Starling

Starling's arrival has shed some light upon what truly happened to Toxin's clan, and why he arrived when he did. Nearby, to the east, lies the Tangled Wood, and just south to that, the Thousand Current Sea. It was near the intersection of all three of these lands, the Wandering Contagion being the third border, in the Tangled Wood that Toxin's clan made its lair. However, it was attacked by yet unknown assailants, and obliterated, the clan survivors scattered. Starling relates that she had seen Umbrus' father fleeing the field, but she saw no others alive. She had believed dead, and sought a new home elsewhere. When she saw young, seemingly defenseless hatchlings playing in the Wandering Contagion, she almost couldn't help herself, so hungry was she. When she pounced, Chaw was there, and she was far from pleased. It was Toxin himself that stopped Chaw's killing blow, quite nearly ending his own life before the ruthless matriarch. Through his word and quick tongue, Starling was spared and allowed to stay - for now. This thinly-veiled threat was quite clear: Earn your keep, or you will pay in blood or worse. Starling believes that, despite her cruel facade, Chaw was weak, and should she ever appear to be without protection - namely, that great, glittering oaf constantly over her shoulder - that Toxin and herself should make a move to remove the head from this snake, and take power themselves. Toxin is reluctant, but Starling is certain that will change soon enough...