Mirth

Firelight flickers and dances in the clearing, illuminating the scene and casting shadows all around. A little group sits around it, laughing and talking, unaware of what is about to happen. Branches snap causing the group to quiet. Turning in the direction from which the sound came from. Their eyes widen and they stand up hastily as the figure emerges. Black and crimson with stripes and bones she steps into the light. Petrified with fear the little group doesn't think to run as they gaze into the colorless eyes of the imperial dragoness.

"Don't be afraid." She speaks, voice like the wind sweeping through the woods, snuffing out the fire and casting the clearing into a moonlit darkness, "I come bearing gifts."

With that the dragon opened her talons and extended them forward, bundles of jewels and delicate silks clasped between them. Though wary and unsure a member of the group steps forward, eyeing the dragon's sharp fangs before darting forward and snatching the irresistible objects. With them in his hands he turns to run back, the rest of the group stepping forward to examine the objects. Now with them they realize how truly rare their bundle of treasure is.

Turning they look back to where the dragon was, now eager to extend thanks, but she is gone. The only sign she was ever there the satin silks, glittering jewels, and trail of smoke rising from their extinguished fire reaching towards the stars above.

Sporting the appearance of one who is cruel and fearsome Mirth is quite the opposite. Living in the woods just below the mountain cliffs she waits, deep in a slumber within a cave reachable only by those with wings. When another being enters her territory she is alerted and woken by Asperitas, the teleporting planesrunner, a loyal companion to the dragoness.

She will then set out with her colorful friend in tow to observe the group. If she sees that the group is kind and treats the forest and its creatures with respect, she will descend in the night from the darkness bearing gifts for the travelers.

If the newcomers come with axes and bows to kill and destroy the woods and its residents Mirth descends in a fit of rage, with slashing claws and snapping jaws to rid the forests of those who seek to harm it.

When not giving gifts and protecting her homeland Mirth can be found taking care of local dragonets that have been abandoned or find themselves without a family. She loves scaring and pranking others but almost immediately feels bad about it when they get mad at her. This leads her to try to bribe them to be nice to her again with expensive gifts. She is very laid back and calm after she has guaranteed those she cares about will be safe in a given area, but when an unforeseen danger arises she will not hesitate to strike first and destroy the competition.