Dra'ainah's Dream by Heathcroft
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To do so would be to finally admit that my affections lie not with the lovely Lady Liana who to this day languishes insane in the High Tower, but with the delightfully turned Elven Princess Dra'ainah, who played volleyball (Castle style) in a recent Chronicle The Castle Games.
In the years of Men, the lovely Elven Princess Dra'ainah has seen nearly two centuries on this realm, and yet I, at just under that age, am crumbling and festering a little more each month. Nearly all my digits are now lost, my back is bent, and my one remaining eye grows weaker, yet I still have a passion deep in my soul for this lovely creature, who arrived here when I was in my prime, and was the mightiest Warrior Princess of them all.
But once I loved the Lady Liana, aye, I did, even when she went insane, meeting me when I had already rotted somewhat, and the poor child had to be restrained in the High Tower for her own safety.
Dra'ainah, however, had known me in other realms when I travelled far on noble Quests, when the world was young and the summers were long. The comely lass fell for my manly physique, my skill with sword and my silven tongue. I fell for her lithe limbs, her full lips and maddening eyes. Yes, we were lovers for many years and became inseparable.
But, My Friends, Elven folk as you will know are immortal, and before many decades had elapsed I had acquired my horrible afflictions and her liquid brown eyes naturally turned elsewhere.
But enough! I pity myself too much and I am glad that no-one will read these private words....
One balmy summer's night, the lovely maiden awoke from a sleep so sweet that her smile lit up the bed chamber, and she whispered to me, in her sweet breathless Elven tongue, as her beautiful head lay next to mine on our satin pillow.
Dra'ainah told of a magical world where she was destined to go and sighed that one day she would have to leave me. As the moon shone through the leaded panes upon her lovely breast, a tear slipped down my cheek, for I realised at that moment that this exotic creature would outlive me - even I, a vampiric Count of two centuries - and move on to other worlds. Other lovers.
She dreamt that she was in a cold watery world, with crystal spheres and magical divers and other wonders, deep snow covered plains and a tower with a strange woman enclosed in glass. And (a smile played around her lips at this last) a handsome young man imprisoned in a crystal sphere...Her destiny.
So, that day, I had the slaves prepare a picture of the vision that my fair princess recounted and one day I may let you see it, My Friends! And yes, I rewarded my artist slaves with a whole evening of fun in the Room Of Correction under the tutelage of the strange but lovely Syranah.
For I am a kind Count. A just and noble Count..."
This is the 51st episode in The Castle Chronicles (please don't let on to the Count that it has been published!)
All comments welcome! Thanks for dropping by!
Dave
Previously....
"Keeper Of The Fire"
Comments (113)
evs69
Truly awesome image and words.
barryjeffer
Truly a wonderful tale, well told. The image is magical and most excellently done. Great work Dave, spell-binding to be sure. seth
MagikUnicorn
A W E S O M E !!
mickeyrony
Superb work my friend. The class in your hands. Cheer and mile mercies. I adore these horns. It is a magic whole ((5++)) Superbe travail mon ami . La classe en tes mains . Bravo et mile mercis . J'adore ces cornes . C'est un tout magique ((5++))
allnaydi
Beautiful tale and depiction of her visions Dave. Fantastic work!
Padria
Excellent compostion with a wonderful result!!
shadownet Online Now!
Great story and illustration!
andrewl
Great picture :)
RodolfoCiminelli
Wonderful realization.......!!!!!! Fantastic outfits.....!!!!!!
sylki
The Room of Correction bit always makes me chuckle:-) What a totally spellbinding story. The Count weaves a compelling tale, drawing you in to his web with his masterful narrative skills. Super image love all the details and the fantastic effects and lighting!!
stevey3d
Superb image! Excellent character and composition! 5+
magnus073
Dave I was especially happy to see you had posted again and this one is truly epic. You really were able to bring that magical world from her dreams to life perfectly in every detail. The story was superb and really added to the experience.
gaius
Superb ! Soooo original....mixing different pictures is a fantastic idea ! And the story....An immediate fav.
ladyinblack
Fantastic story and amazing image... wonderful work :)
tkdoherty2
Wow! Very nice!
45Cool
That dreamscape is amazing! Outstanding work!!!!!
capelito
Fantastic story and work. Excellent done!
huismus
Beautiful artwork and story!!
Igolochka
Awesome character, like how her hair moves!
Minda
really wonderful story ,awesome image dave,stunning outfit excellent work..
brewgirlca
Well Dave I see that you have recovered enough to be creating again and my heart sings to see this post. This one and the last have been truely amongst the best that you have ever done proving that a master can still get better. Making 4 panels and 5 distinct images is just so darn crafty... not unexpected in hindsight but brilliant in achievment. And your verse, oh, my you do write a compelling story.
carlx
Fantastic character with fantasy-surreal atmosphere!!! Outstanding done, Dave!!!
1010
Superb fantasy, just an awesome composition Dave!
Faemike55
Fantastic story and art! Well done! glad to see you're back to the art
delbeke
The story as usual is incredible and the image is most impressive! Excellent work with your usual flare! Published, really? How excellent is that! Wonderful. I won't tell the nasty Count. :o)
kimariehere
beautifully done love the colors in this!!!
hipps13
Hi Dave sure had me glued reading each word and the image is awesome love the look in her eyes a thought maybe or too sweet smile to you warm hug, Linda
pspworkshop
Beautiful scene and wonderful work.
moonbunnie
Fantastic art and story , wonderful work!
Sawen
fantastic image :) I like her pose and the background as well! great work