For the Love of a Dragon Heart 4

by Draco'sDragonheartMaiden

With the arrival of their baby only a short time away the family makes preparations. A young woman comes to stay with the family to help out and during this time, the brothers' bond is put to the test.

Several Months Later:

As time passed Skygazer's pregnancy progressed and her belly grew larger, she was nearing the end of her pregnancy and soon their baby would arrive. Draco had become even more protective of her, shadowing her everywhere she went. He kept an even closer eye on her for any sigh of distress for he knew their little one would arrive soon. He felt bad because he hadn't been there when Drake was young and he swore to himself that he would do right this time. After finding Drake though, he had made up for lost time...teaching his son everything he knew and after discovering Drake had magic, had trained him, to help him learn how to use it properly. Drake was grateful and happy to have his father in his life and knew that when his new sibling arrived, that things would change a bit but he would adjust and try to help out wherever he could. Geoff too helped out where he could, he had taken up the care of his mother's mare, along with a few other things here and there. It had been a huge adjustment for him especially since being an orphan, he never had that parental relationship. He had learned much since he and Drake had come to their new home and though it was difficult at times, he was grateful.

Skygazer was currently resting on the bench outside their cabin, trying to rest up as much as she could because she knew her time was drawing near. Her hand rested on her protruding belly now that she was at full term, "won't be long and I'll get to meet you little one..." she said to her baby. She smiled at thought of finally seeing the face of the gift that had been given to them. She looked beside her to see Draco laying practically at her feet in the sunshine while the boys were sitting on the roof of the cave talking. As she glanced up at the sky a couple of thoughts came to her mind, "perhaps...it would be wise to have Rose here when I have this little one..." she glanced at her dragon before looking at her belly, "I'm sure Aria will be here but I would feel better if Rose were here too..." she said to herself. She thought about it a moment more before turning to her mate, "Draco..." she said softly. He opened his golden eyes and raised his head as he spoke, "what is it? Are you in any pain?" he asked. She shook her head, "no dearest...I was just thinking that when our baby arrives that I'd like to have Rose here to help," she said. "My Sky you know Aria will be here to help that day to bring our little one into the world. Plus she'll be using her magic to keep me from feeling anything you go through so why have Rose here too?" he asked. Skygazer placed a gentle hand on her mate's cheek, "because it's wise to have an extra set of hands when it comes to bringing a baby into the world," she reasoned. Draco was silent for a moment or two, he knew humans were different when it came to that, "aside from that..." he looked at her as she continued, "having her here will also calm, not just me but you too..." she added. Draco knew he couldn't argue with that reasoning, "I suppose you have a point..." he said sitting on his haunches. She smiled at him, "would you like for the boys to go get her?" he asked. Skygazer shook her head no, "I'd actually like you to do it because she knows you better than she does our sons so she'll be more comfortable traveling with you." He smiled at his mate before bringing his head down to nuzzle her, "very well my treasure I shall go bring her here..." he replied. She returned the gesture, "thank you my sweet one," she said placing a kiss on his muzzle. He then raised his head high to look up at his sons, "Drake...Geoff..." as their names were spoken they looked at their father, "I'm going to get Rose, I expect you two to look after your mother and our home while I'm gone," Draco said kindly. "Alright father," Drake replied as he stood up before Geoff got onto his back so they could fly down to the ground. They stood in front of Draco as Geoff spoke, "why not have one of us go with you?" he suggested. "Not this time son, I won't be gone long and I need you and your brother to look after things while I'm not here," he replied gently, yet firmly. Drake turned to look at his brother, "come on Geoff it won't be that bad..." he then turned his dark eyes to look at his father, "we won't let you down." Draco smiled, "good..." he then turned to his mate to nuzzle her once more, "my journey will be brief and I'll be back before the sun sets," he reassured her. "I know you will my love," she replied as she returned the gesture and kissed him once more. He stood tall once more, took a few steps back before raising his wings high and taking to the sky, propelling himself off the ground with his powerful legs. The family watched Draco disappear into the distance before either of them spoke, "Geoff..." he turned to look at his mother, "help me up..." she asked gently. He got down from Drake's back and came over to help her to her feet, "are you alright?" he asked. "Yeah I'm fine, I just want to go inside and lay down for a minute..." she replied before she began to make her way into the cabin. Geoff stayed right by her side, supporting her by keeping an arm around her back while Drake stayed near them. Once he had gotten his mother into the cabin, he helped her up the stairs to her room, "alright..I think I'll good from here..." she stated. However Geoff stayed near the door in case she needed him but once she made it to the bed, he felt better knowing she was alright. "I'll be downstairs if you need me mother..." he stated before walking out of the room. "Thank you..." she called after him. Drake on the other hand lay on the balcony just outside his mother's room to keep an eye on her as he knew that was what his father expected of him. Skygazer was grateful to her sons for remaining by her side while her mate wasn't there, she lay back against one of the pillows on their bed as her hand rested on her belly, "why am I feeling so tired all of a sudden?" she silently wondered. She glanced towards the balcony to see Drake keeping guard outside her room and she couldn't help but smile, "so much like his father..." she commented as she focused on resting for now while she waited for her dragon to return.

As Draco flew towards Bowen and Kara's castle he couldn't help but notice the tired feeling that raced through him, "she's more tired than usual but being so close now, it's no surprise. Our little one is taking much of her energy," he said to himself. He soon reached the edge of the territory where the castle was located and made a bee-line for the castle. As he flew overhead a few of the villagers called out to greet him, he waved to them as he neared the castle, "there it is..." he said coming into eyeview of it. When he got near the gate he spotted his old friend, "Bowen!" he called out. Upon hearing his name be spoken the Knight looked up to see Draco coming towards him. When he came to land in front of him though he noticed that the dragon was alone, "Draco...where is Sky? Is she alright?" he asked. "She's fine, she's back at the cabin with our sons. She asked me to come retrieve Rose..." he replied. The Knight cocked an eyebrow, "why Rose?" he asked. "With her time drawing near she wishes for Rose to be there to help Aria," he answered. Bowen knew that it had been a possibility that she would want Rose there and he had been right, "come on into the castle and I'll have someone find her for you." "Thank you Bowen," Draco replied as he transformed into his humanoid form and followed Bowen inside.

Once inside the main hall Draco spoke, "so how have things been going for you and Kara?" he asked. "They've been going well she's actually down in the village helping in the community garden right now," Bowen replied. Draco nodded to let the Knight know that he had heard him, "excuse me..." came a voice off to the side. Bowen turned to see Eric standing there in the doorway, "come on in Eric...Eric you remember Draco," he said. Eric turned to nod his head respectfully to the dragon before turning back to Bowen, "Brother Gilbert has been asking for you...he wishes to know when you will come to the church and speak with him." Bowen was silent for a moment as he pondered his answer to the monk, "please tell him I'll be by there at midday." "Very well..." Eric turned once more to Draco to bow his head before walking from the room. Draco arched a browridge, "what was that about?" he asked curiously. "Oh something about a painting or some such he's doing down at the church and wants mine and Kara's opinion on it," he answered. Draco remained silent but at that moment a familiar voice was heard, "Master Draco!" The dragon turned to see young Sapphire coming towards him, "Sapphire..." he greeted as he knelt down to embrace the young girl. She returned the embrace as she spoke, "I am so happy to see you...I have missed you and Miss Sky so much," she then noticed that the dragon was alone, "where is she?" she asked. "Sky is unable to travel right now I've actually come to see your mother. Sky wishes for her to be there when the baby arrives," he replied. Sapphire's eye lit up, "mama is in the courtyard tending the flowers...would you like for me to go get her?" she asked. Draco smiled at her, "if you wouldn't mind?" he asked kindly. "I'll be right back..." she said turning on her heel and walking back the way she had came as Draco stood back up. "That little girl loves you, you know..." Bowen stated. Draco looked at his friend as he spoke, "I know she does and both Sky and I have become quite fond of her and Rose since getting to know them." Bowen nodded his head in understanding, "so how are those boys of yours?" he asked. Draco smiled, "they're doing well, Drake has come along well with his magic training and Geoff has really been doing well, though we've had to have a few talks here and there but nothing too bad." Bowen arched a brow at the dragon's words, "Drake has magic?" he asked. "Yes Aria was able to show him how to unlock it and he's able to use it now. Geoff and I have been working with him everyday..." Draco answered. "It's good that he has you as his teacher, they both are lucky to have you Draco," Bowen said. Draco smiled as a feminine voice reached their ears, "Master Draco..." "Hello Rose it is good to see you..." Draco said as he approached her. She came to stand in front of him as she spoke, "my daughter tells me that you came to bring me back with you because Miss Sky was asking for me." "It's true, Sky is nearing the end of her pregnancy and she wishes to have you there when our baby enters the world," Draco said. Rose nodded to let him know she had heard him, "is Miss Aria going to be there as well?" she asked. "She is but Sky felt it best to have an extra pair of hands for this," he answered. "And she's right it is best for there to be two people in the room for this kind of thing," she turned to her daughter, "Sapphire please go grab my satchel from our room and my pack." "Alright mama," Sapphire said before racing off to retrieve the items her mother asked for.

Back at the cabin Geoff was preparing the room next to his parents' room for Rose so when she arrived, she would have somewhere to sleep. He placed a bedroll he had kept at the foot of his bed on the floor of what would become the nursery when the baby arrived. "I hope she'll be comfortable in here like this..." he said to himself. He made his way into his parents' room for a moment, "I placed a bedroll in the nursery for Rose so she'll have a place to sleep when she arrives," he stated. Skygazer smiled, "thank you for doing that son...I would have done it if I were able to," she said. He smiled, "it's alright mom..I don't mind taking care of things. I know you need as much rest as you can get right now..." he said. "Yeah we both can help wherever you need us to," Drake added. "Thank you boys..." Skygazer replied, "Geoff can you keep watch for your father, I'm sure he'll be back any minute now." "Alright mother..do you need anything before I go downstairs?" he asked. She shook her head no, "no son I'm fine but thank you for asking though," she replied. He nodded then disappeared from sight to let Skygazer continue to rest. She looked at her belly before placing both her hands there to try and calm her fiesty little one nestled within. Drake kept a close eye on her, keeping his senses hightened for the slightest change. Even though he couldn't do it as well as his father, he was still determined to do his best in his father's absense.

It didn't take long for the young girl to return with the items Rose had asked her to retrieve, "thank you daughter..." she replied caressing her daughter's hair, "now I want you to be good for Sir Bowen and Lady Kara while I'm gone alright?" she asked. "I will mama..." Sapphire replied. "Good girl..." Rose said. Sapphire then turned to the dragon, "Master Draco..." he knelt down to her level, "yes Sapphire." "Promise you will take care of my mom while she stays with you and Miss Sky," she said. Draco held a claw out to the young girl, who placed her hand into it, "I give you my word Sapphire...I will look after your mother while she's with me and Sky," he said before placing a gentle kiss on her small knuckles. She smiled before embracing him warmly, which he returned and when she pulled back she looked at her mom, "I love you mama and I will see you when you return." Rose hugged her daughter briefly while Draco lifted the pack Rose was to bring with her. Rose then turned to Bowen, "please look after her for me..." she asked. Bowen nodded his head, "of course we will..." he then turned his gaze to his dragon friend, "protect her as you would Sky." Draco nodded his head, "you have my word.." he said before looking at Rose, "come we should be on our way." Rose nodded as she lifted her satchel and placed it on her shoulder, "alright." With that the pair began to walk from the main room and outside to the castle gate with Bowen and Sapphire following right behind them. Once outside Draco passed the pack to Bowen for an instant so he could transform into his dragon form. He held his claw out to her so he could lift her up onto his neck and once she was comfortable Bowen passed the pack to Draco so he could carry it in his claw. "Bye mama...Master Draco..." Sapphire said. Draco smiled at the young girl, "bye Sapphire...Bowen..." he said. "Take care," he replied. "Hold on Rose..." he said. She held to his horns as he raised his wings and propelled them into the air to head to the cave cabin where Skygazer and his sons were waiting.

It didn't take long for them to reach the cabin and as they approached they were greeted by Geoff who was standing by the boulder just outside the cave. When Draco came in to land Rose braced herself for the landing and was happy that the dragon she trusted had done so gently. Once Draco's feet had touched the ground Geoff came over to greet them, "I'm glad to see you back father," then he turned to Rose, "and you too Miss Rose..." he said. She smiled at him, "I'm glad to see you too," she said as Draco brought his hand up to help her down from his neck to be brought to the ground safely. Geoff was right there to help her down as he placed his hands at her waist to steady her so she wouldn't fall, "thank you..." she replied. "You're welcome..." Geoff replied. Draco passed the pack to his human son before transforming back into his humanoid form, "come on inside and we'll set up a place for you," he said. "That would be lovely thank you..." she said walking into the cabin with Geoff following right behind them.

Up in her room Skygazer was still leaning against the pillow on the bed as she continued to rest but upon hearing voices in the kitchen she smiled, "my love has returned..." she replied happily. Drake had noticed too and turned to look at his mother, "are you alright mom?" he asked. She looked at her dragon son, "I'm fine son...I just feel so tired..." she stated. He nodded his head to let her know he had heard her, "I'm sure but being this close to the end of it, I can imagine you are," he empathized as he came in to lay near the bed.

Draco brought Rose upstairs to the room the baby would be in once it arrive, "you can stay in here..." he glanced around the room, "I see Geoff has already placed a bedroll out for you." She smiled, "that was so thoughtful of him..." she said to herself, placing her satchel near it while Draco set her pack down as well. Draco looked at the young woman, "Sky is in the next room if you'd like to see her..." he said. "Alright, I'd like to have some girl talk with her anyway," she replied. He cocked a browridge at her but decided not to ask before turning on his heel to check on his mate with Rose following behind him.

When he entered their room he smiled at her, "how are you feeling my treasure?" he asked as he approached her side. She smiled at him before looking down at her belly, "I'm feeling alright...just tired," she said placing her hand there. Draco sat on the edge of the bed to place his claw on her hand as he gazed at the love blooming within, "soon we will meet our little one..." he said laying on his stomach on the bed to nuzzle against her belly affectionately. She smiled at him as she watched him, "he's gonna be an amazing father to our little one," she said to herself. He continued to nuzzle her belly lovingly as he listened to their little one's heartbeat, "heartbeat is even stronger today..." he said as he let a soft purr emanate from his throat. Skygazer smiled, "why did you do that?" she asked. He looked at her, "it's a way for our little one to get to know the sounds of our kind..." he said. She nodded as she placed both her hands on her belly, he placed a kiss on her belly before pressing his lips against hers in a tender kiss. When they broke off the kiss Skygazer noticed Rose who had been standing quietly at the doorway, "Rose..." she said. "Hello Miss Sky, I hope you've been feeling good throughout your pregnancy," she said. "I have and those herbs you brought me have really helped," Skygazer said. "That's good," Rose commented. Draco placed a hand on Skygazer's cheek, "I'll let you two ladies have a minute..." he said. Skygazer nuzzled against his palm briefly before kissing him once more before looking at his son, "come Drake we must continue your training.." he said, standing up and walking from the room. "Yes father..." he said standing up and leaping from the balcony towards the cave entrance.

The next little while the girls spent chatting about everything from Skygazer's pregnancy to how Rose's daughter was doing, "it's so good to hear that Sapphire is doing well, Draco and I have both been wondering how you two have been doing since we last saw you," Skygazer said. Rose was touched, "that's so sweet...we've both been doing good but even though she has the other children to interact with I think she still gets lonely." Skygazer thought for a moment before speaking, "maybe it's not so much that but the fact she doesn't have a father around." "Perhaps you're right..." Rose commented. It was then that Geoff came into the room, "oh hope I'm not interrupting something.." he said when caught sight of Rose. Skygazer smiled, "no son we were just chatting," she replied. "Oh well uh...I was gonna fix up some dinner if you two are hungry," he said. "That's so thoughtful thanks son," Skygazer replied. He then turned to Rose, "if you'd like to Miss, I could really use a hand." Rose smiled, "I'd be happy to," she turned back to Skygazer, "will you be alright up here?" she asked. "Yeah I'll be alright go ahead," Skygazer answered. Rose nodded before standing up and following Geoff down to the kitchen with Skygazer watching after them, "now they'll have a chance to talk..." she said placing a hand on her belly.

Now down in the kitchen the pair had time to talk, "so what were you thinking about fixing?" Rose asked. Geoff thought about it for a minute before answering, "I wasn't really sure...I know father has been making sure that mom eats something that's good for her while she's pregnant but being that I don't know about any of that, I'm not sure what to fix," he admitted. Rose smiled, "I have an idea or two...before I had Sapphire, Kara would make me soup that had both meat and vegetables in it." Geoff nodded his head to let her know he had heard her, "sounds easy enough..." he commented. She smiled, "I can take care of the vegetables if you want to get the meat for it," she said. "Alright..." he replied. With that the two began to fix up the soup for the family, Rose cut up the vegetables and herbs while Geoff cut up the meat. It wasn't long they had brought everything out to the firepit to cook in the stew pot over the open fire Drake had lit before getting back to his training, "this is really starting to smell good..." Geoff added. "Yes it is..." Rose commented as she stirred it. Geoff was silent for a moment or two before speaking, "so..." Rose glanced in his direction, "mom tells me you have a daughter." "I do..." she answered. "How old is she?" he asked. "She'll be fifteen in a couple of months but she's so mature for her age. I couldn't be happier with how she's grown into a very good young lady," Rose answered. "Must be hard to raise her on your own.." he said. "It has been at times but I do have Kara and Bowen to help me when I need it so it hasn't been so bad. What about you?" she asked. "My mother died bringing me into this world and I never knew who my father was so I was an orphan up until I was nine and began working as a stablehand," he said. Rose was sympathetic, "it must've been a difficult life..." she commented. "Kind of, fortunately the stableowner I worked for was always good to me and I worked there until I met Drake," Geoff said. She smiled at him before turning her eyes back to the soup to stir it again, "you are lucky to have had a kind man to work for. How long have you known Drake?" she asked. Geoff had to think about his answer before speaking, "I'd say almost a year now, life changed a lot after I met him." "I can imagine..." Rose said. "He's nothing like the stories I've heard about dragons when I was growing up. He's so kind and gentle but I guess being raised by monks, that's to be expected," Geoff said. "Yeah you do have a point there but I'm sure that Drake felt so alone before he met you. With being sheltered for so long and being the only dragon, I'm sure it was very difficult for him," Rose replied. "Yeah he was before finding out that Draco was his father he would get a distant look in his eyes whenever he would look up at the stars at night. Always wondering if there were any other dragons out there somewhere but knowing there wasn't...it always made him sad," Rose felt bad for the young dragon as Geoff continued, "I often wonder what kind of dragon he would've been if it hadn't been for everything that happened." Rose was silent for a long time before speaking, "I imagine he would've become more withdrawn and lonely if it hadn't been for you coming into his life," she placed a gentle hand on his as she said this, "you are both fortunate to have found each other." He smiled a small blush covered his cheeks before turning to watch his brother for an instant while Rose continued to keep an eye on the soup as it cooked.

A few minutes later Draco and Drake came over to rest by the firepit, "how was training today?" Geoff asked. "The same as usual, I think I'm really starting to get good at this whole magic thing," Drake turned his eyes towards his father, "isn't that right father?" he asked. Draco smiled and nodded, "yes son you are getting better." Drake smiled at his father's words before laying his head down to rest. Draco looked from his son to the pair in front of him, "how's the soup coming?" he asked. "It's nearly done.." Rose answered. "Alright I'll go bring Sky down then," he said standing up and disappearing from sight.

Inside her room Skygazer was feeling restless but as she went to sit up slightly a pain shot through her, "ow...what was that? Did I move wrong?" she wondered. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her mate coming into the cabin and up the stairs, "are you alright my jewel?" he asked as he entered. "I'm fine just a bit restless is all," she replied. He cocked a browridge at her, "I know you felt some kind of pain..." he said. She looked down slightly, "I think I just moved wrong is all," she quickly changed the subject, "is the food ready?" she asked as she had picked up the scent with her heightened sense of smell. "Yes that's what I was coming to tell you and to bring you outside to eat," he answered. She smiled, "alright...help me up.." she said, placing her hand in his claw as he wrapped an arm around her back to help her to her feet. They carefully began to make their way downstairs and out to the firepit where the rest of the family was waiting. Draco helped Skygazer sit down before taking up his place at her side as Rose placed the soup into the bowls that Geoff had brought outside. She handed them to the couple, Geoff and Drake before getting one for herself. They ate in content silence but every so often Geoff would steal a look at Rose or she would glance at him. Drake knew what was going on between them but remained silent because he hoped that Geoff did find a companion in Rose, he wanted for his brother to be happy. He also found himself glancing in her direction, "she's so beautiful..." he thought to himself. He shook his head slightly, "what's coming over me?" his mind was now filled with questions as a new feeling radiated through him. After dinner the family sat around the firepit enjoying the view of the sunset sky in front of them, "so beautiful..." Rose commented, "I don't think I've ever seen one so lovely before." "You should see it from the air...it's even better," Drake said glancing at Geoff as the former stableboy half-glared at his dragon brother. "She has a point," Skygazer commented, "Geoff..." he looked at his mother when his name was spoken, "why don't you take Rose for a short flight to enjoy the sunset?" she suggested. Geoff mentally cursed at his brother but Drake just smirked as Rose spoke, "I'd love to..." she said smiling. Geoff was surprised that she had said yes, "alright let's go..." Drake said standing up from where he had been laying with Geoff following suit. Drake came over to stand near the young woman, "here Rose I'll crouch down so you can get on," he said. She smiled at the young dragon, "thank you Drake..." she replied before getting onto his back. He stood up with her as he turned his head towards his brother, "you coming Geoff or is it just going to be me and her?" he joked. Geoff rolled his eyes at Drake, he knew he was teasing him, "alright I'm coming..." he replied before getting on behind Rose and placing his arms on either side of her to keep her from falling off. Drake turned his head, "you good up there Rose?" he asked. She nodded her head, "I'm fine Drake thank you..." she answered. "Just let me know if get to feeling uncomfortable or anything and I'll land. I want you to enjoy this flight with us..." he said. Rose smiled at Drake, "you are so considerate Drake, you get that from your father I take it," she replied petting his neck gently. He couldn't keep the soft smile off his dragon face as he felt his heart race in his chest. He was brought out his thoughts when Geoff spoke, "let's go Drake..." he said. With that the young dragon nodded his head before raising his wings up, "get ready..." he crouched slightly, "here we go..." he said as he launched them into the air. "Enjoy your flight!" Skygazer called after them. "We will mother!" Drake called back. Draco placed an arm around her shoulders before pressing his lips to her forehead, "they'll be fine..." he said.

Now away from the cave the three were enjoying the view before them, "look there Rose..." Drake said turning his head and motioning with his claw. She looked in the direction he indicated and upon doing so her eyes widened slightly, "wow..." was her response at the sight before her, "you were right Drake...the sunset is more beautiful from the air." Geoff smiled at the view before him then noticed the look on Rose's face but he became mesmerized by the beauty of her in the sunlight, "yeah beautiful..." he commented. Rose glanced over her shoulder at Geoff to see that he wasn't looking at the sunset, but her. A slight blush covered her cheeks at his words and she smiled at him before resting her head against his shoulder. His cheeks warmed slightly at the contact but kept it out of his voice, "come on Drake let's make a lap before we head back..." he said. "Alright.." was the dragon's response as he flew them over the nearby fields and hillsides before heading back towards the cave. When they neared the cave Drake spoke, "going in for a landing..." he announced to his two passengers to which they brace themselves. Drake did his best to land smoothly so as not to jostle the two humans on his back, "there we go..." he turned his head, "did you enjoy the flight Rose?" he asked. She nodded, "I did..to enjoy the sunset in such a way...I didn't think it could look even more beautiful but you two showed me different so thank you," she replied, placing a kiss on his muzzle. Drake's face softened and his heart raced as Geoff slipped from his brother's back, "here let me help you down..." he offered. Rose smiled, "thank you Geoff..." she said placing her hands on his shoulders while his went to her waist as she slipped from Drake's back. Once her feet was on the ground she smiled at Geoff, "and thank you for being so kind to me, to let me fly with you on your brother's back." Geoff rubbed the back of head slightly, "you're welcome and it was a pleasure." Drake nodded as he approached Rose, "we'll take you again anytime you want to Rose," he offered. It was then that Draco cleared his throat which made their sons look in his direction and made Skygazer giggle, "did you have fun with our sons Rose?" she asked. "I truly did..." she said coming over to sit near Skygazer, "the view from up there is so different." Skygazer nodded, "I know what you mean Rose..." she turned to her mate, "I always enjoy when we would take flights together..." she looked back at the young woman, "it feels like nothing else exists when you're up above the land." "It really does," Rose replied as Geoff came over to sit on a log while Drake lay near him. They sat around the fire for a few minutes more before Draco spoke, "the stars are shining brightly tonight..." he commented. "Yes they are..." Skygazer commented as she rested her hand on her belly. A slight breeze began to swirl around them which caused Skygazer to shiver slightly and Draco to look at her, "we should really get you inside," he commented. Skygazer merely nodded as Draco stood up, bringing her with him, "I'm going to take your mother inside..." he said as he began to walk away but stopped short to speak once more, "come Drake." Drake stood up as he spoke, "yes father..." he then turned to look at Rose, "goodnight Rose.." he said. "Night Drake...Sky...Draco..." she said as Drake reluctantly followed after his father. "And Geoff..." the stableboy looked at his dragon father, "don't stay out here too late.." Draco said. "Yes father..." he replied as the three disappeared into the cabin leaving Geoff and Rose alone by the fire.

A few moments went by with silence hanging around them before the breeze swirled around them again, "there's a slight chill in the air..." Rose commented. Geoff looked at her, "I don't have a blanket but you can sit by me and use my bodyheat..." he offered. She thought about it for a moment or two before nodding and moving to sit directly next to him. Geoff sideglanced at Rose as he spoke, "is that better?" he asked. Rose nodded, "yes thank you..." she said. Geoff smiled as he turned his eyes towards the star-filled sky, "despite there being a chill in the air, it's still a peaceful night.." he commented. "Yes it is...I don't often get to do this because I'm usually busy putting Sapphire to bed or making preparation for the next day's plans. I don't really get time for myself like this..." she commented. Geoff at her as she continued, "I don't remember the last time that I got to just enjoy the evening...alone or with anyone. In truth I never really felt comfortable enough to spend time with anyone like this. Sure I would spend time with Bowen and Kara when they would sit outside to enjoy the night but it's different for me because somehow...I always felt like the odd one out. They have each other but me...I don't have anyone..." she then placed a hand over her mouth as a gasp escaped her lips. Geoff gave her a curious look, "what's wrong?" he asked. She looked away from him, "sorry I've said too much..." she whispered. "No...it's ok...it's good to talk things out sometimes especially when it's something you've held to for so long," Geoff replied. She smiled, "thanks for understanding Geoff," she looked up at him, "I guess I didn't know how much I needed to talk until just now." "I know the feeling, I use to be the same way up until I met Drake, I never talk about things with anyone either," Geoff said, "do you ever write in a journal?" he asked. "Yes I write in a journal all the time but I've found that sometimes it doesn't really help," she replied. Then she got very quiet and Geoff took notice, "Rose?" She closed her eyes briefly as she spoke once more, "the things I write about sometimes becomes too much to deal with and it starts to feel like a burden on my heart..." she said as her eyes quivered slightly. Geoff seemed to sense her mood change and placed an arm around her shoulders to pull her in closer to him, to embrace her. She was initially surprised by the gesture but relaxed into it as she buried her face into his chest.

Now upstairs Draco had gotten Skygazer into their room and helped her lay back on the bed, "there you go mate..." he said before pulling the covers over her slightly. "Thanks baby..." she replied giving him a tired smile, "I love you..." she said. "I love you too my precious treasures," he said kissing her belly then her lips. She smiled as she snuggled down into the covers and Draco got in beside her. He wrapped his arm around her belly before drapping his wing over her as sleep overtook his tired body.

Back outside Geoff still held Rose tenderly in his arms, he couldn't help but notice that she wasn't pulling away from him and seemed to be welcoming the comfort he offered her. In her head she was silently wrestling with her own thoughts, "he's so kind..and gentle." She placed her hand on his chest, gaining his attention, "Geoff...can I ask you something?" "Of course..." he replied. Rose took a breath before letting it out slowly as she raised up to make her gaze meet his, "have you ever had a..." she stopped short when she realized what she was going to say, "no...nevermind..." she said standing up abruptly. Geoff looked at her back with confusion written on his face, "Rose whatever it is you can ask me. I won't judge you or get mad..." he reassured. Rose took a shaky breath as she spoke, "Geoff...have you...have you ever been with anyone?" she asked, still keeping her back to him. He was surprised at her question but was silent for a moment before answering her. Rose turned her head just enough to glance at the blonde-haired man sitting behind her. She saw that he was silently wrestling with his thoughts just as she had done and remained silent to allow him to think out his words. He looked at her as he took a deep breath before speaking, "no I've never had a relationship with anyone." she turned to look at him fully as he continued, "to be honest that was never anything I really thought about. I was more focused on becoming a Knight." Rose looked down slightly, "has anyone ever caught your eye?" she asked. Geoff nodded, "no the only woman I was ever around was Lian but she and I are just friends..." he stood up and walked over towards her, to stand in front of her. Rose was silent for a moment before speaking, "I see..." He looked down slightly before bringing his blue eyes to meet her soft brown ones, "why do you ask?" he asked curiously. She looked away briefly before looking back at him, "I was just wondering..." he listened intently, "I'm like you, aside from Sapphire's father, I've never had any other man catch my attention." She then took a small step towards Geoff in order to place a gentle hand on his heart. "but if I'm being honest...there's something within you that has gained my attention and I..." she looked down slightly, "I'd like to get to know you better," she looked back up into his soft blue eyes. He smiled down at her, "I'd like to get to know you better too Rose..." he replied softly. A moment passed between them before the breeze blew around them again which made Rose shiver, "come on...we should get you inside out of this wind..." Geoff said. She smiled, "alright.." she said as she began walking beside Geoff with his arm around her shoulders. When they entered the cabin they stopped just in kitchen, "thank you..." she said. Geoff cocked an eyebrow at her, "for what?" he asked. "For a nice evening...I've enjoyed it very much," she replied before embracing him, "goodnight Geoff." With his cheeks twinged pink, "goodnight Rose..." he replied. She smiled at him before making her way upstairs to the room she was staying in. He watched her disappear from sight before walking through the kitchen and into the room he shared with Drake, who was already peacefully sleeping. Geoff got himself ready to turn in before laying on his bed and as he stared at the ceiling he let a smile play on his lips before turning onto his side and drifting off to sleep. Up in room Rose put on her sleeping gown, braided her shoulder-length chestnut hair before laying on the bedroll Geoff had laid out for her before she arrived. As she lay back onto it she couldn't help but smile at the evening she had spent with this family and with Geoff, "I wonder where this relationship will take us?" she said to herself as she snuggled down into the covers and let sleep overtake her.

