It seems an eternity ago: memories of Nurth's isolated dragon clan, deep in the forest. There was a sense of family, such as it was. Many different dragon family groups called this valley and cave system their home, including his own parents and egg-siblings.
Nurth -- properly "Nurthagus" -- tended to stand apart, even at joyful moments like these. He was soft mannered, and soft around the middle. He hesitated to join his brothers and sisters as they jockeyed for position, lost in a game of playful aerobatics.

Pomyndre, his mother, was an emerald green beauty, ever cheerful and supportive, and brimming with joy for life. Nurth strongly favored her coloration and features.

Vendorath wore a distinctive and dignified brown striped pattern. Forever a stern and conservative father, and a proud clan leader, he had no patience for weakness -- especially in his son. His was the highest standard. Even an innocent game amongst siblings was an opportunity to judge whether his offspring were worthy. He'd keep score, and plan future lessons around what he witnessed that day.

Garamyr was the spitting image of his father. The prodigy and golden child, it was perhaps no coincidence he seemed destined to lead of the clan one day. A lot of Vendorath's mannerisms and opinions regarding the Nurth's inadequacies had already rubbed off.

Lumieth was a striking banana-colored dragon with a good head on her shoulders, and enough brawn and cleverness to see her way through all sorts of challenges. Ever the diplomat, she knew how to diffuse a situation, and served as a shining beacon who always had Nurth's back.

Tineadon shared a lot of that yellow coloration, with dash of his father's patterning. He put a lot of stock in his own strength and physical prowess, but always seemed to be figuratively chasing Garamyr's tail. He was a friendly enough fellow, if a bit slow witted and the butt of occasional jokes.

Maybe things would have turned out differently if Pom hadn't met an untimely end.
A freak accident, no less... selflessly diving beneath the the flooded ruins where a subterranean cave had collapse and trapped Tine. Neither of them resurfaced.
Vendorath grieved deeply, and almost overnight seemed to find the mere sight of Nurth's green scales mortally offensive. Gar kept his distance from his remaining brother, though his eyes burned with thinly veiled disgust. The previously sympathetic Lumie withdrew as well, though she at least had the courtesy to look guilty when Nurth caught her purposely avoiding him.

It wasn't long after that when Nurth set out on his own journey, meaning to prove himself. Perhaps even earn a place in his father's standing.
He didn't know it would be several years before he met another dragon. But the sense of loneliness could not have been worse.

*****
I decided to scoop an entire group YCH scene from the talented  Nattraseri to make this group portrait possible. Thanks so much for working on this!
Artist's original submission: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/48894700/