Verdant Skies

Walking across the ship's deck as they approached land for the first time in over a month, Iris felt the strings of anticipation weave their way through her chest. Her journey had been something she never quite imagined, the veritable storm of ups and downs that spawned with each new day had left her with little room to truly think. Hands settling on the railing, she took in a fresh breath of the sea air and her lips pulled into a wry smile. After two years of searching, she'd finally see her friends again. Part of her wondered who would have the most surprising things to share, she glanced back towards the door of the ship as it opened allowing the captain out.

With a light grin on her face, the woman walked towards Iris, "Miss Iris, I'll have to admit that it's going to be a bit crushing to lose you three. While I might've been a bit reluctant to have that wolf of yours and a toddler on my ship, they've both proved to be fairly useful."

Letting out a laugh, Iris gifted the older woman a warm smile, "Considering the fact you've given us safe passage and assistance as well, I believe it's been a fair enough trade," She looked at the landmass ahead of them, "Perhaps if things don't work out, I might be willing to come work for you full time."

"I think I'd be able to make arrangements," A soft laugh left the woman who began to lean against the railing, "Though if we did that, you would have to tell me what you're running from,"

Her heart jolted at those words, Iris slowly looked at the older woman who was gazing out at the approaching landmass, "I don't-"

"When you've been in my line of work for as long as I have, you can tell when someone is on the run," The captain turned to look at Iris with a calm expression, "I won't push you as I've got the sense this story isn't a happy one. I mean if you're raising that kid alone with no man in the picture," Iris couldn't stop herself from wincing and the captain's expression softened, "So the kid's father...dead, or did you run from him?"

Lips pulling back, Iris felt the grief she'd been carrying for over two years surge up as if it were freshly inflicted. Taking a deep breath, she looked back at the landmass as her fingers dug into the railing, "Had to run, I made a mistake and it could have cost all three of us greatly...I didn't realize Arashi was even there until...until I'd been on the verge of collapse in some rural village back east," She heard a soft sound leave the Captain, "But it was six months too late to run back and I was running out of time to move around...so I kept running even if every fiber of my being wanted to go back to them."

"Two..." The captain let out a whistle, "You don't look it, but to each their own," She settled against the railing beside Iris, "Have you ever thought about telling them?"

"Always..." Iris missed Kouen and Koumei every day even when her grief wasn't trying to strangle her, "But with the situation, I couldn't risk it,"

"Mama," The soft voice called out.

Looking over her shoulder at Arashi's voice, Iris smiled as warmth and tenderness curled in her heart at seeing him on Sirius's back. Her heart ached at his crimson red hair, the wine-red orbs he bore looked so much like Kouen's it always caught her breath. Scattered across his nose and cheeks were a light dusting of freckles much like Koumei's, the dark blue markings that curled beneath his eyes and along his cheeks were hers. Hanging from a braided leather cord was one of her smallest dragon fangs, a small set of beads joined it as it hung from his neck.

Voice light and comforting, Iris offered Arashi a warm look, "Yes, Arashi?"

Small hands curling within Sirius's fur, Arashi shifted about as he peered at the sprawling city ahead of them, "We see your friends soon, right Mama?"

Her heart swelled with a mixture of emotions, Iris moved closer to Sirius and ran her fingers through Arashi's hair with a soft smile, "Yes, Sweetheart. We'll just have to do a little bit of searching inside the city since Aunty Luna and the others haven't given me any sort of leads as to where they are," She patted Sirius's shoulder, "Which is where our darling Siri comes it to play, he'll sniff them out for us. Won't you?"

An affirmative bark left Sirius as his tail wagged and Iris smiled at her familiar. Head tilting as they continued to make their way down the road, Arashi asked her, "Why not use magic to find them? Ask where they are?"

