[Statistics] [Candidate] [Hatchling] [Weyrling] [Adult]

Mikaila looked at the tiny dragon with something akin to disbelief, although the fact that the little dragon had just devoured three bowls of chopped wherry-meat said otherwise.

Asperanteth. It was a mouthful for such a small baby, but somehow it fit perfectly. It had been two days since her hatching and the little green was beginning to develop a distinct personality.

Miki? she called suddenly from within a sleep-fogged mind.

"I'm here, dear heart," Mikaila replied fondly, reaching down and stroking her softly.

My hide itches, she complained. Why does my hide itch again, Miki?

Miki chuckled and rose to fetch the oil pot. "You're growing so fast," she explained. "Your hide can't keep up with the rest of you and it flakes in spots. The oil will help soften the hide so it stretches more easily. Besides," she added with a smile. "You just ate half a wherry. Your tummy alone must have doubled in size!"

Asperanteth rumbled softly in draconic laughter. Don't flame me, I was hungry!

"I noticed," Miki replied with a blissful grin and began to slather the green with the scented oil.

As she massaged the silky hide, a thought came to the girl's mind. The dragon had adopted her nickname, Miki, but little Asperanteth had not developed a name of her own.

Why do I need another name? the hatchling asked, picking up on her rider's thought.

"People with long names usually have shortenings - nicknames - so that their friends can call them easily," Miki explained.

Oh! Then, I shall be called Pip.

Mikaila paused a moment then laughed fondly. "Silly baby," she whispered. "A nickname is a shortening of your own name. Like Asper, or Ran."

Asperanteth looked adorably crestfallen. Then she brightened at the examples she was given. Oh, I like Asper. That's pretty.

"Asper it is, then. My Asper."

Little green Asper practically purred. Your Asper.