week or so.” I’m not going to bore whoever reads this with all of that, but one of the rules that stuck out for me was ‘No bothering the captain after the sun touches the water,’ though I could be reading too much into that, who knows.

As I stroll onto the ship, instantly I notice the pirate-themed barrels in the back. Sierra directs me to the deck. And boom, I find my target. He’s not particularly impressive, long legs and a stubby snout. He’s talking to himself in hushed tones, but turns to us when he hears our steps.

“You’re our new dragon?” He asks politely, and I nod alongside Sierra.

“Good. I’m your captain on this ship alright. I’m assuming she’s already told you the regulations, so I’m not going to bother. If you have any questions, the dragon you want to talk to is the grumpy-looking SkyWing on the quarterdeck.”

Despite my better judgement, I whistle. “You’ve never met many SkyWings have you? They all look like that. That one isn't anything special.”

The captain just snorts, waving me and Sierra off, but as we walk off, I catch him eyeing me oddly.

“I think you won him over!” She leans down to me, excitedly. “That’s almost always a good sign.”

“I’m glad to be making friends with the captain himself.” I answer neutrally. Inside, I know I shouldn’t be close to anyone here. They might not know it, but I’m in the zone here. “Anyway, come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone. The ‘grumpy’ SkyWing is Fay.” She hums and waves to the cranberry dragon who inclines his head to me and then waves his wings at the sail. “They’re busy right now, otherwise we’d go talk. I promise they’re not actually that grumpy.” I just stare at her knowingly and she winces. “Sometimes. But don’t worry, everyone else makes up for it.”

(I lost track of time and forgot to remember my narrations, so here’s a list of everyone even if it’s not particularly relevant to this)

The captain?? - SeaWing - Captain

Sierra - MudWing - First mate

Fay - SkyWing - Windmaker and cook

Fatewalker - NightWing - Future-seer and Navigation master

Rocket - SkyWing/RainWing - Quartermaster

Fulmar - IceWing - Carpenter

Brook (sibling to Sierra) - MudWing - Doctor

---

We set sail at sunhigh with the booming wings of Fay carrying us away from home. Instantly I hated being on a boat. My stomach felt sick as I sat in the gaming room alongside Rocket and Fulmar. Brook gave me something for the uncomfortness of it all and explained how to take the medication. All in all, I didn’t understand anything.

“Those, Myth, were medical terms.” Rocket sighed, flicking his marbles at mine. “Don’t worry you get used to them.”

“Let's be honest, you still don’t know what they mean.” Fulmar gave him a side look as he rested their head against the table.

“Oi, neither do you!”

Their bickering got so bad I left for my room.

Speaking of which, it’s quite nice, cozy even. But it is so so cold. I really don’t know what I was expecting, but Fulmar absolutely has it good. I didn’t know what to do, but I kept myself busy by writing down notes for this report. So far I haven’t had any other interactions with the target, not that I’m particularly excited for one. I can tell he’s suspicious of me, and I am at a loss at this point, which I mean- It’s strange to not be in full control of the situation at the start of a task. I think I have to lay low for a bit, get him to trust me, without anyone else suspecting me as well. This is going to be a lot of work, I can tell.

---

So, it’s been a few days, and I am happy to say that my plan was a resounding success! The captain has relaxed a lot around me. Still hasn’t told me his name, and no one else has deigned to share it with me. They keep telling me it’s his business, which I can respect but it’s annoying, because it’s such an important piece of information for this stupid piece of paper but- I’ll assume that unless anything changes, our interrogators will get it out of him provided you all don’t know it.

Fatewalker walked in on me writing this once, I was honestly surprised at my quick reaction of playing it off like a diary. He was curious at my little paper and even teased me about looking into the future to see what I write next.

"No way you can do that."

"Mhm thats what you think" Came the sly reply.

Apart from that, everything else has been running smoothly. I’ve been hanging out with the crew more and more, and I just got the recipe for this cheesecake from Fay to which I am very much looking forward to recreating once I am off this horrifying excuse for travel.

---

Second to last day of boating (or is it sailing?) Yes, I’m counting down the days, you’d be too if you were in my position. Before I start with the actual content of my writing, I know this is going to be a short report compared to my other ones. There’s not too much to really write about on the topic of the captain himself because he’s a very private dragon. And I know I’m not skilled in interrogation, but I did try to push him a bit, and… Yeah no, he shut me down immediately. I didn’t go any further because I spent way too much time getting him to lower his guard around me.

