The Dragon Tamer (wedding chapter)

Author's Note:

K, this story is mostly for those who have been following "The Dragon Tamer" since it was created. These people are just dying to see it finished. Well, not finished yet, but oh so close. This is a teaser, a little thing to keep you all interested and a celebration of getting past the halfway point. Waaay past now. Check my profile for my page on FB and like me. Otherwise, you won't know when it's officially done or where to get it. It will not be announced here, however, when the story is COMPLETE all entries of The Dragon Tamer will be deleted. When it is published, I will announce on my FB page. So like me. You may even get a free copy! Oh yeah, and like the first 10 chapters posted, please point out spelling/grammar errors, anything that needs adding, subtracting, changing. Remember, this is a part of a larger book. There are a lot of things that happen before and after this.




When morning dawned, the guards rotated duty, quietly talking with each other before the two that had been on night watch retired. There always had to be at least two guards watching the dragons. Not all dragons could get along and they didn't understand the concept of simply being civil.

Their clicks and groans and low rolling howls slowly brought Sre out of her dreams. She rolled onto her back and stretched, her back arching, arms over her head, her whole body curving into the motion.

She squealed when Roscrow growled next to her, his arm wrapping around her and pulling her against his body. "Be careful, darling," he purred in her ear, goosebumps shivering all over her skin at his tone. "I'm dangerously close to breaking 'tradition.'"

Sre wiggled against him, trying to break his grip. He had to smile, watching her lithe naked form writhe next to him. "Let me go!" she panted. "I want to wait until the wedding is over!"

"Ok." Roscrow suddenly released her. She shrieked as she wrenched herself away from him at the same time he let go, finding herself on the floor. Luckily, the bed wasn't very high at all and they had kicked most of the blankets onto the floor where she fell during the night.

He grinned down at her. "You wanted me to let go."

Staggering to her feet, Sre crossed her arms. "That was mean!"

"What gave you the impression I'm a nice guy?" He stretched out on his back, most of his legs hanging off the bed. He still had a very satisfied expression. His smile only got bigger when he saw Sre's eyes flick down to the erection he'd woken up with.

She sneered at him, which made him laugh, getting to his feet and stumbling after her as she stomped toward the shower room. She slammed the door in his face, making him wince.

"I was only joking!" he said through the door.

He heard her voice quiver even through the wood. "I got thrown off a walkway into a pit of dragons with some stranger trying to kill me and you think it's funny to let me fall off the bed!"

Roscrow sighed. She was not invulnerable, and he truly hadn't thought about that. Other than the occasional nightmare that would leave her trembling in the middle of the night, she'd overcome her past. He had forgotten that there were some emotional wounds left in her, and her recent brush with death hadn't made things better. "You've got me there, love. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking," he said softly.

After a moment of silence, Sre opened the door a crack, looking up at him with a narrowed eye. He wasn't sure, but he felt like she was staring right through his flesh. It lasted only a few heartbeats. She sighed and turned away, letting him enter after her.

"I didn't mean to do that," he said softly as he closed the door gently behind him.

"I know," she replied simply, her voice quiet.

"Oh? Can you read my mind, now?" he jested, trying to cheer her up. "Is that another Tamer trick?"

"No," she replied, her voice still hushed. She thought a moment before adding, "I don't really know what it is. I guess your soul holds your true intentions. That's what I see."

Raising a brow, Roscrow didn't question her explanation. Instead, he assisted her in removing her head bandage, checking the gash that had been on the back of her head. It was nothing more than a pink scar now, easily hidden by her hair. "I think for today, you can keep the bandage off. But only today! Unless Markus says otherwise."

Sre wrinkled her nose, but didn't press the matter. They stood under the steamy water, Roscrow holding Sre close to his body. She would be his soon. There wasn't a thing in the whole world he wanted more than that.

"You know," Sre said suddenly, thoughtful, "I didn't see Markus or Kelvin after we got here yesterday. I wonder where they went off to?"

Roscrow made a choking sound, coughing. Sre looked up at him quizzically. He scratched his throat nervously. "Ah, one thing I learned about Kelvin a long time ago, he prefers a different kind of company than either my father or myself. The only female he's ever had in his life has been Beaut."

