From the skeleton and the traces in the hollow, Negris could infer what had happened.
This skeleton, alive, had been living in seclusion here with a baby. Unknown events had unfolded, leading to a sudden death. The baby had struggled to survive on its own, living off plants nurtured by the Power of the Dragon in the Soul Moss growing on nearby cliffs. This caused the child to become a dragon spirit.
With no one to instruct him, he didn't learn to speak; he had no command of language. He didn't seem to realize that the skeleton was dead. He warmly covered it with a precious blanket, claiming only a tiny spot for himself.
Life was harsh, but the kid survived by sheer struggle.
Upon hearing Negris's speculation, Naeli's maternal instincts overflowed: "Oh dear, that's so pitiful, don't be scared, don't be scared, dragon mother will look after you now... come here, let dragon mother hug you." She reached out to embrace the child.
