Taran
I’ve spent two days going through archives, scrolls, and other text, trying to explain what I saw. It felt like a memory, but it couldn’t possibly be a memory.
The vision was of me claiming Tru, but she was a couple of years younger, and we were in my cove. It can’t be a memory. Tru and I met only a few weeks ago, and I’ve never taken anyone to my cove. There must be an explanation, but what is it.
It couldn’t be a vision of the future because it was happening in the present. I was actively claiming Tru, so why did my mind take me somewhere else? Why didn’t I stay focused like normal?
Running my fingers through my hair, I sigh. My eyes hurt, and I don’t feel any closer to answers. It’s already a day past when I told Tru that I would return. I’m sure she’s worried and angry. She felt rejected when I left. I don’t blame her, and I would feel the same way. I can’t believe I left wi
I finish up on Thursday and lock up to find Taran next to my car. Since he came back, things are different. I can’t explain it, but something is different in him.Tonight we are flying to see Willow. I’m nervous but also excited. I don’t know what to expect or if she will even be friendly towards us. From the little information I gathered through the ancient dragon texts, Willow only wants peace in the forest. She comes off as unyielding, but if we present information that will aid the forest, she will gladly partner with us.Taran smiles as I approach, “How was work, dove?”I smile back, “It was an easy day. Just a few check-ups.” I unlocked my car and gestured for him to get inside, “Ready?” We plan to drive out to a heavily wooded area for Taran to shift. I pack a bag this morning with a few items we might need. Each of us has a change of clothing, and I brought some snacks and bottles of water and a first
TaranTru fell asleep on the flight to the isle. Her words from earlier seem to echo in my mind. How did Brehm get into the temple without anyone catching him? Did a dragon take the stone? Why did the companions die? Were they forced? Who would want to hurt them, and why?Tru never mentioned Jonat’s name, and yet I immediately thought of her. I turn to look at Tru. I’m not sure why I find her sleeping so amusing. Tru sighs and smiles in her sleep. Every time I watch her, a warm feeling develops in my chest. Maybe my emotions for Tru are clouding the way I feel for Jonat, and now I’m looking for a reason to get rid of her. But after everything Jonat has done to help search for the stone and standing by me, could I leave her for a human?I turn away from Tru, but my mind doesn’t stop wondering. What would happen if Tru became my queen? She’s intelligent, kind, selfless, everything a good leader should be. If the dragons gave her a cha
Taran I carry Tru in my arms as I follow the hydra. She passed out after asking what happened. Our clothes are soaked, even the ones in the bag, so I left them hanging in a tree to dry. I took the backpack to easily carry Tru, Willow’s gift, and supplies to take care of Tru when she wakes. It took some convincing, but the hydra agreed to take me to Willow. They take me deeper into the woods, and I wonder if bringing Tru was a bad idea. She’s fragile and could easily get hurt. If it came down to a fight, Tru would only slow me down. Like with the griffins, if she weren’t with me, the fight would’ve taken half the time. The forest clears, and a large willow tree sits in the middle of the clearing. I watch her face appear, “Well, look who it is? To what do I owe the honor, former crown prince? I already told your mother everything I know. You’re wasting my….” Willow looks with interest at Tru. Instinctively, I press Tru closer to me. “You’ve spoken with
I wake the following day in Taran’s arms. His grip is tight around my waist like he’s worried that I will run away if he lets go. I roll towards him and lightly trace his strong jaw with my fingers. Taran looks peaceful when he sleeps.It isn’t long before Taran’s blue eyes open to meet mine. A smile spreads across his face, and in a groggy voice, he says, “Good morning, dove. How are you feeling this morning?”I smile back at him, “I’m good. What happened last night?” I ask, a little confused.Taran strokes my cheek, “What is the last thing you remember?”“You were getting my bag with the first aid kit, and then you yelled something. I couldn’t hear you. I was about to ask you if you would repeat it. Suddenly my skin felt like it was burning to be touched. All I could think about was feeling your hands on me.”Taran nods, “The hydra here sing a song similar t
I wake around two in the afternoon to someone banging on my door, not the front door, but the bedroom door. My mother’s voice calls from the other side, “Tru, honey, are you sick? We tried to call you once we got into town, but you didn’t answer. Your father and I knocked and called several times. We ended up using our key. If you’re sick, I have a mask.”My parents are here! Oh no, what will they think when they see Taran? “I’m fine, mom. Give me just a moment.”I sit up in bed, panicked. Taran’s eyes fly open, and he asks what’s wrong. My mother calls out again, “Tru, is someone in there with you? Do you need help? Your father can pop the lock if needed. Don’t let them bully you.”Taran looks at me confused, “What’s going on?”I jump out of bed and put on clothes before turning towards Taran. “My parents are here.”He doesn’t seem con
TaranI’ve searched for my mother for the last three days. So far, I’ve covered the northeast side. It’s getting late, and I know that I need to head back to Tru’s apartment. To my surprise, there are many hidden caverns and mountains in Antarctica.Thinking of Tru brings a warm feeling to my chest. It seems to cut through the cold. The icy winds and freezing temperatures make me glad I didn’t bring Tru. I miss her terribly, but I know she’s safe. She would freeze to death out here. Even in my dragon form, I feel cold. I find a cave to sleep in for a couple of dark hours. Being shielded from the wind makes temperature tolerable.After another couple of hours, I call it a day and fly out towards Tru’s home. It’s relatively early when I land, around ten at night. The cloud cover was thick enough I felt it was safe to land. I buried clothes in a box next to where I land. Digging out the clothes, I dress then run towar
“Dad!” Tru says, shocked. “Bill, please,” Alice says softly at the same time as Tru. Both seem appalled by Bill’s questions.Placing my hand on Tru’s knee, I say, “I understand your concerns and appreciate your directness. The truth is, I wanted this to be a fling, but it isn’t.” I smile, remembering when I first met Tru, “I felt Tru’s presence before I laid eyes on her. Something about her appealed to me on a level I never knew existed.” I look at Tru, then back to her father, “Tru means more to me than I could put into words. I want Tru’s happiness for the future, I want to hear her laugh every day, I want to look at her smiling face, listen to her sigh in her sleep, and so much more. I love Tru.”Bill continues to study me while Alice smiles. Two more people enter the room. The man must be Tru’s other brother. He, too, is built like his father, but he shares his mother's
I didn’t sleep much. I probably kept Taran awake most of the night. He held me close and tried to soothe me all night. The affection he showed me has me so confused. Taran said that I’m his companion and friend. He doesn’t love me romantically like he does Jonat. The lie Taran told my parents last night was so good, I almost believed him. There are moments when he spoke that it felt like he was talking directly to me. But it’s all an act. The way he treated me last night was his way of being supportive of his companion.I pull away from Taran and sit up in bed. In a groggy voice, he says, “Hey, Tru. How are you feeling? I know you didn’t get much sleep.” Taran touches my shoulder, and I jerk away from him. My reaction seems to startle him, and he quickly pulls back, “I’m sorry.” He pauses for a moment before asking, “Are you angry about what we did last night?”I can’t bring myself to look at