017: The Magician's Apprentice

[Carnelia]

Ona freezes, every part of her going completely still as she asks in a very careful, clipped voice. “What did you just say?”

Orion’s eyes grow so wide and glow so brightly that the kaleidoscope of swirling colors cast freckles of speckled light on his cheeks. “My mate,” he then closes his eyes, blushing. “That is, I think she might be.”

“Either she is or she isn’t youngling,” she growls. "With mates, there is no "think" there only "is." Besides,” Ona stretches to her full height, somewhere between her usual form, as her nostrils flare with small tendrils of yellow flame, “You’re. Too. Young.” She takes a few calming breaths before adding, "Or at least, for your sake and hers, wait until you reach full maturity to consummate your union. You are too young to be burdened with a clutch of your own."

“Really?” he raises an eyebrow, staring up at his formidable mother. “And how old were you when you met my father?”

She pauses, opening her mouth to answer and then snapping it shut