Tahurekka

Tahurekka
they/them, she/her

Despite their fearsome appearance, they were never really cut out for this. They were survivors, of course, but warriors? They could fight. They knew they should fight. But violence for its own sake felt... wrong. Why did they have to test themselves, to prove themselves? Dragons of other elements didn't give themselves these impossible trials.

"They seem happier," said Tahu, as they rested in the guest room of some small Earth clan.

"Yeah." Rekka closed her eyes briefly.

"Do you think we would be failures, to give up this life?"

"...Do you think it matters if we are failures in Her eyes? We've given up so much of ourself, just to prove that we're strong. Maybe we don't need to. Maybe there's other kinds of strength that we should value. The resilience of these Earth clans. The secrecy of Shadow. Even the nurturing Nature dragons welcomed us-- at least, some did."

"Is this blasphemy?"

"Maybe. But I think any god worth following would accept our right to choose our own path."

Tahu didn't say anything. Their other half was always the bolder one -- not in action necessarily, but in thought. She didn't need guidance. Tahu did. But Tahu's guidance was Rekka; that was all Tahu needed.

They followed the annual pilgrimage back to the Wyrmwound. But they didn't partake in the ritual festivities; instead, they lingered, uncertain. And that's where they met Irichtyr. And their new life began.