Sre blinked at him a few times. "Oh!" she exclaimed, understanding his meaning. "Well, I'm sure they're having fun," she giggled.

"Markus seems a lot more decent than the other men he's been with," Roscrow said, almost to himself. "I think I may not have to kill him."

Sre glanced up at him in some shock. "What?"

Roscrow shifted a bit, tipping his head back to wash his thick black hair. "There's a reason Kelvin calls me 'sir' outside of duty. He can hold his own most of the time, but he's not exactly the commanding type. He looks so old from all the trauma in his life. He wasn't suppose to be a soldier, he just happened to stumble into the nesting chamber right when Beaut hatched, so he doesn't deal that well with stress. He's had a few... bad lovers in the past. A few times he showed up looking like he'd been in a bar fight. I don't take kindly to anyone harming my family, so I had a bad habit of killing his ex-partners."

"Oh, I see." She then peered up at him with suspicion. "You aren't going to try and kill Jasper, are you?"

Roscrow just smirked. "Naw. I'll let Kelvin do that." He laughed at her when she punched him in the gut, which only resulted in her hurting her own hand. His chuckle quickly turned into a growl, though, when he felt her grab his testicles. "Hey, now. That's a very unfair advantage."

"Just because I'm a Tamer doesn't mean I have to play fair!" she giggled, giving them a gentle squeeze.

She gasped when his hand wrapped around her throat, pressing her back against the wall, though there was no pressure in his grip. Her heart thumped in her chest as he leaned down to nip at her ear. His powerful frame prevented any escape, causing her to moan softly, which only made him chortle. "You better be glad I have enough restraint not to break my vow to Dane."

"Why's that?" she whispered. He could hear the wanting in her voice. His body reacted to her lascivious tension, making him growl deeply next to her ear.

When she shuddered against his body, her hip pressing against him, he gripped her hair, pulling her head back to speak gruffly into her ear. "Don't think for a second I wouldn't take you right now if you keep that up."

Her breathing was ragged, eyes glazed over. He knew that right now she wouldn't resist him, would be more than willing to let him do just about anything he wanted to. But he was also aware that she would be unhappy with the decision later. He took a deep breath to quell his own raging desire.

Her hands were gripping the wrist that still rested lightly around her throat. She gave a small whimper in need, her hip grinding against him. With a rumble, he let that hand slide down her body. He leaned down, his mouth taking possession of hers when he slipped a finger into her heat. He drank her moans, letting her grind against his hand. His finger kept a steady pressure inside her, allowing her to sate the burning lust within her.

So great was her own arousal that it didn't take long before he felt her body shiver against him. If it wasn't for how tightly he was pressed against her she wouldn't have been able to stay standing with her knees quivering weakly. His lips muffled the sounds that wildly tore from her.

Panting, Sre laid her head against his sternum, hearing him snicker at her as he held her up, his hands holding her shoulders lightly. She looked up at him, still trying to get her breath back. "What's so funny now?"

He shook his head, still smiling softly. "Just that you can get so carried away."

"It's all your fault," she snapped, though there was no accusation in her tone.

He laughed. "I don't do anything. I'm just standing here, trying to get clean. You're the one who started this whole thing." Though there was a grin on his face, his dark eyes made her shiver. The confident control he had of her was more than enough for her body to tingle again. He chuckled wickedly when she buried her face into his chest. His arms held her possessively, his voice a soft rumble in her ear. "I have every intention of making you all mine, completely and utterly mine."

With that, he stepped out of the stream of water, getting about to drying off and going out to get dressed, leaving her shivering in the shower with a storm of emotions running through her.

Roscrow decided to go out once he was dressed. He closed the door quietly, turning when he heard the door of the room Dane was in open. He glanced into the room, catching a glimpse of a wisp of long honey brown hair in the bed before his father closed the door.

"What was that about you choosing for your bed to be empty?" Roscrow grinned sarcastically.

"Something about this being a celebration, and that I needed to get laid," Dane shot back, crossing his arms over his chest.

Chuckling, Roscrow shook his head. "At least I come by it honestly."

