a_dragon

@Demiurge in a heartbeat man, just say the word.

"it is smart. Wyn’s already been a target. Amaris is strong. I trust her." Duuuuuuuude....such red. many flag. A couple of things: 1) a really enjoyable aspect to this chapter was how many things from the previous chapter's comment section came up. For example: soft & Eon in the same sentence (I know the reference was to a soft dom but that's also not happening. Dude's hardcore to the bone but definitely not a dom. Switch plus s&m sure - the fact that he and his pet monster both tend to require healing after a shag session is kinda telling in that department, no?) Here we saw Eon in all his hard-arsed glory - cruel even, if Kalian is to be believed. I mean sure he was dealing with a kid and he was training said kid but still. Hardcore, just like every other part of his life. Just because he rubs Wren's belly & waits on him on occassion does not a soft anything make. Another example: the question of where'd the rescued kid go? Eira (the little girl from Dleth) who has been living with Tyren & Hanja (autocorrect reckons ganja was the word I actually meant, which ha ha funny shit sure, but no) and is apparently as obsessed with ShadowBoy as the rest of us are, shoots lightning from her fingertips like a boss. And the whole "what exactly is Sunbeam capable of"? Yeah, even that got explored a bit more here. Plus revisiting the option of spell combos, nice! There was more I think but those were the ones that really stuck out for me. And really helped hammer home the fact that we, the readers, need to stop being so bloody impatient and trust our writer a bit more. Bit of a 'shhh daddy's got this' vibe really. Which yeah, nice 2) I'm really worried about your red flags about Ama though, boss. I mean, I know its your thing, slipping herrings in wherever they fit (or don't) under the cover of shadows and all but damn, that one would really hurt. A lot. A lot. Hope I'm wrong. And honestly, not all that sure about Lyrah either. Or for that matter, the other sister, of whom only vague mentions have been made but upon whom much trust is put by people who really should know better. Are all the chicks (aside from Potlyne & the housekeeper lady who's name I can't think of right now, and the ones who have already died for the cause) a bit unreliable, or is that just me? Thanks man, great chapter!

An absolute travesty, I know... But I'd give it all up just to read your stories, boss 🙃

In a very short amount of time you've become one of my favourite writers, bro. Like right up there at the top. So thanks for that Also, sorry boss, won't happen again boss, I cant-promise-but-will-do-my-absolute-best boss.

"Perhaps my group of friends were more dramatic than I realized?" - Kalian, late to the party as usual Man what a chapter... And the comment section? Quite the convo going on there. Struggling a bit with idea of Eon being seen as soft in any way, shape or form but eh, to each their own yeah? Tbh Ama is worrying me a bit. Feels like she might be playing two or more sides here. Hope I'm wrong, but that whole scene just felt a bit...off. Glad the boys are back together though even if it did cost a lot - & might prove more costly in the long run - they really shouldn't be apart for any reason other than the getting of sandwiches. Lyme is such an interesting character, hope we see more of him. And Nyx... Honestly the most emo character yet and, like the other emo goblin boys, just chock-a-block full of all kinds of questionableness. What the dude upstairs was saying about Sunbeam (possibly) not knowing the full extents - or limits - of his powers yet? Definitely got a good point there. And what about the special doublecombo of the Sun & Shadow Show? I mean, together they're pretty unbeatable, yeah? So many delicious points to ponder, boss - thank you!

So this whole story has been quite a ride, what with everything constantly slipping sideways in the most undeniably awful ways repeatedly and with practiced ease, before just as easily (& repeatedly) suddenly sliding - or being forcibly ripped - in the opposite direction. A bit like that ride (that I ofc have shares in because I spend so much time on it) at the amusement park... Anyway, my point is that by now - arc 3 - I should be used to it. Perhaps even looking forward to it. Especially because there are almost certainly (read: bloody well better be) epic battle/scenes coming up and - based on previous chapters - there is a fairly - very, even - good chance the end will justify the means and, everything - overall - will turn out hobbitses. But nope, my belly informs me that, regrettably, I'm actually a bit worried... I think I may have crossed the line from slightly-more-than-moderately invested to in-it-up-to-my-flipping-ears? And yeah, maybe the fact that after being forced to miss my visit here yesterday due to a series of annoying events (read: life happening) I was a miserable af sod who grumbled about making everyone around me equally miserable for the entire day, is proof that I don't trust these clowns to get through a single day without me watching (over) them. Because that's not absolutely nuts and/or presumptuous as hell or anything, is it...? Nah, 'course not. Totally normal. It's all your fault though, Mr WriterDude. Because if you hadn't left this brilliant tale just lolligagging about on the grass, wagging it's paragraphs enticingly at random passing dragons, we wouldn't be having this convo now would we? Although, tbf & honest, I'm really really glad you did. And I'm pretty stoked at not having to fight another dragon for the privilege. Not that I wouldn't, mind, I absolutely would fight. And I'd win. Ofc. But enough yakking - great chapter boss! Onward!!!

