Hephaestion

Story

When other dragons learn just how wealthy Hephaestion was before he left his diplomatic family, they often ask why he even left. He often retorts that they have no idea how "boring" politics are, an answer that makes him sound stuck-up and privileged (which is a little bit true).

But there's more to Hephaestion, or, to his friends, "Heff" than meets the eye. Growing up, every action was scrutinized. His family, heavily involved in politics, cared only for their reputation, and the rambunctious, curious nature of the young bogsneak was quickly destroyed in favor of politeness and sucking up to any superiors. A word out of turn would earn him disappointment from his parents, so he quickly learned to shut his mouth.

But he didn't want to live like this, even if it came with three meals a day and hot running water and fine clothing. Yes, he liked those parts, but he had no real friends, just political allies. He had no hobbies he genuinely enjoyed, just status symbols like being able to play the piano at parties.

He knew a sudden disappearance would rock the family's reputation, so instead, after a heated discussion with his parents, he was sent on an "academic trip" to "discover the habits of other flights." He hopped around different clans for a while before joining the Coalition. He was impressed by the quality of life dragons enjoyed there and decided to stay.

He still writes home sometimes, but he never gets any letters back.

Personality

Hephaestion, despite his friendliness, is still unlearning the habits ingrained in him that come from his background. He has trouble seeing dragons without also seeing the benefits and drawbacks that would come with a relationship with them, and he still occasionally fakes flattery or other feelings to get something he wants.

That said, he genuinely has others' interests at heart, and rarely offends anyone. Other dragons describe him as friendly and fair, if a little prissy, but unless they're a close friend, they won't know anything more than that.

Hephaestion can be whiny at times and doesn't do well when going without something, but keep him well-fed and clothed and he'll perform his job without complaint

Likes
Honesty
Good food
Well-tailored clothes
Exploring

Dislikes
Liars -- he can't even stand white lies, making him a bit of a hypocrite
Not being able to tell what someone is thinking

Clan
Treasurer
He has experience handling wealth and is good at math, which makes him good for the job. He gives out loans and manages everyone's personal hoards of gold, and uses his own stack to buy and sell stocks to increase the clan's wealth.

He gives Speculo a bi-weekly report of every single transaction the clan has made, for transparency. They're posted in the library where anyone can read them.

Relationships

Best friend: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/51980286
Friend: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/51862515

Heff was the one who discovered Mico in the depths of the abandoned mines, so naturally, they're best friends. Hephaestion finds Mico charmingly honest, and honestly quite pretty, what with his scales always glittering like diamonds, a mind sharp as a diamond to boot. Some of his favorite days are when they've talked late into the night outside, watching the fireflies and listening to the crickets, and Mico will stretch out his wings and yawn and say in his naturally sweet tone that it's late, does Heff want to sleep outside with him? and yes, he always replies yes.

On other days, when Hephaestion sleeps by himself, someone might tell him Mico is waiting for him at the entrance of the cave, unable to bring himself to step inside. Hephaestion will leave a "be back soon" note at his desk and step out into the sunshine and Mico will throw himself at him, quivering, and he won't ask what's wrong because by now he knows it's bad dreams, and he'll say that too, soothing and quiet, it's just bad dreams.

On better days he may be clicking at his abacus and a glittering diamond will saunter into the room, yes, Mico, and his own face will brighten and they'll tell a few jokes before Mico will drop some priceless gem still encrusted in dirt onto Hephaestion's oaken desk.

Yes, Hephaestion thinks, something unfamiliar and warm and heavy in his chest, yes, they're truly the best of friends.

Quotes

"Good morning! Here for a transaction?"
"But I don't wanna go hunting... can I pay you to do it?"

Theme Songs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gea06zmMFHc