The next several days went by with Rose preparing for the day when Skygazer would give birth to her and Draco's baby. The couple was grateful to Rose for her being there at their cabin with their family. Geoff and Drake also helped Rose out where they could so everything would be ready. Draco had been staying even closer by Skygazer's side to keep a very close eye on her so if anything happened, he'd be there for her. Skygazer had been on bed rest so her body would be ready for the day their baby arrived, "I can't wait to meet you little one..." she said to her baby as she caressed her belly. Draco was leaning against the doorframe watching his mate closely, "she seems calm right now but I know that she's very nervous and a little scared...I feel it as if it were my own feelings. I just hope everything will go smoothly and she'll come through it alright..." he said to himself as he entered the room, "are you resting well?" he asked. Upon hearing her mate's voice she glanced in his direction, although she had already known he was there because of his scent lingering close by, "yes I am, for now at least..." she replied. Draco came over to kneel down beside the bed to place a gentle claw on her belly, "I know but I also know that you're nervous as well..." he added locking his gaze with hers. She looked down slightly at his words, "is it that obvious?" she asked, knowing the answer as their blood and heart bond allowed him to feel everything she did. Her silence told him that he was right, he nuzzled against her belly gently before sitting on the bed next to her, "my jewel you know I will be right by your side the whole time...I will never leave your side," he said caressing her cheek while she leaned into his touch. She smiled at him as she placed her hand on his claw, nuzzling against it before kissing his palm, "you're so sweet my Draco..." she said. He smiled at seeing her smile, "I am your mate my Sky...I'm always gonna be there for you no matter what because I love you," he placed a kiss on her forehead and gave her a soft purr-like growl to reassure her. She responded to him with a soft purr of her own as she had learned long ago how to mimic the sounds a dragoness would use in response to her mate. Draco had been surprised by her mastery of the dragon ways but it pleased him greatly.

Outside Drake was sunning himself on top of the cave while his brother Geoff was spending time with Rose, "you really are highly skilled Rose. I never knew there were so many herbs or any of their uses..." he said. Rose smiled, "well it's only natural to pick up on these things when you do it everyday. I use my healing skills a lot back at the castle but I do have more than just healing skills though." "What kind of skills?" he asked. She thought for a moment before speaking, "well back at the castle everyone that works in it is from the village so everyone learns everything. You already know of my cooking skills but I help out wherever I'm needed. Anything from the kitchen, the main hall...I teach several of the new members how to sew, to cook, healing and care and maintenance of the castle and stable. Bowen and Kara are very good to everyone there because everyone is from the village," Rose explained. Geoff nodded his head so she knew he had heard her, "that's a complete difference from the Kingdom I grew up in. The people of the castle are completely different than the people of the town and monastery...some are cruel. There are only a few kind people that I've ever known," he said. Rose was sympathetic and she placed a gentle hand on his, "you are fortunate that you did have some good people around you and Drake..." she said. Geoff smiled at her and placed his hand on hers in response to her kindness. Up on the cave roof Drake lazily opened an eye to see the gesture shared between his brother and Rose, and he couldn't help but feel a bit jealous as he decided to doze back off in the warm sun.

Later in the day Draco and Drake left to go on a hunt leaving Rose and Geoff to look after the cabin and a very pregnant Skygazer. Draco had been apprehensive about leaving Skygazer's side but knew he had a family to feed so he took his dragon son out to hunt down their dinner. Up in their room Skygazer was struggling, trying to sleep with her very large belly while Geoff and Rose prepared the firepit for when the dragons returned. Rose kept a close eye on the sky as Draco had mentioned that he could feel an approaching storm, "I truly hope he's wrong..." she said to herself but knowing that he probably wasn't as he was more in tuned with everything around him. Geoff could tell that Rose was slightly apprehensive, "you shouldn't worry Rose..." she glanced at the young man sitting beside her, "my father may be right about the storm but I don't imagine that it will be a rough one," he reassured. She smiled at him but became distracted when the sound of thunder reached their ears, "thunder..." she murmured. Geoff moved to wrap an arm around her shoulders and rested his head against hers, making Rose's cheeks flame with warmth but she leaned into his touch. This was a new experience for Geoff but he knew he had to be patient and take things slow with Rose so their relationship would be a strong one. Rose was happy and she felt safe with Geoff and knew he would be good to her, "I'm happy that I took this chance with him..." she said to herself as she enjoyed this time with Geoff.

Out on the hunt the father and son pair were just approaching the hunting grounds, "you're gonna go first this time Drake..." Draco said. The young dragon nodded his head so his father knew he had heard him as he scanned the ground carefully. It was then that he spotted a herd of mountain-living sheep below them, "there father..." he motioned. Draco nodded, "good now go hunt..." he instructed gently. Drake soared down silently to get into the right position to snatch one of the animals out of the herd. Draco followed closely to be able to snatch a second animal so there would be enough food to feed everyone. Drake got down close enough to snatch an animal from the group and the motion of the attack snapped the animal's neck, making a clean kill. Draco was able to snatch a second animal in the confusion of his son's attack and making a clean kill as well. Draping their kills across their backs the dragons began to make their way back to their cave home, "come on son let's get these back and get them ready to eat..." Draco said to which Drake nodded his head and followed his father.

Back at the cabin Skygazer, having been unable to sleep decided to sit on the balcony to get some fresh air, "it will do me good..." she said to herself. She placed her feet on the floor but as she went to stand up she felt a painful jolt, which nearly made her fall to the floor, "ah..." she placed a hand on her belly. She looked down as she panted slightly to try and deal with the pain, "that really hurt..." she said to herself. She stood still for a moment and waited for it to subside before trying to take a step towards the balcony.

Still making their return to the cave Draco had felt a jolt of pain race through him, making him shake his head slightly. "What is it father?" Drake asked. Draco glanced at his son, "just a muscle twinge I think..." he replied. Draco turned his eyes back in the direction of home, "I hope that's all it is..." was his only thought.

Skygazer was slowly making her way towards the balcony but as she went to take another step another pain jolted through her body, "ah!" she cried out before collapsing to the floor. She sat at the foot of the bed, panting heavily now because it had been more painful than before, "what's happening to me?" She didn't get a chance to think about it as another pain ran through her body making her cry out again and place a hand on her belly. Her panting was getting worse now, "please Draco...get back here soon..." she said between her panting.

At that moment Draco flinched as another pain went through his body and Drake took notice, "what is it?" he asked. Draco growled slightly because the pain had been worse, "we need to get back to the cabin...fast..." he said flapping his wings harder while Drake did the same in order to keep up with his father. Drake could tell that it was serious by the focused look on his father's face.

Skygazer could do nothing but sit at the foot of their bed because with her large belly, she was unable to stand up without help, "I need to get the attention of Rose or Geoff..." she said to herself. She was still panting but she knew she had to try, "Rose! Geoff!" she called out. She waited for a few moments before calling out again, "Rose! Geoff!" she called out a little louder this time. She was about to call out a third time but was interrupted by another pain racing through her body, "ah!" she cried out.

Outside Geoff had picked up on the sound of Skygazer's voice, "did you hear that?" he asked Rose, who shook her head no. He was silent for a moment more before hearing another cry, "mom..." he said as he stood to his feet and raced for the cabin with Rose on his heels. When they got inside Geoff called out to his mom, "mom!" Upstairs Skygazer heard the pair inside the cabin, "up here!" she called back. When they heard her response they quickly made their way up to the room Skygazer shared with Draco to find her sitting on the floor, "mom are you alright?" Geoff asked as he walked over to her. Skygazer shook her head no, "no...a sharp pain made me fall..." she said. Hearing this Rose became alarmed, "we need to get you up..." she said, turning to Geoff, "help me get her up..." she said. Geoff nodded and held his hand out to Skygazer as did Rose, "nice and easy..." Rose said. With her up on her feet Geoff placed an arm around his mother's back to support her, "just take it slow mom..." he said. She nodded her head as she took a few small steps back around the bed so she could sit on the bed. Rose looked at Geoff, "do you have her?" she asked. He looked at her, "yeah..." he replied. "I'm gonna grab my bag...I think we might need it..." she said disappearing from the room for a moment or two before returning with her bag in her hands. Geoff had managed to get Skygazer back on the bed to rest when Rose approached, "are you feeling any more pain?" she asked. Skygazer shook her head no, "not at the moment..." she replied. Rose could see that Skygazer was starting to get scared, she sat on the bed next to the woman before glancing at Geoff, "can you keep an eye out for Draco and Drake?" she asked. He nodded his head before walking from the room to head outside. Rose turned back to the woman on the bed, "Sky..." the woman looked at her, "I can tell you're scared...you need to remain calm because if this is it then you staying calm will help things go smoothly." Geoff was standing outside at the entrance of the cave keep his eyes on the sky, trying to spot his father and brother but he couldn't help but notice the sky darkening, "the storm is getting close..." he said to himself. Over recent months he had become intuned with the dragon senses he had gained when Drake had shared his heart with him. He stood there for a moment more before he heard a familiar sound of beating wings, "there they are..." he said as relief raced through him.

Up in the air Drake could feel how their return had relieved his brother and he turned to his father, "somethings happened..." he said to his father. Draco glanced at his son before noticing his human son below them, "Geoff..." he called down as the pair of dragons descended to the ground. Geoff came over to them when they landed, "I'm glad to see that you two have returned," he said. Draco arched a browridge at the way Geoff was talking, "what's happened?" he asked. "We came into the cabin and found mom on the floor..." he said. Draco became alarmed, "is she alright?" he asked, shaking the kill from his back. "She said she felt some pain. Rose is with her now..." he replied. Draco transformed into his humanoid form before heading into the cabin leaving his sons to deal with the kills. He decided to enter through the balcony doors, "my Sky!" he called out. When she heard her mate's voice she looked in his direction, "Draco..." she said panting. He noted her disheveled looked, "are you alright my jewel?" he asked sitting at her side. She leaned over to nuzzle him gently, finding comfort that he was near her, "I felt some pain race through me..." she was cut off when another raced through her, "ah!" she cried out. Draco ignored the shared feeling as he grabbed her hand in his claw and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "take it easy my love..." he soothed. Rose watched the couple silently for a moment, "where are Geoff and Drake?" she asked. Draco glanced at her briefly, "outside with the kills..." he replied. "I need some hot water..." she said. He nodded his head before turning to his mate, "I'll be right back..." he said kissing his mate's forehead briefly. Draco stood up and went out onto the balcony, "Geoff! Drake!" he called. When they heard their father's voice they came further into the cave, "yes father..." Drake said. "Geoff, Rose needs some hot water. Go to the hot springs and bring some back," he said gently. "Alright..." he turned to his brother, "come on Drake you can help me..." he said. "Ok Geoff..." Drake replied, following his brother.

Rose turned her attention to her bag to bring out some herbs that would be needed to mix with the hot water, "what have you got there?" Draco asked when he sat back beside Skygazer. "Some herbs that are good to use for this situation...they are also good for new babies as well," she explained. Draco knew a bit about healing herbs but not too much about this kind of thing, "I know of healing herbs but I was unaware of any that were used for this situation," he admitted. Rose smiled, "I'm not surprised, I'm sure that while Aria taught you much about herbs, I don't think she would've covered this part of herb use." He chuckled at her words, "you're right...she was too busy taking care of us hatchlings. The only reason I learned about herbs was that I came back after many of the hatchlings left so that Aria wouldn't be alone." Rose smiled, "you're so sweet Draco...you are defiantly nothing like any of the stories I heard growing up." Draco nodded his head, "I'm sure..." was his only response when Drake and Geoff returned with the hot water and a large bowl, knowing it would be needed. "Here's the hot water..." Drake said laying down on the balcony while Geoff placed the bucket near Rose before placing the bowl near her as well. A few moments passed with silence hanging in the room before it was interrupted by Skygazer crying out in pain again, "ah!" "My Sky..." Draco said placing a wing over her shoulders, ignoring the shared pain. "It hurts..." she panted out. Draco placed her hand in his to try and calm her. He then turned to his sons, "we need Aria.." he said. Geoff understood, "we'll go get her..." he turned to his brother, "let's go Drake..." he said. Drake nodded his head and followed Geoff outside but when they reached the entrance of the cave they were surprised to see that the storm had come in faster than they had known, "there's no way we can fly in that..." Drake said. Geoff knew he was right, "then what do we do?" he asked. Drake merely shook his head as they made their way back to the balcony and upon doing so gained their father's attention, "what are you still doing here? We need Aria.." he said. Geoff was gonna speak but Drake beat him to it, "we can't father.." he said. Draco arched a browridge, "why not?" he asked. It was then that the thunder boomed loudly outside, making Rose jump slightly, "that's why..." Drake said. The older dragon looked down slightly before looking at his mate as she panted through the pain she felt, "what do we do?" he asked, ignoring the pain racing through his body and looking at Rose. "We're going to have to deliver this baby..." she said. They could do nothing but listen to Rose now, "what do you need us to do?" Draco asked. "Is there any towels or a blanket we can use?" she asked. "Yeah I have one extra one left in our room," Geoff replied. "Go grab it quickly..." Rose instructed gently. Drake then stepped closer to her, "what do need from me?" he asked. "I think we've got everything at the moment but be ready just in case," she replied. Drake merely nodded as he lay down on the balcony while Geoff brought the blanket into the room and set it near Rose before he sat on the end of the bed and offered his mother support. Draco knew the pain that she was feeling would only get worse as her labor progressed but he was surprised that he was able to handle the pain he was feeling at the moment, "I don't know if I'll be able to handle this when the pain gets worse." Skygazer was panting through her contractions and silently wondered how Draco was able to handle what he was feeling now. She knew he was strong but she wasn't sure if he'd be able to handle it when it did get worse. She turned to Rose, "is there anything you can give Draco so he won't feel the pain I'm going through?" she asked. Rose looked through her bag for several moments as she took inventory of what she had with her. She fumbled through her bag but was unable to find anything to use, "I'm afraid that I don't have anything with me that I can give Draco so that it will help him deal with the shared pain." Skygazer looked down slightly but became distracted when another strong pain ran through her body but this time her water broke with it, "oh no...ah!" she cried. Draco shook off the pain that ran through his body as he kept his scaly arm around his mate to comfort her as she went through this, "I'm right here by your side..." he said. Skygazer panted heavily to try and deal with the pain she was experiencing, while Rose turned to Geoff, "I'm going to need you to help me..." she said. He merely nodded as Rose got up onto the bed and helped Skygazer to remove her clothes before placing her sleeping gown on her. She grabbed the blanket and placed it over Skygazer's legs before retrieving the other blanket from her room to use.

The storm raged outside the cave while the family prepared for the baby to arrive, "ok Sky...everything is going to be alright, I'm going to guide you through this and I know Draco is going to be right by your side. Just breathe in slowly and let it out slowly, you need to try and stay calm." Skygazer could only nod her head as another contraction ran through her and made her cry out again. Drake could do nothing but lay on the balcony and keep a silent vigal as his mother was going through this, "I hope she'll be alright.." he said to himself. Draco knew he would have to power through this moment because Aria wasn't there to use her magic. Skygazer felt the pain go through her body again, "alright Sky...when you feel the next contraction I need you to push..." she said. Skygazer merely nodded as Rose glanced at Draco, "I know you're bond with her is strong...if you get to a point where you can't handle the pain then tell me. I can give you an herb to try and manage it." Draco nodded his head as he focused his gaze on his mate, keeping his arm around her back. He could do nothing but watch as his mate went through this painful experience, it hurt him that he couldn't take the pain from her, "she's strong...she can do this..." he said to himself. Skygazer did her best to try and not cry out so much but it was hard because her contractions were so painful, "I don't know if I can do this..." she murmured to her mate. He nuzzled her gently, "yes you can...you are so strong my jewel..." Draco encouraged. Rose smiled at how Draco was able to focus on supporting his mate and not react to the pain she was going through, "ok I can start to see the head..." she said. Hearing this made the two young males in the room seem to perk up with curiousity, Drake eased over just enough to catch a glimpse of what was going on but quickly turned his head. Draco took notice to his son's reaction and found amusement in it. Geoff on the other hand was sitting beside Rose in case she needed him to help her with anything. Rose instructed and coached Skygazer through the whole ordeal, "alright the head is out," she locked her eyes with the woman in front of her, "the shoulders are going to be the hardest part of this but after that it should be easy." Skygazer could only nod as she breathed in and out the way Rose had told her to. Draco kept his arm around her small frame the entire time and ignored the pain going through his body but silently cursed the shared pains part of their bond. He had a strong will and that was the only thing that kept him from reacting to the pain as Skygazer did. Rose briefly glanced at Geoff, "get the blanket ready..." she instructed. Geoff held the blanket in his arms as Rose turned back to Skygazer, "now push...push..." she instructed. Skygazer did as Rose told her and pushed, making their baby emerge further from her body before breathing in and out again. Rose held the baby's head to support it while it was being born and made sure to keep doing so throughout, "ok the shoulders are just starting to emerge but try and stay as calm as you can.." she told Skygazer. With several more breaths she pushed again and when she began to feel the shoulders she tensed up slightly, "easy my Sky...I'm right here...try to relax as much as you are able..." Draco whispered into her ear to try and soothe her. At hearing his voice in her ear she immediately seem to relax, much to Rose's relief, "ok we need one more big push and your baby will be here..." she said. Skygazer took in several deep breaths to try and calm herself, to be ready for the last bit. "Alright now...push...come on big push..." Rose coached. Skygazer rested her chin on her chest and with every bit of strength she had pushed hard, "that's it...that's it...good girl..." Rose encouraged. "You're doing great mom..." Drake called and Geoff nodded his head. Skygazer let a small smile play on her lips briefly at having her family's support in this moment. Rose guided the baby out and soon it was laying in her arms, "it's here Sky...you're baby is here..." Rose said, her voice quivering slightly. Draco looked in her direction as the new scent filled his senses, along with Skygazer, Geoff and Drake. "What is it?" Skygazer asked between her panting. Rose smiled down at the tiny baby in her arms, "it's a girl..." she said before looking back at the woman on the bed. "A girl?" she asked. "Yes and she's beautiful..." she turned to Geoff, "we need something to clamp the cord before we cut it..." she said. "What about my tail claw?" Drake asked. Rose looked in his direction, "it's a temperary thing but we need something else." Geoff then spoke, "there's a strip of leather on the bedroll we can use that." "Go get it..." Rose instructed. Geoff raced off to retrieve it while Rose turned to Drake, "are you able to reach your tail over here if you lay in the balcony doorway?" she asked. "I can try..." Drake said as he stood up and carefully backed into the room. He stepped slowly back so as not to disturb anything and managed to reach the spot where Rose sat, "alright raise it carefully and open your tail claw." He did as she asked, "you stay still and I'll show you where to clamp it." It was at that moment that Geoff returned, "ok Drake close it there..." she said. He closed it just enough to clamp the cord, "Geoff place the strip of leather there and tie it tight..." she said. Once the strip of leather was placed onto the cord Rose spoke again, "ok Drake you can move your tail claw," she said as Drake withdrew his tail and turned back to face forward. She then turned to Draco, "you want to cut it?" she asked. He merely nodded as he stood from where he had been sitting to turn slightly so he could cut the cord with his tail claw. "There you go, nicely done..." Rose praised before turning to Geoff, "we need to clean her up before we wrap her in the blanket." Draco stood there and watched as his human son bathed the tiny baby before passing her to Rose. His keen eyes watched closely before her voice reached his ears, "here's your daughter," Rose said presenting the babygirl to her dragon father.

He remembered seeing a few humans holding their little ones in their arms and did as he had seen them do. Rose was surprised that Draco even knew how to hold a baby but remained silent, "she's beautiful..." she commented. Draco looked at Rose briefly before turning to Skygazer, "just like her mother," he murmured. Skygazer was tired but watched as her mate approached her side to sit next to her with their daughter in his arms, "aww she's so tiny..." Skygazer cooed as she looked upon her new daughter. Draco gently placed his daughter into his mate's arms while he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Skygazer smiled down at her baby girl, "hello Mirai..." she murmured tiredly. Upon hearing her name Draco's eyes widened, "Mirai?" he asked. She looked at him and nodded, "it suits her..." she replied. Draco could hardly believe it but he was deeply touched by his mate's gesture to name their daughter after his mother. Skygazer nuzzled against Draco's chest affectionately and he returned the gesture, giving her a soft purr as well. Rose looked at the new mother, "where did you get a name like that?" she asked curiously. Draco was the one to answer, "my mother.." was his only response. Drake slowly came over to inspect the new addition and to get to know her scent, "she so tiny..." he commented. As the family looked at the new baby she begin to wrinkle her nose before opening up her tiny eyes to the world around her. A small gasp escaped Skygazer's lips, "look she opened her eyes..." she said. Draco looked down at his tiny daughter to see her eyes were just like his, "she has golden eyes..." he commented. "Just like her daddy..." Skygazer replied nuzzling her mate's chest again. Mirai looked up at the dragon sitting next to her mother and seem to lock her tiny gaze with his, "a little stare down.." Rose joked earning a laugh from Skygazer. Draco gave his daughter a soft purr and to his surprise she didn't cry at the sight of him. Geoff took notice, "she doesn't seem to be afraid of you dad..." he commented. "Why would she be? He's her father..." Rose remarked. "I didn't mean it like that, I just meant that I thought she would become a little startled at first because this is her first look," Geoff explained. Drake came in a little closer to look at his new little sister and Skygazer turned Mirai slightly so she could see him. Draco stood to allow Drake to get closer so Mirai could get a good look at her dragon brother, "nice and easy Drake..." Draco said. Drake took tiny steps towards his little sister before she looked in his direction which made him stand still for an instant. Mirai wrinkled her nose slightly but to everyone's surprise she didn't react to him the way they thought she would, "hey there little one..." Drake said, speaking softly to Mirai as he took another small step towards her. "She is defiantly your daughter Draco...not afraid of anything..." Rose commented as she began to clean Skygazer up. "She recognizes your voices..." Skygazer commented.

It was then that Draco remembered the kills they had brought back, "can you two take care of the kills outside?" he asked looking at Geoff. "Yeah...come on Drake," he said walking from the room. Drake looked back at his sister once more, then Rose before going out through the balcony doors to follow Geoff.

Once Rose had Skygazer cleaned up she disposed of what needed to be then went outside to help the boys prepare their dinner. Now left alone Draco spoke, "I am so proud of you my treasure..." he said nuzzling Skygazer affectionately. She gave him a tired smile, "I couldn't have done it without you here my love..." she replied, returning the gesture. Draco turned his eyes from his mate to their tiny daughter who was now nursing, "she's perfect..." his face softened, "I never imagined that in all my years that I would have had a hand in creating something so pure.." he murmured. Skygazer looked at her dragon as he continued, "you really surprised me when you gave her the name my mother had...I know she would be so happy." Skygazer could tell that even though he was smiling, he still felt a bit of sadness because she could feel it as though it were her own. She placed a gentle hand on his claw, "I know that this is all bittersweet for you but I know she, your father and the elders are smiling down us. They know that you have found true happiness with a mate that loves you with every beat her heart makes," she said nuzzling under his chin. He returned the gesture and gave her a soft purr-like growl, "and I love you more than life itself my precious treasures..." he replied, wrapping an arm around Skygazer, to hold her close while he watched Mirai nurse.

At the cave entrance, the boys had already skinned out the two sheep Drake and Draco had brought back, "well we have them skinned and cut up but we're not gonna be able to use the firepit tonight," Drake turned his head to look outside their cave home, "not with this storm going on.." he said. Rose smiled at the pair, "not to worry I can just make soup with the meat, besides it will be good for Sky to have something like that after her ordeal today." Rose, with the help of Geoff took the meat into the cabin while Drake lay at the entrance of the den to watch the storm for a bit as his mind lingered on Rose.

Now in the kitchen Rose showed Geoff the best way to prepare the meat for cooking, "you know a lot about seasoning meat and such," Geoff commented. "Yes well, back at the castle we use a lot of meat in the kitchen along with vegetables...so it's only natural to learn how to prepare it for cooking," Rose replied. Geoff was silent for the longest time while he watched Rose cook the meat. He had a burning question in his brain that he wanted to ask but wasn't sure if he should or not because he was afraid of the answer. Over the pass couple weeks Rose had been here with his family he had grown very fond of her and he was sure she had become fond of him as well. He knew at some point she had to return to the castle because her daughter Sapphire was there waiting for her to return. As they cooked dinner for the family silence hung in the room but Rose could tell that something was on the young man's mind. She had only been around him these pass couple weeks but she was learning how to read him, "is something on your mind?" she asked, glancing out the corner of her eye at him. He looked away from her briefly before locking his gaze with hers, "you could say that.." he replied. "Then please speak was is on your mind," Rose encouraged. Geoff was silent for a few moments before speaking, "perhaps it's best we talk about after dinner.." he said finally. Rose merely nodded her head to let him know she had heard him, "alright.." she replied as she stirred the soup, "dinner is ready..." she said. Geoff smiled, "I'll let everyone know..." he said before disappearing upstairs.

Upstairs Skygazer had just finished feeding their daughter when the sound of footsteps was heard in the hall, "is that you Geoff?" she asked. "Yes mother," he replied. "You may enter," Draco replied. As he entered he saw his mother holding his little sister, "Rose says dinner is ready," he said. Skygazer smiled, "ok son we'll be right there..." she said placing her daughter on their bed. "As soon as we get Mirai down for the night we'll come downstairs," Draco said. "Alright father..." Geoff replied before going back downstairs. Draco made up a temporary bed for Mirai until they came back up from dinner before Skygazer placed her down to sleep, "there you go my precious gift...you rest now..." she said placing a gentle kiss on Mirai's tiny forehead. Draco smiled at the scene in front of him, "you really should rest for now," he said. Skygazer looked at her dragon, "dearest I'm fine really...besides I need to eat to replenish my strength." "That's why I said you should just rest here and I can bring up your dinner," Draco suggested. Skygazer knew that he was only looking out for her and decided to relent, "alright...I'll do it your way...this time..." she replied before playfully nipping at his neck. He responded to her with a soft purr-like growl, "there will be time for that when you've recovered. For now just rest and I'll bring your dinner to you," he replied, caressing her cheek lovingly, being mindful of his claws. She leaned into his touch before kissing his palm, "alright my love..." she replied. He smiled at her, "I'll be right back..." he said disappearing from the room. She sat back on the bed and shook her head slightly, "what am I going to do with him..." she said to herself.

When Draco reached the kitchen turned to Rose, "where's the platter?" he asked. "It's in the pantry," she replied. "Is mom not eating down here with us tonight?" Geoff asked. Draco shook his head no, "she needs to rest in bed to replenish her strength from bringing your little sister into the world. So I'm taking dinner up to her..." he replied. "Will you be eating with her?" Rose asked. "Yeah I'd like to keep an eye on them for a while," Draco replied as he put some soup into the bowls, placed them on the platter then disappeared back upstairs to eat with his mate. Geoff watched after his father for a moment or two before speaking, "guess it's just the two of us tonight.." he stated. "What about Drake?" Rose asked. "I'll go get him," Geoff said before standing up and going outside where he knew Drake had gone. When he reached his brother's side he found him peacefully sleeping as the sound of the rain hitting roof of the cave had lulled the young dragon to sleep. Geoff found amusement in it, "goodnight brother..." he whispered as he walked back inside the cabin. "Where's Drake?" Rose asked. Geoff chuckled, "he's asleep...the sound of the rain always does that to him." Rose laughed, "so much like a child..." she commented. Geoff laughed at Rose's comment but became serious, "so about earlier..." Rose looked in his direction as he continued, "it's just...I know my family has enjoyed having you here with us but...if I'm being honest I've really enjoyed getting to know you and spending time with you while you've been here." Rose remained silent to allow Geoff to get out everything he wanted to say, "I know we haven't known each other very long but I..." he looked down slightly, "I've grown very fond of you Rose and I will miss you when you go back to the castle but I know you have to go back to Sapphire." Hearing this made her cheeks warm as a gasp escaped her lips, "Geoff..." she breathed. Upon hearing how soft her voice was he looked in her direction, "you're so sweet Geoff and it means a lot to me..." she replied in almost a whisper. He smiled at her, "it's true Rose...I feel like in the short time we've had together, I've grown close to you." Rose couldn't hide the blush on her cheeks, "I feel the same way..." she replied softly. It was then that Geoff stood from where he had been sitting to stand next to her, "will you take a walk with me?" he asked, extending his hand to her. She gave him a soft smile before placing her hand in his and allowing him to pull her to her feet. The pair then walked from the cabin hand in hand to walk down the tunnel towards the hot springs, "where are we going?" Rose asked. "I thought I would show you the hot springs," he stated. She laughed, "Skygazer showed me the day after I arrived," Geoff looked away slightly but Rose gained his attention when she placed her other hand on his, "but I would love to see them again with you..." she replied with a smile. He smiled at her before continuing down the tunnel towards the hot springs. When they reached them the steam seem envelope them in it's warm embrace, "it's so relaxing back here..." Rose commented as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Yes it is..." he replied resting his head against hers. Then a thought struck him, "you wanna to sit on the edge with our feet in the water?" he asked. She nodded, "that sounds nice..." she replied. With that the pair removed their shoes and moved to sit on the edge of the hotspring pool. Silence passed between them for several moments before either of them spoke, "thank you Geoff..." "For what?" he asked. "For always being so kind to me and patient with me...I know that this relationship is new for both of us but..." she turned to look at him, "I believe it will be worth it..." her face softened as a smile played on her lips. Geoff had a similar look on his face but as they gazed into each other's eyes something pass between them and in that moment their bodies seem to move on their own free will. They were only mere inches between them, both wore bright blushes on their faces and each were unsure as to what to do. In that moment they knew they had to make a decision, "Rose I..." Geoff started. "I know..." she breathed placing a gentle hand on his cheek to caress it gently, he leaned into her touch slightly before placing his hand on hers. He gazed into her gentle brown eyes and as he became lost in them, he placed a gentle hand on her cheek, "so beautiful..." he breathed as he drew her closer to brush his lips against hers in a chast kiss. Rose was surprised at the contact but responded to the kiss by returning it, "this is our first kiss...and it's everything I could've imagined.." she thought to herself. When they let go of the kiss Rose rested her forehead against Geoff's briefly before looking up into his eyes and smiling at him. He returned the smile as she rested her head on his shoulder while he rested his head against hers and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

Meanwhile Draco had come back downstairs to place the bowls into the sink and upon doing so he found the kitchen empty, "wonder where they went off to?" he wondered. He then noticed that Drake wasn't in the room either, "did they turn in for the night early?" he said as he walked into his sons' room. Not seeing them there he walked outside to see the storm still raging but found Drake peacfully sleeping at the entrance of the cave again, "what am I going to do with him..." he said shaking his head slightly. Finally he figured that they went to the hot springs, "I'll have to talk to Geoff it seems," he said to himself as went back inside and up to the room he shared with his mate. Upon entering Skygazer smiled at him, "awfully quiet down there...did they turn in early?" she asked. Draco shook his head no, "it would seem Geoff and Rose went to the hot springs and Drake fell asleep watching the storm again." Skygazer giggled, "he so much like a baby sometimes..." she commented. "Yes he is but I know when he wakes up he'll be hungry because he missed dinner tonight," Draco replied, sitting next to his mate. Skygazer nuzzled against his shoulder, "I'm sure it will be fine dear, didn't you go without eating sometimes long ago?" she asked. He nodded, "but I'm an adult dragon and can do that, Drake is young and it's not good for him to do that." Skygazer knew Draco was only looking out for his son, "maybe you can take him out hunting in the morning," she suggested. He nodded, "I will..." he turned to look at her fully, "we should try and sleep..." he said. Skygazer let a yawn pass through her lips, "perhaps you're right.." she replied. Draco could not only hear how tired she was but he could feel it as well, "goodnight my precious treasure..." he said standing up from his place on the bed to pull the cover over her. She snuggled down into their warmth before dozing off into a peaceful slumber. Draco smiled at her before turning his gaze to his daughter, he moved to crouch down beside her as she slept on the temporary bed he had fixed for her. He placed a gentle claw against her tiny body so she would feel his warmth, "I promise little one...I will always be there for you..." he replied softly. He carefully stood up to lay next to Skygazer, he curled his body around hers before wrapping his arm around her and drapping his wing over her as sleep overtook him.