Favourite? Yeah no, not happening. *crosses arms & stares defiantly* Uughhhhhhh fiiiiine. I'll give it a go just no grumbling if you don't like my answer, yeah? I'm a monster freak through and through so WraithShadowLord for the win. Horns? Check. Excess of pointy appendages? Check. Tall, dark & gruesome? Double check. Big top energy but secretly a good boy? Check. OP af? Check. Normal Talon, Eon, Wren & dad-bro Kalian share equally the other first place. With the goblin boys as runners-up. Also Hanja. And Tyren. Having said all that, Kalian, as both principal POV & the axis upon which everyone else rests & the entire world spins, is the most important character. Without him there wouldn't be any point to any of this. Without him there wouldn't be any of this... And the character I feel you can be most proud of. Anyway boss, chapter was a good one (especially the bit where we got our first taste of the goblin boys!!!) - as always - thank you! Oh and that bit where Loren did the whole 'rage demon your hair looks good, stfd Eon' etc & whatever? Think I'm starting to see his charm. Just starting mind, don't get too excited, yeah?

Like I said, more than three countries in the world... I would hate that there exists an antidote to Magik if it weren't for the fact that such things should exist. Balance & all that nonsense. And while antidotes to, haha, antidotes are definitely A Good Thing, an even better thing might be a neutraliser. Or, as the case may be, immunity. Even if that can only - realistically -apply to one very specific little-ish ray of ultra violent light. Love that Eon and his monster, after all this time & despite being somewhat at odds, still accept and support one another's realities. Human is human and monster is monster, neither trying too hard to make the other conform to any standard that undermines - or negates - their inherent differences. I'm not a fan of the whole 'make the monster more human' or vice versa shtick. Monsters, whether made or born, should have the right to reach the fullness of their personal potential on their own terms. As should humans ofc. I mean, they - monsters & humans in general but in this case, Eon & Wren specifically - do need to learn a few basic - species nonspecific - skills like communication and admitting they done wrong when it becomes clear that wrong has been done, because that's just how things work. But Eon & Wren are definitely getting there - "help" from an annoyingly nosy, very invested in everybody's wellbeing & happiness, slightly selfishly motivated Sunbeam notwithstanding. And I nearly forgot! Breaking laws so your starving-himself-because-he's-pouting little monster baby will eat, even though you'd like nothing more than to fold him in a ball, toss him in a drawer and throw away the key *and* your whole entire personality is Enforcing The Law? That's absolutely and completely the truest of true love man, for real. So excited about the goblin boy tagteam! They are perfect for each other in so many deliciously unhinged ways. The world may need a few minutes to adjust but eh, that's just another bonus, yeah? As is making Kal's nose wrinkle in consternation. Ha ha! Our sun prince has grown so much over the course of this tale, and I love that his papabearness integrates seamlessly into almost everything he is and does. Never would have pegged him as the daddiest of dads an arc or so ago, but that just goes to show a) how much he has flourished under the care of his found family and b) how growth is not just for fungi. Or shadows... Damn, it's like our Talon has become a whole new man after being exposed to enough sunlight, yeah? Such a good boy. Such a very good boy... Aaaand, as always, the shadow flags are a-flying, and the fishies are a-nibbling. Wouldn't have it any other way really... Ta BossMan, awesome chapter!

