Salbadore drives the ebony fly back to the cave, where his companions await. By some miracle, Varel is able to maintain her hold on the egg without mishap, and deposits it in the nest with some sadness for the other three eggs that were lost to the machinations of the pirate, Benedick.Another day and night pass without incident. Early in the next day, however, a strange chirping sound can be heard coming from the egg. It is time!
Mr. Nibbles eyes the egg with predatory curiosity as the party gathers 'round to witness the baby dragon within fight its way to freedom, at last puncturing the leathery coccoon with a small "tooth" on its tiny snout and taking its first breath of air.
The miniature dragon is such a dark green as to appear almost black, its tender scales glistening with the leftover fluids that nourished its development in the egg. It opens its oversized eyes to view the world for the first time, revealing brilliant yellow irises that are split down the middle by the narrow black slit of its pupils.
It opens its mouth expectantly, revealing tiny bony nubs that a century from now may prove the toothy doom of young heroes such as yourselves.
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"It's me! It's me! I'm your mommy! Me!" Varel leaps in front of the dragon with uncharacteristic ferocity, dragging a deer carcass bloodily behind her and depositing it next to the new hatchling.
She then attempts to play midwife, doing her best to help the baby emerge from its shell, clean it, and stretch its tender wing membranes.
"I have to admit I was briefly worried that we were just baited here to be the first meal for the newborns. I guess everything worked out okay though. How soon until we can get back on the road?"
Orthos keeps his distance from the baby dragon.
Laurie nods to Orthos. "I didn't want to be telling the tale of the adventures eaten by baby dragons. Varel, we really can't take the baby with us. You realize you're going to have to give it back when their protector returns?"
Varel plays mother dragon to the best of her ability, cleaning the hatchling, helping it eat the softest and most nourishing parts of the deer carcass, and cradling it close to her body to keep it warm.
The baby dragon, suitably stuffed with food, sleepily burps out a small cloud of a greenish vapor - right onto Varel!
[Reflex save, Jay!]
Mercurio speaks up after a long silent spell. He joins Orthos, also keeping his distance. His left hand gingerly resting on his morning star.
As the baby dragon burps at Varel, Mercurio says quietly to Orthos and Laurie, "'ope we dunna need get a new tree-witch. Jus' gettin use ta this'on, that."
He looks at Laurie, "Er, na affense, lass."
Varel tries to wave the caustic belch away from her, but her reflexes are not quick enough. The green vapors sting her eyes, causing them to burn and water, as her lungs and exposed skin erupt in blisters. [5 damage]
Through the pain, Varel sets down the hatchling and quickly uses her druidic healing magic to repair the damage to herself.
"Fudgecicles!" She exclaims.
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