Lilla

Frelly was the one who 'discovered' the little Plague hatchling on the border of their territory. The little mirror was sickly and undersized, breathing in whistly little gasps. "They must have abandoned her," the big ridgeback said, tail lashing. "You know how Plague can be..."

*

Everyone stared at Lilla, as the hatchling snoozed between Frelly's enormous paws. Branwen, a gangly young adult, was the only one who was unsurprised.

"I think it looks good," the pearlcatcher announced.

Yui's crest was high and flattened to the sides of her neck in clear anger. "...Why."

"The physicians say that gene magic has a strengthening effect on dragons," Frelly said matter-of-factly. "Look, she's breathing a little better, see?"

"They also sell for a lot on the market. Is that your plan?" Yui demanded, arching her back and spreading her wings. Frelly was a good hunting partner, certainly better than Melker, but some things were just beyond the pale.

"What? No! My home lair didn't sell its hatchlings, either. Not everyone does, you know!" The ridgeback's spines lifted, but her raised voice made Lilla stir and whimper. Frelly settled back, wrapping her tail around herself and the hatchling.

Yui gave her a long stare, clearly assessing her truthfulness. Finally, she shook her head, loosening her crest. "Good. Poor choice of genes, though." At Frelly's inquisitive look, Yui added, "She'll have to put something over it to hunt."

"Speaking of those genes," Buruk rumbled, "Where did you get the gems from, Frelly? We don't have that kind of money."

"Oh, well, you know..." the ridgeback said airily.

Buruk snorted, and Skayt lifted her head. "Who cares if she stole it? It's not like it was food."