Mirth

Mirth is a dragon who is well-named, and a good thing, as he named himself! He has a deep voice, and his warm, booming laugh is easily recognized by any dragon within the clan. Created directly from the Earthshaker's hand, he strives to do his deity proud in reigniting hope for his clanmates. Mirth is both jovial and conscientious--he has taken great care to memorize each of his clanmate's birthdays, and seems to have a knack for understanding just what sort of gift each dragon might like best. He enjoys helping his clanmates in whatever way he is able, and especially likes accompanying other dragons on their outings or errands. He makes pleasant company, but what most of his clanmates don't realize is that these are far more than social trips for Mirth. His speech is casual but his ears are pricked, his eyes alert, vigilant to watch over and keep whoever he is traveling with safe. He would sacrifice himself without hesitation to protect his clanmates.

Due to his lighthearted air, most dragons don't tend to take Mirth very seriously, and may see him as friendly and well-intentioned, but little else. However, a good few of the clan's warriors have noticed that there is more to him than meets the eye, a subtle solemness to him. Hard muscles lie beneath his luxurious mane, and his soft, careful steps through the underbrush of the Behemoth betray a grace that only deliberate training could have provided.

~~

The words rang in his mind, discordant and frightening.

WARN THEM. GUIDE THEM AWAY FROM THE DANGER WITHIN. GUIDE THEM TO SAFETY, HIDE THEM, OR YOU WILL ALL BE TAKEN.

PLEASE, MY CHILDREN. PROTECT OUR FAMILY.

Confusion and uncertainty threatened to overwhelm. To be brought into this world, and to immediately learn of its darkness, produced a torrent of emotions. To draw first breath, and with my second to carry this burden on my shoulders. I...can’t.

No. The Earthshaker had created him for this, him and the rest of his kin. He must trust in the wisdom of his god, trust in the deity-designed body he now called his own. To do otherwise would ensure their destruction.

He set out from the earth, steps firm, surrounded by his siblings. Praying they wouldn’t be too late.