Marcus spent the better part of the afternoon setting up food and water troughs. Now that the dragonlings had begun to move around, it was evident that they were craving proper food and hydration.
Getting water was easy enough (their new house had a well in the backyard), but Marcus realised with a sinking feeling that he had nothing to feed them. The dragonlings were just as disappointed at the realization, snorting their disapproval and gnawing at themselves in protest. One even dug up an old bone and started chewing on it like a distraught puppy.
According to Gabriel's bestiary, Draco Majors usually fed on deer, boars, and sometimes bears. Unfortunately, none of these were easily available within city limits. Unless one knew a hunter, that is.
Tom Wagamese arrived quickly after being summoned. Gabriel and Annika cornered him near the front gate, making their pitch. Tom was amicable enough... until he caught sight of something pale and winged moving in the hedges. His expression shifted, but he agreed to help.
Not long after, a large wooden crate was hastily delivered to the Blackbirds' doorstep. Inside was fresh venison and a note which simply read: "free of charge". Marcus filled the trough, and the dragonlings practically threw themselves at the meat.
Watching them devour their first dinner felt oddly sentimental, Marcus thought with all the pride of a new pet parent.