"Because I don't know what kind of situation they're in right now and they never answered my last patronus'," Iris was still very annoyed with her friends over that, "But I know they're here thanks to your Aunty Luna,"

And if she was wrong, Luna was going to be facing her full draconic wrath. Iris was still very tempted to strangle the blonde for even telling her the damn prophecy in the first place. Calming herself as they closed in on the gate, it took a bit before they were allowed in as she had to produce the documentation needed for Sirius to enter the city. Her fingers curled through his fur, she gently tapped Sirius's side and the wolf began to subtly sniff once they'd left the gate behind. While she would need to get them a place to stay for the night, it could wait a little bit.

As they walked through the bustling streets of the city, Iris couldn't help but marvel at the lively atmosphere. The sights and sounds were a stark contrast to the solitude and challenges she faced during her two-year journey. It almost reminded her of Kou though there was a deep difference here that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Her heart felt lighter and heavier at the acknowledgment, she tightened her fingers on Sirius's fur as they wove their way through the streets. Her lips pulled into a soft smile as Arashi began to let out noises of excitement, he pointed at various things as they passed them by and she gently directed Sirius towards an open-air market.

Making their way through the market allowed for her to give Arashi a small lesson on various objects that were being sold, the more exotic things that he had never encountered despite being among trading caravans for much of his life once they left that little village he'd been born in. There was a heavy pang in her chest, the knowledge that Arashi would have seen all this and much more had he been raised in Kou. Her voice nearly caught on the lump that began to form in her throat, she was relieved when Sirius started to pull them from the market with his ears shifting about.

Knowing that he'd found the scent of at least one of her friends, Iris smiled as Arashi let out a disappointed whine, "Mama..."

"We'll head back at some point soon, Little dragonling," Iris promised her son as he pouted, "Sirius seems to have caught a scent,"

Through a few side streets and even into an alleyway, they were soon walking along a nearly empty road through the city. Her stomach twinged with unease, Iris dropped a hand to one of the daggers at her waist. Letting out a soft bark as they turned another corner, Sirius's ears darted further and she found her eyes meeting Luna's for the first time in two years. Hand dropping from her waist as the blonde let out a startled laugh and turned away from the companions she'd been speaking with, she smiled as Luna started walking towards her, "Iris? I-by the moon above..."

Walking towards Luna as a mixture of feelings erupted, Iris almost didn't return the hug that Luna lunged for. Her arms slowly wrapped around the blonde as tears burned against the back of her eyes, she felt a shaky breath leave her, "You-I want to strangle you so bad right now."

"I know," Luna whispered as she hugged Iris tighter, "I'm so sorry about everything Iris. Things happened that weren't supposed to-" She shook her head and held Iris harder, "But you're here now and that's all that matters to me,"

Sitting across from Luna at the blonde's dining room table, Iris felt a small bolt of jealousy weave its way through her heart. It was clear by the cozy home and wonderful-looking neighborhood they'd settled in that her friends had gotten comfortable. Compared to the stress and loneliness that had haunted her these past two years, it stung for all that she was happy they'd found a place to call home in this world. Her fingers curled around the warm cup of tea, she glanced towards where Sirius lay with Arashi curled up against his side already firmly asleep. Her lips pulled into a soft smile as she released a low sigh, she supposed one good thing that came from finally finding her friends was knowing her son would be safe for the first time in his life.

Speaking softly as she looked up from her cup of tea, Luna's cornflower blue gaze was filled with sorrow, "I can't apologize enough, Iris. What happened-it wasn't supposed to go like that. Not in the least, I-"

Raising a hand to stall Luna's apologies, Iris spoke as the anger that had been simmering beneath her skin towards the blonde these past two years finally started to dissolve, "You gave me the prophecy, Luna," She saw the guilt flicker through Luna's eyes, "But I'm the one who fucked everything up and fell into the same trap most people who hear a prophecy about them do. As much as I want to blame you, I can't...not fully," She looked down at her tea, "I'm angry, Lulu. There is so much anger in me, I'm angry at the situation, the fact I caused it, you telling me the fucking prophecy, Gyokuen, and even them..." She licked her bottom lip, "But none of that matters to me, it can't. I can't focus on being angry or let my grief overwhelm me no matter how much it hurts," She hated how her voice cracked, "Not when I have to watch over those two," She looked at her precious son and faithful familiar, "Not when there is no telling if Kouen and Koumei will ever meet their son..."

