Verdant Skies

As Iris delved into her collaboration with Reim's magicians and engineers, the initial wariness that clung to her dissipated. Each member of the team she was collaborating with had been personally chosen by Lady Scheherazade and sworn to secrecy, the men and women all bore unique skill sets that intrigued her as they finally began to work together. Each magician bore a differing skill in their magic, the engineers all carried different bases of knowledge as well. It was clear that Reim's magi had chosen to put together a rather diverse group for this project and she found herself rather amused upon realizing this fact. Between Iris being a clear outsider with abilities and a background unlike anyone else within the group, it was rather tense as they all tried to get used to one another.

During the initial weeks, everyone was a ball of tension especially Iris as she still wasn't keen on trusting anyone within the group despite Lady Scheherazade's assurances. Arguments were frequent as many within the group found something wrong with whatever had been proposed that day, it took hours before they finally managed to begin working on something. But as time passed and they slowly got used to one another, the arguments lessened. She began adjusting to the nuances and intricacies of her new companions as they did the same. There was a sense of camaraderie slowly blossoming within the team as the days passed, they started to find little things to appreciate about one another.

Daily routines became established as weeks turned into months, Iris would share her insights into the intricacies of warding spells, protective barriers, and offensive magics that had proven effective in her past battles. She'd answer whatever questions were asked and do simple demonstrations. In return, the magicians and Engineers worked to improve whatever designs were currently in the works. The magicians often spoke at length with Iris about the rukh and tried various spells against her magic. Simple spells shifted and changed, the magicians steadily adjusting their magic in ways they had never truly dreamed of until now. Speaking with the Engineers, she worked to help craft simple plans for things she remembered seeing in her old world though some memories were starting to turn fuzzy now.

There were still moments of frustration, the heated shouts of anger never quite stopping thanks to certain pressure being placed on them from Lady Scheherazade due to the Parthevians. To Iris's surprise, she was growing closer to those within the team. As the months passed, she became more comfortable and it became harder to hold herself at a distance. She had begun to accept her place within the team created by Lady Scheherazade though she'd always be ready to run if any sign of her contribution was leaked.

Giggling as Arashi ran to give one of his friends a bracelet he'd made while sitting at the forge with her, Iris finished packing up the supplies they'd bought into the modified saddle bags strapped to Sirius. She turned her head as someone called out, "Miss Iris?"

Head tilting slightly, Iris blinked as she caught sight of the youngest member of the team Lady Scheherazade put together walking towards her. Offering a light smile, she nodded with a light wave, "Hello, Stella. Doing some shopping?"

The young green-haired magician flushed and adjusted the bags in her hands carefully while nodding, "I-yes. My mama needed some things and since we're all off for the day I figured I'd help out."

Closing up the saddlebag she'd just filled, Iris smiled warmly at the teenager, "That's a wonderful thing for you to do, Stella. I've no doubt she's thankful for the help," She noticed that the younger woman was struggling and knew that one of Sirius's saddlebags was empty, "If you'd like some help carrying those, Sirius should be willing to lend a paw," Stella's eyes widened at her offer, "We're done gathering up our supplies, so it wouldn't be any trouble."

"I-are you sure?" Stella asked with a hesitant look as Sirius let out an affirmative bark.

"Mhmm," Iris patted Sirius's side with a light smile, "Siri here can carry a lot more than what he's currently got on his back. If anything, he'd probably be happy for the additional load,"

There was a long moment before Stella nodded to Iris with a thankful expression, Iris pulled open the empty saddlebag and started to place the bags inside it being careful not to jostle anything. Securing the saddlebag once everything was inside, she smiled at Stella as the teenager murmured, "Thank you, Miss Iris. I was pretty sure I'd drop them at some point on the way home."

"It's no problem, Stella," Iris shook her head with a light look, "I just need to collect Arashi and we can head off,"

"Arashi?" Stella gave her a look of confusion.

Which was fair as Iris had never actually told anyone she was currently working with save for those at the blacksmith shop about her son, a mischievous smile curled across her lips and she called out, "Arashi!" The boy's head shot towards her from where he was speaking with a small Fanalis girl a bit older than him, "We need to get going, Little Dragonling. C'mon."

