Chapter 3: Dark skies in the distance.
"Hahahaha" The sound of Romeo's laughter could be heard in a river deep on the island.
"STAY STILL YOU BRAT" A scream could be heard echoing across the island.
It was late at noon and Astery is currently trying to bathe and not accidentally drown the energetic one year old who kept flailing and moving around and is met with much difficulty with him being a ginormous dragon and all.
After the shower Astery just let Romeo play with his tail until sunset. A noise could be heard approaching the pair as Romeo stopped playing with the tail and turned his attention towards the sound.
"Luminwa" the boy cried excitedly, running towards the blond woman who was carrying a basket.
She let go of the basket and went to pick up the little boy.
"Still can't say my name right huh?" She said "But I can see that you're making progress and soon enough you'll be learning how to read and write".
"He's better off learning how to bathe himself first" Astery growls, annoyed but also content. In the one year he had taken care of the boy, he faced many hardships that come with being a parent but also the joys that come with it too.
"You seem to be doing so well though." Lumina said with a giggle. Astery just looks away.
Lumina then drops the boy and goes towards the basket.
"Anyway" she said "I brought some supplies for the boy. We have goat milk, vegetable juice, some berries juice, I made some clothes for him, and some medicinal herbs in case he gets sick again."
"Thank you." Astery said with a smile. Romeo just runs up and hugs the woman's legs, wanting to be picked up again.
Lumina has been of tremendous help, bringing supplies like these whilst also teaching Astery how to take care of Romeo, like how to bathe and feed him. She also watch over him whenever Astery need to go feeding.
"It's getting late now Romeo" Astery said "let's feed you then put you to bed then".
Romeo pouted "Not shleepy".
"Well too bad" the dragon smirks.
Later, after Romeo fell asleep.
"He's grown a lot in just one year huh" Lumina stated. Both her and Astery are now sitting outside of his cave, watching the night sky.
"Indeed he has". Astery response smiling.
"And it's good to see you stop being so moody too." Lumina said jokingly.
Surprise at first, Astery then smiled again.
"Perhaps all my feelings of cold and loneliness throughout the years were simply my desire to be a father which in hindsight should've been obvious. Stella Dragons are known to value family bonds, blood related or not, and with me being the king I would also have a strong desire to have an heir."
Lumina smile, happy for her old friend but then something pops into her head.
"So when are you gonna make him a dra-" she asked but was interrupted.
"Sooner than I wished" Astery answer in a dark tone.
Seeing the confused look on his friend's face, he further explains.
"During my latest trip, I felt a presence I haven't sensed in a long time and wished to never feel it again."
Lumina turned pale, knowing the stories from her old friend's younger days and the foes he faced.
"Is he-"
"I'm not sure myself. It wasn't strong enough to make a definitive proof but the fact that I've felt something means there are reasons for concern."
"So what will you do?"
"Like all dragons I will have to send him away one day for him to grow. Although with this revelation I will have to send away earlier than I wanted so he can grow stronger faster." He said now in a sad and painful tone.
"When?" Lumina ask.
"Originally I planned on beginning his training when he turned seven, now I have to push it to when he turns four. After that we'll see how fast he grows" Astery answered, regret filled his voice.
"But that's too soon!" Lumina said shockingly.
"I know. But I have to. If he truly returned then I can't guarantee his safety. He needs to grow stronger, strong enough so that he won't need me to protect him." Astery response.
Astery then looks back to his cave where his son is sleeping soundly.
"He's a strong child, I know he'll be able to face this challenge head on."
The two of them remained silent for a moment.
"Well" Lumina finally said "if that's what needs to be done then I will do all I can to help"
"Thank you" Astery gratefully said.
The two of them look back at the child. Both are fearful and hopeful for his future.
Author's note
So I'm hoping you enjoy the story so far. I'm gonna pick up the pacing for this story a bit for future chapters since I feel like I'm dragging this out more than I should so if you have a problem with the pacing, hopefully I can remedy that in the future. So let me what you think and maybe some suggestions or ideas for the story and maybe I'll incorporate them into the story.