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The sheep was magnificent.
Tairn circled it twice, eyeing the creature with the critical assessment of a dragon who knew exactly what he was doing. It was easily twice the size of a normal sheep - fat and well-fed, grazing peacefully in the valley below Riorson House, completely unaware that it had approximately thirty seconds left to live.
This one, he thought with satisfaction. This is the one.
He'd been hunting since dawn, rejecting candidate after candidate. Too small. Too scrawny. One had looked at him with such pathetic, trembling fear that even he - a dragon who had burnt entire battalions to ash - felt vaguely guilty about the prospect of killing it.
But this sheep? This sheep was perfect. Round, healthy, with a coat that gleamed in the morning sun. The kind of sheep that said, I am thinking about you. I am providing for you. You are my mate, and I would hunt the fattest prey in all of Navarre for you.
The kind of sheep that said, You are the mother of my future hatchlings, and I will spend every day of our existence ensuring you know how cherished you are.
With a dive that sent the rest of the flock scattering in bleating terror, Tairn snatched up his prize and launched skyward, already imagining Sgaeyl's reaction. She'd pretend to be unimpressed, of course. She always did. But he'd feel her pleasure through their bond, warm and golden and utterly worth the three hours he'd spent searching.
Sgaeyl was sunning herself on the northern ridge when he approached, her midnight scales absorbing the warmth like a cat sprawled in a window. She didn't open her eyes at his landing, though her tail flicked once in acknowledgement.
Then twice. Which meant she was pleased to sense him near.
I brought you something, Tairn said, dropping the sheep - mercifully killed quickly - at her feet with all the pride of a cat presenting a dead mouse.
One golden eye cracked open. She regarded the sheep, then him, then the sheep again.
You went hunting.
I did.
For me.
Obviously. He settled himself beside her, close enough that their scales touched, warmth bleeding between them. You mentioned yesterday that the livestock near Basgiath were disappointing. Too much gristle, you said. Not fit for a dragon of your calibre.
The second eye opened, and he could feel her attention fully on him now - that particular quality of focus that made his scales prickle with awareness. You remember that?
I remember everything you tell me. He nudged the sheep closer with his snout. This one is from the valley farms. Well-fed. I inspected several. Seven, actually. This was the finest.
For a long moment, Sgaeyl simply looked at him, and Tairn felt something warm and golden spread through their bond - not words, just pure affection, and something that might have been tenderness from a dragon who had built walls of sarcasm and sharp edges around a heart that beat only for him.
Come here, she said softly, and when he moved closer, she pressed her head against his neck in a gesture of such open affection that his breath caught. You are ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. And absolutely perfect.
Mostly ridiculous, surely, he teased, echoing her usual deflections.
No. Her voice was firm, certain. Perfect. You are perfect, and you are mine, and I am absurdly fortunate.
Tairn felt something in his chest expand at her words. Sgaeyl was not given to easy declarations. Every word of affection from her was earned, genuine, and worth more than all the gold in Navarre's treasury.
And you are mine, he rumbled, curving his neck around hers. The most magnificent dragon in all of history.
Obviously. But her tone was warm, almost playful. Now, are you going to let me eat this exceptional sheep you hunted, or are we going to stand here complimenting each other all morning?
We could do both.
She laughed - actually laughed, the sound reverberating through their bond like sunlight. Then settle in, my darling drake. I want you close whilst I eat.
She was already tearing into the sheep with delicate precision, but she'd positioned herself so that Tairn could curl against her side, his larger frame a shield against the wind. After a moment, she pushed half the carcass towards him.
I hunted this for you, he protested.
And I'm sharing it with you, because that's what mates do. She fixed him with a look that was somehow stern and affectionate at once. Besides, you need your strength. How else will you hunt me another magnificent sheep tomorrow?
You want me to hunt for you again tomorrow?
I want you to hunt for me every day for the rest of our very long lives. She took another bite, then added more softly, I want to wake up every morning knowing you're thinking of me. That you're choosing me. That, after three hundred years, you still try to impress me with livestock.
You're not difficult to impress, he said, settling in to eat beside her. You're impossible to impress. Which makes every success so much sweeter.
Good. She leaned against him more heavily, a gesture of trust and contentment. I'd hate to make things easy for you.
