Esmerelda

Baby dragons aren't always raised by loving families. Sometimes unwanted dragons are sold on the open market... and sometimes they're bought by those who have different ideals in mind than furthering bloodlines and training protectors. Esmerelda was one of these dragons, the darkness in her hide and wings catching the eye of a larger, even darker dragon. It would be perfect, he decided, a dark skin for a dark purpose.

The first thing that Esmerelda remembered were the dark red eyes of the dragon that towered over her. The next thing was the sharp sting of a needle in her hindquarter. At first, the eyes watched her, but when there was no immediate reaction, the dragon left, leaving her alone in the cold room. She tried to stand, but a combination of the cold, her youth, and the ache in her leg made it impossible. After a day, Esmerelda was unable to think for the burning agony that filled her body. She was barely able to breathe, but somehow she held on through the poking, prodding, and even the cuts that the darker dragon bestowed upon her tender flesh as he tested her for reactions.

Eventually, though, the dark dragon lost interest in her. He called her a failure and discarded her, leading her outside the lair and into the night. Esmerelda walked on, lost and numb, until she happened upon a lake. Able to see herself for the first time since she was taken, she realized that her body bore burning markings along her veins, saturating her arms, legs, and wings with a deep purple hue. She was shocked. What had that dragon done that did this to her? What could possibly have resulted in this? Esmerelda stared at the markings until something splashed in the lake on the far side. Startled, she flinched and ran for the protection of the woods, only to realize that the markings that had at first been purple were now a bright blue. Knowing that she wasn't able to hide like this, she grew frustrated, only to find the blue had flashed over to silver.

Fortunately for her, the dragons that had crossed her path were not looking for a fight, and after some negotiating from AmunRa, Esmerelda agreed to come quietly and find a place where she could at least regain her strength and learn about the world that had abused her trust so badly so far.