"Ah...I wouldn't really call it happy," Aro says, grimacing a little. He folds his arms. There's no real reason not to tell the story, particularly to another mage.

"Her mother was badly hurt, in combat with another dragon. She was dying, and I tried to help her, but I was far too late to save her. She asked me to protect her last egg, and of course I promised that I would. Then, as she died, she gave her power to me. That's why we're together."

He touches Iessa's neck, petting it, which prompts the little hatching to press against his side.

"So it's linked to her in a way, I suppose. I have to do what her mother can't."