The Early Chronicles Book Six: Dragon Wing

Chapter 1

The red-gold sun finally began to sink over the horizon as Swanwhite and Goran walked arm-in-arm around a peaceful lake that sat hidden near Swanwhite's favorite meadow.  She and Goran often took long quiet walks around it, and now it felt very peaceful and magical with the blue hue of dusk settling around them.  

"Laurel and Thasian arrive tomorrow."  Swanwhite said happily.  "I cannot wait to meet little Lillian."  Laurel was a dear friend of Swanwhite.  She and her husband Thasian had just welcomed their new baby girl into the world.

"Indeed."

"I offered to arrange a splendid ball upon their arrival, but I think a simple dinner would suit them better."  She grinned.  "They seem to enjoy simpler affairs."

"So do I."  Goran chuckled in his low rumbly tone.  "Though I do enjoy showing off my wife to as many as possible."  He teased and kissed her temple.  Goran and Swanwhite had been married for nearly a year, and every day Swanwhite felt she fell more in love with him than ever.  

"We'd best be getting back to the horses."  Swanwhite said with a yawn.  "Soon it will be too dark to see."

"Hmmm."  Goran hummed.  He then turned and looked at her with a raised eyebrow and a slight sideways smile that she had learned meant trouble.  "Before we head back, how about a swim?"

Swanwhite released his arm and stepped back in shock.  "Absolutely not!  First of all, I am not dressed for it, and second of all, you know I am not an avid fan of water, and lastly, it will be dark soon!"  She placed her hands on her hips, "Honestly, Goran.  You have grown far too reckless.  I almost prefer when you didn't talk so much."  She turned and started to walk away, but without warning Goran wrapped her up in his arms, took a running start, and leapt them both into the lake with a great splash.  The water was slightly frigid and it gave Swanwhite a slight shock with the impact of the temperature.

"You are impossible!"  Swanwhite laughed as she splashed Goran as soon as he broke the surface beside her.  He chuckled and returned his own spray of water at her, then disappeared under the surface before she could splash him back.  She grumbled and looked around for him to reappear.  "I'm waiting!"  She said loudly, the squealed when she felt his arms around her from behind before he lifted her up and spun her in a circle around him, spraying a wave of water in a circle around them.  He slowly let her down and then she found herself facing him.  

"Admit it, that was the slightest bit enjoyable."  Goran grinned at her and then shook his wet hair, flinging more water droplets in her direction.  

"I will not."  She teased, though in reality she did feel that she was having a bit of fun.  She linked her hands around his neck and he braced her waist with his hands.  "What am I going to do with you?"  She chuckled before kissing him playfully.  He then scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the lake.  

"Shall we journey home, darling?"  He asked when he set her down.  

"Yes and we'd best hurry before you get any other ideas."  She said as she rolled her eyes and squeezed the water from her hair.  He gave her a leering grin and offered her his arm once more. Unable to resist the temptation, she grinned at him and gave him a hard shove back into the lake before she took off running, laughing until her stomach ached.

"Laurel my dear!  You look positively radiant!"  Swanwhite exclaimed as she embraced her friend.  Laurel beamed with a smile only a new mother knows.

"I've missed you so!  Poor Thasian has endured my cabin fever for so long."  She ushered her husband over who held their little daughter in his arms.  Swanwhite peered at the sleeping child whose hair was already as dark as her mother's and as curled as her father's.

"How sweet!"  She gently stroked the baby's hand.  "Lillian is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen."

"And already has handsome locks of hair."  Goran said as he peered at the child beside Swanwhite.  She felt a strange longing looking at Laurel's daughter.  Staring at the sleeping baby while beside Goran made her realize she looked forward to the day when she would have a child of her own.  

"I suppose your parents have seen Lillian quite frequently."  Goran said with a chuckle.

"Indeed.  They are very proud grandparents and travel to our home very often."  Thasian answered, smiling at Laurel.

"Some days I worry they will sneak her back to Devonte Estate if I'm not watching."  Laurel giggled.

"You must be exhausted from your journey, shall I have Ulmnus lead you to your room?"  Swanwhite offered, suddenly remembering her diplomacy.

"Normally I would want to stay and visit more, but having a baby makes one's energy deteriorate greatly."  Laurel admitted with an amused smile.  Swanwhite agreed and summoned the quick little Faun.  When Ulmnus appeared, a younger Faun who was slightly shorter than he was walked beside him, hanging on every word Ulmnus said.

"Ah!  Your majesty."  Ulmnus bowed low and his companion did the same.  "I would like you to meet my son, Tumnus."  He motioned to the young Faun.

"I am honored, my lady."  Tumnus said while nervously fidgeting his hands.  

"I apologize your majesty, but I wanted to begin training my son for such work as this, so I have begun bringing him to the palace.  I should have asked you first, but..."

"Nonsense!"  Swanwhite stepped forward.  "A fine idea, Ulmnus.  I am honored to meet you, Tumnus."  She smiled and curtsied to the young Faun who grinned widely and seemed to relax.  

"Right this way, my lord and lady."  Ulmnus led Thasian and Laurel up the staircase that led to their chambers.  

"We have an afternoon to ourselves while they rest," Goran pointed out.  "Care for a walk to the docks?"

Swanwhite raised an eyebrow at him and grinned.  "How about archery practice?  I don't wish to be around a body of water with you ever again!"