Carrier

This young mirror was found as an egg in a forest in the Plaguebringer's domain. With no clue who his parents are, and only an allegiance to his flight, he eventually wandered out of his previous clan, a home of sorts for other 'orphaned' dragons, who gave him a name fitting one who serves his deity, he found his way to a plague clan, though he never quite felt at ease there, either. He's just trying to find out who he is, and spread a bit of disease along the way, and he'll do whatever there is to find out, even if it means his physical appearance is radically altered by the end of his journey.


Carrier paused outside of the cave, his claws digging into the soft, damp sand that made up the entryway for the water clan's home. He knew from observation that there would be only one member of the clan home-- the others had left for the day to join the festivities of the Rockbreaker's Ceremony. The raptor, however, had not. He could see it moving back and forth within, patches of light filtering through the cave roof and making the creature's green hide stand out in the gloom of the cave.
-Cautiously, he cleared his throat and shifted his wings, their thin membranes rustling together and bringing the attention of the reptilian clan leader to focus on him. The raptor padded out of the cave and stopped in front of him, amber eyes roving over the red and blue scales.

"Hello." The creature chirped, looking up at the much larger beast.

"What can I do for you?"

Carrier's paws shuffled uncertainly as he answered. "I'm... wandering, you could say."

---

"Is that so?" The mirror dragon mumbled, evenly meeting the smaller creature's gaze. "I was wondering if, perhaps... I could stay here... for a while?"

The raptor gave a soft, short, barking laugh, and dipped its head in a nod. "Our cave is vast, and our members few, my friend. We would be honored to have your company for however long you intend to stay."

That said, the beast turned, padding into the cave. After a moment, Carrier followed, curious to explore what would be his home for the next few days.

A week later, he would once again stand outside the cave, this time a better dragon for it. He had hunted and fought beside these dragons and learned that there were different strengths in each of them, and all of them good dragons. He felt glad to have known them. But it was time to go.

He adjusted his bandanna with a claw and stretched his wings, pleased with the steampunk guards over the joints. The bandanna had been a gift from the lovely teal dragoness who stood as the clan's second-in-command.

"For remembrance." She had told him. "As for the steampunk wings, those had been his own find while helping this clan patrol."

The memories attached to both made him smile, a toothy grin that would have intimidated most. As he turned away from the cave, he spread his wings and called his final goodbye before taking off. Though he did not look back, he felt the eyes of the clan members on his scales as he flew out of their territory. He enjoyed the time with them, but this was not his home.

---

The Ice lair Carrier came to next was, by now, used to visitors. He was greeted warmly by both Trace, a dainty little circuit-bedecked Fae, and Verloren, the clan's own returned wanderer.

"You must be early in your adventure." The ridgeback Verloren declared.

"You're still traveling alone! I can fix that!" Before Carrier could do more than blink, she'd vanished into the depths of the lair.

"Oh dear,." Trace murmured absently. "She could be in there awhile. Let's go hunting in the meantime, hmm?"

By the time they returned for dinner, Verloren was ready to proudly present him with a new 'friend'--a Scaleback. "He's ferocious! I thought he'd be a good match for you!"

Poor Carrier spent the rest of his time in the Ice lair listening to Verloren's stories, and trying to tame his new familiar into...well, at least being able to pretend he had manners.

---

After a long flight to Light, Carrier found a nice steak waiting. In fact, the whole time he was in the brain4puzzles lair, he never had to miss a meal or snack. This was good, because the lair was never still. Small spirals moved scrolls in and out of the library. The lone guardian cataloged fiercely. Faes wrote, pearlcatchers hummed, and skydancers sang. Imperials swooped in with food, and ridgebacks followed. The two wildclaws guarded the nests.

"What can I do for you while I am here?" Carrier politely asked Ice Rose.

She smiled, then looked thoughtful. "We have had 8 babies grow up today, and are ready for training in the Coliseum." She trilled. "Do you mind helping with all of that?"

Carrier, somewhat surprised, had agreed. Hatching from an abandoned egg meant that he had never known his parents. Do all parents train their offspring to read, write, and fight, he wondered?


After a week, Carrier felt prepared to tackle another lair.

---

In the clan of VijaThorn:

Carrier's wings were strong and his body was healthy and young but that didn't mean he could fly forever. After being air born for hours he was tiring quickly and was in need of a long rest. Glancing down, he studied the fiery landscape below before finally spotting what looked to be a lair. Thank the Plague Bringer...

