"Not to be rude or anything, but you're saying that our Haru will be one hundred percent safe when he's with you?"
I'm holding Haru in my hands. He tugs at the ends of my hair. He stops what he's doing. His large blue eyes pierce my deep brown ones to indicate he knows we're talking about him. He's the most innocent, most precious child. A mother couldn't wish for more. I love him a lot. Elma loves our son too. As parents who are very concerned for our child, the day has come to finally let him go. Being with him for the short time has led me to truly believe that I am a very fortunate person. Even though it may not look that way, I am living a life I never thought I would have lived 2 years ago.
"I haven't seen you in all these years but I still do think of my parents... Father, I trust you. We both trust you. Nai is very concerned for our child and so am I. Please don't be offended by these questions."
The man gives a warm smile and sips his tea. Elma is sitting very close to her dear father. He pats her head and she blushes.
"Never, child. I would never be offended by you, my beloved daughter and your union to this gem of a young lady." He turns to my direction across the little dining table. I'm trying my hardest to hide a blush.
Elma's father, in his human form looks like any other senior citizen you would see in your village. He has a thick white mustache that has stains of tea as he sips from his cup. His eyes are barely open, it's like they're just squinting. He is short and bald and is clothed in a white cotton robe. He rests his brown stick against the table, which I assume would be a magical staff or something. His warmth is similar to Elma's. It's obvious your family influences who you become, in Elma's case.
"Elma darling, it would be an honour to take care of my grandson, with your blessing and of course with Miss Nayura's. Your mother is also very proud of you Elma. You've found a way to settle down. It gives me pleasure to say you have found your place, after all these years..."
Elma cuts him off midway. "Speaking of mother, how is she?" Elma averts her gaze to the white tablecloth.
"She's great. Same old. You know how moody she can get at times... But I know for a fact, she gives you and Miss Nayura her blessing. It is impressive how you have integrated into a strange society. When the Harmony faction heard, they couldn't have been any happier."
I look at my wife whose index fingers are meeting each other. She keeps her gaze on the tablecloth. "Oh? Is that so? We-well even I surprise myself sometimes."
She quickly glances at me. I know what she's thinking. A pang of guilt must have hit her when she remembered how she had rejected me when I had confessed to her. I guess even dragons make mistakes too.
"You both understand that Haru will have to undergo intensive and extensive training for him to become a strong dragon for the wars?"
I'm the first to speak up. "Yes Mr. Joui. I understand that it's his destiny. If I said I was in total agreement with this plan, then I would be lying but seeing as this is the only way, I can keep my Elma, Haru will be your loyal soldier. I'm sure he wouldn't disappoint you." I feel Haru grabbing some of hair and putting it in his mouth.
"Are you hungry baby? Yes you are" I say to my baby.
"Let me take care of it then" Elma gently takes Haru from my hands and playfully touches his little nose. I hear him giggle. Elma's eyes smile with Haru in her arms. It's a beautiful picture of mother and son, like it could be painted on a canvas by the best artist in the world.
She lowers the neck lining for the graphic tee shirt that she's wearing and her bra is loose while she places her swollen nipple in Haru's mouth. Elma's father turns the other direction.
"Hoho Humans have really influenced my daughter a lot" he comments.
When Haru is finished drinking every drop of warm breast milk from Elma, he falls silent, indicating his contentment. He's probably about to sleep. Elma does not feel exhausted or drained though. As a dragon, she can quickly make breast milk in her human form. We both would usually take turns to breast feed him.
"Your mother is probably worrying about me right now, Elma."
Elma kissed Haru's forehead. "Could I please hold him for one last time?" I ask.
"Go ahead" The solemn voice of Elma that was moments ago in her usual cheerful spirit, echoes throughout the quiet apartment.
His warm little body is rested in my arms. I plant a kiss on his sleeping forehead. "Go get em' soldier"
I gently hand him over Elma's father. He opens a swirling portal with one finger. "One more thing." Elma ties a band around his tiny wrist. It's a protection charm. According to Elma, Haru and her will be linked by the charm because she can feel his energy run through her veins when he wears it and thus she'll know when he's in harm's way.
"Don't worry. He's in good hands." Elma's father steps through the portal with our sleeping Haru in his arms.