Lapis

The newcomer never really shared his name when he first arrived, but he seems perfectly happy with the name you've suggested since he doesn't seem forthcoming-- Lapis, to honor the rich blue of his mottled coat and glossy wings. He's neither big nor small for a Tundra, and he submits gamely to Dr Sbaitso and Almandine's baseline examination. He doesn't appear to be able to speak, but that's nothing unusual, and a lack of a voice hardly precludes communication. You listen as the medics conclude their work and nod with approval: Lapis is a healthy, hearty, perfectly ordinary fellow, and you have no doubt he'll fit right in with your motley bunch. The Clan could use a little 'perfectly ordinary', honestly.

You go to turn away, intending to pick up the welcome package every newcomer receives once they're all set, and suddenly the night sky blooms into existence out of the corner of your eye.



Deep, dark sky like ink spilled into water, roiling, curling, coiling--




-- eyes in the deep, veiled behind drifting, dark clouds--

-- eyes like countless stars, naked and blazing, watching--


-- nova-bright light crowning a mane of blue-white flame--



-- a sound like thunder, like bells, like countless voices echoing across time--



-- and then you blink. Lapis tilts his head curiously, green eyes as friendly and inquisitive as ever, and you smile back, wondering why you'd hesitated.

Perhaps you'd forgotten something?

Helpfully, Lapis points one cobalt claw. Your glasses sit on the countertop by his shoulder.

You thank him and smile as you retrieve your oft-misplaced eyewear. Newcomers don't need to be helpful, but the helpful ones invariably do a little better as they get settled and start making connections. Lapis' integration into the Clan will no doubt be perfectly ordinary, not a bit of drama or trouble to speak of.

As you leave the medics to guide Lapis further into the Clan's territory, you still feel as though you're forgetting something.

Eh, you think with a mental shrug, that's par for the course. Leading a growing Clan can be tricky for even the most organized dragon, and you're notoriously absentminded. It'll come to mind eventually, if there is indeed something there to be remembered.