"Yes, Mama!" Arashi called back and spoke to the other child before rushing over with a bright grin, "Mama, mama!" She bent down to catch him in a hug, "She liked the bracelet I made. Like really liked it, I can't believe it!"

"I told you your friend would," Iris giggled as she nosed his cheek, "And you got so worried too. Well, that just tells me you'll be an excellent crafted one day,"

"Does that mean you'll show me how to make more?" Arashi asked as he pulled away from her.

"Mhmm," Iris nodded as she stood up, "But it'll have to wait until another day, alright,"

"Okay, Mama-" Arashi paused as he caught sight of Stella and tilted his head with a curious frown, "Who're you?"

With a stunned look on her face, Stella didn't look like she was going to be answering Arashi anytime soon. Giggling at the sight, Iris picked up Arashi and set him on Sirius's back just above the saddlebags, "She is one of my new coworkers, Hatchling. This is Stella," She gestured to Stella who promptly shook herself, "Stella," The green-haired teen looked at her with wide eyes, "This is my son Arashi."

"S-son," Stella's skin was a bit pale.

Light smile curling across her lips at how stunned Stella was, Iris nodded as she patted Arashi's head, "My son," She let out a soft whistle and Sirius began to walk prompting them to follow the wolf, "You look so surprised," Stella flushed darkly at her words, "But given how little I speak of my personal life, I'm not very surprised."

"I..." Stella opened her mouth before closing it seemingly unable to come up with a reply.

"Miss Stella," Arashi looked at Stella curiously, "Are you one of the Magicians that work with Mama?"

"I-yeah," Stella nodded slowly while rubbing the back of her neck, "I am. Why do you ask?"

"I really like learning about magic 'cause Mama's been showing me bits and pieces," Arashi explained with a bright grin, "So what kinda magic can you do? The explodie kind or the one that swooshes? Oooh what about that crackling one?"

Giggling as she covered her mouth, Iris shared an amused glance with Stella as the teen began to explain that her specialty lay in water magic. With Arashi there to help ease any tension, Stella relaxed in her presence and the teen seemed almost startled to realize that they needed to split up. As Iris was unloading Stella's bags from Sirius's saddlebags, Arashi quickly asked, "Miss Stella, can I please see your magic sometime? Mama says that I'm not allowed in the place she's working 'cause it's dangerous, but I really wanna see more magic."

There was a look of hesitation on her face, Stella swallowed heavily and looked towards Iris. Speaking in a light tone as she handed off the last bag to Stella, Iris shrugged lightly, "I don't mind allowing you to come by on days when we're not working, Stella. Though we'd have to figure out a good time for it as I work at a blacksmith shop as well."

"You do?" Stella looked a bit stunned.

Lips pulling into a wry grin, Iris nodded, "I do. We'll take a look at our schedules tomorrow and figure out a good time if you want. Besides, weren't you wanting to have more time to study certain spells of mine?"

"I-yes," Stella shook her head lightly and adjusted the bags in her arms, "I'd like that a lot, Miss Iris," She looked at Arashi with a small smile, "Looks like we'll see each other again soon, Kiddo,"

"Bye, Miss Stella," Arashi waved to Stella as the teen started to head off, "I can't wait!"

Starting to head home once more, Iris linked her fingers together and settled them behind her head. She glanced at Arashi as he let out a low hum and noticed the curious look on his face. Raising an eyebrow, she asked him, "What's with that look, Hatchling?"

"I'm just...Mama," Arashi's lips pulled into a slight frown, "How come your coworkers don't know about me?"

Blinking slightly, Iris mentally cursed and tried to figure out the best way to put this. She didn't want to lie to her son or tell him about the dangers of her past. She was just glad he hadn't started asking about his father just yet though there was a niggling feeling in the back of her mind that would change soon enough. Forcing a small smile on her lips, she spoke softly to him while making sure they were level as Sirius slowed enough to ensure they were walking at the same pace, "Well, little dragonling, Mama is still getting to know her new friends, and sometimes it's best to keep some things private until you're sure you can trust someone completely. It's not that Mama doesn't want them to know about you, it's just... well, it's complicated. We want to make sure we're safe and happy before we start sharing everything."

