"Since an egg, eh? That's quite interesting. I've never met anyone that's even seen a dragon egg, let alone hatch one." Randin motioned tot he guards that the woman and her dragon were welcome as they came upon the barracks.

Malech looked at Lod. "You think it is sad?" He was a little confused. "Family? I do not really know what family feels like, but I guess if I knew, I would assume it feels sort of like my relationship with Randin. He's a good man and I do trust him, but love? Well, I don't really know what that feels like either." Malech grunted letting icy air puff from his nostrils. "I guess you could say he's family." Malech thought about the concept for a moment. He not only trusted Randin, but Randin was the only other living being he trusted. He had good intentions though many didn't see them that way. It seemed unfair to the man. He'd been handed the short end of the stick most of the time that he'd known Randin. "I met Randin when he was four in human years. I almost killed him. But there was a fire in him that caught my attention. I was raiding his home and he was stubborn. He protected the things he loved most, even for such a young child. He was watching over his younger brother. He wouldn't move and that's when I knew that I needed someone fearless and protective to take up as my rider. He has never let me down. I do not regret my choice. He is a fine man." Malech nodded, clearing the fading images of distant memories from his mind.