Verdant Skies

"Miss Iris," Muu called out from below her.

Turning her head, Iris glanced down from where she was sitting above chaos in a tree. Offering him a light smile and a small wave, she twisted about to hang down and peered at him, "Yes, Muu? How can I help you?"

"What on earth are you doing in that tree?" Muu asked with a raised eyebrow.

"It lets me keep a better eye on Arashi and it's a pretty comfortable perch," Iris carefully shrugged her shoulders at his incredulous look, "It also keeps me from possibly offending anyone," She saw his eyes narrow in confusion and let out a low sigh, "Despite the fact the Fanalis community seem to have readily taken to my son, they're quite reluctant to offer me to same courtesy," She gestured to the whispering group of women not far from them and saw Muu's eyes widen as he followed her hand, "But given what I know of your people, I can't find it in me to be too surprised,"

Eyes flickering between the whispering group and Iris, Muu's expression shifted, "If you'd like-"

Shaking her head with a warm look, Iris quickly assured him, "Despite how it may seem, I'm perfectly fine with how things are, Muu. If Arashi can make friends that he's able to keep, what's a little isolation? It isn't the first time I've had to deal with it," She climbed back onto the branch and settled into a sitting position, "Seeing how happy he is after playing with those kids makes it worth it."

Piercing gaze shifting with a mixture of emotions, Muu's eyes softened as he looked back over at the children playing in the field before him. His voice was a low rumble, a contemplative expression crossed his features, "Due to our past, the Fanalis within Reim are wary of outsiders though your son has managed to coax his way into," She made a noise of agreement, "He's quite charismatic."

Unable to help it as her heart ached with a sharp pang of grief, Iris murmured, "Much like his father," She saw Muu glance towards her at those words, "He's always been a charismatic little shit. Even when we were traveling, he managed to weasel his way out of any trouble he'd gotten into."

His eyes were locked on her, Muu's gaze was a searching one though he said nothing for a long moment. When he finally spoke, the words held a slight weight to them, "Charisma isn't what I'd call it," He looked towards Arashi and she followed his gaze with a curious frown, "Even at his age, I can tell he has the spirit of a warrior. Someone who will be willing to fight when the time comes," She looked at Muu in surprise and his gaze found hers, "That is what draws people in."

As the leaves in her tree rustled on a warm breeze, Iris found herself contemplating Muu's words. If there was any truth in them, she hoped that none of the trouble that had plagued her earlier years would find Arashi. Her fingers dug into the bark below her, she spoke softly as her eyes found Arashi once more. His laughter rang out just a bit louder and freer than the Fanalis children, she felt a dim sort of heaviness fill her chest at the thought of his laughter ever fading for even a moment. Her lips pulled into a slight frown, she murmured, "He has a very strong will," It was something she cursed and praised, "But I hope it will not lead him into the trouble that I've faced over the years."

There was a low sound from Muu, Iris glanced down at him and saw a look of understanding in his eyes, "Only fate and Miss Luna will ever really know, the best you can do is prepare him."

Which wasn't something she was looking forward to even if Arashi had been begging her for months now to start training him with weapons, Iris didn't want to hurt him even if it would allow her son to defend himself. But she found herself recalling Muu's offer from a few weeks ago, she doubted he meant this, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. Addressing him as she looked back at Arashi, "Muu," She heard a small noise of interest, "I have a small request and you're free to tell me no. I just..." She dug her fingers tighter into the bark, "There are things in my past that I know will one day resurface, Arashi will be affected both due to myself and just who they think his father is," She heard a soft noise of surprise, "I...I need help. Ensuring Arashi knows how to defend himself, I...I don't think I'll be able to bring myself to-"

"You're his mother and the very thought of actually harming him sickens you," Muu cut her off and she looked at him, "He's young though..."

Her mind conjured an image of Gyokuen, the things that Iris knew the bitch would likely do to her son if she knew of his existence. Speaking in a soft tone as her voice became a bit hoarse, she felt her lips pull into a grimace, "They won't care how young he is, Muu. Not with who they think his father is...not with happened before I left Kou..." She looked at Arashi, "I have to ensure he has a chance- a way to protect himself against them."