@Demiurge ah thanks for that, man - much appreciated. You really are the writer we probably don't deserve/haven't earned the right to but have always wanted/needed/yearned/hoped for. And I, for one, am very grateful. May your pen never be without ink, your muse ever ready to inspire, and your heart resilient in the face of adversity. Cheers 🤘

"Nothing good, absolutely nothing, would come from that coupling.' Not for you maybe, Mr Sunbeam my weirdly judgemental given both your family & friend-group lad, but for the goblin boys? Every good. And long may it last. Some interesting developments here. Re: the emotional/relational instability plaguing our valiant heroes & imminent threat of war on two fronts, while the mirror fascinates, it also misleads. Funny that... I wonder who the real antagonist is. And I really really like that I can do that. Nothing more satisfying than a well executed plot-within-plot twist. Wyn, our sweet little mystery, holding a wild card perhaps? I mean, little dude had to have come from somewhere and as someone (probably Tyren) reminded us in arc one - the world is bigger than three countries (not a direct quote btw). The council, unsurprisingly operating within the expected bounds of councils everywhere, is in for a rough ride, I think. As is gramps & the fools from across the sea... Oh yeah, there's also the not-small-matter of a certain young lad being given a hard time. Wonder how the taking-of-turns to remedy that between the assorted aunts, uncles & daddy-dearest will turn out *grabs popcorn & settles in for a good show* Great chapter man, as always.

“You two have incredibly strange foreplay. I am confused and aroused all at once.” Says the goblin man while surreptitiously stealing glances at his emo goblin boy. You know, the one with bloody (someone else's ofc) spikes in his hair... I gotta ask man, aside from Wren - who clearly likes it multiple ways - are all the bottoms in this story destined to be some degree needy masochist/bloodthirsty tyrant/serious brat, or is that just a trick of the light? Not complaining - at all - just curious... And for all that goblin man seems to exude big top energy (not really) I think he'd tremble quite enticingly under a certain someone's heated gaze. Old king whatsit is such a freaking boomer. Really looking forward to him being shown the light (ah man, crack my own self up sometimes haha). But not right this minute obviously. He needs to be allowed to reallytrulycompletely get on Kal's last nerve first. And given how excellently our Sunbeam seperates business & pleasure - little man has grown up! - it'll take a while yet. But it's coming *shivers in anticipation* Poor Talon, must be hard having to be such a good boy when all he really wants to do is blow shit up. And now he's not even allowed to drop everything (he did remember to find a babysitter - that should be like a million extra best-daddy points right there) to come save his love from absolutely zero threat at all? For shame. Oh well, he'll have a month (haha nope) to contemplate the error of his ways. On a more serious note, the depth and multi-layeredness to & of this story needs a quick mention, yeah? No matter how easy skilled writers make it seem, it's a hell of a lot harder than one can imagine to successfully build a character over the course of a story unfolding without losing the threads of who they were, are & have yet to become, let alone their place/purpose in the story. Doing that with multiple - multifaceted, independent, autonomous, multidimensional - characters throughout three (3) vastly different novel-length, action packed, arcs whilst also ensuring that every single plot point/event/emotion/interaction/exchange is artfully expressed and fully accounted for, without dropping the ball on anything? That, in all seriousness, takes a level of mastery seldom seen, even in professional circles. And that this is accomplished without the assistance of a team of editors, proofreaders and the like only adds more weight to an already heavy crown. I mean, even with adequate assistance & a safety-net, just keeping the most basic story with the most rudimentary of characters/plotlines going without it all going tits up is beyond the reach of most. Which makes having access to all this awesome even more of a privilege. Anyway man, all I'm really trying to say is, you're really good at this Demiurge, and your story totally rocks. Thank you for sharing it.

@Demiurge especially that one about pumpkins, yeah? That one is like, Really Important. Also, thanks boss. Very kind of you to suggest that anything I've said might be useful in any capacity. I mean, I don't really see it, but who am I to quibble. Besides, does a body a right treat to hear. Or, in this case, read Cheers man, and thanks again - much appreciated.