"There's hardly an honest thing about you, son," Dane sneered.

Roscrow crossed his arms, though he was much more relaxed than his father. "Sre would tell you differently."

"Oh?" Dane raised his brow. "You actually listened to me for once?"

Roscrow shook his head, still grinning. "Not a chance. I listened to her."

Dane rolled his eyes, leaning against the wall between the doors. "I'm glad someone around here respects tradition."

The door opened. Sre was surprised to find a pair of black eyes looking down at her. "What's going on?"

Roscrow shrugged. Dane stood up straight, looking slightly sheepish. "Just the usual father-son banter, m'lady," he said.

Sre glanced at the door of Dane's room before pursuing her lips. "You have that same face he gets when he's done something wrong. She's my friend. I really hope you don't pull the whole dragonrider attitude."

Before Dane could respond, there was the sound of about a dozen pairs of feet tromping up the stairs. Sre turned in time to see a group of the women from the town rush up to her.

"You're coming with us!" Diana giggled, grabbing Sre's wrist.

"Wait, what?" Sre blinked in surprise as she was surrounded.

"You are not getting married looking like that!" her friend giggled again, pulling her along as the other women made sure she had no chance to resist.

"But... I...!" She glanced over her shoulder desperately. "Roscrow!"

He lifted his hands, shrugging helplessly though he had a massive delighted smile on his face. "This appears to be out of my hands, darling. The people have spoken. Have fun!" He waved mockingly.

Both Dane and Roscrow laughed when they heard her squeak at the bottom of the stairs, hearing several other women corralling her out of the inn, fussing over every tiny detail. She continued to try and convince them that she thought everything was fine, but they only laughed and took her to Diana's house. She was the fashion queen of the town.

"Well, that was amusing," Roscrow chuckled, turning back to his father.

"Oh, it's about to get better." Dane grinned when there were more booted feet that came up the stairs.

Roscrow's smile changed into a look of trepidation before he even turned to see about a dozen of the men standing behind him. "You've got to be kidding."

Jasper crossed his arms, a smile on his face. "This is special for Sre. You can't expect us to not do this."

Roscrow glanced at his father. The amusement in Dane's eyes told him there would be no back up. "Can I just shine my armor and call it good?"

He felt Dane's large hand against the back of his neck, shoving him forward. "Certainly not! The people have spoken, son. This is out of your hands."

If he had truly wanted to, he could have planted his feet and they likely would not have been able to move him. But with a sigh, Roscrow allowed the men to surround him, a good head and a half taller than most of them, leading him down the stairs, though with much apprehension.

The door across from them opened suddenly, Kelvin looking up at Dane in surprise. "What's going on?"

"Kelvin! Assistance would be greatly appreciated!" Roscrow yelled out as he was led down to the tavern.

"The townsfolk have decided Sre and Roscrow need to be prettied up," Dane chuckled sadistically as he was greatly enjoying his son's discomfort. "Might want to give them a hand."

Kelvin laughed. Markus glanced around him curiously. "This cannot be missed. If you're not gonna watch, then move, I've got to see that man dressed up like a gentleman." Together, they both chased after the precession, along with half the guard squad, thoroughly enjoying Roscrow's loud objections. The other half had made an attempt to follow Sre, but the women had locked them out, saying only women could see her until it was time.

With another chuckle, Dane turned, slipping back into his room, smiling when Slina peered up at him drowsily.

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The whole town had been working most of the night to get the place set up perfectly. Roscrow was standing near the makeshift stage, a gorgeous trellis at the top of the step which had living flowering vines braided through the spaces. It was set in the small grassy area at the southern end of the town that faced the woods. The sun shone brightly overhead, causing the white lace that had been laid out on the platform to sparkle.

He shifted awkwardly. The ceremonial armor had had to be changed to fit his large frame. It was made of a pure white metal, even the chainmail under the half chest plate, small pauldrons, gauntletts, cuisse, and the solarets. The leather straps and gloves were dyed white as well. The whole thing was fairly uncomfortable, but that's why it was ceremonial. It was worn only for very special occasions, such as this. He sighed, hiding in the shade so he didn't overheat.

