Swag

Swag was encouraged to read and learn from a young age, common things for Light lairs to try to instill in their youths. Despite this, she decided on the cusp of maturity that she wanted to live in a pack. This was a common decision for young Mirrors to make. And so, she traveled to the Scarred Wasteland to join other young Mirrors of her mind. Finding a pack wasn't too hard.

Swag was surprised by how the pack worked. No one ever spoke to anyone else, and whoever was at the front of the pack was the leader... until they fell behind. Mirrors who dropped in battle were abandoned. Healthy Mirrors were allowed into the pack at any time unless they attacked. All logic demanded she flee, but... the hunt was intoxicating. Adrenaline surged through her veins. She never wanted to stop, even as the battles grew harder and she knew she'd be one of the ones to drop sooner rather than later.

Her final bout with the pack was a charge towards some unholy wooden cervid. The pack ran to the large beast with excitement and it shot magic at them. As they got closer, though, Swag saw that the magic came from a dragon. She started to slow, but the pack wasn't stopping. Couldn't they see the dragon?

Oh. Oh they did see the dragon. They weren't stopping. What should she do?

Obviously she shouldn't be hunting a dragon. That wasn't right. It wasn't. But... the pack... running with the pack was exhilarating. And it's not like they were going to kill him, right? Surely they'd just rough him up a little. That's not... so bad... right?

No. That was bad. That was bad! She couldn't attack this dragon, or his plant monster.

She lashed out at one of her pack mates. The pack didn't stop for a second. They left her and the Mirror she'd attacked and continued on towards the lone dragon. Her opponent was a bit smaller than her, and he turned tail when she gave him the opportunity to run. She stood between him and the pack so she could be sure he wouldn't rejoin the fight. Next, she turned her eyes on the pack. Surprisingly, the fae dragon and his plant were holding the pack at bay. She could tell the pack was just trying to find an opening, though. She supposed it was up to her to give them cause to flee. She charged into the group and sank her teeth into one of them. The pack switched focus quickly and took aim on her. The fae offered supporting fire during the brawl and the plant-beast charged into battle. The fight was great! She knew she'd feel it soon, after the adrenaline was gone, but with a magic-user as her ally, she wasn't too worried about tomorrow. The plant was the most formidable beast on the field, and with its aid she repelled the pack.

The fae, apparently called Obsidian, referred to the plant-thing as his child. This was... unexpected. A bit frightening. She hadn't even thought that possible. He used restorative magic to close its few wounds, and then turned to her. He offered to help with her injuries, though he admitted to being a poor mage, an offer she accepted quickly. He was better than she'd expected, given his apologies. Still, she'd need to rest and allow natural healing. The adrenaline still hadn't gone yet, but she was sure it would hurt soon. She offered to escort the fae out of the Wasteland, safety in numbers and all that.

Okay, so the plant-child had a logical explanation after all. Its name was Gildred, by the way. It was the fae's child and familiar, but it made sense when he said it. Sort of. Her own familiar was a little cape she'd slept on as a hatchling. Its name was Swishy Swish. Perhaps this fae wasn't as crazy s she'd first thought, solo travel through the Wasteland notwithstanding.

They made it to the Tangled Wood fairly quickly. She'd gone through here on her initial journey to the Scarred Wasteland. She remembered it being an awful stretch because hunting was scarce. That could be a problem again, but it was still better than staying, injured, in Plague lands. Unfortunately, it still wasn't good. She was so hungry. The fae guy tried to make food for her with his science magic, but that didn't go over so good. He was a sweetie. They ended up deciding to head for the jungle. Plenty of food in there. It would be dangerous, though. She'd need to protect Obsidian. That should be annoying, but it sounded weirdly... romantic?

This guy... she almost wanted to be mates with him. A scholar, kinda crazy and impulsive like her, thinks on his feet... those frills... caring and compassionate despite reason. He'd risked his neck for Gildred, and then again for her. She'd saved him first, of course. So bashful. Clearly not hiding anything, letting his honest thoughts and feelings through. He wasn't guarded like she was, and it was charming that he trusted her with his mind. She decided to confess her affection to him.

He seemed... startled... by her feelings. He didn't seem to think he deserved her love. This was concerning. She did not like this. Why didn't he see how great he is? Surely he realized that he'd saved her life. Surely he knew his magic was impressive. His frills? Very grand. She would make him see.

They ended up encroaching on a clan's territory in the jungle. Drakel. The clan was surprisingly forgiving, allowing them to join up or giving them a few days to clear out. They chose to stay- the jungle was unforgiving and the clan would defend them. She was taken up as a guard and hunter, a fitting role for a Mirror of her skill. Obsidian became an alchemist and learned more healing magic from the clan's healer. He seemed to grow more confident as he practiced. She tried to make sure he knew she believed in him.