Back with another dragon piece! ^-^ This one is way overdue by months, sorry! >< I know its a bit more sketchy as well, though I wanted to try experimenting with lighting and texture with this. I plan to be posting the concept sketches I did in creating this later, so check back for that soon! Perhaps an animation of him in the near future too~Anyways, here's its story!--------------------Its gaze conveys more than words. Enjoy the sight, as its gaze will melt your very soul.A dragon that perhaps stands as the epitome of a dragon's power. A firey beast capable of turning the landscape to ashes. Its size alone is enough to intimidate most creatures, and if that's not enough its burning gaze sends shivers into whomever meets it eye to eye. Although this dragon may appear menacing, one needn't worry much as most are rather dormant and docile creatures when left to themselves. Some enjoy bathing in magma or splashing about lava as a past time, or even be found taking a nap in a hot spring to cool off. These dragons' bodies are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. It prefers to live in warmer environments, particularly in the mountains or volcanoes of the world, as its primary diet will consist mostly of rare minerals and gemstones, as well as less desired minerals such as molten rocks or lava as a nice refresher.It is capable of spewing fire at extreme temperatures, hot enough to melt near anything it comes into contact with, including its diet of hardened crystal structures. A bite from such a creature would be, needless to say, very painful. Its jaws and fangs are structured in a way that allows for a strong grip, granted whatever it is biting is not already on fire by that point. Their claws are equally powerful, with force enough to crush boulders from their grip alone. It is said that these dragons will make their own caves by simply digging into the side of a mountain, or simply pummeling an indentation deep enough to make a cave. This excessive force can be heard for miles, often followed by a roar or two as the dragon will signify that this is its lair. This process is the source of discoveries of caves with entire walls made of pure crystallized rock, formed from the raw force and heat the dragon exerts in creating it.However despite these ferocious features, these dragons are quite docile around other creatures aside from when occasionally hunting. They find content in the beautiful display of their crystal and mountainous homes, as well as decorating it in flames now and then. If one ever wishes to observe these creatures safely, the aforementioned hot springs is a good place to find them. While the water may evaporate at first, these dragons can regulate their body temperatures at a large range of temperatures. When dormant and at rest, their scales can be scalding hot to the touch normally, but when cooled by the relatively colder water, they are about as warm as you'd expect any other dragon, and safe to touch. The texture of the scales varies greatly, though its been observe that its underbelly is often a smooth glassy feel, while its overside is much more sharp and rock-like. These dragons also sport a furred mane, which is often covered in volcanic ash, yet very soft to the touch. If one is ever able to come across these fire dragons bathing, it is normally safe to approach them to observe and feel its scales for yourself. Just be sure its okay with a random being like yourself coming over to touch it.One needn't worry too much however, as these dragons dont mind the company of others. They are more social dragons than most other species, and will often be seen in groups by these hot springs, or carving homes and nesting together as communities rather than isolated. They are not very territorial either, likely due to most creatures preferring less intense environments to live in. The fire dragons will also often show happiness around each other, and play with each other for entertainment. This often results in large rock formations from fire and magma tossed about, as well as craters where hot springs may form as a result. There have been reported sightings of multiple geysers being created form the rough play of these creatures, which is certainly a sight to behold.Comments from the Artist:It was as intimidating as they say it is to face this creature alone, though I would not let fear get the better of me here! Thankfully, these dragons are also just as friendly as they say! I was welcomed happily among a group of them that were played about near a single hot spring that was far too small for them. As they slammed eachother around and tossed rocks and scorched the terrain, I did in fact also witness a small geyser or two form as their claws pierced and cratered the ground! It wasn't as spectacular as others may have made it seem, though it didn't seem as though they were at the peak of their energy either.I was greeted by the dragons, three of them, as I approached, being careful to take cover from the two playing about, and eventually taking refuge beside the one lazily laying partially in the hot springs bath. He was quite talkative, telling stories of his day, the mountains they'd traveled from until they found a suitable place to rest for a moment before continuing their journey, and of the many patches of grass in the meadows they scorched with their breath. Apparently these dragons are quite the creative type as well, as he told me of how they would make pictures in the burned grass and roll about in it like snow. We laughed together about things for some time heartily that I nearly forgot what I had originally come here for!Upon introducing myself proper and asking to paint and image of them, they all turned their attention to me. It was a bit foreboding having three large beasts all staring you down so closely, especially with the intense heat they gave off. Nervously, though somewhat amused, I watched as the three of them playfully nudged eachother to be in my direct line of sight, each wanting to be drawn. After some time I managed to calm them down enough and proposed sketching each of them if they liked. In the end, I produced the piece you see here as the one who "won" a small contest they held, in which the one who would amaze me the most by destroying a boulder would have them drawn first.I was most inspired by how the third pierced his with his tail, smashing it back into the ground after a leap, framing the landscape afterwards in a gust of flame. As he turned to look at me, I simply had to capture his astounding image!If I had the time to I'd recount the tales of these dragons in full, though I believe I'd lose my voice and my audience! They're quite wonderful dragons to spend a day with, full of energy. Its quite exhausting really! As day turned to night we bid farewell, the dragons leaving with their copies of the paintings and sketches. They seem to frequent that place often, and I definitely plan on meeting them again soon!--------------------Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed all that! I had a lot of fun writing the description for this one, and it sorta turned out a bit different than originally intended, but I still like it!Character, Art, and Story © 2016-2017 Xeirla