"Iris..." Luna breathed out while looking at Arashi with new eyes, "He's..."

Her lips pulled into a wry smile as she nodded, Iris looked back at Luna as she finally took a sip of tea, "Don't know which one is his father, I was sleeping with them both whenever I wasn't trying to fuck over their stepmother's allies. While part of me is almost sure he's Kouen's son, I can see Koumei in him to the point I'm not sure. And at this point, it doesn't matter. He's my beloved little hatchling that I'll do anything to protect...even if it means my treasures never find out about him."

There was a look of understanding in Luna's eyes, it was a heavy thing that made Iris's chest feel just a bit lighter. Reaching across the table Luna grasped her hand, the blonde's voice was soft, "While I could argue that they've got a right to know about him, it's your choice, Ris. Though why not tell them? Even through a letter? It would have eased your heart."

Her gaze went back to Arashi, Iris spoke as he shifted in his sleep, "With their positions, Arashi would be treated well especially if Kouen claimed him. But there are so many risks to consider, Arashi is by all rights a member of the royal family and technically the future First prince once Kouen ascends the throne," She clenched her fingers around the teacup as she recounted the exact decision she'd come to days after finding out about Arashi's existence, "Gyokuen would never allow him to live, Lulu. His life would be at risk every moment he stayed within Kou no matter what precautions were taken, I...I couldn't risk it no matter how much I wanted them to know. And not knowing if my letters would actually reach them untouched, I...I didn't send them."

"Letters?" Luna's brow rose.

An almost embarrassed smile curled across her lips, Iris leaned back against the chair as she admitted, "It started with just one letter that I just never had the heart to burn then a second one joined it. Before I truly realized it, I began writing a letter each week with the occasional stream of daily letters whenever Arashi did something. I..." She felt a soft flush coat her cheeks, "Part of me hopes that I'll be able to give them the letters one day, they might be able to have a look into Arashi's growth...how I've felt. We...it's like the letters we used to send when they went on that one campaign."

"Iris..." Luna shook her head with a soft look, "I won't pretend to understand what you've been through these past years. Nor the choices you've made, the pain created with each one must have been intense," She nodded while glancing back towards her son, "But I will say this, I can see that despite the pain you look amazing and Arashi seems like a wonderful kid,"

"The best I could ask for," Iris murmured, "For him, I cannot regret my decisions. After all, he is my dearest little hatchling and the greatest gift my treasures could have given me,"

"So what now?" Luna asked as she released Iris's hand, "Ensuring Arashi's safety aside, what do you plan to do?"

Almost wanting to roll her eyes, Iris muttered, "Two years ago, you urged me to find you," Luna coughed lightly with a soft blush coating her cheeks, "But...if you three are willing to assist us, I want to find some form of stability. Ever since Arashi was two months old, we've always been on the move especially when there were Kou soldiers in the area," She set down her teacup, "So...I'd like to settle us down here in Reim just like you three have."

"While I wouldn't have thought you'd be one to settle down anywhere," Luna giggled at the glare Iris tossed her, "I don't see why not though we'll have to speak with Lady Scheherazade," She blinked in surprise, "She'll need to know another one of our kind is planning to settle here if only to keep the magicians from getting too riled up. And if you're planning to use your dragon form at all, we'd have to tell her anyway since it's a pretty big beast that most people would run screaming from,"

"Better add Arashi to that talk," Iris offered almost reluctantly earning a shocked look from Luna, "Not his parentage, he...I call him Little Dragonling for a reason, Lulu,"

"I-" Luna shook her head with a bemused smile, "Somehow I'm not surprised you've got a kid that's a natural animagus and a dragon at that," She gained a curious look and glanced towards Arashi, "What type of dragon?"