His expression was a thoughtful one as he absorbed her words with the curiosity of a child attempting to understand the world of adults, Arashi slowly nodded after a long moment as his eyes met hers. His voice was soft, the frown curling at the edges of his lips smoothed out, "So like when I don't tell anyone about my secret hiding place underneath my bed? Or the one Sirius helped me make in the yard?" Iris smiled while trying not to laugh at the reminder of those two doing that a few weeks before them settling down here, "Because I want to ensure they're good friends first before letting them into my good hiding spots? Or near my favorite snacks?"

Letting out a soft chuckle, Iris ruffled his hair, "Exactly, My clever little hatchling. You're learning fast, aren't you?"

Beaming at the praise, Arashi's chest puffed up though his smile dropped after a moment. Iris tilted her head at that and went to ask him what was wrong when he asked, "But what if they're good people?"

"Then I'll let them in, Hatchling. But only time will tell if they're truly good people," Iris tapped his nose making it wrinkle, and smiled at him, "For now, we will enjoy our time in Remano and spend time with the friends we do have. When the time comes, we will make friends with new people just as we did at the start,"

"Okay, Mama," Arashi nodded with a warm smile.

As they continued on their way home, Iris couldn't shake the feeling that more questions would be on the horizon and there was a sinking feeling in her gut that Arashi wouldn't accept the explanation so easily.

Her eyes were on the sky above, Iris's fingers toyed with a partially empty glass of wine. Standing on a balcony within the palace of Remano, she listened with half an ear as the party inside went though felt no need to join in. Despite painting someone else as the leader of the magical advancement and engineering team, she alongside everyone else had been roped into coming to this party to celebrate some rather groundbreaking progress created by their work on the battlefield. As soon as it had been appropriate, she'd slipped out onto the balcony to get away from the large amount of nobles and other political people crowded within the ballroom.

Her head turned at the sound of footsteps approaching, Iris spotted Muu walking towards her with a glass of wine in hand. For once the half-Fanalis was dressed down in more traditional wear rather than the armor he mainly wore, she could tell he was uncomfortable with the change. Given the fact she had grown more accustomed to her tunics and trousers rather than the delicate dress she was currently wearing, she could understand. Gifting him a slight smile, she murmured, "Getting tired of the noise?"

Gifting her a small nod as he moved to stand by the railing as well, Muu took a small sip from his wine glass. Voice soft as his gaze shifted to the stars above, he settled a hand on the railing before him, "I'm not much for these types of gatherings. They're too...stuffy. Myron enjoys them though."

"I could tell," Iris had seen the other woman practically vibrating in place before the event finally started, "I can relate though," She saw him raise an eyebrow at her as she took a sip of her wine, "Having to watch every word said or move made, it really kills any enjoyment that could be found," She saw his lips quirk into a faint smile, "It's like a bastardized form of chess and I really don't enjoy that game, to begin with,"

"You don't?" Muu's lips pulled into a curious smile.

Shaking her head as she leaned against the railing, Iris let out a small huff, "One of my best friends, Ron, spent much of our school days trying to teach me with little success and he had the advantage of a magical chessboard calling out hints," Muu eyed her in interest, "While Arashi's Father," Kouen and Koumei had both attempted to play chess with her multiple times only to figure out she was very bad at the game, "Attempted to, failed, and tried to teach me only to give up in exchange for trying out other games I know how to play," She shook her head to push away certain memories before they could fully form as only pain would remain once they did, "To be quite honest, I much prefer games of luck and chance. They're far more straightforward in my opinion."

"True enough," Muu chuckled softly while tipping his head back to peer up at the sky once more, "Despite your reservations when Lady Scheherazade proposed the idea, you seem to have settled in well with your team. And Arashi seems to have grown quite attached to the youngest member of them, Stella, was it?"

