“Yes I do pamper him,” Nimue said smugly. “In every way possible.” She leaned against him, her soft round breast pressed against his arm. “Pass the bread, will you please, Faren?” she asked innocently.<br/><br/>Maric choked and Nimue handed him the cup of tea at her hand. Absently, she patted him on the back, continuing,<br/><br/>“I believe Maric likes my usefulness. A woman who is skilled with her hands is a grand asset for any man.”<br/><br/>Faren snickered into his drink and Maric turned red.<br/><br/>Laana turned on Maric, seething as she thought of something,<br/><br/>“You have called me Laala twice. You know my name is Laana. Who is Laala? Some concubine you have laid away in the hill country? Certainly not a name given to me. I’m a knight, a paladin of divinity and you should treat me with….”<br/><br/>A thud from outside broke her tirade. Nimue knew what it was when she heard the horses neighing in general alarm and then stop abruptly. Laana rose to look out the door but nothing was evident there but the placid lake. The group joined her and Nimue rushed ahead to the corral in the field behind the house.<br/><br/>There, like a giant golden egg, sat Layla with her tail neatly wrapped around her great, scaly body rubbing noses with all three horses. Of course, the big Black was getting more than his fair share, but Layla seemed fascinated with the other horses, Susan, especially. The foursome stood noses touching as if gossiping and sharing equine secrets with the dragon.<br/><br/>“Oh,” Nimue said, casually to Laana, “this is Layla. Did I mention? I'm a dragon rider."