Rehonu is a dragon that was the first-born Orshogoth Silver Dragon after the Cataclysm. He was much bigger than his ancestors and exhibited enhanced versions of the same abilities they did.

But he was also very strong-willed.

Despite warnings from his sire, Rehonu was fond of changing to human form and mingling with humanfolk. He enjoyed their games, their professions, and their day-to-day lives. He would often spend days travelling from town to town in his human form, spending time with other travelers. The Nine Nations were only just beginning to form, and he was fascinated.

However, his fascination soon turned to much more.

In a small village on the hills south of Orsholon City, Rehonu met a young woman, Joie Riviere. She was a raven-haired beauty with eyes that flashed a bright blue in the sunlight. He was entranced.

He stayed in the village and got to know her. He introduced himself as Reho. She worked in a local market, and her voice captivated him. And it was not long before they were seeing each other every day.

But there was a very serious complication – Joie was married, to a cobbler named Icarion Riviere, He provided a good home and they never wanted for anything – a cobbler is always good to have around. But she did not love him. So she would go home at night and tend to her husband and home. But during the day, she gave herself to Reho.

Joie began to take ill. At first, it was thought to be a malady of the temporary kind, but she knew it wasn’t. No, she was with child. And she was fairly certain it was not Icarion’s.

She told Reho. He was delighted, overjoyed. He certainly had enough wealth hoarded that they would never want. But could he remain as a human? He had never told her about his real form. Could he give up living as dragonkind?

For this woman, he would do anything. But she was not ready to leave Icarion. She feared she would be ostracized, vilified for having affairs with another man. So she made Reho promise not to say anything. Once the child was born, she would run away with him and take the child. Reho did not like the plan, but if it meant spending the rest of his life with her, it was worth the wait.

Joie told Icarion that she was in a family way. He was ecstatic! Finally a child! He hoped for a boy but would be happy with a daughter just the same. Joie did not tell him it was not his child.

As Joie progressed, there were signs of difficulty with the pregnancy. She often had trouble breathing. She would feel ice cold, even to the touch. Her skin developed a scaliness that no oil or salve would soften. Icarion brought in healers to treat her, but none could relieve the symptoms.

Reho continued to see Joie every time he could. He would even take the chance of coming to her home when Joie was too ill, risking being caught by Icarion. He tended to every need. Joie would tell Icarion that new items were simply gifts from well-wishers. Icarion could not believe their fortune.

The time came for the baby to arrive. Joie was more ill than ever. Icarion stood by her side as the midwife worked to deliver the baby. Unbenownst to Icarion, Reho was just outside. He had taken the form of a bird, sitting just outside the window on a tree limb, able to see in.

As the baby emerged, Joie gave a mighty push. Here was a boy! With dark hair and dark brown eyes, he began to cry and showed the strength of his lungs. Just then, Joie let out a loud gasp. She arched her back, struggling to regain her breath. Her face was drained of color. Icarion leaned over her. She looked towards him, but not [i]at[/i] him. She was looking at the bird outside. She quietly said “I love you”, and closed her eyes one last time. And Joie was gone.

Reho let out a cry of anguish. To anyone else, it would have sounded like a bird screeching, but it was, in fact, the sound of his heart breaking. Reho fell to the ground. He could not stay. They had warned him that staying human too long would cause problems. He changed to his dragon form just out of sight of the village and was never seen again.

Icarion, of course, thought Joie’s last words were for him. He promised her he would raise the boy and ensure he grew strong. Joie died without ever revealing the truth.

It is said that Joie’s death not only broke Rehonu’s heart, but the dragon himself. Rumors are occasionally passed around that someone has seen Rehonu, but they never prove out. Not since 1171 has anyone seen him. And perhaps, they never will.