Uncertainty

Uncertainty “Snowflake” Arkandiir

Male // He/Him // Asexual Aromantic

Spirit of Ice

Familiar

A snowy spirit animal that contains the essence of ice. (Crystalline Gala Holiday Familiar 2018.)

0

Wandering Aquarius

Familiar

The stars align, showing signs of fluidity. (Crystalline Gala 2021 Holiday Item)

0

Glitterfreeze Ambassador

Familiar

The Longneck of the Southern Icefield have a storied history of coexisting with dragonkind, and many are happy to guide trekking clans through the most dangerous mountain passes. (Crystalline Gala Holiday Familiar 2019.)

0

Iceridge Warrior

Familiar

An Iceridge Warrior never removes her hood in the presence of an enemy.

500

Longneck Interloper

Familiar

The Longneck clans are mainly indigenous to the mountains of Dragonhome. This one is a scout.

2500

Seaglass Swimmer

Familiar

Bits of ocean debris that are incorrectly filtered build up inside of these bicorn whales. Upon discovering a carcass, dragons may find a treasure trove of resources inside! (Colored by Frye.)

1350

Bullephant

Familiar

The ice crystals that form its horns and tusks are imbued with naturally occurring elemental magic.

2600

Cerussite Icewarden

Familiar

A fractal statue, carved by the artisans of the Ice Flight. (Crystalline Gala 2022 Holiday Item)

0

Ruche Slug

Familiar

A frilly fren.

2900

Walking Fish

Familiar

It's a fair bit better at swimming than walking, though it's hard not to admire such an ambitious fish!

500

"The Newcomer"

“So, let me get this straight,” Duelist began, voice slow and incredulous. Her faceted eyes were wide with awe, and her pupils would have been greatly dialated had she actually had any. Her whole posture indicated great amusement and shock. “You think that Fortis is your long-lost great-something uncle?” The Tundra shifted uncomfortably, pawing at his silvery fur. “I know it sounds hard to believe,” he mumbled, voice small. “But it’s true. I come from a small, secluded clan of Tundras who are descended from the Ancients. Fortis is my closest living Gaoler relative, ah, well, closest in both genetic relatedness and proximity to my clan.”

“And how did you find him?” Current rumbled, clearing his throat multiple times. He was obviously trying to remain his strict and stern composure, despite being inclined to burst into hysterical laughter at any minute. The Tundra warily gestured to his trolabe. “I got it charmed by a nomad,” he mumbled. “I asked for it to lead me to my closest family. It was a long trek, but I thought it would be worth it.” The Tundra didn’t mention how the nomad had predicted that Fortis would lead him to great prosperity and power. If the Gaolers knew that one of his reasons for seeking out his family had been for his own personal gain, they might cast him aside. Or even worse, imprison him for attempting to mislead their leader.

Justice growled, Ice eyes shining bright with anger. “I don’t trust him,” she hissed. “He smells of lies and deceit. I refuse to let him stay.” Before the interrogation, Current had been very adamant about having a conversation to cool the Tundra’s nerves. He spoke kindly of Justice, calling her hardworking and kind. A stand-out dragon who was lovely to everyone in the Caravan. No shred of the description remained in the blue Gaoler now, who stood to protect Fortis as fiercely as she had once protected the Icewarden and his Pillar Fragment. However, a waving tail in front of her face soon silenced her, and she bowed respectfully and backed away.

Fortis stepped forward, expression indiscernible and face screwed up in thought. “It is obvious that you have Gaoler heritage,” he spoke. “Your wings are small and unsuitable for flight. Your horns and claws are longer, tougher. Your fur is thicker and resembles ours, and of course you smell somewhat like us.” Fortis narrowed his eyes. “You speak the truth of your familial ties. I do not doubt that our bloodlines are related. What I do question, however, is your motive. We can smell the trace of lies upon your silvery mane. You reek of greed and nervousness. Tell me your express purpose for seeking me out, or I shall not have another word from you.”