"Stella," Iris confirmed not feeling very surprised that Arashi would tell Muu about Stella, "I almost think he has a small crush on her," Muu snorted softly with a light smile and she let out a low sigh, "Muu...I know you've already said it was alright, but I still feel the need to apologize for not being able to keep up my end of our bargain as of late. I mean you're still training Arashi and I'll be forever thankful for that-"

Faltering as he held up a hand, Muu offered her a light smile as he shook his head, "I figured this would happen at some point once Lady Scheherazade asked you to collaborate with her. And knowing what I do now about Sirius, I know you're not truly far from our training sessions even if you aren't physically there," He took another sip of wine and looked out over the balcony, "Lady Scheherazade's proposal was a significant opportunity, and your skills are making a difference. And it isn't as if you aren't spending time with Arashi, he speaks of everything you do with him whenever you're finished working for the day which shows you're making time. So I do not mind that you've had to withdraw."

Releasing a soft sigh, Iris's shoulders relaxed as waves of gratitude and relief washed over her, "I'm glad you understand. It's just been... more demanding than I initially thought. There's so much to do even without considering the increasing pressure from Lady Scheherazade," She rubbed at the back of her neck, "Between the projects I've had to work on both with the team and at the shop, I've been spreading myself pretty thin. And then once I pick up Arashi, I'm running around with him and trying to keep up even if Sirius is doing his best to exhaust my little dragonling. Plus when my friends need me for something or my team decides something is urgent, I honestly don't have enough time in the day," She took a sip of wine, "It's like juggling multiple balls at once, and I'm just trying not to let any of them drop."

Nodding with a look of understanding, "It's like you're attempting to herd cats," Iris giggled with a wry grin, "I can imagine to a point as my corps can be quite a handful as well though I won't bore you with the details," She flushed at the realization she'd pretty much bitched about her problems to him, "Lady Scheherazade is a very shrewd leader that can have exacting standards for those she sees potential in. And you are one of those she sees potential in."

"Joy..." Iris shook her head softly, "Muu, I apologize for talking your ear off about my...problems," Muu snorted softly, "How about the next time we meet up, you can talk instead and I'll listen?"

"That sounds like a wonderful exchange," Muu smiled at her as they both leaned against the balcony railing.

Her head tilted back and she peered up at the stars, Iris picked out a few different constellations while murmuring, "I think next time someone says there is a party like this I'm going to just play at being sick. I really do loathe these parties with every fiber of my being."

Snorting loudly as he shook his head, Muu grinned slightly as he peered at her, "I almost couldn't tell," She smirked at his dry tone, "Though I'll admit the dress is a rather nice surprise, I never expected to see you in one."

Glancing down at the silky blue dress Luna had decided to pick out for her that morning, Iris shook her head, "I never expected to wear a dress again...not for a long time at least," She saw the curious look on his face, "Let's just say it has to do with my past and leave it at that."

"Fair enough," Muu inclined his head.

Her shoulders relaxed as the tension she had never realized was there slipped away, Iris found a small smile forming. If there was something she had come to appreciate since arriving in Reim, it was the odd friendship she'd struck with Muu. Unlike most that she'd encountered, the half-Fanalis had never attempted to pry and simply offered her looks of understanding. In exchange, she had done the same with every quirk tossed her way and gifted him a peaceful atmosphere. Somehow they made this odd friendship work even if there were layers of things that still weren't shared, she was grateful for it.

Striding through the warm streets as the sunset began, Iris hummed softly as she contemplated just what to make for dinner. With only a few more weeks until Arashi's fifth birthday, she would need to start considering how to plan his birthday party. She faltered as the park Arashi usually played in with his friends came into view and the sight of Sirius standing protectively over her sobbing child sent alarm bells through her skull. With furtive glances and hushed giggles, the human children gathered in close-knit packs around the edges of the park revealed they were the reason why. Teeth grinding together as she noticed there were no Fanalis children around, she inwardly hissed and made a mental promise to see if Muu or one of the other Fanalis she'd become close to knew what had happened.

