Dragon Bride

Chapter 10 Flight

Unni and Karliene approached the hidden pond. They were holding hands as they talked quietly and Karliene carried a wicker basket. "Lets soak for a while," Karliene said. So they loosed the braids from their hair, undressed and packed their shifts and dresses in the basket hiding it away. They entered the pool.

"We didn't have to turn the hay today...what a relief," Unni said as she sank to her ears in the warm pool.

"It rained this morning so the hay is too wet today but we will be turning it for the next few days," Karliene said. "I knew the rain was coming so I planned this little adventure."

"Then when it's finally dry we get to gather it up. I'll always get so tired."

"Uncle Eric told me the hay harvest was really good this year and we did it in half the time with Bjorn's help."

"You seemed to really enjoy the mowing," Unni teased smiling at her sister.

"Don't know what you mean. We do this every summer. This summer was no different," Karliene said offhandedly not looking at her sister.

"Bjorn working a scythe... dressed only in his braies...sweating...you seemed mesmerized," Unni said and laughed.

"I did notice that," Karliene said piously but blushing bright red.

"Aunt Gretchen noticed you looking, so sent me over to distract you."

"He did look so beautiful," Karliene whispered. "But I was discreet."

"Naw, you were staring. You had your mouth open," Unni provided an exaggerated mimic of her sister. Karliene laughed at her sister blushing red from head to toe.

"I wanted to jump him!" she whispered mostly to her self.

"I'm glad you didn't. That would have been just too embarrassing. Your staring was embarrassing enough."

"I'm sorry I embarrassed you," Karliene said contritely.

"You have really changed since Bjorn came," Unni said, "I'm not sure how or why. But something definitely different. Aunt Gretchen says it's because you're in love. I decided I like the changes."

"I'm glad you do lil' sis."

"You're happy," Unni said, "I like that. I am truly happy that you're happy."

"Thank you," Karliene reached out and hugged Unni who returned the hug.

"You have always been there for me. I was jealous of him at first but not now."

"I do love him. I never thought anyone would love me. I have never known I could be this happy." Karliene lay back in the warm water daydreaming of her Bear swinging his scythe half naked wearing only his braies. His sun darkened skin glittered with sweat as his gorgeous muscles flexed. Her heart beat faster and her breathing was effected. Her head was becoming light. She needed to touch him.

"You're sure he'll come?" Unni asked.

"WHO?" Karliene said in a panic, "On God, no, NO! He better not. We're naked."

"I was talking about the dragon, Karlie," Unni said teasingly, "who did you think I meant."

"Loki? Oh... I hope so," she took a deep breath, "I brought him a surprise I know he'll love." Karliene replied. "Get a grip on yourself girl," she whispered to herself.

They spent several minutes soaking. Unni continued her good natured teasing. Then they were joined by their dragon. They dragon moaned as he entered the steaming water of the thermal pond. "Good morning," the dragon said softly. "I take it you're wanting to fly with me today?"