Challenger

Challenger came to the Wide Sky clan somewhat recently, fleeing from a dark past in the Icefields, hiding from some kind of research project gone horribly wrong. When he arrived, he was something of a mess, and was not able to separate reality from hallucinations, nor able to grasp things that were real versus false. Windracer taught him how to fight, and in doing so, he re-learned what the world felt like, and slowly found himself again.

For a time, he trained other dragons in combat, but he was never the most effective fighter, nor did he love the sensation of combat. He would do it, but he did not enjoy it for the sake of fighting. So when Mina appeared, he happily turned over the responsibility of training new fighters to her.

Shortly after he became a full-fledged member of the clan and no longer Windracer's latest rescue, he met Vartija, and nearly immediately began to court him. Shortly thereafter, the two became official partners. Challenger has been a boon to Vartija, and Vartija has been a grounding influence on Challenger. Challenger has also become extraordinarily devoted to his mate and to Vartija's adopted son, Nerita, and treasures the little veilspun more than anything else in the world. He loves his family, and wants nothing more than to dwell peacefully, quietly, and happily with them. Despite his somewhat frightening appearance, he is an extremely kind and gentle dragon, and is much beloved by adults and hatchlings alike.

Mate of Vartija.



Update:

When Nerita slipped into a magically induced coma, drawn into the nightmare by several entities, Challenger immediately knew who was responsible. And when he was offered the option to enter the nightmare himself and find him, he talked to his mate and clan first, and then entered.



Update:

Due to dying twice in the nightmare, Challenger's entire appearance has changed - his eyes, coat, and wings have all changed, attuning more to his natural element through the work of Cat, the nightmare's healer.








^drawn by 2BDamned


^drawn by Starflight897