"Your mother?" Penny repeated thoughtfully, realizing that she hadn't really ever thought much about dragons having mothers but, she thought somewhat sheepishly, she should have realized that every creature had a mother. "Well, I get most of my books from my parents, as well. Sometimes I buy them from the book traders, when I have the money to."
The promise of magic was quick to draw Penny's attention. It was with rapt interest that she watched Era, barely moving, barely even breathing as she waited. When the rose bloomed, she gasped with delight. "Oh, it's so beautiful!" she exclaimed, accepting the gift with a deep curtsy. "Thank you! It's perfect - more beautiful than even a pure red rose!" she promised sincerely, her eyes wide with awe.