Black Dragons are warriors. They are strong and capable in battles of force, but also ample magic users, capable of devastating opponents with their spells. Their bright eyes give them excellent night vision, which is why they generally hunt during the night.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Since the Cleansing Flame, when Flameflow's might drove out the unclean lineaged and installed a dynasty of strength and purity, Startake has found comfort in routine. It's nice, knowing when everything will happen. This is the sound for when a public execution is being held; that was the time of year when Startake was told to mate with the dragon whose lineage was chosen for him. This life could be restrictive, but at least it was predictable. No big surprises.

At least, that was the case before his most recent assigned mating with Songsilver, the purest Silver dragon in the Weyr. He'd observed proudly as she laid Silvers that became beautiful warriors for Flameflow, though regrettably, they were all lost performing their duties.

But this time, when Songsilver laid a glowing Silver egg, her face went still, impassive. The next morning, she had vanished. Startake has been tasked with trying to find out where she went, and, at minimum, to bring back his own young. Very different indeed.