Iessa proceeds to snuffle at his hand, and then nudge her head into it. It's an affectionate habit that makes Aro smile. He's probably fostered that over their time together, however short it's been so far. Iessa is protective of him when they're under attack, but it seems she's already sorted Alacruun into the category of Not Enemy. They had, in fairness, fought on the same side when those creatures had attacked their group. Still, Aro worries that the little dragon might be too trusting. Maybe he ought to encourage independence.

She's young for that, though. Alacruun has it right. She's young for everything.

"Not long," he agrees, and folds his arms. "But they're supposed to learn in the egg, and I suspect her mother had been away from her for a time. But I'll teach her. She can speak when she's ready."

Iessa looks up at him, feeling his eyes on her, and she swishes her tail across to knock his ankles.

"Have you known other dragons her age? Or other dragons at all, I suppose. I want her to learn of her own kind, and there's only so much of that I can teach."