They ate together, shoulders pressed close, and Tairn thought - not for the first time - how lucky he was. How spectacularly, impossibly lucky, to have found the one dragon in all the world who met his devotion with her own, who matched his grand gestures with quiet ones, who loved him as fiercely as he loved her.
The mother of his future hatchlings. The keeper of his heart. His mate, in every way that mattered.
It was Andarna who noticed them first.
They're being cute again, the young dragon announced to Violet, her mental voice carrying that particular mixture of fascination and disgust that only adolescents could manage. It's kind of gross.
Violet looked up from the report she'd been reviewing, glancing out of the window of Xaden's office. Sure enough, on the distant ridge, two massive dragons were curled together like cats, Tairn's dark head tucked against Sgaeyl's neck whilst she appeared to be... grooming his scales with her snout?
"They're sweet," Violet said, smiling despite herself.
They're sickeningly devoted, Andarna corrected. Tairn brought her a sheep this morning. A really fat one. He was very proud of it. And she told him he was perfect. Actually used the word 'perfect.' I nearly fell out of the sky.
Xaden appeared behind Violet, looking over her shoulder. "Your dragon is a romantic."
"Your dragon returns his affection openly," Violet countered. "That's romantic too. More than romantic, actually. It's rather beautiful."
I am sitting right here, Andarna pointed out. And I can hear you both. Also, Sgaeyl wants you to know that you're being stupid, ignorant humans again, but she said it much more fondly than usual. I think she's in a good mood.
"We're literally just watching them cuddle," Violet protested.
She says you're breathing too loudly and disturbing their peace, but she's also still grooming Tairn's scales, so I don't think she actually cares that much.
Xaden snorted. "Tell her we'll try to breathe more quietly."
Tell her yourself. I'm not getting involved in whatever weird dragon-rider dynamics you all have going on. Though, for what it's worth, it's nice to see her happy. She's always happy around him.
Violet felt her chest warm at that. "Really?"
Really. She acts all tough and sarcastic, but when she looks at him, it's different. Softer. Like he's the only thing in the world that matters.
"Don't let her hear you say that," Xaden murmured.
Too late, came Sgaeyl's voice, dry but not unkind. The hatchling is correct, though I'll deny it if anyone asks. Now stop eavesdropping on private moments and go do something useful.
But there was no real heat in it. If anything, she sounded... content.
That afternoon, Tairn found Sgaeyl perched on the eastern cliff face, watching the clouds roll in from the sea. She looked contemplative, her golden eyes distant.
May I join you? he asked, always respectful of her spaces, her moods.
Always, she said immediately, shifting to make room beside her. You never have to ask.
He settled against her, and for a while they simply sat in comfortable silence, watching the world turn below them.
Do you ever think about hatchlings? Sgaeyl asked eventually, her voice quieter than usual.
Tairn's heart - if dragons could be said to have such a thing - stuttered. Often, he admitted. Do you?
More recently. She turned to look at him fully. I think... I think I'd like that. Someday. With you. Only with you.
Sgaeyl -
I know the world is dangerous, she continued. I know we're always fighting, always at war. I know it's not practical or sensible or any of the things we should probably consider.
I don't care about practical, Tairn said fiercely, pressing his head against hers. I care about you. About us. About the family we could build together.
You'd be a wonderful father, she said softly. You're already wonderful at caring for everyone around you. The way you protect the younger dragons, the cadets, even the ones who don't deserve it. The way you make sure I'm warm and fed and loved.
And you, he said, his voice rough with emotion, would be extraordinary. Strong and fierce and protective. Teaching our hatchlings to be brave, to be honest, to stand up for what's right.
To be selective about the sheep they hunt, she added with a hint of her usual humour.
Obviously. Only the finest sheep for our family.
She laughed, and the sound was like coming home. I love you, she said, and the words were simple but weighted with three centuries of meaning. I love you so much it terrifies me sometimes.
I love you too, he replied, wrapping his wing around her. Every day. Every moment. You are everything to me, Sgaeyl. Everything.
They stayed like that as the clouds rolled in, talking quietly about the future they'd build together, about hatchlings and hope and all the tomorrows they'd share.
That night, storm clouds rolled in from the west, bringing with them the kind of cold rain that soaked through everything and made even dragons irritable.
