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Go Laurence, go!! One of my favourite scenes, I couldn't resist and had to draw it. Laurence was a badass and Rankin got exactly the treatment he deserved, little bastard.

(Don't count this as part of my private quest to draw chapters in Temeraire, because this is chapter twelve and I'd like to go chronologically, except this has lived in my head for far too long.)

Also, I'm putting the sketch here for once, because I like Laurence's expression there more – the colors have muted it a bit.

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Temeraire webcomic screenshot (fake)

some details under cut!

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so it begins

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a dumb comic I thought up maybe halfway thought my first listening of His Majesty’s Dragon, oh I was so hoping for Levi to dump Rankin like a bad boyfriend.  it’s odd to draw tem without his ruff 

dialog:

Temeraire: Rankin doesn’t deserve you

Temeraire: *inhales*

Temeraire: If he doesn’t treat you right by now, you’re gone

Levitas: I’m gone

Temeraire: Now go bite his head off

(dialog is from that vine)

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I love this concept so much!!! I wish there was a fic of this for me to read and enjoy after finishing the series!!!

I want a Temeraire fanfic were Levitas lives, maybe he softly, softly wishes to Temeraire that he wishes he had Laurence for a captain and Temeraire declares that he shall, for in this instance he feels that he can share Laurence. Laurence does not find out until Rankin comes storming in to scream at him about “stealing” his dragon.

Laurence may not have known about his acquisition of Levitas before this moment, but damn it all, he isn’t giving the poor creature up now. Lenton has a headache

The Chinese delegation find Laurence slightly more interesting due to the two dragons sharing him though kind offended that such a lowly dragon is the brother? to the Celestial.

Some of the other dragons in other coverts with less than stellar captains begin wondering if they may not also choose captains that suit them better.

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Empire of Ivory Chapter 4 Spoilers!

Hello everyone!

I have to say I'm not overly certain how I feel about this chapter. I'm upset with the Admiralty. I laughed so hard at Laurence's situation and cheered for Temeraire’s successes. I have so much to say but don't know what to actually talk about. So let's start with the spoilers.

Spoilers Start Here!

OMG, like really, really! These Admiralty and their secretaries and other people!!! Where is the pit that I can throw them all in!! And to act like dragons have no sentients or are as dumb as horses. And they don't see the value in trying to make them comfortable and are already writing them off!!! They say the money will be spent on the shore batteries! It enrages me!! I'm seething!! If I could breath fire, I'd burn them all to a crisp like Iskierka always tries to do to enemies!

We get to see Laurance starting to see the error with his country and it's service of the dragons. He actually argues with a secretary that good food and pavilions is only a fraction of what the dragons are due for their service. Only to get told that it isn't. Like go Laurence and please refer to my previos paragraph for what the secretary is due.

Laurence in a desperate bid to aid the dragons even submits himself to a party. We all know this man doesn't enjoy them and prefers to avoid them when he can. But instead of getting to have a quiet word with the Admiral in charge of the budget, a worker from the Foreign Affairs Office recognizes Laurence and goes on and on how his adoption into the Chinese Empore's family solved so many problems. This causes Laurence to become the center of attention which only makes him more uncomfortable. Poor Laurence. He'll be a 90 day wonder because of his title of Prince of China. And even after all that the Admiral basically told him unless it's a cure they won't do anything.

The next morning Laurence informed Temeraire of what happened at the party as they prep to return to Dover only for Lord Allendale and Wilberforce to show up. Lord Allendale is not happy with Laurence but he wants to use Laurence’s new fame to push for Abolishionist Movement to end the Slave Trade. Since they are having such trouble because Admiral Nelson so vocally denounced the movement. He says the Slave Trade is the Nursery that creates Britains finest sailors for the Navy and should be ended. Ugh, I can't stand that attitude anymore than the one about dragons being lesser. Anyway, Laurence ends up being cornered by Lord Allendale and Wilberforce and Jane later agrees, so he'll be a guest of honor at a party with a China theme for both the Dragons and the Veterans of the Trefalgar. Also, Wilberforce was impressed with Temeraire and agreed that he too should be present at the party.

