Dragonscales

Chapter 37|Press F to Pay Respects

Chills ran down my spine as I traipsed through the Hall of Elders. Moonlight flowed through the high arcing windows. I wrapped my cloak tighter around myself. The line of statues stopped with my aunt. A plaque below her stone feet stated when her reign began and ended, and her accomplishments. I gasped and traced my fingers over the carved stone. 

She was a dragon rider. Tourmaline observed as her talons clicked against the stone. A few bandages were wrapped around her wounds from the previous battle. "I guess that runs in the family." I reached out to scratch behind Tourmaline's ears. The ink-scaled dragon sat back on her haunches, her lavender eyes glowing in the dim hallway. A single tear ran down my cheek. Despite everything, she was still my aunt.  I sighed and opened up my rucksack. A bouquet of chrysanthemums was waiting for Aunt Astra's grave. Tourmaline and I left the Hall of Elders, my fingers brushing against the single crescent lily braided into my hair.  

We arrived at the Royal Mausoleum. The building was made from trees grown together, their canopies overlapping to create the roof. Mushrooms and flowers dotted where headstones were placed. It was a small comfort knowing that at least my father decomposed with at least some of his honor. Usually elves who commit high treason don't even get a grave plot. I sat down on the dark soil. Blades of grass were growing around his headstone. I planted an arrangement of marigolds and thistles, reminders of his daughters. Even if he never got to meet one. Sage wafted through the air, being burned in marble sconces. "Hello Father. I know I haven't visited yet... I was banished for two years. Snowdrop is queen now, she's doing so well. And guess what? I'm a dragon rider! Her name is Tourmaline, and she's the best dragon I could ever hope for. I have a boyfriend, Loki. He treats me very well. I also found out that I have a sister, whose name is Marigold. Veronwe and Cirren are taking good care of me, their bakery is as busy as ever. Rest well, and may you live forever in the stars." 

Tourmaline laid her head on my lap as I started sobbing. My body shook with each hiccuping breath. My salty tears watered the earth around me. A light breeze brushed away the hair falling in front of my face as moonlight filtered through the trees. 

"It's okay, my child." A male voice said, barely a whisper. I opened my eyes to see my father sitting cross-legged before me. His transparent hand wiped away the tears from my eyes. "You've grown so much, and I'm so proud of you." Spectral blood was dripping out of his neck, where the axe had severed it. "I'm glad you're doing well in life. That's all a father could ever hope for." "But Dad, how? I didn't use a spell-" "A father's love can do many wondrous things. I'm sorry for everything, especially not getting to see you longer, but the moon's power is dwindling. I love you so much, Thistle." With a swirl of mist, he was gone. "I love you too, Dad."

On the road back to the palace it felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Tourmaline wrapped her wings around me in her version of a hug. After assuring her I was fine, she slinked back to the Dragon Stables, yawning. 

Not knowing what else to do, I took a walk around the palace grounds. My feet carried me to the Grand Library. Tall shelves of books lined the walls, mixed in with poems and ballads. Elves were creatures of artistry, after all. I ran my fingers along the worn spines of leather-bound books until I found something that piqued my interest. I plucked it off the shelf and looked for a proper reading nook. Loki sat on a bay window, elevated five feet off the ground. I set my book near his feet, his smile warm as he invited me to read with him. After struggling to get up on the seat that was a few inches shorter than I was, I curled up and retrieved my book.

I noticed dark circles under his viridian eyes. I ran my thumb over his  cheekbones. "How did you sleep last night?" He sighed. "Terribly. I woke up from nightmares." There was a unusual blue sheen in eyes. "I'm sorry, darling." I put my head on his chest, one hand playing with his hair. He yawned, blinking back sleep. I jumped off the reading nook, leaving to check out our books for later. I tucked them into my rucksack and tossed Loki onto my shoulders. "Thistle, I'm not complaining about the view, but where are you taking me?" My cheeks turned red as I realized his face was near my ass. "A place where you can take a nap."

I set him down on my bed, fluffing up the pillows. "Asgardians need more sleep than elves do, right?" He murmured something as I wrapped my arms around him from behind, spooning him. "I'm not Asgardian. I'm a frost giant, a jotun." He confessed. I ran my fingers through his hair soothingly. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, flower." I leaned over to press a kiss to his cheek. "It's fine, my love. I don't care what you are, I still love you. After all, I'm part fae." Loki turned around to kiss me. Soon we both fell asleep in each other's arms.