Gleamer

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Day passes, so does night. Nothing can bring her away from the cavern's entrance, where she spends most of her time grieving. Perhaps it is the guilt of their argument that night. Perhaps it was just because she couldn't save him. Either way, Shadis was gone, and there was nothing she could do. She wasn't the tough Ridgeback she was in her younger years. Back when things were tougher and they were just few, traveling under the aloof Tundra and sleeping where they could. It seemed like so many moons had passed their cycle since then.... But who's to say they haven't?

Velros asks her how she is each day. He did so today, and yesterday, and the day before that. He'll do so tomorrow, and the day that follows, and the day after that even. He worries for his old friend and her health. Perhaps she isn't as gleaming as she use to be. But Velros assures her a thousand times over that she is still as beautiful, that her scales shine with a fire that can never be extinguished. That amongst the dim trees, she is still radiant and shining ever so brightly, a star that will never die. And it feels like old times, but just for a minute. But still, that is a minute not spent in silent anguish.

Starling had assured her this dragon would be a sweet mate for her now. But Tamid was a bit iffy for her tastes, someone she would've liked better as a rambunctious teen. In a way, he reminded her of her fallen mate. Still, Gleamer couldn't help but notice the absence of warmth between them, her chosen mate. In the end, he left and took the hatchlings with him. Not that she hadn't suffered that before, and she'd bite her own tongue off before admitting she wasn't really that upset. Her daughter Storm though was a beauty and she had hoped she was doing well serving whatever deity.

It didn't matter. She kept sitting alone day by day. Velros devoted some of his precious time to her, Starling visited her as well. WillOWisp faithfully stayed by her side, and even Deltos and Soren for Shadow's sake brought her gifts to lift her spirits. Gleamer politely tried to turn them down; that tactic worked thrice. And the darkness, her own personal "shade" was lifted in those times. But it always came back when she wished it didn't. At night, her dreams were dark and hopeless. It was better to just stay awake. Eventually, a male Imp came before her, another one seeking the solitude of isolation. Proto, his name was. The new water ambassador after Shadis' death. He was a kind thing, and she had no anger against him. Soon, he began singing to her songs he heard in his head, ever so softly. She didn't mind his company either.....It was better to share the darkness with someone, than no one. It was time for her to start letting others in her heart, starting with her tundra friend. Her clan needed her, it was laughable to think she was the only one suffering with so many dead. They had to get through this together, not apart. And they would, sure as the roses and thorns upon a moon blessed bush.



Art by IrritatorRaji