Male Hatchling
Name: unnamed
Species: Flint Citellan
Birthday: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Owner: Mykestri
Element: Earth 
This hatchling was docile for a long time after it broke through its husk, only able to pull itself to its feet with much effort, but now that its muscles have strengthened, you can hardly hold it still for more than a few seconds. Citellans are one of the few creatures that grow from a seed rather than a true egg; when their egg kernel is planted in a thin layer of soil, a small sprout forms, and from that grows a fibrous husk. It takes another few weeks for the husk to mature enough for the sproutling citellan to peer out, and longer still for it to get up the strength and courage to explore. Once they become active, though, citellans are always on the move. They do not eat much compared to other energetic hatchlings, but this doesn’t stop them from breaking into the Keep’s kitchen pantries to find the most delectable samples of fruits and vegetables. It has become common practice to use magical seals on any of the potions materials that might be considered fresh produce, on account of the alarming number of citellan sprouts floating through the corridors after a particular shipment of flying figs.
Citellans are rare in the lands around the Keep, but at the start of autumn, they gather in great numbers as if to celebrate the crop harvest. Though squirrel-like in appearance, citellans are far more migratory than their rodent counterparts. Citellans migrate constantly, moving from place to place as the seasons pass, constantly searching for ripe grain and fresh seeds. They eat surprisingly little despite their constant search for food, selecting only the choicest crops to fill their bellies. Because of their influence over the land, wise farmers will harvest all but the richest portion of their crops, leaving a small patch for the migrating citellans. This ensures that the ground will remain fertile, and the next year’s crops will grow hardy and full. As winter approaches, the citellans move south to warmer lands, where they will sleep underground in wait of the Vernal Equinox to signal the start of spring. Citellans are revered for their powerful earth magic, though whether they have active control over the fertility of the land, or emit an aura that affects the soil, is unknown. Magi who choose these creatures as companions will note their sensitivity to the earth; in the presence of vibrant fields, citellans become energetic and playful, but become distressed should they pass through land ravaged by destructive magic or human forces. Given time, a citellan's presence will eventually restore part of a disrupted environment to its original splendor.
Sprite art: GlassWalker (hatchling) | Description: PKGriffin