[Rider] M'lus of bronze Garganth [Approved]

[Tsunake]

Name: M’lus (formerly Malus)
Age: 70 Turns
Sex: Male
Sexual Orientation: ???
Weyr: Western Weyr
Rider Rank: Wingrider
Previous Rank/Craft: Mercenary
Physical Description: M’lus is a big man, though he certainly is not the tallest of men. His broad shoulders and barrel chest give him more than enough presence. He has a weathered face with a broken nose, large calloused hands, dark eyes, and dark hair that has turned red from being sunbleached. There is little one would dare to try and insult M’lus about when it comes to his well kept appearance.

Personality: An intimidating specimen of a man, M’lus is an individual that practically seems to radiate ‘don’t talk to me’. Indeed, he prefers to keep people at arm’s length, and that suits him just fine. He’s used to people behaving a certain way--specifically, treating his dragon a certain way. As a result, he seems to have little interest in making friends...and is quick to raise his brows at those who look like they may cause trouble. Though he may be unfriendly, he is not aggressive and will not drive someone anyway with force. He is always cordial, if antisocial. He’s a man who judges a book by its cover, and it’ll take a bit of work to convince him of someone’s good intentions once he’s decided otherwise. Perhaps ironically, he himself is a man with many layers--but most people don’t often realize that due to his standoffish nature.

Underneath his stern demeanor, the man is a gentle sort. Children and animals soften him up immediately, and it isn’t uncommon to find him some place quiet with a few younglings perched on his knee, regaling them with stories. M’lus is naturally drawn to those who are both innocent and vulnerable, unconsciously seeing himself as a protector. This means he becomes a little invested in those who catch his attention, and M’lus might try and steer them out of harm’s way… whether they want his assistance or not. Those that manage to worm their way into his good graces will quickly learn that while he isn’t a soft man, he is both understanding and considerate--and will go out of his way for those few special people.

Unfortunately, if he has decided that someone is worth his friendship or protection, he isn’t eager to let them leave again. Though he isn’t physically clingy, even small signs of these close bonds beginning to stray away are enough to make his hackles raising. He will likely check on these people a bit more aggressively than usually. He doesn’t want to lose what few friendships he has.

M’lus is not a man who is easily rattled, and someone you can depend on in any sort of crisis. While he may not always have the solutions, he’s a source of reason and confident in his ability to reach a satisfactory conclusion. He can sometimes be slow to change his course, especially when it’s something that’s worked for him in the past, but he is reliable in any position he’s placed in. He will never lead himself or those who rely on him intentionally into danger.

Positive Trait List Gentle, Steady, Kind
Negative Trait List Possessive, Standoffish, Judgemental

History: Malus grew up in a family who specialized in training bodyguards for those who could afford it. Specifically, their children were raised to be the perfect weapons, assigned to a person until death. Extremely supportive, his family raised Malus with love and affection, just as his other siblings were. As a result, he was quite close to his family… and so, when coming into his prime, his parents had to break the news to him that there was no client available for him. It was common protocol that children were promised to a clients before they were of age. Not just anyone would be accepted as a candidate for one of these bodyguards, after all. Malus, to say the least, was a little shocked. He had been training his entire life for this purpose… and now, unexpectedly, he had a freedom that he hadn’t expected.

During this free time, Malus was encouraged to attend a Hatching at High Reaches, and did so mostly out of curiosity. He never expected that his entire life would be turned upside-down, as a result. A big, awkward bronze spilled onto the sands about halfway through the event, and an appreciative murmur rippled through the crowd at his size and color. Though initially the hatchling scrambled to his feet and cheerfully bounded through the gathered Candidates, the bronze’s good humor quickly faded to unease and alarm. He was unable to find his match, slowly becoming more and more unsure of himself. The longer he failed to find his lifemate, the higher the chances were that he might disappear between.

