Ruse

Found by clan's silent Guardian, Ruse naturally felt urge to withdraw with Octavia to her post, but as more and more tundras poured into his life, he quickly became whole clan's favourite. Loud and lively as younglings of the clan he became part of, often seen darting through tunnels as he tries to accompany absolutely everyone. Despite of that, he'll always drop everything to join Octavia when she's off-duty.
Born from egg found by Octavia, Ruse treats large Guardian as his mother. Often found napping in corner of bestiary, he became friends with Loreheart.
Sing became natural victim of his pranks, probably due to his attitude to both Octavia and Coil.

***

- What is this? What have you brought to the lair, Octavia? Have Loreheart seen it?
Large guardian female meekly backed away from small object she snuggled in her nest. She lowered her head obediently, but kept her tail curled between small tundra and her pallet
- An egg? Do I have to remind you you weren't send to search for eggs, Octavia?
- Please, it was abandoned... she started, but immediately stuttered under his cold stare.
- Hmm... I guess you can keep it...
- Thank you...
- ...if, and only if, that won't hinder you. You're important member of search teams, Octavia.
- Of course. Thank you...

***

- Look! Look, Octavia! You can't catch me, even only with your eyes!
Small dragon darted across the cave, startling the elder mage that escorted Coil from his lessons. Younger tundra immediately zipped after little nocturne, remaining impressively close to his tail for someone who had much less space for acrobatics
- I see, Ruse, I see. But, please, be more careful she shouted after them with motherly tone, her eyes searching the cave for tundra that was always observing her.
- You're too slow, Coil! And too fat!
- I'm not fat!
- He's right, you are Onyxscale suddenly joined their play, jumping over nocturne from his hiding place. Little dragon squirmed through air, but there was little he could do and in a moment all three dropped onto the cave floor in furry, squealing ball of tangled limbs.
- We need to go said female, sighing in relief as Ruse peeked from between tundras' wings
- Can I go with you? I'll behave... this time for sure.
- Ruse, I can't...
- Sure! We'll have fun! Coil jumped up, pinning his foster brother to ground.
- Jump in! echoed other tundra, allowing nocturne to nest inside his cowl.
Large female just shook her head, but didn't protest, seeing a shape returning into shadows. He could refuse her, but had no power over Cameoleopardis' children... if only she could talk to Mother herself...
- Alright, let's fly!

***

Ruse darted between the dunes, listening to crackle of magic bolts hitting the sand around, causing it to rain down. He flew straight up and for a short moment skies and ground switched places, before he felt down upon Serthis, clawing into serpent's tail. He stood on his prey
- Done! he shouted, looking how others cope.
- Almost! replied the Coil from nearby, he dropped on all his four, ducking before arcane missile and sending one of his own. Then he used confusion to take another half-snake with mighty breath attack Alright, let's go help Octavia!
Nocturne nodded and they both darted toward the river. Young tundra was impressed with how his friend grew. Ruse was no longer that small ball of troubles he remembered back in the days when Octavia, somehow embarrassed, showed them the unhatched egg she found. Oh, of course, he took much from his tundra friends, but he was also a warrior now and in his eyes he saw the thoughtfulness and valor of his foster-mother.
- We're coming, mom!
Guardian female didn't let that distraction to get her. She was standing her ground, with three large scorpions nearing on her. They were close enough to sting her if she'd try to jump into the sky, but for now both her own and armour's scales were enough to protect her, paired with her full vigilance. Scorpion to her left attacked and she momentarily countered, not able to get rid of it as the one that was behind her now clacked its claws menacingly.
- Come on! Coil shouted, as Octavia announced another well-aimed sting with angry roar. Ruse hesitantly beat his wings in place. Coil sighed, if only Onyxscale didn't have to stay with Molnum and their... well, maybe it's better that way you go right, I'll go left! Come on, Ruse!
- Huh? I... yeah!
With all three dragons, the fight ended quickly. Guardian relieved by their assistance easily swatted one scorpion and pounced onto other being distracted by nocturne. Third one reared under Coil's magic onslaught and tundra herded him into the river. Ruse scratched into the sand in embarrassment, while tundra was using what was left of his magic on Octavia's wounds. Finally female lied eyes on her son and gave him stern look.
- I'm proud of you, Ruse she growled, sitting and awkwardly lowering her head to start cleaning nocturne in motherly gesture.
- Mooom, please small male's tail squirmed uncomfortably, but that didn't stop him from falling on his back and submitting.
- You should really ask mom to show you how to do it, Octavia.
- Am I... Am I doing something wrong? she asked with worried tone.
- I'm not complaining.
- No, no, but mom is absolutely best at it.
- I... I shouldn't bother Mother large female growled hesitantly.
- Pshush, you kidding me? Mom and dad will be delighted to teach you.
- Maybe I should ask them, then...