Coasting down, the mirror sighed in relief when his wind chilled feet met the warmed stones of the landscape. After stretching his wings and folding them, Carrier glanced around the area, now unsure of himself. Perhaps he had wanted to see a lair so badly he had seen an illusion from his mind--but that thought was quickly crushed when another dragon rounded a corner.

"ANOTHER TRAVELER! Hello!!!" The blue spiral came up to him in a flurry of wings, grinning. "You may call me Seraphiel, not to be confused with Sapheriel, our clan leader's daughter." Although he could not see her eyes because of the brass goggles she wore, he could certainly see her wide and happy grin.

Carrier introduced himself politely, not wanting to risk this dragon turning him away from a safe place to say and a good meal. As he spoke he regarded her carefully. She was lively and full of life, but it seemed she was more than that. Dark scars raked across her blue iridescent hide, one even peaked out from under her eye wear. So, she was a warrior.

It was then that the mirrors familiar dropped from his back with a 'humph' and stood by his side, glaring up at the spiral.

"Oh! You have a Scaleback! I've fought many of those but was never able to catch one! He's lovely!" She wasn't at all afraid of the creature, but even though he was tame an air of ferocity still surrounded him. "But enough of the talk, I'm sure your tired and want to rest. Follow me!"

The mirror took in all the sights of the den as they entered. It was large yet comforting. Many dragons went about their daily business, glancing up to watch him pass. Yet many more actually took the time to introduce themselves. But Carrier was tired of talk and didn't try to hold a conversation. It didn't take long for the clan members to take the hint and leave him be to grab a quick meal (thanks to the spiral) and head to sleep.


((Carrier lvl 7 - lvl 9))

As the mirror made to leave the lair for the final time he almost felt as tired now as when he had arrived. It had been a long and busy week. Dragons came and left so often it made him dizzy, there was constant training teams going out, hatchlings were falling out of the woodwork and it just so happened that he had managed to join them for the very week they decided to relocate from the Emberglow hearth to the molten scar.

He was been a great help in the move, carrying many supplies from the old lair to the new. He had even began to wonder if they misunderstood his name. He was not a pack mule!! But he was rewarded with a large meal and many a pat on the back. He was even given the green leg wraps that had caught his eyes when he was moving supplies.

As Sera joined him on the edge of the lair, Carrier noticed she was wearing new goggles, gold now. With a grin she pulled out her old pair and offered them to him. "I think they'll match your outfit, and since I won't be needing them..." Sera commented, her voice trailing off.

Smiling, Carrier turned them over in his claws. They were well used yet well taken care of, the perfect addition to his look. Despite his lack of manners, he thanked her anyway. He had grown fond of the spiral over time. She was strong, and helped him to become strong.

But now it was time for him to go. As tired as he was he was ready for the next step of his adventure. Adjusting the goggles over his eyes he grinned and nodded to the spiral before taking wing.

---

Carrier flew long and eventually touched down in the snow and ice. She looked around and spotted a dragon lair in the distance, well hidden in the snow. He started walking, not noticing the eyes that followed him the whole way. Before he managed to even reach the lair, the eyes that were following him made their presence known. A little fae jumped in front of him and blocked his path. The fae was white with black wing, and her skin was cracked with crimson. She wore a dark steel necklace like a collar, and she looked just creepy. Then she suddenly smiled. "Hello! I'm Abigail, but you can call me Abby or Abs!" She smiled and almost bounced on her spot. "Welcome to our lair!" Then she disappeared faster than carrier would have thought possible.

The rest of the clan was easier to deal with, though no less strange. He met Abigail a few more times, and she was always that cheery and energetic. When the time came for him to go on, Carrier got a handful of gems to take with him. "You seem to have a lot of things, so we just figured you could buy yourself something pretty!"

He then said goodbye to everyone and continued his journey.

~*~*~*~

The mirror touched down in a large Shadow lair that seemed to go on for miles. He was a little shocked that while he was in the lair he didn't see a single dragon. He looked and looked but the dragons seemed to be off doing their own thing.

He spent days searching and got lost a few times but did manage to find a few unguarded treasures which he took with him to the next lair.

