Despite her plans, Bluefire passed out from her exhaustion. Laying so many eggs prematurely had sapped her energy completely.
Meanwhile, Spark and Dartwing eventually returned and assessed the situation. From what they knew of dragoness biology, Bluefire would probably need to sleep for a few days as her body recovered.
"There are too many eggs," Spark said, upon seeing Bluefire's body, now much slimmer, trying to curl around seven eggs at once. "It will take two of us at a time to keep them warm."
She demonstrated by curling up next to the other dragoness over the exposed eggs. "Like this, I'm afraid I will not be able to be a good hostess to you, Dartwing."
Seeing another opportunity, Dartwing shook his head. "Do not worry, sweet miss. I can take care of myself and help maintain the cave. As for the eggs, I may not be as flexible as a female, but I can lend my body heat, if needs be."
"Thank you. You are a true gentleman," Spark replied gratefully. "I may have to accept your offer now and then while I see to Ember."
Perfect, Dartwing thought.
Sure enough, Ember started crying for food. Spark asked Dartwing to mind the nest while she took Ember to the larder for meat. While big enough to consume half a deer now, the young dragonling was still too small to shred the carcass by herself.
Of course, Dartwing behaved himself the first time and a few more times after that to build trust. After all, smaller dragons like himself needed to play it smart to pass on their genes. At last, three days later, he decided to act. The slumbering Bluefire really was quite beautiful, and her scent told him she was ready for breeding again.
Once Spark left with Ember again, Dartwing estimated he had just enough time. So, gently so as not to damage any eggs, he mounted the azure dragoness.