When came the day of Xe Hound's brood's hatching, Ackray noticed a sort of nervous tension in her home. Far from the normal gaiety of a saa hatching, or even a normal outlander's hatching, it almost felt as though the entire saa population were about to head for the hills. 'Kida would explain later that the Valley didn't generally approve of such violent dragons brooding so nearby, but they didn't want to turn anyone out. (Or maybe they were afraid to turn Xe Hound away? Ackray thought it was possible - she knew she'd be afraid to say no to the ferocious looking mother-to-be.)      The young manylegged taur-dragon got to attend the hatching, though not as a candidate - she was far too young for that. Still, it was exciting because it was the first of it's kind she'd ever witnessed. Except for her own hatching, of course, but that didn't count.      It really didn't take long for the eggs to hatch. And then the hatchlings found their bonds or sponsors, whoever they would go home with… and then it was over. Ackray was surprised and a little disappointed. Her own experience had seemed much longer and more exciting, but maybe that was because they did things differently where she was born. Dr. Schroeder kept careful records and stuff, so that was probably pretty time consuming. Still, she couldn't wait for the next hatching.      The Valley, however, breathed a collective sigh of relief when the last hatchling moved off with his new caretaker. Now maybe things could get back to normal around here. Or so they hoped.      Until one more hatchling showed herself. She was dark purple and black, and looked around the grounds speculatively. Ackray thought she looked pretty and strangely introspective, in comparison with her siblings. Eikida watched from the half-spirit's side as the new little female approached.      "It would seem as though there are no candidates left," she said softly, and for a moment, Ackray felt sorry for her. Just a moment, though, because then she caught something disturbing in the way her cousin looked around the Valley. "I suppose I could stay here. If you'll let me, that is.." she said, looking for all the world like a lost little hatchling in need of a good home.      Eikida chirped brightly and welcomed her to stay as long as she liked. The hatchling, Xa Nagaun, smiled. Ackray-est Tah felt chills down her spine. ***      From then on, Xa was never very far from her cousin, following her around and mimicking certain greetings or listening quietly to conversations. At first, it made Ackray extremely fidgety. She hadn't forgotten how strange that little hatchling had acted in the beginning. However, as time rolled on, she became accustomed to her little shadow, and even found her constant presence comforting.      Xa had a way of widening her eyes and tilting her head that Ackray found adorable. Even as young as she was, she couldn't help but coo over the still younger hatchling. After a while, the two were nigh inseparable.      The saa of the Valley, too, found her antics endearing, and, after a while of getting used to her presence, fussed over her just as much as any other hatchling. Possibly even more, since it was almost as though Xa and Ackray were a double delight. The general consensus was that the older cousin's cheerful amiability and warm, caring nature had rubbed off on little Xa, at least enough to dull her parents' violent influence.      Which was actually just the conclusion Xa wanted them to arrive at. | Back | Next |