Ardran

It took a little while but at last Ardran found another place to reside. He had used up his provisions and needed a place to rest and restock. With some treasure on hand he hired a band of bounty hunters for food and materials but other than that he was ready to go whenever he felt like it. He shifted into an Emerald Webwing to keep any eyes off him, he wanted to be sure he was needed before making himself known.



The town he found was an- interesting one to say the least. It was within the Shadowbinder's domain, yes, but so many mushrooms- On hills, by trees, in the windows of houses, on the fences even. If one didn't know any better they'd think it was an infestation! Maybe it was, who knows, the leaders were in a bit of a mess themselves, trying to shuffle out dragons from the Hibernal den to feed in trainees. Listening to the locals he found they were in a constant state of bankruptcy thanks to the dragons in the Den. Food was perfectly fine, everyone was doing great regarding hoards, but any new hatchlings that came in went straight to the Den and there hasn't been any new visitors in months. He considered making an appearance to excite them a bit but he didn't exactly want to be the source of any new drama at this time. He did like how they treated the animals and plants around them though.

...

"You a druid too?" A feminine voice woke Ardran from his midday nap. "What?" "I knew it! You're like me! Shoot, what breed are you? Fae, Spiral, Wildclaw?" "Imperial." "Oo so close, I am too! What's your purpose here? You spying on someone? Curious about the locals?" Turning his head he noticed the shape of a large Sunspot Clouddancer beside him. If he didn't know any better he would've guessed this dragon was part spiral thanks to her chattiness. "How did you know?" "Hm? OH! Well, I don't really know I mean it was really just a guess. A webwing that didn't hear me coming? Seems preeeetty unlikely!" She laughed, it was odd yet almost beautiful, like a cascade of pebbles falling onto hard stone. He was mesmerized by it. The two decided to fly someplace else and shift to their proper forms. She was only about 2 meters larger than him, not that he minded, but the two seemed to hit it off well.

...

After a long conversation he came to learn the dragon's name was Lonnie. She was a traveller, like him, who's really only just started. She's not quite sure what she's looking for but all she knows is it's better than staying at home. She wasn't quite like the plague dragons he's met, it wasn't really explained either. She did make mention her parents were warriors but other than that there wasn't anything said about her home. A few months passed and the two just kept getting closer and closer. Eventually they decided to go into town, help with the members and the wildlife. They found the mushrooms represented the member's loved ones, living or dead. The fireflies that came around were the supposed lost ones in their lives that had served the Shadowbinder, reincarnated in this free, weightless form. He could understand the meaning behind it all but he himself didn't stick to it completely.

Eventually he and Lonnie had hatchlings, two girls and a boy. Meadow was known for his speed, Archer with his quick thinking, and Peacock for her voice. After a short while the 5 decided to depart, off to more adventures!

Ardran found himself in the Colannades of Antiquity, a region that acted as a border between the Earth and Nature realms. He decided to transform into an Armored Colony, finding the shrew creature blended well with the rocky walls of the city.




Ardran however was surprised to discover a university had been established in the region, with founders originally hailing from his home territory. Named after the beautiful Everbloom Gardens, Everbloom University was still in its infancy. Ardran observed the comings and goings, seeing new dragons enter the school either as students or would be professors. He was content to continue observing, but life had other plans for him.

---

It was dark when he awoke, or rather his environment was fairly dark. With only a few lanterns lot, he was inside somewhere. He remembered he was outside, found a tasty treat and then...

Ardran you dummy, you ate bad mushroom!

"You're finally awake. Care to reveal your true self?"

Ardran snapped out of his thoughts and looked over to see a looming bogsneak peering at him. Her face was concealed by a mask, leaving only her sharp eyes in the shroud of darkness. Knowing that he could dwarf her in size in his true form, he reverted back to being an imperial. "How could you tell I wasn't a creature?"

The bogsneak seemed unfazed by the towering imperial. "When I couldn't pluck the fungi off your back for my brew." She motioned to the large cauldron.

The imperial leaned back. "You were going to melt me down??"

"Just a part of you." She quipped. "The fungi on an Armored Colony have interesting properties that I'm studying." Although it was dark, Ardran could tell she was grinning behind her mask.

"Are you a professor here then?"

"More of a researcher. I share my findings with the university, they provide lodging that's big enough for keep my hoard of ingredients. I'm not fond of being crowded by others you see." The bogsneak gave the druid a look. Ardran quickly realized that he was just a bit too big for her loving space.

"Ah, I see. Well, uh, thanks for not melting me into a stew! I probably should get going." He fidgeted a little.

"Leaving so soon? You're welcome to stay here, you'll just have to shrink down again. Your company isn't unwanted." She motioned to the window that was covered by a curtain. "You can come and go as you please druid. I won't ask why you're wandering around this school disguised as another creature."

"OH! Well, thank you...actually what's your name?" He asked awkwardly. "My name is Ardran."

"Imogen." She grinned. "Pleasure to meet you Ardran."

---

The druid decided he would stick around the university, taking Imogen's offer to let him stay in her dwelling (as long as he stayed relatively small). During his time, he got to know Imogen as well as the university's resident Geologist, Lomeer. Eventually, Ardran was ready to take off on his next destination and said his goodbyes to his newfound friends at Everbloom University.