Aech gasped for breath that wouldn't come. Silently he reached up in a panic to paw at his throat, but the warm wetness of his hands only caused him more distress. This was supposed to be what he wanted, what he was meant for. But this isn't what he wanted! How could anyone want this? This... he didn't even know his face.
Aech shakily lifted the scratched golden helm from the lifeless body of the large mirror he was supposed to have hated. The only reason he could place it on his own self was shame. He couldn't face it. The slight obstruction the helm created in his vision was the only solace he could find. It smelled of blood. Whose blood was-
Aech sat up with a sudden yell, limbs flailing and clawing at the light blanket that had been over him. Some pieces of straw still falling from being flung landed on the snout of of the dragon he came face to face with. It was Hireem. He could make out her voice as his sense came back to him.
"You're doing it again. Your stress is getting to you."
It took him five good breaths to answer her with an affirmative grunt.
He was home. That was so long ago. Now he just needed to.. oh.
It's already morning.
-------
Aech was born from a royal family of the plague flight, but stolen away by his mother to be hatched and raised in the wind Flight territory to escape her tyrannical husband. She sought to raise her child to someday go back and take him down.
Aech was raised with the destiny to return to the boneyard and face his father: killing him. When he accomplished this, and had taken the heirloom armor from his father's corpse, he felt drained and empty. Severely injured from the fight, his wings were rendered a dead-weight upon his body and the mere act of returning to the place he had called his home nearly killed him. Despite those of his now late-mother's clan asking him to take his father's place, he didn't want any more of the fighting and fear he felt riddled that area. He took the royal armor and abandoned the boneyard forever. It is a place he will never willingly step foot into again.
Returning back he took in the peaceful nature and atmosphere of the Zephyr Steppes and went looking for a place to belong in the hopes of being able to live out the rest of his life seeing peaceful days and having his own family: one that wasn't torn by strife and vengeance.
He met the rogue dragon Hireem, also weary with the long years alone and on edge, and together they created a place for themselves on the edge of wind flight territory, close to the boundaries of the water flight.
Aech is a weary but strong and wise warrior. He is greatly affected by the troubles of his past and uses those old emotions to guide himself and his family to the path of a calm and happy life. Fiercely protective of his family and, by extension, his clan-mates, he will not tolerate outsiders coming and trying to start trouble with those he cares about. Disputes within the clan he tries to let work themselves out, as Hireem advises him to take it easy.
He is soft spoken unless addressing large crowds or giving orders. He is introverted, but greatly enjoys the company of friends. Dealing with strangers drains him. He will always listen to the strife and concerns of others, but will not sugar-coat his advice, as he finds it best to be realistic with things. When overwhelmed he lets his mate speak for him, as he trusts her completely.
He has a penchant for pets and cares deeply for the safety of his mate and children.
