Dragons do seem to get what their humans are in denial about much quicker than the humans do, don't they? If you wanted to put the fic during the time of Lessa and F'lar, Natasha's early tragedy could have something do with Fax. Awful person in general and all. Oh, and Steve could be one of the Oldtimers (but very, very young, so not as rigid and awful). He left behind a holder love, too, which just adds to the heartbreak!

I see you feeding this plotbunny. I'd yell at you for that, but I like this plotbunny. Make sure it gets lots of water, too, I guess. :)

You'll see the fic soonish, I promise. You'll probably see another one from me before that, but it's Tony/Pepper focused and for a charity thing, so not my usual thing. I'd go with Wrede before Lackey, by the way. Dealing with Dragons is a really fast read, but absolutely delightful.