Asheera

Rosy Peryton Familiar Though mythology indicates the dangerous nature of perytons, this species has learned to live harmoniously with dragonkind. (Colored by Nochnyr.) 0 Filigree Rapier Apparel Well aren't you fancy? 0 Morganite Minerals & Ores This pinkish beryl is pulverized and pulped with other materials to create the parchment used in Eternal Youth scrolls. Exposure to the stone alone will not reverse aging, though some create jewelry out of it and wear it in hopes of living a long life. 45

Lore: Roosting in the beacon of the radiant eye, at the point where sun and sea merge… One may find descendants of the Heliades. Imperials in service to Lightweaver, they heralded the sun across the sky each day. The light refracted off their lithe, crystalline bodies and filtered through diaphanous wings the Heliades are oft mistaken for rays of light. Habits: Heliades are cold blooded and all their body heat is absorbed from the sun, sunbathing is a common occurrence when not otherwise occupied in work or pleasurable pursuits. Renowned Fliers, these luminous Imperials dance across the sky as if executing a delicate ballet. Moving with a supple grace, these skills are not just beautiful to watch at dawn and dusk, but crucial for mating displays, hunting, and defense. For years it was widely believed that the Heliades were mute, but recent discoveries suggest that they instead communicate through a melodic croon, the vibration of the vocal chords resonating with the crystal. Diet: This species prefers high perches with views overlooking the water, hunting involves cliff diving and skimming the waves for fish. Though it should be noted that ancients need very little and subsist almost purely on nectar- a kind of dewey, liquified sunlight that collects at high altitude. Combat: Heliades do not normally engage in combat but when pushed these creatures of light, children of the sun, vanguards to Lightweaver; prove to be formidable opponents. Crystal hide and talon act as armor and sword. Coordinated flying makes for a distinct aerial advantage. Approach with caution lest you be dropped from the sky on the rocks below. Designed and bred by: zorramala

From the Sunbeam Ruins, to Dragonhome, and off to the Viridian Labyrinth, Asheera traveled Sornieth, wishing to experience the wonders of the northern flights, in the hopes to find a home. Word of a haven clan caught her ear, and she sought it out.

Here, she learned many dragons from all other Sornieth have also learned of this clan's reputation; some stayed, calling the clan their home, while others only visited, treating it much like a hospitable waypoint before they continue on with their journeys. Some dragons continued to travel Sornieth, while others came to the clan to seek exaltation with the Gladekeeper. While she rested here, she spoke with many potential exaltees, including two other Imperials, Julianna and Naza.

Like Asheera, Julianna and Naza were Helidae dragons from the Sunbeam Ruins. Due to their common heritage, Asheera grew close to the sisters while they lived in the clan. She learned that Naza was bullied for her wings, as Helidae dragons' wings did not shine like hers, and she was outcasted. Julianna, her older sister of the same nest, protected and defended her, as she knew it was not her wings that mattered, but who she was. The two traveled off together, ending up in Clan Gladehaven, amongst other dragons seeking respite. Asheera agreed that Naza's personality meant more than the purity of her wings, and she herself found them even more beautiful than any other dragon she's known.

Through the time the two got to know each other, Asheera and Naza began a relationship. The two were nearly inseparable, with Julianna always by Naza's side. Standing against two other Helidaes, dragons throughout the clan complimented Naza's unique, shimmering wings, boosting her confidence and self esteem. Asheera was so happy to see Naza's smile shining as brightly as her wings did.

The clan exalter, Ancient, made his rounds helping dragons seeking exaltation to the Gladekeeper. He never forced anyone to go, and only aided the willing and desiring. Some dragons did not know they wished to be exalted until he spoke of the many stories of dragons before them finding joy in aiding the Gladekeeper. Though Julianna and Naza did not intend to be exalted when they arrived, speaking with Ancient made them feel like it would be a wonderful opportunity for them, knowing the warmth and care the Gladekeeper and her followers gave. Asheera, on the other hand, as much as she agreed it was a fantastic idea, felt a calling keeping her on Sornieth. It was if the world itself was giving her the same warm embrace that the Gladekeeper promised, and she wanted to stay.

Naza and Asheera discussed this for a long time, both becoming ambivalent on their decisions. Their own views on where they wanted to go differed, but what they could not shake was the feeling that they belonged together, no matter where they went. Asheera, at times, started feeling regretful, sad to lose the girl she had come to love so. Naza knew Asheera could not live with a hole in her heart, and so, took off the pearl pendant around her neck, and placed it around Asheera's.

To this, Asheera asked, "Why are you giving me your pendant? It's so dear to you, is it not?"

In response, Naza reassured her:

"A hole in one's heart is something no dragon should live with. In giving you my pendant, I want you to remember me, as a piece of me will always be with you, right by your heart, to fill that hole whenever you miss me. I love you, and with this, I will never leave you."

Asheera wept, and the two kissed sweetly.

On the day Naza planned to depart, Asheera met up with the sisters to give them her final farewells. It was here that Naza and Julianna had wider smiles than to be expected of such a sad occasion, and Asheera was confused.

"I don't understand. The two of you look merry and untroubled for such a somber goodbye. What's on your minds?"

Julianna spoke, "Naza and I talked endlessly about this, and I want you to know what my decision is." Naza restrained herself from bursting with excitement.

"I've seen how happy you make Naza; no home is greater than the warmth of a lover's heart. I have spent my life looking out for her, and now, I believe you are her true protector. I give you my blessing to take care of her; long may your love last."

Again, Asheera broke down in tears. Her first reaction was to embrace Julianna tightly, muttering her thanks softly in a cracking voice. Naza moved to stand beside her, lovingly laying her head against her girlfriend's.

When Asheera was able to collect herself, she realized that Naza was staying, but Julianna was not. "Julianna, what about yourself?"

Julianna smiled contentedly, giving her answer:

"There are many Helidaes like us; few like Naza, and many like me. She deserves to remain where she is happiest, and likewise, the world deserves to know her beauty, both inside and out. Few Helidaes, on the other hand, seek the Gladekeeper's embrace. I want to be a leader in that field, as a means to welcome our kind, regardless of our scales or our wings. But as Naza will never leave you, I too will always remain with both of you."

It was a noble decision, and Asheera respected it.

Since her exaltation, Julianna was continuously fondly spoken of by the two Imperials. She was more than a sister, more than a friend, but a memory that love will never end. Asheera and Naza now have a life together, with no plans to ever separate. They are where they belonged: with each other.

major lore retcon needed; turns out naza and asheera were related, and i didn't find out til a year and a half after i wrote this :/ took me another year and a half to finally come up with an acceptable retcon:

- naza was insecure due to the fact she was an "improper" heliade for having shimmer and not butterfly
- she didn't feel ready to be exalted. julianna respected this, and after seeing how safe she felt with asheera, she let her stay with her. naza promised she'd come join her one day
- asheera helped her not only feel confident in herself, but helped her love herself for the imperfections others saw in her. asheera became so proud of her
- it eventually was time, and naza felt ready to leave. she sent a message to julianna, who enthusiastically returned to take naza with her to the gladekeeper's army. asheera was sad to see her go, but happy that she finally saw her become the dragon she had always seen in her

what if therapist dragon????

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named prettiest dragon by Hawktalon 6/30/18!



pastel!!!!!