This hatchling could hardly be considered cute.

And look! It has grown wings! At least it isn’t quite as naked-looking anymore.

Young dragons are relatively defenseless. They are born with relatively soft scales, which are shed and replaced with harder ones as the hatchling matures. Once a hatchling’s wings grow in, it typically marks the beginning of maturation. At this point they are often capable of hunting on their own and are usually left alone by their mother.

Drihli Pidas is a prankster. She likes to hide in dark places and spring out at the feet of unsuspecting of victims simply to give them a fright. When not sowing mayhem, she basks in the sun atop a high stone wall, using her appearance and permanent odor to lure in vultures, which she then scares away just for the fun of it. She never has to work for her meals. As a frozen hatchling she is often waited on hand and foot by well-meaning elders who don't realize that the Black Marrow hatchling is out of season.