Verbena

From looking at her now one would be unable to guess Verbena’s past. The typically calm dragon appears at peace emotionally and devotes her affections towards her clan mates. She is motherly to, not just the hatchlings, but also new dragons seeking to join the clan. But, this is all what she wants to show others. As most do, she has a personality beneath her facade that seldom rears its head.

The personality she hides is the result of her upbringing. Born into an old clan, run by stern and violent dragons, there were certain expectations for the young dragons. As an ancient clan, honour and blood ties were of vital importance. Male or female, hatchlings were expected to conquer a strong clan or mate into one for power. The clan was cruel and looked down on weaker clans, often tormenting them for pleasure. The environment of such a clan was restrictive and Verbena fled as soon as she was able to find a home with different priorities.

It took many attempts before she found a clan where she was accepted and felt welcome. Her motherly nature and organization earned her the spot of second-in-command beneath the two leaders. Verbena’s past could not be completely extinguished and she shows a strict, almost militaristic, dedication to keeping the books in order, recording history and lore, and creating and maintaining family trees. Sometimes her sadistic side comes out and she resorts to pranks to amuse herself. Still, such little pieces do not show the full picture of her personality.

Another prevalent feature in her concealed personality is her ability to hold a grudge. Somewhere in the great expanse of her mind is a list and woe be to these who land themselves on her list. Such a list is improbable to come off of and very few have done so. Most avoid her when she is irate and are careful not to end up on the list in the first place. Some ways to end up on her dreaded list include: attempting to flirt with or court her mate Aconite, to abuse her kindness and generosity, to threaten her family or clan, or to approach her in anger. One who has been on her blacklist and back off is Aconite.

A dreadful storm brought him to their clan, injured and on death’s doorstep. It was not some fairy tale or romantic tragedy and they did not fall in love at first sight. In fact, Verbena took no notice of Aconite except to see to his wounds and make sure he was healing well. She ignored his advances, but did nothing more about them until one day Aconite cornered her. He was confrontational, demanding reciprocation or acknowledgement of his interest. Verbena is not good with such confrontation and her violent rebuttal and subsequent departure left Aconite confused.

For a few days he let her be, but soon was once again pursuing her. Though, this time it was in earnest. She noticed a change in his personality and the manner in which he sought her affections changed drastically. It took some time and much effort on his part before she began to return his sentiments. It took a while longer before she consented to mate with him, but they now spend much time together.

When she is not with Aconite she is usually reading or learning something. Sometimes she pranks hatchlings and her mate. But, the one most victimized is her grown son Juniper. Juniper has a life beyond the clan now with mates of his own, but keeps in contact with his parents. Verbena’s pranks are one way she shows her affection and despite them, she loves her family terribly and would do anything for them.