Picking up her pace, Iris dropped down beside Arashi as he rubbed at his eyes. The vibrant energy he normally gave off had dimmed down until it was nearly unrecognizable. Chest aching sharply, she began coaxing him to look at her, "Arashi, what happened?"

Eyes glistening with unshed tears as he looked up, Arashi sniffed as he muttered, "I-They said I don't have a dad. And 'cause of that, 'M weird."

There was a knife in her chest, Iris felt those words dig deep alongside those unshed tears. If she had been a worse woman, the human children currently smirking to themselves would be little more than bloodstains on the ground. Her inner dragon hissed darkly, she quickly bundled Arashi up in a hug and pulled him close to her chest, "Oh little dragonling," She murmured into his hair as he pressed his face into her neck, "You're an amazing little thing that can do so many things. You are anything, but weird," She rubbed his back as he hiccuped, "You're far more special than any of those little shitstains," She heard sharp gasps from those children and shot them all a fierce glare causing them to scatter, "It's alright not to have a dad. What's a dad when you've got Siri and me? Or your Aunty Luna, Aunty Ginny, or Uncle Neville? Or all of our friends? Nothing," She nosed him lightly, "There is nothing wrong with not having a dad, Hatchling. You have me, and I love you more than anything in this world."

But with children, the hurt created by taunts ran deep. Arashi reared back with a snarl on his face. Small face twisting in frustration, the wine-red of his eyes shifted into a vibrant orange as he growled, "Why don't I have a dad, Mama? Why do they say those things?"

Her heart ached at how his voice cracked, Iris swallowed as she realized it was time to tell him at least something. It didn't change the fact her heart was hurting with every breath she took at the sheer thought of even speaking about it. She took a deep breath as her stomach dropped. Voice soft, she gazed into Arashi's eyes as he glared at her, "Oh, little dragonling," She kept her voice gentle yet firm, "it's a complicated thing, you see. Sometimes, families come in all different shapes and sizes. Some have moms and dads, some have just moms, some just dads, and others have a mix of family and friends who care about them deeply. It's the love and care that matter, not the shape of the family," The orange in Arashi's eyes slowly shifted into the wine-red he usually boasted as his fingers dug into her tunic, "There was someone very special within Mama's life...someone she loved with all of her heart," She chose her words very carefully even as it pained her, "But...life becomes very complicated, Hatchling. And people have to make choices that often hurt," She offered him a smile even as tears blurring the edges of her eyesight, "So people have to part even if they want nothing more than to stay together. And, well, that's just how life is. But that doesn't make our family any less real or any less filled with love. Siri and I are here for you, always, no matter what."

Blinking slowly as the anger fled, Arashi pressed his face into her shoulder as his little body shook. Iris hugged him tightly and rubbed his back with a soothing sound leaving her throat that would have been more at home coming from her dragon form. With his voice muffled by her shoulder, Arashi hiccuped, "I don't care what they say, Mama. I don't need a dad. I have you and Siri. And Luna and Ginny and Neville. And everyone else!" She smiled softly, "I love you, Mama."

"I love you too, Little dragonling," Iris giggled as Sirius nudged Arashi.

After a little bit, Iris pulled them both from the ground and they began making their way home. Arashi was quiet for most of the walk and he toyed with a small bracelet made with obsidian she'd created for his last birthday. He spoke with a contemplative look on his face, "Mama," She hummed softly while glancing at him "If you loved my dad so much and he did too...why did you two have to leave each other?"

Her heart ached with a sharpness that nearly sent her to the ground, Iris gripped Sirius's fur and mentally swore at the question. Taking a deep breath to diffuse some of the pain, she contemplated the best way to answer his question. Her voice was soft, the words came slowly as her fingers toyed with Sirius's fur, "While I'll give you the full story when you're older, Arashi...I'll admit that it was my fault," She saw the confusion in his eyes, "I made a few mistakes that couldn't be taken back and had to leave. Your dad...he had to stay where he was."

"Why?" Arashi tilted his head in confusion.

