Growth and Maturity

A newly hatched Dragonet has a jaw that will fit over a man's head, although their teeth are not fully formed. Since they do not need to hunt, the lack of the front teeth is not important.

Dragonets feed six or seven times a day during their first month, but eventually this evens out to around twice a sevenday by the end of the first Turn when they are hunting for themselves. The new Riders are responsible for feeding their lifemates, although the first morning after impression a pail of meat is provided for the new pairs. After that, Riders are responsible for carving up the meat for their lifemates, chopping the morsels into small pieces. After feeding the Dragonets sleep, and then generally need to be bathed and then oiled.

Dragons take between a Turn and a Turn and a half to reach maturity and full growth. However, they remain in proportion throughout their development, with their wingspan at 1 and 2/3's of their length. Gold Dragons grow to be the largest Dragons, ranging between 38 to 42 metres in size. Bronzes range between 35 to 38 metres, whilst Browns, Blues and Greens range between 30 to 35, 25 to 30 and 20 to 25 metres respectively.

Young Dragons are discouraged from flight until their muscles have been developed sufficiently, usually at around 8 months. As a young Dragon approaches maturity, the Weyrlingmaster will allow them to carry their Riders, briefly at first, but increasing to build muscle strength and allow them to fly through an arduous 6 hour Threadfall.

Similarly, young Dragons are prevented from going between until their Riders mature and have achieved sufficient control over their emotions. This delay also ensures that the bond, partnership and reliability on each other has developed. Probably due to their short memories, Dragons rely on the images given to them by their Riders, or other Dragons. Without a clear visualisation, a Dragon will risk never reappearing, and thus Dragons are rarely permitted between on their own.

Dragons also possess the capability of going between time, though inherent dangers are involved in this. Not only does a Rider risk meeting themselves, it also places a great strain on the Rider. Generally, a Weyrleader will not permit Riders to 'time it' and anyone suspected of such will be severely disciplined.