After this we see the work men for one of the test Pavilions discussing their construction. The workers are split 50/50 on their fear of dragons. But it's goes very well as they actually listen to Temeraire’s input. And have a lively discussion about making the Pavilions that will withstand British weather. Progress is slowly being made on people seeing dragons as not savage beasts but it is slow going.

Iskierka wants a pavilion but won't get one as she and Granby don't have enough capital to buy or have it made. So she wants to capture (steal) ships for prize money. She's so restless and wants to do stuff. Iskierka gets so bad, Jane concocts a plan to get Iskierka on Patrols willingly and to listen to orders even if she dubs them stupid or bad. And Granby picks them out a crew.

The Ferals are starting to shape up as a successful defense for Britian when they turn back a French Dragon all on their own. So Jane in her infinite wisdom gives Arkady a metal as a reward to keep the Ferals motivated and happy. The metal is basically a brass dinner plate with his name on it. Temeraire gets jealous over this which is hilarious because his necklace is far superior.

We have our grand party and the non-Chinese workers are terrified of Temeraire, while the Chinese workers literally worship him. Emily is forced to wear a dress and Laurence is afraid of what will happen so has her dtay close to Temeraire. This leads Wilberforce to us Emily as an example of if this girl isn't afraid to be near a dragon you shouldn't be either. It works and Temeraire even engages guests in math problems and he charms many of the guests. And Laurence’s fear comes to pass in that Lord Allendale thinks Emily is Laurence’s basterd daughter.

Poor Temeraire and Laurence. They are so naive that they believe Nelson came and suggested they could be put to better use than patrols out of politeness and not politics. He's totally trying to get them out of the way so they won't effect the population and have slavery made illegal thus Abolishing the Slave Trade.

Then at the end of the chapter, Temeraire convinced eveyone to let him fly over the quarantine field to check on the progress of the pavilion and not checking on his friends. We and everyone knows it's really the later not the former. So while doing this a small French Dragon (courier) is spotted fighting ill dragons over the quarantine zone. In order to stop the threat of news of the Sick British dragons getting out, they force the Courier and her Captain (just a small boy) to land in the sand unknowingly among the quarantining Longwings. Only to discover this when the dust settles.

Have I mentioned I hate the Admiralty and their lack of care for the dragons enough yet???

Anyway, updates on predictions: the captured French dragon gets sick, and when the Admiralty realizes there is a danger of invasion or as a preemptive strick, will send it/let it escape to bring the disease to the continent. I also predict that Temeraire will be immune to the plague. And once that happens, they will try to deduce the cause of his immunity. At which point I expect we will be on another trip around the world.

I also see that Temeraire is slowly charming people. He's so charming I expect he will get people to listen and agree to the Dragons Right Movement that Temeraire is pushing for. But I don't see the bill happening until later in the series. I expect they will go until they get representation.

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Empire of Ivory Chapter 1-3 (Spoilers)

Well, I've read the first 3 chapters in Empire of Ivory. I want to curse out so many people and I've cried so much for our Aerial Corp!! It's not fair and I know life isn't fair but still, our poor dragons!!!!

Spoilers Start Here!!!

I'm not sure where I want to start first. But I guess let's just start.

The Prussian were very dangerous in their panic. If I could shake them for complicating matters, I would. Gods the way they acted. I get it you're frightened but you're putting everyone in danger by trying to latch onto Temeraire’s harness and threatening dragons who are trying to help you. You nearly all got dumped to your deaths for this honestly.

The Ferals definitely didn't help this matter. As they kept constantly stopping to fight the enemy dragons despite Temeraire trying to move them along. So far we have seen how hard it is to tame ferals, keep them moving, and stop them from over commiting, especially when they are acting as Transport of people. They are short-sighted on matters and lack enough knowledge of conventional, "civilized" war between humans that they're being out maneuver and keep over committing. They have yet to help matters much and keep putting others in danger. We see this time and again in these last 3 chapters. And when they were carrying the Prussian at the start of the book the certainly didn't help matters.

And Iskierka didn't help matter either. She's a little spitfire who craves battle and is a little trigger happy with her fire. She just doesn't listen. She's a little war hungry and battle hungry dragon. But sweet baby you aren't helping, you're just making things worse! And the Prussians tried to shoot you over it. I blame the fact her egg spent a long time listening to Temeraire and our crew plot, plan, fight, and talk about fighting and war. And maybe it's just who she is anyway. But poor Granby has his work cut out for him as her Captain. This probably was not what he ever imagined his Captaincy being like.