Poor Kalian, he just wanted a bit of power. Just enough to get his dumb parents off his back and maybe stop his sister from hurling him down the stairs again. Instead he got The Biggest Power and more idiots underestimating him than Swiss cheese has holes. Oh well, at least he's learned how to use it... And roll his eyes without hurting himself. Emo goblin boy is interesting. I mean, obviously he's interesting, his writer clearly has a bit of a thing for tortured boys in black nail polish and/or horns. I am really enjoying slowly getting to know him. Probably because I suffer from the same affliction, though I do prefer mine with a bit more bulk... Anyhow, great chapter, boss! I'd completely forgotten about Anika - she actually good for anything though? Other than being completely forgettable that is... Oh and I must say, it's always such a treat when Sunbeam goes all papa bear (or, for that matter, super-soldier) on someone's/everyone's ass - he might be a bit wishy-washy at times - too much diplomatic too many conscience and whatnot - but look at his kid even slightly funny and bam! your ass is - rightfully - toast. Have to wonder though, why people - cough cough emo goblin boy - think that just because there's like, I dunno, an entire country or whatever distance between Sunbeam & ShadowClaw, Talon is somehow 'unavailable' to kick ass. I mean, get with the program my guy, my dude, Talon & Kalian can both insta-swoop anywhere the hell they want. And if Kal is 'in trouble' haHA, forget finding all the bits... Good times.

Well well well... My assumption re: the goblin boys was made based solely on the a/n from the previous chapter. Having now been witness to the pigtail-pulling & moderate corridor-shoving this chapter brought, random assumption has turned to cautious excitement. I need the goblin duo. Whether or not I get it, I fully realise, lies in your hands, boss. But yeah, need. Again with the pumpkins... smh. Poor kid probably woke up one day wondering what the hell happened. Who's gonna tell him he's a plant? Concur with the above commenter, this conspiracy-abundant thread is hilarious. And probably more right than wrong, think we've all been around the demiurge block more than a few times. Kelian fascinates me. He's such a selfish, insecure, slightly left of all there, little sod so much of the time, the rest though, he's a freaking boss. I'm sure big brother would be hella hot but I think we're maybe forgetting - or just overlooking - the charm of skinny emo boys with cool jewellery. And dubious intentions... Excellent chapter, boss - setting us right up for falling directly into all your traps! Just the way we like it (aha aha).

Ya know, I was gonna respond with some snarky blah blah blah bollocks but as I started typing I found that I couldn't. Because honestly, that is the point yeah? Bringing joy. Thing is man, with all the joy you've brought - and continue to bring - to us, your readers well...any small joy I can offer in return is just a very poorly rendered facsimile. But nevertheless, I am happy to keep trying. Oh and while I'm here, I am assuming your beloved goblin man will be (once his heart recovers ofc) issued with a shiny-ish! new-to-him! slightly more unhinged (it's not a competition I know, but it also kinda is), differently gendered, equally goblinish lover? I mean after seven (7) years of trying (and failing) I think it's obvious Ama needs something little goblin dude just don't got... I'm sure she and Rah will/would be much better together anyway. Back to the joy thing though, I hope you remember this convo (and reach for a tissue instead of anything stabby) when one of my comments inevitably gets up your nose. Thanks for taking the time to read my nonsense man, and for engaging with me - much appreciated.

“Stop it. Yeah, that sucks for stabby boy, but that’ll never happen with us.” You really can't help yourself, can you? Well, unfortunately for you (& your poor readers) neither can I... Sing with me 'k? I'm sure you know the tune: Old McDemiurge had a farm e i e i o and on that farm he had some poor lost boys e i e i o With a red herring here and a foreshadowing there, here a broken sword, there a sightless head, everywhere a big ol' bloody mess mess Old McDemiurge had a farm eeee iiiii eeeee iiiiiiiiii oooooooooooo Anyway man, you know I love your stories, right? Like truly madly deeply, yeah? Because I do.

