I slowly went up to the small dragon so as to not scare her. There are many things that could cause a stunt in growth, injury, lack of nutrition, even stress, but this was the worst case that I have ever known, even through reading. 

“Does she have a name yet?”

Lin looked to her hatchling, “Not as of yet. Ift said that if she she survives until her first year, she will be considered to be given a name.”

Names for dragons are very serious. They are to be given by the leader, and even then, it might take years for the leader to choose one. The name can not simply be changed once the leader gives it. They must bind the name to the dragon with magic, and thus, be with them for all their life. The process is long due to the name altering the strength of the magic. If given a name that does not suit however, then the dragon might not be able to use their magic at all.

The poor hatchling has not even been considered for a name yet. 

Rose looked over the hatchling over the course of hours. It was nearly sunset when Rose finally was done, but it was not good.

“The little one is suffering with something that can not be cured. She will never grow. So how she eats will have to be different.”

“How different?” Lin said with hesitation.

“Many dragons don’t typically have issues with what they eat, but because she is so small, her diet needs to be strict. On top of that, she will need some medicine to get her energy back for now, the state that she is in right now is not a good one and without the medicine, she will most likely not make it.”

“So, does this mean that she will have to leave for a little while?” Ift comments.

“It would be easier to give her the medicine, but I will not force Lin to something that she is not confident in.” 

Lin was silent. Rose could not imagine what was going through her head at the moment. Usually, the only reason a human is to take care of a Dragon is when the mother dies. Bilmont would take care of the hatchling until they are old enough for their first hunt and then they would go with the leader back to the other dragons. 

But this time, the hatchling is supposed to be on her first hunt now. 

“If that is what is best for her, then I will accept.” Lin finally says.

Rose nodded towards her and added, “I will take good care of her. You can visit her anytime, if you want to.” 

For the first time, Rose saw a sparkle in a dragon’s eyes. Happiness is something that can not be easily seen with dragons, but in that moment, it was clear as day.