Kaleido

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Kaleido has always been a collector, maybe even a thief at times, being drawn to anything that glimmers or shines- really just anything that looks neat. If she likes it, she’ll take it, it’s hers. She’s always loved the stars too, and always had hoped that one day they could’ve shined through the murky mist which covered the Tangled Wood so she could have seen them in their full glory.

Living in the Tangled Wood has always limited her findings and discoveries. She’d always strived to live outside the gloomy realm and see what the rest of the bright and shining world had to offer her, but feared what dangers it might throw at her too. But finally, after attempting to train and study the world of Sornieth, she’s ready to set off and see it all for the first time!

She’s been drawn towards Arcane elements and the Starfall Isles in specific, hearing of the great Observatory many times! Oh, what wonders could lie in there?

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What she found was a rowdy clan of mirrors who guarded a lair full of pretty shining silks and satins. She didn't sneak in with the intent to steal. Honest! She had just wanted to touch the fine fabrics. The Merry Marauders were the ones who totally over reacted! Their Queen ended up capturing and forcing her to serve in their militia as, like, community service.

It wasn't all bad! Kaleido learned some new fighting techniques and actually made some friends before it came time to move on. Maybe in the next place she visits, she won't get in any trouble!

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Kaleido had passed through several camps in her travels, often finding little to no items of interest. As it turned out, there were many groups of dragons with no interest in treasure or grand adventures, choosing to settle somewhere permanently and without consequence - a fate she could never see herself purposely choosing. Begrudgingly, she continued her journey alone, hoping silently something- anything- interesting would happen. She even purposely left the well-worn path and ventured into the wilderness, knowing she'd either get chased off by some beasts or find a neat cave to explore.

One evening, as the woods grew dark and the stars glittered overhead, she sighed at the quiet environment around her, and lowered her head to continue the lonely trek. As she did so, she was shocked as she nearly walked head-first into an intricately-decorated cart, deep in the local woodlands. She cautiously approached the side of the cart where a panel was lowered for a makeshift window, a gentle glow and floral scent from within coaxed her forward. She noted the large trees surrounding it were far too close together for this thing to roll in here recently, and yet... it had wheels, as though it could travel. How bizarre.

Lifting her paws to the twinkling booth, she poked a claw at the jingling bells and decor on the window-frame as if to signal to whomever was inside that she was there. With a puff of twinkling lights, an older spiral appeared within the booth, adorned from head to toe in magical attire, "Ahhh, a customer for Lavender! It's been some time since I've had a visit." Kaleido raised a brow, "Not surprising, with this thing parked in the middle of a bunch of trees..." The dragon inside gave a hearty laugh, "Well spotted, child of shadows! Quite true indeed." She couldn't tell if this dragon, Lavender, was mocking her, or genuinely amused, but was quite confused all the same.

There was a sudden shift in tone as the sparkling spiral inside quietly clinked about behind the counter, and pulled out what appeared to be an average pair of mulberry-colored boots with a handy knife strapped to its side, placing them gingerly atop a pillow before her customer. The spiral's voice was lower now, and carefully-spoken, each word given a heavy importance, "I have a gift for you, child, but only if you should accept it will the truth behind it be revealed." Kaleido tilted her head at the offer, "Of course I'll-" The elder spiral lifted a claw to shush her before she could accept, "Be careful child. The spiritual binding of this offer is permanent. Forever. Eternity."

Kaleido took a moment longer, looking at the boots more closely this time. The leather was old and worn, but obviously sturdy, and the knife, though old, was beautiful and sharp. Was this pair given to the shopkeep willingly, or taken from its original owner? A chill ran up her spine at the thought. Her toes were cold from the earth below, and she had no weapons or tools to speak of, so she knew this would be put to good use... But what could this lady gain from giving her an old pair of boots? She knew she wanted adventure, and what was there to lose? She swallowed hard, speaking more softly this time, mimicking the words from the offer, "I.. I will accept your gift."

The elder smiled, handing the boots and knife over, a glittering of magic in the air, "With Lightweaver's blessing, the bond is made." The cart-keeper made a grand gesture and bowed her head to the younger spiral below, "For you, my child, I've chosen the Boots of Wanderlust - an item that's led many to greatness, and others, eternal doom." With a smile she chided, "Careful where you rest your head each night, as it will guide the boots to your next destination..." And as suddenly as it did appear, the cart vanished entirely in a puff of glittering lights, and Kaleido was left alone with the mysterious boots. She shrugged and brushed her feet off, gladly placing them in the warm leather before seeking a temporary shelter for the night.

Collecting some soft brush and moss as she went along, she was able to find refuge below some overhanging stones and built a less than comfortable nest to carry her into a restless sleep. She tossed and turned, warnings of adventures yet to come, and just as the cart-spiral had warned, she awoke the next morning in a totally different location...and still very, very tired.

((You can edit the description of her temporary den if you have a particular idea for where she wakes up, like adding mushrooms if you want her to pop up in a plague nest, or bits of crystal for arcane, and you can delete this message too!))

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