Back at the hot springs Geoff turned to look down at Rose as she had become quiet at his side, he tilted his head down to see that she was half-dozing. He smiled as he spoke softly, "come Rose...we should really turn in for the night.." he said. She glanced up at him, "yeah I guess we should..." she replied reluctantly. They pulled their feet from the soothing water to place their shoes on their feet. Geoff then surprised Rose by picking her up into his arms and carried her back to the cabin. Her face felt warm at the contact but snuggled down into his embrace as they went. Once they had reached the cabin Geoff placed Rose back onto her feet and entered hand in hand. Standing there together Geoff held both of Rose's hands as he spoke, "I had a really nice evening with you Rose, I hope you did too." She smiled, "I did...very much.." she replied as her blush still played on her cheeks. He let go of one of her hands to caress her cheek gently before pressing his lips against hers once more, "goodnight Rose...sweet dreams.." he said. "Goodnight Geoff, sweet dreams to you too," she replied before letting go of his hand and making her way upstairs to turn in for the night. Geoff watched after her for a moment or two before going to the room he shared with Drake to get some sleep as well.

It was about midnight when the dragon awoke to the sound of his tiny daughter whimpering, he raised his head up to look down beside him to see his mate still peacefully sleeping. He wore a soft smile, "she's still so tired and rightly so..." he said to himself as he raised up off the bed. He flexed his wings slightly before coming around the bed to where they had fixed up a temporary bed for Mirai. He knelt down beside her to place a gentle claw near her, "there...there little one...I'm right here..." he whispered. He made sure to be especially gentle with her when he brought a claw near her, he raised a single finger to brush it against her soft skin. This simple contact seemed to calm the tiny girl which made Draco smile down at her, it was then he was surprised when Mirai grabbed a hold of his finger. He remained still and silent as she allowed her to hold to him, he couldn't help but feel pride race through his body at this tiny being he had helped create. "She's my precious little treasure..." he said to himself. Mirai held to his finger for several moments before drifting back off to sleep and letting her tiny hand fall back down, "sweet dreams my little one..." Draco murmured as he carefully stood up from where he had been knelt down. He stretched slightly before glancing in the direction of Skygazer to see her still sleeping peacefully. He smiled before deciding to make his way outside to sit on the balcony for a moment. Once he stood on the balcony he could see Drake still laying at the entrance of the cave, still sound asleep. He found amusement in it but became distracted by his thoughts as well as memories of a night he had spent on Avalon on a night when a storm raged.

Memory:

On Avalon Draco was spending time away from the three humans he had travelled here with. He was very much sore after taking a head dive down in the shallow water of the river outside the village they had tried to swindle. "Ow..." he hissed, "how did neither of us know that the water was so shallow?" he said to himself, rubbing a claw over his neck. He dropped his claw from where it was upon deciding to lay in the water to try to sooth the aching in his neck and head. He lay some distance out so he would be somewhat submerged to allow the water to sooth him. While laying there his thoughts turned back to the conversation he and Skygazer'd had before he left, "she's going be so upset with me...as if she wasn't already. I gave her my word that it would be just the two of us the rest of the evening..." he let a frustrated sigh expel from his nostrils. He felt bad that he hadn't been able to keep his word to the only human woman that had ever captured his interest but he was also intrigued that she had managed to do so at all. The only time he had ever been with anyone was before he ever knew who Bowen was, a time when he was with the Scarred One. He drifted deeper into his thoughts as he half-dozed in the surf, "how was this human woman able to ensnare me so easily? How could a creature like me even have any interest in a human woman at all?" His mind was so full of questions but could find no answers as he slowly raised his head up, only to hear several pops which alleviated some of the pain he had been feeling. He smiled to himself but it quickly faded as his mind still lingered on the woman he knew was waiting for him to return, "what am I going to tell her? Will she even want to see me?" He let an annoyed growl erupt from his throat as a fireball flew from his nostrils and into the air as a way to vent his frustration, "I need to find her when we return and hope that I haven't ruined what she and I have." He stopped when he realized what he was saying, "by the elders..." he looked down at his reflection absently, "it would seem that I have fallen for her without truly realizing it..." he said to himself. That night he stared up at the star-filled sky as if trying to find an answer to the question that burned in his mind after making his realization, "please...don't let me have ruined the relationship I have with Sky..." he whispered to the elders in hopes they would hear him.

End of Memory:

Draco shook his head slightly as he was brought back to reality when the thunder boomed outside the cave again, "seems the storm will last all night..." he said to himself. He decided then he would go back into the room he shared with his mate and baby daughter. Upon entering he lay back beside Skygazer as she slept, curling his body around hers in order to wrap his arm around her before drifting back off to sleep.

Draco's Dream:

In his dreams, he had returned from Avalon and was searching for Skygazer knowing she would be worried about him, at least he certainly hoped so, "I have to find her..." was his only thought as he flew over the landscape, in search of the one human woman he longed to see. He flew towards their usual spot in hopes of finding her, "if she's not here then I don't know where to look for her.." he said to himself as he neared the waterfall. Once he was in sight of the waterfall he was relieved to see a horse and a familiar form below him, "thank the elders..." he breathed as he came into land on the bank of the small river.

Skygazer had been sitting on a rock near the waterfall, silently wondering what she should do when she suddenly heard the familiar sound of wingbeats above her, "so...he's finally returned..." she said to herself. She turned only slightly when he landed behind her, "my Sky?" he said. She looked down at the ground before turning her back to the dragon as she tried to hide the tears forming in her eyes. Draco knew from the look on her face that she was hurt, "Sky..." he whispered as he slowly approached her but still giving her space. "Are you not happy to see me?" he asked. Skygazer refused to look at him as she faught back her tears but even though her back was to him, she knew he could smell her tears. She was unsure of what to say to him now that he was standing behind her, she was still a bit upset that he hadn't come back the day before yesterday. Silence hung in the air before either of them spoke, "where have you been?" she asked not looking at him. Draco was taken back by her tone and he knew...he knew that she was still sore at him, "Sky...I know you're angry with me but please...let me explain.." he took a few small steps towards her. She turned her head just enough to glance at him from the corner of her eye, "I'm guessing you already know from the word around the village that the plan didn't go as it was meant to..." he said. Skygazer said nothing as she furrowed her brows at his words. Draco closed his golden orbs as a sigh pass through his dragon lips as he spoke, "I understand why you're upset with me and I..." he didn't get to continue as she stood up and whirled around on him, "oh do you? Do you really? I doubt that..." she snapped, crossing her arms across her chest. He knew she was angry but had never expected her to snap at him like that, he sat on his haunches knowing full well that it was best if he kept his distance from her for the moment. Skygazer looked at the dragon who sat across from her as her eyes became filled with tears again, "do you have any idea how long I waited for you to come back? Do you know how worried I was about you? Or that I had to find out that you had flown off with Bowen and two others on his horse? Where the hell have you been for the past couple of days?" she said wiping the angry tears away from her face. Draco hung his head knowing what he had put this woman through after not returning when he had promised to. For a moment or two he wouldn't meet her gaze and she once more turned her back to him, "what have I done? How could I put her through that?" He stood up and silently approached her until he was only a couple of steps away from her, "my Sky...I am truly sorry for what I have put you through, it was never my intention..." he trailed off. She snorted at his words, "it never is..." she muttered. He felt a pang of guilt at his actions, "I have no excuse for how my actions made you feel and I understand if you don't wish to see me anymore..." Hearing this made her turn her head just enough to see him standing behind her as he continued, "at the very least...let me explain what happened." He waited patiently as he allowed her a moment to contemplate his request but continuing. She let a sigh pass through her lips as she spoke, "I'm listening..." was her only response. Draco was relieved that she was willing to hear him out and began to unravel the details of what all had transpired the day before yesterday. When he concluded his explaination Skygazer was silent for the longest time as she let everything Draco had told her sink in. He lay in front of her, still giving her a bit of space to let her calm down before getting any nearer to her. After several moments of complete silence Skygazer turned her eyes to the dragon who patiently waited for her response. She honestly didn't know what to say however as she just stared at the ground in front of her. Seeing this Draco hung his head slightly and was ready to stand and leave when her voice reached his ears, "you were really on Avalon?" she questioned. He turned his golden gaze to meet her bright blue one, "yes we were and in a storm no less.." he commented. "Hmn...why didn't you come back sooner?" she asked. Draco wasn't sure how to answer but knew he had to, "they wanted to make a plan before we returned..." he stated. "We?" Skygazer arched a brow at the dragon. "Bowen, Brother Gilbert and Kara.." he replied. Skygazer wrinkled her nose slightly at the woman's name as she wasn't too fond of her right now and understandably so, "how are your injuries?" she asked. Draco lay his head down as he spoke, "my neck is still sore from the landing but with time it will heal..." he replied. She nodded her head to let him know she had heard him but he could read her face, as he had learned much from being around her, "you have more you wish to say?" he asked. Skygazer glanced at him before turning her eyes to the ground in front of her, "you have no idea how worried I was about you..." her voice slightly wavered. "I thought something bad had happened to you and that...you had been..." she couldn't bring herself to say the words. Draco wanted to comfort her but was unsure if she wanted him near her, "my Sky..." he whispered as she continued. "When I came back to camp that night I was in tears...and I...I cried myself to sleep because...my heart broke at the thought of never seeing you again. If that were to happen I...I wouldn't have any reason to..." she couldn't speak anymore as her tears fell down her cheeks. Draco could not keep his distance anymore as he moved to lay by her side and to nuzzle her as he had never done before. Hearing her pain so thick in her voice, pained him to the depths of his very soul, "oh my Sky..." he brought his claw up to rest against her back while he brought his head down to rest his chin there as well, "seeing you in this state has pained me to the depths of my very soul and no amount of regret could ever express how truly sorry I am for hurting you so deeply. I can only hope that you can somehow find it in your heart to forgive me..." he said, as his voice seem to waver as well. Skygazer's tears fell as she buried her face into Draco's neck, relieving her heart of all the hurt she felt. Draco could do nothing but try to comfort the woman who had captured his heart as he continued to hold her in a tender embrace, being careful not to hurt her. After a few moments Skygazer pulled back just enough to wipe her remaining tears from her face before resting her cheek against his neck once more. She enjoyed being held by this dragon, she had found over the couple of days she was without him how much she longed to see him again. This only led to the realization that he had somehow captured her heart and she had fallen in love with him. She placed her hand over the scale she knew covered his half-heart before placing a gentle kiss there. This action caught the dragon off guard as he pulled back just enough to look at her. With his golden eyes on her, he brought up a claw to caress the side of her head gently, being mindful of his claws. She placed her hand on his claw to nuzzle against his palm before looking up into his gentle eyes. Her face softened as she spoke, "Draco..." she breathed, "I'm relieved that you're back and that you're safe...I've really missed you and I..." she looked down as a blush played on her cheeks. Draco could clearly see it as he smiled at her, "I have missed you too my Sky..." his voice so soft as though it were a prayer. He brought his head down to rest his muzzle against her forehead to nuzzle her gently as a content sigh passed through her lips. In that moment something passed between them and they both realized just how strong their feelings for each other were. They spent the rest of the evening together, never leaving each other's side.

End of Dream:

He was awoken with a jolt as the sound of Mirai crying pulled him from his dream, he raised his head up to glance down at his mate as she too began to stir. Skygazer raised herself up and made her way over to her crying daughter, "there there now...I know you're hungry..." she murmured as she brought the baby over to their bed to feed her. She placed the little girl in her lap briefly to remove her shirt and under garment that covered her breasts, "here you go little one..." she whispered holding Mirai to her breast. A moment passed before she placed her tiny mouth onto her mother's breast and began to nurse. She smiled down at Mirai, "she's perfect..." she murmured. Draco, who was now sitting next to her leaned down to rest his chin on her shoulder to gaze at their beautiful little girl, "she is..." he turned his head slightly, "just like you..." he playfully let his tongue flick against her cheek. She laughed at his antics but smiled at him, as she enjoyed his playful nature.

Downstairs Geoff was just starting to awaken and upon doing so turned his head to see his brother's bedding empty, "he must've slept at the entrance again..." he said shaking his head slightly before getting up from his bed. Once he was dressed in some fresh clothes he made his way outside to see Drake laying at the entrance of the cave. He rolled his eyes as he approached his dragon brother, "come on...wake up sleepyhead..." he said, playfully grabbing at his tail. Drake opened his eyes when he felt Geoff's touch, "hmn what...where am I?" he questioned drowsily. Geoff laughed, "are you so out of it that you don't know where you are?" he joked. Drake raised his head up to look behind him to see Geoff standing there, "what are you doing out here?" He watched his brother shake his head at him, "what is it?" Drake asked. "Drake...you've been out here since after our little sister arrived. You even missed dinner..." he stated. Drake looked down slightly, "oh I hadn't realized that I had been sleeping for so long..." he stood up to stretch his dragon body out before sitting on his haunches, "you think father knows?" he asked. Geoff nodded his head, "I'm sure he does..." Geoff said. Drake flexed his wings slightly, "I hadn't slept that deep in so long...I was more tired than I realized." Geoff came over to lean against Drake's shoulder, "I'm not surprised all the training you've been doing must've caught up with you." Drake gave a half-smile, "I suppose you're right." The young dragon then turned his eyes to look outside the cave, "it appears the rain has finally stopped." "Yeah, that was a really rough storm last night. Roughest one we've had in a long time..." Geoff replied. "You think there will be anything out and about right now?" Drake asked. Geoff merely shook his head, "I doubt it, the land is completely soaked from the rain...no way anything would move this morning." "Then what do we do about breakfast?" Drake questioned. Geoff thought for a moment or two, "guess we'll just have to eat some left over soup from last night, come on." With that Geoff turned on his heel and made his way inside with Drake following right behind him.

Up in her room Rose was just waking up, having heard the cries of Mirai coming from the master bedroom, "seems they're up already..." she commented. She pushed the covers back off her body before standing up and stretching out her body, "a nice hot soak in the hot springs is just what I need before preparing some breakfast for everyone." She grabbed some fresh clothes and made her way downstairs. When she came into the kitchen she found Geoff and Drake already there, "good morning you two," she greeted. Drake turned his head in her direction, "morning Rose..I hope you slept well." She smiled at him, "I did but when it rains I tend to sleep deeper than I normally do." Geoff laughed, "kinda like you huh brother..." he joked. Drake merely smiled, "yeah I do too..." he stated. Rose laughed at the brothers' antics, "I'll prepare us some breakfast when I return from the hot springs," she said. "Ok Rose..." was Drake's only response. Geoff watched her disappear from sight briefly before becoming lost in his thoughts of the night they had spent together. Drake noticed the distant look on Geoff's face, "hey Geoff.." he turned upon hearing his brother speak to him, "you seem preoccupied this morning...something on your mind?" he asked. Geoff looked down slightly, "you could say that..." he replied. Drake arched a browridge at him curiously, "care to share?" he asked. Geoff decided he would share with Drake what happened between him and Rose the night before.

Now at the hot springs Rose stripped out of her clothes and sank down into the soothing hot water, "ahhh this feels so good..." she sighed contently. She let her head rest on the edge of the pool for a few moments before she bathed herself, "it's too bad I don't get this kind of time to myself more often back at the castle. I have to say that I will miss it when I return..." she said to herself. Once she had bathed she made her way towards the entrance of the cave only to hear a loud ruckus coming from the brothers' room, "what on earth?" she wondered as she neared the double doors.

Inside their room, Geoff had been telling Drake about the evening he spent with Rose when Drake began to feel strange, "something doesn't feel right.." he stated. "What do you mean?" Geoff questioned. Drake didn't get to answer as his body felt as though it were on fire and he roared out in pain. "Drake!" Geoff shouted before turning his head towards upstairs, "father!" he called out.

Upstairs Draco was still sitting with Skygazer as she fed their daughter but became distracted when the sound of a disturbance reached his sensitive ears, "what was that?" he wondered. Skygazer looked up from Mirai, "what was that? Are the boys roughhousing inside?" she said. Draco became cross, "they know better than that but it seems I will need to speak with..." he didn't get to finish his thought when he heard Drake roar and Geoff call out, "father!" Draco became alert, "stay here..." he said before darting out the room and making his way out the balcony doors and down to the cave floor. When he opened the double doors of his sons' room he found Drake writhing in agony. Draco turned to Geoff, "what happened?" he asked. Geoff shook his head, "I don't know we were just talking and all of a sudden he said he didn't feel right and then he starting doing this." Draco focused his senses on his son's body to try and find the cause of pain, "I don't understand what's happening," Drake said as he shook his head to try and rid it of the pain. Draco came close to place a claw on his son's shoulder, "we should get you outside..." he said. Understanding his father's meaning he quickly got to his feet and ran outside as quickly as he could with Draco and Geoff right on his heels. About this time Rose reached the cabin to find the family coming outside and Drake acting strangely, she turned to Geoff, "Geoff what is going on?" she asked. He looked at her as he spoke, "I don't know but something is happening to him..." he replied, his voice laced with worry.

Once he was outside Drake began coughing out puffs of smoke and upon seeing this Draco understood what was happening to his son, "he can't control it..." he murmured. Geoff arched a brow at his father's words, "what are you talking about?" he asked. Draco turned to the young man, "it's the same problem I had after returning to life...I had trouble with my transformations, the magic within me allows me to do that. It seems the magic within Drake is threatening to do the same..." he said. Geoff was still confused, "I still don't understand...he's been training so he can control his magic so why is it making Drake act this way?" he asked. Draco tried to figure out how to explain it in a way Geoff would understand but didn't get the chance to, as Drake's eyes began to glow so brightly, it was almost blinding. "What's happening?" Rose asked as she shielded her eyes with her hands. Draco raised his wings to block the light from the two humans standing behind him, "he's transforming..." he stated. Drake began to float into the air as the light engulfed his body as he began to change. His dragon body gave way to one that was more human-like in form. He leathery wings flexed out to their full length before being downsized to rest against his back while his tail shortened considerably. As the light faded he came back down to rest on the soft grass beneath him and for a few moments he lay motionless. Draco let his wings down to rest against his back while Geoff and Rose came around to have a look at Drake, "wow..." was Rose's only response. Geoff couldn't believe it, "he really did transform..." he said. Draco glanced at the pair before turning his eyes back to Drake, "his magic did this...it seems I will have to bring Aria to have a look at him." Draco approached his son as he began to come back to consciousness, "hmn father..." he said, his voice sounding very hoarse. "Easy son...take it slow..." he said crouching down beside him. Drake slowly raised his head up to look at the ground below him before raising his clawed-hands up in front of his face. He examined them carefully before turning his head to look at the rest of his body to see that it was similar to his father's now. After a moment or two he looked towards Geoff and Rose, who were watching him, "how are you feeling?" Rose asked. Drake glanced at himself once more before speaking, "I...I'm not sure..." he stated as he slowly began to stand up. Draco stood and held a claw out to him to help steady him. "It will take some time for you to get use to this form," Draco said. Drake held to his father's claw for a moment longer before letting go and trying to take a few steps on his own, "I can't believe that I was able to transform..." he said to himself as he glanced back at his wings before flexing his tailtalon. Drake was silent as he took all this in, "I can really transform now...just like father..." he said to himself. Geoff stepped towards his brother, "seems like you're able to transform just like father.." he said. Drake's face brightened, "yeah...I guess I can..." he said as a smile played on his lips. Draco was quick to step in, "now don't get too excited the only reason you were able to do this is because the magic took over your body. You had no control over it, you still need to train yourself so that you and you alone can control your transformations. Trust me, I had the same problem when I first came back to life...it took time for me to be able to control my transformations. Now you must learn to do the same..." he said placing a claw on his son's shoulder. Drake absorbed his father's words carefully, "yes father..." he said finally. "Good...now come inside, there is some left over soup from last night..." Draco said as he walked towards the cabin. Drake merely nodded as he followed his father inside with both Rose and Geoff following after them.

Upstairs Skygazer had come out onto the balcony and had seen everything that had happened to Drake, "I hope Drake will get the hang of transforming the way Draco does..." she said to herself before walking back into their room to place Mirai in her little bed. "Mama will be right back..." Skygazer said before heading downstairs. Once there she turned to see Rose sitting next to Geoff, "good morning," she greeted. "Morning mom," Geoff said. "Morning Sky..." Rose greeted. "Hope everyone slept well," Skygazer said. "We did..." was Geoff's answer. Then she noticed Drake sitting silently next to her mate, "Drake..." she said, her voice almost a whisper. Drake was lost in his own thoughts at the moment, understandably so as his magic had transformed him on it's own. Draco noticed his son's silence, "son..." Drake merely glanced in his father's direction, "your mother said good morning..." he said gently. Drake raised his head up just enough to look at Skygazer, "morning mother..." his voice barely a whisper and if it hadn't been for her heightened senses, she wouldn't have heard him. Skygazer was sympathetic to her son and knew that all of this was new to him, she could also sense how unnerved he was, "you shouldn't worry Drake, everything will be alright. You'll learn how to control your transformations just like your father does," she said as she walked over and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, being careful of his horns. Drake leaned into his mother's embrace before placing a gentle clawed-hand on her arm. He was grateful for the comfort she was offering him and in a way it eased his troubled mind, "how about after breakfast you and I spend some time together..." she suggested. He perked up a little at hearing this before glancing at Draco, who nodded his head in approval, "ok mom..." he replied. She smiled before kissing the back of his head, "alright..." she then turned to the young woman at the table, "Rose would you mind keeping an eye on Mirai while I go to the hot springs to bathe?" she asked. Rose smiled, "I'd be delighted to..." she replied. Skygazer nodded her thanks to Rose before glancing in Draco's direction, sending him a silent message through their blood and heart bond. He understood the silent message as he responded to her with a purr-like growl. She smiled at him before disappearing out the door and heading towards the hot springs. A moment or two after Skygazer had slipped out the door, Draco finished his breakfast and made his way after her. Rose smiled at the pair, "it seems they wish to be alone for a bit..." she commented as she finished her breakfast, "I'll be upstairs with Mirai if either of you need me..." she said before going upstairs, leaving the brothers alone in the kitchen.

Now at the hot springs, Skygazer slipped out of her clothes and into the hot water after not being able to for the past several months because of her pregnancy, "ahh this feels good...I didn't know how much I missed this..." she said to herself as she rested her head on the side of the pool. She was enjoying the feeling of the hot water against her body, letting it soothe the aches from the day before, "my body still feels all the effort I had to put out in order to bring Mirai into the world but I know it won't last long..." she said to herself.

Unbeknowst to her Draco was watching her closely, admiring her body as it gleamed with water, "she's so enticing with her soft body all covered in water..." he said to himself as a purr emanated from his throat. The sound of his purr reached her ears and she turned to face her mate, "enjoying the view my love..." she purred, giving him a half-lidded look. He smirked at her, making his sharp teeth show slightly, "oh you know I am..." he replied as he sauntered over to her. She watched him move closer and decided to tease him, turning around to give him a good view of her ample breasts, full of milk for their baby girl. Her skin glistened as the water ran down her body, which ignited a flame within the dragon that made him hungry for her, "you little tease..." he purred as he came over to slip into the water with her. She gave him a sultry smile and he knew...he knew she was hungry for him too, "I would never deny you..." he murmured as he embraced her and pressed his lips to hers in a sensual kiss. She returned the kiss and responded to him by pressing her body against his, rubbing her leg against his. He wrapped his tail around her calf before briefly letting go of the kiss to plant his lips to her breast, running circles around her nipple with his tongue. She whimpered at the sensation it brought to her and he could feel her pleasure radiating through his body, as well as his own. It had been a long time since they had been able to enjoy each other in this way and they were hungry for each other, "my Sky..." he breathed, raising up just enough to make his hot breath brush against her ear. This sent shivers down her spine and it brought delight to her body, "oh Draco...*pant*...Draco..." she panted. Her body felt hot, it longed to be caressed and loved on in every way the dragon was able to. She purred to him as she captured his lips with her own in a feverish kiss. Draco's body responded to his mate's longing and he didn't deny her, he raised her up just enough to slide into her already heated core, a pleasure-filled growl erupted from his throat as he did. Skygazer moaned out her mate's name at feeling him within her walls once more, "Draco...oh yes...Draco..." she was panting now, his touch brought so much pleasure to her that she was always left breathless. Draco knew and he felt it too, their blood and heart bond made their lovemaking more intense for the both of them. Draco began thrusting upward while Skygazer wrapped her legs around his waist to hold him where he was. Draco was all too happy to oblige his mate as he was enjoying feeling her around his shaft again, "she feels so good around my girth..." he said to himself. His thrusts were passionate, his caresses tender and his kisses sensual, their bond only made stronger in this encounter. With several passion-filled thrusts he came deep within her and she was right behind him, "Dra...Draco...*pant...pant*... Draco..." she panted. "My Sky...my Sky..." he breathed into her ear. For several moments they rode the waves of ecstacy together, Draco held himself up on shaky legs while Skygazer kept her arms wrapped around her mate. Once their breathing had returned to normal Draco lifted Skygazer up to stand in the water in front of him, "we best cleanse ourselves, don't need our sons to smell the scent of our lovemaking..." Draco stated. Skygazer merely nodded as she completely dunked herself beneath the water to wash her body and hair. Draco moved to the deeper part of the pool to completely drench himself, flexing his wings to cleanse them of any dirt. When he came back up to the surface he found Skygazer standing at the edge of the pool. He smiled at her, "what is it?" she asked. "Just enjoying the view of my beautiful mate..." he replied. She smiled at him, "you're so sweet my love," she said as she moved to capture his lips in one more tender kiss.

Back at the cabin Rose was out on the balcony with Mirai in her arms, "you're such a good baby..." she said, smiling down at the baby. Mirai raised her tiny hand up to grab Rose's finger, "she's such a sweet little one...I know Master Draco and Miss Sky will make sure she's raised right and taught how to control whatever dragon abilities she was born with." Rose was content being here with this family, it was completely different than her day at the castle. She enjoyed being there at the castle but she was also happy here in the contryside, "I have to admit that I have thought about moving us to a cabin in the countryside but Bowen and Kara have been so good to me and Sapphire, I just wouldn't feel right leaving them," she said to herself. Draco and Skygazer were making their way back to the cabin hand in hand, "it felt good to spend time in the hot springs again, I had really missed it," Skygazer said. Draco nodded, "you don't need to explain it to me my love, with our blood and heart bond I could feel how content you were to be able to feel the hot water again." Skygazer rested her head against Draco's shoulder and he responded with a soft purr and drapped a wing over her shoulders. When they neared the cabin Draco let his wing rest comfortably against his back again before they entered it. When they walked into the kitchen they found it empty, "wonder where the boys are?" Skygazer said. Draco sniffed the air briefly, "that's easy, they're in their room..." he replied. Skygazer looked at her mate, "do you want to talk to Drake?" she asked. Draco thought it over for a moment or two, "I will later...you did tell him that you wanted to spend time with him," he answered. "Alright..." she replied, kissing him tenderly on the lips. He deepened it slightly when he placed a clawed-hand on the back of her neck before nuzzling beneath her chin, giving her a purr as he did. She smiled at him before turning to the room their sons shared, "Drake..." she called. Upon hearing his name Drake, who was sitting on the floor stood up, "yes mom..." he said. "Come with me..." she said kindly. He followed after Skygazer but stopped when Draco spoke, "son..." he looked at his father, "later...I'd like for us to talk." "Ok father," Drake replied as he continued to follow after his mother. Once outside the cave Skygazer and Drake sat on the rock that was situated just outside their home. For a few moments silence passed between them but it was broken when Skygazer spoke, "so how does it feel to be able to take this form?" she asked. He looked down at his claw-like hands slightly as he spoke, "it feels strange because I'm not use to it..." he said. She nodded her head to let him know she had heard him, "I know that when your father returned to life he was in that form and it took a little while for him to get use to it too." Drake looked at his mother as she continued, "he learned how to focus his senses on his magic so he could control it and his transformations," she explained. Drake nodded his head before speaking, "did he speak to grandmother about it too?" he asked. Skygazer nodded, "he did and she helped him understand how to use his magic effectively." He thought on her words for a moment before speaking again, "I'd like to try it too..." he said standing up from the boulder to stand next to it. Drake closed his eyes and tried to focus his senses on his magic, "I feel the magic that dwells within me..." he thought to himself as his eyes began to glow. He took a few slow breaths to keep himself focused on his magic and as he did, he began to float into the air. Skygazer watched him closely, "he's trying to transform on his own..." she thought to herself. Drake then began to feel his body change, his body took on a more dragon-like shape, his wings spread to full length and when he was brought back to the ground, the light faded and he opened his eyes to see that he was back in the form he was use to. He smiled and excitement raced through him, "I did it," he looked at Skygazer, "mom did you see? I did it...I managed to transform at will." She smiled at seeing her son happy, "that's good son, you should try to at least practice your transformations so you can master it," she suggested. Drake nodded at his mother's words, "I think I'll try it once more just to see if I can..." he said. Drake did as before, he closed his eyes, took a few slow, deep breaths, focusing on his magic which caused his eyes to glow and his body to begin to transform. It took on a more human-like shape, his wings shortened as did his tail and when the light faded he was back in his humanoid form when he opened his eyes. Skygazer smiled at her son's achievement, "well done Drake," she said as he came back over to her side. "How do you feel?" she asked. He couldn't keep the smile off his dragon face, "I feel a bit drained but I'm happy. I'm learning how focus myself on my magic and my transformations..." he replied. "I'm proud of you, just be careful not to push yourself too hard. Space out your transformations so you don't wear yourself out," she said. "I will mother," he said looking at her, "would it be alright if I lay my head in your lap for a minute?" he asked. She smiled, "of course..." she replied. He then lay his head in her lap while Skygazer placed her hand on top of his head, scratching the scales there lovingly. Upon feeling this he let a soft purr escape his throat which surprised his mother but it made her smile, "he's so much like his father..." she said to herself as she continued to scratch the scales affectionately. What neither of them had noticed was that Draco had been watching the interaction between them and had seen his son practice his transformations, "he's learning fast..." he said to himself. He couldn't help but be proud of his son and what he was able to do but he also smiled at the bond that his son and his mate had. He knew most other males would become jealous but he trusted Skygazer completely and knew she was loyal to him and him alone. She was a mother to Drake, Geoff and Mirai so of course she gave them some sort of affection that was different from the kind she gave to him. "Our family bond is stronger than even mine was with my parents..." he said to himself but he was happy and wouldn't want for it to be any other way. He stood there for a moment or two more before walking out to sit next to his mate. "You're learning fast," he said. Upon hearing his father's voice he jumped slightly as did Skygazer, "father...I thought you were inside," Drake replied sitting up. "I was but I wanted to enjoy the fresh air as well.." he said wrapping an arm around Skygazer. Drake merely nodded to let his father know he had heard him, "I also saw you practice your transformations...you're learning fast." Drake smiled at his father's words, "I hope to be able to control it the way you do father." "And you will, I have no doubt in that my son," Draco complimented. "If it's alright I think I'll sun myself on the roof of the cave again today," Drake said. "You may do as you please..." was Draco's only response. Drake took his dragon form once more and flew up to lay on the roof of their cave home. Draco and Skygazer spent some time together sitting out in the warm sun before she went up to feed their new born daughter.

