Elohim sighed as he wandered through the thickets of the Tangled Wood. He slowly looked around himself. The thick dense forest lit only by the faint blue glow of mysterious mushrooms and a faded moon seemed so different from his long ago home. How long had he been wandering, he wondered, and how much longer would he continue.

He put his thoughts behind him and continued onward, though to where he could not tell. His claws ached with each aimless step he took. Perhaps it was time. He was an old dragon after all. Not as old as some, but he most certainly had a fulfilling life.

A dark shadow in the distance caught his eye distracting him from his thoughts. Slowly the shadow approached him. Elohim stood very still, waiting, watching, to see what it was. Glimpse of moonlight streamed through the tangled trees revealing a hooded guardian. Elohim was taken back for a moment. The guardian was a deep azure and her wings a light storm. She wore dark apparel that shrouded her in the darkness. But there was something different about her. There was something about the way she moved, something about her very presence that evoked awe in him. He stared into her eyes. They were shadow eyes, but there was a gleam behind them, giving him a since of power and wisdom. He had felt this before. This dragon was touched by the deity Shadowbinder.

"Greetings." She spoke smoothly as she gave a gentle and understanding smile.

Elohim gave a respectful nod. "Likewise."

"I see you have wandered far. What brings you to the dwelling of the shadows, if I may so inquire?"

He remained quiet for a moment. He knew a little about the deity-touched. Chances where their meeting here was no coincidence, but still he wondered how much he could trust this hooded stranger. "I am just simply wandering. I suppose, I am looking for a place to rest."

There was a flicker across her eyes. "I see." Her voice was cool and sympathetic. Elohim's tail swayed. How much did she already know?

Placing one paw before the other, she squared her shoulders and lifted her head, giving herself an air of authority. "I am Azial. I am the clan leader of a shadow clan that resides near here. If you are so inclined, you may find your rest with us."

Elohim frown. "You would invite a stranger into your home."

The guardian Azial gave a soft chuckle. "That is my clan. Anyone who seek solace is allowed into my clan. Though keep in mind, I do not admit riffraffs or bandits. Those that seek to harm others have no place here."

Elohim let out a deep breath. This was quite surprising. He knew nothing of this clan, yet it almost sounded exactly what he was searching for. Something he didn't even know himself that he desired. He shuffled his wings nervously. Was this truly what he wanted?

"I'll let you know, I was lead here." Azial's expression softened. "You are wise and have more knowledge and experience than even myself. I could use someone like you in my clan. You are welcome to come, stay, or leave as you see fit. But I will implore, if you have nowhere else to be, do please join us."

Elohim closed his eyes. It was a difficult dissension to make. He had been traveling for so long, was it time to end his wanderings? Was this the reason to keep living? Perhaps, but to know for certain he would have to see it with his own eyes. He opened his eyes and stared directly into hers. "I will follow. Please lead the way."

A deep rumble of approval came from her. "Certainly." Her head dipped in a small bow. She turned and headed towards the thick bramble. "This way." Her head turned back as she spoke before leading the way though the foliage.

Elohim's tail swayed as he contemplated. For the first time in a long while, he was intrigued to see what the future would hold. With a shuffle of his wings, he took his first steps into the true path of shadows.

---

Elohim is one of the oldest and wisest dragons in the clan. He serves as an adviser to Azial the clan leader. He is one of the most knowledgeable dragons in the lair, though he lacks magical aptitude and greatly detests violence. He comes across as regal, always speaking in proper language.