Gwyn's Return, page 7
“We are brought here to unite Brent Poveste and Gwyn in holy matrimony.” The Good Friar began.
Brent mouthed, Are you sure?
I nodded and mouthed. Are you?
Brent's posture changed. Okay. He mouthed back.
The next thing I knew, the Good Friar was saying, “You may now kiss your bride.”
Brent and I took a step toward each other. When our lips touched, it was like the entire world stopped and we were the only two in it. I pulled away from him with a bashful smile on my face. Brent took my hand.
“I now present to you, Mr. & Mrs. Poveste.” The Good Friar announced.
We walked down the aisle and out the door. Our wedding wear dissipated into the clothes we arrived in.
“A little heads up would have been nice.” Brent smirked.
“I thought you liked to go with the flow.” I teased.
“As long as you're part of the flow, I'm okay.” His smile was more sincere. “Where to next, Mrs. Poveste?”
“We could get the Rule Book.” I suggested.
Brent rolled his eyes. “I don't think we need that. I lived here until I was 10 and you lived here until you were, what 16?”
“It was right before I turned 16, but close enough.”
“We don't really need the Rule Book. I'm sure we can figure this out together.” Brent nodded. “Besides, the Rule Book will be sitting there if we change our minds later. We can always come back and get it if we need it.”
I smiled. “I like the way you think, that's one of the reasons I love you.”
“Only one?” Brent winked at me.
“There are other reasons.” I told him offhandedly.
“Good.” Brent took my hand in his again and kissed it.
20
We made our way out of the town down the path to the cottage I grew up in
“You know, this is the same place our cottage was in.” Brent whispered.
“You never told me that.” I was surprised.
“It never came up.” He shrugged. “I kind of like your set up a little better though.”
We walked up the porch steps. It felt like I had never left. I walked to my old room and brought the dragon statue Brent had given me on our first visit together and put it on top of the fireplace. My family pictures were all over the walls.
Brent was amused as he walked around, taking in some of the images.
“Mom really liked photography.” I made a face.
“You were well documented.” Brent tried not to laugh.
“A little too well documented.” I rolled my eyes. I rubbed my necklace. “We can start fresh.” I smiled.
“Okay.” Brent walked over and pulled me into his arms and placed a kiss on my temple. “Welcome home.”
“You too.” I beamed with happiness.
“There is one change that I would like to make.” Brent rubbed his necklace.
A door appeared in the kitchen. I walked over and opened it. He had added a screened-in porch. In the middle of the room was a large table. Along the walls was a bookshelf filled with board games. There was another door that led straight to the yard.
“We had this when I lived here.” Brent leaned on the door frame.
I turned in a full circle. “I like it.” I walked back and gave him a quick hug. I crossed the room and peeked out the door. It was overlooking the apple orchard. “I love it.”
“Well, Mrs. Poveste, what would you like to do first?” Brent didn't budge from the door frame.
My mouth opened and closed. “I am open to suggestions.”
“I could suggest.” Brent's eyes sparkled.
21
Iwoke up the next morning and stretched. My arm landed on Brent. His eyes flew open.
“Sorry.” I yawned.
He did too. “I guess yesterday wasn't a dream.”
“No.” I blushed.
“What do you want to do today?” He yawned again.
“How competitive are you?” I put my hands together and tucked them under my head.
“Very. Given the right opportunity.” Brent's eyes narrowed.
“I want to complete three parts of the Quest today.” I grinned mischievously. “No one in my family has ever completed it in a day.”
“My parents didn't figure out the Moonbeam at all.” Brent told me. “They tried for a while and gave up when I was ten.”
“Oh, I have this under control.” I grinned. “Race you to the shower.”
I flipped open the covers and ran to the bathroom. There were footsteps behind me.
22
“I'm thinking that I should have paid more attention to my parents growing up.” Brent commented as we walked together down the lane.
“Why is that?” I chuckled.
“Mainly, so I would actually know where to get things like the... Green.” His attention shifted to me.
“Green Emerald.” I smiled. “That's okay. I did pay attention, but I was here a little longer.”
“Just a little.” Brent teased.
“Yeah.” I laughed.
“If five to six years is a little longer, I would hate to know what you called a lot longer.” My husband's eyes sparkled.
“Over a decade or two.” I grinned.
Brent busted out laughing. “Should I ask how long we are staying in Angeline? A little while or a long while?”
“Let's try getting through the first year first.” I made a face.
Brent laughed again.
The path started ascending. The trees were a little more sporadic. Even the sounds started to change.
“Where exactly is this Green Emerald?” As Brent spoke, we passed a skeleton half covered in grass and dirt. “Uh, do I even want to know?” He glanced at me and stepped away from it.
“Don't worry, we're safe.” I nodded my head.
“Most skeletons are buried.” My husband made a face.
“Most are, but not around here.” I didn't make eye contact.
“Why not?” Brent stepped closer to me.
“The dragons don't really feel the need to bury everyone... you know... after...” I let the sentence trail off.
“Excuse me?” Brent swallowed.
