"Hey Flower Girl!" Jace Sinclair called as Nimma was stepping out of barracks.  

    "Prancer!" Nimma called back warmly.

    "When's your next leave?" Jace asked while shaking water droplets from his head. The rain was forecast to last all week and already a gloomy though still alert feeling had settled over the base.

    "It starts in two days. Why? I'm headed for chow. Have you eaten?"

    "Yeah but I'll walk with you. Are you going home again?"

    "Not this time. I decided it's time for me to see some of this country we're trying to defend from a tourist perspective."

    "That's great!" Jace nearly jumped from his skin in excitement. "Kitten, Preacher, and I also have leave in two days. We have some buddies in the Marines and they have leave at the same time. We all got together and booked two suites in Logos City. They have laser tag, great bars, clubs, and some of the best food in the country. One of the Marines had to drop out because her sister announced she's getting married in two weeks and was asked to be maid of honor so she flew home. Do you want to come in her place? You'll have to pay Jodie back for the money she put in but it's going to be a great time and we really want to have even numbers for laser tag. You wouldn't always have to be with us but you're more than welcome to be."

    "Strangely enough that's exactly where I was headed. I've got family history there."

🌺

    Logos City. Nimma surveyed the twinkling skyline from the window of the hotel suite. At the time Regina lived here it bore the name Baria and was a small village on the very outskirts of the country. Now this place was a sparkling metropolis that housed a castle for the Draconian royal family and stretched far beyond its original city limits. She wondered what Regina would say if she could see it now.

    The next day Nimma played several rounds of laser tag with Jace and his friends. She emerged from the game sweaty but pleased she'd managed to score so many points. They went back to the hotel where the others began readying themselves for what was sure to be a wild night out. Nimma had been invited but she wasn't feeling like bar hopping.

    Instead she planned to go visit what was one of the city's biggest attractions; Baria Botanical Gardens. She'd heard about the place a few months ago and it was said to be a true wonder. Exotic plants, ones that normally only grew wild, where hybrids were created to make a more beautiful world, and it seemed like almost anything could be found growing there even if it was out of season.

    Nimma had been there for two hours. She wandered and took pictures and patiently waited for the night attraction. There was an entire wing of the gardens that held flowers from around the world that only bloomed at night. Most of the visitors had left. Those few who decided to stay were gathered with her on the balconies above the room anticipating the show.

    This was the only wing open to visitors after seven so it was either go there or go home. Nimma was glad there weren't many people there tonight. It was her, a very well dressed man with long dark hair, and a mother and her young daughter.

    All at once the gardens below opened revealing a beautiful scene. The purples, oranges, pinks, blues, and the slight mist still hanging in the air from the sprinklers were mesmerizing. She couldn't help but let out a contented sigh.

    The lights above the stairs turned green and the small gates retracted letting the visitors go down and walk among the flowers. Nimma nearly skipped to the stairs but was able to keep from embarrassing herself. The first flower bed Nimma saw held Dragonlillies. They weren't the flashiest or largest flowers in the wing and seemed to be often passed by as the three others ignored them in favor of the more popular buds farther down the walk.

    Nimma stopped before the orange and pink flowers and took a picture.

    Nimma went back three nights in a row and one night she was the only person in the balcony. As usual she stopped before the Dragonlillies.

    "You find them enchanting?"

    Nimma turned to see a man wearing an apron to keep the pot of dirt he was carrying from spilling on his nice clothes. He wore what looked like a three piece suit only without the suit jacket. He had long dark hair pulled back and purple eyes. He also spoke to her in lightly accented Myrasian.

    "I do," Nimma replied in perfect Draconian. "You were here the other night."

    "As the curator I'm here most nights." He still spoke Myrasian and smiled. He put down the pot of dirt. "Caspian Dragomir." He held out his hand.

    "Nimma Rigel." She shook his hand and felt a sensation run through her body. It was strange and something she'd felt before but couldn't remember from where. "Do you always dress like you're about to step into a business meeting?"

    "Usually. It'll take more than a little dirt to dull my fashion sense."

🌺

    "You should have seen it, Selmmie. I've never seen anything more beautiful. If I could live in those gardens I would." Nimma was talking to Selmmie over hologram chat in the barracks. It was midafternoon for Nimma but close approaching midnight for Selmmie. Due to their busy schedules it was always during the late night or early morning for Selmmie when she and Nimma got the chance to talk.

    "Mail call!" A man entered the barracks and several of the people around Nimma perked up. Modern technology made it much easier for soldiers to stay in contact with their loved ones back home, though some still did prefer to write old fashion letters, but the majority of the mail was care packages. The names started to be called and Nimma drowned it out until. "Rigel, Nimma."

