Description
No doubt could linger of this dragon's purpose with one gaze at his luminous hide, a raging tsunami of the teeming life force within: uncontained, unrestrained, always eluding the power of understanding. For while his structure speaks of a masculine grace, with a boxy head and brawny limbs emitted from a lavishly athletic frame, softer is the hide that serves as their canvas: such is dappled like cornflower blue paint, heavier along his sinuous back and peaceful face, and lighter on the glow of his outstretched wings, with frail sails a soft periwinkle fading to flurries of snow within. But along the membranes lie trails of shadowed teal, growing like fragile plants from an overgrown plain beyond the edges of his wings, fading slowly until not-quite reaching the blue of the spars. Icy and cool, the powdery white frolics again amongst the curve his shoulders and haunches, enwrapping blue with spotted alabaster, and dancing down the strength of his legs to completely encase the pads of his stubby, feline-toed feet, along with the ivory of overly curved talons. But, in further contrast to the artwork of his physique, the shadowed hills of neckridges climb along his frame in china blue, dying at last amongst the pure white end of his long, powerful tail. And only to look upon him is to truly see: his eyes speak of curiosity, his demeanor of creativity, of adventure — for he is a free spirit, and no spirit can ever be made not to fly.
Life, love, creativity; this is what your Varmiroth is. He is playful, he is daring, he pushes the extremes and delights in watching you grow with him. There is nothing quite out there to describe your bond — perhaps an older brother making your life a little more interesting, or that childhood friend that just wouldn't let you stay home when he came over to play. But beneath all his child-like innocence is a witty intelligence, a knowledge that beneath the world is a better, more vibrant life not only for him, but for you.
May he be everything that you wish for your character! Thank you so much for applying at Western, you're an amazingly fun person — with an awesome character — who adds so much to the Weyr! I hope you enjoy many fun filled years with him, and remember — he's completely yours, So do whatever you wish with him!
Egg Description
Whatever name may be placed on the hue of this egg, whether blue or aqua, cerulean or azure, it is a pale word for such beautiful rings of movement, of sheer passion, stroking organic lines of color that stretch across this form. From shadowed hill to daffodil, blues and yellows dance in pained delight about the curves of the egg, echoing starlight o'er an expanse of boxy, odd shapes encircling the base. Jarring the color's movement, a towering stroke of darkened greens shoots from base to top: a tree… perhaps, in someone's eye. And then, there's flaming flowers that brightly blaze, swirling clouds and violet haze, all meeting across the egg's surface as a strangely voiced
mystery to what may lie within… But, for whatever it may be, luck must
be on its side, to have been soothed beneath this artist's loving hand.
Hatching Message
For Love of a Broken Artist Egg resonates. Creative energy surges,and out of need of love, of life, of the need to find true purpose in existence, the egg gives one final moment to being Just an Egg before consuming the last of its pre-born breath and slashes one wing through the side of the egg. Again, shards of painted fury fling from the side, as the powerful strength from the blue within forces the now fragile shell to disband in all directions, and leave his sturdy form the only thing left in it's spot. With one strong creel, his wing swipes a final shred of starlight off of the prow of his nose, leaving only the dragon to be revealed to all.
Impression Message
Music of the night consumes your preconceptions, stealing away the last, precious moment of silent breath with an eerie, quiet entrance of… air. A breeze, soft, tender, caresses the back of your neck. You feel the soft touch against the palms of your hands, the backs of your legs, and even your hair seems to move slightly out of place from where you felt it last. And suddenly, you think you hear crickets — but where? It's still daylight within the Sands… But it's not outside — it's within you. It grows louder over several moments, before a sudden vision of darkness clouds over the thoughts in your mind. « Why do you look so surprised, Kimmila? Don't tell me you've never felt this way before! » Starlight unshrouds from beneath the night sky, a cloudless vision of beauty and nature, only heightened by the crisp sensation and smell entering your mind. « Well, it looks like we've got a few things to work on, dear. Time to loosen up and live a little! You shall know me as Varmiroth, and you will be the source of my passion, love, now and forever. » The breeze heightens for a moment, as the voice within begins to chuckle, excited. « Ready for a crazy life, Kimma? »
Personality
- Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.