"Chinese fireball from what I can tell though his coloring is off from what I can remember it being," Iris took a sip of her tea.

"I can't wait to see it," Luna let out a soft laugh, "Though I think Lady Scheherazade is going to be highly interested in the fact her country is going to be home to two dragons now,"

As days shifted into weeks then months, Iris found herself settling into a budding routine alongside Arashi and Sirius as they adjusted to life within Remano. With some help from her friends, she was able to secure a small home with a yard large enough to fit Sirius's needs. Money became a non-issue as she began to work with Luna and Ginny within the palace's potions lab, she took a secondary job working within a blacksmith's shop not far from the home she'd secured. Her working days were split between the two, she gained a steady source of income that ensured they'd never go hungry or want for anything.

Adjusting to city life took a toll on Arashi in the beginning, he struggled to adjust to the fact they were no longer wandering about the lands nor joining up with whatever caravan needed an extra pair of hands. He found it hard to join up with any of the local kids whether his age or older as many shied away from the constant presence of Sirius. Unlike the caravan children who had quickly found Sirius to be an interesting companion, the city kids were far more wary of the wolf whose sole goal was to protect Arashi. It wasn't until the boy came across the host of Fanalis children within Remano that he found himself settling in. Once assured that Sirius would not harm them, the children were quick to take to the wolf and strange human child who felt almost like them.

"Mama!" Iris turned at the shout and let out a soft grunt when something rammed into her legs.

Looking down in surprise, Iris found Arashi hugging her legs with a bright grin stretching across his face. Head tilting lightly as a smile formed at his joyful expression, she bent down to ruffle his hair, "Hey there, Little dragonling. Where did you come from?"

There was a soft clearing of someone's throat, Iris glanced up to see a man of Fanalis decent that she'd seen in the palace before walking forward. His expression was stern as Sirius padded up behind him, a sense of dry amusement radiated from her familiar making her wonder what exactly had happened. The man spoke as he stopped before her, "I found your son wandering around with some Fanalis children and...this wolf," He glanced at Sirius as her familiar passed him to stand beside her, "They had been playing pranks on some of the merchants."

Despite wanting to laugh at the fact Arashi had inherited her need to cause mischief, Iris kept a straight face as she arched an eyebrow, "Pranks?"

Stern expression softening slightly, the soldier nodded, "Yes, Ma'am," He gestured towards Arashi, "He was the apparent ringleader in it all though given that a few of the older children involved have organized similar pranks in the past, I would hazard a guess he wasn't."

Her lips finally pulled into a soft smile and she shook her head, Iris looked at Arashi who was petting a very pleased Sirius. Dropping back down, she asked him, "Were you the ringleader or just an accomplice?"

"Ringleader," Arashi puffed out his chest as she struggled against the urge to burst out laughing, "They kept on arguing and wasting time. I got tired of it, so pushed things along until they just decided to go with my plan,"

Shaking her head with a laugh, Iris ruffled Arashi's hair as the soldier looked surprised at Arashi's candid admission. Speaking in a light tone, she grinned faintly, "Ringleader, huh? I'm almost proud," She looked at Sirius with a knowing gaze, "Let me guess, you helped out in hopes of getting treats," Sirius snorted at her though his tail wagged showing she'd hit the nail on the head, "You two are a terrible pair sometimes," She straightened with a soft laugh and looked at the soldier again, "I hope the damage wasn't bad though I'll happily compensate the merchants if there is a need for it."

"No need, Ma'am," The soldier shook his head with a faint look of amusement in his eyes, "While they're a bit disgruntled, the children only added unwanted paint to their stands rather than damaged the merchandise. I believe all the merchants will require is an apology,"

"Which they'll get," Iris looked down at Arashi with a pointed gaze.

"Yes, Mama," Arashi nodded with a small pout.

