Every moment Rala grew more curious. She had to remind herself to remain seated; respecting the male and giving him the wide berth he so clearly demanded. Seeing the single moment of happiness flash over his features made her blink, then glance back at the creature behind him. If she had been older.....more experienced.....it would have been easy to realize what he guarded so fiercely. 
  Instead the answer came slow, like a coal fighting to produce heat. 

When she finally did realize, the female sat straight up and let out a quick snort. She stared at the male in surprise. He was just a father.....protecting his young.... 

   It was certainly an unusual sight; to see a male caring for his young. Most often the fathers were killed or chose to abandon their mates and offspring. This one......he was different. 

  Intrigued Rala relaxed and just watched the pair, fighting the smile that threatened to appear at the corner of her lips. Although this dragon was a father, that didn't mean he would be any less of a threat. In fact with a hatchling nearby he was more liable to attack. 

  Keeping this in mind Rala was happy to stay right where she was.