The family relaxed around the cave most of the day Rose and Geoff took a walk together in the forest, while Drake practiced his magic with his father...leaving Skygazer to spend some mother daughter time with Mirai. This had become somewhat of their routine but they knew things would soon change as Rose would have to return to the castle to continue her duties there and take care of her daughter Sapphire.

Later in the day the family sat around the firepit, eating a meal together and listening to stories that Draco told of times when he was young, living back in the mountain where he was born. Drake was intrigued by everything he was hearing as he wanted to know everything there was about his kind and their family. Geoff listened to his father's stories but his mind was focused on something else. He knew Rose was to return to the castle in the morning and it saddened him to think he wouldn't get to see her for a while. He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a wing brush against his back, he turn his gaze beside him to see Drake looking at him curiously, "something on your mind brother?" he asked. Geoff turned away from his dragon brother, "no..." he replied softly. Drake arched a browridge at his brother but said nothing as he lay down next to him. Rose had noticed the interaction between the two and knew what it was about, "I know how you feel Geoff..." she turned her gaze to him, "I don't want to leave either..." she thought to herself. Silence fell around the firepit as the family enjoyed this time together. Soon the light of day faded to the dark of night and they turned their gazes to the star-filled sky, "the sky tonight is so beautiful..." Skygazer commented. Draco smiled at his mate as she held their babygirl, "it is...just as you are my love..." he replied. She smiled at her dragon's words and nuzzled against his chest affectionately, which he returned. Rose smiled at the couple, "they are fortunate to have one another..." she commented before looking back at the stars. It was then that Drake spoke, "father..." Draco turned his eyes to his son, "can you tell us about the night of the rebellion?" he asked. Skygazer was about to speak but Geoff beat her to it, "Drake we've heard this story before and besides you know father doesn't like reliving that experience." Drake looked at the stableboy, "I know but...I was just..." he looked at his father before turning away, "nevermind..." he replied, laying his head down on the log Geoff was sitting on. Draco could tell there was something going on between the two but knew now wasn't the time to talk about it. "While you're brother is right Drake there is something I will tell you about," Draco stated. Drake raised his head slightly as Draco spoke, "that day was the worse experience for both I and your mother, the sound of clanging weapons could be heard for miles. The smell of smoke was thick in the air as fires burned around the battle ground. Your mother faught against the King's troops while I kept the dragonslayers occupied. I have to admit that it was fun toying with them, making them fall from the castle walls." He paused for a moment, placing a clawed-hand to his chest, "the heart bond...was my downfall, because when the tyrant was shot with an arrow, I felt it as well. It made me fall from the sky into the courtyard and upon doing so, I broke my horn and my wing. I couldn't escape if I wanted to, not with a broken wing...I knew then, I wasn't going anywhere. But your mother, even knowing of the dangers that surrounded us that day, raced in and put herself between me and the dragonslayers. She was determined to try and keep me safe..." he smiled as he said this. He turned his gaze back to his sons, "though for some the day ended in heartbreak, there was some good that came of it. The tyrant was killed and in doing so the evil within died with him, Bowen and Kara became the new rulers of this land and peace was been restored to all. This land wouldn't be what it is now if things hadn't gone the way they did," Draco said wrapping an arm around Skygazer. Drake looked down slightly before speaking, "I never knew you had a broken wing once father...was it as painful as landing on your head in the river?" he asked. Draco nodded, "it was more painful than my landing the river because I knew there was nothing to be done to fix my wing." "It seems that when you were slain by Bowen your horn and wing were mended," Rose said. Draco nodded, "indeed and not only that but my heart was returned to me as well." Silence hung in the air around them for a moment or two before Mirai yawned and rubbed her little eyes, "she's tired..." Skygazer said. "As are you..." Draco added, "come it's time we rest.." he said standing up, bringing Skygazer with him. As they made their way towards the cabin he paused to look over his shoulder, "come on boys..." he called. "Yes father.." Drake answered as he got to his feet. Before following his parents and little sister he transformed into his humanoid form and approached Rose, "goodnight Rose..." he said embracing her and nuzzling his nose into her hair affectionately, "sweet dreams." Rose was a bit surprised at the young dragon's actions but embraced him warmly, "goodnight Drake...sweet dreams," she replied. When they let go of each other Rose placed a kiss on Drake's muzzle and he smiled at her before turning to his brother, "night Geoff.." he said before turning on his heel and walking into their room, leaving the couple alone. Now left alone at the firepit Rose spoke, "Drake is just as sweet as Draco is..." she commented. Geoff looked towards the direction of the cabin before looking back at the young woman, "yeah he is..." he came over to sit next to her as he spoke, "so are you really going back tomorrow?" he asked. She turned her gentle brown eyes to look into his blue ones, "as much as I do not wish to I must because of my Sapphire. She needs me too plus I have my duties at the castle, to Bowen and Kara...I wouldn't feel right to just up and leave after everything they have both done for me and my daughter." Geoff nodded his head to let her know he had heard her, "I will miss you..." Geoff said wrapping his arms around her. Rose was surprised by his actions but buried her face into his chest and returned the embrace. They sat there for the longest time before Rose spoke, "well...it's getting late and I...have a long ride back to the castle tomorrow." Geoff reluctantly let go of her, "I know..." was his only response as she stood up, "are you coming?" she asked. He looked down slightly, "yeah...in a bit, you go ahead..." he said. She gave him a soft smile, "alright...goodnight..." she said. "Night Rose..." he replied as he watched her walk into the cabin for the night. Geoff continued to sit by the fire for a while longer, lost in his thoughts before he stood up and made his way into the cabin for the night.

Back in the cabin Rose stood in the kitchen for several moments as she faught back tears, "I didn't think I would feel this way..." she became distracted when a voice reached her ears, "Rose?" She turned to see it was Drake who had spoken to her, "oh Drake...I thought you had already gone to bed..." she said wiping her tears away from her eyes. The young dragon stood there for a moment or two before speaking, "yeah...I couldn't sleep, got too much on my mind," he stated. Rose merely nodded to let him know she had heard him, "I imagine you do too..." he added. She looked at him, "yeah I do..." was her only reply. Drake could tell that her mood was not a happy one, "do you want to talk about it?" he asked. She looked at him, his dark eyes never leaving her and she saw he genuinely wanted to make her feel better. She took a deep breath as she spoke, "I have to return to the castle tomorrow but...there's part of me that wants to stay here." Drake approached her slowly as she continued, "even before I came here to stay with your family I had thought about moving Sapphire and I into a cabin in the coutryside because it's so peaceful and we both enjoy nature." "What's stopping you from doing it?" he asked. She looked at him as she spoke, "it's just that Bowen and Kara have been so good to me and Sapphire. I wouldn't feel right to just up and leave them after everything they did for both of us." Drake nodded his head in understanding, "I can understand that...after the incident with Griffin, Geoff wanted to get out and explore the world but I had a hard time leaving the monastery because it was all I knew. I had been raised there since I had hatched, it took me a long time before I felt like I could finally leave from there and have a life of my own with my brother," he explained. Rose let his words absorb into her mind as he placed a gentle claw on her shoulder, "I know it's a scary thought of leaving everything you know to make a life of your own but..." he locked his gentle gaze to her brown one, "I know you will do what you believe is best for you and Sapphire..." he said giving her a soft smile before wiping a stray tear from her cheek. She returned the smile, "thank you Drake..." she replied as she embraced him. He was initially surprised by the action but returned it, being careful not to hurt her, "you're welcome Rose..." he replied nuzzling her. She smiled at his affection before looking up at him, "are you alright now?" he asked. She merely nodded as a yawn passed through her lips, "you should try to get some rest," he suggested, caressing her cheek. "Yeah...I think I will...goodnight Drake," she replied embracing him once more as he returned it. "Rest well Rose..." he replied when they let go of the hug. She gave him one last smile before disappearing from sight leaving Drake alone with his thoughts, "I understand what she's feeling right now..." he said turning on his heel and walking back into the room he shared with Geoff. He looked at his bedding briefly before looking back over his shoulder in the direction Rose had gone, "what's wrong with me?" he said to himself, flopping down on his bedding. He sat with his arms on his knees as he thought back on the time that Rose had spent here with his family. He was feeling confused right now after the interaction with Rose, he knew it had merely been a friendly interaction but it had stirred something within him. Drake remembered what Geoff had told him about the evening he had spent with Rose, aside from the kiss...but he couldn't help but wonder if there was a chance for him to find someone now that he had this form. He lay back onto his bedding as his thoughts wouldn't leave his mind alone, "even though Geoff told me about the evening he and Rose spent together I can't help but wonder if I could ever have a chance with a woman like her?" He shot straight up upon realizing what he had just thought, "do...do I have feelings for her?" he said to himself as he glanced in her direction once more. He placed his clawed-hands over his face as he flopped back onto his bedding, "I do..." he murmured. He had to admit that she was a lovely woman and he couldn't deny that being around her made him feel a way he had never felt before, "she's always so sweet to me...could she...could she have feelings for me too?"

Upstairs Rose had put on her sleeping gown and was sitting on the bedroll Geoff had set up for her as she replayed the interaction between her and Drake downstairs. She was silently wrestling with her thoughts about the young dragon, "he such a kind dragon," she looked towards the doorway, "I do enjoy being around Drake, he's so caring and gentle just like his father. I never would've thought about a dragon the way Sky does but now with Drake's new form..." she covered her face with her hands as she felt her heart being pulled in two different directions, "*sad sigh* how can I even think about him that way after beginning my relationship with Geoff...I don't know if I could..." she was confused as tears filled her eyes.

What neither of them had noticed was that Geoff had come inside about the time Drake had held Rose in his arms. He was left confused and unsure of what to do or how to feel. "Maybe it's not what I think...he could've just been comforting her...it's not...he would never..." he looked down slightly before turning his eyes towards the open doorway, "I need to talk to him," he said as he walked into the room he shared with Drake. When he walked into the room he found Drake sprawled out on the soft bedding sleeping. Geoff let a frustrated sigh pass through his lips, "guess I'll talk to him in the morning..." he said as he went over to his bed to lay down. He lay on his back, looking up at the ceiling before glancing at his dragon brother and turning his back to him. Unable to sleep he was left alone with his thoughts and he felt a bit of anger rise into his chest, "how could he?" was Geoff's only thought as he fell into darkness out of exhaustion.

Rose had layed down on her bedroll and was still wiping tears away from her face, "I'm so confused..." she murmured. She didn't know what to think right now or how to feel, "what am I to do?" she said to herself as she cried herself to sleep. Her thoughts turning into dreams that still gave her no answers that she longed for.

The early morning came too soon as one member of the family began to stir from his slumber, "hmn...too early..." he muttered as he let a yawn pass through his scaly lips. It was Drake, he was the first to rise this morning having slept peacefully through the night. He slowly turned his head to see that Geoff was still sleeping with his back to him before looking back at the ceiling of his room. He let a sigh pass through his lips before sitting up slowly, he paused to look down at his body and was relieved to see that he was still in the form he had been in when he went to bed. He quietly stood up to stretch himself before walking out of the double doors to go outside into the early morning air. Once he was outside he sat on the boulder to watch the sunrise but decided to fly up to the roof of the cave to get a better view of the sunrise colors. He loved this time of day and enjoyed the gentle breeze that tickled his wings which almost made him want to take a flight. He breathed in deep and let it out slowly, "so peaceful..." he sighed contently.

Upstairs Rose was just starting to stir after having cried herself to sleep last night. As she went to sit up her body felt stiff, "ow..." she murmured, "my body feels so stiff..." She slowly stood up before pulling on some fresh clothes and began to make her way downstairs. Once there she stood there for a moment or two, "well...this is my last morning here..." she said to herself. She looked around the kitchen and noticed that the flowers she had brought in the other day had dried up, "well I can at least bring in some fresh flowers and prepare breakfast before I have to leave." With that thought in mind she grabbed the basket near the doorway and made her way outside. Upon stepping outside of the cabin she felt a slight chill in the early morning air, "it's a bit chilly this morning..." she said to herself. She continued on her way outside the cave to head for the forest to pick some fresh flowers for the kitchen. When she reached the entrance of the cave she noticed the sunrise colors begin to paint the sky, "beautiful..." she murmured.

Up above her Drake noticed a scent on the wind which made him look down at the ground, "Rose..." he said leaning forward slightly. He decided he would greet her as he always did every morning, "good morning Rose.." he called down. She whirled around upon hearing his voice reach her ears, "Drake?" she asked. "Up here.." he called. She turned her eyes up to the roof of the cave to see his form sitting above her, "what are you doing up there?" she asked. Drake stood up and leapt from where he had been sitting, coming to land in front of her, "I was watching the sunrise..." he answered. She giggled, "you do love this time of day don't you?" she asked. "Yeah I do, it's so peaceful...and the colors of the sunrise sky are so beautiful..." he replied but before he could stop himself he added, "as are you..." Hearing this made Rose's cheeks burn brightly, "Drake..." she murmured. He smiled at her then noticed the basket on her arm, "what's with the basket? Thinking about pick some fresh flowers?" he asked. She nodded, "yeah I was..." was her reply but then added, "would you like to come with me?" she asked. He smiled at her, "I'd love to..." he replied as he offered his arm to her, "my lady..." he said. Rose couldn't help but blush at Drake's actions this morning as she looped her arm over his, "thank you." They made their way into the forest along the path he had walked with his father a few times, "such a peaceful morning..." he commented. "It is..." Rose added as they continued to walk together.

Back at the cabin Mirai had woken up and began whimpering which brought her mother out of slumber, "I'm coming babygirl," she called as she stood up and made her way over to where her little girl had been sleeping. She picked her up into her arms and brought her over to the bed to feed her. She leaned against her pillow cradling Mirai in her arms while she suckled. A moment or two later Draco began to stir from his slumber next to his mate, "good morning my sweet dragon..." Skygazer cooed. He smiled a sleepy smile, "morning my beautiful jewels," he replied with a yawn that came out as a growl. He sat up beside her to rest his chin on her shoulder, "she's just so precious..." he murmured. Skygazer could hear the softness in his voice and felt the pride he felt radiating through her body, she knew how much he loved their daughter, "she is..." she replied.

Down in their room Geoff was starting to stir and sat up to stretch himself, having been in one postition all night, "ow I've got to remember not to sleep that way again..." he muttered. He turned his gaze in the direction of his brother's bedding to see it was empty, "watching the sunrise again..." he reasoned as he stood up and made his way outside to see to his mother's mare before taking her out for a ride.

Out on the trail the pair stopped to pick the beautiful flowers growing among the trees, "these are some of the prettiest flowers I've ever seen. How did you find them?" she asked. "I was out here with father and he showed them to me once when he brought mom some back," he replied. She smiled, "I can see why Draco chose this spot it's beautiful..." she commented collecting a few of the flowers next to her. Drake paused for a moment to pluck a bright red blossom from a nearby vine growing on a cedar tree, "Rose..." he said. She turned in time to see Drake with a beautiful flower in his claw, "*gasp* where did you find such a beautiful flower?" she asked curiously. "Growing on the vine on this tree," he replied showing it to her, "father calls it a dragonheart blossom." Rose tilted her head slightly, "I've never heard of that flower before," she said. Drake chuckled, "I'm not surprised...father says they only grow where dragons once roamed. The story the elders use to tell father was that they come from the souls of slain dragons and they take the form of these beautiful red flowers," he explained. Rose looked at the delicate bloom before Drake surprised her by placing it into her hair, "I think this one would look better in your hair..." he stated. She couldn't hide the blush on her cheeks at his sweet gesture, "thank you Drake..." she murmured. He smiled at her as the words rolled off his tongue before he could stop himself, "this flower pales in comparison to the beauty of you Rose." He spoke the words as though they were a prayer and Rose was touched at his affection, "I'm beginning to understand now..." she thought to herself. "Come on...we should get these back to the cabin so we can put them in some water," Drake said. She nodded, "alright..." she replied placing the basket on her arm and looping it over Drake's once more.

By now Geoff was outside with his mother's mare whom she had named Shimmer, "good morning Shimmer..." he greeted, petting her neck affectionately. He placed her halter on her in order to lead her out of the stall to give her a nice grooming before saddling her. "A nice brush down will feel good..." he said running the brush over the mare's coat, removing dust and dirt as he did. As he worked he turned his eyes to the roof of the cave expecting to see his brother up there but was surprised to find that he wasn't, "now where could he be?" he wondered. He ran through different things he knew Drake liked to do in the early morning, "maybe he went for a flight on his own this morning..." he reasoned as he continued his task.

Upstairs Skygazer had finished feeding Mirai and was now in the kitchen bathing her, "there you go my little one...get you all nice and clean..." she said sweetly. Draco sat at the table watching his mate and daughter, "she's such a good baby..." he commented. Skygazer glanced over her shoulder at her dragon, "she really is..." she replied. After a moment or two Draco took notice to something, "wonder where those boys are this morning?" he wondered. Skygazer then noticed that their scent wasn't in the room nor was it coming from their room, "maybe they went out for a flight..." she suggested. "Yeah maybe..." Draco furrowed his brow, "still I would've thought they would've at least let us know if they were heading out." She smiled, "I'm sure they're fine, they are your sons afterall," she said picking Mirai up out of the sink to wrap her in a soft towel to dry her off. "You're right..." he said standing up, coming over and kissing her tenderly on the lips, "I'm going on a hunt..I'll be back shortly..." he said. Skygazer smiled, "alright love..." she replied. Draco turned his attention to the little girl in his mate's arms, "be good for your mother little one," he said leaning down to gently nuzzle her. When he pulled back Mirai smiled at him, which made his face brighten, "she's smiling at her daddy," Skygazer said. He smiled at his girls before kissing her once more, "I love you my treasures," he said. "I...we love you too," she replied. With one last smile he made his way outside the cabin but upon doing so he found Geoff at the barn, "Geoff?" he said arching a browridge curiously. He made his way over to his human son, "Geoff..." he called again gaining the young man's attention, "I thought you were out with Drake on a morning flight?" he questioned. "No I thought Drake was up on the roof of the cave but he's not there, I haven't seen him at all this morning," Geoff replied. Draco furrowed his brow, "that's not like Drake..." he said. "Maybe he went to see grandmother," Geoff reasoned. Draco thought that it could be a possibility, "maybe...anyway I'm off to go hunt down some breakfast if you see your brother before I return tell him I want a word with him when I get back," Draco stated. "Yes father," was Geoff's only response as Draco transformed and took to the sky.

Back on the trail the pair were nearing the cave after having picked some fresh flowers for the kitchen, "almost back to the cabin," Drake said. Rose giggled, "do you think anyone else is up yet?" she asked. Drake was about to answer but the sound of beating wings cut in, causing them both to look up, "yeah but I think I'm in trouble..." Drake said as Draco spotted them below. Draco had just taken off from the cave when he spotted movement below him and upon getting closer he saw it was Drake with Rose, "there he is and he's with Rose..." he said to himself as he came into land in front of his son and young woman. "Good morning Draco," Rose greeted. "Morning father," Drake added. Draco greeted Rose, "morning Rose out picking some fresh flowers..." he said. "Yes I thought I would bring in some fresh flowers before breakfast," she replied. He smiled at her then turned his gaze to his dragon son, "Drake...why didn't you tell your brother you where you were going before you left?" he asked. "He wasn't awake when I got up, I was out here watching the sunrise when Rose came outside. She told me she was going to pick flowers and she asked me to come with her so she wouldn't be going by herself," Drake answered. For now Draco accepted his son's response, "alright but when I return from the hunt we're going to have a talk..." he stated before taking to the air again. The pair watched Draco disappear from sight before continuing towards the cave cabin, "do you think he's angry with us?" Rose asked. Drake shook his head, "if anything he's angry with me..." was his only response as they came to the row of trees just before reaching the pasture fence. Rose looked at the young dragon next to her briefly before she spoke, "Drake.." he looked at her upon hearing her speak, "can I ask you something?" He merely nodded which silently told her to continue, "I meant to ask...does this flower have any particular meaning for dragons?" she asked. "Aside from what I said earlier..." he took a breath and slowly let it out, "father told me that the only time a dragon picks this flower is so he can give it to the one he's interested in..." he murmured. Rose was silent for a moment but as his words sank in she realized why he had been so gentle and loving with her, "Drake..." she breathed. He looked down slightly as he spoke, "I know that you and Geoff..." he couldn't say it the words, "and I know I have no right to but...I've never had these feelings before..." he said. Rose was silent for several moments as she considered what she would say to the young dragon, "let me ask you something?" He turned his head to look at her, "did you only give this to me because of Geoff or is that how you truly feel?" she asked. Drake made his dark eyes to look into her soft brown ones as he spoke, "it's truly how I feel..." he replied in almost a whisper. Rose stood silently beside him still with her arm looped through his, "come we should put those into some water before they wilt..." he said. Rose remained silent as she allowed Drake to lead her to the cabin only to find Geoff outside with Shimmer.

Fortunately they made it into the cabin without Geoff seeing them together and once they were in the kitchen Rose set the basket on the table. Drake watched her for an instant before breaking the silence, "I'll go prepare the firepit for when father gets back..." he said making his way towards the door but not before looking back at the chestnut-haired woman standing at the table. She turned her gaze to meet his briefly, "I'll be out there in a bit to help you..." she replied. He gave her a small smile before disappearing out the door, leaving the young woman alone with her thoughts.

Once he was back outside Geoff turned to see him by the firepit, "Drake..." he said. The young dragon glanced in his brother's direction before turning back to his task of fixing the fire. Geoff finished grooming Shimmer then placed her into the pasture so he could clean out her stall but not before coming over to talk to his brother, "you know father is..." he didn't get to finish his sentence. "I know..." was Drake's only words as he lit the wood a blaze. Geoff arched a brow at Drake's odd behavior before going to the barn to clean Shimmer's stall. As Geoff worked he couldn't help but to glance at his dragon brother every now and then, "what could be going on with him?" he thought to himself. They had always been so close but now with the recent things that Drake had been going through he figured that maybe he was just being a typical dragon. Even so, he had never known Drake to act the way he had been over the past couple of days. "Whatever he's going through...I just hope a talk with father will help him sort out some things." Geoff pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind for now in order to focus on the task in front of him.

Back inside Rose was rearranging the flowers she had collected with Drake that morning, "these flowers are so lovely..." she said to herself as she admired the blooms. Once she had the flowers in the vase she placed it on the table then turned her attention to preparing breakfast. She knew Draco would return with some kind of kill but she wanted to have something to go with it.

Upstairs Skygazer had Mirai in her arms and was heading down to the kitchen, "come on babygirl, let's go see if daddy has come back yet," she said to her baby daughter before heading downstairs. When she reached the kitchen she found Rose looking through a cookbook, "good morning Rose..." she greeted. Rose looked up from the page she had been skimming over, "oh good morning Sky," she replied. Skygazer could tell that something was up with the young woman as her smile wasn't as bright as it normally was, "I hope you slept well," she said sitting at the table and holding Mirai in her arms. "I did sleep pretty sound last night but..." Rose's face fell slightly and Skygazer noticed. "You seem a little off this morning Rose, something on your mind?" she asked. Rose bit her lip slightly, "if you wish to talk about it I'm here to listen..." Skygazer added. Rose closed the cookbook and placed it on the counter before sitting down at the table with Skygazer, "it's just...I was thinking about some things and I just..." she looked down at her hands resting in her lap, "I'm confused..." Skygazer arched a brow, "about what?" she asked. "Well..." Rose wrestled with her thoughts briefly before deciding she could confide in Skygazer, "you know that Geoff and I have been spending some time together lately." "Yeah.." "It's been really good getting to know him and the other night we went to the hot springs to just sit and talk. We decided to try and see where our relationship goes and we shared our first kiss the other night," Rose said. Hearing this made Skygazer giddy, "that's wonderful..." she said but then she noticed that Rose didn't seem to be as excited about it as she was, "but you don't seem very happy about that Rose.." she stated. "I am but it's just that..." Rose fiddled with the skirt of her dress nervously but was distracted when she felt a gentle touch. She looked to see that Skygazer had placed a gentle hand on hers, "Rose...whatever it is that is confusing you, I want you to know that you can share it with me. I look upon you as a sister and I'll help however I can," she said. Skygazer's words touched Rose's heart, "thank you for that...it means a lot to me..." she replied. Rose took a breath and let it out slowly, "well the other night after you, Draco and Drake had gone inside, Geoff and I talked by the fire for a bit. I was telling him that I was to return to the castle today to continue my duties there and take care of Sapphire. And he just...he just seemed so stand offish, I don't know...he didn't say very much at all." Skygazer was sympathetic as Rose continued, "so when I came inside I was a little upset but what I hadn't noticed was that Drake was still awake. And if he hadn't spoken to me I wouldn't have even known he was there," she said. This intrigued Skygazer but she remained silent to allow Rose to get out her words, "he asked me if I was alright and I told him the same thing I had told Geoff, that I was to return to the castle. But I had said that I had thought about moving Sapphire and I to a cabin in the coutryside but because Bowen and Kara have done so much for me and my daughter, I wouldn't feel right just up and leaving." "I can certainly understand that..." was Skygazer only response as Rose continued, "Drake told me that he understood what I was going through, that he'd felt that way before leaving the monastery because that had been the only thing he had known for so long. It took him time to realize that he wanted to make a life of his own and he encouraged me to do the same, saying it may be a scary thought of leaving everything you know to make a life of your own but said I would make the right decision for me and Sapphire." Skygazer smiled at the way Drake had been there for Rose, "that was really sweet of him to do that for you." At this Rose smiled, "yeah it was...he's just as sweet with me as Draco is with you. But this morning he really surprised me..." "How so?" Skygazer asked. "Well when I came outside he was up on the roof of the cave watching the sunrise as he always does. When he came down to land in front of me I had commented the beauty of the morning...when he replied to what I said he..." Rose paused before glancing at Skygazer briefly. "He called me beautiful..." Rose said as color came to her cheeks. Skygazer remained silent as she let Rose's words sink in, "you are beautiful Rose." Rose let a small smile play on her lips, "but there's more...when we walked into the forest to pick flowers he plucked one from a vine and said that it would look prettier in my hair." Skygazer noted the bright red bloom in Rose's hair, "it is lovely...that's one of those dragonheart blossoms, Draco told me about them long ago when he gave me one." "Yeah anyway when I asked if it had any meaning for dragons Drake told me that he was told dragons give this flower to the one they are interested in," she said clutching the flower in her hand. Skygazer absorbed what she had heard before speaking, "did he say anything else?" "I asked him if he only gave this to me because of Geoff or did he give it to me because that's how he truly feels? He told me that he truly felt that way about me..." Rose replied. Now Skygazer understood why Rose was confused, "what did you say?" Rose looked at Skygazer, "what could I say? I was surprised...I've never been given anything like this before." Rose let a frustrated sigh pass through her lips, "I just...I feel like my heart is being pulled in two different directions. On one hand there's the new relationship with Geoff but on the other Drake is telling me that he has an interest in me. What should I do Sky?" Rose asked as tears began to fill her eyes. Skygazer gave her a gentle smile, "dear Rose...I have never been through anything like what you are right now but the only thing I know to tell you is to take some time to decide how you feel. Be by yourself for a bit to sort out your thoughts and then listen to what your heart tells you. Only then will you find your answer..." Skygazer replied. Rose absorbed her 'sister's' words before speaking, "thank you Sky..." she replied giving the woman a gentle smile. "You're welcome Rose and if you need me, I'm always here for you," Skygazer added.

Back outside Drake had the firepit ready when his father returned with a doe in his claws, "wasn't much moving this morning but I did manage to find her lingering in the field not far from here," he looked at his son, "where's your brother?" he asked Drake. "He's at the barn, he should be done by now though," he replied. "Hmn..." Draco could tell that Drake's mind was miles away but pushed that aside for the moment, "Geoff!" he called. Upon hearing his name Geoff came around the cabin, "yes father." "Can you prepare this doe? I need to speak to Drake..." Draco said looking at his dragon son as he finished speaking. "Of course..." was Geoff's reply as he retrieve the doe and brought it over to clean and prepare for cooking. Draco transformed into his humanoid form, "come Drake..." he said as he began to walk away from the cave. "Yes father..." was Drake's only response as he obediently followed his father.

Now away from the cave Draco leaned against a tree as he spoke, "so do you want to tell me why you failed to let anyone know where you were this morning? Or why Rose has a dragonheart blossom in her hair?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Drake was silent for the longest time before speaking, "well..." he refused to meet his father's gaze at the moment, "it's like I told you earlier that I was the only one awake when Rose came outside this morning. She asked me to walk with her so she wouldn't have to go alone." Draco nodded his head to let his son know that he had heard him, "that still doesn't explain the dragonheart blossom in her hair." Drake looked down slightly, "you know that she and Geoff have started a relationship, so why would you give her that flower knowing what it means?" he asked. Drake saw the serious look on his father's face, "I know what it means but...I..." Draco could tell from Drake's tone that there was something to what he was saying, "son..." Draco placed a claw on her shoulder, "if that is truly how you feel you need to talk to Rose about it to see if she has feelings for you too." Drake knew his father was right but he couldn't deny how he was feeling, "I know you're right father but I can't just overlook how I feel." Draco was silent to let his son get out his words, "I can't help it...when I look at Rose, I...I can't explain it..." he said. Draco's face softened, "son what you are feeling is normal when you are discovering what love is and if she hadn't already started a relationship with your brother it would be simple. But because Geoff has an interest in her too...this is something you three need to talk through and figure out so no one ends up hurt." Drake nodded his head to let his father know he had heard him, "just take things slow and see where it goes...you can't force these things so be patient," Draco explained. Drake let his father's words sink in before speaking, "alright father..." he said. Silence passed between the two dragons before either of them spoke, "father?" Draco made his golden gaze meet his son's dark one, "yes son." "Was I wrong to give Rose that flower?" Drake asked. Draco knew that his son was at a very important time in his life and he needed to make sure he guided him the right way, "you're not wrong for have feelings for someone and the flower...it's a special thing to give to someone. But no...it wasn't wrong to give it to her..." he reassured. Drake let a half smile play on his scaly lips, "come on...I'm sure the girls have the food cooked by now," Draco said. "Alright father..." he replied as he followed his father back to their cave home.

Upon returning to the firepit they found their breakfast already waiting for them, "there you two are..." Skygazer greeted as Draco sat beside her. Draco smiled as Rose passed the food to him and Drake, "I hope you two enjoy what I've prepared for us," Rose said. The family sat around the fire to enjoy the breakfast Rose had prepared for the family that had welcomed her with open arms. Rose decided to speak, "I have something I'd like to say..." This gained the attention of the members that sat around the firepit, "I just wanted thank you all for welcoming me into your home the way you have, I've just felt like I was a part of the family," Rose replied. Skygazer smiled, "it's like I told you earlier Rose, I look upon you as a sister and I know they all see you as a part of this family as well," she said motioning to Draco and her sons. There was silence around the firepit for a moment or two before anyone spoke, "that means so much to me..." Rose said, "there's a part of me that doesn't want to go to the castle but I know I must because Sapphire is there waiting for me." It was then that Drake spoke, "we will really miss you Rose..." he said making his gaze meet hers. She smiled but turned her eyes downward, "I will really miss you all too but I will come back to see you all again..." she looked back at the family, "and maybe I'll bring Sapphire with me, besides I know she would love to meet little Mirai," she with a smile. "I know she will," Skygazer replied. Draco nodded in agreement, "I know she will love her." Geoff looked down slightly as a question burned in his brain but he decided that now wasn't the time. Rose had noticed that Geoff had been unusually quiet and she wondered why, "I really need to talk to him and Drake...but I don't know what to say to either of them." Rose still felt confused about her feelings but she knew what Skygazer had said and knew she was right, "it's the only way I'll find answers."

