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Clay - Blog Posts
#7
Life is like modeling clay. You can shape it however you want, but with limitations. Clay cannot fly, so we put it on a string. It cannot hover off the table, so we stack it higher. Broken pieces cannot be put back on after baking, so we must score it beforehand. In the end, life is what we make it. Not others, us. Don't let someone else mold your life for you.
Made a little wally darling figure out of cheap air dry clay. I love it sm!
It drips and splatters over her forearms. Crusting along each delicate finger joint and congealing where it packed into the curve of each cuticle. Painting her skin gray like the dust of age and time.
It drips onto her shoes and stains the hem of her shirt. It falls in spinning splatters to soak the denim of her jeans in thick drops.
In this mess, she gives birth to something new. There, by the potter's wheel.
Hi! Iām a big fan of your art and work over all
Iāve been wondering, since Iāve seen you give your thoughts on some other dragons, what are your thoughts on Clay?
On Clay...
Clay. Iāve talked about him for a bit in a previous post somewhere. He is the first protagonist in the entire series and thus serves as our introduction into this world. While he enters the story with his own emotional baggage, he pretty much resolves all of that within the first book and mellows out from then on, fading into the background as a quiet support character.
Because of that it is maybe easy to dismiss Clay as that big guy who talks about food a lot and doesnāt do much else. But I do think heās a bit more complex than that and is a well-rounded character with things going on in his own right.
CW: Discussion of physical abuse.
Formative Years
Clays early years were molded heavily by his belief that he almost killed Tsunami while she was hatching. He believed this because his guardians, mostly Kestrel, insisted this is what happened. Of course at the end of the first book we learn that this wasnāt the case and that they were just misinformed about how Mudwings work.
To us, this may all seem absolutely ridiculous. We look at Clay and see this obvious gentle giant without a malicious bone in his body angsting about being a blood-crazed monster. But for Clay himself, this was a very real, very horrifying situation. Suspend your disbelief for a moment. His entire childhood was marred by the crushing guilt of almost having murdered his surrogate sister at birth, and he couldnāt remember why he did it. He understood nothing about this situation, and didnāt know if this secret violent side could even resurface one day. Basic things like going to sleep would become terrifying; he may have laid awake, wondering whether his body might act on its own as soon as he fell unconscious. Just like back then, when it acted before he could even form coherent thoughts. The fear of losing control to the monster and waking up on top of a loved oneās mangled body was always there.
This perception of himself as a violent killer was at odds with his social nature as a Mudwing. He loved his surrogate siblings with the same intensity that any Mudwing would love their own, and thus he hated the part of himself that threatened them. As a direct response to this dissonant view, Clay developed a desire to protect them. If he willed himself to shield them from getting hurt with all of his strength, he would never be able to harm them again. This was his way of coping with the fear.
It is pretty apparent from the text that at least Kestrel was physically abusive towards them. Dune was possibly too, Webs I donāt think so, but he also didnāt do anything to stop it. As Clay grew older I think he began to recognize the patterns. He would start deliberately acting in ways so that most of Kestrelās ire would be redirected towards himself instead of the others. This is why all the Dragonets of Destiny have such deep respect for Clay; they remember him always standing between them and Kestrel, even as he ended up with more and more scars for it.
Luckily, he is able to reconnect with his Mudwing heritage at the end of book 1 and learns that he never was that blood-crazed murderer the guardians insisted he was. But even so, the scars and memories would never fully fade, and heād never lose sight of the need to protect his loved ones.
Personality and Interests
Clayās love of food and eating is well-established, to the point where it sometimes seems like it is his only character trait from book 2 onwards. This is normal; heās got a big body and I assume the self-regenerative properties inherent to Mudwings burn a lot of calories, so he needs to eat a lot to refuel them. I think thereās a bit more to him still though.
Clay is at his happiest when he can either prevent someone elseās pain, or take it away. Conversely he becomes distressed when he sees someone suffering. I believe he is incredibly earnest and built close to water. He cries easily, though never in response to his own pain or suffering. He feels positive emotions very strongly and can get overwhelmed that way, especially when he sees his loved ones happy. When he cries, he does so openly and without shame. It is very unsatisfying to tease him because he will usually just take what people say to him at face value and thus make them feel bad.
Heās also very physically affectionate and huggy.
People who meet Clay often get the impression that he is book dumb, or just stupid in general. This is not the case, as Clay does have a capacity for learning even complex subject matter. I just think he struggles with subjects he canāt see a practical application for, or arenāt relevant to things he wants to do. He has little interest in memorizing ancient figures or learning how to measure the sides of a triangle
When Glory fights Deathbringer in book 3, she makes mention of a ādragon anatomy classā which I assume was taught by Webs. Clay, as much as he struggled with history and numbers, excelled at this particular class because its insight could be used to keep people safe. As such, whenever the need for it arises, Clay is usually quick to act as the groupās primary healer/medical advisor.
