When the spring winds blew straight up the side of the mountain, it usually meant that the windows would be sealed and the doorways would have leather flaps covering them.

This time, however, it meant that three young dragons were trying their wings. All three stood at the ledge, competing now for space since they were half their adult size (which was saying a lot, and none of them were truly tiny).

It was of course Doorroth who opened his dark wings first, and bravely stepped off the ledge. He wobbled and eventually had to fold his wings down and drop to the rocky space below the ledges, but he'd done it! He'd flown under his own power for the first time!

Vaun clapped his hands, and the soft sound came to the dragons' ears. They perked up because they really wanted to impress him. He flew all the time, with those big wings he had started to display. He used to hide them, only using them when he needed to travel. But now, with the dragonets there, he seemed to take pride in their presence.

"I could show you a little about balance in the air," Vaun said.

We are doing well, aren't we? Asked Cyth. I think we are. I am next! I want to do it next!

Izuith nodded and allowed the silvered green rainbow her space. She wobbled a bit, but then lowered her head and angled her wing wrists down. The big curved surface of her wing sails caught the powerful updraft and she swept out over the hills. She actually opened up her wings wide and glided for several minutes. She was quite graceful.

Doorroth snorted that she was showing off.

Wouldn't you? Oh - that's right, you did. Tried to, anyway... Izuith remarked. He was getting a little testy while they grew. Their bones never stopped aching, and their skin itched furiously all the time. They kept shedding, and they certainly kept the locals busy helping rub down their skin.

But any opportunity to be near these amazing graceful creatures was a good one.

When Cyth came in, Izuith was ready. He was more into the powerful strokes of uplift, and he fought for a moment until Vaun joined him in midair. The big batwings coming from Vaun's back now more resembled the dragons', and he dove to give an example.

Use your shoulders more, Izuith, he recommended. By the time Cyth had rested up, Doorroth wanted to try again, and soon enough they were all soaring in the air with their adopted godling.

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