Flavius lays across the expanse of our bed Vega resting behind him. He grasps a book delicately between his fingers and he read its content. I help but let my eyes wander across his focused figure trying to commit the scene to memory. Midday light shown on his face lightening his deep brown eyes to almost amber. "I find it rather hard to focus with you staring so intently," Flavius mumbles never looking up from the book. I laugh laying at the foot of the bed. "I'm simply admiring how you look while reading," I say. Sitting up straight Flavius pats the spot next to him. "You might enjoy it more if you came over here," he offers. I smile at his words crawling across the bed I settle in next to him. Placing my head on his shoulder I peer into the book he's been reading. "I had wondered what had caught your attention. I never thought you were the type to read about Unicorns," I comment. "Unlike you, I don't have family alive old enough to

Golden light illuminates the green shrubs sprouting from the forest floor. Mushrooms grow under the shady roof of the willow trees. The wispy moss hanging from the trees sways from a light breeze. I was in awe of the size and majesty of the trees. Their twisted arms rose ever upwards providing a home for the orchestra of birds around us. The sprite flutters in front of us as a guide through the woods. A glowing light emanates from her. As we continue through the forest the path seems to widen. Soon we reach a large canopy of ivy leading to an open threshold. The threshold is made from twisting trees. Willow and ashen oak trees have grown woven together forming a large castle. Tending to the fern and flora sprouting from the woodland castle is hundreds of sprite. They flit around offering the greenery boundless magic to grow. We walk under the awning of ivy leading to the castle entrance. The once earthy path is now many tree branches interlaced with a vibrant layer of moss

My body relaxes at her words. This trip has been successful. I turn to Flavius grinning and he smiles back. "I knew you could do it," he whispers. I squeeze his hand in mine still smirking. I stand bowing to queen Nefertari. "I thank you for accepting to help during these troubled times. I will never forget this, you have not only my thanks but the help of my horde whenever you may need it," I tell her. Nefertari chuckles while resuming her seat. "I never intended to turn you down from the start. However, I did wish to see your resolve. You are young and this battle will be hard. I wanted to see if you could handle this," she pauses. "I have my answer, so I now have no regrets about the direction of the future." "You knew I was coming?" I ask. Alec who sits across from me laughs. "Of course, she knew you were coming. Queen Nefertari likely knew of the impending war right from the start. She just waited to make her move," Alec states. They say that Queen Nefertari

The old dwarf peers at us through hooded eyes. Chugging the glass of milk in his hand he sets it down on the throne room table. The elder glances over each of us before his eyes land on me. Placing a fist over my heart I bow to him. "It is a pleasure to meet you Sir Fimrouck. I am Chieftain Eleonora of the Perilous Horde and this is my mate Flavius. Behind me are my warriors Soren and Dovydas," I introduce. Fimrouck nods wordlessly still glancing us over. "It has been many years since I have been in the presence of dragons. It is an honor to make blades for the Perilous Horde once again," he says. My brows furrow in confusion. He has worked with my horde before? "I apologize Fimrouck but I cannot seem to recall if we have met before," I say. Fimrouck laughs the sound echoing throughout the room. He steps forward catching my gaze. "We have not met before it was your hordes pervious Chieftain Lochness I worked with. The Perilous Horde was still quite y

Flavius After hours of working in the smithy Fimrouck and I take a break. We sit out on one of the many balconies, taking in the fresh air. I take a swig out of my water skin, letting a sigh escape my lips. Fimrouck looks over at me, sipping on a glass of milk. "Milks an odd choice of drink," I comment. Fimrouck grins holding his glass high and proud. "Milk keeps my head clear, not to mention it's good for your bones," he says. Laughter rumbles from my chest while a wide smile takes over my face. "Well, you're not wrong," I chuckle. He nods in agreement taking another swig from his glass. Before he can say anything I ask a question that’s been burning in my mind. "I wanted to ask, what's your plan for Ellie's sword? I know we talked about changing the blade to dragons Ore. But I'm curious about how you plan to add magic?" Fimrouck scratches his beard. "For the granddaughter of my old friend, I want to do something special. Have you ever heard of