Tairn found Sgaeyl in their usual roost - a massive cave system in the mountains above Aretia that had become theirs over the years. She was already settled in the largest chamber, her wings tucked tight against her sides, watching the rain sheet across the entrance with obvious displeasure.
I hate this weather, she said as he entered, shaking water from his scales.
I know. He moved to her side, deliberately positioning his larger frame to block the wind that whistled through the cave entrance. Better?
She shifted against him, fitting her body against his like pieces of a puzzle that had been carved to match. Much better. Thank you.
You don't have to thank me.
I want to. She turned her head to look at him, her golden eyes soft in the dim light. I want you to know that I notice. Every time you shield me from the wind, every time you hunt for me, every time you curl around me to keep me warm. I notice, and I treasure it.
Sgaeyl -
Let me finish. Her voice was gentle but firm. You spend so much time showing me how much you love me. Grand gestures and daily kindnesses and everything in between. I need you to know that I see it. All of it. And I love you for it.
Tairn felt his throat tighten with emotion. You show me too, he said quietly. Every day.
I know I'm not always good at the big romantic gestures, she continued. But you are my everything, Tairn. My mate, my partner, the dragon I want beside me through every battle and every peaceful moment. The father of my future hatchlings. The keeper of my heart.
You are good at it, he insisted. You're brilliant at it. The way you defend me, the way you speak about me to others, the way you spend your time with me, even when you could be anywhere else. The way you share your feelings, your fears, your hopes. That's love, Sgaeyl. That's the greatest gift you could give me.
She pressed closer to him, tucking herself against his chest. Then curl your wing over me, you wonderful drake, and keep me warm whilst the storm rages.
He did, wrapping her in warmth and safety. Better?
Perfect, she murmured, already relaxing against him. You make everything perfect.
They settled into comfortable silence, listening to the rain drum against stone. These were Tairn's favourite moments - no battle to fight, no riders to protect, just him and his mate and the steady rhythm of her breathing.
You know what I love most about you? Sgaeyl asked after a while, her mental voice soft and drowsy.
Tell me.
You make me feel safe. She shifted slightly, getting more comfortable. Not just physically, though you do that too. But emotionally. You make me feel like I can be vulnerable, like I can share the soft parts of myself that I hide from everyone else. Like it's safe to love and be loved.
Tairn tightened his wing around her, overwhelmed by the trust in her words. You can always be vulnerable with me. Always. I will guard your heart as fiercely as I guard your body.
I know. A pause. That's why I can imagine hatchlings. Because I know you'd protect them - protect us - with everything you are.
I would, he promised. I will. For as long as I live.
Good. She yawned, a great jaw-cracking thing. Now stop making me emotional and let me sleep. Some of us don't spend all day hunting exceptional sheep and planning romantic gestures.
You loved that sheep.
I loved that sheep, she agreed readily, with none of her usual deflection. I loved it because you hunted it for me. Because you spent hours searching for the perfect one. Because you think about me even when we're apart.
I'm always thinking about you.
I know. Her tail wrapped around his, twining together in the way that meant she was content, safe, loved. I'm always thinking about you too. Even when I'm pretending to be asleep whilst you watch me.
You know about that?
Of course I know, you ridiculous drake. I always know. She paused. I like it. It makes me feel cherished.
You are cherished, he said firmly. Adored. Worshipped, even.
Steady on, she said, but he could hear the pleasure in her voice. Your ego is quite large enough without me encouraging it.
That's not what you said earlier.
Earlier, I was overcome with affection from that magnificent sheep. I wasn't thinking clearly.
Liar.
Fine. I meant every word. You are perfect, and I love you, and I will continue to love you for the rest of our very long lives. She settled more firmly against him. There. Happy now?
Deliriously.
Excellent. Now truly, let me sleep. Tomorrow I plan to hunt with you, and I need my rest.
Tairn's eyes widened. You want to hunt together?
Of course. She sounded surprised that he'd even question it. I love watching you hunt. You're magnificent when you're focused. And besides, I thought I might help you find an even fatter sheep for the day after tomorrow.
You're going to help me hunt for you?
I'm going to help you hunt for us, she corrected. We'll share it. Make a day of it. Just the two of us.
Tairn felt his chest expand with affection so strong it nearly overwhelmed him. That sounds perfect.
