Page 35 of Dragon's Flame
“For humans, perhaps,” he agreed with her, then returned to standing. “I will be back with dinner. Stay here—and if anything happens”—he placed a hand on the center of his chest, just above the rippled abs on top his stomach—“call for me.”
“Will do,” she said quietly, before she could get accused of gawking.
26
TARIAN
When Tarian next returned, he found Rocky guarding the front of the cave while Kenna was sleeping near the fire, having made a pillow from his jacket. He held up a finger to the dog for silence and then came in quietly, cooking the fish as before, for her. He didn’t want to wake her, but he also didn’t want her starve, so he was torn, until she decided herself, blinking her eyes open before he had to make a decision, and at finding him there, she gave a soft smile.
A smile of recognition?
Or a smile just for him?
He memorized it for safekeeping regardless, as she pushed herself to sitting. “Breakfast in bed. My favorite.”
“Is it?” he asked her, handing the hot rock over for her to pluck her dinner off of.
“Not really—because then you just have to make your bed again. Crumbs.”
“Ahh,” he said, and watched her eat happily. “I’m glad you were able to rest.”
She gave a quick nod, then asked, “Do you? Need to? Or was almost dying last night enough?”
He chuckled darkly. “I need less rest than most humans. Which doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy it, from time to time.” He stretched himself out, until he felt the log he’d been cleaving firewood off of at his back.
“What else do dragons do? That’s different, I mean, of course.”
“On my home Realm, we were more common. We engaged in politics and sport. Commerce and adventure.” His voice drifted off, remembering all the times he’d done stupid things with his brother, and then later, when his father had wanted him to be more solemn, and learn to rule the place. “We don’t fly as often as you think. Most places aren’t built for us, so it’s easier just to stay in human form, unless you’re traveling.”
“That’s a shame,” she said, licking her fingers and lying back down. “If I had wings, I’d never hide them.”
That made him laugh. “I’m sure.”
They had a long moment in safe, companionable silence, and Tarian was wondering whether or not he should break it, when she did first. “Tell me about her?”
His mouth opened, and he inhaled. “I’m . . . not sure that’s wise.”
“Why not?”
“Because if this is to continue...I think I need to start forgetting her.”
“To continue,” Kenna muttered, and he wasn’t sure if she was mocking him. She pressed her head up on her hand and glared at him. “I’ve lost people before, Tarian. Forgetting them is not the answer.”
“True,” he said. “And, the truth is, I could not forget her. Not even if I tried. Or stared into Forgetting Fire.” He gathered his thoughts, before he continued. “She was beautiful—like you. Her hair was blonde, with gray streaks coming in. She was heavier than you. Her tongue was sharp, and she was smart, she could hold her own at court, with politics and with humor, and,” he said, glancing over at the girl, “her breasts were far more pendulous than yours.”
“Wait-wait-wait-wait-wait,” Kenna said, sitting up. “You think I am a reincarnation of an older white lady?”
“Her skin would tan during the summer,” he said, defending Seris.
The younger girl’s expression was incredulous. “I don’t believe you.”
“Well, it’s true?—”
“No,” she said, swatting his words out of the air. “It’s a saying. Just—give me a second to process.” He watched her put her fingertips to her temples and rub, before returning to their conversation. “Out of all the crazy things you’ve said since I met you, I think that takes the cake.”
“She was also a very good baker.”
Kenna’s eyebrows rose up like they were trying to meet her hairline. “No. Just—please, remember her, definitely, get that healing, but—” she said, and then laughed, making a show of looking at her own skin. “Really?”
