Finnick

Current Status: Healthy Current Age: 28 Years Time of Birth: Wilting Moons

Mate: Arianrhod Relatives: Deimos, Zelina Friends: Cymbidiella, Amphitrite

Occupation: Defender Likes: Painting, Sparring Dislikes: Overthinking

The Clan of Milk and Honey had always been a relatively undefended clan, so it is no surprise that their allies of the Cairn Bato Clan would send them a warrior to defend them. Finnick was the warrior they chose to send, and he isn't the most pleased about it. The harsh heat and exposure of an above ground living are offensive to a former cave dweller, which is why he spends most of his time within Somnus Cave. He leaves the cave only to go on patrol or to spar with the other defenders. Sometimes he wonders if being sent to this backwards hick clan was some sort of punishment.

The only dragons he seems to get along with are Arianrhod and Cymbidiella. He and Cymbidiella have more of an antagonistic relationship of who can out smart the other. As a former assassin, Cymbi finds it exhilarating to match wits with Finnick, and Finnick finds Cymbi to be quite the challenge. His favorite dragon, however, is Arianrhod. Whenever Finnick isn't dueling with Cymbi or out on patrol, he hangs out in Arianrhod's mushroom cave and just watches her. The two rarely speak, but it is an easy silence, not an awkward one. He wonders if she would ever be his mate, but he doubts it. He's nothing more than a mercenary to this clan, and Arianrhod deserves better than that.

Finnick can't help but blame himself for the Battle of Somnus Gap. He was supposed to defend the clan, but all he could do was try and hold back the attackers. Many of the clan died, and all of that guilt weighs heavily on his shoulders. The new dragon, Math, talks to him often, trying to get him to open up and forgive himself, but Finnick can't let it go. How many dragons died because of his carelessness?

---

A letter from Finnick to his father, Deimos:

"Dearest Father,

I am pleased to say that my time in The Clan of Milk and Honey has been pleasant so far. The clan is quiet, just like Hayreddin had said. I find little opportunity to use my talents, as the clan shies away from any sort of altercation. They already give away most of their seafood supplies to the Maren in exchange for peace, as well as tithes to the harpies who reside nearby. They do not admit that this cuts into their supplies, but I can tell they are struggling. The only trained fighters are myself, a couple of fugitives, some Plague-flight ex-pats, and two retired warriors, which explains why they are so reluctant to respond with force, considering they have no force.

I wish I could be of more use, but I am not a leader or a tactician, merely a fighter. I help train the other members of the clan in hand to hand combat, but most are reluctant to learn. This truly is not a clan of fighters. For now, the strategy of appeasement seems to be working, but I do not know if their food stores will survive the storm season. I haven't yet experienced the wet season here, but from the stories the older clan members tell, it consists of week long hurricanes and fields of destroyed crops and killed livestock. They are lucky to have a nearby cave complex, since their temporary tent dwellings would certainly not handle a slight drizzle, let alone a storm of that size. They have been here for several years, though, so I suppose they can handle themselves.

I find myself missing the heat of the Shattered Plain, which is something I never foresaw myself saying. The heat on the Wastes is not dry, it is boiling and wet, as if you are bathing in lava every step you take. Surprisingly, most of the Tundra dragons are unaffected, but the resident Ice dragon spends most of his time far above the clouds, where the weather is a bit cooler. I find myself sequestered in the cave most of the time. I can't go too deep, since the Clan Leader has forbidden me from going past the mushroom caverns. Some dragons go farther than that on the night of the full moon, but no one will explain what happens down there. It is mysterious. Perhaps Mother has heard of a ritual similar? All the participants seem to be seers. I wish Zelina were here. She would certainly know more about this than I do.

How are my sisters? All I have heard is that Aster joined a Shadow Flight clan, while Zelina went to the Light Flight. I hope they are well. I hope you and Mother are well.

Your Loyal Son,
Finnick"