Manchineel

My Hatchling pic:




Named after a poisonous tree. All parts of this tree, including the fruit, contain toxic phorbol esters typical of the Euphorbiaceae plant family. Specifically the tree contains 12-deoxy-5-hydroxyphorbol-6gamma, 7alpha-oxide, hippomanins, mancinellin, sapogenin, phloracetophenone-2, 4-dimethylether is present in the leaves, while the fruits possess physostigmine. Contact with the milky white latex produces strong allergic dermatitis. Standing beneath the tree during rain will cause blistering of the skin from even slight contact with this liquid (even a small drop of rain with the milky substance in it will cause the skin to blister). Burning tree parts may cause blindness if the smoke reaches the eyes. The fruit can also be fatal if eaten. Many trees carry a warning sign, while others have been marked with a red "X" on the trunk to indicate danger. In the French Antilles the trees are often marked with a painted red band a few feet above the ground. The Caribs used the latex of this tree to poison their arrows and would tie captives to the trunk of the tree, ensuring a slow and painful death. A poultice of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) was used by the Arawaks and Taíno as an antidote against such arrow poisons. The Caribs were also known to poison the water supply of their enemies with the leaves. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León was struck by an arrow that had been poisoned with manchineel sap during battle with the Calusa in Florida, dying shortly thereafter

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Amaryllis sits quietly upon a large boulder by the waterfall. She splays her wings, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Below her, the river rushes in a powerful torrent, but she cannot hear it. Her mind wanders as her cloudy vision soaks up the beauty of the forest around her. She's struggling to see, her magic almost depleted. Knowing she would fall blind soon, she bid her sisters fair well earlier today and left the city to relax in nature. The city wasn't a far walk, incase she would lose her vision, so it wouldn't be such a difficult place to find.

Out of the corner of her eye, something large moves. Curious, she raises her head and squints. Amaryllis can barely make out a large male Imperial. She smiles when he turns his attention to her. Quickly, she signs, 'Hello.' He's across the large pool from her, his dark scales almost blending him into the trees. Her stomach turns giddy with butterflies when he signs hello back.

She waves him over. 'Care to join me?'

'Okay.' Was his reply. Soon enough, he jumps into the pool with a large splash and quickly swims across. She smiles when he pulls himself from the water on her side and begins to clamber up the rocks towards her.

'You didn't have to do that.' She gestures to his dripping form.

He grins. 'I wanted to. It's hot out. How are you not dying from the heat?' He points to all of the cloaks and rags she wears.

Amaryllis shrugs. 'I like the heat.'

'Well, the rock is nice and warm.' He signs back as he settles down besides her. 'What's your name?'

'Amaryllis.' She spells out.

He smiles. 'I'm named after a plant too. My name is Manchineel.'

'I like your name, it's pretty.' She quickly signs, blushing at his real laugh. She wished she had enough magic to hear it.

'I like your name too.'

'Thank you.' She signs. Amaryllis lays still for a moment, before asking, 'Want to be friends? I like you.'

'I think we already are.' Manchineel replies with a smile.

'I'm glad. You're really nice and cute.' She laughs silently, her eyes glittering with mirth.

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(Credit to Copperhead)
Hellbender snorts as he watches the brothers traipse along, “Well, ain’t this just a miserable sight for long-sufferin’ eyes. It ain’t enough to have to look at one of ya, I’ve got to get smacked with the double whammy of a pair! Hideous enough as is, but when you’re together it’s practically unbearable! It’s like a clonin’ experiment gone wrong and now we’ve got two lads what are only slightly similar in looks, but certainly each other’s equal when it comes to bein’ weak and stupid!”

Cupcake happily launches herself at the butterfly boys, “Hi guys, it sure is a lucky day when I get to see TWO butterfly dragons for the price of one! You can never go wrong with butterflies, you know! What brings you around here today? Heading to market, I imagine?” Her smile brightens even further when she learns that their sister is the lovely Nightshade she met a while back, “Ooh, you’re her brothers? That’s wonderful! I should have guessed, you’re all so nice-looking with your wonderful markings! She’s such a pretty girl, and so knowledgeable about plants! Are you going to go get her some more stuff for her gardening? That’s so sweet of you, it’s nice to see siblings getting along and loving each other enough to help out with each other’s interests. Well, if you need to get her any more flowers, you just tell me what she wants and I can go and fetch it up for you straight away!” She skips between the two massive Imperials and gives them both a crown of violets.