[[I wasn't able to get all of Danuvaen's story out there before Inheritance was released, so these events take place after the Varden leaves Surda, but not before they get much further.]]

The rocky ridges of the Beor mountains concealed Danuvaen from sight as he curled up like an overlarge cat, his legs folded under him and his tail over his nose, and attempted to rest. He was closest to the eastern edge, having just recently fled from the ranks of the Varden. It had been only days, in fact, since his Rider had been killed. He was faring no better than one might expect. He hadn't groomed his deep grey scales in all that time, and he had eaten, but only so he could keep up his flight. He remained in the Beor mountains so that he could use them for cover and eat the easy to catch Feldunost that roamed seemingly unaware that there was a giant, vicious predator among them.

A contented hum emanated from Danuvaen's chest after he finally fell asleep. In his mind he saw Fernir leaning against him protected under his wing, safe and unharmed. His death had only been a nightmare; fate would never allow them to be parted. That would be wrong, inhumane, and cruel. The dream was so vivid and convincing Danuvaen reached his head around to nuzzle Fernir, only to find empty air. The contrast from the dream's image was disconcerting enough that he awoke to find that it had, in fact, been a dream. He allowed himself a whimper of grief and unfurled. There was no way he would be able to fall back asleep, he knew. He stretched his wings, braced his legs, and took off from the ground, flapping madly. This nocturnal flight was not meant for travel, as evidenced by the fact that he changed directions erratically. It was only to help clear his mind and to give him something to focus on besides the harsh reality he found himself in. He was lost. He didn't know what to do anymore; he didn't even know who he was. As Fernir had been an elf, he had been aware of his true name since he was young, and he had helped Danuvaen come to know his own. He spoke it softly to himself then, but there was no jolt of recognition in his body. He was Danuvaen, dragon with no Name, with no Rider. And without a partner-of-heart-and-mind, it would be far too easy for him to lose control of both mind and heart.

Mir's heart sank when she saw the dragon approaching. She flattened her ears against her skull and flared her wings threateningly.

She was a little taken aback when the dragon apologized for his earlier behavior. Still it didn't change the fact that he tried kill her. That wasn't exactly something that gryphons forgave easily.

Mirriana cocked her hear curiously, orange eyes focused intently on him.

Why were you so upset anyhow? she asked curiously.

OCC: Short.