In the courtyard of a lair under the sparking Tempest Spire, three skydancers looked down at their newest little brother with unabashed delight--and not a little befuddlement.

"Well, he's certainly got Dad's belly," Windsock mused, scratching his own tangerine-hued underside.

Dawn nodded, eyebrows creased. "And Mother's stripes..."

"Didja have to put that sweater on him tho, Velv?" Win reached down and rubbed the knitted sleeve between his fingers...then glanced up at the matching garment on Velvet, and grimaced. The little nocturne, unperturbed, continued happily playing with his new balloon.

"Look, I didn't--gah, I told you, Tal gave me this sweater. Which means I'm wearing it." Velvet gave his siblings a poignant, you'll-leave-it-alone-if-you-know-what's-good-for-you look, then broke into a proud grin. "I can't help it if the lad wanted to look like his big brother."

"Yeah, he is closest to your colors, so I guess I can see why he'd pick you to mimic...for now." Windsock rubbed on his chin thoughtfully.

Velvet snorted. "Rather than you, you mean?"

"Give him time, he's young yet. It takes a while for...more refined tastes to develop." Win was grinning more than he could help.

Velvet grinned back. "Hmph. He just has extremely good taste. Or perhaps extremely poor taste, I'm not sure which..." He bent his neck and nuzzled the hatchling affectionately.

Dawn reached down and hefted their newest clan and kin. "Come on, Breeze, let's go write Mother and Dad and let them know how you're doing. Before the boys have too much more bad influence on you." But she gave them a wink as she said it.

Win watched the balloon bob behind the two as Dawn carried their brother away. "She's gonna spoil the kid rotten, you mark my words."

Velvet nodded in agreement, smiling. But would that be such a bad thing, after all?