"Because the people around him were counting on his leadership and what was going on at the time needed his entire focus," Iris smiled weakly at Arashi, "Trust me, Hatchling, he couldn't leave,"

"I...okay," Arashi looked a bit doubtful though didn't argue, "But did he love me?"

Her heart wanted to shatter, Iris felt a pang of regret fester within her heart, and for the first time, she contemplated lying to Arashi. She took a deep breath and met Sirius's eyes before shaking her head, "He never knew about you, Hatchling," Arashi looked at her with wide eyes, "By the time I realized you were even with me, it was too late to tell your dad."

"I...really?" Arashi looked at her in disbelief.

"Really," Iris helped Arashi off of Sirius as they'd reached their home, "But I know one thing, Hatchling," She hugged him tightly and smiled gently at her son, "He would love you just as much as me,"

"Really?" Arashi's eyes were filled with a desperate sort of hope that hurt her heart.

"Really," Iris assured her.

Hugging her back, Arashi whispered, "I really want him to find out about me at some point and then we can be a family," Iris's eyes burned and she hugged ARashi tighter, "But...I can wait."

"Okay..." Iris set him down while forcing back the tears, "Go get cleaned up, we're making chicken for dinner,"

"Yay!" Arashi raced inside.

Feeling Sirius bump her side, Iris set a hand on his head as she finally let a tear run down her cheek. Closing her eyes, Iris muttered, "Fucking hell, Bud. That was one of the hardest conversations I've ever had to have with him and...I don't even know if I told him a lie."

Letting out a whine as he nuzzled into her, Sirius cuddled into her side as he offered his nonverbal support.

Walking into Luna's home after releasing Arashi to go play outside with Ginny as Sirius watched over the two, Iris caught sight of the blonde reading a letter. Dropping onto an open seat across from Luna, she asked, "Interesting letter?"

"From Hermione," Luna held it up earning a raised eyebrow from Iris, "Apparently Ron and Hermione have settled in Sindria after traveling around the many countries involved within the Seven Seas Alliance, she is urging us to visit,"

Leaning back in her chair, Iris twined her hands together and settled them behind her head as she contemplated it. A low hum left her, "Sindria, huh? Even during my travels among the trading caravans, I never really went there though many said it was a beautiful country," She glanced outside towards where Arashi was being shown some spell by Ginny, "It's hard to believe we've been in Reim for three years now..."

"It is," Luna giggled softly, "Though, with everything you've done as of late, it can't be too surprising how little you notice time passing," Iris shook her head with a wry smile, "Hermione said that they've both found a niche in Sindria. Ron's tossed himself into the local trading scene and gotten hired on by Sindria trading company itself," She let out a soft whistle at that, "Hermione's fallen in love with the local education system and helps out within the administration though nothing too big,"

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me," Iris tilted her head, "So...if you've been keeping up with them, do they know about...?"

At her pointed look, Luna gifted Iris a mischievous smile, "I've said nothing about Arashi. I figure it would be far more interesting if they learn about him when we finally reunite for the first time."

Giggling as she grinned at Luna, Iris nodded, "Sounds good to me," She contemplated what to do and found herself looking back out towards where Arashi was now running around after Ginny, "I think it would be a good change of pace. I could use a vacation and Arashi...I know he'd love to travel again even if it's only for a short period. 'Sides, I've heard that this country is one of the few that sells southern sea beast meat. And I've been wanting to try that."

"Crazy dragon," Luna muttered with a snort.

Sticking her tongue out at Luna, Iris sat up, "Guess we're going to have to make travel plans, huh?"

"Yup," Luna grinned lightly, "Should be pretty fun though, I mean all of us traveling together for the first time since the Goulon Empire,"

"I call not it on dealing with Gin," Iris's tone was dry as she stared at Luna who pouted at her, "If you don't want to deal with her, we'll shove Ginny at Neville when she starts trying to get drunk,"

"Fine," Luna giggled loudly and shook her head, "It's going to be so much fun having you back with us, Ris..."

As a small beat of silence fell over them, they both contemplated the last time they'd traveled together. Both during their time underneath Habi and then the war again the jackass, it would be different to travel without anything hanging over their heads for once.