The next place he found was in Flamecaller's lands, a large lair busy with forge work. Carrier arrived while Flamecaller held dominance over the others, and the dragons of the lair were celebrating by making battle gear. It seemed strange to the mirror, but they greeted him warmly.

He told his story to some of the dragons, and a few of them nodded. Several dragons in the lair were found eggs, discovered while scavenging or battling foes. Since their pedigree was unknown, they could build their own reputations. Some of the dragons enjoyed the freedom. Others preferred the family life the tundra family of the lair had.

Carrier was invited to help at the forge, but decided he'd rather help gather materials instead. He didn't stay long, but they did give him some gear straight from the forge.

Returning to the Scarred Wasteland was almost strange after such an adventure. The landscape seemed unfamiliar, and though some of that could be attributed to the shifting quality of the region's sickness, after some time traveling he realized that while he had returned to his homeland, he was not in or even near the familiar grounds of home. He stopped a while to rest, and contemplate this. Should he continue his journey, or head back now, while he was so close? He had already seen and done much in the world.

What he did not see, however, was the other dragon that dropped down on him from above and pinned him to the ground. He fought and struggled, yowling, but the dragon on his back was immense.

"More trespassers." A voice called from above. "But his color's good."

"Look at the eyes. He'll do." Another dragon padded around the side of him, but all he could see were claws on the rotten ground as he had been pinned down. "Mirror, brother, what clan are you from?" Carrier heard someone ask.

Rather than answer--and why should he, when they attacked him?!--Carrier growled and renewed his strength. What kind of dragon was on him, anyway?! "Let me up!"

They waited a moment. "He'll do." The dragon alongside him said again. "Put him out and let's go."

Next, there was a sharp pain in the back of Carrier's skull, and then he only knew darkness.

---

When Carrier awoke, he was groggy and miserable. His entire body itched and burned and ached as he had never known. The fact that he was in what by all accounts should have been a comfortable lair did nothing to change this, and he blinked hazily around the strange environment.

There was a tundra beside him. Her fur was dark and matted and her face skull-like. He recognized her shrouds as one who had passed pilgrimage through the heart of the Abiding Boneyard.

"You are awake." She said. "Good. Do you mean to stay?"

Squinting at her, Carrier determined that this was not one of the dragons who had captured him. "I was traveling--"

"Yes. I was told. You are the first from another of our own clans to pass through. We were curious as to your clan's pathogens, and how you might react to our own." She tilted her head. "You have been in experimentation for many days. Pharma has been very pleased with your results."

He was not awake enough for this. Carrier shook his head, covering it with his claws. His scales felt scabby and...off. "...I'm not staying."

"As you wish. You will always be welcome to return. Perhaps we will send someone to check on your progress in the future. Pharma is very meticulous about his work." She smiled as he peered up at her through his claws. "For now, rest and eat. There is no need to travel hungry."

She rose and padded out, leaving Carrier to contemplate his new and fascinatingly visible symptoms. Scabs, flaking scales, open sores, boils...he had never had visible symptoms before. It might take some getting used to. He poked at one and watched it seep. He certainly looked properly 'plagued' now!

Once he had eaten he left, and paused at the entrance to the lair, looking up to get his bearings. Maybe...just a little more time before going home. If nothing else maybe he could find a place to get a proper look at his reflection.

((added genes speckle and gembond))

---

Carrier's wings began to itch and flake, no doubt a reaction of his clan's sickness to Delphi's. An actual mirror was needed as soon as possible.

He spied what looked like a cave in a strand of trees just beyond the CrystalSpine Reaches.
It is getting pretty dark, Carrier reasoned. Dropping in and staying the night wouldn't delay his homecoming by much.

The Mirror landed softly just outside the entrance to the cave, barely making a sound, but before he could call out, a lemony Spiral barreled full force into him, knocking both of them to the ground.
"Dude! I am so sorry! Are you cool there bro? Your scales are peeling off. Someone else had their scales peeling off when they got here. Lots of someones. I wonder who they were. Where were they going? Do you know? Were they sick? Some of them were really sick. Hey, are you okay? Your cales are peeling off. Are you sick? Do you need medicine? What kind of medicine would you take? Doc Moon is still here, he could look at you. He just had some kids. I don't know where they went. Do you have any kids?"

Carrier took a moment to mentally process what the Spiral was talking about. "No. I'm an orphan myself."