After breakfast Rose decided to take a walk alone to sort out her thoughts, Skygazer had mentioned the whole ordeal to Draco so he made sure to keep the boys busy for a bit to give Rose the time she needed. She walked along the same path she had taken with Drake early that morning before coming to the same place that was filled the beautiful flowers. She sat amongst them still with the dragonheart blossom in her hair. Now alone with her thoughts she pulled the flower from her hair to gaze at it's beauty, "such a beatiful flower..." she commented as a gentle breeze blew her hair around her face. She let a sigh pass through her lips as she leaned against the tree she was sitting under, "I wish I wasn't so confused..." she closed her eyes for an instant, "on one hand Geoff is so kind, I know that our relationship is fairly new and we've kissed but I just wonder how he'd be around my daughter. It's true they haven't met yet but still..." she silently wondered. Then she gazed at the bright red flower in her hand, "then there's Drake..." she found a smile playing on her lips at the mention of the young dragon, "he's so gentle and I've seen how he is with little Mirai. I believe he would be good with Sapphire if he were to meet her." Rose smiled at the thoughts in her mind but then she shook her head upon realizing what she was saying, "what am I saying?" She looked at the bright red dragonheart blossom, "*sigh* have I...have I been developing feelings for him and just didn't realize it until just now?" She let a sigh pass through her lips before standing up, "I need to get back to the cave cabin...I'll be leaving for the castle soon..." she said. She walked along the path still with the flower in her hands but as she walked along the path she was unaware that she was being watched by something from the bushes. That is until she caught the sound of something approaching, "what's that?" she asked but she quickly received her answer. When she turned her eyes in the direction of the sound, what should she see but a huge bear charging towards her. A gasp escaped her lips as she took off running in the direction of the cabin, "I have to get to the cabin..." she said to herself.

Back at the cabin the three males were outside tending to things while Skygazer was inside with Mirai, feeding her before putting her down for a nap. Drake paused and looked in direction of the forest as he remembered the walk he had taken with Rose that morning but was brought out of his thoughts when Geoff's voice reached his ears, "hey Drake..." The young dragon looked at his brother, "yeah..." "You seem distracted, something on your mind?" he asked. Drake silently debated about talking to his brother about what was on his mind, "should I talk to him now?" he thought to himself. Geoff stared at Drake for an instant before speaking, "actually there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about." Hearing this gained Drake's attention, "what is it?" he asked. Draco silently kept a close eye on his sons in case they came to blows, "I won't tolerate them fighting over a female..." he thought to himself.

Back in the forest Rose was running as fast as she could but just as she reached the treeline she tripped over a treeroot and fell to the ground. "I'm done for..." she said as she screamed in fear. "Ahhh! Help me!"

At the cave Drake was about to speak to Geoff when the sound of a scream reached their ears, "what was that?" he asked. Draco became alert at hearing the sound as well, "stay alert.." was his only response as the three listened. Drake scanned the area around them but even though he didn't see anything he felt as though something wasn't right. Geoff could feel what his brother was feeling, "keep yours eyes open..." he said.

Rose, who still clung to the flower, backed away from the large animal, knowing she had no chance against this creature on her own. "If I can't make it back to the cabin this bear will surely kill me...there's no way I will survive an attack from it," she thought to herself. She knew she had to call out and hoped that someone at the cabin heard her, "someone help me!" she cried out again.

Upon hearing the scream again Drake knew immediately who it was, "Rose!" he called out. "Help me!" she called out again. He didn't have time to think as he spinted towards the forest, "Drake!" Geoff called. He then turned to their father, "we better follow him," Draco said running after his dragon son. Geoff merely nodded and followed their father as they ran into the forest.

Rose was now huddled against the tree with fear racing through her, "this is it..." she looked up at the sky briefly, "Sapphire, my sweet daughter...grow up to be a strong woman..." she looked down at the dragonheart blossom, "Drake...I'm sorry..." she said as tears welled up in her eyes as she shut them tight. She braced herself for what was to come but then the sound of a roar made her open her eyes. She didn't have time to react as Drake appeared in the clearing, placing himself between her and the angry animal, "Drake..." she said. "He must've heard me scream..." she said as she heard someone else approaching, "Drake!" She looked to see Draco and Geoff appear in the clearing as well, "another bear..." Draco growled as he turned to his human son, "Geoff get Rose back to the cabin...Drake and I can handle this bear..." he said. "Yes father..." Geoff turned to the frightened woman, "come on let's go..." he said holding his hand out to her. She looked at it briefly before glancing back at the pair of dragons, "Rose go!" Drake called. She could only nod her head as she let Geoff lead her away to safety. "Let's deal with this bear..." Draco said. "Yes let's..." Drake said as his eyes began to glow as he transformed into his dragon form along with his father. Now in their dragon forms the pair flew around the bear trying to confuse him before making an attack, "now Drake..." Draco called. Drake sent a fireball into the bear's face, temporarily blinding him, giving Draco his chance to snatch the bear up into his jaws. The motion of his attack snapped the bear's neck, killing the bear. With the animal hanging limp in his jaws Draco flew higher into the air before flinging the bear deeper into the forest. The pair panted slightly from their fight, "well done son..." Draco praised. Drake smiled at his father's words, "come on let's get back to the cabin and make sure Rose is alright..." Draco added. Drake silently flew after his father as they returned to their cabin

Now safe at the cabin Geoff stood with Rose, who was still very much shaken after her encounter with such a ferocious animal, "I've never seen a bear so large before..." she commented. Geoff nodded, "yeah they do get pretty large especially out here.." he then noticed the flower in Rose's hands, "where did you find a flower like that?" he asked. She was about to answer when the sound of wingbeats reached their ears, making her look up to see both Draco and Drake and returning. She felt relief flow through her at seeing him return at his father's side, "Drake..." she whispered. Unaware of Geoff's keen hearing, Rose had no idea that he had heard her speak his brother's name. He looked up at the dragons as they approached and suddenly realized who had given Rose the flower, "I see..." he looked at the woman standing next to him, "so...he has feelings for her too." He remained silent as his brother and father landed in front of them before transforming back into their humanoid forms. Once he transformed Drake moved forward towards Rose, "are you alright Rose?" he asked. She merely nodded as she moved to embrace him, "thank you..." she glanced at Draco then Geoff, "thank you for saving me..." she replied. Draco smiled at her, "we're just glad we got to you in time," he said giving her a small hug as Drake had done. She looked at Geoff briefly, "I'm lucky that you heard me...I shiver to think what would've happened if you hadn't," she said. Geoff gave her a half-smile, "you're welcome Rose." Draco noticed the looks between the three, "come on let's get you inside to rest..." he suggested. "Alright..." she said looking up at him briefly before turning to the brothers, "are you two coming in too?" she asked. "We'll catch up with you," was Geoff's only words. "Alright.." Rose said. She glanced back at Drake before allowing Draco to lead her into the cabin to rest after her frightening experience.

Now left alone Geoff turned to his brother, "so..." he started gaining Drake's attention, "you went walking with Rose this morning?" he asked. Drake stared at Geoff for an instant before speaking, "yeah she asked me to come with her this morning, I was the only one awake at the time." The blonde-haired young man was doing his best to keep his anger down as he spoke, "I noticed the flower she had with her." Drake flexed his wings slightly as he spoke, "yeah...I saw it this morning while she was picking some fresh flowers," he stated. "You do remember what father told us that flower means don't you?" he asked. Drake arched a browridge at his brother, "yes I remember..." he trailed off. "Why would you give it her knowing that she and I started a relationship?" he asked. "I show her the same affection I show mom...is that so wrong?" he asked. Geoff clenched his fist at his side and at this point Drake began to feel the anger that Geoff was feeling, "are you mad at me?" he asked. "What do you think?" he said, raising his voice slightly. Drake remained silent as Geoff continued, "did you think you could try and steal her away?" he asked standing right in front of the dragon. Drake looked at Geoff for a moment before moving to walk past him, "I didn't give her the flower just to make you angry. I gave it to her because I have feelings for her...I only realized it after spending time with her this morning. And she knows that..." he said. "How would she know that?" Geoff asked furrowing his brows. "Because I told her..." Drake replied. "What?" Geoff asked. "She asked me about the flower if it had any meaning for a dragon and I told her that a dragon gives that flower to the one he has interest in," Drake replied. Geoff couldn't speak nor could he look at his brother, "why would you do this?" he asked. Drake wasn't blind to the fact that Geoff might react this way once he found out about his feelings for Rose. He could also hear the hurt in his brother's voice, "Geoff..." he started as he placed a clawed-hand on his shoulder, "I wasn't trying to hurt you but I can't turn off what I feel. You know the way I was raised and have never been around any females before, well aside from Lian." Geoff looked up into the dark eyes of Drake, "even though we both spent time with her, I don't think either of us felt anything for her aside from friendship. With Rose though...I just...she makes me feel something I've never felt before." Geoff looked down slightly before bringing his hand up to brush Drake's claw from his shoulder without a word. Drake watched his brother's back as he began to walk away from him, "Geoff..." he said. Geoff turned his head just enough to glance at the young dragon from the corner of his eye, "I can't be around you right now..." was his only words. Drake let his claw fall to his side as he watched Geoff disappear into their room through the double doors. Drake didn't know how to feel, he knew he had hurt his brother but he didn't know how to fix it, "what have I done?" he said to himself. He stared down at the ground in front of him for several moments before taking to the air to sit on the roof of the cave to be alone.

Inside Rose had been telling Skygazer about her frightening encounter, "if it hadn't been for your boys I would probably be dead right now..." Rose said. Skygazer placed a hand on the woman's shoulder, "I'm just glad they got to you in time Rose, it would've broken my heart if anything ever happened to you. It's like I told you, I look upon as a sister and I love you..." she said. Rose smiled at Skygazer's words as she embraced the woman, "I love you all too," Rose said pulling back to glance at Draco as well. She noticed that she hadn't seen either Drake or Geoff since she had come into the cabin, "wonder where those two are? I thought they would've come inside by now..." she said. Draco looked in the direction of the room the boys shared as he sniffed the air, "Geoff is in their room but Drake must be outside..." he stated. Rose tilted her head slightly, "you weren't kidding when you said dragons have stronger senses than humans." Skygazer giggled, "yeah it takes some getting use to..." she stated. Rose didn't understand so Skygazer explained it to her, "both I and Geoff have the same heightened senses that Draco and Drake do after they shared their hearts with us. Even when we shared blood during our bonding ceremony I gained heightened senses then, they just became stronger after he saved me with his heart." Rose merely nodded to let her know she had heard her, "that explains how their bond is so strong then..." she thought to herself. She fidgeted slightly and the couple knew why, "I'm curious Rose...why were you out there?" Draco asked, even though he knew the answer. "I wanted to be alone with my thoughts..." she looked at the dragon in front of her, "I'm guessing that Sky has told you already..." she said to which Draco merely nodded. Rose looked down slightly, "do you think I should talk to Geoff now?" she asked him. Draco looked at his mate for the answer, "I think it would be best..." Skygazer replied. Rose nodded her head, "but before you do let me ask you something first." "Alright.." she said. "Before the bear attack were you able to sort out your thoughts?" she asked. Rose was silent for a few moments before she answered, "somewhat..." she stated. "What was your decision?" Draco asked. She met the golden eyes the dragon as she spoke, "I'm still not sure where my heart lies...but aside from that I'm not sure how Geoff would be around Sapphire." "Well I can understand that Rose but if I can offer some advice," Draco said. "Please..." Rose said. "I know when we found Geoff and Drake, I was unsure as how they would react to Sky at first but after they got to know her they see her as their mom. I know that Sapphire will love them both either way but it's ultimately how you feel," Draco said. Skygazer nodded, "he's right you know, you know Sapphire already adores both of us and once she meets them, she'll love them too because they are a part of the family." "Yeah..." Rose said. "She's a mature young lady and I know she only wants to see you happy," Draco added. Rose was silent for the longest time before she spoke again, "perhaps I need to go back to the castle for a while so I can make up my mind about my feelings before making a decision," she said finally. Skygazer glanced at Draco before speaking, "perhaps that is wise..." she said. "Just know we're here for you Rose and will support your decision," Draco added. She smiled at the couple, "thanks you two.." she said embracing them briefly.

Outside Drake sat on the roof of the cave as he wrestled with his thoughts and what he was feeling, "how could I do that to my brother...betray his trust like that. What kind of dragon am I?" he said covering his face with his claws. In the room he shared with Drake, Geoff was laying on his bed with his back to the door as he tried to push away the hurt he was feeling. He knew that his relationship with Rose was fairly new but he never thought that Drake would make a move on the woman he was technically with. He wasn't sure what to do now or what he could say to Rose or to Drake as he let a frustrated sigh pass through his lips. All he could do was blankly stare at the wall beside his bed, not wanting to look in the direction of his brother's bedding.

Back in the kitchen Rose was speaking with Draco and Skygazer, "could you take me back to the castle?" she asked the dragon hesitantly. He merely smiled at her, "it'd be my pleasure..." he replied with a small bow making both his mate and Rose laugh. He smiled a toothy grin at the women, "there's a smile.." he commented. "I'll gather my things..." Rose said before disappearing upstairs. The couple watched her briefly before either of them began to speak, "the poor girl..." Skygazer commented. "Yes, I feel bad for her..." he said. "I know...to feel like her heart is being pulled in two different directions and not knowing which way to go..." Skygazer said, subconsciously clutching the charm she always wore around her neck. Draco nuzzled his muzzle against Skygazer's cheek, "things always find a way of working out..." was his only reply as she reappeared in front of them. "Ok I'm ready..." Rose said before turning to Skygazer, "thank you so much for letting stay here with you." "You're welcome here any time Rose..." Skygazer replied, letting go of the young woman. Rose glanced towards the room the brothers shared before speaking, "will you tell them goodbye for me?" she asked Skygazer. Skygazer placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, "of course..." she replied, "I know you will return to us when you have made your decision." Rose nodded before turning her gaze to Draco as he spoke, "I'll be back before sunset..." he said nuzzling Skygazer lovingly before pressing his lips to hers. "I love you," she replied when they broke off the kiss. "I love you too my treasure," he replied, caressing her cheek lovingly. With that he walked from the cabin with both women following him and once outside he transformed into his dragon form then lowered his head so Rose could get on, "hang on.." he said once she held to his horns. "Ok..." Rose glanced at Drake briefly who was watching from his place on the roof of the cave before looking at Skygazer, "take care of each other..." she said. "We will..." she replied before Draco took to the air with Rose aboard. Skygazer watched her mate until he was out of sight then turned to Drake, "Drake..." "Yes mom..." he said. "Come on inside..." she said walking back towards the cabin. He let a sigh pass through his lips as he glanced in the direction Rose had gone before leaping down to land near Skygazer and following her into the cabin.

As they flew towards the castle Rose briefly glanced back in the direction of the cabin before turning her eyes forward once more. The silence was broken when Draco spoke, "I know Sapphire will be happy to see you return to the castle.." he stated. She smiled, "I know she will...we've never really been apart since her father died. I think it was because she was scared of being left alone." "Hmn..." was Draco's only response to her words. "With Kara and Bowen having been there for us both, she's gotten use to being around them. She was shy at first but after some time, she warmed up to them and now she sees them as part of our family," Rose said. "She's a strong young lady already but I think she gets that from you," Draco commented. Rose looked down slightly, "I'm not as strong as Kara..." she stated. Draco smiled, "you're stronger than you think Rose..." he replied as they neared the castle, "there it is." "We made it..." Rose said as Draco came into land in front of the gate. Upon doing so he saw Bowen in the yard and nodded a greeting to him. Bowen smiled at seeing his dragon friend again before turning back to who had been speaking with. Rose glanced in his direction before looking down at Draco, "thank you for bringing me back, I appreciate it.." she said. "You're welcome Rose..." he said bringing his head down so she could slip off. With her feet back on the ground she turned to him, "I hope you understand why I couldn't speak with Geoff or Drake before leaving, I just..." she stopped when she felt his claw on her side, "you don't need to explain...you need time away to figure things out before speaking to them," he said withdrawing his claw. She smiled at him, "thank you..." she replied. Draco took a couple of steps back from Rose, "tell Sapphire hello for me?" he asked. She smiled, "of course I will..." she said, "I know the next time I see you will be when you bring Mirai to meet Bowen and Kara." Draco nodded, "yeah we want to wait for her be a little bigger before we take her flying." She giggled, "that makes sense..." she gave him one last smile, "take care Draco..." she said. "You too.." he said before taking to the sky to return to his mate and children.

At the cabin Drake was sitting on the balcony with his mother while she fed his baby sister, he was still thinking about how he had made Geoff feel. Skygazer could tell that her dragon son wasn't himself, "is something bothering you Drake? You seem quieter than usual." He glanced at her briefly as he spoke, "*sigh* when we got back from rescuing Rose, Geoff and I talked. He found out about my feelings for Rose and he got angry with me but more than that...I felt the hurt I caused him. I feel as though I've betrayed him and I don't know how to make it right." Skygazer felt bad for what her son was going through, "give him some time, everything will turn out ok." "But what do I do about the guilt I'm feeling...I never meant for any of this to happen or to make him feel this way. I just...I don't want my brother to hate me over this..." he said closing his eyes as he fought back tears. It hurt her to see her son so upset, she placed a gentle hand on his claw, gaining his attention, "Geoff could never hate you, you're his brother and he loves you. You know that but just give him some time...it'll all work out..." she said. He let his mother's words sink in before speaking once more, "thanks mom..." he replied in almost a whisper. She gave him a gentle smile as she turned her attention back to Mirai as she continued to feed her.

It was a little after midday and Draco was nearing the cabin having returned from taking Rose back to the castle, he had felt a range of emotions flow through him and knew that Skygazer had most likely spoken to Drake. He knew his son was going through a hard time right now, having experienced his first love interest. As he came into land he glanced up at the roof of the cave and saw it was bare, "she must've gotten him to come inside," he said, transforming back into his humanoid form before entering the cabin. He made his way upstairs to find Skygazer just finishing up feeding Mirai and Drake out on the balcony. He leaned against the door facing as he admired her, "such a beautiful sight before me..." he murmured. Skygazer glanced in his direction, having heard him return, "I glad you've returned safely my love..." she murmured. He smiled at her as he approached, "of course...I always return to you my treasure..." he replied, nuzzling her affectionately. Skygazer returned the gesture before pressing her lips to his as he returned it.

Drake seemed to fade into the background as he watched his parents interaction, "I wish that was me and Rose..." he said to himself, turning his eyes away to look down at the wood floor of the balcony. He glanced back at his parents once more before he silently stood up and leapt down to the room he shared with Geoff. He landed in front of the double doors, his wings flexing slightly as he did, "I need to talk to him..." With that in mind he entered his room and upon doing so he found his brother still laying on his bed with his back turned. Drake let a sigh pass through his scaly lips, "Geoff..." he waited for his brother to respond. Geoff knew that Drake was in the room as he had heard him enter, "what do you want?" he asked, a little harsher than he intended. Drake was surprised by Geoff's tone but had half expected it, "can we talk?" "About what?" Geoff said, still not looking at Drake. "About what happened..." he stated as he slowly approached. Goff heaved a frustrated sigh as he sat up just enough to look at the dragon, "oh you mean about how you tried to take Rose from me?" he asked angrily. Drake felt a pang of guilt flow through him and he knew Geoff could feel it too. Silence passed between the brothers before either of them spoke, "Geoff..please don't be mad...just...just let me explain..." Drake said. Geoff, still with his brow furrowed turned to fully face his dragon brother, "alright...go ahead..." Drake was glad Geoff was at least willing to hear him out, "listen I...I know that you and Rose have been spending time together and I would never want to...um...it was never my intention to get in the way of your happiness." Geoff looked down at the floor briefly before turning his gaze back to Drake, "but after watching you two, I couldn't help but notice her. She's so sweet and she's so much like mom...not being afraid of neither me or father. She has such a kind heart..." Geoff could hear the softness in Drake's voice, "I've never heard him this way before...so he was telling the truth..." he thought to himself. Drake closed his eyes for a moment, "I understand if you never forgive me for the hurt I caused you but..." he locked his dark eyes with Geoff's blue ones, "I can't help it...somehow I developed feelings for Rose." Geoff was unsure as to what to say now, he knew that they had always been so close and nothing had ever come between them before. Silence hung in the room for several moments before Geoff spoke, "I know you never meant to hurt me Drake...I guess I can't fault you for having feelings for Rose. She's is an incredible woman..." he said. Drake let a small smile play on his lips, "still I had no right to hurt you the way I did..." he took a few steps towards Geoff, "can you ever forgive me?" he asked. Geoff saw the sincerity in the young dragon's eyes as he stood up from where he had been sitting, "yeah...I forgive you..." Geoff replied. Drake felt relief flow through his body as he moved to embrace his brother in a bearhug, "thanks Geoff." Geoff returned the embrace and when they pulled back from one another Geoff spoke, "wanna go for a flight?" he asked. Drake couldn't keep the smile off his face, "always brother..." he replied. The brothers made their way outside before pausing to look up at the balcony, "father..." Drake called. Draco turned his head in the direction of his son's voice, "yes Drake.." "We're going for a flight..." he stated. "Alright but..." he didn't get to finish his sentence as Geoff spoke, "we know...be back before sunset..." Draco smiled, "good boys..." he replied. "Be careful..." Skygazer called after them. "We will," Drake called back as they made their way outside as Drake transformed and Geoff hopped onto his back before taking to the sky.

With the cabin left to themselves Skygazer placed her little daughter down in her bed to spend some time with her sweet dragon mate. "With the boys out..." Draco let his golden eyes scan every inch of Skygazer's beautiful form, "how should we occupy ourselves?" he asked giving her a half-lidded look. She gave him a coy smile before walking over to him, swaying her hips as she did so. Draco's eyes were trained on her every move as she got nearer to him, "sultry little vixen..." he purred as he drew her into his strong arms and planted his lips against hers. Through their shared bond a silent message was conveyed and no words needed to be spoken as they gave into their desires and ravished each other. Draco carried her to their bed to lay her down and trail kisses down her neck to her chest. Twirling his tongue around the sensitive skin of her breast before rolling her nipple with his tongue. Skygazer arched her back slightly at the sensation this brought to her body, "my love..." she panted out. He responded to her with a purr-like growl as he continued to trail kisses down her body, pausing only to remove the rest of her clothes. He came back up to capture her lips again in a feverish kiss, conveying his hunger for her body. She returned the passion, rubbing her leg up and down his, causing him to wrap his tail around it. Letting go of the kiss, he once more left a trail of kisses down her body until he reached her heated core that was already dripping with desire. He could smell her sweet scent and it enveloped every inch of his senses and his body responded to it. His tumescent length emerged from within his body to brush against her thigh as he came up to kiss her again. He entered her smoldering core, his thrum vibrating his chest as he did so. Skygazer threw her head back and she whimpered at the feeling of him within her walls, her body felt hot and she became lost in this moment with her dragon. Feeling her clinch around his girth made Draco move with more passion, delving deeper into her with every thrust. Skygazer looked up into the loving eyes of her dragon, usually so bright and shining now had become dark with desire. Upon seeing this she knew he was as lost in their lovemaking as she was. The vibrating of his chest against her made her passion skyrocket and Draco could feel it too. With every thrust into her body he tried to feel as much of her as he could, "my Sky..." he purred into her ear. She panted for her breath, "my Draco..." she captured his lips in a heated kiss as his movements became more passionate. The heat building between them threatened to burn them both but they didn't care, their lovemaking was intensified by their shared bond, each feeling the other's desire as if it were their own. Their steady rhythm of their intertwined bodies continued for several more moments. Skygazer moaned out her dragon's name as she clenched tightly around him, "Dra...Draco...*pant pant* my Draco..." Draco was right behind her, "my Sky...*pant..pant*...Sky..." he panted. His body shuddered as his seed spilled deep within her body while she wrapped her legs around his waist to hold him where he was. They panted for every breath they took as Draco disconnected and lay next to Skygazer in order to wrap her in his arms. He nuzzled her lovingly and she returned it, kissing the scale that covered his half-heart before resting her head on his chest. Their love was conveyed with every kiss, every touch, every caress...a strong bond such as this between two hearts could never be broken.

Out on the wing the brothers seemed to come to an understanding at least for now but Drake knew everything hinged on Rose's decision. Either way one of them would end up hurt if not both of them, they both knew deep down that they would have to understand whatever Rose decided.

Back at the castle Rose was spending time with her daughter after being away for the past couple of weeks, "so what was it like to be out there with Master Draco and Miss Sky mama?" Sapphire asked as she was full of curiosity. Rose laughed at her daughter's enthusiasm, "it was very interesting to say the least..." she stated. "What do you mean mama?" Sapphire asked. Rose sat at the table in their room and Sapphire followed suit, "first off they live in a cabin in Master Draco's cave." "A cabin in a cave?" she asked. "Yes but it's beautiful, Miss Sky has a beautiful mare she calls Shimmer. She didn't ride her much while I was there because she was pregnant," Rose explained. Hearing this caught Sapphire's attention, "did she have her baby?" she asked. Rose nodded, "yes she did and it was a beautiful little girl, they named her Mirai..." she answered. Sapphire tilted her head slightly, "Mirai...that's an unusual name..." she commented. "It is but it was also the name of Master Draco's mother," she added. "Wow...she must've been really pretty to have a name like that," Sapphire replied. Rose's face softened, "I imagine she was but Master Draco told me that she died long ago. Anyway I helped her out as much as I could and I also got to know their sons as well." "They have sons?" Sapphire asked. "Well Drake is biologically Master Draco's son but Geoff is bonded to Drake because Drake saved him the same way Master Draco saved Miss Sky," Rose explained. Sapphire nodded her head to let her mother she had heard her, "so Drake shared his heart with Geoff to save his life?" she asked. Rose nodded her head to her daughter's question, "I actually got to go on a flight with them and it was so much fun." "Do you think they would take me for a flight if I asked them?" Sapphire asked curiously. Rose laughed, "I'm sure Drake would be happy to take you for a flight." Sapphire could tell there was something to her mother's words, "mother can I ask you something?" "Of course..." Rose replied. "If you spent time with them that means you got to know them..." "Yes..." Rose silently wondered where her daughter was gonig with her questions. "Did either of them catch your eye?" she asked. Rose couldn't hide the blush on her face, "well...yes," she said. Sapphire remained silent as her mother continued, "I did get to spend time with them together and individually. I've actually been asking myself the same question..." she looked at Sapphire and decided that she was mature enough to have this kind of talk. "Geoff and I spent a nice evening together, we sat by the fire and talked, then he showed me the hot springs." Sapphire was a little hesitant about asking her next question but decided to anyway, "did he kiss you?" she asked. Rose's blush told her that they had, "we did share a kiss and we talked about starting a relationship." Sapphire was silently proud of her mother because it had been long time since she had someone else in her life besides her, "I'm glad that you got to have some time to yourself mother...I know you haven't had that in a long time. So what did you do with Master Drake?" she asked. Rose found herself smiling as she spoke, "he walked with me this morning when I went to pick some fresh flowers for the kitchen," she replied. Sapphire noticed the bright red bloom sitting on her mother's satchel, "is that where you got that one?" she asked motioning over to it. Rose glanced back at the beautiful flower as she spoke, "Drake gave to me...and he told me that he gave it to me because he has feelings for me." Hearing this intrigued Sapphire, "but I thought you were with Geoff?" she asked. Rose let a small sigh pass through her lips, "we only just started a relationship but I don't know what to do. That's why I had Master Draco bring me back here without talking to either of them because I wanted to sort out my thoughts before that." "Makes sense to me..." Sapphire replied. Rose was silent for a moment before speaking again, "Geoff is kind but he's unsure because he's never been in a relationship before...so he's a little shy. Drake is the same way, he's never had any kind of experience with a relationship because he was raised in a monastery since he was found by Sir Bowen." "He was raised in a monastery?" Sapphire asked. Rose nodded her head to her daughter's question, "yes he was so he's been sheltered his whole life up until he met Geoff that is. In the short time I've got to know him, he seems to be coming into his own. He's so much like Master Draco, he's so sweet and gentle. You should've seen him with Mirai, so gentle and attentive. If I'm being honesty with you Sapphire, I'd feel comfortable having him around you." Sapphira could see the softness on her mother's face and hear it in her voice, "he's really touched your heart hasn't he mom?" she asked. Rose smiled as she looked back at the dragonheart blossom, "yes he has..." she replied. Sapphire smiled at her mother's words as she stood up, walked over to the dragonheart blossom in order to pick it up and hand it to her mother, "then maybe you should tell him that..." she suggested. Rose knew her daughter was right but there was still Geoff, "but what about Geoff? What do I say to him?" she asked. "Listen to your heart mother...I know you'll find the words," Sapphire said. Sapphire may only be fourteen but she was far wiser than her years and Rose knew that was because she had spent so much time around Bowen and Kara. "You're wiser beyond your years Sapphire..." was Rose's only words.

The brothers were beginning to head back to their home as it was nearing sunset and they didn't want to have their father mad at them. They managed to reach home just as the sun was starting to set in the distance, once Drake's feet touched the ground Geoff hopped off to allow his brother to transform. His eyes began to glow and his body took on a more human-like shape, his wings were shortened as was his tail and when the light faded he stood in front of his brother on his two clawed-feet. He smiled as he was getting more use to transforming the way his father had, "come on Drake, I'm sure they started dinner without us..." Geoff said walking towards the cabin with Drake following right behind him. Upon entering they found the kitchen empty which made the blonde-haired man shake his head, "seems it's up to us to make dinner tonight..." he said. Drake just smiled, "I don't mind, gives me a reason to use my fire breath." Geoff rolled his eyes at his brother, "well if you're so eager then get the firepit ready while I grab something from the pantry..." he said. Drake turned on his heel and made his way out to the firepit to get the fire going. Once he was outside he grabbed a bundle of wood that they kept near the firepit and placed it beside him. He placed some grass and small sticks into the firepit then placed the bundle of wood around it. Using his fire breath he lit them a blaze and had it going by the time Geoff came outside with deer meat they had kept from the day before. "You got the fire going..." Geoff commented as he placed the meat on the spit to cook over the flames.

The smell of the cooking meat hung in the air and was taken on the breeze which made it fill the room of the mated pair. They were still wrapped in each other's arms but had fallen asleep after making love. As it reached the nostrils of the dragon sleeping next to his mate, he began to stir, "hmm seems the boys have returned..." he stated. Skygazer raised up to sniff the air, "yes it appears they're cooking up some of the deer meat left over from yesterday," she added. "Hmn..." was his only reply as he stood beside the bed to stretch his body, his wings and tail talon flexing as he did. Skygazer stretched her body as well before standing up to gather her clothes and redress. She turned to her dragon as she spoke, "I'll be right down after I feed Mirai.." she said. Draco smiled at her as he came over to capture her lips briefly, "alright my beautiful treasures..." he replied nuzzling her before walking from the room. Once outside he was greeted by his sons, "hello father..." Drake said as Geoff merely waved. "Hello boys..." Draco sat on a log opposite them, "how was your flight?" he asked. "It was peaceful," Drake said "And uneventful..." Geoff added. Draco arched a browridge at his sons' words, "isn't that a good thing?" he asked. Geoff looked at his father, "yeah if you like having a boring evening..." he replied. Drake couldn't help but scoff at his brother's words, "come on Geoff is that really the problem or is it that you only have me to hang out with now?" he asked a little harsher than he meant to. At this Draco looked at his dragon son, "Drake..." he said. Drake glanced at his father, "what?" he asked. Draco's only response to his son was a glare to which Drake shrunk back slightly. Draco wasn't sure what was going on with Drake but he wasn't going to tollerate it during dinner, "whatever you wish to sort out with your brother will wait until after dinner...am I clear?" he asked. "Yes father..." Drake replied. Draco let a frustrated sigh through his scaly lips as he checked the meat that was cooking, "your mother should be out here shortly."

