moved over the languid waves of the lake with a faraway gaze while her mind undoubtedly attempted to make sense of everything. My default response was to provide her comfort, but I could not guarantee what the nature of that comfort might become. Something meant to be innocent might morph under the influence of the eros. It pained me, but I remained at my post by the railing until her gaze found its way back to mine.

“How long does the ceremony take without all the festivities?”

“It varies upon the dragon and rider. Some an hour. Other’s multiples of that.”

“What’s the average?”

“I cannot provide you with specifics. It takes as long as it takes for our patterns to find a rhythm.” I exhaled sharply.  Annoyed at both...

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