The Tundra was quivering, cowering upon the ground. The four Gaolers loomed above him. “I just wanted guidance!” he cried out, voice nearing a shriek. “Is it not common for young dragons to leave their homes in search of brighter futures? I did not want the same fate of everyone else in my clan, secluded from the outside world! Sure, self-interest drives most of my motives, but I swear that it is not only greed that has brought me chasing after you! I promise I want to learn more of my family, I really do! I just had also hoped that your guidance might bring me power as well... b-but I would never even think of harming you!”

A pregnant silence hung in the air once the Tundra had concluded his spiel. Duelist seemed curious but mostly uncaring, Current was eager to know what would happen next, and Justice had her fur puffed up and looked about ready to pounce. Only Fortis remained unreadable.

There was a rumbling that might have passed for the very shaking of the earth itself were it not for the faint smile that had spread across Fortis's features. He chuckled, the rumbling in his chest almost like a cats purr. He extended one of his wings, gnarled claws a fearsome sight, but then patted the Tundra's head with the limb.

"If that is the case, then there is no reason for us to deny you hospitality," Fortis declared, humming. Justice's mouth dropped open. "B-but, but Warden!" she cried out, lunging forward before lowering her belly to the ground. "W-we are a caravan of Gaolers, and Gaolers only! A dragon much smaller than us might bring weakness to our beloved group! At least Dismal is a Gaoler, th-this one lacks any of our abilities!"

Fortis stared down at her, eyes widening slightly. He then chuckled again, easy and laid-back. He was not angered at her sudden outburst, nor her hesitance to accept a stranger into their harmony. "Ah, I know the Icewarden has long since proclaimed his... disappointment for the Tundra species," Fortis sighed, features settling into a lazy smile. "But, it's been a while since he's actually given us any orders, no? Perhaps we can avoid heresy by teaching him our ways, showing him how to be one with the Gaoler and the Ice. After all, he has Gaoler blood, my blood to be exact. It's been a while since I've seen any of my family, so I say we give him a chance. And as for his nervous smell, well, who can blame him? If I were visiting a relative I had never seen with powers I didn't have that was also twice my size, I'd be a bit shaky as well."

Justice grumbled something under her breath, but stepped back, dipping her head in respect to her Warden. Fortis turned to say something to the Tundra, but as an afterthought, he turned to Current instead.

"Current, you're quite proficient at making robotic limbs, no?" the leader asked. Current grinned widely and saluted with a paw. "Why boss, you're looking at the best technician 'round these parts!" he chuckled, humorously leaving out the fact that he was the only Gaoler in the Caravan capable of making fully-functional robotic prosthetics. Fortis laughed at the hidden joke. "Well then, do you think you could make my long-lost great-something nephew a pair of steampunk wings?"

Current's eyes brightened in anticipation of the challenge. Eyes bright and nodding furiously, he dashed off after calling out a confirmation of the task. Fortis chuckled as Duelist rolled her eyes and followed after her eccentric husband. Fortis turned to the Tundra, whose mouth was hanging open by now. It was safe to say that he hadn't expected things to turn out the way they had.

"Child. What is your name?" Fortis asked, causing the Tundra to jump. He stuttered and stammered, trying to get some words out, but eventually settled for a shake of his head and the shrugging of his shoulders. Fortis's brow furrowed-- it would appear that his nephew lacked a name.

"Well, that won't do," he declared. "If you do not come with a name, then I shall just have to give you one. Dear nephew of mine, from this day forward, you shall be known as Uncertainty Arkandiir. Your forename comes from your smell, as you were very nervous to meet us and are uncertain about your future, but were brave enough to see us anyways. As for your surname, it comes from my family." Fortis winked and grinned. "Cherish it well, nephew."

After the Tundra managed to pick his jaw up off the floor, he was filled with a giddy happiness. After the long trek it had taken to get here, and a rather nerve-racking introduction, he was finally on the path to his destiny. His long-lost uncle had accepted him into his family of Gaolers, and promised to teach him how to be one. Who knows, maybe he might even unlock his own hidden abilities! Uncertainty grinned, and bowed respectfully to his new family.

"I certainly will, Warden."