What the three males had failed to notice was that Skygazer had been standing behind Draco for a few moments and had seen the interaction between the males, "I already am..." she said. Draco jumped slightly at hearing her voice, "my Sky...since when have you become so sneaky?" he asked playfully. She giggled as it wasn't often she could sneak up on her dragon, "I learned it from you my love," she said kissing the top of his head before sitting next to him. As they ate content silence hung in the air but even though Geoff was content something was still burning in his mind. He glanced in the direction of his brother, silently wondering what was up with him, "it's not like Drake to act that way," Geoff said to himself. The family enjoyed their meal together as they always did but there seem to be a bit of tension between the brothers and both Skygazer and Draco knew why. They had hoped that they had worked out things earlier but it appears that there were still some things to work out between them. Draco was determined to get to the bottom of it to make things easier on Rose when she returned. So after dinner Skygazer decided to go bathe in the hot springs while Draco talked to their sons as he knew Mirai was already down for the night. She gave her dragon a quick kiss before disappearing down the tunnel.

Now left alone with his sons he turned his attention to them, "so do either of you want to tell me why it seems as though you two wish to continue to argue?" he asked crossing his arms over his chest with a stern look on his dragon face. Neither of the boys spoke at first as they didn't want to meet their father's gaze. Draco could see this was going nowhere so he decided to use a tactic that Aria use to use on the hatchlings when there would be a squabble. "Very well if neither of you wish to speak then you two shall spar to settle this," he stated. The brothers' gazes turned to their father at his words, "what?" Geoff asked cocking a brow at him. "You heard me...if you two won't talk about this then you two shall settle it the way Aria told us hatchlings when we would get to arguing," Draco said. Drake looked between his father and his brother before speaking, "but...but it wouldn't be fair. I'm a dragon and Geoff is a human..." Drake reasoned. Draco cocked a browridge at his son, "if you do not wish to settle it by sparring then talk to each other." Geoff had been silent for the past several minutes but deciding to speak, "why Drake?" The young dragon looked at his human brother, "why did you make a move on Rose when you know that she and I started a relationship?" he asked furrowing his brow. Drake looked at his father then at his brother, "Geoff...I thought we had settled this...earlier...you said you forgave me..." he said, his voice wavering slightly. Hearing this caught Draco's attention, "is this true?" he asked. Geoff bit his lip as he spoke, "well...yes I did but..." he turned his eyes to Draco, "I guess I still feel like he..." he didn't get to finish he sentence as Drake spoke, "so...you lied to me?" he asked making Geoff look at him. "You lied to me!" he half-yelled. "Drake...you knew there was already something between me and her. What is it? Do you just not want me to be happy? Or did you try to steal her from me because you know there's no other dragons in this world for you to be with?" Geoff half-yelled back as he stood up. Draco felt a bit of anger flow through him and he knew that Skygazer could feel it but he would try to control it as much as he could, "GEOFF!" he growled as he flexed his tail talon in aggitation. Geoff looked at his father, "what? He started it..." he said. "That may be but that was a step too far..." Draco replied angrily. In that moment Geoff felt a sudden a pang of hurt flow through him, which caused him to look at Drake to see the look on his face. Geoff then realized that he let his anger take hold of him and made him say something he shouldn't have, "Drake...I..." Drake turned his back to his human brother and only turned his head enough to glance at him from the corner of his eye, "you would really say that to me? Knowing that it would hurt me?" he questioned, his voice thick with emotion. Geoff remained silent as he turned his head away from Drake as he felt horrible for saying such a thing. "You wish me to be alone as I was before our paths crossed?" Drake questioned turning his head to look over his shoulder at the human he called brother. When he saw that Geoff refused to look at him, he felt even more hurt and he turned away from him as he spoke, "I may have given you half my heart...but you are not my brother anymore..." with that Drake transformed into his dragon form and took to the sky. Seeing this Geoff tried to chase after him, "Drake? Wait!" he called. "Drake!" Draco called after him as he stood from where he had been sitting. Drake paused to look at his father, "I'm sorry father I can't be here right now." When Geoff tried to get closer to Drake he received a surprise when Drake blew fire at him, "stay back Geoff...stay away from me..." he said before flying off, leaving his home behind him.

Geoff watched Drake until he was out of sight and he now realized what he had done to the dragon he saw as a brother. He turned to Draco to see him still watching after his son, "can you believe he blew fire at me?" he asked angrily. Draco had had enough of his human son acting like a child and decided to put him in his place, "him? What about you? Why would you say things like that to him knowing full well that before we found you two, he felt more alone because he thought he was the last of our kind?" Draco snapped. Not expecting his father to snap at him like that, he shrunk back slightly, "do you realize how deeply you've hurt him?" Draco asked. Geoff couldn't respond because he knew Draco was right, "you need to fix what you've done to Drake..." he stated. Geoff looked at the dragon in front of him, "and how do I do that?" he turned to face Draco fully, "what about what he did...making a move on Rose when he knows that she and I started a relationship?" he asked. Draco approached the stableboy to place his claws on his shoulders, "you have to understand that even though he knows he's not the last of our kind anymore he still feels that loneliness. Have you never noticed how he watches me and your mother's interactions?" he asked. Geoff merely shook his head, "it's because he wants to have that connection with someone and he's learning how to be a good mate. I've been watching him over the past couple of weeks when Rose was here with us and whenever he spent time with her, he always showed her affection." Geoff looked down slightly before looking back up at Draco, "what of you Geoff? What affection have you given to Rose?" he asked. "Well we...we kissed..." he replied. "Is that all?" Draco asked cocking a browridge at his son. "Yes...our relationship is new and I don't have any experience with one so I don't know what to do..." he answered. "Well it seems to me that Drake has been trying harder at a relationship with Rose than you have. A kiss doesn't mean you're a couple, it's just a means to show affection," Draco said removing his claws from the young man's shoulders. Geoff furrowed his brows at his father's words as Draco spoke once more, "and if Rose does choose him it will be because he showed more interest in her than you did, even though you two agreed to start a relationship."

With that Draco walked down the tunnel towards the hot springs where he knew his beloved Skygazer was soaking in the hot water, leaving Geoff alone with his thoughts. Now left alone outside the cave he sat back by the firepit to think on everything his father had told to him, "frustrated sigh* he's right...Drake has tried more with Rose than I have. My inexperience is to blame I guess..." he said to himself. He knew he couldn't just sit by the fire and do nothing, he had to go after Drake, find him and bring him back. He stood up and made his way over to Shimmer's stall, "I need your help girl..." he said to the mare as he brought her out of her stall and placed the saddle on her back. He placed his foot into the stirrup and got onto her back, he looked back over his shoulder towards the cave, "I'm sorry father...mother...I have to do this..." he said before riding away from the cave to find Drake.

Back at the hot springs Draco had joined Skygazer in the soothing water to enjoy it with her. He had her in his lap as they sat in the depression in the rock. Skygazer rested her head against her dragon's chest, sighing contently at being wrapped in his arms. Draco could feel how content Skygazer was being here with him like this, their bond allowed him to feel everything she felt. They stayed in the hot water for the longest time before getting out and heading back to the cabin to turn in for the night. Draco had decided not to say anything to Skygazer about what happened with Geoff and Drake earlier, he would give Drake some time to come back on his own. He knew there were things that his sons needed to work out on their own, "come my love, we should turn in for the night..." he murmured as he nuzzled against her neck. She purred to him in response to his affection, "alright my love..." she replied as they got out of the water. She got redressed and they walked back to the cabin hand in hand. When they reached the cabin they made their way inside and headed up to their bedroom to try to get some sleep. Skygazer got in under the covers, "goodnight my sweet dragon, I love you..." she said as a yawn passed through her lips. He nuzzled her once more, "goodnight my precious treasure..." he replied getting in next to her to curl his body around her. And as he drifted off to sleep he draped a wing over his mate, "I love you too..." he murmured as he fell asleep next to her.

Unbeknowst to his parents Geoff was out in the forest on his mother's mare, looking for Drake after he had flown away, "Drake!" he called out. Geoff looked everywhere he knew to look for the young dragon, "there's only one place left to look for him..." he said as he headed towards their grandmother's hut, "please let him be there..." he said to himself.

Drake was indeed at Aria's hut but he was laying by a small pond to be alone with his thoughts for a while before he decided what to do. He let a frustrated sigh pass through his dragon's lips, he was still feeling so much hurt after his argument with Geoff, "how could he say those things to me? Even though I found father, he knows that it still hurts to bring that kind of thing up to me." Drake was resting his head on the ground between his front claws as he fought back tears that burned his eyes, "*sigh* what should I do?" he asked himself as he closed his eyes to let his tears fall.

Geoff was nearing their grandmother's hut but saw no sigh of his dragon brother anywhere, "ugh I don't see him anywhere...oh Drake where did you go?" he said out loud. He looked towards the hut and thought about seeing if their grandmother was awake but thought better of it, as it was late. So Geoff decided to dismount from Shimmer's back and look for Drake on foot, "wait here girl...I'll be right back.." he told Shimmer, tethering her to the hitching post outside the hut. He then scanned the ground to look for tracks that Drake had left, "come on he couldn't have flown but so far..." he said to himself. As he began to walk into the forest he received a surprise when the door opened to reveal Aria, "grandmother..." he said. She stood there for a moment or two before speaking, "the one you seek is by the same small pond his father use to go to. You have deeply hurt your brother and must make things right or lose the bond you have with him forever," she said. Geoff looked down slightly, "but how? How do I change what I've done?" he asked her. "Grandson...you must understand, he may have his father in his life but he still longs for the same companionship Draco finds with your mother. Even though he is no longer the last of his kind, he still feels that emptiness of not knowing the rest of his dragon family and of there not being any female dragons he can court. He is in a world where he still longs to find his place and someone to share it with. Just as you do..." she stated. Geoff looked at her briefly as he still had no idea of what to say to the dragon that he had shared so much with. "Listen to me grandson, your dragon brother is a gift and the bond of a shared heart is a special thing. It is true that he has feelings for the woman that you also have interest in but perhaps this is how the elders allowed it to be. Only they can say for sure...it is not for us to question what the elders give us," Aria said. Geoff didn't understand what she was saying but he let a sigh pass through his lips as he took off towards the pond where Drake was. Aria watched him go before turning her eyes to the dragon's heaven, "great elders...give these young ones your wisdom so they may repair their bond." With that she went back inside her hut to get some rest.

Geoff meanwhile was headed in the direction he felt the pond was in hopes of finding Drake there, "I have to make things right..." he said to himself. As he walked onward he silently wrestled with what he would say to the dragon he called brother, "I just hope he's willing to hear me out."

Unaware that Geoff was headed his way Drake was still laying by the pond, still feeling the hurt Geoff's words had caused, "what am I to do now?" he wondered. He didn't know how to make the hurt he felt go away nor did he know what to say when he returned home. The young dragon was so lost in his thoughts that he was unaware that he was being watched by a small band of men, "hey look at this.." one whispered. The leader came over to see what his men were looking at, "well now..." he smirked, "that's not something you see everyday." "No it's not," the man turned back towards Drake, "a dragon is a rare find these days. Just think of what we could get for his hide?" The leader smirked at the man's words, "alright...nice and easy boys.." he said. A gentle breeze began to billow around the young dragon but as it did an unfamiliar scent filled his senses, "hmn, what was that?" he said standing up and looking around. He scanned the area carefully just as his father had taught him to do before calling out, "who's there? Come out where I can see you," he said. The men were surprised to hear him speak, "this one speaks..." the leader was intrigued, "if he wants to see us then lets go greet him." "Yes let's..." said the man next to him as they entered the clearing. Upon them stepping into the clearing Drake became tense, "who...who are you?" he asked looking from one man to the next. The leader decided to approach, "we are merely a group of travelers who have lost our way in this forest," he lied. Drake could tell something wasn't right with these men, "if that is true then why were you watching me?" he questioned. The leader smirked, "clever dragon you are...and so young. Do you have no family?" he asked. Drake didn't trust these men and he lowered his head and raised his wings to try in an attempt to intimidate them, "why should I tell you that? You could be bandits or dragonslayers," he growled. "So much for an easy plan..." said one man as he lunged at Drake. Drake bared his sharp teeth and jumped out of the way as the landed where he had been laying. He flapped his wings just enough to get him off the ground and away from these men but what he failed to notice was that another had snuck around behind him and was ready with a rope. As Drake let loose his flame he felt something grab his tail, which made him turn his head, "what?" He raised his tail up, flinging the man this way and that, trying to rid himself of the rope. Another man flung a rope at Drake which flew high enough to grab one of his horns, "hey...let me go!" he demanded. "Ha not a chance dragon..." the leader sneered, "hold him there boys..." he instructed as he drew his sword.

About this time Geoff happened upon the scene, "no...Drake..." he said. He looked around to see there were five men in the area with Drake, "how am I going to free him?" he wondered. It was then he received a shock when Aria appeared beside him, "dragonslayers..." she growled. "*Gasp* grandmother..." he said, letting a gasp escape his lips. "Hush now, we need to figure out how to rescue your brother from these slayers," she instructed. They looked on as Drake was brought to the ground and held down with ropes, "now to finish you off and take in your hide, you should bring plenty of gold since your kind are so rare," the leader said. Drake glared the leader before a feeling in his chest caught his attention, "Geoff...he came after me." He knew he couldn't let these men know anything so he just let loose his flames, to give his brother the opportunity to attack. "Get ready young Geoff..." Aria said as her hands began to glow. Geoff drew his sword that he had brought with him, "now..." she said as they sprung from the bushes. "Geoff!" Drake called. The leader turned to see the two humans behind him, "what's all this then? A boy and an old hag? This should be easy..." he turned to his men, "get them!" he yelled. Geoff made a bee-line for the man that held to one of the ropes while Aria used her magic to fling the men away. Geoff sliced the rope that held Drake's head down before kicking the man away that held the rope. He stood in front of Drake, to try and protect him. Drake turned his head and torched the man that held his tail, freeing him. Aria collected the men with her magic before raising them high above the pond and letting them drop into the deepest part of it, killing them. She felt drained, she hadn't faught in ages, fortunately with the dragon blood in her veins from Histva, she knew she would be fine. She turned her eyes to Geoff as he removed the remaining ropes from Drake, "are you alright young one?" she asked. Drake turned his head towards the sorceress, "I'm alright grandmother..." he replied before looking at Geoff. "You came for me?" he asked. Geoff paused for a moment, "of course I did Drake, you're my brother." Drake let small smile play on his dragon face, "thank you..." was his only words as he closed his eyes for an instant. "There you go, you're free..." Geoff said standing up as did Drake. Aria came over to scan the young dragon with her magic, "it is good that you have no injuries young one, you got lucky..." she said before turning to Geoff, "I go to rest now, I'll see you two in the morning..." she said before teleporting back to her hut.

Now left alone Drake turned to Geoff as he spoke, "why did you take off like that?" he asked. Drake looked down slightly, "I just needed some time alone. To think about things..." he stated. Geoff was silent for a moment or two, "did you figure out anything?" he asked. Drake merely shook his head, "not really..." he said as he began walking away from Geoff. The young man stood there watching the dragon walk away from him but something inside him made him move without thinking, "Drake..." Upon hearing his name he turned to see Geoff approach him, "Geoff what..." his thoughts were interrupted when Geoff embraced him. Drake's dragon eyes widened slightly but he made no move to get away from him, "I'm so glad you're alright brother..." he said. At hearing these words Drake's face softened and he brought a claw up to return the embrace, "I'm sorry...I'm sorry for everything I said. I didn't mean any of it..." he replied, his voice thick with emotion. Drake had never heard Geoff's voice like that before, "Geoff..." he murmured. Geoff pulled back just enough to look at Drake in the eye, "after you left father talked some sense to me, he made me realize that you tried harder with Rose than I did. My inexperience with girls made me unsure and I shied away when I should've tried harder. If Rose chooses you, I will have no one to blame but myself..." he replied. Drake let his brother's words sink in for an instant before he spoke, "even so I still shouldn't have interfered with your relationship with Rose." The brother seemed to finally reach an understanding at last, "come on...let's go home..." Geoff said. Drake smiled, "alright brother.." he replied. When he heard the words again, Geoff couldn't hold back his smile and they walked back to where he had left Shimmer at the hitching post. Upon reaching the mare he got back into the saddle and began to head back towards their home with Drake flying above him.

When they reached their cabin Geoff dismounted from Shimmer's back, removed the saddle and placed her into the stall for the night. Drake waited for Geoff by the double doors before they both entered and settled down to sleep for the night. Drake laid down on his bedding but as he closed his eyes, he felt Geoff lean against his side. He smiled at his human brother before dirfting off to sleep with him, "goodnight Geoff..." he murmured.

When the morning came it found a dragon awake, he had been awakened by his baby daughter and was now holding her in his arms. Draco was so attentive with Mirai, he knew he had to be, she was so precious to him, "my little princess," he commented as she grabbed a hold of his finger. He smiled down at her as her little eyes met her father's golden gaze, "what kind of dragoness will you become?" he asked her, knowing she was far too young to respond. He turned his gaze from his daughter to the world beyond the window he sat by, "what will this world have to offer you once you are of age..." he said looking back down at her. She grinned at him and he carefully brought her up to his muzzle in order to nuzzle her gently, she responded to his love with what sounded to him like a small purr. He chuckled at her, "learning the dragon ways already little one..." he mused. Mirai never cried when either Drake or Draco were near, as she had learned their voices and scent. Having this time with his little girl was special to him and endulged in it while Skygazer continued to sleep.

Downstairs the brothers were still sleeping next to each other, some time in the night Drake had positioned Geoff so that he would be more comfortable on his bedding. He kept a wing draped over his brother before drifting back off into peaceful slumber. In that moment Drake began to dream:

Drake's Dream:

In his dream Drake was alone in a forest that was near the cave, he scanned the area around to see if anyone else was around, "hello..." he called out. He waited for a few moments but not hearing anything he turned to leave but was stopped when an unfamiliar voice reached his dragon ears, "my son..." said the voice. Drake whirled around upon hearing the voice, "who's there?" he asked. He waited a moment more before the voice came again, "over here..." it called. Drake knew that this voice belonged to a female and he eagerly followed it until he came to his father's cave. He stepped tentatively inside, all the while looking every which way to find the owner of the voice. "Where are you?" he asked. Silence hung in the cave for what felt to him like hours but not seeing the source of the voice he turned to leave but was once more stopped by the female's voice. "My son..." she called again. He turned once more to look behind him, his mouth felt dry and he couldn't find his voice, "here I am..." he said finally. A moment or two passed before a shadow appeared in front of him and upon seeing it, he took a step back, "don't be afraid...I mean you no harm," said the voice. Drake narrowed his eyes slightly as he tried to make out the figure in the darkness, "who are you?" he asked again. He watched the shadowy figure step towards him until she was in the light and upon seeing her, his mouth hung open. In front of him stood a slender female dragon with glittering scales of burnt gold and bright green eyes, Drake had never seen another being so beautiful. He was mesmerized by her, "my son...you have grown so...you look so much like your father..." she said. Drake wasn't sure what to make of this dragoness that spoke so lovingly to him, "how do you know me?" he asked. She stepped closer to him, her wings flexing as she moved, "my son...do not recognize your own mother?" she asked. Drake's eyes widened considerably, "my...my mother? Then that means you're..." he couldn't speak. She smiled at him, "yes my son, I am the one called Aura." Drake didn't hold back anymore as he moved towards her to nuzzle her affectionately, all the while fighting back tears. Aura returned the loving gesture from her son, "oh my sweet Drake, I never meant to leave alone, that was not what I wished for you." He pulled back just enough to look up at her, "what did you wish for me?" he asked. Her face was soft and her touch gentle, "I wanted a better life than either I or your father had. We never wanted you to ever know the world of man and the harshness they bring. We only wanted for you to be what we could not..." she said. "And what was that mother?" he asked. "A bridge between our kind and the human world, we hoped that you would be able to restore the bond between the two worlds," Aura replied, bringing a claw up to cup her son's face. "I don't how..." he said glancing down slightly. Aura made his gaze meet hers, "but you have...you saved a human worth saving. Your heart is strong and pure, as is the human you call brother. I am so proud of you my son..." she replied. This moment was bittersweet for Drake, here he was finally seeing his mother for the first time and yet, somehow it felt different than he had expected it to. "I think about you all the time...I really miss you mother..." he said, his voice thick with emotion. "And I miss my Drake but you will see me again one day and when we do, it will be in a place of beauty and splender," she said as she began to fade. "Mother wait...please don't go..." he said as he tried to touch her once more but found his claw going through her as she became a spirit. "To the stars my son...to the stars..." she gave him one last smile before she disappeared into nothing. "Mother! Mother..."

End of Dream:

"Mother!" Drake jolted out of his slumber, calling out for Aura as he did. He panted as he looked around to realize that he was in his room that he shared with Geoff. He turned his head too see that Geoff was still peacefully sleeping beside him. He took a few deep breaths before letting his head flop back down on his bedding as a stray tear rolled down his cheek.

Upstairs Skygazer was just starting to wake to find Draco holding their little girl as she held to his finger, "you're such a good father my love..." she cooed. He smiled when he heard her voice, "I promised her that I would do right by her and I intend to keep that promise..." he stated as Skygazer came over to kiss him tenderly. He returned the kiss before passing Mirai to her mother, "were you spending time with your daddy?" she asked before kissing Mirai's tiny forehead. Skygazer giggled as Mirai seem to purr to her as she had done with her father, "seems she's trying to be a little dragoness already..." she laughed. Draco laughed, "yes she is..." he smiled at the scene in front of him. His beautiful Skygazer feeding their tiny daughter, "why not see if the boys are up yet?" she suggested. "Trying to get rid of me?" he asked playfully. She laughed, "no of course not my love but we do need breakfast..." she replied, "you're so playful this morning my love." Draco gave her a playful smirk, "you bring out that side of me my treasure," he replied as he moved to nuzzle her affectionately. She returned the gesture before kissing the scale that covered his half-heart. He smiled at her before he began to head towards the door, "I'll be back soon my treasure..." he said. She smiled as he disappeared from the sight, she let a content sigh pass through her lips, "I know you will be as sweet as your father my little one."

Once downstairs Draco decided to look in on his sons before going out on a hunt, when he did he was surprised to see them both back in their room. He let a small smile play on his lips, "it would seem they have finally settled things between them."

He turned on his heel and made his way outside. When he stepped outside he breathed in the cool morning air, allowing it to fill his senses before transforming and taking to the air. Soaring upon the wind this way made him feel as though he were floating, despite his bulk. He scanned the land below searching for prey to catch to feed his family, "where did all the prey go to..." he wondered. He sailed toward the hillside he knew the mountain-living sheep like to graze in hopes of finding them. When he reached the hillside he indeed found them grazing on the fresh grass, "there they are..." he said licking his lips slightly. These mountain dwelling sheep were his favorite prey and he found his mouth watering at the thought of feasting on them. He scanned the herd for the largest animal before zeroing in on him, "there we go...just what I'm looking for..." he purred. He subconsciously licked his lips once more before diving down upon the unsuspecting animal to pluck him up into his jaws. With a shake of his head, the sheep hung limp, "now to get you back to the cave..." he said as he flew back in the direction of home. It took him no time to return to the cave with his prize as he landed softly by the firepit, he placed the animal on the ground in front of him before preparing the cooking fire. Once it was burning well he skinned and carved out the meat from the sheep in order to hang it over the spit to cook. Draco remained in his dragon form, laying flat out on his stomach to watch the meat cook. All in all he was very content with the life he had made for himself after being brought back to life, "if it hadn't been for my Sky, I would've never known such happiness," he said to himself, a smile playing on his dragon face.

Back in the room he shared with Geoff the smell of the cooking meat began to seep into the room, "hmm something smells good..." he said to himself as he got to his feet, he glanced down at his brother before making his way outside. When Drake got outside he found his father cooking meat over the firepit, "good morning father..." he greeted as he approached. Draco smiled upon seeing his son, "I hope you rested well my son..." he replied as Drake sat on his haunches by the firepit. "I...uh...I did..." he replied, looking down slightly. Draco turned his golden gaze to his son, as he could tell something was off with his son, "Drake..." he said. Drake made his gaze meet his father's as Draco arched a browridge at him. Drake knew he couldn't hide anything from his father so he decided to share his thoughts with him, "well..." he lay out on his stomach by the firepit, "I did sleep well but I...I was dreaming." "Yes about what?" Draco asked, propping himself up on his elbow, to rest his chin on his palm. Drake flexed his wings restlessly, twitching his tail slightly as he spoke, "I was in the forest around the cave and this voice called out to me. I scanned the area but I didn't see anything..." he said. This intrigued Draco, "what did the voice say?" he asked, still with his chin in his palm. Drake swallowed down the lump in his throat, "it said my son..." he stated. At hearing this Draco raised his head slightly as Drake continued, "I followed it and found our cave but when I entered, I didn't see anyone. I was ready to walk out but the voice called out again, saying the same thing. When I turned around this time, there was a shadowy figure standing behind me." Draco held his breath as he hung on every word that left his son's scaly lips, "I asked the figure to step into the light...and when she did...she told me she was my mother," Drake answered. Draco let his claw fall to the ground in front of him, "Aura..." he murmured. Drake looked at his father, "yeah...she told me that she never wanted me to ever know the evil of the humans. That you both hoped that I would become the bridge between our kind and theirs. She told me that she was proud of the dragon I had become..." Drake replied, his voice thick with emotion. Draco remained silent as Drake spoke once more, "the last thing she said to me was..." Draco finished his son's sentence for him, "to the stars...to the stars..." The young dragon was surprised that his father knew the words his mother had spoken, "how did you know?" he asked. Draco let a small smile play on his dragon lips, "those were the same words I spoke to Bowen that night, as I ascended to the dragon's heaven. It was my goodbye to him..." he said before turning his eyes back to cooking meat, "it's nearly done..." he commented as he transformed into his humanoid form, "I'll be right back..." he said before going into the cabin to retrieve the platter to place the meat on. Drake remained sitting by the fire while he waited for Draco to come back, as he did his mind was on everything he had talked to his father about, "perhaps father understands more than I thought." A moment or two later Draco returned with the platter in his claws to place the meat on to. Drake silently watched his father tend to their breakfast before speaking, "come son, let us enjoy this..." he said walking towards the cabin. Drake merely nodded, "yes father..." he said before transforming and following after him.

When the pair of dragons made it inside they found Skygazer downstairs with little Mirai in her arms and sitting at the table, "there's my little princess..." he greeted. Skygazer smiled at their little girl as she spoke, "I see you two have been out hunting this morning." Drake glanced at his father, "yes..our son is quite the hunter..." he praised. Skygazer stood up in order to place a gentle kiss on Drake's forehead, "I'm proud of you Drake.." she replied before turning towards the room he shared with Geoff, "Geoff...breakfast..." she called. A moment or two passed before the blonde-haired boy appeared in the kitchen, "something smells good..." he commented as he sat the table with his mother. The family enjoyed the meal Draco had prepared as a comfortable silence settled in the cabin.

Several Weeks Later:

Several weeks had passed since Mirai arrived and Draco felt that now was time for her to meet the rest of her family. Skygazer had packed a small pack for them before placing the saddle on Draco's back, "is that too tight my love?" she asked. He shook his head, "no dearest, you have set comfortable as always." She smiled at him before turning to her sons, "are you two ready?" she asked them. Geoff nodded his head, "yeah..I'm eager to meet them and I know Drake is too..." he said looking at his brother. The young dragon let a smile play on his scaly lips, "yeah I am...I look forward to getting to know them." Draco smiled at his son's words, "yes...it will also be good to see Bowen and Kara again as well." Skygazer had Mirai in a sling around her body to prevent her from falling while they flew towards the castle, "are you ready to meet the rest of your family little one?" she asked her daughter. Mirai smiled at her mother, "alright let's get going..." she said, placing her foot into the stirrup of the saddle and pulling herself upon her dragon's back. With one last look at their cabin the family took to the sky and began their journey to the castle.

As they flew towards the castle Geoff's mind was on other things, while he was happy about seeing Bowen and meeting the rest of their extended family, he couldn't help but think about Rose. "I wonder how she's doing?" Drake had noticed Geoff's unsettled mind, "something on your mind brother?" he asked. Geoff had briefly forgotten that each could know and feel what the other did. Geoff merely smiled, "just thinking..." he replied. Drake arched a browridge at his brother, "you forget that I can feel what you feel and sometimes what you think." Geoff let a sigh pass through his lips, "I was just thinking about Rose." The young dragon nodded his head, "yeah I was too...it's been a long time since we last saw her." Geoff knew the question he wanted to ask but wasn't sure if he should. "I know what you're thinking Geoff...I wonder if she's made a choice too," Drake replied. The rest of the journey to the castle was spent in comfortable silence, that is until Mirai began crying. Skygazer looked down at her little girl, "what's the matter my little one..." she asked. Draco knew of something that might work and began to thrum. To the family's surprise Mirai instantly began to calm, "wow that worked..." Geoff said. Skygazer smiled before looking at her dragon, "how did you know that would work?" she asked him. Draco smiled, "a gentle sound to soothe a little one..." was his only reply. Skygazer smiled as they got in eyeview of the castle, "there it is...the castle where Bowen and Kara dwell..." Draco said.

Down below Bowen was in the courtyard, training new Knights when Hugh's voice called out to him, "Bowen!" The Knight looked in his direction, "what is it Hugh?" he asked. He smiled as he pointed to the sky, "we have visitors.." he said. Bowen turned his eyes skyward as a smile played on his lips, "Draco..." he whispered. He turned to the men in the courtyard, "we'll pick this up later." He then made his way towards the gate to greet his dearest friends.

Up above Draco spotted Bowen standing at the gate, "it seems Bowen is going to greet us..." he mused as he came in to land in front of the Knight, "hello Bowen." "Draco...it's been a while since last we saw each other..." he said. "Yes well I thought it was time for you and Kara to meet our daughter..." he replied. Bowen's eyes widened slightly, "daughter?" he asked. Skygazer was the one to speak, "yes our little Mirai..." she replied. Bowen looked upon the tiny girl in Skygazer's arms, "she's beautiful..." he turned to Draco, "you did well dragon..." he replied playfully. Draco smirked at his friend's words, "where is Kara?" he asked. It was then that Hugh answered the dragon's question, "she's at the village helping some young women with some sewing." He smiled at Hugh's words, "she's always helping the village..." Draco said. "Yes she is..." Bowen sighed. Draco smirked at the Knight, "a little love-struck ey Knight..." he teased. Skygazer giggled at their antics, "you two never change.." she laughed as she slipped from Draco's back. Bowen just laughed as he had missed Draco's teasing, "come on inside so you all can rest..." Bowen said leading them into the courtyard but paused to remove the saddle from Draco's back. "Thank you Bowen..." he replied once it had been removed. Bowen placed the saddle on the post near the stable door, "you're room is always ready for you and your family..." he stated. Draco transformed into his humanoid form, "come Drake, you and Geoff will room with us for now." "Yes father," Drake said as Geoff slipped from his brother's back before transforming into his humanoid form. Bowen was a bit surprised by this, "so your boy can transform too?" he asked Draco. "I will explain it later," he replied. "Alright, dinner should be ready by the time Kara returns and we can talk then," Bowen added. With that the family walked into the castle and the brother's paused to admire it, "wow..." Geoff said, "this place is even more majestic than the one in the land we grew up in." Drake nodded in agreement, "yes it is..." he said looking around the main hall as they entered. Skygazer looked at her sons, "our room is upstairs..." she said as they made their way up the stairs.