"Oh! That's sad. Someone else was an orphan too. There's a bunch of orphans here too sometimes. I wonder why. Why don't they have parents? It's sad. My kids are gone too. They're not orphans. I still see them sometimes. Spectre says I shouldn't but I have to see if my kids like music too. Music is great, brother. So great. It would be so sad if they didn't like music. Spectre likes music too. She would totally be bummed if they didn't."

Carrier stared at the Spiral. He knew focus on one topic was an issue for this species in general but this one seemed to exist entirely in stream of consciousness.

"Oh, Ray, there you are. I thought you were going to hang out with Sugar." A navy Guardian stepped out of the lair, her eyes widening when they landed on Carrier. "And who is this? Another visitor?"

Carrier nodded. "Evening. My name is Carrier. I was wondering if....well....this is odd, but is there a mirror around?"

"A Mirror? Um. Well, dear, you are one, but 'Blaze is the only Mirror here. Hrm. We should work on that maybe."

Not entirely what he meant. He would ask another dragon once he got inside. "Well. That's okay. Do you have space for a traveler? It would only be for a few days."

"Oh, absolutely, my dear. I'm the clan matriarch, Spelltide, so you won't get any higher approval than mine. Come on in, I'll show you around."

"But what about--" Carrier turned towards the Spiral, but he was gone.

"Oh, Ray will be back later. He went to find Sugar. They play in the woods so they don't disturb anyone."

Once Spelltide had shown him where he could sleep, Carrier set about trying to at least catch a glimpse of himself somewhere, but the best thing he could find was the small pond inside the cave. Oh well. I'll find something when I get home.

Carrier was up with the crowing of the basilisk, intending to set for home without waking anyone. As he gathered his belongings, Ray surprised him by barreling straight into him once again.

"Hey! Bro! Where are you going? Are you leaving? Are you going home? Where is your home? You're up really early. Isis' basilisk is really loud. My hippogrif doesn't make a whole lot of noise but he gets really grouchy sometimes. Specially when I forget to bow to him before I talk to him. Hey, that's a lot of stuff you have there. Are you going somewhere? Are you going home? You have red eyes. Are you from the Scarred Wasteland? I always wanted to go there but it's really scary. Okay I hope you get home safe. Bye!"

The Spiral bounded off, no doubt to wake up another member of the clan.

Carrier shook his head. What a strange dragon. With that thought, Carrier set off towards the Scarred Wasteland once more.

(Items : gold ore (20), leather chest wrap, brass steampunk goggles, brass steampunk gloves, copper steampunk wings, green highnoon hank, scaleback familiar, forest green leg wrap, steelscale chest guard, 40 gems, gene Freckle added)

---

The journey was long. Tiring. Webbed pinions ached with each beat, breath exhales coming at a strained rate. He was worn. Every bone sang with the strain and fatigue he was experiencing.

I never realized how far the Scarred Wastelands really was. He breathed in exasperation.

Giving into the growing need, wings folded, carrying him toward the earth. Slowly he descended, claws reaching beloved terra-firma. Black elongated tips dug idly into the soft soil, raking up dust in their wake. He kept his head down, the burlap hood he wore concealing his head from view.

Oh sweet Plague mother but he was tired.

I wonder where I am... He mused, though exhaustion clouding his thoughts. Eyes half lidded, he swung his neck, granting him a better view of his surroundings.

Glittering spires rose all around him, basking in the glory of the molten gold rays that reflected off them.

The Crystalspine Reaches. Right in the middle of the domain of the Arcanist.

"Well. I haven't been here before." He mused, wings furling at his sides, duel eyes sliding over the vast landscape. It was definitely odd as he didn't expect to land in the den of the magiks. But he was bone tired and wary. Even his tail seemed to feel the wear of time.

Slowly he lifted his head, antlers casting long shadows across the ground. It was definitely late.

He padded, taking care to watch the vicinity; unfamiliar land meant for caution. He had no clue what resided here.

Carrier's eyes landed upon a majestic, bewitching forest aglow; hues of lavender, purple and silver beckoned him, luring him forward.

"I need a place to rest." Dragging himself along, he pushed his way unbeknownst to him through the Starwood Strand, passing large glowing flowers and vines of shimmering ice, trees connecting and not connecting, forming an alluring and memorizing canopy. He trotted down the beaten path before happening upon a massive barrier of marbled stone. "What... Is this?" Stunned, he shivered, noticing an infinite appearing mountain range between him and a safe place to camp. Groaning, he lifted both forelegs, digging talons into stone.