His gaze sharpened and he looked toward Arashi with a searching gaze, Muu took a long moment before speaking once more. His voice was low, a reassuring note held within each word, "I can teach him," He looked up at her and she let out a relieved sigh almost slumping against the tree branch, "Train him to defend himself, it won't be easy, Iris."

"I know," Iris slipped down from the tree and stood beside Muu as her gaze went back out towards where Arashi was running around, "But nothing that needs to happen is ever actually easy,"

Voice softening, Muu crossed his arms beside her, "He'll learn how to fight, to defend himself and others if he so wishes. But remember, Iris, training someone to use their strength comes with its own set of challenges. It requires discipline, dedication, and resilience. I will do my part, but the success of his training will depend on both of you."

Nodding as gratitude washed over her, Iris offered Muu a light smile, Thank you, Muu. I know it won't be easy, but I trust that Arashi is in good hands."

There was a hint of a smile on his lips, Muu's expression remained stern as he spoke, "I don't make promises lightly, Iris. Arashi will be as prepared as I can make him. But, I have a condition."

Tilting her head curiously, Iris had suspected he would have some conditions, but only one was a bit surprising. She waved him on to continue speaking, "What condition?"

Tone firm as he gazed at her, Muu's lips pulled into a slight smile, "You will be part of his training, Iris. Actively participating in it, he needs your support and guidance. And from what I've heard via Miss Ginny, you've got a talent for combat as well," She nodded slowly feeling a bit reluctant to agree, "But mainly you'll be there to act as his support system, the training isn't all about physical strength. It's about shaping his character and making him understand the responsibility that comes with power,"

Expression turning thoughtful as she considered his words, Iris supposed this would likely be her best chance at getting Arashi a proper teacher. Anyone else would ask far too many questions, the likelihood of certain information reaching Kou would increase rapidly. Offering Muu a nod, she told him, "You've got yourself a deal. When do you want to start?"

"In a few days, it will give you enough time to explain things to Arashi and allow me to open up my schedule for his training," Muu decided with a pleased smile curling across his lips, "Let's meet up in the morning a few hours after dawn in four days,"

"That works just fine for me, I'm off on that day," Iris realized she'd have to work these training sessions into her schedule which would be interesting.

Several weeks passed since Iris had requested Muu, the small section of a training ground Muu had booked off soon bore witness to a semi-unusual sight. Despite his initial suspicions born both by Lady Scheherazade cautioning him and reading between the words said by her friends, Muu found it gradually transforming into a genuine connection with Iris, her son, and the wolf that followed them. In the early hours before Iris or Muu were due at work, they met within the secluded area and began to work. With wide eyes filled with an unending amount of curiosity, Arashi would watch as Muu ran through whatever they'd be working on that day. Despite being two almost three years old, the toddler held a sense of curious determination that far exceeded anything the seasoned Fanalis warrior had expected.

Never more than a single step behind, Iris worked with Muu during each lesson. Every practical aspect was shown to Arashi via a spar, Iris and Muu showcased the techniques to the toddler who watched with wide eyes. Every movement made was fluid and precise, the clash of steel echoing through the training grounds almost made Iris want to grin wildly. As a master of his craft, Muu assisted her in easing back the sheer strength of her blows so that she'd be able to actively assist him in teaching Arashi. With each day spent working together, it became easier to ease back and demonstrate things for her son without running the risk of harming him.

Ever the vigilant wolf, Sirius lay beneath the sole tree settled at the training ground edge. His gaze followed them intently, he watched Muu with wariness in the beginning though it shifted into a more curious look as time passed on. But there was always a tenseness to his body, a readiness to jump in and protect his packmates if need be. This was something Muu was well aware of, the instincts ingrained within him via his Fanalis side found it appealing though he was wary of the wolf being so close. Despite this fact, he never protested Sirius's presence and merely gifted the familiar with a nod each morning before the training session began.