"You look perfectly stunning, sir," Kelvin jested with him, snickering when Roscrow flashed his black eyes at him in threat of death.

"I think we should dye his hair, too," Jasper chuckled. The other men laughed.

Roscrow kept his head down, not wanting anyone to know that their mocking comments were actually amusing him. He hadn't expected any of this to happen, but he was glad it had. Sre deserved the most perfect day, and he wasn't about to ruin it by complaining how tight the armor was.

Dane had to keep looking around so he didn't stare too long at his son. It was simply too entertaining to him. He never thought he'd see this day. Every time he glanced at Roscrow, he had to cough to cover his laughing. Roscrow kept glaring at him, sneering.

"Why is it you get to keep your armor?" he asked Dane in mock hatred.

"I'm too big to wear anything like that," Dane explained, trying with all his might to keep a straight face. "Also, I'm not the one getting married. You're the one who asked her. Besides, I've worn that kind of armor three times already."

"Maybe you'll wear it a fourth time?" Roscrow teased, waggling his brows knowingly.

With a scowl, Dane turned away, inspecting the area. People were bustling all around, making certain there was not a thing out of place. Wild flowers were placed in vases, scattered about in an elegant order. People would be standing for this so small bags were placed all over for the end to throw petals on the couple. At the other end of the town, there was a massive feast being prepared and laid out, people rushing about back and forth.

Dane raised a brow when he heard the giggles and squeals coming from the house that Sre was being held captive in. He glanced back over at Roscrow, having to smile. Roscrow looked so nervous, though only those who knew him as well as his father and Kelvin could see it. He continuously shifted from foot to foot, picking at the armor. Kelvin kept having to readjust it for him as he continuously pulled it loose.

Thinking to cheer his son up, knowing how nervous he had been for each of his own weddings, he headed for the house. There were guards standing outside the door, but they, as everyone, were in high spirits and didn't say a word when Dane nodded to them, a mischievous look in his dark eyes.

He could hear the women talking through the door. "He's so handsome! I bet he's good in bed!"

Sre giggled with the rest of them. "If I told you just how good he was, you may not believe me," she jested in return.

"Enough talk! Stop moving so much! I can't get this seam right if you keep squirming."

Again the women giggled, Sre among them. "It's gonna end up on the floor, anyways, Diana. Don't worry so much."

"Who would have thought our Queen was so perverted!" They all laughed. The guards glanced up at Dane with a grin.

Dane swung the door open, peering in. "I do hope you'll be ready soon...." He stopped before finishing what he had planned to say. Sre stood in the middle of a crowd, her side to him. Her arms were raised as Diana was trying to get the soft, pale creme colored silk dress to fit her just right. Her back was bare, the cloth cut thin and clasped behind her neck, just the very tip of her crest showing.

The screams of the women made him snap out of his reverie. He slammed the door shut just as something heavy was thrown at him, thumping against the door. He and the two guards burst into laughter when they heard Sre yelling at him.

"Dane! I swear, I'll set Hero on you if you say anything to Roscrow!"

"I just wanted to make sure you weren't asleep in there. My son is looking like he might hop on Granger and leave if you don't hurry!" He chuckled, walking away.

"What did you do?" Roscrow glared at his father, having heard the screams from across the street.

"Just gave Sre reason to hurry. You'll thank me later." Dane was about to leave it at that, but Roscrow chased after him.

"What did you say?" To anyone else, his voice would have sounded normal, but Dane could hear the strain. It made him chuckle all the more.

"It's not what I said, son. It's what I saw." Then he clicked his tongue, turning away as if bored. "But she told me not to say anything or she'd send her dragon after me, so you're just going to have to wait."

"Wait, what did you see?" Roscrow followed after Dane, his voice the low growl that most others couldn't ever quite make out.

"You'll just have to wait and see for yourself." Dane knew as long as Roscrow paid more attention to him, he'd forget his own discomfort and nerves, exactly what he'd intended. "But I know you'll like it. I should warn you, though. Try to keep your jaw off the ground when you see her."

He continued to casually tease Roscrow even as he watched the young girls of the town run around, handing out wreaths of wild flowers they had put together. At first, a few of the guards refused, but Kelvin barked at them that they'd regret their refusal as soon as the whole event was was over. Soon enough just about everyone had one.

