Orchidia

Born of ice and snow, Orchidia never fit in amongst dragons of the Southern Icefields.

Her rich purple and blue feathers, akin to the nightshade flower, were a stark contrast to the frigid ice blue of her brothers and sisters. Orchidia also had a deep interest in growing and tending to delicate flowers, ones that would never survive in the harsh frozen wasteland that was the Southern Icefield. Despite how vastly different she was, Orchidia was still loved by her clan. She was one of them, and the dragons of her original clan were loyal to each other.

However, it was working out for her. Orchidia loved her clan, but she also loved nature as well. She had considered for years whether or not to leave her home for the Viridian Labyrinth but ultimately decided against it. The Gladekeeper’s domain would be too warm and swarming with insects and wild animals for her to handle. However, the Tangled Wood seemed promising. Although it was dark, it was clear that flora could still survive there. It was closer to her home than the Viridian Labyrinth. It was also interesting how her feathers naturally blended in with other dragons living in the area as if Orchidia was always meant to be there.

After having bid farewell to her clanmates, she took the few possessions she owned and went on her way. It took her quite some time but she eventually found herself on the border of the Shadow territory. Orchidia, unaware of the nature of the inhabitants living in the area, simply wandered about in plain sight, trying to find other dragons.

She was completely taken by surprise when a group of natives ambushed her. They slowly blinked their deep purple eyes as they realized the dragon before them was not only gifted with great beauty but also a child of the Icewarden. Realizing what they had come upon and the great sum of treasure they could earn, the ambushers attempted to capture Orchidia. Before they could do much of anything, though, a Mirror burst through the underbrush and shouted something in a language she could not understand.

The ambushers scoffed and responded in the same language. The Mirror and group of dragons traded words until, finally, the ambushers nodded and turned away. The Mirror that had seemingly saved her then turned to Orchidia and spoke in a tongue she could understand, introducing herself as Domeia. Domeia offered to take her to her clan, a safe place she could stay for the night or longer if she so wished. After the Mirror had saved her life, and with nowhere else to go, Orchidia agreed.

As they walked, Domeia explained how she and another dragon named Uojomo decided to create the Vila Clan to help those who were alone or abandoned. Orchidia was assured that she would fit right in and that others would help her feel welcome. Or, at the very least, they would not exclude her.

Upon arriving, Orchidia was stunned by the appearance of the Vila Clan’s territory. Unlike her former home, the grounds were modern and sleek, buildings of all sizes compared to the dark caves she had lived in before. Many dragons were bustling about, going about their day and completing their daily tasks. She was shown around the grounds by Domeia until, in the end, Orchidia was asked of what she would like to do. The Skydancer explained how she was incredibly interested in botany and gardening. To test out her skills, Domeia gave her the task of caring for the dying, neglected garden of the Vilas and discovering new plants to grow there.

Off she went, strolling through the Tangled Woods while she followed a map given by Amunia, conjuring her magic to create the scroll. Orchidia followed the path as closely as she could, but after a moment realized she had gotten herself lost. Until she stumbled across a clearing filled with fireflies and hatchlings playing chase. And, in the middle of it all, stood a grim-looking Skydancer.

It only took him a moment to notice her. As she saw his face, she realized who it was. Domeia had warned her about the mercenary with feathers that matched the shadows; Alliumite.

However, he didn’t seem as terrible as the stories told. Slowly walking toward him, she giggled at his dumbstruck look. They exchanged words until she remembered her original purpose for being there. Excusing herself, she spoke of how she would have to tend to her garden and that the princesses she had yet to meet would most likely attempt to play there, according to Domeia. Although they left on good terms, the thought of Alliumite’s occupation unnerved her.

Arriving at the garden, Orchidia was astonished by the disrepair it was in. However, there was clear potential in it. It took much time, but eventually gorgeous flowers in shades of blues and purples neatly lined up in the garden. None of the flora’s beauty could match the gardener’s, though.

Years later, as she was scavenging for plants and seeds for her garden, she came across a sleeping figure in the Wispwillow Grove. One that was quite familiar, in fact. Orchidia’s gentle laughter woke up Alliumite slowly. It was clear that he was different, but was he different enough?

Orchidia explained to Alliumite why she had been in the clearing all those years ago. She also explained how she had watched over him because she was infatuated with him. However, she never approached him because she was warned to avoid him. Orchidia asked the other dragon if he had left his old life behind and Alliumite, with clear guilt, confirmed that he had.

That was enough for her. She invited he join her clan as he was alone and his strength could come in handy. Plus, she did not wish to be away from him any longer, clearly holding affection for Alliumite despite his past. Holding out a hand used to planting and tending delicate flowers, she lead him away from the Wispwillow Grove.

Written by
Neraida#311418