Page 148 of To Fight and To Fold

"Just a few minutes."

Those minutes passed as they finished the pipe and leaned against the tree, watching everyone dance and laugh and drink.

Thea felt it settle in, her body a bit heavier, her mind a little lighter.

Aaryn leaned harder into her and for a moment it was just like waking up together, pressed against each other. Their consciousness made it more visceral.

"This is nice," Aaryn finally said, long, syrupy moments later. "The fire is sparkly."

Thea chuckled softly, finding Aaryn impossibly adorable while under the effects of the blooms.

"Vaelen arranged one of these my first night back," Thea admitted. "I slept on the moss."

"Ah. Stealing my dragon was something to celebrate then?" Aaryn teased, and it lacked the usual heat when the subject arose.

Thea pursed her lips. "I like to think it's because everyone missed me."

"They must have," Aaryn agreed. "I mean, you were gone for months, right?"

"Years," Thea reminded her.

Aaryn was quiet for a long moment. "Everyone here adores you. I bet it felt good to be back," Aaryn said, and stood suddenly. "Even I can admit this place is preferable to Evergale," she muttered, holding out a hand. "Let's go walk around."

Thea stared up at her, backed by the firelight as if she were a goddess or something else as devastating. She placed a hand in Aaryn's, let her pull Thea to her feet.

Thea did not release her hand, and their arms swayed lazily as they walked around the party. They giggled at drunken dancing and said hello to familiar faces, bumping into each other more often than not, and comfortable with the proximity.

Thea’s heart pounded along with their footsteps, and a happy cheer sounded from near the fire. She recognized those cheers, the hisses of burnt fingers.

"Do you want a fire potato?" Thea asked.

"No way," Aaryn said, mouth agape. "I haven't had one of those in years."

Thea battled the hot flames—too soon?—and stole two potatoes for themselves before leading them over to the table with herbs and salts and butter.

Aaryn and Thea were generous with their butter and herbs before digging into the too-hot spuds. Thea waved a hand in front of her mouth, whining pitifully as it burned, but Aaryn laughed, so it was worth it.

And it was delicious.

The commotion of the party had caught the attention of a few dragons, and they padded around, sinking down to feel the warmth of the fire. People lounged on them as long as they welcomed it.

A particularly grumpy dragon kept his space to himself, and the party gave him a wide berth.

Aaryn sighed as she took it all in, and Thea couldn't help but admire her.

"Can I admit something, and be spared from the 'I told you so'?"

Thea waved her head back and forth. "Hmm, maybe. Depends on what it is."

Aaryn rolled her eyes, nudging her playfully before she finally said, "I love it here."

Something fluttery and bright burst in Thea's chest at the admission, and any tease she had prepared died on her lips.

"I mean, there's dragons just… here! With us. I'm still not used to it. And I feel so connected to everyone here, actually helping others, instead of being trapped in a castle. I know, woe is me." She shook her head. "You know what I mean."

"I do," Thea agreed. "I'm glad you see it too."

Aaryn smiled at her, genuine, real, a little giggly. Thea studied her for a moment amongst the firelight, heart straining with an emotion she was used to pushing away, shoving down. Out of sight, out of mind. But suddenly it was overwhelming and big and Thea was so glad that Aaryn was here. With her.