"Would that I had known her then." Her hands ran along Zephyr's sides, one last inspection of her well-being. "If she grows too quickly, you will need to watch her for itching, especially should you catch her rubbing her skin against hard surfaces. Do not permit her to rip the scales in her zeal to be rid of what must needs shed naturally. Massage her with sweet oil, it shall ease her discomfort."

Her lecture on proper care of stretching dragon skin, she gave her full attention back to the little dragon. "Tell me, have you only concentrated on outgrowing your skin or have you practiced your breathing since I last saw you?" Her tone was light and reflected how fond she was of Zephyr, but at the same time carried a hint of authority. Laziness in a dragon was a failing.