Once they reached the room a voice reached their ears, "Master Draco!" called a voice. Upon hearing his name Draco turned to see young Sapphire coming towards him, "Sapphire.." he said kneeling down to her level. "I have missed you," she said. "We have missed you Sapphire," Skygazer added, gaining the young girl's attention. "Miss Sky...how are you feeling?" she asked. "I am well Sapphire," she replied. Then the young girl noticed the infant in the woman's arms, "is this your baby?" she asked. Skygazer smiled as Draco helped her kneel down, "this is Mirai..." she said, "our daughter." Sapphire looked upon the tiny girl's face as she opened up her golden eyes, "aww she has your eyes Master Draco..." she replied before placing her finger in Mirai's tiny hand, "hello Mirai..." she said softly. Mirai looked at Sapphire curiously but grinned at her, "she likes you..." Draco said. "I like her too," she turned back to Mirai, "little sister..." she murmured. It was then that Drake and Geoff stepped forward to see the interaction, "she's so sweet to be so young..." Geoff said. The moment was interrupted by another voice coming from down the hall, "Sapphire!" Everyone turned to see Rose coming towards them, "Rose..." the brothers murmured. "Hello Rose, it's good to see you again," Skygazer greeted. "Hello Sky, Draco..." she said before turning to the brothers, "Drake...Geoff..." she added. Upon hearing their names Sapphire turned to them, "are you two Master Draco's sons?" she asked. Drake was the one to answer, "we are..." he approached and knelt before her, "you must be Miss Sapphire," he said. She smiled, "I am.." she replied. He smiled gently at her, "it's nice to meet you..." he said placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Sapphire smiled and bowed her head slightly, "it's nice to meet both too." It was then that Rose spoke, "I'm glad that you all have arrived here safely..." she then turned to her daughter, "come Sapphire we are to help in the kitchen tonight." "Yes mama," she turned back to the family, "I hope to see you at dinner..." she replied. Draco smiled at the young girl, "you will..." he replied kissing her knuckles as he stood to his full height. Sapphire turned to little Mirai, "I will see you later little sister..." she said smiling down at the infant. Mirai grinned, which made Sapphire giggle, "come on we should rest now," Draco said helping Skygazer stand once more. "Alright," she replied as they walked into their room.

The couple settled down in their room while their sons took in all they saw, "wow look at this place..." Drake said. Geoff nodded his head in agreement, "it's even grander than all the stories I heard." Draco chuckled at his son's words, "trust me when I say, if you had been here during the rebellion you wouldn't have said the same." Drake looked at his father, "why do you say that?" he asked curiously. Draco looked at Skygazer who merely nodded to his silent question, he turned his gaze back to his sons, "because of what lay within these walls was nothing like Bowen or Kara. Evil hid within these walls and it only wanted to bring tyranny to all who called these lands home. The people of the village below feared the tyrant and his forces, he was colder than any winter and harder than any stone. On the night of the final battle, I was laying chained up in the courtyard, wing broken and body brusied. No hope of me ever escaping what was to come, not even when Bowen came to rescue me from the dragonslayers. The Queen came to me that night, her eyes weak and full of sorrow...only matched by my own. She knew how much I blamed myself for everything that had happened over those years he lived. She came to me with the intent of slaying me herself but he appeared and took the spear she held in her hands. He had figured out what she had intended to happen, he knew that she wanted him dead. Her words to him still ring in my ears...even now." "What did she say to him father?" Drake asked. Draco took a breath as he spoke, "she said to him that she wanted to correct a mistake made years ago when she saved a creature not worth saving." Silence hung in the room briefly before the dragon continued, "when she walked away from him, he turned his gaze towards me. In that moment I knew what he intended to do, I faught against my chains but it was no use, I was forced to watch him kill his own mother right in front of me. She was a daughter of the Celts, sold into marriage with the King who was a known dragonslayer. The Celtic people looked to my kind for guidance and friendship, we had a very close bond between our kind and theirs. They respected us and loved us, knew of our strength and abilities. The anger I felt that night at watching her fall to the very spear he held in his hands...I wanted so much to break my chains and take him in my jaws and end him right there. I cared not the pain it would cause me, I wanted to avenge Aislinn because she was a dear friend." Geoff was silent for a moment or two before asking his question, "father?" Draco looked at his human son, "yes son..." "If you hadn't met mother...would you have wanted to be with Aislinn?" he asked. At his son's question, his jaw hung open slightly as did Skygazer's as she looked at her mate to hear his answer. He was silent for the longest time before he spoke, "I'll admit while I was very close with her...I don't know if there could've been any kind of relationship other than friendship between her and I." There was silence for a moment more before anyone spoke, "did you ever meet Aislinn mother?" Drake asked. Skygazer merely shook her head, "no...unfortunately I never had the chance to meet her but I heard many stories about her from your father. He told me she was such a kind woman to all she met, never looking down on anyone, no matter their status." "Your mother speaks the truth.." Draco added. Drake looked down slightly as he imagined what his father felt when his past came back to haunt him, "is it hard being here?" he asked. Draco let a gentle smile play on his scaly lips, "no son, not anymore because I know Bowen and Kara are taking care of the people the way they were meant to. They have brought golden years to this land and they treat everyone with the same kindness Aislinn always did." Skygazer smiled, "she would be happy..." she commented as Draco sat by her side in order to nuzzle her affectionately. She returned the gesture, giving him a soft purr in return to his affection. "So what's Kara like?" Geoff asked. Draco rested his chin on Skygazer's shoulder as she spoke, "she's a real spitfire...I imagine she would get along with your friend Lian, Geoff..." Geoff smiled at his mother's words, "she's the daughter of the rebel leader who died right in front of her. She's been through a lot in her life, after her father died she was outcast from the village and even sacrificed to your father," she laughed. Drake tilted his head to the side slightly while Geoff's mouth hung open slightly. Draco raised his head up from Skygazer's shoulder as he laughed, "oh yes...one of Bowen's bright ideas," he commented as he rolled his eyes at the memory it brought back to him. "Is she the one you sang too?" Geoff asked. Draco looked down slightly at the mention of it knowing the way it had made Skygazer feel, "yes it was, Bowen came riding in a few moments later," he laughed at how Bowen berated him, "he was so cross with me, he had been waiting by the lake with the whacker, as he called it. When I didn't come back he was left looking foolish..." Draco shook his head slightly, "the things that man came up with I swear." The brothers found amusement in their father's stories and decided to rest with their parents until dinner. Draco sprawled out on the bed, laying on his side next to Skygazer while she held their daughter in her arms.

Down in the village Kara had been helping some of the young girls learn sewing, along with that she had been helping to prepare for an annual festival. Bowen had pitched in where he could as did Brother Gilbert. The annual fall festival was a tradition that had begun once Bowen and Kara had taken up the mantle of caring for the people. It was a time of celebrating the season and interacting with the people in the village and in the castle.

Up in their room the family relaxed as they had traveled most of the day, were surprised when a knock came to their door. The dragon looked in the direction briefly before speaking, "you may enter..." he said. When the door opened it revealed a young woman they had missed dearly, "Rose..." Skygazer said. Rose smiled at her 'sister', "I know we saw each other briefly earlier but I wanted to come up and see how little Mirai has been doing," she said approaching Skygazer. "She's been doing very well, I've been using the herbs you said were good for her, as well as using everything else we talked about," Skygazer replied. "That's good to hear," she turned her gaze to the little girl in the woman's arms, "hey there little one have you missed me?" she asked. Mirai looked up at Rose before reaching her tiny hand out to her, "aw I think she wants you to hold her..." Skygazer cooed. Rose looked to the dragon, who receieved a nod, "you are family to us Rose, Mirai looks upon as an older sibling." She smiled at his words as she lifted the little girl into her arms, "hey there princess..." she said placing her finger in Mirai's tiny hand. "She appears to have grown a bit since I last saw her. I trust she's eating well?" Rose asked. Skygazer nodded to Rose's question, "she has a healthy appetite but I believe she gets that from her father," she joked nuzzling Draco briefly. Draco couldn't keep the smirk off his face making Rose laugh, "that is good she has that, it's important if she is to grow up healthy and strong. Although with the dragon blood in her veins, she certainly has an advantage over most children," she commented. It was then she turned to the brothers, "I trust you two are doing well?" she asked. Geoff merely nodded but Drake voiced his thoughts, "we are but we've been missing having you at the cabin." Rose's cheeks flamed slightly as Draco spoke, "it's true, I think we grew accustom to having you with us." She smiled, "that's very sweet of you to say and I have been missing you all as well. I think I too became quite comfortable there at your cabin...being out in nature, it's so peaceful out there. I've thought many times about Sapphire and I having a cabin out in the countryside but...after everything Bowen and Kara have done for both of us, I just wouldn't feel right to just up and leave them. I have my duties here at the castle and I help in the village, same as Kara." Drake then decided to speak, "have you talked to Sapphire about this too?" he asked. She looked at the young dragon, "I have..." "And what did she say?" Geoff asked. "She's like me...she looks at things just like me but she also wants to see me happy. She and I had a very grown up conversation the day I returned to the castle and she encouraged me in such a way that it surprised me. She's so mature for her age, makes me proud of the woman she's becoming..." she replied. Skygazer and Draco knew what she was referring to so remained silent, "have you spoke to Kara and Bowen about it?" Skygazer asked curiously. Rose nodded her head, "I have and while they understand my loyalty to them, they wish only for me to be happy...no matter what I decide." Skygazer placed a gentle hand on Rose's shoulder, "that's all we want for you too...as we said before we support whatever choice you make." Rose smiled at her words, "thank you..." she said looking around the room.

Some time later dinner was ready and the family followed Rose down to the main hall where Bowen and Kara were already seated, "Sky, Draco...it's so good to see two again, we've missed you terribly," Kara said standing up from her place to come over and embrace Skygazer. "We've missed you two too Kara," Draco replied. She glanced at the dragon briefly before noticing the little girl in his arms, "who's this?" she asked as she approached. Draco took a small step towards Kara so she could look upon his daughter, "this is our daughter Mirai..." he said. "Aww she's so precious..." Kara smiled down at her, "hello little one..." she greeted softly. Mirai looked at the red-haired woman before smiling up at her, making Kara smile, "oh she's beautiful, how did you come up with her name?" she asked. Draco smiled gently as he spoke, "it was my mother's name." Kara's eyes widened slightly, "wow...it's a beautiful name." This gained Bowen's attention, "you didn't mention that earlier..." he said. Kara looked back at her husband, giving him a curious look, "I saw them arrive and got to see Mirai," he turned to his dragon friend, "how come you didn't mention that earlier?" he asked. Draco smirked, "well you didn't exactly ask." Bown chuckled as he knew Draco was being playful with him, "true enough..." he stated, "come let's enjoy this meal together.." he said before Kara came back to sit at his side. Draco and Skygazer sat beside Rose while Drake and Geoff sat beside their father. Sapphire also joined them for the meal and listened to the adults talk and tell stories around the table, she enjoyed learning more about her family. When the topic of the festival came up she became very excited, "we're having a fall festival in the village tomorrow..." Kara turned to Draco, "will you and your family be joining us?" she asked. Draco turned his gaze to the red-headed woman, "I never knew there was a festival in the village." Kara smiled, "well of course before there's was never any talk of it but since we've been taking care of the people we have been enjoying the seasons and have one festival in the fall and the other in the spring." "That's wonderful," Skygazer commented. "It's always so much fun," Sapphire said. Rose nodded in agreement, "it's something everyone looks forward to every year. It's a way to spend time with everyone and enjoy the seasons," she added. Skygazer nodded her head, "it does sound like fun...it also sounds relaxing as well..." she then turned her eyes to her mate, "what about you dear?" she asked. He smiled at her, "you know if you wish to enjoy the festival then we shall, afterall we haven't spent time with the rest of our family since their coronation," he replied. Sapphire was happy to hear this, "yay!" she cheered making everyone laugh. "And besides it will give my sons the chance to get to know you all as well," Draco said looking at Drake and Geoff. It was then that Kara spoke, "yes...I would very much like to get to know them as well. I was surprised when Bowen returned after bringing Rose to your cabin that he told me about them. I never knew you even had a son, let alone two..." she said. "As was I when we crossed paths with them but they've settled into our cabin very well," Draco replied. Bowen decided to speak, "were there any growing pains?" he asked taking a sip of his drink. Draco chuckled as he glanced at his sons, "you could say that...but there is always going to be moments where we have to adjust to things." Bowen cocked an eyebrow at his dragon friend, "you know that doesn't really answer my question." Draco smirked at the Knight, "I know..." he chuckled. Bowen shook his head slightly, "old habits die hard I see..." he joked. Skygazer laughed at the two, "you two never change." The rest of dinner was spent in comfortable silence.

After dinner the family talked over some things concerning the festival as Draco had decided he and his family would attend as a way to spend time with their family here at the castle. Bowen told Draco that there was some heavy lifting left to do and hoped he would help with it, which he said he would. Skygazer said she would help Rose and Kara with the food and flowers, as those were her specialty. Drake and Geoff also agreed to help wherever they were needed as well. They sat by the fireplace to talk before turning in for the night, "so where do you two hail from Geoff?" Kara asked as she held Mirai in her arms, as Skygazer had already fed her after dinner. Geoff looked at her as he spoke, "it's a Kingdomsome distance from here and it's a completely different world there. The people there are far different than the people here. The people of the castle look down upon the people of the village, but I believe it was because of the influence of Osric or Griffin." Kara cocked a brow at his words, "how can he be two people at once?" she asked. Drake looked at her, "you never heard about what happened the night of the two-tailed comet?" he asked. Kara shook her head, "no I never have..." "Neither have we..." Sapphire said. "Will you please tell us?" Rose asked. Drake merely nodded as he began to speak, "it was a prophecy that a two-tailed comet would blaze across the sky and a dragon's heart would doom all man kind. That's why Bowen brought me to the monastery, to keep me locked away until the comet was gone." Kara was surprised at hearing this, "you never told me about that..." she said looking at her Knight. "I thought it best not to at the time, I knew Draco would never want such a fate for his son," Bowen answered. "And you're right Bowen, you did well protecting my son in my abscence..." he replied. Bowen nodded to his dragon friend as Drake continued, "it turns out that the heart they spoke of was Griffin's, that's why Master Quan and Lian had come to the Kingdom. They wanted to make sure that the prophecy never came to pass." "It is fortuante that they found you and taught you some of what they knew," Bowen said. "Yes it is..." Drake replied with a yawn. "It is getting late, you all should get some rest," Bowen said. Draco merely nodded as he too was tired, "I think you're right Bowen.." he replied. Kara passed the sleeping Mirai to her father before bidding them a goodnight, "I hope you rest well and wake with the morning sun," she said. "We hope that for you all as well," Drake replied. Bowen smiled at Drake, "you have grown into a fine young dragon Drake, I know you're father is very proud of you." Drake smiled as he nodded in respect to the Knight as he turned to Rose, "goodnight Rose." "Night Drake, Geoff..." she turned to the couples, "Sky, Draco, Bowen, Kara...we'll see you all in the morning," she said. "Night Master Draco, Miss Sky, Master Drake and Geoff," Sapphire said. Drake knelt down to her level to embrace her gently as she returned it, "night Sapphire.." he replied before standing back up once more. With that everyone made their way to their rooms for the night to get some much needed rest to be ready for the festival. As they began walking upstairs Drake had paused briefly to glance back at Rose and Sapphire's retreating forms before following his family. Geoff too had stole a glance at the two as they had walked upstairs to their room for the night.

Upon entering Drake curled up by the fireplace, while Geoff sprawled out on the sofa with Skygazer and Draco laying in their bed but not before making a place for Mirai to sleep. The brothers had fallen asleep almost as soon as they lay down and Skygazer too had fallen asleep once Draco had curled his body around hers. He smiled down at her beautiful face before glancing at his family, "I am a very lucky dragon..." was his only thought as he lay his head down and fell asleep next to his mate.

It was about midnight when Mirai began to cry waking Geoff, "mmh...what..." he looked around still half asleep. He turned his attention towards his little sister before making his way over to her. He gently picked her up into his arms and cradled her as he'd seen his mother do, he didn't really know what to do but just gently rocked her until she calmed once more. He placed her back down onto the bed Draco had made for her before going back over to the sofa to go back to sleep. He quickly dozed back off but what he had been unaware of was that Drake had watched him, "he handles Mirai differently than the rest of us...he doesn't really interact with her much at all. Sure he's gentle with her but I guess he just doesn't really know what to do." Drake shut his eyes once more as a thought ran through his mind, "he really didn't talk to Sapphire much during dinner..." he said to himself. He then began to wonder about his brother as a yawn passed through his lips before he dozed back off.

When morning came it found Drake already awake, still laying by the fireplace where he had slept. He glanced around the room for a moment or two before raising himself up onto his clawed feet to stand on the balcony in the early morning air. Even though they weren't at their cave he still wanted to enjoy the sunrise. He breathed in the fresh morning breeze as it began to tickle his wings before leaping from the balcony and transforming into his dragon form to go up onto one of the battlements to watch the sunrise.

In her room Rose was just starting to awaken from her slumber, a yawn pass through her lips as she stretched her body free of any stiffness. She stood up and made her way over to wash her face with the bowl and pitcher of water in her room. She poured enough into the bowl and wipe her face with the rag before placing it on the side of the bowl. She grabbed some fresh clothes and changed into them before going out onto her balcony to feel the morning breeze against her soft skin, "I love the early morning..." she sighed. She absently looked at the bright red flower sitting in the vase on her side table as she became lost in her thoughts, "the dragonheart blossom has never faded or wilted, I wonder if it is because it truly grew from a dragon's soul?" She leaned against the railing of the balcony as her eyes scanned the beautiful sunrise sky, "breathtaking..." she murmured.

Up on the battlement the breeze swirled around the young dragon, bringing with it a scent he knew well, "Rose..." he looked down from his perch to see a familiar form standing on her balcony in the early morning light. Even from his high vantage point he could make out all her beautiful features, "she's a vision..." he sighed. He looked down briefly, "I wonder...if she has decided who she will choose?" He watched her for a moment more before deciding to fly down to greet her, he gracefully leapt from the battlement and flew down to Rose.

Rose was enjoying the beautiful sky when she spotted a form she knew well, "Drake..." She watched him fly from the battlement down towards her, "he must've spotted me from up there..." she said as he appeared in front of her. "Good morning Rose," he greeted bowing his head slightly. She smiled at him, "good morning Drake, enjoying the sunrise again?" she asked. He couldn't hide the smile on his dragon face, "you know me well Rose...so what are you doing up so early?" he asked. "I'm always up early in the morning, guess cause I'm so use to it," she replied. He nodded his head to let her know he had heard her, then a thought struck him, "would you like to go for a flight?" he asked. She thought about it for a moment or two before giving him her answer, "I'd love to." He smiled at her as he came closer to the balcony to hold out his claw to her, but he could see her nervousness, "don't worry Rose, I won't let you fall." She took a breath before reaching out to him to place her hand in his claw so he could lift her up onto his back. She pulled herself onto his back and once she was confortable Drake flew away from the balcony. The breeze flowed through her hair and tickled his wings, they were very comfortable with each other. Rose showed Drake the village and the lake where Bowen had told her Draco had dove into on a few occasions when they were swindling people out of gold. They waved to the people that spotted them before making their way back to Rose's balcony, "I had a very nice time with you Drake, thank you for taking me on a flight with you." He smiled gently at her, "you're welcome and besides I did say that I would take you any time you wished to go, so it was my pleasure to enjoy your company.." he replied. Her cheeks felt warm at his words and she felt her heart race in her chest and she was sure that Drake could hear it. Drake carefully helped her down to her balcony, making sure to keep her steady as she slipped from his back. As she stood in front of him, he noticed the look on her face, "Rose..." She was then brought out of her thoughts as she realized she had been staring at him, "everything alright?" he asked. She looked down slightly before speaking, "yeah everything's fine..." Drake noticed the softness in her voice, the gentleness in her eyes and hear her heart racing in her chest.

He approached the balcony and transformed into his humanoid form, "may I land on your balcony?" he asked. She nodded her head, giving him her permission as he came to land in front of her. He rested his wings against his back as he spoke quietly so as not to wake the sleeping Sapphire. He placed a gentle claw beneath her chin so her gaze would meet his, "is there something on your mind?" he asked. Rose felt her breath hitch in her throat having him so close to her and she looked up into his dark, yet gentle eyes as if searching for an answer to an unasked question. Drake remained silent, patiently waiting for Rose to speak whatever was on her mind but he then received a surprise, "Drake...is this realistic or am I just imagining it? Can I stand next to a dragon? I am...afraid..." she said, her voice wavering slightly. "Why are you afraid Rose?" he asked. She bit her lip nervously, "because what I'm feeling is so new for me that it makes me unsure." She turned her eyes once more to look into his as he spoke, "you shouldn't be afraid of what you feel, your heart always shows you where to go and if you listen to it, you can never go wrong." She smiled at his words as he wrapped his arms around her form, burying his nose into her hair. She rested her cheek against his chest and listened to the heart that beat within, placing a hand there briefly, gaining his attention. "I hear your heartbeat..." she whispered. He smiled at her, "what does it say to you?" he asked. She placed her ear once more against his chest to listen to his heartbeat again and when she pulled back she looked up into his eyes, she saw how soft they were and the emotion he held in them. In that moment she understood, her face became soft and her smile warm. She placed a gentle hand over the scale that covered his heart before placing a soft kiss there. Drake was surprised at her gesture as he remembered seeing his mother do the same with his father and he understood without words. He placed his claw gently on her cheek as she placed her hand on his, leaning into his touch slightly. When their eyes met something passed between them and they knew they couldn't deny it anymore. Drake slowly leaned in towards her and Rose mimiced the action as their lips met in a tender, yet loving first kiss, "whoa am I...is this really happening? Her lips are so soft...and sweet..." Rose's mind too was reeling at this moment they were sharing, "this is our first kiss...and this is everything I imagined it would be." When they broke off the kiss Drake brought his muzzle to rest against Rose's forehead in a very intimate gesture. Rose smiled as she returned the gesture, "I love you..." she murmured. The young dragon pulled back just enough to look her in the eye, "what did you say?" he asked softly. Rose's face was slightly redder when she realized what she had said but knew she couldn't deny these feelings any longer, "I...I love you Drake..." she repeated. His eyes widened slightly at hearing the words, "you love me?" he asked. She smiled and nodded in response to his question as he responded to her, "I love you too..." he replied. Drake placed his claw on her cheek once more before pressing his lips to hers in another sweet kiss but this one held their true feelings for one another.

Unbeknowst to the couple they were being watched by Geoff, having woken up and not seeing Drake in the room, he came out onto the balcony to look for him. But now, having seen their interaction between them he knew a choice had already been made. He let a sigh pass through his lips before turning away from the balcony, "I hope they will be happy together..." he thought to himself as he returned to the sofa to get a bit more sleep, though he felt it was pointless.

When they broke the kiss for air Drake spoke, "I must take my leave before my father wakes up and sees me up here." She smiled, "I understand..." she caressed his cheek as she continued, "do you think they'll notice when we are at the festival later?" she asked. Drake chuckled softly, "I'm sure father will notice before that." She knew he had a point as Draco would notice things long before anyone else would, "even so we should still tell them." "We'll do it together..." he replied caressing her cheek, letting her hair tickle his claw. They shared one last kiss before Drake leapt from the balcony and transformed into his dragon form, "I'll see you later my beauty..." he said as he flew down to where his room was. She watched him go but she couldn't keep the smile off her face at the memory of what they had shared with one another.

Now back at the room where his family slept he transformed before entering the room and upon doing so found Skygazer already awake and feeding his little sister, "oh morning mom..." he greeted. She smiled at hearing his voice, "morning Drake I trust you enjoyed your morning flight?" she asked. He merely nodded, "yes I did...this land is so different from the land around our cave," he said coming over to sit by the bed. She nodded her head in understanding, "yes it is different but the people here are kind and welcoming. You'll see when we are at the festival this evening, everyone here and in the village adore your father and I know they'll adore you as well." Drake smiled at his mother's words as he already knew of their love and respect for his father and he had already seen the people of the village show only kindness and speak warm words of welcome to him. She then noticed the smile on her son's face but remained silent, "when your father wakes up why not see if they need help in the village, I know they would appreciate it." "Alright mom..." he replied leaning back against the side of the bed.

Some time later father and son helped the village to set up for the festival for that evening, leaving Skygazer with Mirai and Geoff. Skygazer had noticed that her son seemed quieter than when they had arrived at the castle, "Geoff is something bothering you?" she asked. Geoff, who was sitting by the balcony door merely glanced at his mother before answering, "no...not really..." he replied in almost a whisper. Skygazer knew he wasn't being honest, "you know you can tell me anything Geoff...no need to keep things bottled up." Geoff let a frustrated sigh pass through his lips, "it's just that...I saw Drake and Rose this morning," Skygazer turned her gaze from her sleeping daughter to her son as he continued, "I saw them kiss...I know she's chosen Drake over me." "Oh Geoff..." Skygazer whispered as she had suspected as much. "What am I to do now? I have no one, not like father and Drake. I really thought that it was my chance but I guess my inexperience was my downfall. I was so unsure all the time, I mean I didn't even know what it's like to be in a relationship," Geoff rested his forehead on his knees. Skygazer was sympathetic to her son and knew that this was hard for him. She placed his sleeping little sister down on the bed before slipping off of it and walking over to him. She knelt down in front of him as she spoke, "my son...it will help you when the time is right, I know it. You're still young yet, you have time to find the right one and when you do, you'll know," she replied kissing his forehead. He let a small smile play on his lips at his mother's words, "thanks mother.." he replied. She smiled at him, "you're welcome son," she stood up and made her way towards the bed to once more pick up the sleeping Mirai, "perhaps you should try to take your mind off things. Why not go and see if Bowen or Kara need help with anything?" she suggested. Geoff nodded his head, "alright mother...I'll see you later..." with that he walked from the room, leaving her alone with Mirai. Geoff did as his mother had asked him to and went to see Bowen, the pair of dragons were in the village doing some of the heavy lifting that the people weren't able to do. Skygazer herself decided to place Mirai in her sling and go help Kara and Rose with the food and flowers for the festival.

Many people cooed over baby Mirai upon seeing her and even offered to look after her while Skygazer helped with the festival preperations. At first she was a little hesitant but she knew that it was wise for Mirai to get use to being around people as she and the family would travel here often to visit with Bowen and Kara. She also knew that Draco would want her to be socialized with the members of the village and castle because they were part of their extended family. Rose had also encouraged her and reassured her, so Skygazer allowed a young woman named Bree to look after Mirai while she helped place the flowers. By midday everything was set up and ready for the festival that evening and with the preperations complete Skygazer, Draco, Drake and Mirai returned to the castle for lunch.

Upon entering they found Bowen speaking with Brother Gilbert, "well it appears Brother Gilbert has finished with his scrolls," Draco commented. Skygazer laughed, "it would seem that way.." she added as they approached Bowen, who also had Geoff with him. Bowen looked in their direction at the sound of their footsteps, "hello Draco, Drake, Sky...I trust everything is ready?" he asked. Draco nodded, "it is Bowen and even to my ancient eyes, I've never seen a village so full of excitement." Bowen smiled at the dragon's words before turning briefly as the monk spoke, "it's good to see you again Draco and you child, I trust you are well?" he asked. Skygazer smiled, "I am..as is our daughter..." she replied turning the small girl for Brother Gilbert to see. His eyes widened slightly upon seeing her, "in all my days I have never seen lovelier child than the one you hold Sky. You and Draco have done well..." he complimented. Skygazer smiled at his words, "thank you Brother Gilbert." "Thank you Brother, I never knew I would ever have a hand in creating something so perfect," Draco added, placing a clawed-hand on Skygazer's hip to draw her close to him. "You are fortunate Draco...very fortunate indeed..." was Brother Gilbert's response. After a moment or two the family made their way to the dining hall where the food was waiting for them. Silence hung in the room as the family sat around the table and began to enjoy the food that had been prepared.

After dinner everyone made their way outside to the village to sit around the bonfire, "it's so relaxing out tonight..." Skygazer commented. Draco smiled at her words, "yes it is..." he replied nuzzling her affectionately. Geoff sat near Bowen while Drake sat near his father but as he did, he scanned the area as Rose had stepped away after dinner but promised to return shortly. "I wonder where she is?" he silently wondered. He then recieved his answer as she appeared beside him, "hello Drake..." she greeted. When he turned his head to look at her he was surprised to see her dressed in a soft pink dress, her hair was braided down her back and the dragonheart blossom he had given her was in her hair. He was left breathless at seeing her dressed so beautifully, "wow..." he murmured. She giggled as she sat next to him with her daughter in toe wearing a dress similar to her mother's, "hello Master Drake..." Sapphire greeted. Drake smiled at the girl, "hello Miss...you both look lovely in your dresses this evening..." he commented. Sapphire beamed at his words, "thank you," she replied sitting next to her mother. Skygazer took in the beauty of the village illuminated by the small torches that were situated in around the festival grounds. When the music began to play several of the children, including Sapphire began to dance to it.

A little later a young woman came out to stand near the bonfire with her lute in her hands as she began to play a song for everyone.

The stars are very beautiful, above the palace walls,

They shine with equal splendour, still above far humbler halls.

I watch them from my window, but their bright entrancing glow,

Reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago.

The royal circlet of bright gold rests lightly on my brow,

I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow.

But once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and bred,

I found it heavy on the heart, though light upon the head.

Although I am the head of state, in truth I am the least,

The true Queen knows her people fed, before she sits to feast.

The good Queen knows her people safe, before she takes her rest,

Thinks twice and thrice and yet again, before she makes request.

For they are all my children, all, that I swore to defend,

It is my duty to become both Queen and trusted friend

And of my children high and low, from beggar to above,

The dearest are my Heralds, who return my care with love.

The dearest are my Heralds, swift to spring to my command.

Who give me aid and fellowship, who always understand

That land and people first have needs that I may not deny

So I must send my dearest friends to danger—and to die.

A friend, a love, a child—it matters not, I know indeed,

That I must sacrifice them all if there should be the need.

They know, and they forgive me—doing more than I require,

With willing minds and loving hearts go straight to grasp the fire.

These tears that burn my eyes are all the tears the Queen can't shed,

The tears I weep in silence as I mourn my Heralds dead.

Oh gods that dwell beyond the stars, if you can hear my cry

Amd if you have compassion—let me send no more to die!

