The two young boys ran chasing each other through the tall grass of the fields. Their mothers were watching from a distance with smiles on their faces.
The little red head put up his arms and growled. "I'm a dragon and I'm going to eat you, Wolt!"
The little green haired boy squealed with excitement. "Ahhhh! Roy's a dragon."
Ninian looked down. Even during a beautiful moment like this she was reminded of what she truly was.
Rebecca noticed her mood and grabbed her hand. Ninian looked up and saw her warm smile.
"Don't be sad. It doesn't suit your beautiful face."
Ninian tried to smile. She couldn't let them know how much pain she was in.
"Thank you, Rebecca. You are too sweet."
"After meeting you it is silly to think that dragons and humans can't get along. I wish there wasn't a misunderstanding between the races."
Ninian watched the children again. "If only it were that simple."
"Enough of that depressing talk, would you like me to do your hair?" Rebecca sat down behind Ninian. "Hey boys, come here for a second."
Wolt and Roy came running. "What is it?"
Rebecca patted Wolt on the head. "Would you two like to help make Lady Ninian and me pretty for your fathers?"
Roy jumped in Ninian's lap. "But mother is already pretty."
Ninian leaned down and kissed his forehead. "Thank you, Roy."
Rebecca laughed. "You've been spending time with Sain haven't you? Anyway all we need is some pretty flowers to put in our braids. Could you pick a few for us? It could even be a game. Whoever picks the most gets a treat."
Wolt took off running. "I'm going to win!"
Roy kissed Ninian's cheek and took off after him.
Rebecca kept laughing. "They say the funniest things. I wish they could stay this age forever."
Ninian nodded but her mind was somewhere else. She knew that she would never see Roy grow up. That's why these moments were so special to her. She wished that Nils could see Roy and know the joy she felt. She hoped he knew that she was happy in the end. She would never forget his face when they said goodbye. She wiped away the frozen tear and crushed it in her hand before Rebecca noticed.
"I wouldn't change anything."