Female Hatchling
Name: unnamed
Species: Blue-faced Martelus
Birthday: Friday, December 1, 2023
Owner: WolfeDente
Element: Water 
Martelus hatchlings are notoriously feisty, eager to nip at their mothers, siblings, and any unwary fingers that wander too close. Despite their temperaments, newborn hatchlings are frail and vulnerable to predators, so they remain in their mother's den for some weeks until they are strong enough to follow her outside. They remain with their mother until the end of their first summer, accompanying her on hunts so they can learn how to feed themselves and use their ice and tracking powers. Although their wings do not reach their full size until they are nearly a year old, Martelus hatchlings are able to fly almost as soon as they hatch, suggesting they use magic to fly. Flying seems to take up a great deal of their energy stores, however, so the young use this ability primarily to escape from predators.
Martelus are small, arboreal creatures found only in taiga regions. These creatures hunt by freezing their prey, using ice magic to kill and encase it in a layer of ice for when they're ready to eat. The sharp claws on their feet help them to grip onto ice-covered branches while they traverse the trees, preferring to fly only if the distance between trees is too far to jump. Magi who keep these creatures as companions find that they are quick to learn. Synarans in particular favor blue-faced martelus for their brilliant feathers, while adventurous types and treasure-hunters prefer the white-faced martelus for its ease of training and hardier nature.
Sprite art: Tekla (hatchling) | Description: Tekla/PKGriffin