Bahloksil

Birthplace: Mate: Ten Million Voices - Shaman's Harvest

Bahloksil was a fool. A horrible, witless fool. The pulsating crystals on his shoulders were a painful testament to that fact. He should have known the Shade’s power would corrupt him. It was the Shade, for the Plaguebringer’s sake! The ancient evil that once threatened to wipe out Sornieth! How could he have ever thought it would help him? And yet, here he was, wandering alone through the desert, the crystals throbbing with every beat of his heart. His prison had cast him out. Rightfully so; they couldn’t have a Shade-corrupted Keeper, after all. On the other hand, did they really have to threaten him with death? It seemed a bit much, especially since it was his friends saying such things. If he was remembering the look in their eyes correctly, every last one had meant it. Glancing up, Bahloksil sent a death glare in the sun’s general direction. If he had known Dragonhome was so hot, he would have headed south. Or east. Or anywhere but here. As he walked, Bahloksil felt the Shade’s power stir, sending stabbing sensations through the roots of his crystals. He froze, immobilized by its influence. His teeth gritted and his claws dug into the sand beneath his feet. Suddenly, Bahloksil heard a voice. “Hello? Hello, are you alright?” Blinded by pain and a rage not entirely his own, Bahloksil lashed out, snarling like a savage beast. Through the haze, he saw a white and purple shape spring back. “Go! I don’t… want… to hurt… you!” he growled, fighting for every syllable. Just as suddenly as it had appeared, the Shade’s influence left Bahloksil. Immediately, his body crumpled to the sand, his sides heaving as he gulped down air. Death seemed to clutch at him with cold, steely claws. Then, there was warmth. Pleasant, unlike the unforgiving sun above. Bahloksil flinched, still hazy from the Shade’s sudden intrusion. “Don’t worry. I’m a medic. I’m going to help.” It was that same voice from before. This dragon’s claws were gentle as she examined Bahloksil. She didn’t touch the crystals, however. Maybe she knew what they were, or she could sense the evil coming off of them. “Who are you?” Bahloksil croaked, his eyes cracking open one by one. The dragon beside him was also a Gaoler. What could possibly be here for her in the desert? “I am Valkyrie,” the Gaoler replied with a friendly smile. She gave him a quick glance-over and nodded. “You seem stable for now, but I would like to take you back to my clan for a more thorough examination. Can you stand?” Bahloksil growled to himself as he stood. His shoulders ached and his limbs threatened to rebel against his commands. But Valkyrie gently nudged him along, offering her own shoulder as support. Her presence was calming and safe. Perhaps she could break through the Shade’s hold on him. At least, Bahloksil hoped so.

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Notes:

After meeting Valkyrie, Bahloksil stayed in Ravenguard for a time while she helped him heal his heart and mind. The two of them fell in love during this time and had three hatchlings, all of whom went off to find their own destinies. Once he felt well enough, Bahloksil grew restless, knowing that there were other dragons out there falling for the same schemes as he had. Valkyrie encouraged him to reenlist with a prison. Luckily, there was one nearby and he didn't have to separate himself from his beloved mate.

The shards of dark purple crystal growing from Bahloksil's shoulders and flanks are the now powerless remnants of the Shade's influence. Despite being able to undergo surgery to remove them, he insists on keeping them as a grim reminder of his mistakes.