It does, doesn't it? She yawned again. Now sleep, my love. Tomorrow we hunt together. Tonight, you keep me warm.
Always, he promised, settling his head on his forelegs whilst keeping his wing curved protectively over her. I will always keep you warm.
I know, she murmured, already drifting off. That's why I love you.
Tairn listened to the storm rage outside their sanctuary, to the steady rhythm of Sgaeyl's breathing, and felt more content than he could ever remember being. Tomorrow he'd hunt with her. Tomorrow she'd fly beside him, matching his movements with the grace of centuries of partnership. Tomorrow would be like every day before it and every day after - him showing her love in every way he knew how, and her meeting his devotion with her own.
It was perfect.
It was everything.
The storm had passed by morning, leaving the world washed clean and gleaming. True to her word, Sgaeyl was already awake when Tairn stirred, her golden eyes bright with anticipation.
Ready to hunt? she asked.
With you? Always.
They launched into the dawn sky together, wings beating in perfect synchronisation. Tairn led her to his favourite hunting grounds - the valley farms where the livestock grew fat and healthy - and together they circled, assessing the herds below.
There, Sgaeyl said, indicating a particularly robust specimen. That one looks promising.
You have excellent taste.
I learnt from the best. She glanced at him, affection clear in her gaze. Shall we?
They dove together, a perfect partnership, and if Tairn thought his heart might burst from the sheer joy of hunting beside his mate, well. That was between him and the sheep.
Violet found them later that morning, both dragons sprawled on the northern ridge with the remains of their shared kill between them. They looked utterly content, Sgaeyl's head resting on Tairn's foreleg whilst he groomed her scales with gentle precision.
Good morning, little one, Tairn said without pausing his grooming. You're up early.
"Couldn't sleep." Violet settled herself on a nearby rock, wrapping her flight jacket closer against the morning chill. "You two look very pleased with yourselves."
We hunted together, Sgaeyl said, and there was unmistakable pride in her voice. It was magnificent. Your dragon is rather skilled.
Your dragon is rather skilled at complimenting me, Tairn added, amusement threading through his words.
Well, you are rather worthy of compliments.
Violet watched them, these ancient, powerful creatures who somehow made love look both simple and profound. "You two are disgustingly sweet, you know that?"
We know, they said in unison, and neither sounded remotely apologetic.
Xaden appeared a moment later, summoned by Sgaeyl no doubt, and settled beside Violet. Together they watched their dragons, Tairn still carefully grooming Sgaeyl's scales whilst she made soft, contented sounds.
Tell your human to stop staring, Sgaeyl said eventually, but there was no heat in it. Though I suppose if I were human, I'd stare too. We are rather magnificent together.
"Modest as always," Xaden murmured.
Modesty is for dragons who have something to be modest about. We do not.
But she'd shifted closer to Tairn as she spoke, pressing against him with casual affection, and Tairn had curved his wing over her in response. Two halves of a whole, perfectly matched.
How do you do it? Violet asked on impulse, directing the question to both dragons. How do you make it look so easy?
It's not easy, Tairn said thoughtfully. It's work. Every day, I choose her. Every day, I show her how much she means to me. Every day, I try to be worthy of her love.
And every day, I choose him, Sgaeyl added. I tell him how I feel. I spend time with him. I defend him and care for him and let him care for me in return. It's not grand or complicated. It's just... constant.
Constant? Xaden echoed.
Constant choice, Tairn clarified. Constant effort. Constant love. We could take each other for granted after three hundred years. But we don't. We wake up every morning and choose each other all over again.
Even when it's hard? Violet asked quietly.
Especially when it's hard, Sgaeyl said firmly. That's when it matters most. When the world is burning, and everything is terrible, that's when you hold tighter to the ones you love. When you remind them why you're fighting. Why you're surviving.
For each other, Tairn said simply. We survive for each other.
Violet felt her eyes sting with unexpected tears. Beside her, Xaden reached for her hand, squeezing gently.
You're going to make my rider cry, Sgaeyl informed Tairn.
Your rider is making my rider cry too, Tairn replied. I think it's a good thing. Humans cry when they're moved.
Do they? How peculiar.
Says the dragon who cried when I brought you that first rabbit three hundred years ago.
I did not cry. I had dust in my eye.
You cried, Tairn said fondly. And it was beautiful.
