Karat

Crucibleswept subspecies

He had to blame his ancestors for this. His parents were expecting either a normal fae or mirror child to lovingly raise but something was definitely wrong when his head emerged. He had horns. Two different sets, one of the tundras of old and an imperial looking set. They were still small, perhaps they were a one shed event? The little mirrors head was very heavy as it fell to the ground immediately. His parents picked him up and carried back to their home, hiding his face from congratulators.

——-

They never did leave. When the first shed went through his parents were excited, perhaps he would be normal! But their hopes were soon crushed as by a couple of weeks, nubs were seen once more; they were not leaving. They kept him inside and taught him themselves. They knew in today’s society he would probably be claimed as infected with the fade. So they taught him to mine, smelt and forge; all productive jobs that benifited the family. As the years went by and his horns grew and grew with each shed, he started to have an urge to leave, to see what they were protecting him from. At night when his parents were asleep he made his move and quietly opened the forbidden door and saw the world. It was wonderful. Everything smelt new, refreshing! The sky had many pretty patterns that sparkles in the dark, the ground was soft but almost sticky as it flowed through his claws. He walked around, still being as quiet as can be, it was very exciting; so exciting that he didn’t see the mini potted plant outside one of the building. His foot kicked it, causing it to slightly move and shatter. He looked around and saw a light flicker on. He didn’t know what to do, he didn’t know where to hide, so he stood there staring like a deer suddenly being swooped upon. A dragon holding a torched sleepily walked out and saw him just standing there and screamed. There were many lights now. He wanted to move, wanted to run away and hide away once more; he just wanted to see the outside! But then more and more dragons came out, some with weapons, some without, but they all had the same intention; drive him away. “Begone fade!” “GET THE SWORDS!” “Where’s flamecaller when you need her?!” He started to back up but they followed. He looked at his parents house and saw them out, looking sad and angry but weren’t helping him. He was all alone now. He now had one option run away. He didn’t know anything about the world, he didn’t even know where he was, but with the townspeople now swinging swords and trying to capture him it was his only option. He ran.

———

He wandered for days, not seeing a sign of dragon life in ages. He knew the basics of hunting and could catch a couple of mice from time to time but that definitely wouldn’t sustain him for long. He walked the sunrise, hoping it would lead him either to some water or maybe to some nice juicy steak! The days felt long and he grew tired with each day, he missed being home in a nice cool home. On one particularly hot day, with little water left in his body he collapsed to the ground, panting away before falling unconscious.

——

He assumed he was dead when he reopened his eyes and saw darkness. With further examination however he realised he was still breathing and could see some light, he must’ve be in a building. He managed to sit upright, fighting his body to stay down. Where in world was he? He didn’t move much, his body sore and aching from his ‘adventure’. He just sat there and stared, thinking about everything before he heard the sound of a door opening and an orange guardian emerged. “Hello mirror. Don’t me afraid of me! The names Granith. I found you almost cooked to death!” So this was his rescuer. “If your wondering why I’m not freaking out about how you look, I won’t lie when I first saw you I did just think about ending you but you started murmuring nonsense, showing that there was a dragon underneath so I brought you to the docs. Apparently you’ve got something really rare. Can’t remember what though, it’s a really long name.” She grinned. “I honestly think their cool! Good intimidation and weapons!” He opened his mouth to speak and a raspy “Where am I?” escaped. “Oh! Welcome to clan Boltninja, home of many freaks! I’ll get you a drink, mister...?” He lowered his head and softly said “Karat.” The guardian nodded and with that the guardian walked off in search of water.

———

Karat was allowed to stay with Clan Boltninja when Granith finally heard his story. Whenever Karat needed something done to his horns Granith would always point him to an imperial saying “my horns stay on! Just give me them once your done. I bet I could get some good spears made out of them.” Granith allowed him to work with the other blacksmiths when he said he knew the craft. If he’s not attending to his horns you would most likely fin him there making something. He likes it here, no one judged him for being a horned mirror, maybe leaving home was a good thing, maybe he should go revisit with Granith.