Cauchemar

History
"Come see it," hissed the necromancer, concern and disgust written across his harsh visage as he led the white figure down the tunnels. Dual plague-touched eyes watched him curiously, wondering just what would require her attention this badly.

Further down, to the deepest part of the lair in the nesting chamber, a tiny hatchling took in her first look at home. The chamber was empty, those who had watched her birth having vacated rapidly upon seeing the nightmarish creature that tumbled out. Dozens of eyes fixated on the grass and feathers of the bedding, and the coldness of being out in the open by herself made the small skydancer shiver, egg yolk still soaking her feathers.

Movement caught the hatchling's attention, and she looked up, blinking her rows of crimson eyes in confusion. Twin embers burned in the darkness of the tunnel, and the newborn quivered fearfully. Slow steps approached, and a pale creature emerged from the darkness. Instinct demanded she scramble away, squeaking pitifully.

"This is what frightened the others? Your own mate included, Wraith?" From the depths a sigh came, and the hatchling briefly looked towards it to notice a pair of magenta eyes glaring at her.

"Yes. You know how she is. She dislikes anything unfamiliar to her. To see something like this come from her only egg- she believes it a curse." The pale one turned back to her, and craned her head down to peer at the petrified youngling.

"Hmph, I will take it, then." She said. Wraith sneered. "You? And do what, kill it?" The pale one snapped her head around, revulsion on her face. "And waste such a life without seeing its full potential? I am not hungry, Wraith, and I am not our harbinger. I don't kill just because I know I am capable of it. I will raise it as my own, if you will not."

"I don't care about such things. My only passion is for my work, not my spawn."

"Your work will consume you one day."

"And your demon will consume you in turn."

Silence befell them, heated glares exchanged before the pale one chuckled and nudged her maw against the hatchling. The contact seemed to startle an alarmed trill out of the little thing, and a long, black tongue began to lick away the yolk still clinging to her. The warmth and affection seemed to soothe the hatchling, and she began to make small chirps and croons. The pale one fell onto her side, letting the newborn cuddle up against her for warmth.

"Fair enough. Do you want to name it?"

"No. I want nothing to do with it. Naming creates unnecessary attachments."

"Then get out of here," she hissed, tone suddenly vicious as she snapped her jaw at the figure in the darkness, thick tar flying from her teeth. When he left, she looked down at the sleeping newborn and purred contentedly. "You've been quite the little nightmare for these idiots, haven't you? Mm," she settled into the bedding with a hum, "you have much potential. These eyes of yours are going to be a blessing and a curse, if I were to guess. And I know all about that kinda thing." A moment passed where she gazed thoughtfully at the child. "But I'll help you through it. I will teach you to use your gifts- and maybe one day, you can take my place."

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Trivia Though she comes off as resentful, as long as someone doesn't act negatively towards her multi-gaze she will treat them pleasantly. She isn't inherently awful, unlike many of her clanmates, and will make an effort to be friends if possible. Though young, she will frequently help out in The Pit, leading late arrivals to find empty seating. With her many eyes, she can easily survey the entire Pit at once and find an open spot. Unknown to anyone so far, she actually houses very powerful magic, likely from her biological father who was once an archmage.