Radiant Phoenix

The Phoenix is the symbol of the Fenixian Empire after it granted power to Horaeri, The First Emperor allowing him and his group to access the power of the crystals.
When Horaeri created the empire, he took the phoenix as his symbol, claiming the fact it chose him was a sign of divine power from the winds themselves. As such, the bird has become a symbol of power and might within the empire and beyond.

Habitat

The phoenix itself is rarely seen, living in the wilds of the mountains to the west of the The Hollow Expanse where the City of Fenixia is located. They are reclusive and very territorial.
She makes her nest in a hollow of Crystals deep in the caves under the volcano, and in doing so imbues them with its power to transform. Each phoenix creates its own nest, meaning the caves under the volcano are full of old nests and strange shapes in the crystals from the blazes at the end of their life.

Rebirth

Only one phoenix lives at any time. When she feels her time is drawing near, she returns to the volcano where she creates a nest. She sheds feathers around it to create a barrier to keep her newborn safe. At the end of her life, she bursts into flame and lightening, in the process her body transforms into a egg. As the ashes cool, the egg hatches and she is reborn.

Characteristics

When first born, the phoenix looks like a boring brown bird, only the length of its tail feathers gives you a clue as to its unique characteristics. This is a form of camouflage, allowing the young bird to travel in anonymity with other birds. As it ages, the feathers brighten, turning the characteristic yellow and orange when it is close to the end of its life.
Phoenix feathers harden once plucked from the bird, sharpening to a point. They use these to provide a natural defense for their egg between their conflagration and the new phonix hatching. These feathers make it hard for other creatures to sneak in and eat the egg, or harm the newborn bird.

Bonding

When young, a phoenix can bond with a human. This forms a connection between them. For some, it is said they could commune with each other, or share feelings. At the very least, the phoenix shares their healing ability and the life forces are combined. This lengthens the lifespan of both.
Horaeri unknowingly bonded with the newborn phoenix after witnessing her mother turn to flame. Though they stayed at a distance from each other, the bird only appearing when he was in great need.
Later emperors also bonded with a phoenix before they were crowned, until that became a sign they were eligible to take the throne. These birds became their spies and a way for them to avoid harm due to their healing powers, adding to the belief the emperor's were chosen by the winds to rule.
After the death of The Final Emperor many travelled to the volcano to find the new phoenix, hoping if they were able to find the bird and bond with it, that would prove their right to rule and take over the empire. Eventually, the Family Parents forbade anyone from attempting it, partly so they could rule and also to stop the brightest of their youths from dying in the mountains attempting to find the reclusive bird.