Derrybawn

Derrybawn was the first of the outsiders to be drawn toward the Darjan grove by its reputation. She knew Tendrelle was Heartwood's heir but thought her experience and wisdom would convince the clan to trust in her over the more naive dragonling. Little did she know, Tendrelle was on the verge of a transformative experience, and was soon raised up by the goddess Herself.

Derrybawn's intentions had never been malicious... but something changed in her when Fashban arrived. Whispers and suggestions seemed to haunt her dreams, and the song of Death began to play in her ears, even upon waking. A schism was imminent. And then, on the last day of Midverna, at the stroke of midnight, she crept forth and stole Heartwood's chimes while he slept, bringing them to Fashban as a tribute.

The dark goddess allowed Derrybawn to keep them, and the Deathsong Enclave was born.

~~~

Weeks passed, and the Deathsong Enclave grew as Fashban summoned more dark dragons from her realm. Despite her service, Derrybawn discovered the truth--she was merely a pawn in Fashban's game. Then came a night when Wilhelm approached her and charged her with a horrendous task: enter the Darjan clan's nesting grounds, and smash the eggs.

She couldn't go through with it, and casting off her bone mask, she approached Darja and begged forgiveness, throwing herself upon the goddess's mercy. Darja forgave her, but demanded a service of her own. Derrybawn would become the keeper of Autumn's lore, responsible for overseeing the rituals of that season forevermore. In addition, she would dwell in exile during the green seasons, only allowed to join the rest of the clan when the wind turned crisp and the leaves began to fall.

Derrybawn accepted these terms gratefully, and returned the bone chimes to Heartwood. For his part, Heartwood would not go against the goddess's will, but his regard of Derrybawn remains icy to this day.