- — Van Gogh
Of many things, Varmiroth has passion: passion for life, of nature, of creativity and of exploration. He may not be perfect, for within us all lies at least a shred of imperfection, but this isn't something that your blue will widely acknowledge as something important to focus on. While not an active "thrill" seeker — he does not search for crazy things because they are crazy — he enjoys DOING something, for being different, for encouraging a love for many things in your life that you otherwise may have forgotten about, and may not have allowed yourself to do.
The first few weeks out of the shell won't be too much of a foretaste to come; in fact, you may be hard pressed to discover who your blue really is, as he'll be quiet, inventive, and will absorb all his learning with such hunger. But as the normality of life settles in, something quiet will hit the back of your mind. The quiet taste of dew will meet your throat, night will shine in your mind, and the day will finally come.
« Let's go, Kimmila. »
Where? The moment will decide; he'll have heard of what it's like beyond the lagoon, of a conversation in the living caverns, and curiousity will drive him to encourage you to do what will likely give poor Kimmila a heart attack at some of his first suggestions, which might be a bit TOO big.
« Look, S'uin fell asleep on night duty. My wings are big enough — let's go fly to that nearby island he mentioned the other day. Oh don't say I can't do it — if I do, I'll prove that I can, and then what you thought will be wrong and won't matter anymore! »
- If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
- — Van Gogh
Be careful what you listen to; while Varmiroth will never actively put himself in a way he thinks he'll be harmed, he may in fact be doing so, simply by pushing himself to the extremes. It will be hard to rein him in, but in time, he'll trust your judgment of what may not be safe, especially when confronted by what happened to Kimmila's mother, Elara, and Wiyaneth — but he'll never trust your judgment of what's "right".
« So what if we're supposed to go to drills? We haven't missed a drill all week, and I swear I saw the most gorgeous view of stars the last time we flew over that way. Let's get there early so we can watch the sun set… Or do I have to call you a prude again? I swear, if you say no one more time, I'm gonna go without you! »
He may, he may not. Kimmila is his world, his life, the creative force within him — without her, he ceases to be what he is, and he knows this. Occasionally he may run off without her, but it isn't very often, and never for very long. But he'll constantly be trying to convince her to do what she thinks she shouldn't — even if a vague thought touches her mind, and idea she tosses aside, it won't take very long for Varmiroth to make it surface and try pushing her into doing it.
« Make out with A'ven in the living caverns? That's a fantastic idea — it'd make a great photo opportunity as well, the faces on everyone as they see how happy you are? Oh what, Xe'res is there and you think he has a crush on you? So what! Live a little! »
"Live a little"; this phrase will crop up often. More often the more you fight it, definitely. But, whatever the case, your blue only brings up ideas that he's almost 100% sure will make you happy; he'll never push you to eat a trundlebug, or something that will make you openly uncomfortable, or makes absolutely no sense. His goal in life is happiness, is living to the fullest, and not letting all the stressful things weigh you down: so he'll often encourage you to let out your emotions. He already knows what you think and feel, though, so while he'll always lend a listening ear should you need it, his first suggestion will always be to create.
- Happiness… it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
- — Van Gogh
In any thing you love, he'll wish for you to do it more often, and to pour your life force into it, only allowing you to feel accomplished with what you do, even if it doesn't turn out nearly as good as how you planned. But when he discovers what delights you the most, he'll push you to do that as often as he can, for, "If one is master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time, insight into and understanding of many things." He will also take this philosophy into his own doings, working harder and harder on one thing, whatever it may be, until he excels at it to an obsessive point. It may be among many things, from regular draconic activities such as flying or swimming, to as insane as dragon paw painting or "relief carving" in rock with his claws. But he will always be passionate; if it doesn't bring him fun or entertainment, he likely won't waste much time with it.