    "Did you send me something?" Nimma asked as she went to collect her box.

    "No."

    "Rigel." Nimma told the man and he handed her not a box but a single letter.

    "Who's it from?" Selmmie asked.

    "Caspian Dragomir," Nimma said more in confusion than answer.

    "Who? That's a man's name isn't? You haven't mentioned any men."

    "I'll call you back Selm."

    "Don't you dare–" Nimma hit end with a wink. As her fellow soldiers started showing off their bounty Nimma sat on her bed and opened the letter.

    Ms Nimma Rigel,

    I hope you don't find it too forward of me to send you this letter. I saw the tattoo on your arm and from the company number was able to locate your current station.

    We spent many nights talking about flowers at the gardens. From those talks I gather you are kindred spirits. I would like to get to know you.

    If you want to write me back please send any mail to,
    Baria Botanical Gardens
    Curator Caspian Dragomir
    2161 West Castle Avenue
    Logos City, Draconia 86753

    Hoping you accept my offer of friendship,

    Caspian

🌺

    To Caspian,

    I would love to be friends.

    -Nimma

🌺

    To Nimma,

    I have sent you a gift. These are seeds to a very special plant I have created. I hope you like the color and that I got the shade right.

    Your friend Selmmie must be a riot. The prank you two pulled in the cemetery sounds like it really scared those teenagers. I'm sad to say I don't have any stories to match as I'm not much of a prankster. Boarding school was very strict and regimented which left me with little time for fun. My cousin and I did hide my father's smoking pipe in the freezer once but that doesn't compare to your ghost stunt at all.

    You'll be happy to know the gardens received funding from an anonymous source and we're opening another wing. Several ideas have been thrown around as to what the theme should be and the board likes them all but we can only realistically do two at most. The most expensive would be an underwater exhibit similar to what you would find at an aquarium. I do find myself intrigued at the challenges this would present as a gardener however the more practical side of me wonders if we should use the money for something easier to maintain.

    Other suggestions were, wonders of the world grown with plants from the native regions, scenes from popular movies grown with plants (I'm not too excited about this one) and another is to make a scaled layout of Logos City.

    You asked about my family last week. My mother, Lauren, and father, Tyette, are both living and work in government. They wanted me to follow in their footsteps but that is dreary work for someone like me. I have no siblings but grew up very close to several of my cousins. Alexa and Rich are the closest things to siblings I've ever had. The three of us attended boarding school together and are the same age.

    Like me they share the love of growing things though I am the only one who made it a career. I wish I had more time to write but the board is meeting again in five minutes.

    Yours,

    Caspian

🌺

    To Caspian,

    I love the underwater exhibit idea! Though I understand your concerns about how much the maintenance would cost. Still it's something I've never seen or heard of being in any other gardens and I feel it would bring you something unique.

    I followed the care instructions and put the seeds in the fridge wrapped in a damp rag. I can't wait to see what blooms. I wish I had something to send you but unless you want gross MRES I don't have much.

    My next leave is only for two weeks next month. I was considering going home but I would like to spend some time with you in person. We've been writing back and forth for months and I haven't seen you once. I don't think I can stay more than a few days because hotels are expensive but I would like to have at least a few days. Let me know if your schedule is open at all between Oalm 3-18.     : )

    Yours,

    Nimma

🌺
   
    "Caspian!" Nimma was waiting at the bus station. She was practically bouncing with excitement to see Caspian again. She didn't want to rent a car because this was already going to be expensive so she opted for the cheaper option of a bus ticket. Which was why she was surprised to see Caspian drive up to the station and ask if she'd like a ride.

    Nimma let him take her luggage and open the car door for her. She kissed his cheek and saw him crack a huge smile before he shut the door.

    "I can't believe you drove four hours for me."

    "I like you."

    "You must like me a lot."

    "I do," Caspian said softly. "What hotel did you book?"

    "The Rose and Crown. It's not far from the gardens."

    "Do you want to get dinner before checking in?"

    "I would love some food."

🌺

6 Months Later

    "No peaking." Caspian ordered as he led her through the halls. He'd offered to give her a private tour of the gardens which would end in the new wing. He'd blindfolded her and took her hand.

    "I couldn't if I wanted to. This blindfold is darker than the night."

    "Stop here. Are you ready?"

    "Yes." She smiled as she said the word. The blindfold was lifted and Nimma was underwater. Sea plants she couldn't name were all around her. There was a bioluminescent plant right in front of her. It swayed slightly in the gentle current. Nimma got closer to the glass separating her from the water and marveled. "It's gorgeous."

