10th Witchfire, 41 BE
I love sparring with Cirrus. My only regret is that I have taught her swordplay so well over the years it has become more difficult to defeat her.
Although, she seems to think it is just my pregnancy.
Halfway there, but I will be forever Abyssally cursed if I let that get in my way!
I may be a queen now, but I am and will forever be a warrior of House Van-Kirith.
Dealing with the dragoness is so much more fulfilling than some others I could name…
***
“It is not you, Arissa. I simply got lucky,” Cirrus assured her. “And, even if it were you, you are almost five months into your pregnancy. Your body will slow accordingly.”
Arissa snorted. “Oh? And tell me you were not holding back so as to not endanger the child.”
Her closest friend shrugged and grinned at her, reaching up to swipe some of her sweat soaked, blue hair back. “Of course, I was—”
“See!” Arissa leveled an accusing finger at the diamond dragoness.
“Do you want to explain to Dothan why I had to fix you and the child at this stage of your pregnancy? Remember, he did not even want you to continue training.”
Arissa’s nose wrinkled and she hesitated. Then she stuck her tongue out at her friend…the only person she truly felt comfortable enough around to be herself. “Forget that. I mean, I will eventually have to cut back, but I will not let my pregnancy interfere with my ability to defend myself and others.”
Cirrus rolled her eyes. “Very queenly and mature, Arissa.” The dragoness’ sky blue eyes sparkled with amusement. “However, if you would procreate in an acceptable manner, instead of having your young wriggling around inside you for months, your fitness and training would not be a worry.”
“Very droll, Cirrus. And it is not ‘wriggling’, worms on a hook wriggle. The baby is kicking. There is a difference.” She threw her sweat covered towel at her friend. “As far as ‘procreating in an acceptable manner’, I sincerely doubt I am going to learn how to lay eggs like you.”
Cirrus caught the towel on the end of her sword. “Pity that. Although, it just goes to show dragons innate superiority in all things…even breeding.”
Arissa chuckled. “Superiority? Chickens lay eggs, so I would not use that as a mark indicating your kind’s exceptional qualities. Possibly your narcissism.”
Cirrus laughed. “How dare you call out so many of my ‘kind’s’ self-importance and ego! I should eat you for that!”
“I think we both know my attitude would sour the experience.”
“Perhaps with a few condiments your temperament would make no difference. Maybe a spicy sauce with some noodles—”
Arissa started laughing in earnest, then felt a pain in her abdomen. “Ooo…” She grimaced, straightening, a hand going to her stomach.
Cirrus’ smile disappeared and the dragoness was at her side in an instant, a hand going to her back. “Are you alright? Did I push you too hard? What can I do to help?”
The questions kept tumbling from Cirrus’ mouth. Finally, when the episode passed, Arissa smiled up at her. “I think the little one heard you and does not like the idea of being an appetizer.”
“What?” her friend’s tone was bewildered.
“The little one kicked. Hard. Quite a few times. In fact, it was a little rowdy. I hope he or she keeps that strength when they come out. Should make for an excellent warrior.”
Cirrus’ relief was palpable. “You scared me, Arissa.”
“My apologies.” Her red eyes focused on her friend. “Would you like to feel?”
Cirrus looked like she wanted to escape…to be anywhere but here. “I do not know…”
“Come on. The child will not bite. At least not yet.” Arissa knew her friend’s hesitation was not from a normal sort of fear. No, her anxiety came from someplace much different: Worry about getting too close to a Queen of Alshain again. “Feel my stomach, Cirrus. Maybe you can tell me what it will be.”
Cirrus clearly steeled herself before reaching down and placing a hesitant hand on the queen’s sweaty, dark purple stomach. Arissa felt the child kick again, one single, very hard one, directly into Cirrus’ hand. Almost like it was trying to tell the dragoness it felt her presence.
A smile slowly crept over the diamond dragoness’ flawless elven face. “It is a boy. And very healthy so far.”
Arissa put an arm around Cirrus’ shoulder. “A boy.” Tears spilled from her red eyes. “He will need to be a strong warrior then.”
“Congratulations.”
Arissa wiped at her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath. “Come on. We should wash up, then you can treat me to dinner.”
Cirrus shook her head. “Very well. May I ask why I am treating?”
It was time for Arissa’s eyes to sparkle in amusement. “Because I am five months pregnant with a son and you knocked me down during our sparring match,” she sniffed in a mock wounded tone.
Cirrus’ other hand moved from the dark elves back and slid around her side so she could pull her close. “Uh-huh. I do not believe your injured tone for an instant. However, food does sound good. What would you like?”
Arissa shot her friend a wide smile, her teeth gleaming. “How about something spicy with noodles…”
***
Dinner was excellent. And the young one seemed to enjoy it as well with as much as he was ‘wriggling around’.
A boy! I am having another boy! Hopefully, this one will take more after me…
Tales of The Legends and The Lost 