Jormungandr

Named for the fierce serpent from Norse mythology, Jormungandr is far more out-going than most of the other dragons of the clan, and, when he was younger, lived for the thrill of risk-taking. Even now his general attitude has a tendency to border on arrogance, and his skill in battle only seems to feed into this. Nevertheless, he's a dragon you can depend on, and definitely one you'd want on your side. He’s particularly adept with the training of new recruits, honing their strength and teaching them fighting skills that will serve them well when they leave to serve the Gladekeeper.

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As a young adult, Jormungandr was bull-headed and brash, wary of orders and quick to force his opinion on others. Much to the disapproval of fellow Guardians, he even went many months without selecting a charge, afraid of being tied down. He boasted no insecurities, but was secretly intimidated by the possibility of complete failure in the eyes of his kin. Eventually, he took to travel, telling others he was off to find his charge, when in reality his intention was nothing of the sort. Jormungandr wished to get away from the intensity of his Plaguemates, somewhere with less responsibility thrown on his shoulders. He spent a time in the Tangled Wood, gambling with the resident Shadow dragons until he grew tired of such activities, after which he took to wandering the shores on the edges of their territory. It was on one of these such days that he first beheld the young dragoness Orbit across the river, humming to herself as she snipped wildflowers from the water's edge. She could not see him, of course, as Shadow's side of the river was thick with undergrowth and thorns, but, unbeknownst to her, every morning he waited there for her, watching. Though he would not admit it to himself, he was entranced by her gentleness, by her easygoing nature, by her fur, clean and well-kept.

One fateful day in the midst of summer’s warmth, it was Orbit who initiated the first conversation.

“So...are you ever going to come out of there?” she called casually across the waters, not bothering to look up from her task. Jormungandr started, stepping on a thorn in the process. Despite his attempt to hold back his grunt of pain, Orbit clearly heard him, responding with a muffled giggle. “I mean, don’t think I can’t smell you back there! I’m used to the scent of Shadow dragons by now, but yours is different. Won’t you come out? I could take a look at whatever you managed to hurt yourself with.”

Jormungandr was still frozen for a second, before sighing to himself, pushing his way past the briars, and stumbling rather clumsily through the stream. He knew when he was caught. Orbit’s eyes widened a little, as he towered a good bit over her, but she made no comment. Instead, she flicked her tail at his foreleg, noticing how he was favoring it. She was, apparently, very acute at picking up details. Resigned, Jormungandr lifted it up slightly so she could get a better look, while Orbit tsked quietly.

“Had to go step on the biggest thorn you could find, eh, tough guy?” her tone was chiding, but her eyes twinkled mischievously.

“Oh please, don’t worry for me, I’ve seen far worse,” Jormungandr retorted. “I’ve been in battles, fighting just to stay alive.”

“Ah, of course, the brave, brave warrior.” Orbit dexterously grabbed the thorn between her teeth before giving a sharp tug.

“Ow!”

“Very brave, indeed,” Orbit said with a laugh. “Next time those scary thorns give you trouble, feel free to give me a call. Or, perhaps you could come back to the Everbloom Gardens with me? My mother could probably get you a salve for that, keep it from bothering you too much.” Jormungandr hesitated. He wasn’t particularly inclined to go anywhere inside the Gladekeeper’s domain, of all places, but he did want to spend more time with this charming Tundra.

“Sure,” he agreed, and began to follow her as she led the way through the flowering fields. Jormungandr still wasn’t sure exactly what or who he would choose for his charge. But he was beginning to get an idea.