The humid heat of the Mud Kingdom hung heavy in the air, thick with the scent of damp earth, slow-moving water, and the distant croaks of unseen creatures. Massive mangrove-like trees rose from the murky marsh, their tangled roots twisting through dark pools of mud and warm swamp water. Dragonflies buzzed lazily above the surface while the occasional splash echoed from something unseen slipping beneath the water.

At the heart of the swamp stood the MudWing palace—less a castle and more a massive structure of hardened clay, stone, and woven reeds rising from an island of thick mud. Smoke curled gently from fire pits where guards rested, and the low rumble of MudWing voices carried across the swamp.

Inside the largest chamber of the palace, the throne room stretched wide and open, its walls lined with torches that reflected warmly off the damp stone. The floor was packed earth, still cool from the swamp below.

Upon a throne carved from dark swamp wood and reinforced with clay sat Queen Moorhen, the powerful ruler of the MudWings.

She was enormous, even by MudWing standards. Her thick scales were the deep brown of rich swamp mud, with darker patches that blended almost perfectly with the marshlands she ruled. Old battle scars crossed her hide, proof of the wars she had fought to defend her kingdom during the chaotic years of the SandWing War of Succession. Her heavy wings rested folded at her sides, while her massive tail curled slightly around the base of the throne.

Queen Moorhen's sharp amber eyes watched everything.

Around her, several MudWing soldiers stood guard, their wide bodies blocking the entrances while others lounged near the edges of the chamber. MudWings were never overly formal, but everyone in the room understood the quiet authority of their queen.

A messenger had just arrived.

The young MudWing stumbled into the chamber, breathing hard from flying across the swamp. Mud clung to their claws and wings, and their voice trembled slightly as they bowed low.

"Your Majesty… there's… something strange happening near the outer marshes."

Queen Moorhen lifted her head slowly, her heavy brow lowering in curiosity.

"Strange how?" she rumbled, her voice deep and steady like distant thunder.

The messenger swallowed.

"There's a dragon… but not one of ours. They collapsed near the river crossing. They look injured."

Murmurs rippled through the guards.

Queen Moorhen remained still for a moment, thinking. The Mud Kingdom rarely received unexpected visitors, especially injured ones. During wartime, strangers could mean spies… or worse.

But MudWings were also known for their loyalty and protection of those under their care.

Her tail thumped once against the ground as she stood, towering over the room.

"Take me to them," she commanded.

The guards quickly stepped aside as the great queen moved toward the palace entrance, her heavy footsteps shaking the packed earth floor.

Outside, the warm swamp air wrapped around everyone like a blanket as Queen Moorhen spread her broad wings slightly for balance while stepping through the muddy terrain. Fireflies flickered in the dimming light of evening, and distant thunder rolled somewhere beyond the swamp.

Ahead, shapes of MudWing soldiers surrounded a lone dragon lying half-submerged in the mud near the water's edge.

Queen Moorhen narrowed her eyes as she approached.

"Move aside," she ordered.

The soldiers parted.

Her gaze fell directly on you.

The swamp grew quiet as the powerful MudWing queen studied the mysterious dragon that had appeared within her territory.

Her voice rumbled low, curious but cautious.

"Well now… you’re far from wherever you came from."

She lowered her massive head slightly, examining your injuries and your unfamiliar presence.

"So tell me," Queen Moorhen said, her amber eyes locking onto yours, "who are you… and why did the swamp bring you to my kingdom?"