The dragon knee-deep in scraps of paper with ink-stained claws is Gizelle. Gizelle has many loves. They love the scent of the earth after rain... the kiss of a crispy winter breeze… the crunch of their feet on a pile of umber leaves… but most of all, they love poetry. They worship the art of capturing beauty with words. There is something romantic about fabricating sights, scents, sounds, and touches with merely a quill and parchment. Their heart sings upon finding that perfect turn of phrase. Their eyes grow wide with stars as they count every syllable. Gizelle even thinks in stanzas. They write like no other dragon can. From cheerful odes to mournful lamentations of loss, they have quite a collection of works under their belt. Their clanmates admire them greatly for their abilities. Even if the other dragons cannot understand Gizelle and their work, they know that they possess a powerful skill. Words move mountains. Gizelle wields their gift like a sword and shield: they can heal, or they can be deadly.

Their other great love in life is Moss. Their connection is not as romantic as one might expect from a poet, but Gizelle is still enamored with their partnership. Sometimes, all it takes is a deep, mutual respect to form an unbreakable tether. Gizelle knew from the moment they first laid eyes on Moss that they would become special to one another. Banished from their old clan due to their ‘useless’ talents (some dragons do not appreciate the finer things in life), Gizelle fled to the woods seeking refuge. When they stumbled upon Moss’ clearing, they found so much more. A true companion is as rare as the perfect piece of poetry. Many instances come close, but they do not quite fit. Moss and Gizelle fit. Gizelle adores Moss’ languid gentleness. They fill their friend’s ear with cacophonies of praise. They refuse to be separated from their beloved partner for long. Gizelle has named Moss as their greatest muse. Poems about the Tundra are scattered throughout the Skydancer’s lair. Moss gets a little embarrassed— he prefers Gizelle’s nature poems. Still, he deeply appreciates the sentiment. Gizelle cares for their poems the way they would a hatchling. A piece of themself goes into their work every single time. The phrase ‘labor of love’ is an understatement. It is more like a labor of eternal devotion.

Gizelle’s expertise lies in documenting the beauty of the natural world. They may as well be a painter, since their poems conjure images of magnificence and splendor. During their readings, the older dragons will close their eyes and smile. Everyone forgets the passage of time for just a moment. The moment feels like a decade as Gizelle brings their audience through verdant valleys, glassy ponds, and silvery moonrises. Their most popular poem depicts the journey of a Jewelfaced Dragonfly from swishing reed to swishing reed. This piece brings even the most stoic of clanmates to tears. Gizelle also writes story-poems for hatchlings. These are far more rudimentary than their usual work, but the youngsters enjoy them. Sometimes, the simplest stanzas can bring the most happiness. They forget this sometimes and are reminded in the little ones’ laughter.

Occasionally, Gizelle grows frustrated with their craft. Moss calls this their ‘sulking time.’ They retreat into their lair, only emerging for the occasional meal. They litter their bed with crumpled bits of paper, wondering when the right words will return to them once more. Creativity can be as cruel as it can be kind. Poetry is an especially fickle creature. If only they had found a simpler passion! Their ‘sulking time’ is a chrysalis. Each cycle of exasperation yields a change in their style. This metamorphosis produces their most complex and intricate pieces. Gizelle knows this is all part of the process, but it is still a source of immense struggle and vexation.

This accomplished artist often wonders about their legacy. Will their poems circulate through the rest of Sornieth, or will they only be heard by their clan? Will they become a household name, or will their creations never leave their own household? Fame and glory do not necessarily connote talent. Still, it would feel wonderful to be appreciated by a wider audience. Part of them longs to travel the realm someday, seeking other artisans and opportunities. The other part of them cannot fathom going anywhere without Moss. Perhaps it is better to be deeply loved by one than sparingly loved by many. These tensions continue to swirl around in their chest. Deep in their heart, Gizelle knows that renown should not be their goal, so long as they are satisfied with their masterpieces. For now, they are more than satisfied with their life. How could any audience be better than a group of dragons they’ve come to know and love?