Nathaniel helped Tianna do a new protection spell on their camp before tucking her back into bed and snuggling in close. While Gabriel continued to stand guard, the others adjusted their beds so they were within reach of Tianna and they tried, unsuccessfully, to sleep.
Gabriel watched Tianna and cursed at his lack of ability to keep her safe from harm. He knew how to protect her when physical strength was needed, but he had no skills to protect her when her mind was being attacked.
Nathaniel also never took his eyes off her and watched her throughout the rest of the night. He vowed that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe from all dangers, no matter what form that danger took.
Chapter 22 - Play Day
Over the next few days, as they traveled to their next destination, Tianna was very quiet. With Kai’s mark on her, she felt like she carried a contagious disease, so she kept her companions at a distance. A conflict was growing within her. While most of her was disgusted by her newest mark, the Black within her was very pleased. This constant battle was tormenting her because her inner Black Dragon was growing in power every day. Tianna had to constantly fight hard to keep her at bay.
Her protectors all noticed her changed behavior and tried to comfort her. In the short time they had known her, she had managed to work her way into their hearts. They had all grown to love her.
One night, Marcus sat watching Tianna sleep in Nathaniel’s arms. He knew that for her to fight the evil, she needed the power that would come from bonds of friendship and love. Their band of travelers was strongest when working as one, and they had already seen what Kai could do when he weakened this bond. He decided that they needed a day to show her how much they cared. He scanned the land around them and saw that they were camped next to a large lake with beautiful woods around it. This was a perfect place for them to spend a little extra time to strengthen their connections.
Marcus announced at morning meal, “Today we’re taking a break from our quest.” He glanced over at Tianna. “I think you need to have some fun.” He looked back at the rest of his quest members and said, “I think we all need a day to play.”
They gawked at Marcus in shock. The idea of having a day off from traveling sounded wonderful to everyone, including Tianna.
Seth was thrilled but gave Marcus a questioning look while asking, “What did you have in mind?”
Marcus smiled. “Whatever you want. This is your time. It’s a beautiful warm day so let’s enjoy it.”
Excitement grew in the air as they discussed their options. Each offered what they wanted to do.
Tianna announced that she wanted to fly with a dragon, lie in the sun, fly with a dragon, climb trees, and fly with a dragon. They all chuckled. Marcus wanted to sit peacefully and write stories about their travels. Nathaniel, Gabriel, and Seth decided they wanted to do something more physical so they were going to have challenges between each other.
They ate their meal quickly and decided on their first activity, which was swimming in the lake. Marcus said he would join the group for a quick swim before he started his writing.
Seth gave out the first challenge, “Last one in the lake gets to make our evening meal!” Tianna watched and laughed as her protectors all ran for the lake, stripping along the way.
Seth was determined not to be the last one this time so, as he ran, he shifted into full dragon form and flew to the lake. Once he was at the water’s edge, he dived in as dragon but came back up to the surface in his human form. Tianna clapped and cheered for Seth.
The three other Draaks tried to trip and shove each other all the way to the lake. In the end, Marcus and Gabriel worked together and knocked Nathaniel off his feet. They laughed and made it to the lake with Nathaniel trailing behind. Tianna walked to the lake edge picking up their clothes along the way. She chuckled as she watched her protectors continue the battle in the water that they had started on the land.
Nathaniel took a moment from the water battle to look over at Tianna and call, “My Sweet. Aren’t you coming in?”
She hesitated, but decided to embrace her Draak nature and join her friends. She took a deep breath, stripped off her clothes, and walked into the water. The Draaks all averted their eyes until she was safely submerged. That is, everyone other than Nathaniel, who watched her every move with longing and a smile. He would never tire of watching her curves.
Seth yelled, “Tianna was last in the water. She gets to make our meal tonight!”
Marcus shook his head, “This is her day. She shouldn’t have to cook for us.”
Tianna laughed. “No, Seth is right. I lost the challenge. I’d be happy to make you all something to eat tonight, that is, if someone would let me ride on their back?” She gave them all a hopeful smile.
Although everyone quickly volunteered, Nathaniel growled at their offers saying, “Given Tianna is naked, I think the only back she’ll be riding on is mine.”
She swam next to Nathaniel and grabbed onto him from behind. As she wrapped her body around his, she whispered. “Then shift for me and take me for a ride.” She kissed the back of his neck.
Nathaniel vibrated with a frisky growl, his body already starting to shift. “With your naked body pressed against mine, you can have anything you want. Hold on tight.”
Tianna could feel his body growing in strength and size underneath her as he shifted into his dragon. Once his wings had fully formed, she scrambled into proper flying position. Given that she had no protection between her bare skin and his scales, she decided to call on her internal healing powers and heal any cuts or scrapes as they formed, keeping all sounds of discomfort to herself. She wanted him to stay up in the air as long as he could.