    "I fought for the underwater plant attractions after what you said. We've been conducting an experiment for the past four months to see how well we can maintain the exhibit. The board has passed the idea and I have permission to extend the exhibit to the entire wing."

    "It's wonderful."

    She turned to him to see a look of adoration of his face. Caspian wasn't looking at the exhibit he was looking at her.

    "Did I tell you that the seeds you sent finally blossomed?"

    "Oh." He smirked and took one step closer to her. "Did you like them?"

    "I did. How did you get blue Dragonlillies?" She stepped closer to him.

    "I have the magic touch." His hands went to her waist and then one caressed her cheek. "Is the shade right?"

    "It is. I can't believe you got them to match my hair." The Myrasian armed forces required all active duty service members to have shaved heads. Nimma sorely missed her hair and often grew it out as much as she could when she had extended leave. She hadn't been able to do that since she'd known Caspian. The most he'd been able to see was a bit of stubble.

    "It wasn't easy."

    "I bet." Nimma connected their lips and put her hands on his shoulders.

🌺

1 Year Later

    "Where are you taking me?"

    "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you."

    "Caspian the only thing in the middle of town is the castle."

    "Really?" He took his eyes off the road for a second to look at her and lifted his eyebrows. Caspian took a road that got them off the main thoroughfare and onto a private drive that led to a large gate with a guard station. There were three people inside the booth and four more, two inside the heavy gate barring the way in and two on either side outside it, all in uniform and armed.

    "You're actually taking me to the palace. Do you know someone here?"

    Caspian winked and rolled down his window. An older guard stepped out of the station with a tablet.

    "Lord Caspian. Welcome back."

    "Thank you, George. You know you don't have to call me that. Did your daughter make it into culinary school?" Caspian pressed his thumb to the scanner on the pad.

    "She did. Those apple tarts you love so much gave her an edge."

    "Well if she ever needs someone to try experimental dishes remind her to call me."

    "I will. Who is your guest?"

    "Command Pilot Nimma Rigel of the Myrasian Air Force." George nodded and entered her name.

    "Have a good day Lord Caspian and Miss Rigel." The heavy gate retracted and all the guards saluted as they drove pass.

    "Are you a Prince or something? I've been seeing a Prince for the last year?" Nimma asked stunned and wide eyed.

    Caspian laughed and smiled while driving them to a smaller enclosure not connected to the giant palace that apparently Caspian had some sort of claim on. Caspian put the car in park and turned toward her with a smile.

    "I'm not a Prince. I'm not in line for the throne. The only way I'd ever be is if everyone else died. I'm the great–nephew of the Queen."

    Nimma stared at him in shock.

    "You okay, Dragonlilly?"

    "Yes...I'm very surprised." Caspian took her hand and kissed it.

    "I like surprised. I was a bit worried you'd be mad I kept this from you for so long."

    "No. I'm not mad all at. This is completely understandable."

    "I figured a year was long enough," Caspian said. "I'm not as immediately recognized by the public though sometimes I do appear in interviews and pictures with the main family. Most just assume I'm a friend at first which is what I prefer. Anyway I brought you here to meet someone very special."

    Fear suddenly raced through Nimma. "If you're introducing me to your family I'm way underdressed."

    "No you're not but don't worry we're not here to see them. They'd love to meet you though. I've talked you up at Thursday night dinner for a while now. Come on."

    Nimma still felt slightly shocked as she followed him from the car. She took his hand and he led her around the large enclosure which seemed to be a huge stable. Behind it was something even grander. Unicorns.

    The unicorns were in a huge fenced meadow area where they were grazing. Grant let out a loud three toned melodious whistle and a pale gold unicorn broke from the herd and came toward them. It saw Caspian and seemed to get excited as it picked up its pace.

    Caspian ran twenty feet and the unicorn followed him. He opened a gate that let the horse into a smaller fenced area away from the others. Nimma walked up cautiously as she saw Caspian duck between the bars and enter the space.

    Nimma had never been around unicorns before. She'd never even been around regular horses before. She knew of course that they were large creatures but seeing one in pictures didn't compare to the real thing. Unicorns were larger than regular horses and came in more colors. They were also rumored to be good luck. Of course they also had a very large horn on their heads that added to the danger of being near a big animal.

    Nimma watched as the unicorn bumped its face against Caspian's forehead. Caspian smiled and ran his hands down its mane.

    "This is Consella. I raised her from a foal."

