Dragonology 101 - Lesson T wo

Morning!  Sorry about missing our last "lesson". Had a 4-legged child emergency that's been an ongoing thang. Gotta love "kids" of all kinds at times.

To get on with it:

Now that we’ve tricked our dragon into lameness, we can begin our study.  As you inspect your beast, be certain to pay close attention to its scales and note the soft underbelly. That smooth, nearly flesh-like hide is one of the reasons for the dragon’s interest in shiny things.  Dragons that have survived learned their hoarding behavior early on in life.

One of the reasons for collecting shiny things – ie: gemstones in particular – was because they discovered that when they lie on the stones, some of them stick to that soft underbelly, creating a layer of protective armor.  

Another reason has to do with courtship. To impress a female, a mateless male dragon will create a fancy nest out of his collection of gemstones. The besotted male will present his chosen with a choice gem. What self-respecting female dragon is going to turn away from a cache of shiny things?

Note, too, the finger-like part attached to the end of their wing spines. Smaller than the claws, these “fingers” permit the dragon to climb cliffs and tall buildings.

To determine the sex of your dragon, you need only inspect the spike at the end of the tail. A female’s spike will look more like a medieval spear – it will be pointed, but will more or less “round” into the tail. Whereas the male’s spike will have points on the sides where it attaches to the tail.

While you’re doing your research, be certain to remember the Five F’s of Dragonology as defined by Dr. Earnest Drake:

                Fieldwork – It is best to study dragons in their own environment.

                Foresight – Proper learning and preparation are essential.

                Forwardness – The student must be daring and courageous.

                Frankness – Report honestly what you discover.

                Fatalities – Unless this is avoided, the student will make little progress.

Have fun and take good notes. Oh, one warning, if you feel as though you’re being watched – get the h*ll out of there. We don’t want anyone messing up on the 5th F.

Until next time, take care and be well.

Denise Lynn

Pregnant By The Warrior - Harlequin Historical - Jan. '10
www.denise-lynn.com