But this isn’t about him right now. I’m starting to have second thoughts. My gut instinct is telling me to abort the mission, and it’s never done that before. After ignoring it for a day or so, tonight happened, and I’m starting to think it may be right. At dinner we were holding a normal conversation when Fate asked me about myself. I think I went into auto-speak, filling in the gaps in my ‘backstory’ as I went, but it started something about each other's pasts. As we talked, I could see the patterns in each of their stories.

"So you take in the ones who have nowhere else to go.” I turned to the captain who flicked his eyes away.

“These 3 wars have wreaked havoc in both of continents. Everyone here wanted an escape. We’re happy together, the sea is it’s own little world.”

I opened my mouth but the SkyWing walked into the room.

“Despite your opinions on this boat, everyone else finds it refreshing. It’s nice, like a breath of fresh air compared to everything else. Even Sierra agrees and she likes everything.”

“Hmm. I’m just an optimist Fay, someone has to keep you in check. But yes,” Sierra turned to me, “Even if I’m not a big fan of change, this is something I will never regret. This is something you just can’t get on land.”

And despite the serious tone, my eyes must have betrayed my emotions at the word and everyone chuckled.

So here I am. I’m sending a note as soon as I get to Pantalla by one of the faster delivery dragons, we’ll see how that goes.

---

Nothing out of the ordinary happened on the last day. I expected something more interesting but no, this was quite normal, or I suppose as normal as a band of sailors can get. We approached the land of the lost continent, and I was practically whooping with joy.

At that moment, the captain brought me in to have a talk. I can’t remember everything he said, so I’ll save the things I do remember.

“There's quite a few things I want to speak with you about, Myth. Before you say anything, I want to apologize for my coldness to you for the entirety of our time together."

I stare at him, silently begging him to go on. I'm hoping this is the breakthrough I need to make this report worthwhile. He explains his general demeanour with the fact he doesn't trust other SeaWings because he ran away, and I know what we do to traitors like him. Specifically, I know what will happen to a traitor like him.

I hoped this would be something more interesting, but it works. We talked for a bit and for a moment I realised that I had no information at all about this task. He seemed so innocent as well, apart from him running away. Lets just say I hope I'm making the right decision here. Anyway, as we walked to the deck, both Fate and Rocket yelped in happiness.

"Pantalla! The lost continent!"

"You're free Myth!"

---

And, that was it. Pantalla. I mean, I knew that it existed but it was still such a foreign concept that a continent as large as Pyrrhia. Fay asked if I wanted a tour and frankly, I enjoyed it. The letter was sent without a problem, and I stressed myself out, awaiting the reply. It didn’t get better as I got it, two days later. Continue as planned. I mean, don't get me wrong, I trust your judgement fully, but yet, I couldn’t shake that something wasn’t quite right.

It's been a ride, that's for sure. I wouldn't really call it 'wild', I've done more adventurous things in my time but this task is different in a way I can't quite figure out. We're supposed to leave tomorrow, and I know they're all excited to go back for a week's break.

Hm.

That's unfortunate. At least for my captain.

---

“Pyrrhia, ahoy!” The shouts are muffled from the shut door. I’m packing my bags in my cabin, and coming to terms with how this will end. I’m not happy with it, but I know the queen is doing what's best. I half pay attention to the crew's cries, wanting to catch the moment all hell breaks loose, and get the captain's response for this. It’s not too long before he roars in anger. “What is the SeaWing army doing here?? I thought we were done with this!”

I make my way up, and not a second passes, he’s up in my face. “I knew something was wrong as soon as you started writing those cursed letters! I wanted peace between myself and her, but she won’t let it go, will she?” A snigger follows. “Myth. Huh. What’s your real name, betrayer of friendship?”

From the corner of my eye I can see the horrified looks of everyone else. Fay just glares at me, and I can’t take it. In the moment, the captain slams his talons against the floor of his beloved ship. “Answer me spy!” The boat rocks to a stop as the docks come parallel to us. He’s backing away now, and spreading his wings. His roars are panicked now. I can hear Sierra sobbing into Fates shoulder who keeps repeating, ‘I should have seen this coming, I should have.” And as the guards land heavily, the crew steps forward. Shielding their captain from a doomed fate, knowing that in doing so, they will be doomed too. Fay is there too, and so is Brook. They glance at me, while I’m frozen in place, watching the scene unfold. It’s like a book but the ending is broken. And I can’t fix it. So I look away and walk to the side of my tribes troops.

There's a saying the captain always recited: A good captain always goes down with her ship.

---

But as we all know, I'm not a good captain.

---

But he is.