“Well, they shouldn't have tried to fight a dragon in the first place. Who does that and expects to live through it? Really, Firebreath and his family were just protecting themselves.” I felt the need to protect the King of Dragons. I had known him since before... well... I can remember. In fact, riding on Firebreath's back is one of my first memories. I smiled as I thought about the flight.
Brent waved a hand in my face. I stopped daydreaming and realized he had said something. Now, what did he say?
“How sure are you that we have to go into the Dragon's Lair?” Brent frowned as he repeated himself.
“If we're going to get the Green Emerald, pretty sure.” I smiled. “Come on, it will be fun.” I walked faster.
“Fun she says.” Brent's tone disagreed. “Day one and she is trying to kill me off already.” He grumbled.
I rolled my eyes. “I'll protect you.” I kept up my quick pace.
“If you have to protect me, I don't see how that is fine. Maybe we need to work on your definition of fine.” Brent suggested. “I can help you with some synonyms. Those are words that mean the same thing.”
I laughed. “Fine. Okay. Safe.” I flashed him a smile. “I know what fine means.”
I heard wings flapping over my head before I saw them. Our gaze went to the sky immediately. We had just left the cover of the trees. The sound of wings was louder as each second ticked by. A large dragon landed about twenty yards from us. I took off running full force towards the familiar dragon.
“Gwyn!” Brent yelled at the top of his lungs as he came charging after me.
I put my arms around Firebreath. Well, as far around as they would go. He was huge. He curled his tail around me and gave me a hug.
“I take it that you know each other?” Brent's tone was skeptical.
“You could say that.” I grinned. “Do you remember that statue that you gave me?”
Brent nodded.
“This is Firebreath, the family dragon.” I flashed a smile at my friend.
“I kind have forgotten until now.” He paused and eyed him nervously. “Pleased to meet you, Firebreath.” His tone was more of a question than a statement.
Firebreath nodded.
“He is actually the King and a good one too. Aren't you buddy?” I smiled again as I glanced at my friend. I rubbed his scaled downward so they wouldn't flake up. “You are a good dragon, aren't you?” I placed a kiss underneath his wings. “We're going to be staying in Angeline for a while.” I whispered into his ear.
Firebreath smiled.
“I know I missed you too.” I rubbed his side again. “This is my husband Brent.” I pointed to Brent.
Firebreath gave another nod.
“We're trying to beat Mom and Dad's record for finishing the Quest. We're going to do three parts of the Quest in one day.” I conspired with the dragon.
Firebreath was impressed.
“Can you help us get the Green Emerald?” I stared at him hopefully.
Firebreath nodded and laid down on the ground. He motioned for us to climb up onto his back. I was up in seconds. I missed flying with Firebreath. It has been one of my favorite things about living in Angeline. I put my hand down to Brent. He stared at me nervously, but took my hand and scrambled onboard.
Firebreath flew into the air. Brent gripped my waist tightly. I found myself laughing as the wind hit my face. Soon we were bracing for a landing. Firebreath came to a stop in front of a cave entrance. Dragon Lair was inscribed above the door.
Firebreath walked inside of the cave with us both still on his back. Brent's grip on my waist tightened, if possible. The cold, dingy tunnel had a life of its own.
“A little scared back there?” I couldn't hide my amusement.
“Um... I plead the fifth.” His tone was a little shaky, but he was trying to play it cool.
The cave was exceedingly dark. I didn't like the idea of traveling where I couldn't see. Firebreath seemed to know exactly where he was going.
“Firebreath, do you care if I turn on some light?” I felt his response as he shook his head no.
I rubbed my necklace and a green glow lit up the cave. “This is beautiful. You live here all of the time?”
Firebreath nodded.
“You've never been inside of the cave?” Brent whispered. His voice held a slight tremble.
“No, my mother was always concerned. I don't know why.” I patted Firebreath's side. “You'll protect me, won't you?”
I could feel Firebreath's smile from where I sat. Heat flew from his mouth and lit up the rest of the cave. The flames charred the walls.
“Awe, you're excited. Aren't you?” I leaned forward and nuzzled Firebreath's neck for a second. When Brent saw what I was doing, he released my waist for a moment. I sat up straight and he put his arms around my waist again.
It wasn't long before we were entering a large cavern. Several dragons' heads perked up. Firebreath let out a low growl. They laid back down. He walked across the cave until we were exiting down another hallway. We went through the winding cave for another minute.
I wasn't sure when the tunnels would come to an end. After what seemed like forever, we entered another room, where several dragons stood guard. In the center of the cave on a pedestal was the Green Emerald. It lit up the room more than the glowing light I had Storytold.
Firebreath carefully leaned down. I braced myself and leaned against Brent, so I wouldn't be dislodged from the dragon's back. Firebreath clasped his teeth around the Green Emerald. He let out a slow growl that almost sounded like a dragon thank you to the guards. The guards bowed slightly. Firebreath turned around and came back the way we had come.
