Lakis

Overview

Lakis, or Laku in the plural, is the term given to any species that is capable of using any of the three types of magic to any degree. Laku have existed for countless millions of years, gradually evolving to become increasingly sensitive to magic and able to manipulate it in more complex ways. As talented as modern day Lakis species have become, the term is rarely used in practice to describe any species with budding magical talent. While the term also accurately describes dragons, most do not use it for them, preferring instead to use the proper name of the species.

Evolution

None of the Lakis species that exist today are in the form they had when they first became sensitive to magic. Many dozens of primitive Laku have lived and evolved, and possibly even gone extinct with no descendant species. In all cases, these primitive Laku would not have had the intelligence nor the high sensitivity to create the kinds of spells known in modern times. Most may have been using magic unconsciously for incredibly basic intuitive spells, such as knocking fruit off of out of reach branches.
When higher intelligence evolved, so to did the magical abilities of the Laku. Dragons evolved first, though it is unknown if their earlier evolution is the reason for their high magical stamina compared to other Laku. Dragons have other, more secretive explanations for their incredible strength and only the most well learned among them know if other factors play a part. Other Laku have gained magical stamina and ability as they further evolved, though some species have remained weak through much of their history with no signs of increasing abilities.
Even today, there exist species of animal that possess a basic sensitivity to magic. While Laku in the strictest sense, most intelligent Laku do not count these species as none of these early Laku possess the same degree of ability or intelligence. The small list of these "unevolved" Laku include Polar Bears, Orcas, Steller's Sea Eagles, and most species of Elephants.

Factions

Evolved Lakis species, not counting the dragons, fall into three groups based on their relationship to the dragons: Dragon Friends, Dragon Foes, and unallied. Each species has their own reasons for their view on dragons, though most reasons stem from the simple fact that dragons are superior in magical skill and learning, and use that superiority to act as a sort of leadership to all Laku. 
Dragon Friends ally with dragons for reasons varying from a desire to benefit from the advancements made by dragons soon after that advancement is made, to a fear of being on the wrong side of a conflict should one arise as the dragon species is the most populous Lakis species. A few Dragon Friends, notably Aacataus, have very close relationships with dragons, helping out in any type of need. Aacataus housing dragon younglings picked to grow up around humans is a famous example. Individuals of these species are entitles to their own opinions and may decide to dislike or hate dragons for reasons all of their own, yet are always considered a Dragon Friend at first glance because of what they are. 
Dragon Foes all stand against dragons for many reasons, but all reasons stem from the fact that they see dragons as rulers and manipulators. Whether their claims are true or false has been up for debate for millennia; some Dragon Friends and even a handful of dragons might admit to a grain of truth existing. While some Dragon Foes may simply want nothing to do with dragons and will avoid them at all costs, others actively will hunt down and kill unsuspecting dragons. Nearly all inverse magic using Laku are Dragon Foes for the simple fact that dragons do not want inverse magic to exist; it goes against their fundamental morals and those who use it are always enemies to dragon kind. 
Unallied Laku prefer to remain out of the influence of not just the dragons, but all other Laku. Many are ocean dwellers who find isolation east to obtain and highly desirable. Other unallied species are friendly to all Laku no matter who they support and argue that all Laku need to learn to work together, especially with the threat of being discovered by humans becoming greater by the day. One species detest dragons for their superior attitude, though admire them all the same for what they have done for all magic users and as a result, refuse to pick a side in a situation where their feelings are not black and white.