Stormwraith

Stormwraith was a lonely soul. From birth, she had felt isolated and detached from her clan-mates, and started to wander further and further from her homeland. One day, she just didn't come back.

Preferring dark and quiet places, she naturally gravitated toward the realm of the Tangled Wood. From her distance, she watched a new clan join the realm. It wasn't the largest she'd seen, but it was a healthy size, and had a surprisingly varied population.

By coincidence, a river she liked to use for drinking was near the border of this new clan's territory. On occasion, when she stopped there to drink, she saw a mess of hatchlings playing and happily sharing time together. She also noticed a particular dragon of the clan was basically babysitting them all. She didn't know his name yet, but this was her first introduction to Tigerstone.

Over a few weeks, she was noticed by the hatchlings and Tigerstone. On occasion, they would all go to drink at once, and Tigerstone took the time to greet Stormwraith warmly. He never prodded or tried to interfere in her business, but he was cordial and pleasant. She also noticed he had a gentleness to his burly frame that even the hatchlings responded to quite well. He never had to raise his voice or stamp his mighty feet. He simply caught their attention, and guided them back where they were safer. Tigerstone took the time to make each little one feel included, welcome. It was a sight that touched Stormwraith's lonely soul.

One day, Stormwraith saw that Tigerstone was distracted keeping several hatchlings from being too rough in their play. Another hatchling was diving into the river, quite intent on escaping to the far side, and into the wilds. Stormwraith felt compelled to action. She flew over, and landed in front of the hatchling. The younger Dragon was startled, and started to sink in the water. Stormwraith quickly got the hatchling by the nape, and pulled her from the water to safety, keeping her close as she recovered.

Tigerstone hurried over once he realized what was happening. Stormwraith was afraid he would be furious at her interference, but instead he was deeply relieved the hatchling ( Tigerfrost, in fact) was safe. He first helped her back across the river, then took the time to rejoin Stormwraith. He thanked her for helping, and offered her a warm meal with their clan as well.

The offer startled Stormwraith, and she had no idea how to respond. It triggered fears and anxiety about being around other dragons, and she became meek, easing away. Tigerstone saw her reaction, and just smiled warmly. She was under no obligation, but the invitation would stay open if she ever wished it.

His understanding had more effect on her than he would ever know. Stormwraith didn't feel shunned or ignored around Tigerstone, just... herself.

As they continued to see each other at the river, Tigerstone started to pursuade Stormwraith to come over and play with the hatchlings. Though Stormwraith herself never thought so, Tigerstone saw she had a gift with young ones. She was sensitive to their needs in a way no one else really was, and could tell when something was really hurting one of them long before he could.

At length, Stormwraith asked Tigerstone if his offer of dinner was still open. He happily confirmed it was. That night, she was introduced to Riken's Clan properly for the first time, and she was deeply shocked at how welcoming they were. Yes, there was still that social tension she preferred to avoid, but no one gave her uncomfortable looks or made her feel judged. They were curious, asked her questions, but always stopped when it was clear she was growing uncomfortable. It was at that dinner she realized she had a kindred spirit in Shadowflash, one of the coliseum champions of the clan. Shadowflash also preferred to remain mostly aloof, but was well-liked, and well-respected by every member of the clan. It didn't bother anyone that she was just a little more distant, it was her way. It gave Stormwraith something to lock onto with the clan as Tigerstone's manner had given her something to connect back to the world.

She did not immediately join the clan. She continued to interact with Tigerstone and the hatchlings at the river for the most part. Soon, though, she did broach the question. Would she be welcome to stay?

Tigerstone was deeply happy to hear her interest, and promised he would confirm with Kalarakesh that very day. He felt it was a certainty, but he knew Stormwraith would be crushed if he was mistaken, and didn't want to risk that social nightmare.

Thankfully, Kalarakesh had no objection. She liked Stormwraith, and all of the hatchlings responded very well to her. Stormwraith would always be welcome, whether she called the clan her own or not.

Tigerstone happily relayed this news to Stormwraith, and she actually started to weep, surprising herself. At first he thought he'd done something to hurt her feelings, so Tigerstone became apologetic and gentle, but Stormwraith smiled up at him, and assured him she was too happy to contain her feelings. For the first time.

And that is how Stormwraith joined Riken's clan. She and Tigerstone bonded not long after, and have watched over their own hatchlings within the clan as they continue to care for the hatchlings of the whole clan while the birth parents are hunting and collecting. Many members of the clan see the pair as the heart of their little family, and would fight fiercely to protect them.