"You got a giant coming over?" Landen laughs, looking at the blueprints.

Ryis looks more skeptical. "That or you're moving your animals through the rooms...?"

There is only a pinch to your stomach as you say: "Just thinking about the future."

Or maybe it was in moments like this that eventually built up to a quiet 'in love:' Caldarus leaning on your head and back, you safely in his lap. Both of you trying and failing to stay awake while reading the (frankly dull) historical romance novella Balor dropped off at the tree stump.

There must be a few minutes when you trade snores with each other, but one loud snort has Caldarus jumping and you scrambling for your sword. When there's obviously no danger, you relax back in his hold. Caldarus is only too pleased to press you into him again. He mumbles something, burrowing his head into the crook of your neck. 

The fire is still bright in the temple's hearth, but there are stars in the windows now and a mostly risen moon. It's tempting to fall back asleep. Crawl into Caldarus' bed and let the world fall away until morning. His thumb rubs your hip. You think of your animals, the dumb things waiting for you to allow them back into their barns and coops, how displeased they'll be if you stay out too long. 

With a sigh, you reach up and pat your dragon's cheek. "Time to go to bed."

Caldarus gives a quiet rumble. His tail flicks, languid, cat-like, but his nose presses further into your neck and breathes. "Must we...?"

You hum a laugh. Ignoring the chills and sudden heat in your body, you roll off his lap and away from grasping hands. The book is closed and put on the nearby table. 

Turning, you take a moment to look at him. Bleary-eyed and still reaching, Caldarus huffs and stretches himself before slowly standing. He leans against the table. "The story," he murmurs, shaking his head and yawning. "I did not realize how...dreadfully boring one could be until now." Marigold eyes look at you and crinkle. "My leg 'fell asleep' also. And tingles. How strange."

Warmth and a fierce fondness surges. So much so you look away and ball a fist up, willing the thumping of your heart to relax as it pulses your palm. Even as he orients himself, you wonder: when? When did I fall in love? Your finger taps the book. You've never been before. You've had infatuations, crushes, a kiss or two here and there. But in love? Is this what it is? 

There were butterflies, at first. Crickets too, jumping all over your stomach when you kissed Caldarus nearly a year ago. But those have settled. Now, it is calm that comes when you see him, when he holds you and wraps his tail around your ankle. You've never felt so safe with someone. Ma and Pa would tell you different; love is for people who have nothing else to gain from another. Their wealth and power were enough to keep them together, to bear you, to send you off and pretend their marriage was happy either way. 

But this? Caldarus toes his way over and wraps you in another embrace. You wrap your arms around his waist and stand there, breathing sandalwood and smoke. This is a cool river on a hot day. Slipping under the covers of a freshly-made bed. An extra dollop of whipped cream on your waffle.

"Have you ever heard of waffles?" You mumble into his chest.

His cheek leans against your head. An ear flicks. "Tell me."

"They're like pancakes, but better. More syrup." You sigh. "That's what this feels like to me."

You know he's confused, but still, his laugh tickles your cheek and he presses a kiss to your forehead—something he learned from one of the other novellas. "You shall have to teach me how to make them, then, so I may understand."

Maybe tomorrow. Or Sunday. Or when he finally leaves the Deep Woods and moves into the farmhouse with you. 

Waffles galore for that day. Rugs too, for that matter, and now you're thinking of how many bolts of cloth you'll need to get for the craft room you're setting up for him.

But for now, you separate. Caldarus tucks your hair behind your ears. Cups your cheeks and leans down for a long, slow kiss. Then another. When he tries for a third, you laugh and push him away. "I have to go. The cows."

The tip of his tail taps the stone floor. He sighs and lets go. "Yes. I understand."

You go on your tiptoes and kiss his chin. Spinning and walking away before he can try anything else, you call over your shoulder, "I'll be by tomorrow."

And the tomorrow after, and the one after that, too. Mistmare gallops home under you, but all you can think of is the mines. The need to give Caldarus his power back. To make a home for him.

Because you're in love.

A/N: in honor of the 1.0 release drop tomorrow (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) i have decided to post THIS.

Do with it what ye will.