Caled

Caled is used to noise and constant busyness. He comes from an enormous family, hatchlings always tripping larger dragons who hadn't seen them underfoot, and a pair of tired, exasperated parents who loved their children dearly.

But Caled was always a quieter son - not as interested in playing with his siblings as his brothers, not interested in joining a mirror pack like his sisters. Though they were all encouraged to follow their hearts - join a Clan, join a pack, start their own families - Caled felt a fear catch in their throat when no other options were listed.

He couldn't think it, he couldn't say it. What if I don't want my own family? What if I'm better off alone?

Mirrors like him were sick. They were not right. A real mirror has a community and other dragons around them. But when a new baby hatched and Caled didn't have his own den anymore, even though his little sibling was cute, he felt his misery grow. He just had to be alone, some of the time.

Couldn't he love his family and Clan, and still want to have time and space to himself? He sits, watching the stars on a cold clear night, wondering if the Arcanist hears his pleas. If his deity even understands.

Could anyone understand?

Please don't exalt this dragon! If you no longer want them, please feel free to send them back to Pearl's exalt rescue lair!