As the weeks passed by, Arashi began attempting to mimic their movements in earnest despite his young body. As her heart swelled with pride and amusement, Iris wasn't able to stop the soft laughter from leaving her lips as she watched the first stumbling movements. His face never wavered, the look of determination clung to Arashi's features as his tiny form worked through the basic stances that Muu was showing him that day. As the day's training came to an end and Arashi started to collapse with a look of disappointment, Iris picked him up and pressed a warm kiss to his cheek. Giving him assurances and love, she promised that the next day would be better and if not then, the day after.

Taking a seat on the railing beside where Muu was leaning, she looked up at the sky above them. Her lips quirked at just how closely tonight resembled their first true meeting, the only difference was that Ginny wasn't inside the bar getting drunk this time. It was Luna and Neville enjoying themselves while Ginny watched over Arashi with Sirius ensuring she didn't do something stupid with her nephew. Her head tipping back, she let her fingers dig into the smooth wood while musing, "So you guys are going out on a campaign from what I hear?"

"In a few days," Muu hummed low in his throat, "Our orders were just handed down otherwise I would have informed you earlier," She glanced at him and saw his eyes on her, "If we'd had more time, I might've been able to arrange a temporary teacher for Arashi,"

"It's fine, Muu," Iris waved him off, "I think Arashi could use a small break...let him spend more time with his friends," She heard laughter ring out from within the bar behind them, "Your men sound excited, I'm guessing being within the city isn't exactly their happy place?"

Shaking his head with a look of amusement, Muu smiled softly, "No, they feel more at home on a battlefield."

Her lips parted with a low sigh, Iris let a wry smile slip across her lips, "There was a time when I'd be in full agreement with them," She saw the curious look on Muu's face, "It's a long story and one I'm sure you've heard a small piece of thanks to Gin."

"Miss Ginny does tend to be a bit talkative especially when drunk," Muu admitted with a low chuckle as his head tilted, "Though I'd much prefer hearing the actual story from you, Iris,"

Her body had started to cool with the night air, Iris looked up at the star-drenched sky and found herself wondering if Koumei was also staring up at the stars that night as well. Her lips pulled into a nostalgic smile, she spoke softly with her fingers flexing against the wooden beam underneath her, "Maybe one day I'll share those stories with you, Muu. When my heart doesn't feel things quite so strongly," She heard a small noise of understanding and glanced at him, "I will say this though. I've little regrets about what happened during those days for all that it caused me great pain in the end."

"Because of Arashi?" Muu eyed her curiously.

"Because of Arashi," Iris confirmed as she looked back at the stars above them, "While he was never truly in any cards, I will forever be glad that he's in my life. After all, my little dragonling has become my anchor...I'd be lost without him,"

Both of them glanced back as the door opened, Luna stumbled out with a wild giggle making Iris let out a low sigh. She got off the railing as Luna called out, "Iris~ C'mon, we need you to come back inside and drink with us."

"And people think Ginny is the one trying to get people drunk," Iris muttered under her breath before looking at Muu as Luna stumbled over to her, "If I don't see you in the next few days Muu, I hope your travels go swiftly and each enemy faced falls with ease,"

As he blinked at her, Iris caught Luna and redirected the blonde back into the bar.

Draping herself across the comfortable couch within the home her friends shared, Iris listened with half an ear as Arashi played outside with Sirius. She took the cup of tea from Neville as her brother walked back into the living room carrying a small tray. He spoke as Luna and Ginny grabbed their cups, "Arashi's a really great kid, Ris. Mischievous as shit, I wouldn't expect anything else from one of your kids, but...he's a good kid."

"Still can't believe you of all people had a kid," Ginny muttered with a look of disbelief before quickly raising her hands as Iris gifted her with a look, "Not right now at least, I mean you're still young, and-" She winced heavily and rubbed at the back of her neck, "I can't really make anything I say sound good, can I?"

"No," Luna, Neville, and Iris chorus with a trio of snorts.

Snickering as Ginny opened and closed her mouth for a few moments, Iris finally spoke, "It's fine though, Gin," She looked out of the window towards where Arashi and Sirius were playing, "It's not like you aren't wrong," She took a sip of her tea and set down the cup, "Arashi wasn't planned by Kouen, Koumei, or I...but I'm glad he's here. Somehow I've got the feeling that I might've been far more tempted to run back to Kou if he hadn't been here."