On another note: I hare the fact I was right about the Plague and quarantining dragons, dragon deaths, and the crews/captains who are hurting along side their dragons. My heart breaks. Of the dragons and crews I recognize, poor Lenton and Obversaria, being informed of her death and how it ruined Lenton makes me cry. And just imagining the other dragons, captains, and their hurting crews. Also, poor Victoriatus isn't just dying and his captains not leaving him but they will soon be dissecting his corpse. I really hate plagues and the poor quarantined dragons. We all now know partly how you feel. Also, how dare the Admiralty give them worse food for being sick. I jusy have so much rage for the Admiralty right now.

Keyes left us and we got a new doctor, Dorset. I'm not sure how I feel about him yet but well, I don't begrudge Keyes staying with the sick dragons as one of the best Dragon Surgeon in His Majesty's Aerial Corp.

On a happier note, Horay for Admiral Jane!!! And there is nothing the Admiralty can do. She won't let them walk all over her or the corp. But I expect that they will be very difficult because of her gender. Because you know, they think women are delicate and of weak constitution and have no place in war or the military (if you can't tell I'm rolling my eyes). Though Jane is having a hard time getting them to listen, which I expect will be a continuous through out her time as an Admiral. I also like how she is willing to try anything to help the dragons. She is willing to try anything.

While on Congratulations: Congrats Granby! You're a Captain Now!! Take your pick of creq (sadly because of the # of dead/sick dragons your options are almost limitless). Though you do have a handful with Iskierka and I only see her getting worse as she ages until she is much, much older if she ever outgrows it.

Next statement of facts: Ferals! Britian is so desperate for dragons that they negotiate and write up contracts with the Ferals. A step in the right direction, I think. 1 cow = 2 pigs or sheep but 3 goats and they get one a day regardless of whether or not they eat it that day. And they can keep track my marking wood when they go to the Feeding Pens. Which good negotiating skills there! But boy are you all unruley and not able to listen putting yourself and everyone else in danger. I don't know if this happened or not but I can just imagine them being like Tharkay left, so we don't have to listen to you anymore and Temeraire just barely keeps them in line with his size. But I see a lot of struggles in the future to get this to work.

Now on to Tharkey. I just love how in Edinburgh he broke into a house to make tea. He got up early enough to have it ready for when Laurence gets up really early to go to the Covert. It's nice, hot, and brewed perfectly. And he offers to make Laurence a cup who turns it down but then he offers Laurence his(Tharkay’s) cup and Laurence drinks it! This is my headcannon now and I'm so happy. So please no one burst my bubble. Also, I know Tharkay left us again! I know this isn't goodbye though. I thought that the first time but I don't think he's going anywhere as he plans to be back. He's only off to convince more Feral dragons to join the Aerial Corp. Also, if he doesn't come back then the crew will fetch him, I'm convinced at this point as Laurence is very loyal to people and Temeraire must see Tharkay as his to a degree. To paraphrase Jane "Tharkay is worth his weight in gold or more"! I just see Tharkay sweeping in and save the day again! This is my prediction!!

I feel bad for poor Ferris. His family sees him in the Corp as such a disappointment/tragedy. But he doesn't and I honestly hope when the dragons go for their voice in parliament that they choose to support that. I do see some potential here but I won't hold my breath.

So far, I've only read these 3 chapters and my feelings are so mixed. I see that the Admiralty want to just cut their loses on the dying dragons. And it annoys me to no end. They'll focus on the healthy and the Ferals but won't want to do anything for the rest. Though I agree that the spice and pavilions will go a long way for the dragons.

Right now I agree that Britian is living on borrowed time that only exists because Napoleon is distracted by the Polish countess. But the moment he hears of Britain's weakness, he'll invade or at least prepare to invade.

Knowing what I know of history and Britain's concuring in the USA, I predict that if the French dragon ever gets a look at the Countryside or looks like they'll invade, Britain send a dying dragon to the continent and die in France to bring the plague to the continent. Similar to what they did to conquer tribes of Native Americans in the Americas. I expect they did it in this world as well, on that note: the absolute Karma that Britain is facing this right now because they made a Native American Dragon come to the Isles.

