Yukiko

Yukiko Snow's Child

Yukiko's parents were both descended from dragons who had left The Icebound while it was still called Wind's Rest. When Yukiko was very young, they sent her back to Wind's Rest. Yukiko was happy there, at least at first. But when Ghiaccia led them on a long, cold march to the Cloudscape Crags, Yukiko grew steadily more dismal. She disliked the snow. The ice irked her. And the lack of wind, something which had pervaded her every moment of existence, itched at her until she was no longer peaceful. And when Fireking, following the ancient, instinctive laws of the Nocturne, took her into his harem, it was the last straw. She attempted to run away with a young Imperial called Tinker. But by the laws of Ghiaccia, full-grown dragons are not allowed to leave The Icebound. Yukiko was hunted down by the Mirror pack, and Tinker was killed. They took Yukiko back to Fireking, and he punished her soundly. Then, he turned her over to Malke, the Harem Overseer, who made sure that her spirit was broken, and she would never attempt to leave again.

After this, Yukiko was broken. Beaten down by Fireking and Malke. She tends the food stores, rationing and giving. She comes to Fireking's nest when he insists, and raises the younglings he gives her. Her eyes see nothing but darkness. She does not live, she merely gives off the semblance of life.

Yukiko has but one secret, one spark of brightness in her life. The eggs that she bore after her return, the ones that Fireking was sure he had got out of her, were really Tinker's. They are living reminders of her one act of rebellion, and with them around, Yukiko will never forget. She will try again, someday, and this time, she will make sure she succeeds - or dies trying.