Sgaeyl huffed but didn't argue further. Instead, she shifted even closer to Tairn, tucking herself against him with the ease of centuries. Fine. I cried. You brought me an ugly rabbit and told me I was magnificent, and I cried because no one had ever been that kind to me before.
And now?
Now you're kind to me every day, and I still treasure it every single time. She turned her head to look at him fully. I treasure you every single time.
As I treasure you, Tairn murmured, touching his snout to hers in a gesture of such tenderness that even Violet had to look away, feeling like she was intruding on something sacred.
Later that day, during a particularly brutal training session with the younger riders, Tairn took a sword strike meant for a cadet whose dragon had been too slow to dodge. It was shallow - barely a scratch by dragon standards - but it sliced along his shoulder, drawing blood that gleamed black against his scales.
He'd thought nothing of it. He'd had worse. He'd had much worse.
But the moment he landed, Sgaeyl was on him.
You're injured.
It's nothing, he assured her, settling on the northern ridge.
It is not nothing. She was already beside him, her golden eyes assessing the wound with the precision of a surgeon. You're bleeding.
Barely.
That doesn't matter. You're hurt, and I won't have it. Her voice was fierce, protective. Sit still.
And then - to his utter shock and the complete horror of every watching rider - Sgaeyl began to clean the wound with her tongue, the gesture so tender and intimate that even Tairn found himself momentarily speechless.
Sgaeyl -
Be quiet, she said, her mental voice sharp but her actions infinitely gentle. The human healers are idiots and will make it worse. I'll clean it properly.
It was possibly the least dignified moment of his centuries-long existence. It was also possibly the most loved he'd ever felt.
You don't have to do this, he tried again.
She paused, fixing him with a look that could have melted steel. You brought me a sheep this morning. You hunted with me. You keep me warm at night. You threw yourself in front of a cadet who hasn't even mastered basic aerial manoeuvres yet because you are fundamentally incapable of letting anyone under your protection come to harm. She returned to cleaning the wound with careful precision. I can clean a scratch, you ridiculous, wonderful drake. I want to clean it. I want to care for you the way you care for me.
Tairn felt something warm and golden bloom in his chest - the same feeling he got every time she said his name with affection instead of exasperation, every time she chose to spend her free hours with him instead of alone, every time she showed in a thousand tiny ways that he was hers and she was his.
I love you, he said, because it bore repeating.
I love you too, Sgaeyl replied, the words coming easily now. So much that it terrifies me. So much that I need you whole, healthy and safe. She finished cleaning the wound and settled beside him, her body pressed against his uninjured side. Promise me you'll be more careful.
I can't promise that. You know I can't.
Then promise me you'll come back to me. Always.
That, Tairn said firmly, I can promise. I will always come back to you. Always.
Good. She tucked her head under his chin. Because I have plans for us. Long-term plans. Plans that involve hatchlings and growing old together, and many, many more hunts.
Those sound like excellent plans.
They are. She paused. You're still an idiot for jumping in front of that sword, though.
I know.
But you're my idiot.
I know that too.
From the courtyard below, they could hear Violet trying to explain to a group of utterly scandalised cadets that yes, dragons in mated pairs did in fact sometimes groom each other's wounds, and no, it wasn't weird, and yes, they were all going to stop staring right now before Sgaeyl decided to make them stop.
My human is defending us, Tairn noted with amusement.
She's learning, Sgaeyl said warmly. She's becoming wise. I'm rather proud of her, actually.
Should we help her?
Absolutely not. This is hilarious. Besides, she needs to learn how to handle scandalised cadets. It's good practice.
For what?
For when she and Xaden have their own dramatic romantic moments that make everyone uncomfortable, Sgaeyl said matter-of-factly. It's inevitable. They're almost as sickeningly devoted as we are.
Almost?
Please. No one is as devoted as we are.
Fair point.
So they stayed where they were, curled together on the ridge, watching the sun set over the mountains and listening to Violet attempt to control a group of teenagers who'd just learnt that the two most fearsome dragons in the quadrant were, apparently, hopelessly in love.
Same time tomorrow? Tairn asked as the last light faded from the sky. I thought I might hunt you something special. Perhaps a cow this time.
A cow? Sgaeyl sounded delighted. You spoil me.
