Cell

As the new day dawned, Rahm stood guard at the western entry to the lair. She squinted at the rising sun and yawned, displaying an impressive set of very sharp teeth. While she was glad to be back in the land of her birth, her clan was still having some difficulties adjusting. It was for that reason that Rahm stood watch. After all, a new clan could be perceived as weak and be attacked for their territory and hoarded resources.

Rahm was snapped out her musings by the sound of wings beating the air. She growled and stepped out from under the overhang of rock. "Who's there? Show yourself!"

No answer, but the owner of the wings had landed somewhere, judging by the now-silent surroundings.

Ah, but not quite silent, thought Rahm. There was the faint but certain sound of claws clicking on the hard ground. The Guardian crept toward the sound, staying as close to the cliff wall as was possible. When the intruder rounded the corner, they would never see her coming until it was too late.

The intruder stepped into her view--a lone Pearlcatcher with blood-red scales.
Rahm bared her teeth and stepped out to meet the dragon.

"And what do you want, bird-boy?"

The Pearlcatcherdid not respond. Hadn't even flinched, much to Rahm's disappointment.

"Hey, can you hear me? Do you only speak Coatl or something?"

Now the Pearlcatcher looked up to meet Rahm's glare. His eyes were as red as hers, but something seemed to be wrong with them.

Rahm felt a wave of unease wash over her as she stared into those eyes. They were...they were lifeless. There was no spark, no magic.

"Hell's bells, you're a creepy one, aren't you." It was not a question. Rahm sighed. "Look, can you just get out of here? We really don't need another weirdo in the clan. Especially another weirdo Pearlcatcher."

Still no answer.

Rahm shook her head. "Ok. Fine. I tried asking nicely, I really did. But this is your final warning. Leave. Now."

The Pearlcatcher did not move.

Rahm roared and leaped at him with claws extended.

The Pearlcatcher evaded her attack easily, a feat few had ever managed.

"What in the--"

Rahm was cut off as the Pearlcatcher cast a bolt of bright red magic at her. Rahm twisted around and the attack only hit her wing. Rahm hissed as she realized that her wing was rapidly becoming numb and useless.

"How--how can you use magic with eyes like those? Who...no, what are you?"