He then pushed himself out of the water just enough to flap his wings. As he began to rise out of the water, Tianna bent down and clung on tight. He shot up into the air like an arrow.
Tianna yelled and giggled with pleasure. “Higher! Go higher!”
She hung on for dear life as he soared up and then dived down toward the water. He skimmed along the surface just close enough to cause sprays of water to cover her body. She held on tightly with her thighs so she could hold up her arms and let the water wash over her.
Occasionally they would dive bomb their companions with dragon fire and then quickly return to the calm of the sky. Tianna would hear cursing from the water below, but she would yell to Nathaniel, “Do it again!”
As they settled in and soared gracefully over the lake in lazy circles, Tianna rested her body along Nathaniel’s neck, taking a minute to heal any injuries his scales had caused. Lying on the back of his neck wasn’t the most comfortable place to catch the sun’s rays, but she never wanted to go back down to the ground.
Her peaceful flight was interrupted when two fully shifted dragons appeared behind them looking for revenge. Tianna giggled into Nathaniel’s ear. “Looks like we’re under attack.”
Since Tianna body was laid bare, Seth and Gabriel were making jokes about having her press her body down onto their backs. Nathaniel growled low and deep.
Tianna couldn’t quite understand the exact words they were saying, but she got the general idea. She also knew that Nathaniel wanted to go play with his brothers, but he wouldn’t do that with her still on his back. She leaned over and suggested, “Why don’t you get close to the water and I’ll jump off. Then you can defend my honor.”
Nathaniel nodded and dived. When they were just above the surface of the water, Tianna swung her leg over and Nathaniel tilted his body so she could easily jump off. She then dove into the water. When she resurfaced, she saw the dragons fighting in a mock battle.
She loved watching their speed, strength, and agility. She decided to make something to allow her to comfortably float on the water and observe her dragons in flight while soaking up the sun. Tianna swam to the water’s edge and crawled out. She quickly put on her dress and started to collect large branches.
Marcus, who had gotten out of the water earlier to begin writing
, was resting under a tree. He watched as Tianna began to collect wood and he called to her. “What are you doing?”
Tianna threw more items onto her pile and replied, “I’m going to make a raft so I can float on the water.”
Marcus put down his book and asked, “May I help?”
Tianna nodded enthusiastically. “I’d love some assistance. Help me gather some wood and vines and we can build it here on the edge of the lake.”
After they had collected enough materials for a small raft, Marcus watched as Tianna used magic to manipulate the pile. He helped whenever and however instructed. As he watched in awe, he said, “Impressive. You’re starting to really embrace both the Inari and Craftsmen Sett within you. Your powers are getting stronger every day.”
Tianna smiled but as they worked, she became sullen. Marcus asked, “Are you alright?”
“I’m okay. I was just thinking.”
He knew she wanted to say something to him but was holding it back. He asked, trying to get her to open up, “About what? Is it about Nathaniel?” He lightly touched the back of her hand so she could feel his calming touch.
She sighed at his touch and said, “Yes and no. Well, it’s about all of you.”
“You know you can talk to me about anything.”
She stared up into his eyes and blurted out without taking a breath, “I want you to leave me at the next village we come across, human or magical, and return to your quest.” Before he could protest, she continued, “I know you think that it’s your responsibility to keep me safe, but I can’t let you carry this burden any longer.” She loosened the ties on her dress in order to expose her Black mark. “Whether you want to admit it or not, this thing on my chest changes everything. Kai is getting closer to me every minute, and I‘m not sure how long my mind can resist him. If you won’t take me out of the picture, then you need to get as far away from me as you can. I want you all, especially Nathaniel, to be safe.”
He sat her down on the ground next to the raft, and said, “With my whole heart, I believe the five of us have been specially chosen to share this journey together. As Zarin reminded me, the prophecy isn’t about just the Draak but involves all of Lagrangia. Although I wish that you were not a part of this, evil has chosen you. I don’t know what role you play, however, I do know that we, the Draaks of Haven, are destined to be by your side to help you through it. I also believe that Nathaniel plays a very important role with you. Embrace him. Your feelings for each other will make you stronger.”
“I care greatly for Nathaniel and for all of you, but if one of you died because of me, I…” She couldn’t finish her thought.
“And how do you think we would feel if we left you alone and unprotected. None of us could live with ourselves. I know I speak for all of my brothers when I say we would rather die than leave your side.” Tianna’s skin tingled with the resolve in his voice, and she couldn’t find it in her to argue with him.
He stood and helped Tianna back to her feet, “Now that’s enough talk about leaving. Today was a day to forget about everything and enjoy each other’s company.”
In no time, they had completed a raft just large enough for Tianna to lie on. Marcus helped carry it into the water. She thanked him, giving him a quick kiss. He caressed her cheek and said, “Go have fun and remember that you are a member of our family now.” He turned and walked back to his book. Her self-sacrificing nature frightened him. He was going to tell his brothers privately to watch Tianna closely and make sure that she didn’t try to go off on her own to ‘save’ them.
