Death is an artifact; a rarity; a masterpiece. Each stroke of rot and decay blooms sweetly for Mullein. It certainly comes across as morbid to many of the other dragons. Yet there is something delicate and romantic about its obsession with death. It hoards bones, cleaning them until they shine white as diamonds. Then, it uses the bones to create splendid necklaces. It also dabbles in sculpture as well. Each one is truly divine. Its art reflects the Aberration’s core belief about death: that beauty lurks behind a shroud of false terror. How could anyone fear something so perfectly natural? Life, in fact, is far more frightening. Life leaves channels open for confusion and misunderstanding. There is nothing ambiguous about death. Death comes. Death remains. Death will always be. Mullein does not long to die, but it does ache to form a more intimate relationship with death. It wonders if it could ever appreciate another living dragon as much. It has enough confidence in itself to know that there is nothing wrong with its fascinations. All of its musings come from a deep respect for rituals of passing. This is why many clan members turn to Mullein if they have lost a loved one. Its delight in death can be oddly comforting. It reassures its fellow clanmates that the end is never truly the end. Death gives as much as it takes. One life withers only to have its energies cycle back into the eternal cosmos. There is no need to mourn. The lost ones will return someday.

Mullein’s talents lie in the creation of death ceremonies. Its ‘Night of a Thousand Lanterns’ has become a staple in any dragon’s grieving process. For this ritual, Mullein spends months creating paper lanterns crafted from the bones of whichever dragon has passed on. It then paints runes of adoration, gratitude, and connection on each lantern. Everyone gathers around the tallest rock in the glen. The Aberration itself, draped in a billowing midnight cloak, speaks of its most treasured memory surrounding the dragon who has died. One by one, its other clanmates do the same, shedding tears and sharing tender moments. The lanterns burn to dust and join the sonata of stars up above. Mullein then leads the lair in a song written collaboratively by the entire clan. To know death is to ease another’s passing. Despite the whispers about its odd behaviors and clandestine rituals, Mullein is a deeply respected member of the clan. It understands more than anyone the importance of proper mourning. It sees the process as one of pure, unfettered love, not of dissonance. This is a comforting reimagining for any dragon experiencing grief.

This steward of death also concerns itself with taking care of the dragons left behind after someone has passed away. It knows that losing a life connection can be hard, and that not every dragon understands the intricacies of the not-quite-end. It ensures that everyone in the clan gathers to produce mourning gift for those who were closest to the deceased. Mullein will often contribute the best present. It somehow always knows exactly what a dragon needs to ease their mourning. This is especially helpful when the dragon themselves does not know what they are missing. Utilizing the knucklebones of some long-dead ancestor, Mullein can also communicate messages between the dead and the living. This is incredibly helpful for dragons who were concerned about the last words they spoke to their loved one, or for those who simply wish to say goodbye. With this Aberration as their guide, every clan member will experience the sweetness of closure. Mullein will make sure of it.

Mullein’s favorite past time is to visit sites where many dragons have perished. It can feel the power rumbling through such sacred locales. It will wait until the clouds turn gray for a furious storm, gather its belongings, and sit amongst the bones of the dead. It will whisper to the air, hoping that someone might answer. It will never tell whether or not the deceased have spoken back. Some of death’s secrets should remain… well, secret. Mullein has never brought another living soul along for these ghostly expeditions. Even its closest confidante, its familiar, stays behind. Mullein will sit in the lashes of lightning and torrents of rain. It will close its eyes to the shrieking winds and listen. Listen. Listen. The dead have many life lessons to share. Tales concerning past mishaps and how they wish they could have made amends dance through the Aberration’s ears. Mullein uses any information gathered to offer others guidance. It finds that the dead often have expert advice, since they have had plenty of time to reflect upon life’s regrets. Its favorite truism came from a very old set of Fae bones discovered on a battlefield: Remember to foster understanding before judgement. Mullein does not struggle too much with this one. It is easy to become an outcast when one is so deeply connected to a force associated so closely with sorrow. It has become a mentor to other dragons who cannot quite fit in with the rest of the clan. It teaches them that they are cared for and valued, no matter how odd they might seem to others.

There is softness in death. There is devotion. Mullein marks the crossing; the passage. Mullein stands at the veil. It is death who greets them on the other side, and it is Mullein who offers them guidance along the way.