Despairingly, the hatchling eventually cried out to everyone. Malus! Garganth is lonely…. Please don’t hide…

He could feel the dragon’s terror, and instinctively, Malus--M’lus--found himself knocking people over in the stands as he impatiently pushed through to reach Garganth. He was a dragonrider now… and little did he know, his bodyguard training would be put to good use. It was quickly apparent that Garganth, though a sweet and loyal creature, was not nearly as smart as his fellows. It was all too easy to make a target out of the huge bronze, and M’lus found himself protecting his tender hearted beast from not only his fellow Weyrlings, but other riders who were disappointed in Garganth’s lack of ambition and spirit. Bronzes, after all, had certain standards they were held to, and Garganth fell abysmally short of them all. They were scorned and mocked, with Garganth being considered “a flying herdbeast”.

Angry with the treatment his dragon was forced to endure, M’lus left High Reaches a few Turns after they had graduated Weyrling training. They lived as mercenaries for a long time, taking on jobs mostly consisting of protecting traders and traveling caravans. It was good, honest work, and for a time, the pair were happy. Turns went on, and eventually M’lus was aware that Garganth was becoming increasingly more lonely. The big bronze missed the company of other dragons, though he’d never insist on returning to a Weyr--not when he knew how content His was. But M’lus had long ago thought himself as a bodyguard to Garganth, and would do anything for the bronze’s happiness.

About twenty Turns before Thread’s return, the pair tentatively headed to Western Weyr. Though High Reaches had sneered and scoffed at the way the Weyr handled its politics and color hierarchy, M’lus thought it would be the perfect fit for them. Indeed, Garganth was more than happy to follow direction, regardless of the color of their hide. Settling in was a task in and of itself. There was some enjoyment to be found in letting creche children play with Garganth, and occasionally a trip home was made to check on his family. But it was obvious that his dragon desired to be with others, so it was always back to Western at the end of the day. To fill his time, M'lus began to dabble in a few functional crafts in an attempt to fill a needed niche. He managed to pick up the very basics of smithing, woodcraft, and tanning, though due to the leisurely pace of learning, any Apprentice of these crafts would likely be more skilled than him. Though Thread’s return was devastating, Garganth fought valiantly against the silver scourge with an intensity that surprised even M’lus.

Western has been a home to them more than High Reaches ever was, and both dragon and man have sworn to serve as long as they can keep fighting… and they have many more Turns ahead of them.

Other: I'm being vague about family visits in his history in case people want to pick up family members of his in the future! <3

DRAGON
Name: Garganth
Age: 44 Turns (Zamiath and Baloth’s first clutch)
Color: Bronze
Size: 46’
Physical Description: A massive, scarred brute of a beast. Old injuries have left his teeth snaggled and protruding, which only lends to the appearance that he’s quite savage.
Personality: Upon first meeting Garganth, he appears to be a silent, taciturn dragon. He speaks in very short sentences, if he deigns to reply to anyone at all, and is always watching carefully. Those who are perceptive might realize that the dragon appears uncomfortable with new people. In truth, the large dragon is used to being made fun of, and has come to expect it from anyone who he doesn’t know to be nice. Though a maximum sized bronze, Garganth, to put it lightly, is a simple creature. Being shelled at High Reaches meant that there were certain expectations placed upon him upon hatching.

It quickly became apparent that Garganth had no desire to be a leader. He was clumsy and cheerful, but easily fooled and manipulated. He had no drive or ambition, and was content to fill his days happily playing with others. Abstract concepts and ideas were beyond him, and in most ways, Garganth was little more than a child. His feelings are prone to being hurt when he’s mocked, and he will silently withdraw into himself. On the other hand, it is extremely easy to gain his trust and loyalty with a little kindness, and it would never even occur to Garganth that someone might have less than honorable intentions.

Garganth will never shy from a challenge, however, especially if it seems dangerous. Threadfall has roused a fierce, fighting spirit within him, and he eagerly rises to the task every time. The big beast will never do anything half-heartedly, after all--even if sometimes he needs a bit of help understanding! He is deeply devoted to M’lus and will do anything his rider asks.

Dragon Art or Proof of Obtainment: /eyes emoji
M'lus and a big boy!  

[Tsunake]

Oops, DONE.  

[Teiha]

This looks great! The only thing I have for you is that a 20 turn gap between joining Western and the present leaves room for an awful lot of life experiences. Could you please add a little bit more about their time at Western? Thanks! heart  

[Tsunake]

Added to his history!  

[Teiha]

Approved! heart