Sherlock arrived back just in time: barely five minutes after he returned with the kill, Alexandra stirred under Charlotte's wing. The newborn yawned widely and stretched, then clambered out into the open of the nest and looked around curiously.

Sherlock looked at her before he nudged the kill a bit, bringing her attention to it. He knew she'd be hungry, so he didn't try to distract her with anything else yet.

Alexandra fell on the kill immediately, tearing into it. She was ravenous, and the meat smelled delicious. She got through about two-thirds of the kill before she sat back, full.

Sherlock rumbled approvingly and nudged her back over to her mother to get cleaned up and have another nap.

Alexandra went back over to her mother obediently to be cleaned up. As soon as Charlotte had finished cleaning her, however, Alexandra began to explore the nest. She wasn't sleepy yet, and she wanted to see what there was to see.

Sherlock kept an eye on her but let her look around, instead settling down next to John and Bree. Bree watched the little hatchling with bright eyes.

Alexandra paused when she saw the two humans. She got closer to them, stumbling a bit as she got used to walking, and made curious little growly sounds as she went. Charlotte rumbled a bit at her as a warning to be careful; she didn't want the newborn leaving the nest or hurting herself or the two humans.

"Hi there," Bree said, keeping her voice quiet as she watched Alexandra approach. But she didn't get up and go to the nest, instead keeping a bit of distance, for now.

Alexandra tilted her head a bit, looking at the humans. She leaned forward to try to smell them, getting as close as she could without leaving the nest. Mother's instructions were clear on that. Besides, the nest was safe and warm and Alexandra didn't really want to leave it yet.

Bree grinned indulgently and held out her hand so Alexandra could scent her more easily. Aw, the little one was adorable.

Alexandra skittered back a bit when the human reached out to her. She wasn't quite sure what to make of these creatures just yet, and after a moment of wary study, she went back to settle closer to Mother, where she was sure it was safe.

Bree chuckled at that and leaned back against Sherlock, since he was providing such a good backrest. Sherlock just sighed and rested and his head on his feet.

Charlotte let Alexandra settle in, curling her tail around the newborn. Alexandra yawned widely, tuckered out from exploring the nest, and curled up to sleep again.

By the next morning, Sherlock had gone hunting again, and Bree had gotten bored with just sitting around and had gone off walking.

John had gone with her, holding her hand as they went.

"I got an update on the house, yesterday," he said. "Before Sherlock showed up. They're nearly done with the framework of the building. The house itself should be done in a month or two, and the pool after that."

"Excellent." Bree grinned. "I can't believe we're actually moving into a house. A big house. Do you know how long it's been since I lived in an actual house?"

"Quite a while, I'm guessing," John said, grinning. "And just think, it'll be your house. Or half yours, at least."

"Right." Bree smiled. "It's going to be great. Won't have to worry about neighbors and landlords. Or room."

"I doubt we will ever have to worry about room," John agreed. He paused for a moment, and then ventured cautiously, "Of course, that also means that there could possibly be enough room for a family to grow into?"

"I think there's plenty of room for that," Bree agreed after a moment. "I mean, we made sure there was enough room for at least three dragons, possibly four, so there should be some room leftover for a family."

"It might be something to keep in mind for later on down the road," John suggested, watching her reactions.

"Yes indeed." Bree smiled a bit. "It's an interesting thought to keep in mind, certainly." She glanced at him.

John smiled at her and put his arm around her waist.

"But yes, the house is well underway," he said. "So there's nothing to worry about there for the moment."

"No. Not yet anyway." Bree grinned a bit. "We'll have to move all our stuff in once it's done, though."

"I'm sure Sherlock and Charlotte will be willing to help by then," John said. "Perhaps even Alexandra, depending on when the house is finished and ready to move into."