In fact, the things that will delight him most will be creating WITH you. « Let's go build a Fort, Kimmila! Somewhere no one can find it. Just for you, me, where we can plot all the crazy things we'll do! » He won't be insistently selfish when it comes to you, but NO one can come between you. You're your own little club, you and him, like Calvin and Hobbes — you don't need nobody else. Just the two of you is enough for him, and you'll enjoy vast amounts of fun, special times exploring, building, play-fighting, anything you could expect that childhood buddy to rope you into.
His relationships with other dragons may be awkward, as time grows on. He will take a similar approach towards them as with you, encouraging those around him to push their breaking points, pursue the things they love, and envelope them in generosity and ideas that they may not fully comprehend. But in time, some may view him as strange or weird, because he'll do everything rather… eccentrically. He doesn't quite walk like other dragons. Doesn't quite think like them. Fly like them. In almost everything he does, that artist's aura of euphoria and oddness will cloud his judgment of what's "normal", so when others view him, they might not agree with Kimmila in seeing them as beautiful and unique.
Varmiroth will always enjoy being outdoors, and will commonly request to be within the wild, away from the Weyr, somewhere where you can be alone and experience nature in it's fullness. He'll always ask to travel to different places, and the two of you will see a majority of Pern long before you ever thought you would, but once you find that Place — whether it be somewhere on the Western Isle, or deep within the heart of High Reaches, it'll become Your Place, where the two of you will bring no one else: just you, him, and the sky above. The sky will always fascinate him — long will he spend hours upon hours staring above, especially at night. In fact, a majority of the times he requests for the two of you to travel, it will be at night, as in Van Gogh's words, "I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day."
Do not be surprised, though, if on occasion a strange, rapturous mood may overtake him; it isn't often, but maybe if something he has passion for isn't appreciated, or even rebuked, he will turn inwards in a tsunami of rage and depression that only you can cure.
- One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul and yet no one ever came to sit by it. Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney and continue on their way.
- — Van Gogh
He won't understand why he isn't understand, and feel as if his efforts are in vain. « Maybe I shouldn't even try, Kimma. What use is it? They just laugh, they just scorn… » Should you choose not to soothe his aching heart. these outbursts will only because more frequent and more violent, maybe even causing him to destroy what he creates, or what he pushed you to create — but, when he recovers, he will merely bask in his destruction and say something similar to Van Gogh's words: "I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process."
But as life continues, he will be there with you 100% of the way; for everything he does is for you, whether you like it or not. You're his rock, as he should be yours, and nothing else — no one's opinions, rules, or thoughts — should matter. He'll only encourage you to see those hard times for what they are, even as you both struggle with what lies ahead.
- As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting the difficulties the inmost strength of the heart is developed.
- — Van Gogh
Physicalities
While small for his color, Varmiroth is not the most aerodynamic of blues you'll ever come across. He's built as an explorer and as a helper, with limbs capable of strength unlike most blues, and a stamina that will see you to most adventures far beyond the distance you'd expect. He's not quite a bearing hulk, as there's not much bone to stack all that muscle on, but there's no doubt you'll never get any comments that he looks frail or doesn't look strong enough for the task before him.
But, not being aerodynamic doesn't mean he won't be a fan of flight. His bulk will combat this, maybe not entirely effeciently, but he'll enjoy skimming quickly across the water, and at a moments notice, jerking you from the lofty heights into a quick dive down towards Pern. Everything about him is proportional — his wings aren't too small, nor too large to be a burden. But, while he seems rather "normal", he's still… different.
Blues aren't supposed to be strong; their supposed to be nimble and graceful like a green, but Varmiroth is built more like a brown. And his colorations just don't seem to fit; they don't seem very masculine, and he may be hard pressed to deal with some criticism he may get from fellow male dragons on the appearance he possesses.
- I wish they would only take me as I am.
- — Vincent Van Gogh
But, while he may have some flowery looks, they'll be hard-pressed to find error in his execution… but maybe, perhaps, his creativity. Varmiroth will quickly learn how to master the skills of weyrlinghood, enough so that he'll become bored. Not outwardly so; he isn't one to complain TOO much, but don't be surprised if the next time he's asked to practice something, he does it a little… or a lot.. different than he's supposed to. He's an original piece of work, and if he wants to back-flip instead of back-wing before landing, or between straight off the ground instead of taking off first, or adding any number of flourishes to his drills that most would find silly or unnecessary. It isn't that he wishes to show off; he has by no means an ego, merely a creative mind. It's him, and how he expresses it.