I intend to spoil you every day for the rest of our lives, he said seriously. You deserve to be spoiled.
And you deserve to be appreciated, she replied, grooming his scales with her snout. Which I will do. Every day. Starting now.
Now?
Now. She shifted to look at him fully. You are brave and kind and protective. You care about everyone around you, even the ones who don't deserve it. You hunt magnificent sheep, and you keep me warm, and you make me feel like I'm the most important thing in your entire world.
You are the most important thing in my entire world.
I know. Her voice was soft. And you're the most important thing in mine. Which is why I need you to know that everything you do - every gesture, every kindness, every moment you spend showing me love - it matters. I see it, I treasure it, and I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know how cherished you are.
Sgaeyl -
I mean it, Tairn. She touched her snout to his. You are everything to me. My mate. My partner. The father of my future hatchlings. The keeper of my heart. And I love you more than I thought it was possible to love anyone.
I love you too, he managed, his voice rough with emotion. So much. Always.
Always, she agreed, and settled against him with a contented sigh. Now hold me whilst the stars come out. I want to fall asleep in your arms.
As you wish, he murmured, curving his wing over her and tucking her close against his chest.
Actually, she added drowsily, I do wish for one more thing.
Anything.
Tomorrow, when you hunt that cow? Bring enough for both of us. I want to share it properly. I want us to eat together and spend the whole day together, and maybe fly to that waterfall we found last summer.
That sounds perfect, Tairn said warmly. A whole day, just the two of us.
Mmm. She was fading now, exhaustion from the day catching up with her. Just us. My favourite thing.
Mine too, he said softly, and meant it with every fibre of his being.
And that, Tairn thought as he tucked his wing over her against the cooling night air and listened to her breathing slow into sleep, was all that mattered. Not the wars they fought or the battles they won. Not the cadets they trained or the riders they protected.
Just this. Just her. Just them, choosing each other, every single day, for the rest of their very long lives.
He rested his head on his forelegs, keeping his wing curved protectively over her, and let himself drift into sleep with the comforting weight of his mate against his chest and the certain knowledge that tomorrow, he'd wake up and choose her all over again.
Just as he had every day for three hundred years.
Just as he would every day for three hundred more.
Andarna found them the next morning, interrupting what Tairn had been certain was going to be a peaceful sunrise. They were already awake, talking quietly about their plans for the day, when the young dragon landed with all the grace of a sack of rocks.
I have a question, the young dragon announced.
Sgaeyl didn't even open her eyes. The answer is yes, we're disgustingly in love, and no, we don't care who knows it.
That's not - well, okay, that's sort of my question, Andarna admitted. I just want to know how you knew Tairn was your mate. Like, how did you know he was the one?
Sgaeyl was quiet for a long moment. Then: He brought me a rabbit.
A rabbit?
A rabbit, Sgaeyl confirmed, her voice softening with memory. Three hundred years ago. I was injured after a battle and couldn't hunt. He brought me a rabbit, stayed with me whilst I healed, and told me I was the most magnificent dragon he'd ever seen.
That's actually quite sweet, Andarna said, sounding surprised.
It was the ugliest rabbit I'd ever seen, Sgaeyl continued. Scrawny thing. Barely a mouthful. But he'd searched for hours to find it, and he looked so proud of himself that I couldn't bring myself to tell him it was pathetic.
Tairn, who had been pretending to sleep, rumbled with laughter. You told me it was the best rabbit you'd ever tasted.
I lied. It was terrible. You've got much better at hunting.
Three hundred years of practice.
And you still manage to bring me the fattest prey in Navarre. She touched her nose to his tenderly. My ridiculous, wonderful drake.
Your ridiculous drake, he agreed.
But that's not why I knew, Sgaeyl continued, looking back at Andarna. The rabbit was lovely, but what mattered was what came after. He stayed with me every single day whilst I healed. Brought me food, kept me warm, talked to me for hours about everything and nothing. Made me laugh when I was in pain. Made me feel safe when I was vulnerable.
He showed you who he was, Andarna said thoughtfully.
Exactly. Sgaeyl's voice was warm. And who he was - who he is - is someone who loves with his entire being. Someone who shows up every day and chooses those he cares about. Someone who makes me feel cherished and valued and seen.
And you? Andarna asked. How did he know you were his mate?
