Airana

Airana was a warrior. A general, in fact. She led her dragons into battle fearlessly.
.. though, those stories she prefers not to talk about, as she can’t bare to look back at the horrible things she experienced and went through.

Needing a place to rest, she settled at the Windsong clan. Whether or not she will stay, nobody knows. One thing is for certain: she doesn’t deal with anyone’s crap, and is not afraid to put them back in their line.

I knew. I knew that that day wasn't going to end well.
My stomach had twisted in knots, screaming that I turn back! But I didn't listen. I knew I couldn't obey the strong urge my entire body and soul commanded me to do.
I had to lead these.. Soldiers. These brave dragons into their inevitable end.
Into the shadows of The Ryft.

It was a fridged, ruthless morning in the camps. All the tents were set up and ready to stay, though we knew there was no perminant place we could rest at. We were close to enemy borders, waiting for a sudden movement from the enemy. Like a panther, waiting to strike his prey and taste his victory.

My commander and fellow generals and sergents were in the leader's tent, carefully planning out our attack. These warriors were of the highest ranks, strategests and warlords. To be put with them was an honor. Something I was proud of. I knew their plan was next to failproof... Or, rather, I thought.

When the time came to pounce, we did it as exactly as the plan followed. It seemed as we were going to win. Though we celebrated too early, as the Ryft warriors initiated their second half of their plan.
When we returned to our base, we came to find some of their best warriors in the shadows, silent, ready to strike. Just as we were. Rushing towards our soldiers and generals, they slit the throats of the poor, brave guardians and killed them. Left with only a few generals and me, we gathered in a cicle in the center of the destroyed, bloody camp. We were on high alert, ready to kill anything that moved only slightly.

The Ryft warriors slowly started to inch out from behind our tents, forming a circle around us as well. What we thought was a perfect defense now had trapped us, sealing our doom. Almost in unison, the shadows struck us, slashing the scales and skin off our face. They showed no mercy; their eyes spoke of no emotion or remorse.
When they struck us, we struck back. With a mighty blow, we killed many... But not enough. Not enough to jump back and attack. Not enough to cause this.. This trophy of defeat on my face.

They retaliated in reponse to our strike, slashing like they were to die. They took my eye out and blinded me; they skinned my cheek with their jaws! It was a horrific sight to see, as their move was more brutal than the last two attacks. They slit the throat of my allies and blinded my love. By the end of what seemed to be an eternity of pain, I could see my allies dead beside me, and my soul mate crying in pain. Oh, how she cried! They had ripped his eyes right out of their sockets, leaving nothing but the jelly of what was left dripping out on his bloody cheeks. Weakened, they took her away and left me to rot and die. Everything was fuzzy and grey. I was getting dizzy, and I couldn't focus on anything other than the cold pain upon my socket. The last I saw of her was the trail of red she left as they dragged her away.

I don't remember much from the rest of that day; I may remember flashes and snips from what I attempted to do, but not much.
I was getting tired, ready to give up on hope of living. But something in me told me otherwise. It was faint, but I could still hear it. I'm not sure if it's instinct or one of the mighty deities's messagebringers, but it drove me enough to fight the dark pull of death. I tried to get up and fly, though to no avail. I could barely even stand up straight without wobbling. But the tiny voice kept cheering me on, telling me to continue. And so I did. I walked through the tundra until I couldn't feel the pain anymore. Again, it was one of those snips of memory I have; I don't remember anything else or how I got to the place I did.

Eventually, I found a cave that which sheltered a clan loyal to the Icewarden. They let me in and helped sterilize my wounds. They were kind to me, but.. I couldn't stay. Being in the cold.. Being in the same place I lost my soulmate hurt me more than any wound you could inflict upon me.
So I left. Shortly after I was healed, I left. I wandered the region and flew from place to place.. When eventually I found the Windsong Clan. I.. I can't explain the welcome here. Nobody has asked me about my past or scars... They've just simply accepted it.
Almost like they understand I don't want to talk about my past. Though I.. I don't know if I can stay. I can't let them get hurt like my comrads, my allies. I can't fail to protect them like Juya.
I can't let that happen.