Ember seated herself on a nearby rock facing Spike. “Yes, to be part of the wider dragonkin. It’s what distinguishes us from wild dragons. Gives us a form of what you would call civilisation.” Ember snorted in derision. “’ A membership bound by codes and beliefs, ’ my father would say. I know Twilight often lectures me about the independent nature of dragons, but this connection stops us from constantly fighting each other.” Ember looked momentarily sheepish. “Well, more than usual.” She shook her head. “It should have happened years ago, shortly after your moult. But I can understand Twilight’s reluctance to let you go.”