Xerxes

It's not that he's not smart. Dragons just don't put much faith in Tundra intelligence, that's all. They think a poor memory for names and dates means he's oblivious to the passage of time or somehow forgetful of who a person is.

Sure, he's pretty bad with numbers and can't tell you exactly how many years it's been since a precise event happened. But he can tell you what the wind smelled like when it did happen, where the sun was in the sky, what flowers were in bloom, and how warm or cold a dragon's voice was when they spoke. He knows by heart who was there and how each of them were feeling, which animals were closest and loudest, how the weather was turning, and how steady the earth underfoot was.

He doesn't remember names or dates, but he doesn't forget what matters--people and events. He may forget the exact pattern of a dragon's face or even the hue of their eyes, but he remembers what flower they loved best and what tea they remind him of. He doesn't always remember their favorite color, but he always knows what color their heart is to him, how bright their smile and how deep and tangled their thoughts, like a private mycelial network he can only brush the surface of.

But he's used to being brushed aside as simple, as unreliable, as irresponsible. It bothers him, sometimes, when it means he can't help in the way he wants to--when he isn't allowed to help, even when he's perfectly capable of it.

So it surprises him when a well-respected Light scholar approaches him and asks him for help. He's always liked Snappers--they're thoughtful and they tell such good stories--but dragons who speak in stone don't usually care for Tundras, who remember in scents and emotions.

'I would like to request your assistance,' the historian says solemnly, though his eyes are light and kind. 'You know this land better than I could ever, and I am here to study the flow of magic. Would you be willing to work with me?'

He blinks, slowly, and digests this request. 'Are you sure you want me?'

'Very sure,' Glint replies. 'I have seen you tend these flowers with more skill and care than the finest florist I've known. You have a deep wisdom and familiarity with the life that sprouts from the earth, and it is the earth and the green growing things that holds the magic of this land. I would greatly value your insight, if you would provide it. I plan on establishing a camp nearby, in the shadow of the Sanctum, where I can conduct my research. What's your name, friend?'

This is where most dragons would dismiss him. He shrugs with a ripple of layered fur. 'It changes by the season,' he answers. 'You can pick what you'd like to call me.' He pauses, thinking. 'I would like to help. I like the growing things. If what you study will help them, I will help you.'

The Snapper smiles broadly. 'Most excellent!' He pauses, too, then nods decisively. 'I will call you Xerxes. She was the botanist of my home clan, very wise and very patient. How does that sound?'

Xerxes smiles with his eyes. 'I like that very much.'

---

Dragons acquired via the Interesting AH Dragons thread, some of which are registered (R) in the Support Group thread:

1. Saiph: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/66331127 (R)
2. Doelani: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/67885315
3. Softshore: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68041989
4. Solstice: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68289545
5. Senne
6. Sassafras: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68441912
7. Leviathan
8. Scrimshaw: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68571462
9. Porcelain: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68651950 (R)
10. Bonepith: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68581371 (R)
11. Merlot: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68317649
12. Parfait: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68333725 (R)
13. Undertow: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68495750 (R)
14. Brightleaf (R)
15. Impress: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/67692891
16. Seaglass
17. Sidhe: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/67373692 (R)
18. Fenwing
19. Erstad: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68807962 (R)
20. Salvian
21. Marshwalker: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68671239 (R)
22. Axies: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/66465690 (R)
23. Hope: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/14950558 (R)
24. Emilia Josh: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68894959
25. Duskfrost
26. Lazulite: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68484877 (R)
27. Nelan: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68869736
28. Seepwing: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68969052
29. Bilby: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68204855
30. (three year hiatus)
31. Kjester: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94148800
32. Vitis: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/78961801
33. Seafoam: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94263595
34. Jadelight: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94307848
35. Secret: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94541799
36. Jatzee: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94634632
37. Rehaba: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94685692
38. Springmoss: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94528031
39. Fireheart: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/84562103
40. Twimst: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94822532
41. Sunfloe: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94760881
42. Dychrova: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94688534
43. Newleaf: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/94803223
44. Karmine: https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/85741510