Nightshade

Spy/Contralto's lackey

When Nightshade hatched from his egg, it was into a clan with almost no one who looked like him. Impa took an interest in him which made him feel special since she was part of the spies and considered the lead spy even if it was stated. The others seem to take their cues from her, which Nightshade thought was pretty cool. He spent many a night by the fire with her and her mate, discussing how their days had gone. At first, Nightshade thought that they really cared for each other but then he started to notice little things. Magnum would be paying 100% attention to her but Impa was always distracted. Nightshade realized that her attention was always drawn to Contralto, following him around the camp with her eyes, never fully hearing what her mate was saying.

Nightshade thought that was weird but then it started to make sense. Impa idolized Contralto, hung on every word he'd say. Nightshade slowly realized that it wasn't Magnum that Impa loved but Contralto. He had already had a mate when Impa came to the clan so she chose his son instead, the next best thing in her opinion. Magnum seemed to not realize this and was completely devoted to his mate. Nightshade thought it was sad that Impa was using him that way but not his place to say anything.

When Contralto and Impa started the complaining and rumors against Karli, Nightshade was unsure how to feel about it. One the one hand, he thought it was weird that the clan leader didn't have a mate. Then again, he also knew that the personal life of the clan leader was also none of his business. He didn't know why Contralto and Impa thought they could dictate what the clan leader did with her life, but he knew that it partly had to do with power. Contralto wanted it and was trying to figure out how to get it. He overheard Impa and Contralto talking one evening about potential mates for the clan leader. "Do you think we can force her into choosing who we want?" Impa had asked hopefully.

Contralto seemed pretty confident. "Of course. She knows that we are watching her. And her last pairing only resulted in one baby. So now she needs to pick a permanent mate to appease us. And your children, my dear, are the logical conclusion."

Impa had squealed. "My children? You mean she'll pick one of my sons?"

Contralto had nodded. "Of course. And when she does, we will make sure he is loyal to us. Not like my son, loyal to his mother and our leader to a fault."

"How did he end up like that? You are so strong and he is, well, not."

"I wasn't involved enough. I was too busy chasing Sansa to realize that while I was chasing her she was turning my son against me." He strode off, the tension in his wings causing them to bunch up.

Nightshade had thought that Contralto would win, who else would the leader pick her mate from? And then Stark and Leia had a nest, before Impa ever even had a chance. While Contralto kept reassuring her that it would be her son chosen, Nightshade could see that Karli had never even considered choosing one of Impa's sons. Why would she? Stark's sons would be loyal to her, the perfect mate. Nightshade didn't want to admit defeat but it seemed pretty obvious to him that they were going to lose.

Then Vulpecula approached him. She was nearing her breeding time and was looking for a mate. She told him that her species were not prone to lifelong loves and that they traveled during mating season. She then explained that she felt it might be better for the clan if for her first time she had babies within the clan. And then she asked if he would do her the honor of being her mate for that purpose, making sure he knew it wasn't a long term thing. Nightshade didn't know how to feel about it.

On the one hand, it would be a win for Contralto. One of the leader's advisers choosing his lackey for a mate. He was getting what he wanted from the leader without her knowing it. On the other hand, it was a one time deal, so it was only a temporary fix. Once she was ready for her next nest and chose outside the clan, Contralto would start his complaints again. Nightshade knew he needed to talk to someone about it who had been in his position. The only dragon he felt comfortable with was Squishy, who had a nest with the leader prior to Arwen.

Squishy was sitting by the fire with Fiyero and Shade, trading stories of their day. Nightshade was nervous about saying anything in front of Shade, but decided he should risk it. He sat down, scratching his neck. "Um, Squish, I got a question, if you have time." When Squish nodded, he plunged forward before he changed his mind. "Vulpecula asked me to father her first nest. While honored, I also know it's a one time deal. On top of that, I also know it's a way to appease Contralto for a short time. I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm being used, but not in a mean way. Ya know?"

Squishy looked at Shade and Fiyero. "You know we all three have been there, right?" Nightshade looked confused. "After Karli's mate left, she was left to lead the clan alone without a mate. She chose Fiyero first, because he was single, and had a nest with him. Then she chose me. Lastly, she chose Shade, with the approval of his current mate. We all knew going in it was a one time deal, that we were being used for what we could give her. It's not malicious, it's a need that the clan has. Vulpecula chose you because she feels she can trust you to be the father of her children. A perk is that it will make Contralto happy for a moment. It's not a bad thing."

"But what if I fall for her?"

Shade snorted. "Dude, trust me, it's a one time thing. You aren't gonna fall for her. Not unless you are THAT desperate. You aren't desperate, are you?" Nightshade shook his head. "Good. Agree to be her mate, give her that nest, then move on. Find that one you are truly meant to be with."

"How will I know who that is?"

Fiyero and Shade exchanged glances. "You'll know. It may take time, but you'll know. For now enjoy being young and single. You can do what you want." Nightshade nodded, thanking them for the advice. He sought out Vulpecula, telling her that he would father her nest for her. She thanked him, looking much less worried than when they had spoken the first time. He made sure to do it near Contralto, watching the look of glee spring into his eyes. Hopefully this would settle the unrest for now.