Thornblood

Thornblood

The Wandering Vine

As soon as he was old enough, Thornblood left the frozen wasteland he was born into. The Snowsquall Tundra wasn't as bad as some of the Southern Icefield though. There are parts of that place that are ice as far as the eye can see. Not a tree or flower in sight. So once he came of age to leave out on his own, he did. He traveled across the land of Sornieth, looking for a place to call home. Traveling through Sornieth, he set up camp somewhere different every night. Though he did have to be careful, with the war between Nature and Plague in full swing, he tried to stay out of their way. He was from the Ice flight though, what did he have to worry about?

One evening, he had just made it past the southern boarder of the Viridian Labyrinth, and settled into the trees to set up camp. He liked the Nature territories. It was warm here, so full of life! About half way through setting up camp he got a bit distracted bird watching. A flock of Gold-Throated Sparrows were also setting up camp in the trees it seemed. So quiet chirping he could listen to all night.

He had nearly dozed off to the sound of the birds in the trees above, when he noticed a song that was different than the rest. It followed the sound of the strange birds, almost in a daze. His wings felt light, the grass beneath his claws was so soft. He couldn't even hear his own claw-steps. He followed the sound into a clearing, where reality hit him so hard, it felt as though he had been stabbed.

His legs seemed to give out as he buckles into the grass. His once feather-light wings, were now so heavy he couldn't lift them. "This is no home for you, Ice Beast." The voice was like something out of a scary story you tell hatchlings to spook them before bed. Thornblood manages to lift himself back onto his shaking claws and face his attacker. He nearly collapses at the sight of her. She is much bigger than him. With talons like roots, and massive trees growing from her back and antlers. "Is the IceWarden working with that wicked Plaguebringer now?!" She snarls. "I-I well..I have never spoken with...I can't say for certain I-I should go.." His voice keeps catching in his throat as he tries to back away from the angered Deity. A swift swipe of the massive dragons tail puts him back on the ground again, this time she is standing right over him. Her massive claws hold him in place. Is that...his blood pooling around him? 'I am going to die' the realization dawns on him. He didn't have to dwell on the thought long, her massive claws made swift work of him.

Much to his surprise, he opens his eyes. Laying in the grass, looking up at the sky. He pulled himself to his feet and looked around. It looked to be mid day. 'Huh, guess I was knocked out for a bit. At least I can say I survived a fight with a-' his thought was cut short as he turned to face the body that lay in the grass behind him. Looked to be a couple days old now. Some animals had done their work on it. He wondered the field for a few days. A few other dragons did pass by, a couple of them saw the body he left behind. One even paid respects. Whispering an apology, that an Ice dragon got caught in a war he had no part in.

The spirit of Thornblood can still be found. Legend has it, he roams through Sornieth. Its said if you return to that clearing, on the southern edge of the Viridian Labyrinth. You will be approached by a strange dragon. Hooded and covered in vines, the dragon laugh and sing with you. He will dance around the fire, and make as much noise as possible until late into the night. Once the sun sets, this strange dragon will move on and disappear into the brush. If you ask him for advice for your travels, he will smile and quietly say "Don't follow the song birds."