The sunlight hurt my eyes when we emerged from the entrance. Firebreath laid down. I patted the back of Brent's leg and motioned for him to get down. He let go of my waist and moved his leg, so it was beside of the other. He glanced at me and then slid off of Firebreath's back. I did the same. When my feet hit the ground. I stumbled a few steps forward before I regained my balance. I started laughing.
Firebreath gave me a toothy smile. He dropped the Green Emerald at my feet. His head went up into the air and a large flame went into the air. The entire area around us warmed up a few degrees. When he brought his head down, he was still smiling.
“Awe.” I patted his side. “You are so sweet. Thank you for all of your help.” I gave him another hug.
Firebreath was pleased with my praise. He turned around and went back into the cave.
“Well, that was interesting.” Brent's eyes were still guarded.
I bent down and picked up the Green Emerald. “Isn't it beautiful?” It shimmered in the sunlight.
I took Brent's hand and laced my fingers through his. “What do you think of Firebreath?”
“I would prefer to have that conversation a little farther away from here.” He made a face.
I laughed. I handed him the Green Emerald. I didn't want to let go of his hand. I rubbed my necklace, and the landscape changed immediately.
23
We were standing in front of the Mystical Waterfall. It was a stark comparison between the rocky terrain we had left to the lush green trees surrounding the blue water.
I dropped the Green Emerald on the grass and pulled Brent towards the water. He stepped out of his shoes as we approached the water and I did too. I started laughing as I pulled him further in.
He had a smile on his face. “You're different here. Did you know that?”
“I don't know. It's just...” I paused as I searched for the right word.
“Home.” He finished.
I nodded my head yes. “I have lots of happy memories here.” I grinned.
“Me too.” He scanned the water. “It does look like we need a little update.”
“Update?” I let go of him.
He rubbed his necklace. A rope swing appeared. I turned in a circle and saw a deck that went twenty feet into the air and a water slide. There was no railing on the deck.
“Is it deep enough here, so it's safe to jump off?” I shielded my eyes and pointed at the deck hovering above the water.
“Actually, it is.” Brent grinned. “No worries. My brother Kevin and I used to jump off of it all of the time.” He flashed me a heart-stopping smile.
The next thing I knew, we were jumping off the deck. The water whooshed around me. I swam towards the surface and swam. I didn't like how long it took me to reach air
“What do you think?” Brent grinned.
“It's a long way down.” I admitted.
Brent laughed. “Yeah. Funny, that's the same thing I thought when you got me to climb on Firebreath's back.”
This time I laughed.
We played in the water for a while before Brent came up behind me. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to his chest. I giggled.
“I'm having a great time, but what does playing in the water have to do with the Quest?” Brent whispered.
“Here. I'll show you.” I pulled him out of the water.
Brent's eyes were curious, but he followed me to the rocky ledge beside of the waterfall. I started climbing. My foot slipped two feet off the ground. I landed against Brent with a thud. We went tumbling to the ground.
“I don't think climbing works well when you're wet.” My husband pulled me to my feet.
“True.” I made a face and reached for my necklace. I told myself a story that we were standing behind the waterfall and we were. In the back corner was a blue glow that lit up the hidden cave. I tiptoed over and slipped.
Brent steadied me again. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, thanks again.” My nose scrunched up. “Wet feet again.” I shrugged.
This time Brent held my hand as we walked to the corner. I picked up the stone. The glow dulled slightly. I couldn't help smiling.
“The Sapphire Stone.” I handed it to Brent.
“It's... wow.” Brent rolled the stone over in his hand.
I leaned against him. “Where should we put it?”
Brent's face had a blue tint with the Sapphire Stone in front of his face. I grinned. I really had missed being in Angeline. I didn't want to, but moments like this didn't happen back home. Being in Angeline was magical.
“It's time to get out of here.” I took two steps towards the waterfall.
“And you think you're dry enough to climb down?” Brent was amused.
“I wasn't planning on climbing.” I placed a kiss on his lips and darted towards the waterfall and jumped through it.
The cold water hit me and made me shiver. The wind hitting my wet skin on the other side didn't help. I plunged feet first into the water. I didn't feel cold with cold all around me. I swam towards the sunlight. I came up just in time to see Brent jump into the water. He lost control of the stone at the last minute. I reached out and managed to catch it.
Brent came up, shaking his head. Water flew a few several inches away. He pushed his wet hair out of his face.
“I think you lost something.” I held up the Sapphire Stone.
“I thought you were a pitcher, not a catcher.” An amused expression touched his lips.
“A pitcher has to think fast on her feet.” I tossed the stone in the air.
Brent swooped in and caught it.
“Hey!” I swam after him.
Brent made a beeline to the shore. His arms covered more distance, making it harder to keep up. The water was down to my waist as he plopped next to the Green Emerald.
I tackled him and we both ended up rolling around on the grass laughing. Brent pulled the Sapphire Stone from behind his back. I laughed harder. Brent put his arm around me. We laid there watching the sky until he yawned.
“Too much fun.” I rolled on my side and teased him.
“I'm not used to hiking.” He smiled. “Writer, remember?”
