Chapter Sixteen: Varn

"I think we all deserve some spiced cider," Harry announced.

There was a murmur of agreement as they all stood looking up at the Yuletide Tree, adorned with twinkling mage lights, sparkling streams of tinsel, and an exhaustive collection of baubles and decorations of almost every theme imaginable.

Though, no matter how many, or how beautiful any of the decorations were, Varn could not take his eyes off those he and Carys had hung. The way they swung gently in the breeze, as if the pewter dragon was gazing up at the gleaming star.

Much like us and our mate, Varn's dragon said.

Very true. Varn glanced at Carys. As much as he appreciated what the Regulars were trying to do for them, the search for whatever had affected their memories seemed futile. And now all he wanted was to carry his mate off to somewhere more private. The fear of losing her had been squarely put away by the way Carys leaned into him, the way they spoke quietly together…yes, somewhere more private would be much more fitting.

Which would be anywhere but here, his dragon said dryly.

The folk of Wishing Moon Bay certainly get into the holiday spirit, Varn agreed as a group of carolers passed by, their voices lifted in a merry rendition of "Deck the Halls."

"Coming?" Carys gently pulled his hand as the Regulars moved away from the tree. "A spiced cider sounds like exactly what I need."

"Maybe we could grab something to eat, too." Varn's stomach rumbled in agreement.

How can you think of food at a time like this? his dragon asked , incredibly aware of the closeness of their mate.

I need to keep my strength up, Varn replied. We don't want our mate to think we're weak.

Carys will never think that if she meets me, his dragon replied confidently.

"What's your favorite food?" Carys asked.

"My favorite food?" Varn repeated, thrown by her question.

"Yes. I figured it was time we started getting to know each other," Carys said. "We could have covered all this on our first date, but…" She shrugged.

"But if we did, you can't remember." Varn glanced up at the sky. The sun was already beginning its fall toward the horizon. Soon, the sky would turn an inky blue and the stars would come out one by one. The day had been a whirlwind of movement and emotions and had slipped by all too quickly.

He took a deep breath, savoring this precious time with his mate. "My favorite food is a hearty stew, the kind that simmers all day and warms you from the inside out. "

"Really? I was expecting some sort of specialty or traditional dish known only to the dragons of Cairnnor."

Varn nodded. "I suppose it is quite a simple meal. But I think that's why I like it so much. It's not something you'd see at formal dinners or meetings. You can get a wonderful stew nearly anywhere, even at home."

Carys leaned into him, and he longed to pull her into his arms and hold her close, feel the warmth of her body against his. "That sounds perfect for a night like this. Do you cook?"

"Not often," he replied. "And when I do, it's usually something basic…like stew, I suppose. I don't see the point when it's just me. But when I was a kid, and the cook had the day off, I used to help my mom in the kitchen. How about you?"

"Oh, I used to help my mom bake," Carys said. "I loved the smell of fresh bread or cookies filling the house," Carys continued with a wistful smile. "It always made everything feel so warm and cozy, no matter what else was going on."

"And was there a lot going on?" Varn asked. "I mean…what was your home life like?"

"It was busy," Carys said. "Both my parents worked in diplomacy. Sometimes they traveled together, sometimes alone."

"And you?" Varn asked.

"Me?" Carys asked.

"Did you travel with them, too?" Varn asked.

"When I was older," Carys replied, a sad smile flitting across her face. "But when I was younger, I'd be left at home with a nanny. In some ways, I was raised by a succession of caregivers." Carys's tone was matter-of-fact, but Varn sensed an old pain beneath the words.

He wanted to reach back in time and give Carys's younger self a hug. But that was impossible. All he could do was make sure she never felt lonely again. "That must have been difficult, being separated from your parents so much."

Carys met his gaze, and he could see a deep sadness there. "It was lonely at times," she admitted. "But it also made me who I am. Independent, adaptable." She gave a little shrug. "And it's part of why I became a diplomat myself. To continue their legacy in a way, but also...to have a purpose of my own, I suppose. Independent of anyone else."

"Here, spiced cider." Harry handed them a cup each. "It's hot."

"It smells wonderful," Carys said, inhaling deeply as she cupped her hands around her mug. The rich aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus wafted up, inviting her to take her first tentative sip of the hot beverage. "Oh, that is good. So warming."

"Better than Morwenna's bread beer," Burt joked but earned himself a stern look from Stan. "What? It is!"

"You should never say things like that out loud ." Stan's gaze darted from side to side. "You never know who is listening."

"What? Do you think Brushworth is hiding behind the mistletoe stall?" Burt teased.

"Stranger things have happened," Stan hissed, still unsettled. "Or what if the imps are around?"

But then the carolers began another song, their voices in perfect harmony as they sang a beautiful rendition of "Silent Night."

Their soothing voices seemed to calm Stan's nerves, and he took a long sip of his cider, an appreciative smile on his face.