I predict that unless it's an actual cure to the dragons, the Admiralty won't agree to anything or spending money on dragons they already wrote off.

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I'm back! I apologize for the long absence. 2020 didn't go very well for me due to several factors. And 2021 was busy with work, family things, and university. And honestly, I didn't want anything to ruin this series!

BUT I'M BACK!!!

I reread the first 3 books to prepare for Empire of Ivory. I had a great time.

I saw so many more foreshadowing points I missed or funny in jokes that make more sense in after a second read. I also did even more wailing and swearing and cursing and crying this time around since I k ew what was going to happen.

I hate Rankin's guts. I feel so bad for Levitas and I'm creating my own head cannon where he lives and chooses a new Captain. If I ever meet Rankin again, it will be too soon. I hate his guts and I pray he never gets another dragon.

I grinned at each victory for our crew!

I hissed at Yongxing when he reappeared in the series.

Looking back at Temeraire getting sick has cemented in my mind that it's a Plague. I'm more certain after experiencing one ourselves. (Looking back over the last 2 years). I predict it came over with the Native American Dragon.

China was an adventure in not reaching through the pages and strangling Yongxing. I feel bad for Lein as she lost the only person who cared for her but she had no right to threaten everyone/everything Temeraire (and we) loves.

Also, I banged my head at Laurence and Tharkay and their dynamics. How do I get more, wake up you two!!! I love Tharkay even more but boy does he have flair for the dramatic.

Laurence is slowly realizing how bad dragons are treated in Britain.

Don't think I've forgotten about Digby, the baby dragonet, or anything else happened in the Prussian War. I've got so many emotions about it.

I still love the Grand escape at the end of Black Powder War.

I have a few prediction updates after my reread:

1) There is a Plague effecting the British Dragons. Since they sent Temeraire and Crew to get the eggs and then never showed up for as promised to the Prussians.

2) I've scrapped the idea of any eggs coming from the Ferals.

3) I think the Ferals will become part of the Aerial Corp for at least a part of the future books.

4) Now that Prussia is conquered, Napoleon is going to come after Britian.

I still stand by my other predictions.

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"a lot of theoretical knowledge that was anywhere from 60-70% inaccurate shit" is exactly how informed I am about the Napoleonic wars, thanks to the Temeraire series

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Laurence, in a desperate and dangerous situation: Huh, sure wish Tharkay were here.

Tharkay who has been waiting in the nearby bushes to make a dramatic entrance: Oh hey, I didn’t think I’d find you here.

Laurence: It’s like magic!

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I don’t hear any better ideas

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At this rate of increase in his appetite, even if Temeraire proved willing to accept cured meat, he might exhaust their supplies before they reached shore. It would be very difficult, he felt, to put a dragon on short commons, and in any case it would put the crew on edge; though Temeraire was harnessed and might be in theory tame, even in these days a feral dragon, escaped from the breeding grounds, could and occasionally would eat a man if nothing more appetizing offerred; and from the uneasy looks no one had forgotten it.

Naomi Novik, His Majesty’s Dragon

Finally got round to colouring this before Inktober rolls round again 😅 Laurence and baby Temeraire enjoying the breeze back in the day when Laurence still had a lot to learn about dragons…

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Jane Roland: (to the dragons) Promise me that you’ll be on your best behavior.

Maximus: We already promised Temeraire that we’d be on our worst behavior…

Lily: And we gave him our word, so…

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Laurence: You use sarcasm to distance people.

Tharkay: And yet, you’re still here.

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Mianning: Have a care how you speak! Laurence may be beyond reason but he is a Celestial companion, and he is my brother!

Sun Kai: He threw the nation into uproar in two days.

Mianning: He’s adopted.

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Laurence: I have made the decision to trust you.

Tharkay: A horrible decision really.

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I recently found the Temeraire books by Naomi Novik and I’m only on book 2 but it’s been a while since I enjoyed a series this much. The only trouble is the original cover art, which would have you thinking it’s some kind of bad psychedelic trip in the 80’s. Nope! It’s the Napoleonic Wars but with dragons. 🐉✨Something possessed me to do my own version of the cover tonight.