The sun was low behind the mountains, setting the sky ablaze with its purples and oranges and the weather was warm, signaling the beginning of summer. The Lilies far below the tower were in full bloom, their scent as potent as ever, and the petals as beautiful as can be. At the base of the tower, hidden by the overgrown lilies lay a young girl about five years of age, her blonde hair long and curly, eyes bright blue, a small purple pendant hanging around her neck. She stared up through the petals of the flowers to the rainbow sky above, a small fuzzy stuffed dragon at her side.

"Lilia, it's time for dinner!" A voice calls from high in the tower above her.

"Coming!' She calls back, taking one last glimpse of the kaleidoscope of colors above her before pushing herself to her feet and climbing the stairs up to the top of the tower, the smell of warm bread filling the air, making her mouth water and her tummy rumble.

"Edwin, honey can you set the table please?" A tall man comes into the room, his short blonde hair the same color as the girls and picks up Lilia as she runs into the room, snuggling her close to his chest.

"You have been playing in the Lilies again haven't you Lilia? I smell it all over you!" Lilia shakes her head and giggles as she burrows her head into his shirt and smells the scent that has forever stained his clothes.

"You smell like them too." Edwin laughs a deep booming laugh and Lilia giggles again.

"You sound like a dragon when you laugh!" A woman with long dark curly hair crossed the room, her features far more beautiful than anyone ever known and she tickles Lilia with her quick fingers, laughing softly.

"Lilia didn't you know that your father does the best dragon impressions?" Lilia's eyes widen in excitement and she bounces in Edwin's arms. Edwin laughs and kisses Lily, one arm around each of his gems.

"Now Lily, don't go encouraging her too much." He winks at Lilia. "You know that there is no dragon better than me."

© 2015 Amber Steinbeigle. All Rights Reserved