There was a soft noise from Ginny as Iris curled her legs up beneath her, she glanced towards the ginger-haired woman. Speaking softly with her lips pulled into a curious frown, Ginny asked her, "How exactly did it happen? I mean you took precautions right?"

Rolling her eyes at the question as Luna smacked Ginny upside the head, Iris shook her head with a soft snort, "Of course I did, Gin. I'm not fucking stupid despite what some people might think. And you can even ask Luna, she helped me top up certain potions before you three left," Luna nodded lightly, "But I'm pretty sure it wasn't the potions failing," A grimace pulled across her lips, "I was running myself ragged after you three left and the days kept blurring together. So..."

"You missed a few potions," Neville rubbed at his face with a low chuckle, "That would do it,"

"And what about his name?" Ginny tilted her head and Iris raised an eyebrow, "I mean it's cool, but I thought you would've done something to honor Kouen and Koumei,"

"Don't get me wrong, the desire was there, but...I knew it would be like lighting a beacon if anyone from Kou were in the area," Iris released a soft sigh and her mind went back to when she'd named her son, "And it felt right to name him that. After all, he was born during a storm that threatened to destroy the village we were in,"

"Seriously?" Ginny gasped as Luna and Neville stared at her in shock.

Lips pulling into a faint grimace as she remembered the pain-filled bits and pieces from that night, Iris released a deep sigh. She took a long drink from her teacup while working out how to answer them. Her voice was soft as she finally put together an answer, she set down the teacup as her fingers tugged and tangled within the edges of a soft throw that lay on the couch beside her, "During the last few weeks of my pregnancy, I found it increasingly difficult to move with suffering from fainting spells which made traveling hard. Sirius and I found a small village deep within a set of mountains where the healer was willing to let us stay if Sirius would assist the village with hunting. As my last fainting spell had left me unable to move for nearly an entire day, I agreed after ensuring Sirius would not be harmed by anyone within the village. Things were supposed to be easier once we got settled, but they didn't as my body had weakened and I was reduced to bedrest by the healer."

"Iris..." Luna whispered while pressing a hand to her mouth.

"Nearly a week earlier than the healer predicted, I went into labor just as a severe storm hit the village," Iris's mind flashed through the images from that night, "Something was wrong, I don't know what, but I could tell immediately that something was wrong. Arashi arrived quickly enough that my memory was scattered from that night. There was enough pain running through my mind that I can't quite recall everything that truly happened, I just remember the healer looking panicked as she ushered off the midwife with Arashi then it was all a blur of pain and darkness as the storm raged,"

Exchanging a worried glance with Luna, Neville spoke and broke Iris from her pain-filled revere, "Did the healer ever tell you what happened?"

Shaking her head, Iris's lips pulled into a slight grimace, "No, she wasn't quite skilled enough to do more than heal me. I...By the time I was able to reach a village that held a better healer, the damage had left its scars," She set a hand on her abdomen and a look of regret crossed her features, "Arashi is likely going to be the only child I'll ever have...at least, by blood."

"Ris..." Ginny covered her mouth with tears in her eyes, "I-you-I shouldn't have-"

Shaking her head as she looked out of the window towards where Arashi was playing with Sirius, Iris spoke in a soft voice, "It isn't something I like talking about or really...remembering," She dropped her hand with a heavy sigh and dragged her eyes over to where Ginny sat, "I can't fault you for being curious, Gin. And it's good to share the story even if it hurts, it will make things easier to share later on when Arashi's older."

"And when you see them again," Ginny offered earning a small wince, "Right? You are planning to see them again, right?"

"I...when Arashi is older and capable of defending himself," Iris settled back against the couch, "But until then, I...I can't risk it,"

And that was something Iris still wasn't completely sure about, the prospect of seeing Kouen and Koumei again created a well of emotions within her that Iris wasn't sure how to deal with. But watching Arashi play with Sirius and seeing him grow each day, she knew they deserved to know their son. And even if they wanted nothing to do with her, she doubted the same could be said for their son.

