Vidya

Vidya's presence cemented an alliance. She did not play, she did not squeal, she did not fight.

She did however question everything. Why did the canopies cover so much? Why was it so noisy at night? Why did some creatures eat some yet not others? Why couldn't you see the stars here?

Why were the beastclans attacking them and not the surrounding clans? When would it stop? How long could they keep this up for? What did it matter; an alliance between such distant clans?

Why?

When?

How?

What?

More and more questions poured from her. She eventually found the clan not unwilling to give her answers, simply unable.

The first time she suggested to keep an eye on the surrounding territory at night, Asunder questioned her. They were clearly strong enough to handle anything the beastclans could muster. Did it really matter if they knew they were coming?

When Vidya suggested the two Wildclaws be the Nightwatch, Aetherrin was offended and demanded a reason. Those two Wildclaws did not have a legacy to build. Why were they picked and not one of his own?

Once Vidya requested materials and labour for construction of the watch trees, Astridaire thought it was a waste of time and did not help. Why should she, a master of the mire, need such a structure?

By the time the beastclans fourth attempt to attack in the night was foiled - they fled by the sounding of a deafening horn high above the trees, that rumbled like a beast all its own. It was not long until those clans avoided them: believing the clan protected by the Gladekeeper herself. Vidya asked the older dragons to help hollow out the nearby tree to make into a more suitable nesting ground.

No one questioned her.

Weeks later, Asunder gave her a Filigree banner. She had earned her place - unusual not from battle - but at the lair, planning and keeping her ever sharp eyes on the weaknesses of her kin.

Nothing pleased Vidya more than to realise it was now her place to be asked questions by the strongest warriors the clan had to offer. Some answers she kept to herself: the reason for the coup between Asunder and Aetherrin was as clear as the Viridian Labyrinth was green - but to others, it alluded them.

Vidya thankfully also had enough wisdom not to poke and prod at wounds just healing. She could add nothing but anew the tension and unease.