Comment to say I like the attempt to fashion replacement wings that some suggested. I thought immediately of How to Train Your Dragon. It's nice because it's something the PCs could do that lets them exercise their agency.
I also like the idea of having to negotiate with a more powerful NPC (e.g. the bronze dragon or similar) who has the capability to "solve" the problem, but PCs will have to undertake some tasks themselves in order for it come to fruition.
Maybe the first can be a temporary solution?
Also, I was immensely gratified reading this; thank you for taking a moment to share this experience you're having!