- It is better to be high-spirited even though one makes more mistakes, than to be narrow-minded and all too prudent.
- — Van Gogh
This is all too true for Varmiroth; while he may master the basics with no sweat, his flourishes and escapades may not always meet the same fate. With them, he'll be a clutz, and if he frequently fails at things he wishes to try, be assured he feels better about attempting and failing than being secure and safe and… you know… boring. If it becomes something of a heated issue between the two of you — since your life might be at stake with some of these things as well! — he'll only show his love for you to stop being a prude, too. He's doing you a favor, you know. And he'll frequently use this reasoning with you:
- The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.
- — Van Gogh
Mindvoice
" Music of the Night "
There's nothing quite so sweet as Varmiroth's voice. It will be honey to your ears, and every word will have full intentions of melting your heart, of feeling deep within your soul and trying to connect with it. As a rich tenor, it won't quite "boom" within your mind, but holy hannah, there isn't quite anything else on the world that wonderful to listen to — except for, perhaps, the harper gatherings that Varmiroth will love to attend. To rip from one of the artists that portrayed "Vincent", I like to see his voice like Josh Groban's: warm, gritless, completely musical.
Along with the sound you'll hear, the images and smells will always be quite vivid to you. Night is his mind, but not cold and lifeless: it is the night of a dancing gather, the night you chase fireflies and live by the light of the moon, the night where you sit with your lover and gaze at the stars. It is cool, but refreshing. It is dark, but reflective. Always there is some sort of starlight, a concious effort to mimic the constellations above, and maybe even the dual points of the moons when he's really trying to emphasize his point. Shooting stars, auroras, happy clouds, anything and everything about the sky you can imagine will come at various times, with boldly contrasted colors against the swirling black and blue he portrays as the night. Don't be surprised at a touch of crickets and night-life birds making an appearance with a faint, subtle background music.
The aroma will be rather similar: remember that cold, brisk smell of snow? Or the dew on the cool grass when you watch fireworks on the 4th of July? It isn't very powerful or fragrant, but the epitome of freshness, reflecting his fresh thinking, and the readiness to take on whatever the day may bring forth next.
Flights
Oh, love. The idea of flights fascinates Varmiroth — it's a thrilling chase, a contest of strength and speed, as well as a contest for the affection of this one woman, this one shmexy green. This blue isn't exactly a ladies man, but something about the IDEA of having that one green to curl with on his ledge brings a soothing thought to his mind, and should it be in alright interests with you, he will willingly chase any green… until he catches one.
Should he ever, that green will likely be the only one he attempts for for quite some time, until the euphoria of being chosen (or just being the best) wears off, and they both lose interest, or simply forget that they ever mated in that flight a few months ago. If you, Kimmila, found it enjoyable, he'll make it a habit of flying that green again in the future, and will do so for any greenrider's you may fancy — but should you wish otherwise, he'll cease to chase at all.
Above all, your thoughts mean more to Varmiroth than all the greens in the Weyr combined. As he's not easily influenced by what other's think — and thus the impulses of whatever green is taking flight — he can easily surpress the urge and lounge on your ledge if it's what you wish. He'll gladly take whatever oppurtunity you allow him, but he'll never chase without your express permission. The idea of ever forcing you into something as potentially life-changing as a flight without your blessing would displease him greatly.
He will, though, enjoy the company of a particular green, should he ever find one that remotely understands him. He will befriend her, but not necessarily chase; he may dedicate creative works to her, « That dive was one I thought Greenth might find fun to add to her repitoure! » or simply find excuses to be at the same place that she is along the path of life.
- I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.
- — Van Gogh
But whatever happens, you're the only girl that will ever mean more to him than a strange interest. You're his one, his love, and he'll never, ever let you forget.