Jasper was more than happy to put on his wreath as he strode over to Roscrow and his father. "Getting that dragon cleaned up is a chore," he remarked. "I don't think there are any flowers left in the woods."

"What are you doing to Hero?" Roscrow was getting awfully impatient. Dane was having a hard time keeping the smile off his face, knowing full well the feelings his son was going through. He'd felt them each time he'd gotten married.

Jasper just laughed. "You'll see him soon enough! He's going to be the ring bearer!"

"Where is he keeping the rings?" Roscrow asked, suddenly panicked. "They're not in his mouth, are they? Last time Sre asked him to hold onto something small he swallowed it. Took us three days to retrieve it."

Jasper just smiled, shaking his head. "You'll see."

Sighing, Roscrow was starting to show his anxiety with everyone telling him to wait. The sun was already at its zenith. He'd been waiting for over an hour now. He wanted the day to be over. He wanted Sre in his arms, his forever.

There was a quiet throat clearing near them. Jasper smiled. "Hey, Slina. Is Sre ready yet? We've got everything else ready!"

Slina nodded slowly, trying not to glance at Dane. "They're just brushing her hair now. Diana told me to start getting everyone in their places." Her voice was very soft. She'd never been a very loud person.

"Finally!" Roscrow exclaimed, throwing up his hands and heading toward the platform.

Dane chuckled briefly at him before turning and raising a brow at Slina. She turned away her eyes, shifting slightly, her knees weak under his gaze. Jasper glanced between them before spinning on his heel and following Roscrow. He called to Kelvin, who sneered at him but followed after. Markus turned to call at the crowd of people near him. It didn't take more than a few minutes before the whole town was standing on the grass, talking excitedly.

Dane and Roscrow stepped up onto the stage under the trellis. Dane glanced at his son, noticing he was trembling ever so slightly in anticipation. He smiled. "Why are you so nervous? You're the one who asked her."

"I'm starting to wonder if I should have listened to you," Roscrow responded softly.

"Of course you should have. But too late now." He then patted his son's shoulder making Roscrow look up at him. "I may not be pleased with this, but you make her happy, and she makes you happy. That's all that matters."

Roscrow rolled his eyes, though his body relaxed a bit. "Now you tell me!"

The crowd suddenly went silent. Diana had showed up, a massive grin on her round face. "May I present, our most beloved citizen, friend, and Queen." She bowed at the waist, stepping back into the crowd. The people were split to either side, leaving an aisle for Sre to walk.

The breath Roscrow had been holding rushed out of him with an astounded whisper, "Oh gods...."

Sre stood just at the start of the aisle, a shy blush on her cheeks. Everyone was staring at her in captivated awe. She slowly started forward, smiling as each row of people on either side of her bowed deeply as she came to them. The thickly flowing pale creme silk of the dress was just long enough to barely sweep the ground. She could feel the warm sun against her bare back. The front was low cut, reaching up and around the sides of her neck. Her arms would have been bare but for the pearly white sheer chiffon sleeves. It wrapped around her bosom lightly, tying in the back, the remaining length of it sweeping down nearly to the ground. The sleeves were to her wrists, tapered so that even they nearly touched the ground. The sleeved drape hung loosely around her bare shoulders, letting the sun shine on her skin. Wrapped around from under her breasts, a thin, braided white cord crossed behind her back, then over her belly, and her back again before being loosely tied on her front, just under her navel.

It was obvious the women had taken their time with her hair, brushing it back and pinning it up in small waves, making sure they hid her scar. They had tied small white feathers into her hair which brushed her slender neck as a soft warm breeze blew. Around her head was a wreath of living vines, blossoming with pale lavender flowers. In her hands she tightly gripped a small bouquet of white flowers.

Halfway to the stage, she had to giggle softly when Dane reached over to his son, using one finger to shut his hanging jaw. She bit her lip at seeing Roscrow in his sparkling white armor. His black eyes and hair accented the armor, though it made his olive skin seem paler, or maybe that was from the adrenaline in him. He nearly tripped on himself just standing still, his knees feeling weak from awe.

