Verdant

---Gracie88

All pearlcatchers hold their pearl to be the most important treasure they could ever possess, carrying it with them as though it may otherwise mean their death; caring for them, buffing out every smudge, every scratch, and ensuring the pristine shine is unmarred by any damaging crack. The orbs are considered to hold a piece of themselves. For some, this is no mere idea, but a reality; some have payed undying attention to the maintenance of their pearl, attention enough for the bulk of dragonkind, even pearlcatchers, to balk at. At times those few could be found doting on it for hours, days, even weeks at a time-carving, polishing, and strengthening. Verdant himself has been rescued several times by other dragons when he had completely forgotten to eat at all. Friends to these pearlcathers have even made jokes that they are imbuing it with the very essence of themselves; but such a statement may indeed be more than a mere joke. The extreme devotion to the pearl has perhaps allowed for it to actually become a vessel for a part of a soul to inhabit. Their souls become tangible.

To lose this pearl is a fate worse than death. For those unique Pearlcatchers, one such as Verdant, separation from his life's treasure could very well cause its end; as time continues, his health would deteriorate, and his soul would wither until it is reunited. If, however, his death were to occur, by these means or another, the pearl must be kept separate from his remains, must never make contact with them for any reason whatsoever. The Emperor dragon clearly represents the foolishness of allowing a deceased dragon's spirit to linger near his or another's corpse for too long.

No dragon within reach of the clan knows if Verdant is alone in his affliction, or if it is on the verge of becoming an epidemic. Regardless, Xha'thal sees no reason make an investigation out of it; Verdant seems perfectly content to leave the situation be. He never had any plans of losing his pearl, and he oddly sees no harm in a consequence such as death looming over him.