Cepheus

He saw her but briefly, two nocturnes passing in the night. Literally. It was only a moment in time, but it was enough. He had to meet her. She was beautiful, perfection in his mind, and he could not let her get away. But by the time he turned around to find her, it was too late. She was gone.

Undaunted, he returned to the nest, collected his meagre belongings and made his goodbyes. His hatchmates thought it a pitiful excuse for him to leave the clan; hearth and home were here. Why leave? Someone else would come along. Someone better.

But they were wrong and he knew it. And without a glance back over his shoulder, he headed out.

He was not prepared for a long journey, but perseverance was his nature. Focused solely on her, he managed far longer than most dragons. That was, until he reached the Sandswept Delta. There, he had the misfortune of startling two scorpions and a Serthis alchemist. He fought long and hard during the ensuing battle, and nearly managed to get through it. But as he lay on the ground, gasping long, desperate breaths, with the alchemist peering down over him, he thought only of her and the missed opportunity.

Hours later, he awoke. Stunned by the unexpected turn of events, he looked around to see who his savior might be. Where he hoped it might be her, he instead found the alchemist. Coiled at a distance, his eyes ever watchful, he said nothing. But as he moved away, assured that the dragon would live, he left a token of his respect; a small pouch filled with food. It was enough.

Revitalized, he rose and took up his hunt. All across Sornieth he searched, not a leaf, a tree, a rock unturned. Until finally, and against all logic and reason, he found her. Far, far from home, he was stumbled into the lands of the Water clan and was shocked when they welcomed him as if he was one of their long-lost kin. He explained his purpose, and one dragon, an older, much larger yet kind Imperial soul, explained that he sought Cassiopeia. Born of the Shadow clan, she came to join them just recently, offering her skills as a negotiator to the Tidelord. The Imperial, a staunch old fellow named Monarch, laughed in delight when he heard of the young Nocturne’s journey to find her. “You will make a formidable team together,” he assured him. “What is your name so I may tell her of your suit?”

“Cephus,” he replied, for the first time since seeing her that day able to relax.