Whether it was for the spiced cider or the carolers, Varn could not say.

Or maybe it is the perfect combination of the two , his dragon suggested.

Maybe , Varn agreed, as he stood side by side with his mate.

But the warmth of the spiced cider did not compare to the warmth his mate stirred within him. Varn felt it spreading through his chest, a glowing ember that burned brighter with each passing moment in Carys's presence.

And he had the sudden desire to tell her exactly how he felt. "Carys, I..." he began, his voice low and earnest.

"Yes." She ducked her head as she held his gaze.

"I…" Varn stuttered.

Tell her, his dragon urged.

But then the lead caroler began a familiar folk tune. His deep baritone rang out crisp and clear:

"On a cold winter's night, ‘neath the pale moonlight, the wind whispers secrets through trees..."

One by one, the other carolers joined in, their voices rising in a haunting melody that captured the attention of everyone gathered around them.

It was as if their voices wove a spell with each rise and fall of their voices, each harmony.

"Gather ‘round the hearth, my friends,

Let the Yuletide magic never end.

Hearts aglow and spirits bright,

On this enchanted winter's night!"

The Regulars, caught up in the festive mood, began to sing along. Their voices rose to join the carolers. Even Varn found himself humming along under his breath, while Carys swayed gently to the music, her soft curves pressing against Varn in a way that made his heart race. The warmth of the cider and the joy of the carolers' song seemed to melt away his fears, for how could he possibly forget a moment as perfect as this?

As the final notes faded into the crisp night air, Carys tilted her face up to Varn's. "This is the best first date ever," she murmured. "Being here with you, surrounded by all this beauty and cheer..." Her eyes misted with tears, and she turned away from him.

"Carys?" he asked as he slipped his finger under her chin and gently turned her head toward him. "What is it?"

"Nothing…" She averted her eyes, evading his gaze.

I don't think it's nothing, his dragon said.

Neither do I, Varn replied.

"Do you want to get out of here?" he blurted out, cursing himself for not thinking before he asked since she had only just told him how magical all this was.

"Yes." She nodded, reinforcing her answer.

"You do?" Varn didn't hide his surprise.

"Yes." Her lips curved into a subtle smile that sent a jolt through him. "Where do you have in mind?"

"Somewhere more...peaceful," he replied, his gaze holding hers.

"Okay, what next?" Harry asked as the Regulars came back to them, the spell of the carolers broken now that their song had ended.

"I'm going to show Carys the sights," Varn said.

"Oh, that sounds fun. Where are we going first?" Stan rubbed his hands together.

"I think we can handle ourselves," Varn said, trying to be tactful.

"You're going off alone?" Burt voiced his concern.

"Yes," Carys said. "We appreciate your help, but I don't think what caused us to forget each other is here in the market. And according to Flint, the only thing we did after this was go to the tea party at Elsbeth's, and I don't think anything untoward happened there."

"How do you know?" Stan asked, crouching down a little, his gaze searching the shadows. "Someone could jump out of nowhere…"

"We're not staying in town," Varn replied.

"You're not?" Harry asked.

"We're not?" Carys seemed just as surprised.

"No." Varn turned to look at his mate. "I thought we'd fly out of town. There's something I'd like to share with you."

"There is?" Carys asked, her voice breathy.

Stan wagged a finger at Varn. "It might not be wise to wander off alone."

"Stan is right. We could come with you," Harry offered. "I'm sure a strong dragon such as yourself could carry a few passengers."

"I think they want some alone time." Burt tapped Stan on the shoulder.

"But what if they forget again?" Stan asked.

Varn suppressed a sigh. "We appreciate your concern, but we're capable of looking after ourselves."

After a moment of silence, Stan sighed dramatically. "All right then. But at least promise to meet us at The Lonely Tavern before midnight. Just so we know you're safe."

Varn considered the request. The last thing he wanted was to worry them. "We'll try to make it," he agreed.

"Good." Harry clapped him on the shoulder. "Enjoy your evening, in that case."

As the Regulars drifted back into the crowd, Varn exhaled slowly. "Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm to Carys.

She looped her arm through his, her touch sending a jolt of electricity coursing through him. "Lead the way."

They moved through the groups of people, looking up in awe at the Yuletide tree, and made their way through the rows of tents and back out into the clear, unpopulated area outside of town. It wasn't long before the market was well behind them, walking side by side through the crisp snow, with no one around but them.

"Where exactly are we going?" Carys asked, her breath visible in the crisp night.

"You'll see." Varn cast a sideways glance at her.

It's still hard to believe she is actually here with us , his dragon said happily.

But here she is. Varn placed his hand over hers. Yet the conversation with the Regulars before they parted left him with a slight unease. What if they did forget? Would this be another magical night that might as well have never happened?