Much like a baby bird learning how to fly, Arashi was still grasping the basics of even hovering as a dragon. His small body was currently the size of a small cat, the delicate indigo scales lining his body would darken with age while the pale pink tuft of fur along his back and spine would darken. As a baby dragon, he could barely produce a steady flame much less the torrent that Iris was able to. From her place on the hill above, she watched her son as he raced to the higher rocks and threw himself off while furiously flapping his wings. Occasionally when she could see him growing discouraged, she would use her wings and a heavy breath of warm air to create a breeze strong enough to assist him in staying up for a precious few seconds longer.

Her head shifted at the sound of approaching feet, Iris glanced to the side and spotted Lady Scheherazade walking up the hill towards where she lay. Beside her walked Muu, the half-Fanalis man looked somewhat stunned as he stared at her verdant green dragon form. Letting out a low rumble of greeting to the two, she turned back to resume watching her son as he let out a series of sharp squeaks after falling onto the ground again. Her lips pulled into a dragon's smile at the mini-tantrum that erupted, she almost began to stand when Sirius darted over and pounced on the dragonling with a bark. In seconds the tantrum was averted, Arashi began to race about with Sirius on semi-clumsy paws.

Resettling into her comfortable position, Iris's right eye glanced towards Lady Scheherazade and Muu as they finally crested the hill. The magi spoke with a faint smile curling across her lips, "Young Arashi seems to be growing into his animal form with each passing day though flying still eludes him."

With a mental sigh, Iris shifted back into her human form though gesturing for Sirius to keep Arashi's attention on him. She stood with a slight groan and stretched as her joints popped back into place. Rubbing the back of her neck, she admitted, "His wings need to get a bit stronger, I think it'll be at least another few months before he's able to fly," She tilted her head slightly, "So what brings you both by?"

"I was hoping that you might be willing to speak with me," Lady Scheherazade replied with a light smile, "Muu tagged along due to curiosity though I don't believe he knew you were capable of this,"

At the magi's words, Muu shook himself from his revere and let out a low sound as he looked at Iris, "No...I didn't," A burning question was held within his gaze though he didn't voice it, "It's quite interesting."

Giving him a sheepish smile, Iris dropped her hand, "Well, I am full of surprises," She looked at Lady Scheherazade and crossed her arms, "So what did you wish to speak about?"

"Luna mentioned something in passing that I found myself curious about and if it turns out to be true, I might have a request of you," Lady Scheherazade replied earning a curious look as Iris tried to figure out what Luna could have possibly said, "She mentioned that among your friends, you hold the most experience when it comes to combat-related magics...defensive magics as well. While I've seen your work with potions and heard of how skilled you are in a forge, I've yet to verify her words,"

With a grimace forming on her face, Iris bit her bottom lip as she contemplated how to answer Lady Scheherazade. She glanced over to where Arashi and Sirius were playing as a heaviness curled within her heart. Part of her wanted to deny it, she wished to bury those parts of herself in the past. But she knew that if something was going on that could affect those she cared for, it was best to be truthful. With a heavy sigh, she admitted, "Luna isn't wrong, Lady Scheherazade. Due to dangers that I've come across both in this world and my former one, I've gained skills with offensive magics though many of my friends will agree my defensive magics are nothing to sniff at either," She let her gaze follow Arashi for a few moments longer before finally looking at the magi again, "Why do ask?"

With her expression turning serious, Lady Scheherazade stepped closer, "As you're likely aware, the Reim Empire shares a border with the Parthevian Empire. This border has a long history of conflict, it wasn't until recently that the Parthevians decided to press their luck as it were."

Raising a hand as she shook her head, Iris spoke while taking a step back, "Lady Scheherazade, I grateful that you've allowed us a place to call home, but if you're suggesting that I fight-"

"No, Iris," Lady Scheherazade cut her off quickly with a deep sigh, "While I would love to claim you as one of mine, I know you'd leave in a heartbeat if it meant Arashi were left vulnerable. And for all the precautions that could be taken, it is highly likely, especially with how young he is at the moment," Iris slowly relaxed while giving the magi a wary look, "Instead of that, I wish for you to assist us differently,"

"A different way?" Iris tilted her head as her eyes narrowed.

