Moonglow

Moonglow || The Gentle Guardian I'll be there for you through it all. Theme.

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Moonglow is massive, even by Imperial standards. Easily shadowing most dragons he comes across, he comes off as impassive and imposing. A few words to this behemoth, however, will reveal that he is one of the kindest souls that one will have the pleasure of meeting. He speaks softly and always with a concern for his fellow creatures. Though he has no children of his own, friends know him to have fostered abandoned or parentless nests and to raise the resulting hatchlings. He has never used his prowess against another dragon, and only raises his voice when absolutely necessary to solve conflict.

Having witnessed the death of one of his siblings at a young age, Moonglow internalized the loss and wholly blamed himself. He vowed to never allow another tragedy to occur in his midst. Though well-intentioned, this can lead him to be overly protective and insistent on the safety of his friends. Despite her protests, he insisted upon accompanying his friend Eirene on her ambassador duties to ensure her wellbeing. Many journeys were completed without incident, and though she complained about his overbearing nature, Moonglow was adamant about continuing to come along.

Whatever possessed Moonglow to be so insistent on accompanying Eirene proved itself to be well-founded. While traveling, the duo was stopped by a band of thieves, demanding their belongings or their lives. The thieves far outnumbered the Imperial and Skydancer, but Moonglow refused to let the criminals take their possessions. He attempted to negotiate with them, but the more impatient of the band did not care to waste time with words. As promised, they rushed in to attack, first targeting Eirene - but Moonglow stepped in the way, forcing them back with an uncharacteristic snarl.

The ensuing battle was bloody and rough. Eirene attempted to assist in the fight, but Moonglow continually shoved her back, reluctant to allow even a scratch on her. Foolish and headstrong as he was, Moonglow's size and strength allowed him to hold off the thieves until they decided to retreat. Eirene was safe, but Moonglow had sustained substantial injury. Not having expected this sort of threat, their emergency supplies were few. Eirene did what she could to treat Moonglow, and the two struggled to get to a friendly clan in time. The wounds were too great, however, and the blood flowed too fast. Moonglow collapsed, exhaling his last breath.

Eirene, of course, was devastated by the loss of her friend - but despair quickly turned to horror as a ghastly light began to lift itself from Moonglow's body. The formation of an Emperor from a single body was nearly unheard of, but there it was, single-headed but still monstrous. The air around them stilled as the elemental energy began to be absorbed by the Emperor. She could feel her own lifeforce flickering, being so close to this ghastly abomination. Terrified once again for her life and what her friend had become, Eirene prepared herself for death. After a moment, however, she noticed something even stranger than the spawning of the Emperor. It seemed to be fighting against its own nature, restraining itself from giving into the mindless destruction they were known for.

After a difficult struggle, the Emperor seemed to have regained control over its power and self, and the air was no longer tense. Tentatively, Eirene asked the spawned Emperor if he could understand her. Moonglow, confused, answered that of course he could - then he looked down at his own corpse before him, and understood.

Moonglow's return to his clan was met with fright and worry. He did his best to reassure them that he was the same, despite looking more fearsome than before, and in time, they came to tentatively accept this new form. He often feared the gods would come to slay him, as he was still an Emperor - but no one came. Rumors of a sentient, controlled Emperor spread across the lands, and Moonglow became a beacon of hope for Imperials everywhere - that they could somehow avoid the curse placed upon their fallen. He still has to battle his internal need for destruction, however. In times of boredom, or when trying to fall asleep, he has to be careful to not allow his mind to wander too much, lest he slip from consciousness. The few times it has happened, he has been able to regain control in time. It is his worst fear, regardless, and he would rather have himself die again before harming his friends.

For now, though, this Emperor remains as gentle a giant as ever.

Backstory lore written by VivaPinata

"Some encouragement and nice things to listen to and hopefully make your day a little better" (wip)