Lophii

-To be formatted and cleaned up later-
Algodon and Lophii have always been together. Neither can remember a time before each other, merely being by each others' sides. Over the years, this has meant a number of things.

At their youngest, in their oldest memories, Lophii was the one to take charge. In a way. All bravado and confidence, ready to show teeth and claws to whatever came their way. Algodon was the one who came behind, words and knife at the ready, to clean whichever sort of mess needed cleaning. She was the one who would interrupt Lophii's bravado, effortlessly, crafting a greeting which would introduce the idea of peace to whatever dragon they'd run up against--and to Lophii. It was a subtle art of hidden apologies and somewhat backhanded ego-brushing. She began diplomacy training early, learning on her own from others' reactions. But she was never naive--she was always watching to see who struck first, and if it wasn't Lophii, then her olive branch and silver tongue didn't reach that far. Some days, unlucky dragons met the cruel Algodon, young yet vicious.

Her sweet words and Lophii's confident bravado slowly attracted other dragons to their cause, mostly young ones at first, and they began to form a small sort of ragtag clan, roaming the sandy strand of the Tidelord's domain and carving out a name for themselves. Lophii was the one who learned to fish, recklessly pursuing the largest things that moved, no matter what. Depin, eels, mantarune, the occasional unfortunate Maren--he hunted with the same wild, determined abandon that he approached everything else. Though the maul first, ask questions later style of fishing was the downfall of more than one of his adopted clan, and though he was deeply aware of the dangers of the sea, he had no interest in treading lightly. It's Algodon, again, coming behind him, keen eyes scanning the glistening watery horizon for added trouble, or more often, the immediate vicinity for trouble Lophii has already picked a fight with. Injury is not uncommon, but Algodon always comes prepared--for fishing and for a fight. Knife and spear at the ready, bandages tucked away, baskets and pouches waiting to be filled to overflowing, and eyes always on the alert.

It isn't all danger and survival, however--Lophii and Algodon have always been close friends. Each always has their teasing at the ready, and Lophii often initiates wrestling sessions that Algodon often ends. Lophii takes great joy in being what is, in his mind, a bit of a prankster: hiding the gadgets and accouterments Algodon carries (though never her prized knife), inventing absurd stories for his latest cuts and bruises, and swatting at her wings whenever he manages to sneak up behind her (which is rare). Algodon retalliates by leading him around calmer waters with the reflection that glints off her knife and by gossiping about him loud enough that he can hear it when he's just within earshot. She has embarrassed him in front of many a crush, while he's never managed to get a good read on who she might fancy.

As they grew older still, their relationship changed slightly, though not as much as some might think. Many who knew them, especially older dragons, said that it was inevitable they would fall in love, with how close they were. And, indeed, the first hatchlings they had were with each other. But that doesn't mean they were in love. It also doesn't mean they weren't. Their relationship stayed the same, in many ways--teasing, affectionate, and ready to defend each other claw and nail. But they'd always been there for each other, whenever the other needed reassurance or comfort or help. Sometimes, they nest together, and sometimes, they nest with others. It doesn't matter to them, for whom it's just one tiny part of a life spent together. And besides, those who know her best aren't sure Algodon has ever expressed romantic interest in anyone.

At present, Lophii does well to inspire the confidence of his clan. The people listen to him credulously and stand alongside him in whatever challenges or victories the clan faces, together. He's come a long way from being the aggressive almost-loner than he was as a cocky hatchling, but not so far in some ways too. He is still decidedly a strike-first-ask-questions-later dragon, and he and Algodon deal with the consequences of that together, as does the rest of the clan. He is, overall, a beloved leader who fits the congenial and fearless bill quite well, rarely acting like he's any different than any other member of the clan aside from his ever-present bravado. He likes to think of the clan as a big family, and he's surprised himself by ultimately wanting the best for it. Having something to actually fight for has helped him out a lot, but when it comes down to it, he's still got Algodon in mind first and everyone else comes second. He knows she's got his back, and he's not afraid to test that knowledge. Constantly.

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Cheers to Lazlee for helping me get started. Quite a writer.