"We'll do so tomorrow since that's our day to pick up things for the house," Iris patted Arashi on the head and looked at the soldier with a light smile, "I appreciate your understanding. I'll make sure Arashi learns the difference between a harmless prank and something that might cause harm in the future,"

"That's all we could ever ask," The soldier gave her a light nod, "I'll leave you to it then,"

"Have a wonderful rest of your day, Soldier," Iris waved him off while encouraging Arashi to climb onto Sirius's back.

Starting the walk home, Iris could only shake her head in amusement and slight disbelief. While Arashi might have taken on her traits, he had also taken on the traits of his fathers. She would encourage them to grow while also teaching him to take care of how he used them. Her fingers burrowed into Sirius's fur, she would have another letter to write it seemed.

Eyebrow twitching as she sat against a crappy booth, Iris drank the almost too-sweet wine that Ginny had ordered for them. At the start of this, she had been highly reluctant to accept Ginny's invite to go out and it was only Luna offering to keep an eye on Arashi that kept her from immediately saying no. Neville's offer to pitch in had sealed the deal as he had rarely gotten a chance to spend time with his nephew. So she'd gone out with Ginny, the main problem with this is something that almost always occurred when Ginny was the one picking out where they went to drink. Her friend loved anything that could be considered a shitty dive bar, the louder and more ratty ones always drew her best friend in.

This bar also happened to be the apparent favorite of Reim's military, Iris had spent the first hour trying to use Ginny as a shield as soldiers tried to flirt with her. During the second hour, the bar had been invaded by the Fanalis Corps who were celebrating their monthly set of colosseum wins. So the bar's atmosphere had become increasingly chaotic with Ginny getting swept up by some friends she had among the red-heads, she was left alone to deal with the soldiers. After another thirty minutes, she had finally managed to slip into a bar booth to hide though her head was beginning to make it impossible to stick around. With the noise going on, she was growing tired of the bar.

With another glance about the bar for Ginny and seeing no sign of her friend, Iris decided she'd go outside for a bit before trying to find Ginny once her head had settled. She got up from the booth and headed for the door trying to avoid the press of bodies. Her lungs filled with cool air as she finally stepped outside, she moved towards the nearby fence and began to lean against it with a heavy sigh. Letting her eyes close, she pressed a hand to her face. Her eyes opened moments later as a vaguely familiar voice spoke behind her, the concern lacing it almost felt nice, "Are you alright?"

Turning to see who was addressing her, Iris blinked as she realized it was the soldier from a few days ago. Her lips pulled into a weak smile as she shrugged, the way her head ached made it hard to do more, "My head just hurts from all the noise inside, Soldier. Don't worry too much, I should be fine in a few moments."

There was a look of genuine concern on his face, the soldier shifted slightly before moving to lean against the fence not far from her. His lips pulled into a friendly smile, a curious gleam entering his gaze, "Noisy places like this can be overwhelming, especially when it's packed with soldiers and rowdy celebrations. I find the quieter spots around the city when I need a break."

Her smile grew a bit large, Iris shook her head softly, "I might have to take that advice the next time my friend decides to drag me around," She could feel the edges of her headache start to clear away, "By the way, I never thanked you for the other day," She saw the surprised look in his eyes, "Arashi can be a bit of a handful and I can't always catch him even if Sirius does tend to give him away."

"It's no trouble," The soldier's smile grew as he shook his head, "Fanalis children tend to be just as rowdy if not more, a human child with his wolfish companion isn't that much of an add on,"

"Good to know," Iris let out a low sigh as she rubbed at her temples, "I never got your name which is a bit rude of me. I'm usually better at learning others names, but coming here has made things a little rough,"

"It's quite alright," The soldier waved her off and held out a hand to her, "Muu Alexius. I believe I've seen you in the palace with Miss Luna and Miss Ginny,"

"Iris Potter," Iris took his hand while trying to figure out where she'd heard his name before, "Luna and Ginny are my friends. You've probably met my brother, Neville,"

Eyes widening slightly, Muu let out a soft laugh as he released her hand, "I have thought you two don't look or smell like siblings do. I've never met a healer quite like him. Nor anyone like you four, to be honest, it's an interesting change."