She told me, Tairn said simply. After I'd been bringing her food and fussing over her for two weeks, she looked at me and said, "You're mine now. I hope you realise that."
It's true. I'm very direct.
It's one of the things I love most about you, Tairn said. You don't play games. You say what you mean, and you mean what you say.
And you, Sgaeyl said, turning to look at him fully, show what you mean. Your actions always match your words. If you say you love me, I know it's true because I can see it in everything you do.
I do love you.
I know. She pressed closer to him. I love you too. More every day.
Andarna made a gagging sound, but there was no real heat in it. You two are impossible.
We're in love, Sgaeyl corrected. There's a difference.
Is there, though?
Yes, both older dragons said in unison.
Andarna sighed dramatically. Fine. I suppose if I ever find a mate, I'll want what you two have. Someone who brings me ugly rabbits and magnificent sheep and looks at me like I'm the only dragon in the world.
You will, Tairn said with certainty. When you're ready. When you find someone who sees you the way Sgaeyl sees me.
And how does she see you?
Like I'm worth everything, Tairn said softly. Like I'm enough, exactly as I am. Like loving me is the easiest thing she's ever done.
Because it is, Sgaeyl said firmly. Loving you is easy, Tairn. It's the easiest thing I've ever done. Showing it, choosing it every day - that takes effort. But the love itself? That's as natural as breathing.
Tairn felt his throat tighten with emotion. I feel the same way about you.
I know, she said gently. I've always known.
Andarna shuffled her wings uncomfortably. Right. Well. This got very emotional very quickly. I'm just going to... leave you two to your romantic moment.
Good idea, Sgaeyl said dryly. And Andarna? When you do find your mate, remember this: love isn't just the grand gestures. It's the everyday things. The consistent showing up. Choosing each other when it would be easier not to. That's what makes it last.
I'll remember, Andarna promised, and took off with slightly more grace than she'd landed with.
Tairn watched her go, then turned back to Sgaeyl. Do you think she'll find it? What we have?
She's young. Impatient. Reckless. A pause. She'll find it. When she's ready. When she finds someone who sees her the way you see me.
And how do I see you?
Sgaeyl turned her head, fixing him with those ancient golden eyes that had watched empires rise and fall, that had seen the best and worst of the world, and that looked at him like he was the answer to every question she'd ever had.
Like I'm worth hunting the fattest sheep in Navarre for, she said softly. Like I'm worth keeping warm through every storm. Like I'm worth choosing, every single day, for the rest of your very long life. Like I'm worth everything.
You are, Tairn said fiercely. You are worth everything. You always have been. You always will be.
She didn't answer with words. She didn't need to. Instead, she shifted closer, tucking herself against him with the trust of three centuries, and together they watched the sun climb higher in the sky, painting the world in shades of gold and amber.
Ready for that cow hunt? she asked eventually.
With you? Always.
Good. She stood, stretching her wings. Because I'm starving, and I want to spend the entire day with you, doing absolutely nothing productive except loving each other.
That sounds like the most productive thing we could possibly do.
Precisely. She bumped her shoulder against his affectionately. Come on, my darling drake. Let's go find you the most magnificent cow in the valley so you can show off your hunting skills.
Our hunting skills, he corrected. We're hunting together, remember?
Our hunting skills, she agreed warmly. Together. Always together.
And if Tairn was already planning the perfect spot to share their meal - a meadow he'd found with wildflowers and a view of the sunset - well. That was between him and the cow.
They launched into the sky together, wings beating in perfect synchronisation, two halves of a whole that had found each other three hundred years ago and had chosen each other every day since.
And would continue choosing each other, every day, for as long as they both lived.
Because that's what love was. Not the grand gestures, though those were lovely. Not the passionate declarations, though those had their place.
Love was the choosing. The showing up. The consistent, daily, unwavering commitment to being there for each other, in the big moments and the small ones, through war and peace, through storms and sunshine.
Love was a fat sheep hunted at dawn. A wing curved protectively through the night. A wound cleaned with tender care. Words of affection spoken freely. Time spent together, treasured and prioritised. A future imagined together, full of hope and hatchlings and endless tomorrows.
Love was Tairn and Sgaeyl, flying together into the sunrise, ready to choose each other all over again.
Just as they always had.
Just as they always would.