I managed what, a day, day & a half? Not that I was trying to stay away mind, I just needed to try & catch up on some of the things I didn't get to last week because I was too busy sitting in a tree reading a book... and maybe there was a tiny bit of trying to avoid clicking the title just yet because I am weak and need sleep. But eh, what doesn't kill you makes you more fun and all that jazz, right? Anyway enough nonsense, let's get on to the (bright red fish-shaped) flag planted, somewhat unscrupulously if you ask me, right in the middle of the VERY FIRST CHAPTER... "What harm will it do? " - Sunbeam because he is, in fact, dumber than a bag of farts and falls into his writer's traps every.single.time. Glad to see we finally - FINALLY - have a dragon emblem (and for such a deserving duo, too!) but I cannot pretend that I'm not also deeply disturbed & more than a little disappointed, not to mention offended af by the colour choice. Orange is reserved soley for pumpkins (and other dubious orbicular bits of vegetation that by any other name would still be recognisable & avoidable due to being so coloured) which I'm sure you already know since those laws were passed eons ago, so I can only conclude that you have a hidden agenda at play - or hope for that to be the case, at any rate - and suck it up... Very begrudgingly. With much moaning & groaning & grumbling. And occasional snapping of jaws and raking of talons on behalf of my poor defenceless cruelly-turned-into-a-pumpkin brethren... Great intro, boss - looking well forward to visiting with my favourite sunshiney claw-boys (& friends, maybe even more so the friends tbh) again!

And here we are at the journey's end. Kinda. I know there's one more to go so it's more of an intermission really, but yeah. This one is done and man, so freaking good. So. Freaking. Good. Telling stories really is your superpower, man. Like, I read a lot. A serious amount. In the words of my family, more than one person has a right to. Which, fair but also, whatever. Stories are life. Stories give life. Without stories life is empty. Meaningless. Stories are witnesses, proof that we can achieve what we set our minds to. Medicine. A balm for battered souls. Solace. Peace. Proof that we are not alone. Stories are a call to action. Fuel for change. A reminder of times past and futures yet unborn. Of mistakes made and challenges won. Words, languages, the ability to use them in ways that reorganise reality and compel people to become better versions of themselves, that's magic yeah? And storytellers, like yourself, the ones blessed - or cursed - to contain, to be a vessel for, that magic, to form and mould it in patterns & shapes only they can see and then unleash it on the world, the only ones qualified to use it. It's been a privilege and an honour, my good sir - thank you.

Well played, sir, very well played. Carpaccio a la Anders, a fitting end for an ass. Although, tbf, not exactly palatable...

Well would ya look at that; the country was saved, the nine are all still alive, Mr Hair the Healer Man had fun moonlighting as a lawyer, Eon inherited an army, Sunbeam got his very own house x2 plus samdbox and, Ama got saddled with the goblin man. Oh and ShadowLord got an upgrade - ShadowDad. Not sure who I feel more worried for, Meep the Magnificent or Talon...

Oh ho ho ho, what a glorious Sunbeam! He's really coming into himself, yeah? Fabulous chapter!

Ah, such a good chapter boss, full of all sorts of fascinating goodies to amuse, bemuse, delight, bewilder and deeply frustrate. And look at little Sunbeam, all grown up and taking charge. Sort of. Still a bit rough around the edges but getting there. And he took responsibility for calming the savage beast. Such a cool scene that btw. Nice touch having Loren be actually useful for once. He really is annoying. Which means he's doing his job, I know I know...

Oh, and Talon with horns? Man, what a sight to behold... If only I were a better artist, I'd draw it. Of course, it's such a compelling image in my head, I'll probably have a go anyway. Horns, lots of unnecessarily pointy bits, mmm hmmm delish! Terrific fight scenes btw! And king of the cliffies again, I see... Karma will find you man, not on my behalf obvs because future haha!, but still. I can hear the screams of previous readers still echoing on the breeze 🙃

"Oh hello, yes, you’re very close.” Funny that...

You really do like having everything delicately poised on the blade's edge huh? You do it so well though. Playing the line between exactly enough and just too much with mastery and ease. Your ability to seemingly effortlessly speak aloud your characters inner worlds, their feelings, emotions and experiences - not to mention the intricate webs and myriad shatter effects resulting from their ability - or inability - to process & digest the latest crap their puppet master has foisted upon them - is honestly, incredible. Their entire selves, their journeys, their souls, their glories, their despair and every moment inbetween, laid utterly bare before us; in some ways appearing to be an offering, an appeasement, to gods long forgotten, in others, an unexpected yet welcome gift from one friend to another over coffee. Makes for a deeply satisfying read, boss - thank you