Sre finally stepped up onto the stage, coming to stand before Roscrow. His breathing was shallow, his chest tight. He almost didn't dare move lest he mar the perfection that stood in front of him. But when she handed the bouquet to Slina who stood at the edge of the stage and held up her hands to him, he didn't even know he'd lifted his arms, lacing his longer and larger fingers with her slender ones. He was so entranced by her that he didn't even know there was anyone else around him.

Dane made a quiet sound, gaining Sre's attention. "I must say, my lady, that of all the Tamers I've lived through, you are indeed the most beautiful."

Sre blushed brightly, smiling bashfully. "Thank you," she said very softly, looking back at Roscrow. He didn't even blink, afraid to miss a moment.

With great care, Dane leaned over and started to wrap more of the living vines with its delicate pale lavender petals around their wrists loosely, binding the two together. His voice was deep and clear, allowing everyone to hear him speak.

"These vines bind you together in body, signifying your bond in soul. Fate has brought you two together, intertwining the paths you have walked in your lives. From now on, know that when you look to the rising sun, each day is refreshed, as so too should be your love for one another. Let there be growth in shared silences. Let you both illuminate the darkness with your shared love. May there always be a passion of the hearts, the warmth of hearth and home, and should you find yourselves separated, look to the moons above and know that you both are looking at the same sky. Blessed be this union by the gods of old, by the land and the sea and all the life that flows around us, and by those who have come before us."

The crowd was silent but for a few sniffles. It didn't stay quiet for long. There was the sound of wings, a dark shadow that passed by overhead. People looked up as Hero landed at an angle to not disturb the trellis or the flowers or any of the folks standing there. Then he turned, rearing back his head, letting out a loud roar, wings raised. When he was finished with his show, he held up a paw. On his talons shone the rings, silver in color. The larger ring was on his claw that was nearest to Sre, the smaller nearest to Roscrow. Dane nodded to his son when Roscrow glanced at him.

Roscrow took the ring, careful not to break or unravel the vines that still held them together. He spoke much more quietly than Dane had, like he was speaking to Sre only for she was the only person he even saw at the moment. "To you I pledge more than just my love. I vow my loyalty, through any challenge or temptation that lies ahead. I pledge to you my undying soul, that I would be bound to you through sickness and health, through whatever life or death might present to us, through all the elements of the earth and sky and sea, be them calm or angered. To the Queen of my nation and of my heart do I seal these vows with this ring."

Gently, he slipped the ring onto Sre's finger. It fit snugly, shining in the warm sun. Sre had to bite her lip, afraid she would cry when she looked up into his eyes, knowing he meant every word.

Carefully, Sre took the larger ring off Hero's claw, looking up at her dragon. His copper eyes were lidded in affection and happiness like a cat. He didn't understand this ritual, but it was obvious that his mother was happy with this, and it filled him with glee and contentment to see her so mirthful. She smiled at him before she turned back to Roscrow.

Sre spoke, forgetting that they were standing before a crowd, "As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I commit myself to you, through whatever lies ahead."

She blushed, not knowing what else to say, so she slid the ring on Roscrow's finger. He took her hands again, holding her tightly. He didn't want to take his eyes off her, completely in awe of the angel that stood before him.

After a quiet moment, Dane held up his hands. "I don't even have to ask if you do, so just kiss already. I'm hungry."

A ripple of laughter went through the crowd. Roscrow chuckled, slipping one hand out of the binding of the vines and wrapped it around Sre as he leaned her back. She squealed, but his lips stifled it, his tongue caressing along the edge of her mouth, teasing her, promising her a night she would not forget.

A loud cheer went up, everyone clapping and congratulating them. Dane had to grab Roscrow's shoulder, standing him upright with narrowed eyes. "Save that for tonight, you two," he teased gruffly. Roscrow laughed with overwhelming elation, holding onto Sre tightly.

Together, the two of them turned and stepped off the platform. There was a flurry of white and pale pink petals thrown up into the air, people cheering loudly and joyfully as the couple walked down the aisle, laughing as they headed out to the other side of town where the tables of a grand feast awaited them.