"Yes," Lady Scheherazade inclined her head while tapping her staff against the ground, "While I understand your reluctance to participate directly in the conflicts, I believe your skills in defensive magics could be invaluable in fortifying our borders," It was an understandable thing to consider, "The Reim Empire is not unfamiliar with magical defenses, but your unique experiences and abilities might offer new perspectives and strategies,"

Arms uncrossing as she contemplated those words, Iris was still highly reluctant, "What exactly do you have in mind?"

Gesturing lightly as she spoke, the magi's lips pulled into a light smile, "I am suggesting a collaboration of sorts," The blonde settled her staff in the crook of her arm, "I would like you to work with our magicians and engineers to enhance our existing magical defenses. With your expertise in both offensive and defensive magics, we would have a fresh approach to our strategies even with the differences in our magics," She let out a low hum though wasn't convinced of it just yet, "We aren't asking you to fight on the front lines, but your contributions could make a significant difference in safeguarding the empire."

Contemplating the words carefully, Iris bit the inside of her cheek as she considered the possibilities. There were benefits to be had even with the potential fallout, she found herself nodding slowly after a long moment of weighing her options. Speaking as a low sigh left her lips, she looked at the magi with a careful gaze, "If I agree to this, I need two things from you, Lady Scheherazade. Otherwise, I will be saying no."

"Of course," Lady Scheherazade offered her a small nod.

Looking at her son, Iris's fingers clenched into fists as her mind went over the possible fallout. Her eyes were locked onto Arashi as he tumbled onto the ground underneath Sirius, she felt her heart clench at the possibility of just how bad things could get. The first request formed within moments and she knew it had to be done not just for her peace of mind. If she wanted to keep what was left of her heart intact, she had to make this request. Breathing out harshly, she began speaking in a calm tone that was far removed from the emotions stirring beneath her skin, "Firstly, I want more than your word that Arashi and my friends will be safe. I need a guarantee of their safety and well-being while we do this. If anything were to happen to them because of this collaboration, I wouldn't hesitate to sever ties and take my leave. My loyalty lies with those I care about."

With a thoughtful nod, as she listened to Iris's words, Lady Scheherazade's gaze held a knowing look, "Your loved ones' safety is of utmost importance. I will do everything in my power to ensure that they remain unharmed. The collaboration will not put them in unnecessary danger, and we will take every precaution to safeguard them."

Taking a deep breath as a small pang of relief washed over her, Iris addressed her next condition. She looked at Lady Scheherazade with these next words, "As we discussed after my arrival, I didn't want to become a known figure within Reim...This needs to remain a fact, Lady Scheherazade," She clenched her fingers tighter, "If any word travels further than the border and reaches certain ears from my past, I've little doubt there would be trouble. Trouble that would double the minute Arashi's existence is made known," The magi's eyes sharpen at her words, "My involvement must stay secret lest those within my past learn of where we are. I refuse to allow my son to be harmed by my past. If for even a second I believe that information has wandered past the border of Reim, we will be gone."

With a solemn expression, Lady Scheherazade assured Iris, "Secrecy will be maintained. Your identity and involvement will remain confidential, known only to those directly involved in the collaboration. We have ways to ensure that information does not leak beyond the necessary individuals. Your past will remain your own, and the safety of your loved ones is our priority."

For a long moment, Iris studied the magi in an attempt to find any faults in her expression. When only sincerity could be found, she released a low sigh and let her shoulder relax, "Then I suppose we agree, Lady Scheherazade," She slowly held her hand out and the magi smiled while reaching out to take her hand in a firm grip, "While I can't say I expected it, I...I might just look forward to it eventually."

"I'm glad to hear it," Lady Scheherazade replied with a soft smile.

With the terms agreed upon, Iris's attention shifted back to Arashi and Sirius playing below. Her heart still carried a weight of worry, but at least she had secured assurances for the safety of her loved ones.