Gradually, he began a slow ascent to the pinnacle, reaching the apex just before the rays of last light fell behind ashen clouds. His jaw then went agape.

Before him stood a verdant meadow. Lush and plentiful. A crystal river splitting the middle, snaking deep into the valley around beautiful flowers and trees engorged with fruit. Creatures dotted the rolling hills, moving in herds with grace and apparently, carefree.

What is... This place? He questioned himself, beginning a descent into the valley below. Deep green grasses slid betwixt his toes as he reached the bottom, dragging his tired frame toward the rushing sound that soon greeted him. He lowered without thought to partake in the stream's life giving waters.

"Who are you?" A voice called sudden to him, causing him to snap upright.

Meeting his eyes was the fiery stare of another Mirror. Gaze deep and piercing. "I'm just passing through. I meant no harm." He responded in a startled tone. "My name is Carrier." For a moment he froze beneath her icy gaze, despite those pupils held the aura of the magiks. "I was on my way back to the Scarred Wastelands when I--" Abruptly he was cut off, her demeanor suddenly changing. Becoming more irritated.

"You're Plague...?" She snapped suddenly, body tensing. There was a slight twitch to one of her eyes.

"Y-yes... I am..." What happened? Why did the mention of the Plague Flight suddenly seem to send her into sudden vexation? "...Why do you ask?" He questioned.

"Plagues..." She murmured, all four eyes boring down into his own. "Why did you come here?"

Never had he thought he'd find himself in confrontation with another dragon. He swallowed hard, insides burning. He resisted the urges just to bolt. "Well... I was attempting to return back to my homeland. I had just left the realm of the Flamecaller. My body was just growing tired of flight and I needed a place to rest for the night." Hopefully she'd believe him. For one, he was awfully exhausted. And two, he needed food and a place to rest. Though considering the other's demeanor, he wasn't so sure.

"Seems to me you could have easily rested on the shores of the Spires. We keep ourselves protected and concealed here. This valley has been our home. Very few have ever found this place and even fewer have been welcomed. Even considering that, I am still surprised you stumbled upon our sacred grounds." Her voice was stern. Drilling. Her gaze seemed to punch holes into his hide. She definitely meant business.

"I... I swear I meant no disrespect and harm. I only... Need a place to rest..."

His body felt so heavy. All four legs shook before crumbling beneath him. He hit the ground with a damp thud. There was just no way he could hold himself upright anymore.

"Hmph... I don't trust Plagues. And with good reason. But I am not an unkind soul. I will let you sleep upon our grounds. Though that doesn't mean I won't be watching you. Follow me." She urged briskly, her index claw wiggling in come hitherto. "My name is Sunspire. I am the Matriarch of the Arcane Moon clan." Without another word, she turned upon both heels and began to walk away, not even looking back to see if he was following. Groaning, Carrier lifted himself up upon wobbly limbs and slowly began dragging himself behind Sunspire.

She is definitely not the trusting type. He thought, mentally reminding himself to be careful of his behavior around the dauntless leader.

She led them to a small basin-like grotto, through a ring of trees and into a clearing. A cavernous lair entrance opened up before him. Outside it stood a blue hinted Guardian. Resting upon his brow, a crown of gold. Who is that? Carrier questioned himself silently.

"Yami. I have returned. The disturbance we detected was confirmed. I have brought us... a guest." Her claws swept toward him, pointing him out. Her next words were spoken too softly that he couldn't hear. The massive Guardian walked forward.

"Welcome. I am Yami and Patriarch to clan Arcane Moon. You have already met my mate, Sunspire. I apologize for your mistreatment on her behalf, but she isn't the trusting sort. I believe you understand the circumstances for being allowed here?"

Carrier simply nodded; how his head ached. "I give my word that I will create no strife for you. I just simply need a place to rest."

Yami responded, voice resounding, "Then follow Sunspire, she will show you to a place inside our lair where you can do just that. We will also provide you with a meal." Stepping aside, Sunspire beckoned him forward, again without waiting to see if he followed. Silently, he sauntered past the other half of the clan's power, following the Mirror into the mouth of the unknown.