(Excerpts from WoF graphic novels 2 and 3, censored for blood.)
This notion is further supported by the fact that, once they all become teachers at the Jade Mountain Academy, Clay is the one to lead an anatomy class, just like the one he attended before.
In conclusion
Clay is pretty much everyoneās big brother. While he isnāt as eccentric and colorful as the people he is surrounded by, his earnestness and general benevolence make him the backbone of the Dragonets of Destiny. Whenever anyone has a deeply-rooted, serious problem they are hesitant to bring up with others, Clay will usually be the first person considered as a confidant. Tsunami and Starflight know he would never judge or shame them no matter how ridiculous the thing they approach him with. Glory trusts him with her emotions whenever her stoic facade cracks. And Sunny has an incredibly strong bond with him.
I think that makes him pretty cool, even if he doesnāt really have much to do anymore once he overcomes his personal demons. Iām happy that he gets to be happy in the end.
A drawing of Clay! He's such a great character. Might even be my favorite DoD. I also really like his canon designs colors, they're very nice and warm.
[Start ID: A digital drawing of a headshot of the character Clay, a Mudwing dragon from the Wings of Fire book series. Clay is brown, orange, and tan in coloration. He has large brown horns on his head and big brown spikes on his back. There are amber under tone to his scales, and he has bright amber eyes. He has a white tooth sticking out of his mouth like a small tusk. the background is a solid light green. In the upper left corner is a watermark with the username "TheCraftyDragonC". End ID.]
Ceramics in art š It's a piggy bank Btw #ceramics #art #myart #clay #artclass #traditional #firsttime #instaart #instaartist #anime
brightheart out of model magic. tomorrow, a new cat
(if you can guess who, you get a high five. hint: fat lesbian)
cavetown concert fit
iām waiting for the safety pins to come in to make the clay pieces into pins for my bag. so excited !!
AND ALL THEY ASK IS, WHY R U SO SAD KID
DREAM??? š
Just so happy with this, honestly šš„£
(Video under the cut)
DC Metro Dining Room Kitchen/dining room combo - large modern dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo idea
Some clay pins i made last summer. Sadly the froggie one got lost :\ but thankfully i have these photos so i can make a new one. The strawberry was actually the first pin i ever made. I want to try making some strawberries again now that i can do it better Will keep you guys posted if i make any new pins ^^
the lil guys are doneeee
request are open :) for ocs or art or lil guys
Ocs belong to @arrxdrawinffourlive and @foxundermoon
Tanigaki head, made with clay
It was the first time I ever did something like this, it was a lot of fun, I wish I had the materials, tools and space to do that at home...
he's heavy as FUCK I can't even lift him (i messed up this part lmao)
Broppy Proposal
Two months after the events of Trolls 3: Band Together. Branch decided to take the next big step of his relationship with Poppy.
If you hadn't seen the movie, go watch it.
_____________________________________
Branch is at his bunker as his brothers had came to visit him as they finished putting a hundred puzzle pieces together as they slumped their seats. "Aaaw" they all sighed "Man, that was a lot of hard work" John Dory said "And teamwork" Spruce added.
"No wonder, you enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles" Clay said "It really does reflect when you and Grandma do puzzles together" Floyd exclaimed "Yeah, better than playing cards with her" Branch said as Floyd looks at the clock "Hey, Branch, I believe it's time for your date with Poppy" he said as Branch looks at clock and realized that Floyd is right.
"I have to get ready" Branch said as he changes from his usual clothes to his tuxedo just as Branch was about to leave Spruce stops him "Branch, wait, you forgot something" he said as he hands Branch a small velvet box "It fell out of your nightstand" Spruce said as Branch puts it in his pocket.
"Thanks" Branch said as he pushes the lever as platform elevator head towards the entrance "I feel so proud of Branch" Floyd said "I'm no longer the only troll in this family that is married and a father, if Branch and Poppy are ever going to have kids" Spruce exclaimed "Not only that, but Branch will become king of the Pop Trolls" Clay added.
"He'll finally achieve that goal when he slipped that out, eh, Bro?" John Dory stated chuckling as he gives Spruce a friendly elbow bump. Floyd and Clay looked confused "Ummm, what do you mean by that?" Clay asked "Well, two months ago when we were getting the band back together to save Floyd..." Spruce explained.
(Flashback)
On Vacay Island, Poppy is sitting down at the beach as she watches the sunset, Branch looks at her before turning to Spruce and John Dory as he tells them about what he said to Poppy at Bridget and Gristle's wedding.