What if they flew off into the mountains and they forgot each other? He might leave her stranded where no one would find her without even realizing it.

He strained his senses once again. Being around so many people, he had managed to forget that he could not feel the most important person, but alone at last, he was acutely aware of the fog that seemed to surround Carys.

How could he not sense her when she was this close?

Perhaps that is the mystery we should be trying to solve, his dragon said.

Perhaps, Varn agreed. Perhaps the answer to our failing memory and our failing senses is one and the same.

They stepped from the snow-laden grass, down onto a winding path that cut through the countryside. The ice crystals scattered atop the layer of snow caught the light of the sun as it began to turn rosy.

He glanced back to the area of falling snow and rising smoke where the market was. Was he making a mistake?

Should they stay with the Regulars?

It made sense. It would be safer for Carys. But he so wanted to spend time alone with his mate. To hold her, to kiss her, to be away from prying eyes and fatherly old men.

"Here?" she asked.

"Here." He nodded. "Unless you would rather go back…"

"No." She let go of his hand and stepped away from him. "I want to meet your dragon. I want to soar above the clouds on his back. I…" She placed her hand on her heart. "This feels right."

There's no arguing with that, his dragon said happily, but an underlying feeling of concern still threaded through both their veins.

He managed a wry smile, echoing his dragon's sentiment. "I cannot argue with that." Taking a step back, he steadied himself.

The air around him began to shimmer, threads of electricity crackling around him, the snow beginning to swirl up into the air as he let his dragon take control. There was a moment when he paused, not wanting to leave his mate for a moment, worried if he might scare her off, but he quickly shook off that notion. Carys was a woman of the world; this would certainly not be the first dragon she had seen shift.

Carys took a step back, eyes wide, her breath catching in awe. For a moment, the world stilled around them, even the disturbed snow hanging in the air. Then, cautiously, she approached, brushing her hand against the warm, smooth scales of his neck. Varn lowered his head, his dragon's gaze meeting hers, and in that brief exchange, something between them solidified—something ancient and unspoken.

Her initial shock softened, awe taking its place. "You're...breathtaking," she whispered, stepping closer. She reached out tentatively, fingertips grazing the smooth scales of his jaw.

Relief washed over him, followed by a surge of something deeper, something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years. He lowered his head, inviting her to touch.

Carys stroked the scales along Varn's jaw, her touch gentle, almost reverent, as if she were handling something infinitely precious. Varn's dragon's eyes drifted closed, savoring the sensation of her fingers against his scales.

"I can't believe this is real," Carys breathed. "That you're real. I never imagined I'd be anyone's mate, let alone a dragon like you. I feel like I'm dreaming."

Varn opened his eyes, meeting her gaze, wishing he could speak aloud, that he could assure her this was no dream. That having her here felt more incredible than anything he could have imagined.

Without words, he bent low, offering his foreleg as a step. She hesitated only a second before climbing up, settling just behind his wings, her hands gripping his scaled ridges.

The moment she was secure, Varn stretched his wings, their span massive as they scraped the edges of the alley. With a single, powerful beat, they were airborne, shooting upward into the starlit sky, leaving the town far below.

The icy wind whipped against them, but Varn pushed higher, soaring past the rooftops and trees until the lights of Wishing Moon Bay were nothing more than a distant glow on the horizon. The world below became a blur, and the sky above unfolded vast, endless, untouchable.

He angled his wings, gliding around a rocky rise, covered in fresh snow. The northern lights flickered on the darkening horizon, their colors bleeding into the sky, weaving ghostly ribbons of purples and greens, only just visible in the failing daylight.

This is what he wanted to show her.

The sound of the wind faded as they slowed. Varn's dragon tilted back with wings outstretched as they glided back down to land.

Varn landed softly, the snow crunching beneath his claws. Carys slid from his back, her feet sinking into the snow as she gazed up at the lights in wonder. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling stillness of the winter air.

Varn shifted back into his human form, the cold biting at him, but he barely noticed. "I come here sometimes. When I need to think. The lights aren't always here, of course, but it's no less beautiful in their absence."

She turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Is that why you brought me here? To think?"

He exhaled slowly. "Partly. I wanted to show you something that's special to me. Something that's incredible."

"Something…unforgettable?" she arched her eyebrow at him.

The tension between them seemed to thicken, but not in a way that pushed them apart. Instead, it felt like it was drawing them closer, like they were both standing at the edge of something they couldn't name but could feel all the same.

Carys took a step toward him. "What do you think we've forgotten?"

Varn hesitated. "I don't know," he admitted as he stared up at the sky. "For all we know, we stood in this very spot last night and looked up at the stars."

"You might be right." She looped her arm through his and leaned against him. "But I think I would remember."

But Varn wasn't so sure.

Perhaps we should tie ourselves together, his dragon suggested. Or not go to sleep.

And Varn could think of plenty of ways they could fill the time…