Giggling with a light smile, Iris pushed away from the fence as she said, "Nev's my adoptive brother and one of the few people that I'll ever really trust to heal me," She gave him a teasing look, "I hope your definition of interesting is good otherwise we might have a small problem."

Raising his hands with a soft laugh, Muu nodded with a light grin, "Of course-"

They both turned as the bar door slammed open and several redheads stumbled out in various states of drunkness. Hearing Muu let out an exasperated sigh, Iris barely had time to wonder at his reaction before the smallest redhead of the group shouted at Muu, "Captain, ya made it!"

With that shout, the reason Iris knew Muu's name clicked and her eyes widened. She had just been speaking with the Fanalis Corps captain and one of Lady Scheherazade's dungeon capturers. Breath-catching, she almost stumbled back into the fence though had to stay fully on her feet as Ginny stumbled out of the bar. Drunk as a skunk, the ginger-haired woman practically flung herself at Iris, "Ris! I couldn't find you and was sooo worried."

Catching Ginny in a half-hug, Iris grunted as the ginger's full weight dropped onto her. She stumbled back into the fence but managed to stabilize them before they fell onto the ground. Letting out a huff, she pushed Ginny back slightly and forced the ginger-haired woman up, "Had a bit too much to drink, Gin?"

Grinning like she'd gotten away with stealing an entire fortune, Ginny spoke with a severe slur to her words, "Nooo, I'm jussh celebratin' with the Fanalis... Corpsh."

Rubbing her face as Ginny wildly gestured at the redheads that were emerging from the bar in various states of drunkenness, Iris realized getting Ginny home was going to be an interesting event. Glancing to the side as Muu spoke, the redhead wore a fond expression on his face, "If you would like some assistance getting Miss Ginny home, I wouldn't mind assisting you. My men can make their way home with ease."

Part of her was tempted to say no, Iris knew it would be foolish to do so especially with Ginny's making it hard to keep her balance. Letting out a light sigh, she nodded, "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I would appreciate it."

After a few moments of ensuring his men were indeed heading to their own homes, Muu began to help Iris get Ginny to the home the ginger-haired woman shared with Luna and Neville. He spoke as silence fell over them, "You looked rather surprised when my men spoke..."

Clearing her throat as a small flush decorated her cheeks, Iris adjusted her hold on Ginny as the ginger-haired woman started to slip away from her, "Because I didn't know who you were," She saw the look of surprise on his face again, "Outside of those who I interact with regularly, I do not know many within this city. But..." She released a small sigh, "That is a habit that I'm trying to break, it's difficult though as I've spent little more than two weeks around many people over the last two years."

Gaze softening at her words, Muu spoke as they began walking down a long stretch of road that would lead them to the neighborhood where Ginny's home rest, "If what the vague rumors I've heard are true, it must be a hard adjustment for you," She glanced at him and he explained, "You have spent the last two years traveling. Even with your son and wolf, it must have been quite lonely. Adjusting to a city after that, it can't be easy."

Wanting to snort as she knew Ginny had probably been speaking about her, Iris nodded while looking at the building as they walked, "It is," She adjusted her hold on Ginny and felt some relief at seeing the familiar house come into view, "Though I'm mostly grateful knowing that Arashi finally has some form of stability in his life," She looked at Muu as they finally reached the gate leading into the house, "Thank you for your assistance, Muu. I can handle it from here."

"Of course," Muu offered her a small smile, "I'll leave you to your night," Iris started to tug the gate open, "Though Miss Iris," She glanced at him curiously, "If you need any assistance at all, you needn't hesitate to reach out. While most might see it as somewhat abnormal, Arashi has endeared himself to the Fanalis children alongside Sirius. I've no doubt the many parents among us would be happy to watch over him if you need any assistance,"

Blinking slowly at the offer, Iris found a slow smile forming on her lips, "I'll keep that in mind. Have a good night, Muu."

"You as well, Iris," Muu turned from her and began walking away.