    "She's beautiful."

    "You can come closer she doesn't bite."

    "I don't know."

    "Don't be afraid, Dragonlilly. She's very friendly. Take my hand." Nimma took Caspian's hand but didn't make any move to come through the bars. Caspian ran his thumb up and down her knuckles. "You can pet her."

    Nimma nodded nervously. She put her feet on the first bar and held her hand out. Consella bumped her nose against Nimma's hand very briefly.

    "Do you want to feed her? You don't have to come inside."

    "Okay."

    "That's not a yes, Nimma."

    "Can I watch you do it first?"

    He nodded and left Nimma alone with Consella. Consella snorted and huffed at Nimma, ruffling her hair slightly and depositing some spit on Nimma's face, before she trotted off in the direction Caspian went as much as she could. When he appeared from the stable Caspian had a bag hefted over one shoulder. Nimma wiped her face with her jacket with a tiny glare at the unicorn. Consella reared up in excitement and ran back over to Nimma.

    Nimma jumped off the gate and backed up several feet.

    "It's alright Nimma. She's just excited." Caspian put a hand on her shoulder. Nimma nodded but didn't answer. Caspian kissed her temple and the horse huffed.

    "I don't think she likes me," Nimma said. In fact she was certain of it.

    "She does. Here watch." Caspian went back into the arena and held out a green apple. Nimma watched as the unicorn bent its head down to accept the treat. Did all equestrian animals have such big teeth? "You just need to keep your hand flat or she might accidentally bite off your fingers."
    "What?"

    "You don't have to feed her if you're afraid."

    "No. I can do it." Nimma came through the bars. Caspian handed her an apple. He put his hands on her waist and pulled her to his chest. Nimma timidly held out the apple and she couldn't help but notice how much bigger those teeth looked up close. Consella's lips felt so strange on her hand that Nimma almost flinched. Caspian rubbed his thumbs against her waist and whispered sweet endearments into her ear.

    Consella left them to run around the arena.

    "How can you fly in the skies day in and day out with missiles attached to your fighter and yet be afraid of a unicorn?"

    "Don't you dare tell anyone." Nimma smacked his hand playfully.

🌺

    My dearest, Dragonlilly

    Our three year anniversary is coming up and I have something very special planned.

    My cousin Alexa says hello and wants to take you shopping when you're here. She's keeping it as quiet as possible so the reporters don't track you down like last time. I'm sorry about that but as Princess of Draconia and heir to the throne she usually makes a stir even if she's just ordering coffee.

    She and I have to go on a trip of diplomacy that will last two weeks at least. I will be back in time for our anniversary but unfortunately I won't be able to stay in contact with you because it's very sensitive.

    I wish I could tell you more.

    Eridani slipped a rubber lizard into my suitcase. I was unpacking today and found it. Her name is written on the bottom in red nail polish. Also I forgot to give the present I bought for Selmmie. I was so busy running around with you.

: ) I'm going to ship it to her.

    I can't wait to see you again.

    With all my love,

    Your Caspian

🌺

The Crash & Battle

    Nimma woke gasping. The smell hit her first. It was a sick burning of fuel. Every part of her body hurt. The sounds seemed too loud and her vision stayed so blurry that she couldn't move. Nimma knew she desperately needed to get out especially if what remained of the plane was on fire.

    Her vision got better but not by a lot. Shaking she tried to unbuckle herself but her hands were shredded and had nearly no strength. It took every ounce of will she had to undo those straps. Groaning Nimma tried to get to her feet but was so dizzy she just fell. Gritting her teeth she pulled herself out of a hole in the side of the plane through still burning jagged metal adding to her list of injures. Smoke choked her and it felt as if her lungs were being burned or doused in acid.

    Nimma managed to get herself clear of the smoke and passed out.

    When she came to the pain she felt had diminished some. The moon shone above her and she tried to take stock of her situation. The plane had been on fire but burned itself out. How the forest itself didn't go up in flames she didn't know or care she was just glad it didn't.

    "Magic is real," she said to herself.

    A sound similar to an RPG being fired shrieked in the air and Nimma threw herself to the side and hit the dirt. A purple fireball launched itself from behind her. It exploded against a tree but the tree didn't burst into flame it just got a bit singed before somehow healing itself before her eyes. She tried to pull her sidearm but her hands being ruined she couldn't even get it out of the holster. She heard voices shout angrily in Draconian all around her but she couldn't make out what was being said.