"Like earlier today, I kinda let it slip out that I wanna marry her" Branch whispered "Awww" Spruce said as John Dory burst out laughing, much to Branch's annoyance and embarrassment "HOW DOES SOMETHING LIKE THAT JUST SLIP OUT!?!" John Dory exclaimed.
(Flashback ends)
Clay and Floyd were stunned after Spruce finished "That sounded embarrassing" Floyd said "And awkward too" Clay added "Yep, but tonight Branch is going to do it" John Dory said "And we'll get see Branch's wedding" Spruce said.
"Sorry, we never got to see your wedding, Spruce or Bruce" Floyd said as he and rest of his brothers never went to Spruce's wedding ever since they went their separate ways when BroZone broke.
"I really wish that I could, but I had no idea where you guys were and has been 20 years since we last saw each other" Spruce explained as Floyd wraps himself as he feels vulnerable "Hey, Bros...Could Branch pick me to be his best man?" he asked "If there's any troll that Branch would pick to be his best man? It'll be you, Floyd" John Dory explained as he gives Floyd a noggie as Floyd chuckles.
_____________________________________
Meanwhile...
Poppy and Branch are sitting next to the river after they had their dinner "Poppy....ever since when we first met, I never had anyone to relay but myself and no one never wanted to do with me because no one likes an outcast" Branch explained.
"Years pass by as you tried to help me to be happy even when I declined, you kept going because I needed it and you never give up on me and being with you was the best thing that ever happened to me" he finished as he gets down on one knee and pulls out the velvet box as he opens it to reveal a ring with a pink gem on it.
"Poppy, will you marry me?" Branch asked "Yes" Poppy exclaimed as Branch puts the ring on Poppy's finger as they kissed.
Trolls 3 - Bro comfort
The movie Trolls 3: Band Together is coming on November 17, 2023. When, Branch and Poppy team up with Branch's long-lost brothers to save his other brother, Floyd.
Though, if it's unaware that Branch's brothers know about their parents' and Grandma Rosiepuff's death and Branch's childhood trauma. So, I'm writing my own version of Branch telling his brothers about the trauma he had been through after they left.
_____________________________________
After, Branch, Poppy, John Dory, and Spruce finished singing as the crowd applauded and cheered, while Poppy and Branch's brothers exclaimed in triumph, Branch glances at the cheering crowd, suddenly things in his mind became distorted and his heart beats as he pants in fear.
Branch gets flashbacks of his brothers leaving, his parents' sacrifice, his younger self singing and falling when his grandmother sacrificed herself to save him, and his younger self turning gray.
"I can't believe I corporated, I can't take this anymore!" Branch said as he leaves the stage "Branch! Wait!" Poppy exclaimed as John Dory and Spruce became concerned "Where are you going?" John Dory asked "Nowhere!" Branch replied as he exits the building. Poppy and Branch's brothers exit the building as they search for Branch "Branch!" John Dory called "Branch" Spruce added "Leave me alone!" Branch said as he enters the old funhouse.
"Branch, please!" John Dory begged as he and Spruce entered as they find their younger brother, Clay "Clay, do you know where Branch is?" Spruce asked as Clay nods and brings them as they found Branch sitting in an old rail cars.
Branch had his his legs close to his chest and his face planted to his knees as he cries. "Branch" John Dory said when he and his brothers saw how sad Branch is as they got on the old rail cars sitting next to him "We guess you don't feel happy?" Spruce stated "I didn't even want to perform or even want to come with you, but I had to for Floyd's sake" Branch replied.
"We're sorry, Branch. We...we thought you love performing with us" John Dory said "When, I was a baby and my brothers didn't ditch me...and never coming back for me. You have no idea how much trauma I've been through after you guys left" Branch exclaimed.
"What do you mean?" Clay asked "During Trollstice, Mom and Dad had to lay their lives to save me and Grandma Rosiepuff and then when I was a kid as I became lost in the song, Grandma had to sacrifice herself to save me from being eaten and I had turned gray and hadn't sung ever since. I was all alone, I didn't had any friends back then, and I needed you the most, you're all what I have left in this family... but the family doesn't feel like the family I know...you ruined it" Branch explained in a cracked voice.
Branch's brothers were shocked by this and realized how they had hurt Branch when they had left "Oh, Branch, we are so sorry...but, you need to understand...your brothers and I..." John Dory stuttered "We just--I felt..." Spruce stuttered too "They've always been...I haven't been..." Clay stuttered as they gave up.
They burst into tears "We're sorry, we-we-we don't have the words" John Dory replied as they were too guilty to explain as Branch looks at them "When we save Floyd, are you all gonna ditch me again? Somewhere, where I'll never see you again?" Branch asked "No" John Dory replied "Of course not" Spruce added "We'll never do that" Clay retort as they hugged Branch "Never again" John Dory said as Branch smiles and hugs his brothers back.