Akuji

Deep within the foliage of the Gladekeeper's tree, a nest was laid. It was here that the eggs should have remained safely, blessed by the deity herself so close to where she was said to rest. However, one egg was not so lucky. Some time during the night while her parents slept, the egg tumbled loosely from the nest and dove many stories to the ground below, only saved by the plush leaves and moss lurking at the trunk of the Behemoth. From there, the small egg rolled down into the base of the tree and became lost in its ever expanding system of roots and dirt. It was there that Akuji was born.

For a year she never knew of the light. She was so lost within her 'home' that she simply believed the darkness was the only way; that she had been born as the only creature in a labyrinth of darkness and warmth. Moss grew on her body and her eyes, once bright green as all dragons born under the Gladekeeper, darkened to grow adept to the shadows. And yet, in spite of her misfortune, Akuji was not unhappy. Every day she would fall asleep in the warmth of the roots and the ground would pulse gently against her belly; she knew the Gladekeeper's love despite being hidden from the rest of the world.

But she could not live down there forever. One night, Akuji woke to the gentle sound of... something. She'd never heard a voice before but it seemed as if someone was singing to her in the most beautiful tones she'd ever heard. So deep underground there was little to be heard but dirt and her own breathing but now... something stirred above. Akuji slowly climbed up until she breached to the surface. Her eyes burned from the moonlight that poured down on her and for a moment she contemplated hiding back in her home. But the Gladekeeper sang to her once more, and the imperial, curious as she was, stepped out into the lush forest around her. She'd never seen such color in her life, it was almost painful to her darkened eyes but she loved it anyways.

She tried to mimic the sound that swam around her ears but could only make a sound that was not unlike the shifting of autumn leaves. Her vocal cords were unused for such a long time that they were almost useless to her now. But even still... Akuji found herself wanting to know of this new world. And so, with a hopeful heart and squinted eyes, the imperial huddled close to the lush ground that she trusted so dearly and ventured out into the world.



Akuji is terrified of flying. She's never known such things and trusts the earth far more than the sky and has no envy for those who do explore it. Even after all this time Akuji remains nocturnal; the sun or any amount of bright light stings her eyes and feels foreign compared to the Womb of the Behemoth that she called a home for so long. She's curious but likes to stay in her own little world of safety, content with watching from afar or listening. Akuji is still trying to learn how to understand dragon speak and can only communicate with sounds that resemble wind through the trees and occasional animal calls. However, this doesn't stop her from enjoying the company of others.