The smile on the rounded one’s face is beautiful to see.
Then he begins to leak—cry.He falls to his knees and chants something I don’t understand.
I want him, Phileas says.I like the idea of having a human who wants to be bonded badly enough that he cries.
The rounded human’s head whips up, and he says, “My name is Norm.”
I’m Phileas, earth blessed of three hundred and twelve of your annual cycles.My strength is in manipulating rock—useful in Iceland, and here too, it appears.
Norm stumbles to his feet, and squares his shoulders.“What do I have to do?”
Phileas steps closer.Nothing.His mouth curls back in a small smile.Simply tell me that you’re willing so Liz won’t try to stab me with her small knives.
“Swords,” Liz says.“And they’re not small.They weigh a ton.”In that moment, I realize Liz has changed her clothing.She’s wearing something quite different, a red and brown hide of some kind.It’s not dragon hide, but it looks nice.It’s much better than the dingy white tunic, and it looks warmer, too.She’s also wearing a very nice black scabbard that wraps around her shoulders and under her wings.The swords are held much more elegantly than before, which I’m sure is a relief to her.
A scarlet cloak with ties in the front and openings for her wings swirls around her, and that makes me rest easier as well.I’ve worried about her health ever since my failed mating.She’s looked cold ever since when I’m not close enough to warm the air around her.
Who dressed my Liz?
MyLiz?Agrippa’s fully smiling now.Interesting.
I ignore her.
“It was me.”The tiny woman with the fuzzy head lifts her hand.“My name’s Karen, and my job’s making high end costumes.It allowed me to work from home—my mom’s disabled.Or, she was.”She swallows.“She died last month.”
“No one makes clothing as beautiful as Karen,” Norm says.“That’s why she was one of the first people I called when I saw Liz in those rags.”
“I’d never had to make anything to accommodate real wings,” she says.“I’m sure I can come up with better options, given a little more time.”
Liz is beaming at her.
Karen.I nod slowly.You’re both talented and kind.That must be a well-loved name for humans.
For some reason, Liz snorts and Norm laughs.
I ignore them and continue on.Your kindness in providing clothing for Liz is appreciated.Since you’re also glowing, you may come back with us if you choose.
She starts crying, too.This seems to be a real design flaw for humans.They’re mostly made of water, but they all spring leaks in times of stress or excitement.
I’ll take her,Agrippa says.If she wants me.She tilts her head and steps closer to Karen.I’m a serpentine earth blessed, and I’m very fast, on the ground or in the air.My affinity is somewhat useless, however.I speed the growth of living things planted in the earth.
“That sounds amazing,” Karen says.“I’m terrible at keeping plants alive, but I love them.Maybe you can help.”
I can bury you in flowers.
“She probably means that quite literally,” Liz says.“Make sure you’re clear with her about how many flowers you want—exactly.Dragons’ sense of humor sucks until you’ve trained them.”
I’m learning, Agrippa says.Liz already started.
“That’s true.”Liz is smiling again.
I like seeing her smile.
Shall we try?Phileas asks.If you’re both in agreement?
Are you ready?Agrippa asks.
Karen and Norm step forward, nodding and then bowing their heads for some reason.
