Lauriel vs. Ari

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You will also see first drafts of the comic as I’m writing the story. I update every Tuesday, but if time allows, I may update more often than just once a week.

I’m trying to raise money to study art conservation in Italy, but I’ve been wanting to write this story for years, and am excited to be finally sharing it with you.

Quick synopsis:

The story begins with two young men: a dim, but kind-hearted knight-in-training named Simpleton (he’s never been called anything else), and his “best friend,” Matthias, a Dragonologist who discovered an earth-shattering secret about Simpleton’s boss, Veridius the Holy One. Veridius excitedly sends both Simpleton and Matthias on a mission to retrieve The Book of Ages from an ancient library.

The thing is, Veridius discouraged all others from going near it, as anyone foolish enough to try to retrieve the book has never been heard from again.

Believing they are now on a suicide mission, Matthias tells Simpleton of his discovery and why their quest is a futile death trap. Simpleton, not being fazed by Veridius’ secret, relpies there was probably a good reason why Veridius would keep his secret, and probably thought that since Matthias was smart enough to figure it out, that he believed Matthias would be instrumental in retrieving the book.

When the two adventurers reach the library, they find the book to be guarded by a large, female troll wielding an enormous hammer. The troll recites a an ancient poem written by the Fey decades ago. 

Simpleton is distraught by his situation. He cannot leave without the book, but his Knightly code disallows him from fighting a lady. 

Matthias deciphers the poem, and explains that the only way Simpleton can complete the quest is if the knight asks her hand in marriage. Simpleton is okay with this, and does so.

The troll, Lauriel, is somewhat disappointed by her opponent-turned rescuer, but immediately agrees as now she can finally leave the library, as a horrible fairy curse would not allow her to do so before. The three begin making the journey back to Veridius’ citadel.

After the sun sets, Lauriel turns from an fearsome troll into a beautiful, but no less ferocious, young woman. She was cursed by the Fairy Queen to be a troll during the day, but the spell wanes and her true form appears at night.

Continuing on their journey, Matthias stumbles upon a dragon cave. His greed for knowledge of all things Draconic along with his excitement from seeing a live dragon for the first time, takes over and he immediately starts drawing sketches and taking notes, only to have his hiding place give way by pesky fairy.

Her [the dragon’s] hatred of fairies mixed with her hatred of being drawn without her permission angers the dragon immensely. She takes Matthias prisoner, and his cries for help reach Lauriel and Simpleton. 

Will Lauriel save Matthias in time? Will they get the book back to Veridius? What is Veridius’ secret anyway?