    Purple fireballs appeared in front of her but were launched further into the tree line clearly not meant for her. The ground shook and huge thorny bushes erupted from the dirt and grabbed her ankles. They started to drag her toward the half of the forest that had launched the fireballs at her. Nimma tried to rip them off her and instead a golden light appeared from her hands and blasted the thorns away. She didn't have time to marvel because thicker thorn vines appeared and wrapped tightly around her body. Nimma panicked and screamed as she felt them dig into her skin as they pulled her toward the unseen enemy.

    "Nimma!" She thought she heard her name from up ahead but was too busy trying to fight to be sure. She could feel deep cuts opening up all over her body the more she struggled. "Let her go, Richard!"

    Caspian ran from the forest in front of her along with Alexa and several people she didn't recognize. Caspian threw a huge purple fireball that suddenly appeared in his hand at the thorns holding her and they began to disintegrate.

    "Look out!" Alexa screamed. She couldn't see what was coming but it lit the forest red and was hot. "Earth raise."

    The people with Alexa shot golden light into the ground and muttered words Nimma couldn't  hear. An ear splitting rumble filled the air and the earth shook violently as a wall of stone appeared to shield them from the red blast. The last of the thorns let Nimma go and she fell into Caspian's arms with a scream. Not from fear but pain.

    "Nimma!" Caspian choked out.

    "Caspian we need to move! Now," Alexa screamed. "We can't hold this position with the reinforcements on our asses."

    "Those were nightshade thorns! If I don't save her now she's going to die."

    "You don't have enough magic left to save her!"

    "Caspian," Nimma muttered as she felt what little strength she had left fading. "Love you."

    "Carry her out of here Alexa."

    "Caspian no! Stop!"

    "I love you." Caspian told Nimma before his lips met hers. It was like he was giving her CPR but it wasn't breath that was flooding Nimma. It was a golden light that was warm and yet also stung as it began to repair the damage Nimma's body suffered.

    Caspian collapsed on top on Nimma. Nimma could tell whatever had just happened hadn't been enough. She was still in a lot of pain but no longer felt as if she was dying.

    "Grab them!" Alexa ordered.

    "What's wrong with him? What's wrong with him?" Nimma asked frantically as someone pulled Caspain off her. Caspian looked like he'd been suffering from starvation when he'd looked perfectly normal just seconds before. He was also barely breathing. Someone threw Nimma over their shoulder and took off.

    "Wait! No!" She screamed as she saw someone grab Caspian and take off in a different direction.

    "Be quiet," the man holding her ordered.

    "Let me go to him! Please! I'm begging you!"

    "She's making too much noise. Knock her out," she heard Alexa order. Nimma felt something enter her back and then the world went dark.

🌺

    "What do you mean?" Nimma asked wide eyed in horror.

    Alexa sat next to her in the private hospital room looking gloomy.

    "I don't know where he is. He did his best to heal you but that effort nearly killed him because he'd already used up a good portion of his magic reserves. He knew it wasn't enough to save you so he used his life force; that's why you saw him practically turn into a skeleton and even that wasn't enough to fully heal you. I sent him with my best man to get help but they never arrived. No one has seen him since. If Caspian doesn't get help from a skilled healer he won't survive. He'll live no more than a few days."

    "Send people after them!"

    "I am. They haven't found anything." Alexa put her hand on Nimma's arm. "I swear to you. I'm doing everything I can."

🌺

    Three months. Nimma was in the hospital three months. In that time Caspian hadn't been located; she'd been diagnosed with severe nerve damage in her hands and discharged from the Air Force. To make matters worse she freaked out in the air now, she found that out being transported from the civilian hospital to a military one, this meant she would have to be sedated for the flight home.

"I'm sorry Nimma." Alexa said as she saw her off. "There's no way he's alive. He should have contacted us by now. I found this in his things." Alexa handed over a thin package with Nimma's name embroidered in elegant cursive on the top.

    "Will you open it for me?" Nimma showed Alexa her hands which were still damaged and shaking badly.

    "Oh." Tears filled Alexa's eyes as she saw what the package held. She turned the box and Nimma saw a betrothal necklace. Nimma broke down in sobs and Alexa held her as she cried uncontrollably. 

**Term Glossary**

MRE(s)–Meal Ready To Eat

RPG(s)-Rocket Propelled Grenade

DEAD RECKONING—a navigation technique without the use of celestial aids. It is used on planes or ships. You need a confirmed starting point, an accurate compass, an accurate way to keep time such as a watch, and an accurate map. You also need to be aware of your speed and any forces that effect your speed such as head winds, tail winds ect. By keeping track of all this information you are able to determine your position. The basic equation is distance(D)=Speed(S) x Time(T)