Astraea

There had been a fierce storm that night, lightning illuminating the sky as waves crashed against the surface of the water. For the three little hatchlings tucked away in a well-established lair in the Spiral Keep, in the deepest depths of the sea, the storm held little significance. The parents, Auvers and Oise, glanced up at the unrest above and then at each other -- was the storm an omen? Together they gazed upon their youngest and wondered what would become of them. Would they grow only to serve the Tidelord, as their three eldest had? Would they remain and make a name for themselves in the clan? Only time would tell.

---

Astraea has always been a curious child. Curious about the bubbles as she watches them float up, up and away toward the surface. Curious about the swirling blue patterns that would've allowed her to blend into the surrounding water, were it not for the almost golden lines that stretch across her entire body.

Mama always told her she looked like the night sky in the midst of a storm -- constellations dotted between strikes of lightning -- just like the night she and her brothers were born. The mysterious lines shimmer and glow, giving her an ethereal, otherworldly appearance. Astraea is curious to know if there is something more to their lineage. She's heard so many stories from her parents about where they'd grown up, and she itched to see beyond their little fortress.

And so, after much discussion and debate, she set off with her two brothers. They landed in the Forum of the Obscured Crescent, awed by the deliberately constructed dwelling. It was easy enough to settle in, and with so many others passing through for the first time as well, there was never a dull or lonely moment to be had. However, even with their research and bonds built and everything they'd seen and done, the siblings eventually felt the familiar pull, calling out and urging them to move on.

It came as no surprise that Reilunin wanted to head to the Cloudsong. She'd seen his wistful glances toward the Windswept Plateau when they'd first emerged from the Sea of a Thousand Currents. He deserved peace and happiness. She was perhaps a touch more bewildered but no less supportive when Lapis announced he'd made the decision to go to the Gladeveins. Her own path had been set in stone for quite some time, although she'd never had the courage to tell the others until now. Astraea was destined for the Sunbeam Ruins, hoping to find the Nightkeepers but confident in the feeling that even if she couldn't, she'd be able to find a place there. It was her mother's home once, after all.

The siblings part ways, unsure of when they'll see each other again, promises on the tips of their tongues to visit but held back by uncertainty. They know that it is time to complete their own journeys. This doesn't make saying goodbye any easier.

---

Life without her brothers is difficult at first, but she'd expected nothing less and thus presses on. Astraea moves frequently, learning but never settling, until she reaches the Mirrorlight Promenade. Sarenrae, a Solstice Dawnbringer if her studies are correct, welcomes her into a lair, introducing her to a wide variety of dragons who are more than happy to help. She is instantly taken by Alexandria's bubbly laughter, Amber with her kind heart, the cartographer Hyperion and his apprentice Austere...

She is especially touched when Leia, the leader of the clan, senses how much she misses her family and takes her under her wing. They trade stories, and Leia listens patiently and answers as many of Astraea's questions as she is able to.

She learns that her relatives are at the Beacon, and that if she asked, anyone would be willing to accompany her for a visit. She learns that Rey would like to train with her; that she can make Adora smile; that Elena loves talking about the Shifting Expanse. She learns that she has a home here, if she wants one.

She thinks of the affectionate glimmer in her mama's golden eyes as she ruffled the feathers on the top of her head before they left. 'I love you, little star. And I want you to be happy, no matter where that takes you, okay?'

Astraea closes her eyes and turns her face toward the sun as she reflects. She is the happiest she's ever been here. And there is a warmth in her chest that lets her know that she has, indeed, found her home.