Belladonna

Belladonna, often called Bell for short, was a quiet dragon. She spent a lot of time with her mother Celestial and Crowe, learning how to fine-tune her magical abilities and attune herself to the crystals and magical tools they used. When she wasn't with her mother and aunt, she liked gardening.

She'd grown close to one of Raven and Moondust's recent hatchlings, Charlene. The young Imperial was the only one of their hatchlings who had stayed behind with the rest of the clan.

The two dragons were taking a break from their studies, relaxing on the warm black sand of the beach. They'd been having a discussion about an odd feeling they both shared.

"I can't pinpoint a cause for it, but something in my gut just tells me I need to stay here," Charlene was saying.

"I've had a similar feeling for a while now," Bell said. "It's like there's a gravity here drawing me in." She wrapped her tail around herself. "I can't help but feel like it has something to do with the shift in the magic that the others are researching."

Movement in the corner of her eye caused Bell to turn her head, and she saw a black Pearlcatcher standing alone beneath a shelf of stone. The stranger looked a little nervous, huddling in the shadows, though it was clear that he was eyeing the two dragons on the beach.

"Who's that?" Charlene whispered.
"I don't know," said Bell.

They stood, slowly approaching the dragon.

"Hi," Charlene called out. "I don't think I've seen you before."

"Hello," the Pearlcather replied, his voice a little nervous. "I'm a little new to this area... my name's Darkling."

"I'm Charlene, this is my friend Bell."

"Nice to meet you." The black Pearlcatcher bowed his head respectfully.

"Where are you from?" Bell asked.

"My family lives a ways away from here, in a secluded little place over the cliffs," said Darkling. "We've been lying low for a while, but my family is feeling more comfortable so I figured I'd go for a walk, see if I might meet some new neighbors."

"Well welcome to the area," Charlene said with a smile. "It's a nice place here, very warm and comfortable."

"It is," agreed Darkling. "I like it here... well, so far anyway. This is the first time I've left my den."

"Really?" Charlene asked.

"Yes. I know it seems a little silly." He shrugged little and looked away awkwardly.

"Everyone moves at their own pace," said Bell gently. "Nothing wrong with taking your time getting to know your new home."

"We could show you around a bit if you have some free time," Charlene said. "There are some lovely places around our beach here."

"Really?" Darkling lifted his wings. "That would be very kind of you, I'd really like that."

"Sure," said Bell. "I have a gazebo just across the beach where I have a garden started. I've collected some really pretty plants and flowers and it's finally starting to fill out."

"I'd love to see it," Darkling said excitedly. "I really love flowers."

The three of them set off, walking side-by-side in the direction of Bell's garden.