Yuko

She was a witch, a wish-granter, and her very existence scared them all.

She’d always known what she was, even from a young age, all those hundreds of years ago. She didn’t remember, of course, being that young- her first memories were of her herbs, her spells, her knowledge of both this world and the next, and anything before that was a blur. Not that it mattered, for with or without her earliest memories, she could still do her job.

She could still grant wishes, the deepest wishes that were held within someone’s soul. For a price.

She didn’t discriminate between the wishes- someone’s downfall was treated as equal as a wish for a pet, and all were granted if the wisher could pay. But they didn’t know, none of them ever realized that there was always something more. An extra, created by the fulfillment of the wish through magical means, that always turned.

The wisher for someone’s downfall would find themselves falling as well, their own standing only from the shoulders of the one they hated. And the pet was sure to live a long, happy, healthy life, always loving its own…should the owner treat it correctly. Otherwise, well, the results weren’t pretty.

Her talents were feared by her original clan, driving her out, and so from clan to clan she went. She wasn’t bothered by the constant uprooting, by the fear and anger that was inevitably turned against her. She couldn’t be bothered by it, because she understood, even if she had no desire to change. Along the way she picked up a knack for herbs and medicines, learning how to mix and sell potions to get the treasure she needed to keep herself alive, between clans.

It was not a fun or comfortable life, but it was hers, and she accepted it as such.

She eventually found her way here, and while it was nice, she had no plans to stay. She would eventually be thrown out, eventually be feared and hated just as well, and so she kept her things light and enjoyed it while she could.

Enjoyed working with Howl and Sophie in the herb garden, growing what was needed to keep the clan healthy. Enjoyed the friendship and companions she earned throughout the clan, just glad to be by other’s sides. Enjoyed the food and warmth and comforts a clan could offer.

Though, when Queen Tamora approached her with an offer to join the council, her medical knowledge and surprising wisdom things that would be a great asset, she had to refuse. Refuse and tell the truth, for this was the longest she had lived in a clan, and surely it was time for her to go?

But Tamora refused. Refused to see her in any other light, for had she ever granted the wish of one of the clan mates? No. Had she ever harmed any of them? No. And would she? Well, Tamora was no Oracle, that was Elena, but she didn’t believe she ever would.

And if she did, they would drive her out then, but not a moment before.

So she took her place on the council, gave her word to the Queen’s ear, and continued to tend the herb garden, content, for now, with her home.

It took its toll, when the plague spread amongst the clan, taking to death's door all who it touched, but still she persisted. Persisted and survived, eventually helping to save the clan with her medicines, though it hurt to see her home so destroyed. It hurt, but she kept on, eventually sliding back into the life she had known before the disease had run rampant.

(Original Pre-Plague Dragon)