Credits
Theme Inspiration:
- For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream
- — Vincent Van Gogh
You asked for a dragon with free spirit: playful, lively, and constantly pulling Kimmila away from her duties and obligations. Hopefully Varmiroth is enough to blow Kimmila a little off track, and make her realize all the wonderful things she's missing in life! And Varmiroth is certainly that: a dreamer. He has no time for anything but what lies beyond the box of previous inhibitions and fears!
The clutch theme was music — each egg/dragon was based on a single song of our choice. Your blue is based off of the song "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)", which has been sung by various artists: my favorites, though, are definitely by Josh Groban and Vonda Shepard (it was originally written by Don Mclean). The song is, as you might've guessed, a lament to Vincent Van Gogh, the beautiful artwork he painted, the love he had for his work, but his inability to mesh within anyone's comprehension. As you might know, Van Gogh was only able to sell one piece of art during his lifetime — but look at the influence he's had on the art world since then! As the theme of the clutch was music, it meshes well with Varmiroth's creative pulses, and the emotion pulsing within him, something that only you may come to understand.
Egg Inspiration:
As the theme of this dragon was on the song "Vincent (Starry Starry Night)", I described For Love of a Broken Artist Egg as the painting Starry Starry Night, and used numerous lyrics from the song within it's description to paint a picture of the love that Van Gogh poured into his art.
Description Inspiration:
Varmiroth's description is based on one of Van Gogh's paintings, "Branches of Almond". I chose this as it's a very typical Van Gogh; a plant of some sort against a blue background, supposed to serve as the sky. Also, the touches of 'china blue' in his description are from the song Vincent, where Van Gogh's eyes are described as being such. The way that Varmiroth, although not intentionally, goes against all rules and regulations set before him, a true free spirit, is something I also felt was crucial in embodying is description: the way his color just doesn't quite match up with his sturdy body is the same that his personality just doesn't quite match up with society, something that Van Gogh himself struggled with his entire life. To be understood, to meet standards… And yet, he was never able to, and continually went his own way, especially with art.
I felt it was only appropriate, though, to give his shoulders and haunches "freckles" (or rather, petals in his case) like that of his dam, Bennueth, to tie him at least somewhat into his parenthood. :)
Name Inspiration:
Since you didn't clarify a specific language or meaning you wanted your blue's name to derive from, I did a bit of searching through the traditional languages of the world and none of them seemed to fit: they're all just too conventional and down-to-earth for your Varmiroth!
Thus, I went straight to the real artist of fantastical worlds himself: Tolkien! I did some browsing through some English/Elvish, and looked for something specifically smooth and fluent, that'd roll off the tongue and just sound beautiful. I was really happy to find something that fit with a 'V' as well, as the dragon is 'V'incent 'V'an Gogh, hmm? :)
Varmiroth, thus, is derived from "mirama" and "tavaro", which respectively mean "free" and "spirit". (Though, this version of "spirit" comes from Spirit of the Trees apparently, which I think is appropriate to tying him in to a love of nature.)
Varmiroth was written by Xe'res, with some suggestions from A'ven. :)
| Name | Freedom of Expression Blue Varmiroth |
| Dam | Gold Bennueth |
| Sire | Bronze Nasrinth |
| Impressee | Kimmila |
| Created by | Xe'res |
| Hatched | February 13th, 2009 |
| Western Weyr, PernWorld MUSH |
Theme Song
Vincent (Starry Starry Night)
Josh Groban
Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and grey
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colours on the snowy linen land
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
Starry, starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds and violet haze
Reflect in vincent's eyes of china blue
Colours changing hue
Morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
For they could not love you
But still your love was true
And when no hope was left inside
On that starry, starry night
You took your life as lovers often do
But I could have told you vincent
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you
Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men in ragged clothes
The silver thorn of bloody rose
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
Now I think I know
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They're not listening still
Perhaps they never will…
To Listen:
Picture Credits
- Description Image by Xe'res
- Which, for the record, is a temporary doodle.
- Misc. Artwork by Vincent Van Gogh