Nox

Cynefin’s twisting lair was originally discovered by Cadmium, who was searching for a safe place for his mate to lay her eggs and raise their young. After having to heave aside boulders and slip into the resulting fissure, he found the near-endless cave system that quickly became their home. The narrow passageway from the entrance led into a room that was much too big for the two of them, too open and spacious. This cavern would, moons in the future, be home to dozens of dragons that Cadmium and Nocturne would call family. For now though, they followed one of the twisting paths to a more secluded cavern, rounded and tall. There, a nest was built and eggs laid, and the cold, dark caves slowly became a home. As the rock was pushed back to make a proper entrance and the darkness driven back by warm fires, the lair became a place frequently stumbled upon by travelers. Some stayed for hours, some days, or even weeks. Cadmium and Nocturne were happy to supply them with company, warmth, food, and materials - whatever they may need to thrive. Still, the Lady felt as if something were missing each time a visitor left. That was until some of them returned - a group of three Light dragons, in need of a safe place for one of their own to lay their eggs. Unwavering in their hospitality, the two mates quickly constructed them a nest and Nocturne provided her assistance while Cadmium calmed the frantic Skydancer father. These three, unlike the previous travelers that passed through the lair - stayed. They began to call the caves home as well, and Cadmium and Nocturne family. As more and more dragons wandered into the cave - a Guardian of stars, a Pearlcatcher with a knack for organization - Nocturne realized she was inadvertently becoming the matriarch of a slowly forming clan. She adopted the title of Lady, and her mate that of Lord, and the clan hierarchy solidified in the form of ranked circles. Now, as Cynefin continues to grow and thrive under the Lady’s guidance, it has carved out a place for itself amoung the other Shadow clans, mostly through word of mouth - the story of a clan hidden somewhere on the steps of the Forum of the Obscured Crescent, said to take in any drake searching for a home regardless of their past or flight.


When the Shadowbinder discovered her own kin right under her snout, hiding in the cracks of the Obscured Crescent, she slipped herself into the lair in search of Nocturne. The clan was young then - less than a dozen dragons large - but they were all there when the Shadowbinder took her drippy, dark shape in the Cave, wings dragging terribly along the walls.

"Mother." Nocturne stood unwavering, dipping her head in respect, even as the rest of her clan crowded back against the walls in thinly veiled shock and fear.

"My child." Shadowbinder said, shadows dripping from her maw onto the cave floor, body shifting uncomfortably in the tight space. "My own blood and darkness. Why do you hide from me?"

Nocturne's tail twitched minutely. "I am not hiding." She said, raising her head. "I was Searching, and pondering my place."

"And what is your place?" Shadowbinder demanded. "Underneath my lair, in the ruins of a dusty cave? Are you another tale to be forgotten?"

"No." Nocturne said evenly. " Leading a Clan in the Tangled Wood, providing a home and safety to those who need it - and following and serving you as your own blood."

"And this is your great clan? Your Guardian's Charge?" The Shadowbinder asked, waving a claw and the pawful of dragons gathered in the shadows of the back wall. They were cowering less. Cadmium flicked his tail. "These mismatched flights and bright colours?"

"The beginnings of it, yes. Everything starts somewhere, no?"

"Hmph. And why should I not just take you to the warfront, all of them?"

"We could be your legacy." Nocturne defense. "A facet of it - I am a facet of it, regardless of what you do with me. We could provide you with warriors; draw dragons from all over Sornieth to the Forum with word of maw. Would the clan not be more useful to you as a blade and not a bomb?"

Shadowbinder dripped thoughtfully. "My shadows are always shrewd. Very well, you have my boon; keep your lair and your clan. I expect abundance from you, child."

She turned and slipped back through the opening in the stone, shadows slipping away behind her and leaving behind a murky darkness.

---

Clan Cynefin, founded by Lady Nocturne and her mate, Lord Cadmium, resides in the Tangled Wood under the rule of the Shadowbinder. Under the Lady’s gentle leadership, the clan flourishes -- its only goal to protect its members. The dragons of the clan are generally empathetic and welcoming and will help others in need any way they can. The clan’s lair is hidden away -- the Lady has her secrets, after all -- but anyone who is lost can find a home and a family in Cynefin.