Tianna crawled onto her raft and let it drift further out into the lake. Once she was a good distance from the edge, she took off her dress and folded it up to use it as a pillow. She sprawled out on her back so she could watch the dragons play high up in the air. She sighed contentedly as she was gently rocked by the waves and her body absorbed the warmth from the sun.
She watched as the dragons soared gracefully and then dived at each other in a fake attempt to knock each other out of the sky. With her body warm from the sun, she soon started to yawn, so she rolled over onto her stomach and fell asleep.
She awoke to Nathaniel rubbing her back saying, “My Sweet. We’re heading back toward camp. Alas, your naked body is glowing and was distracting my brothers.” He chuckled as he swatted her butt gently. “I can’t leave you out here alone. Do you want me to stay with you or are you ready to go back in?”
Tianna sat up and stretched. “I’ll go back with you.” As she put on her dress, she looked around and noticed how far out into the lake she had floated. She didn’t want to have to swim that far so she asked, “Can you help me get back to the edge of the lake?”
He leaned onto her raft just enough to get his upper body out of the water. “Hop on,” he said playfully.
Tianna climbed onto his back as he shifted into dragon form again and flew her back to the water’s edge. He landed gracefully and she slid off. They all got dressed and headed back to camp.
After a quick bite to eat, they went for a hike through the woods where Tianna convinced them to try to climb trees with her. She was grateful that they tried, but she thought it was pathetic. Although Dragons may be graceful when flying, they were awkward and clumsy when trying to climb a tree. Nathaniel just cursed a lot. She put them out of their misery when she suggested they do some rock climbing instead.
Without the use of magic, Seth won all climbing challenges. He was quite a skilled climber and very agile. When they did some hunting to try to catch their evening meal, Seth excelled again but this time at tracking a deer. They let Tianna take the animal down with an arrow and Gabriel prepped it.
By the time they headed back to their camp, they were exhausted. Everyone helped Tianna prepare the meal, but she insisted on serving them. They spent the meal laughing at each other over silly things that happened throughout the day. After they ate, they sat around the camp fire and drank Fire Wine.
Tianna wanted some wine but passed the bottle on when it came to her, that is, for the first two rounds. On the third round, she grabbed the bottle and ran for it, giggling all the way. Before she could take a drink, Nathaniel had caught her. He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder and held the wine bottle high in his other hand.
While dangling off the ground, Tianna hit Nathaniel repeatedly on his legs. “Come on Nathaniel. Put me down and let me have one drink. I only want a little. I’ve been good all day.”
He ignored her pleading and plopped her down next to him by the fire.
Tianna decided that she would try a new tactic. She crawled up onto his lap, straddling his body and snuggling in tight with her face tucked into his neck. She gave him gentle kisses while begging, “Please, Nathaniel. Can’t I have just a little? I’ll thank you properly later.”
Nathaniel closed his eyes and moaned quietly.
When she nibbled his neck and pleaded, “Please,” his body shivered. She knew she had him right where she wanted him.
Nathaniel let out a deep sigh. “Okay, you can stop attacking me now. I give in, but on one condition.”
Tianna sat up and gazed deep into Nathaniel’s eyes. “I’m listening.”
“You don’t get to hold the bottle. I’ll give you the amount you can have.”
Her shoulders drooped but she decided not to argue. Having a little was better than none so she replied, “Agreed.”
Nathaniel took a small drink of wine but didn’t swallow. After tossing the bottle to Gabriel, he put his hands on both sides of Tianna’s face, pulling her to him. They kissed passionately so she could drink the little bit of wine he held within his mouth. Between the very nice kiss and the wine, it was just enough to flare her Faye nature.
Nathaniel could feel her Faye call to him and he pulled her tighter against him, kissing her hard. The other Draaks all sat up straight as they could also feel her call wash over them like someone had breathed dragon fire on them.
Gabriel was the first to respond as he looked longi
ngly at Nathaniel and Tianna kiss. “Brothers, can you feel the heat coming off of her? Her Faye powers are growing stronger every day, as are her other powers.” He shook his head to try to clear his mind. “Between her scent and the wine, my head is spinning.” He giggled and quickly covered his mouth angrily. “Warriors don’t giggle,” he growled.
Marcus stood and swayed. He also shook his head to try to clear his mind and announced, “I think it’s time to get some sleep. We have to get back to our travels tomorrow.”
Everyone moaned as they stood to go to bed. When Tianna rose, Nathaniel swept her off her feet and carried her to their bedroll. She giggled all the way. When they crawled in together, he threw the covers over their heads and kissed her senseless, her body purring loudly.
The sound of Tianna’s laughter while wrapped within Nathaniel’s arms gave Marcus a sense of peace. With Nathaniel at her side, he believed that she could stand against any evil.
Unquiet Slumber Page 30