When her song concluded the people applauded for her, "what a wonderful song..." Kara commented. Bowen wrapped an around her shoulders, "yes it is..." he replied kissing her temple. "I've never heard that song before," Skygazer said. Draco looked at her, "I'm not surprised, it goes back to a time long forgotten...in the time of Arthur and his Knights." Bowen glanced at his dragon friend at hearing this, "how do you know this?" he asked. He took a breath as he began to speak, "it was back when I was still young...before I ever met Aura. I was out for a flight, enjoying the feeling of the wind beneath my wings when I happened upon a place that I had never seen before. It piqued my curiosity so I decided to get a closer look at this place...but what surprised me was that the people there showed no fear of me. In fact, they respected my kind just as the Celts did so I was somewhat comfortable there. As I'm standing in the courtyard a young boy comes to me with a grey-haired man at his side." "Who was it?" Drake asked. "It was a young King Arthur..." he stated. At hearing this the people sitting near them turned to listen to Draco as he continued, "Arthur and his old friend Merlin came out to greet me when they had received word from one of the guards. When I asked them about the place I had come to they told me that I was on Avalon...the home to the Knights of the roundtable." "Wow..." was Geoff's only response. Draco found amusement in his son's response, "it was a grand place to be sure and the people there are like the ones here, so welcoming even to a creature like me. After that day, they allowed me to come and go as I pleased whenever I was nearby and over the years I visited there many times." It was then that Bowen spoke, "so that's how you knew where it was?" he asked to which Draco nodded his head. "What kind of bond did you have with Arthur and Merlin?" Brother Gilbert asked. "The bond I had with him is the same as the one I have with you all. He was a dear friend and a noble King who ruled with mercy and treated everyone fairly, nevermind where they hailed from. He accepted all from the poorest beggar to the richest noble, to him, they were all just people...he never saw status. That's why he was so loved by everyone in his Kingdom," Draco replied. There was silence for the longest time until a few of the children came over to Draco, "wow that was an awesome story..." said one young boy. "Yeah I've always heard of stories that came from Avalon but to hear it told that way, makes me feel as though I were there with you," Sapphire added. Draco smiled at their words, "I've heard people talk about the rebellion and you were there. Will you tell us about it?" asked a young boy. Draco merely shook his head, "that's a story not meant for young ones like yourselves but I can tell you a story that the elders use to tell me and the other hatchlings when we were young." "Really?" asked a young girl. "I want to hear that story..." said a boy. "Please tell us..." said another girl. "Yeah please..." said a couple of the children together. Draco chuckled at their enthusiasm, "alright..alright...settle down...come sit and I'll will tell you..." he replied. The children came from around the grounds to sit near Draco as he told them the story of how the dragon's heaven came to be and tales of the dragons that came before him. The children hung on every word he spoke, as did some of the adults that sat near them. Skygazer could feel how her mate was enjoying sharing stories that had been told to him long ago, as she could feel it radiating through her body as if it were own feelings. "I'm happy he's enjoying himself..." she said to herself as she glanced down at Mirai as she held to her mother's finger.

After concluding his tales the children thanked him for sharing those stories with them before going off to play. "That was very sweet of you my love, to share your stories with the children," Skygazer said. Draco smiled, "how could I not and they seemed to enjoy it almost as much I did telling it." Skygazer was happy to see her dragon so happy as she nuzzled him lovingly as he returned it. Bowen then spoke, "yeah even I enjoy your stories..." he mused. Draco chuckled at the Knight's words as he wrapped an arm around Skygazer to draw her close to him.

It was then the same young woman came back out to sing another song to the people of the village.

These scars long have yearned for your tender caress

To bind our fortunes, damn what the stars own

Rend my heart open, then your love profess

A winding, weaving fate to which we both atone

You flee my dream come the morning

Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet

To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy

Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep

The wolf I will follow into the storm

To find your heart, its passion displaced

By ire ever growing hardening into stone

Amidst the cold to hold you in a heated embrace

You flee my dream come the morning

Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet

To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy

Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep

I know not if fate would have us live as one

Or if by love's blind chance we've been bound

The wish I whispered, when it all began

Did it forge a love you might never have found?

You flee my dream come the morning

Your scent - berries tart, lilac sweet

To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy

Of violet eyes, glistening as you weep

The people applauded the young woman as she sang one more song to the crowd but this was no ordinary song and when she began to sing, she had everyone's attention.

Our hero, our hero, claims a warriors heart

I tell you, I tell you, the Dragonborn comes

With a voice wielding power of the ancient nord arts

Believe, believe, the Dragonborn comes

It's an end to the evil of all of our foes

Beware, beware, the Dragonborn comes

For the darkness has passed, and the legend yet grows

You'll know, you'll know, the Dragonborns come

Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin

Naal ok zin los vahriin

Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal

Ahrk fin norok paal graan

Fod nust hon zindro zaan

Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal

When the song concluded she bowed her head and made her way back to where she had came from. Draco's mouth hung open slightly for a few moments as Skygazer spoke, "my love..." he turned his gaze to meet hers, "what was that song?" she asked. He became silent for an instant before speaking, "it's a song I haven't heard in many long years..." he commented. Drake turned to his father, "where did that song come from?" he asked. Draco let a small smile play on his lips, "it came from the mountain where I was born. It was the elders who would speak in the old tongue, one elder was a female and she turned it into a song and taught it to our kind young and old. I never thought I would ever hear it again..." he replied. Geoff looked at his father briefly before looking back where the young woman had been, "where do you think she heard that from?" he asked. Draco shook his head, "I am not certain but I do know that she has great skill to master the dragon tongue in such a way." Geoff looked down slightly before turning back to look at the flames of the bonfire. At that moment music began to play once more so people could dance if they wished. The first few songs were joyful and happy but they soon gave way to songs that were slow, inviting couples to come out and dance with each other. Upon hearing the change in tune Skygazer turned to young Sapphire, "would you like to hold Mirai while Draco and I dance?" she asked. Sapphire smiled, "I would be honored..." she replied. Skygazer gently placed her tiny daughter into Sapphire's arms, "hello again little sister..." Sapphire murmured, smiling down at the tiny infant. Draco knelt in front of Sapphire, "you're a good big sister for our little Mirai..." he praised. She smiled at his words as he stood and led his mate out to dance with the other couples. Drake then turned to Rose, "will you do me the honor of dancing with me?" he asked, holding out his claw to her. A blush played on her cheeks, "of course I will..." she replied as she placed her hand in his claw and allowed him to lead her out to dance. Bowen watched the young dragon for a few moments before turning to his wife, "come Kara let us enjoy a dance together..." he said. She smiled at him before they stood from where they had been sitting to stand near Draco and his family to dance with Kara. Brother Gilbert smiled at the scene before him, "so much love in one place...these are golden years..." he murmured as he glanced down at Mirai in Sapphire's arms. Geoff seemed to fade into the background as he had no one to dance with but even so he still had to smile at seeing his brother so happy, "I'm happy for you Drake...truly I am..." he said as he watched the couples dance together.

When the slow song ended the couples dispersed and went back to where they came. Draco and Skygazer made their way back over to where they had been sitting, with Rose and Drake in toe, to see Sapphire holding a sleeping Mirai. Rose smiled at the scene before them, "you're so good with her Sapphire..." she said. Sapphire smiled at her mother's words, "thanks mama, I want to be a good big sister for her..." was her only response. Draco smiled at the young girl as he knelt in front of her, "you have done her proud Sapphire..." he said. It was then that a yawn passed through the young girl's lips, "it seems our Mirai isn't the only one who is sleepy," Skygazer kneeling down to lift Mirai up into her arms. Sapphire stood up to stretch herself, "I am a bit sleepy..." she admitted. Rose looked at her daughter, "we should turn in..." she said. "Yeah I think so too..." Skygazer replied as a yawn passed through her lips. It was then that Kara spoke to the people, "everyone the festival has been amazing as it has been since we started this tradition. It's getting late...we bid you all a goodnight and may you rise with the morning sun..." she said. Bowen smiled at his wife as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Sleep well Bowen," Draco said. "Hope you all do as well..." the Knight replied as he and Kara began to make their way back to the castle. "Come on let us turn in as well, besides we have a long journey back to our cabin tomorrow," Draco said as he began to lead his mate and sons away from the festival grounds. As Drake began to follow his father a voice reached his ears, "Master Drake..." he turned to see Sapphire standing next to him. He knelt down to her level so his gaze met hers, "yes Sapphire?" The young girl thought on her words for an instant before speaking, "I was wondering...may I ride on your back back to the castle?" she asked. Drake was a bit surprised by her question as he had never carried anyone other than Geoff before. As Rose was ready to speak he placed a gentle claw on her hand before turning his gaze back to Sapphire as she patiently waited for his response, "of course you may." Sapphire smiled at him as she came around behind him to place her arms around his neck, "careful of his wings Sapphire..." Rose said gently. Drake then brought his arms beneath the young girl's legs to keep her from falling, "alright hold on..." Drake said as he stood to his full height. He smiled at Sapphire briefly as he came to stand next to Rose, "come...I'll shall walk you both back to your room.." he offered. Rose smiled at her dragon, "thank you Drake..." she replied as they followed after Draco, Skygazer and Mirai.

Once they made it back into the castle Draco turned to his son, "don't be long Drake you need your rest as well.." he stated. The young dragon merely nodded, "yes father." "Goodnight Rose, Sapphire...we'll see in both in the morning," Skygazer said. "Sleep well and may you rise with the morning sun," Rose replied as the couple and Geoff made their way upstairs for the night.

Rose then led Drake upstairs to where hers and Sapphire's room was, "I appreciate you walking us to our room Drake, it's very thoughtful." Drake smiled at her words as they came to a stop in front of their door, "well...this is us..." Rose said. He nodded as he knelt down so Sapphire could get down, "thank you for allowing me to ride on your back Master Drake..." she said. He smiled at her, "you're welcome Sapphire...I'd be happy to do it again whenever you wish..." he replied. Sapphire came around in front of Drake to as she spoke once more, "may I give you a hug and kiss goodnight?" she asked. "Sapphire perhaps he..." but Drake placed a gentle claw on her hand, "you may..." he answered, opening his arms slightly. Sapphire moved to embrace Drake warmly before placing a small kiss on his cheek, "goodnight Master Drake.." she said. "Night Sapphire..." he replied. "I'll be in, in a minute," Rose said to her daughter. "Alright..." Sapphire said as a yawn passed through her lips and she walked into their room for the night. Now alone Rose spoke, "I don't know how to thank you for being so kind to Sapphire, it was really sweet what you did for her." He smiled at her as he stood up and took a gentle hold of her hands in his claws, "you don't have to Rose, I enjoy being around Sapphire, she's a delight and my parents are right when they told me she's so mature for her age. You've raised her well..." he complimented. Rose smiled at his words before locking her gaze with his, "I really enjoyed this evening with you Drake, it was the most fun I've had in a long time." Drake smiled at her, "I enjoyed it too but," he looked down at her hands briefly before looking back at her, "I especially enjoyed spending the evening with the most beautiful woman I've ever met...you." Rose couldn't hide the blush on her cheeks, "Drake..." she murmured. Drake let go of one of her hands in order to caress her cheek lovingly, being mindful of his claws. Rose leaned into his touch slightly before placing her hand on his claw, to nuzzle against it and kiss his palm. His face softened at her affection as he brought his muzzle to rest against her forehead, Rose closed her eyes briefly as she enjoyed the closeness they were sharing. When she opened her eyes once more, warm brown met her dragon's gentle dark eyes before pressing her lips to his in a tender kiss. Drake returned it, deepening it slightly by placing his claw on the back of her neck and wrapping his arm around her waist, drawing her closer to him. They kissed for several moments before breaking away for air, "I love you Rose..." he murmured, locking his gaze with hers. "I love you too my sweet dragon," she replied.

There was silence for a few moments as they just held each other in their arms, as their eyes met again Drake could see the sadness in Rose's eyes. "I wish that I didn't have to go back home tomorrow..." he stated. Rose looked down slightly, "I know..." she then met his gaze, "I do not wish to be away from you." Drake placed his claw on her cheek, "I feel the same way...I will feel as though a piece of me is missing," he said. She sighed as she placed her hand on his claw and closed her eyes briefly. A moment or two passed without a word before either of them spoke again, "I wish I could bring you back with me..." Drake said. Rose opened her eyes once more to look up into Drake's gentle gaze, "I do as well..." she looked down slightly as she continued, "and I want to but I just..." she closed her eyes as she faught back tears. Drake saw how Rose wasn't sure what to do but he wanted to comfort her, "Rose..." he murmured, making her look at him, "do you remember what I said to you when you stayed at the cabin?" he asked. Rose nodded her head, "yes." "And what does you heart tell you?" he asked. She was silent for a moment before speaking, "my heart tells me that my love for you is so strong that I cannot be away from you anymore." Hearing this made his half-heart race in his chest so loud he was sure she could hear it, "my beautiful Rose..." he sighed as he rested his muzzle against her forehead. "Do you think Sapphire would understand?" she asked. "Of course she would, she only wants you to be happy..." he replied. She looked up at him as he continued, "and you know we'd welcome her there with open arms just as we did you." She smiled but then became serious, "what about space? Where would Sapphire and I sleep?" she asked. Drake had to admit to himself that he hadn't thought about that but he knew they could figure it out together, "we can figure that out together..." he replied, placing a kiss on her forehead. Rose thought about it for a few moments before speaking, "I'll need to speak to Sapphire about it when she wakes up in the morning..." she said. "That's fine...I know it will be an adjustment but we can make it work, I know it..." he finished. "Alright...well...we should really get some sleep," she said. He nodded, "I know..." he captured her lips once more with his, bidding her a goodnight, "goodnight my beautiful Rose."

"Goodnight my sweet dragon..." she replied. Drake let his arms fall to his sides before he began to make his way to the room where his family was already sleeping. Rose watched his retreating form a few moments before she went into hers and Sapphire's room for the night.

Upon entering their room Drake found that everyone was sleeping soundly, "thank the elders father isn't still awake..." he said to himself as he lay down on the fur rug in front of the fireplace. As he relaxed into the soft fur his mind remained on Rose and the things they had talked about, "I hope she and Sapphire decide to come back with us..." he said to himself as he drifted off to sleep.

It was about midnight when a young woman awoke from a dream panting, "*pant...pant* what would make this dream come to me?" Rose wondered. She sat up for a moment or two as she tried to calm her racing heart, she turned her gaze towards the balcony to look at the star-filled sky. "It's so peaceful..." she murmured as she glanced down at her daughter as she still slept beside her. She smiled at her daughter as she silently hoped that Sapphire would be as happy about being out in the countryside. She lay back down and tried to get some more sleep because she knew there would time to talk in the morning.

When the sun rose the next morning young Geoff was already awake, his mind on something that he had been thinking about, "should I stay behind? What will father and mother say? What will Drake say? Will he be lonely without me?" His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his brother waking up, letting a yawn pass through his lips, "morning Drake..." Geoff said, gaining his brother's attention. Drake turned his head to see Geoff looking at him, "Geoff? What are you doing up so early?" he asked. At first Geoff remained silent as he tried to find his words, and when Drake noticed his brother's silence he spoke, "what's on your mind this morning?" he asked. Geoff looked away from the young dragon but he knew that Drake could feel it as well, "Geoff...talk to me..." Drake said as he made his way over to the sofa to sit next to Geoff. The blonde-haired young man let a frustrated sigh pass through his lips as he began to speak, "I...I've been thinking about staying behind when you all leave for home." Drake's mouth hung open slightly as he absorbed his brother's words, "why Geoff?" he locked his gaze with Geoff's. "Is it because of me and Rose?" he asked. Geoff shook his head no, "no it's not that...I want to learn whatever I can from Bowen so that maybe...I can find my place in the world." Drake looked down slightly as he spoke, "what are you planning on telling father?" Drake asked. Geoff was about to speak when a voice cut him off, "tell father what?" said a voice. The brothers looked in the direction to see Draco awake and looking at them, "father? What are you doing up so early?" Geoff asked trying to change the subject. Draco arched a browridge at his human son, "Geoff...is there something you want to tell me?" he asked. Geoff looked away for an instant before looking at his father, "it's just that I...I've been thinking about staying here, to learn whatever I can from Bowen. To maybe find my place in the world..." he said. Draco just stared at his son before speaking, "does it have anything to do with Rose?" he asked. Geoff shook his head no as he stood up in order to approach his father, "it has nothing to do with her...but I look back on my life and see that I haven't really done anything with it at all." Draco then folded his arms across his chest as he silently flexed his wings in agitation. Even Drake was agitated at Geoff's words, "how can you say that after everything we both did back in the Kingdomwe grew up in?" he asked. Geoff let a frustrated sigh pass through his lips, "you know what I mean Drake..." he stated. Drake shook his head, "no actually I don't so tell me...what exactly do you feel like you haven't done with your life?" he asked. Geoff wouldn't look at either of the dragons as he spoke once more, "I just want to find my place..." was the only thing he said. Draco let a heavy sigh pass through his lips as he stood up and made his way over to Geoff in order to place his claws on his shoulders, "if that is truly what you wish to do then you need to speak with Bowen about it," was his only response.

In their room Rose was awake and pulling on some fresh clothes before gathering their things together. As she worked Sapphire awoke to see her mother packing their pack, "mother?" Rose paused to look at her daughter, "good morning Sapphire, I hope you slept well." Sapphire yawned as she looked at the pack sitting on the foot of their bed, "why are you packing mama?" she asked. Rose looked away slightly before looking back at her daughter, "well last night after you went to bed, Drake and I talked about some things." "What about?" Sapphire asked, wrapping her arms around her knees. "We talked about how he and his family are going back home today...he said he wished that he didn't have to leave us behind," Rose said. Sapphire cocked a brow at her mother, "us?" she asked. "Well he's become very fond of both of us and he wants us to come back with them," she answered. Sapphire was silent for a moment or two as she considered what her mother was saying but the thought of being out in the countryside with her mother and the one she chose to be with made her happy. "Does being with Master Drake make you happy mother?" she asked. Rose nodded to her daughter's question as she continued, "that's all I want for you mama is for you to be happy. That's what matters to me and I know no matter where you go that I'm going to be right there with you," Sapphire replied. Rose came around the bed to embrace her daughter, "thank you daughter..." she replied. Sapphire returned the embrace before getting out of bed and putting on some fresh clothes before helping her mother pack their belongings.

Back in their room Skygazer was now awake and feeding Mirai before they would get ready to leave, "there you go my little one.." she said. Draco smiled at the scene beside him before nuzzling her affectionately, "my precious treasures..." he said. She smiled at her dragon's words as Geoff spoke, "mother..." he said. Skygazer looked at her son, "yes Geoff." "I have something I want to tell you..." he said. Skygazer cocked a brow as he continued, "I've thought about it and I've decided that I want to stay behind, to learn all I can from Bowen and to find my place." Skygazer was silent for several moments as she glanced at her mate, "I take it he's already talk to you about this?" she asked, to which Draco nodded. She looked back at her son as she spoke, "as long as you are happy Geoff...that's all that matters but we will miss you." He smiled at his mother's words, "thanks mom," he replied. Draco looked at Geoff, "you will be in good hands with Bowen as your teacher, so pay close attention to everything he tells you." Geoff nodded as he spoke, "I will...I promise father..." he said. "Good...come we should talk to Bowen before we get ready to leave, he needs to know about your decision..." Draco said as he and Geoff walked from the room to go speak with the Knight. Skygazer watched after them for a moment or two before turning to Drake, "did you talk to Rose last night?" she asked. A small gasp escaped his lips before looking at his mother, "I did and I told her that I didn't want to leave her and Sapphire behind." Hearing this intrigued Skygazer as she listened intently, "what did she say?" she asked. Drake smiled, "she said that she wanted to come back with us." Skygazer could see how happy her dragon son was at knowing that the woman he loved wanted to be with him too, "you will need to tell your father about it..." she stated. "When he gets back I will," Drake replied as he lay back on the fur rug in front of the fireplace to wait for his father to return.

When Draco returned he was alone and Skygazer knew that Bowen had most likely put Geoff to work already, "what did Bowen say?" she asked curiously. Draco chuckled, "he said he'd gladly take on Geoff and treat him as well as he does everyone else here. He would look after him as if he were his son," he replied. Skygazer smiled as she looked at him briefly before nuzzling him under the chin before kissing the scale over his half-heart. Draco returned the nuzzle before looking at Drake who was still sprawled out on the fur rug, "you ready to go home Drake?" The young dragon looked at his father as he sat up, "I am but before we do, there's something I want to talk to you about." Draco had a feeling he knew what it was, "are Rose and Sapphire coming back with us?" he asked. Drake let a gasp pass through his scaly lips, "how did you?" he asked. Skygazer giggled, "our blood bond allows your father to know my thoughts and I, to know his." Drake tilted his head slightly but remained silent until he heard a knock at the door, "come on in Rose..." Draco called. It was then the door opened to reveal both Rose and Sapphire standing at their door, "I take it Drake has already talked to you both?" she asked. Skygazer nodded her head, "yes he did and we are happy that you both will be coming back home with us." Rose smiled as Sapphire came over to embrace Drake as he returned it, "it makes me happy to know that you make mama happy and I know that you, Master Draco and Miss Sky will take very good care of us." Drake returned the girl's embrace before looking at his father who spoke, "of course we will Sapphire..." he replied smiling at her. Sapphire came over to embrace Draco as well before Skygazer stood from her place on the bed to place Mirai in her sling, "there you go little one.." she said, as she picked up her satchel and their pack. Draco took that as he cue for them to begin to make their way outside, so they could return home. When they came downstairs they found Kara waiting for them, "Bowen told me that you all were heading back home so I wanted to see you off," she stated. Skygazer smiled, "thank you Kara.." she replied before embracing the red-haired woman. She then turned to Rose and Sapphire, "I hope you both will be happy with them, I know they will look after you both well," she said. Rose embraced Kara then Sapphire, "we will miss you around here but I know you will come back to see us," Kara said. "Of course we will," Drake said. It was then that Bowen appeared next to his wife, "Bowen...you came to see us off?" Draco asked. Bowen nodded his head, "of course I did, you are all family afterall." The dragon smiled at the Knight, "I know you both will take good care of Geoff," he said. "Of course..." Kara replied. "You all take care Draco..." Bowen said. "You too..." Skygazer replied. With that the family made their way outside in order for Draco to transform so Skygazer could place the saddle on her mate's back, "how does that feel my love?" she asked. He smiled down at her, "it's comfortable my treasure," he said, nuzzling her gently. He turned his head to look at his son, who merely nodded before transforming into his dragon form so Sapphire and Rose could ride on his back. Drake knelt down so Sapphire could climb on before Rose did the same, "alright...hang on..." he said. Draco let his gaze rest on the Knight and the red-haired woman, "safe travels..." Kara said. "Fare well Bowen..." Draco said before opening his wings and propelling himself off the ground as Drake mimiced the action. "Bye Bowen...bye Kara..." Sapphire called back, waving to them as they waved back.

Now headed home a content silence passed between the family as both Rose and Sapphire enjoyed the flight to the cabin. As always Skygazer enjoyed the flight with her dragon mate and son, the couple had some things on their minds but knew they could deal with that when they returned home. It was around midday when they reach the cabin, "there it is Sapphire...this is our cabin...our home.." Draco said. Sapphire's eyes scanned the land below and marveled at it's beauty, "it's beautiful..." she commented as they came in to land in front of the cabin. "Home..." Skygazer sighed before slipping from Draco's back. She placed their pack down to remove the saddle from his back, "there you go my love," she said. Draco transformed then gently picked up the saddle from his mate, "you all go ahead and settle in, I'll be right behind you..." he said. Skygazer smiled before placing a kiss on his muzzle, "come on let's get you two settled in..." she said. Drake knelt down to allow Rose and Sapphire to slip from his back. He watched the three women walk into the cabin before he transformed himself back into his humanoid form to see to his mother's mare.

Inside the cabin Skygazer showed them to the room Drake slept in, "you two can settle in, in here for now. I'm sure the boys will make sure you both will be comfortable," she said. Rose smiled at her 'sister', "thank you Sky..." she replied as they went into the room to rest and settle in. Skygazer made her way upstairs to place their pack back into their room and feed Mirai again.

With things taken care of outside the pair of dragons walked back into the cabin to find Rose and Sapphire resting in Drake's room. "How did you like that flight Sapphire?" Drake asked. Sapphire smiled, "I enjoyed it very much...it was so much fun.." she replied. Drake smiled at her before turning to Rose, "are you two comfortable in here?" he asked. "Yes we are..." Rose replied. It was then that Draco spoke, "I'll build another bed to place in here for Sapphire," he stated. She smiled a thanks to him, "thank you Draco..." she replied. Draco had Drake help him build the bed for Sapphire and help him bring it into the room for the young girl. Draco also made an adjustment to the room, he placed a divider in the middle of the room so that Rose and Sapphire could have privacy if they wanted it. He knew Drake was respectful and would never do anything to upset either of them, so he didn't worry about his son misbehaving, "I thank the elders that he was raised in the monastery, if he hadn't then I would be more worried about them being in here with him." Now with them settled into their new home he worked on the nursery for his little princess and was delighted that Sapphire asked to help him. With Sapphire helping him they got the work done quickly and things placed upstairs in the nursery, "you did a good job Sapphire..." he praised. She smiled at him before going back downstairs to be with her mother and Drake while Draco returned to the room where he knew Skygazer was feeding their daughter.

Later on the pair of dragons lay sprawled out in the warm sunshine while the women took care of things inside the cabin. Rose hummed a song while she helped Skygazer see to things around the cabin before going to the hot springs and bringing Sapphire with her. Skygazer prepared lunch while Mirai napped upstairs, "this will be delicious..." she said as she stirred the soup she was cooking.

Back in the hot springs Rose and Sapphire were enjoying the hot water, "ahh this feels good..." Sapphire commented. "Yes it does, when I was here before I'd enjoy these hot springs often. It's so relaxing..." she added. Sapphire was silent for a few moments before speaking again, "did you enjoy them with Master Drake?" she asked. Rose looked at her daughter before answering, "no...but I'd like to..." she admitted. "Do you love him?" Sapphire asked. A small gasp escaped her lips, but she knew she couldn't hide her feelings, "yes I do..." "Does he love you?" Sapphire asked to which Rose nodded her head. "Then perhaps you two should become one." Rose was silent for a few moments as she considered her daughter's words, "she's more mature than I thought she was but I'll admit that it did cross my mind. I wonder what Drake would say if I brought it up? Or maybe...he's thought about it too," she thought to herself.

Back outside Drake, who had been half dozing was starting to wake up, he raised his head up to glance at his father before standing up and transforming into his humanoid form. Drake sat on the boulder just outside the cave to turn his eyes to the sky as if searching for an answer to an unasked question. The gentle breeze billowed around him, tickling his wings slightly and making him flex them restlessly, along with his tail talon. His mind was on a few things since he woke up, "I still can't believe that I have a woman like Rose in my life now...I'm so lucky." His thoughts were interrupted by his father's voice, "something on your mind son?" he asked, slightly startling him. Drake turned to see Draco looking at him, "oh father, I didn't know you were awake." Draco raised his head to look at his son fully, "I wasn't but you flexing your wings made me curious..." he stated. Drake looked down slightly and Draco could tell something was up with his son, "is something on your mind that you want to talk about?" he asked propping his chin up on his palm. Drake debated for a moment or two before deciding to share what was on his mind, "it's just I never thought that I would ever have someone that would love me. Being a dragon...I didn't think anyone would, especially a human woman." Draco remained silent as he allowed his son get his thoughts out, "I had believed for a long time that I would never find love like you did with mom. I really believed that I was going to be alone..." he said. Draco raised his head up slightly, "you know I felt the same way when I found Sky...I never believed that a human woman could ever love a dragon. After going through so much before finding her had made me wary of every human for the longest time but after getting to know her, I found out that she was completely different from all the rest. She taught me that I didn't have to live life alone and I learned how to love again." "That's how Rose makes me feel too...she's an amazing woman..." Drake replied. Draco let a small smile play on his dragon lips, "do you love her?" he asked. Drake nodded his head to his father's question, "yes I do...with all my heart." "Have you told her that?" he asked. "Yes I have and she told me that she loves me too," Drake replied. A moment or two passed before Draco spoke again, "have you been thinking about what your mother and I have?" he asked. Drake knew what his father was asking and nodded his head, "yes I have..." was his only response. Draco knew that at some point this conversation would come up, "you need to talk with her about it." "I know I do father, I'm just not sure what to say..." Drake said. Draco smiled at Drake as he placed his claw on his son's shoulder, "listen to your heart and you will find the words."

A little later lunch was ready and the family sat down to eat together, "mmh this is really good...your food tastes just like mama's..." Sapphire complimented. Skygazer smiled at the young girl, "thank you Sapphire. How do you like our home?" she asked. Sapphire swallowed down what she had in her mouth, "I love it...it's more beautiful than I could ever imagine. I see why mama wanted to move us to a cabin in the countryside." "Thank you...we built it together before Mirai was born," Skygazer replied. Sapphire nodded her head to let her she had heard her, it was then that Drake spoke, "Rose um..." she looked at her dragon, "yes Drake?" "After lunch I'd like for us to talk..." he said. She gave him a gentle smile, "alright.." she replied. The rest of dinner was eaten in comfortable silence and once they had finished eating Drake and Rose walked outside to be alone.

They sat on the boulder outside the cave, Drake had an arm wrapped around Rose's waist, holding her close to him. A gentle breeze swirled around them for an instant before Rose spoke, "so what was it you wanted to talk about?" she asked. "Well..." Drake raised up just enough to look at her, "about us...but there's more to it than that." Hearing this intrigued Rose but she allowed Drake to get out his thoughts before she spoke, "if I'm being honest I never thought that I would ever find anyone to love or anyone who would love me. After coming here to live with my father and Sky, I'd see them together and I would be jealous because I believed that I would never have what they have. Until I met you..." he turned to look at her fully, "the day I met you...changed everything I ever believed. I was scared at first because I had never been around any women, aside from Lian but that was different, she's a friend. She never made me feel anything like I do when I look at you." Rose's face softened at his words, "Drake..." she murmured. He took her hand into his claw as he spoke, "it's true Rose...I've never felt like this before...I think about you all the time, my half-heart races when I see your beautiful face." Rose's cheeks flamed slightly at his words, "Rose you're the only woman that has caught my attention or has ever captured my heart the way you have. The time we got to spend together when you were here before was the happiest I've been in a long time. You never showed any fear of me, you were always kind to me...you taught me what love was," he made his dark gaze meet her brown one, "you made me fall in love with you." She smiled at him as he rested his muzzle against her forehead as she closed her eyes briefly, "you make my heart race too Drake. No one has ever made me feel anything for a very long time, I was like you, I thought that I would never find the one being that I was meant to be with. When we met, I knew that you were Draco's son but that's all I knew at the time," she looked up into his gentle gaze, "I'll admit that at first I thought the only thing that would be between us would be friendship but after getting to spend time with I learned who you are. I learned that there was more to you than being a dragon...you showed me your heart. Although I was a little unsure I decided that I would give it a chance...I would give us a chance and I'm so glad that I did..." she replied placing a hand on his chest to kiss the scale over his half-heart. Drake responded to her affection with a soft purr-like growl before nuzzling his nose into her hair, "I'm glad you did too and I'm glad that I followed my instincts and didn't shy away from what I felt," he caressed her cheek lovingly, being mindful of his claws. "Rose there's something I want to ask you?" Drake said. "Yes Drake..." Rose whispered. He swallowed down the lump in his throat as he spoke, "Rose...I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you..." Rose held her breath as she realized what Drake was asking her, "Drake..." she breathed. He could see her unshed tears, "I want us to become one...will you join your life with mine?" he asked. She nodded as a stray tear ran down her cheek, "yes Drake...yes I will..." she replied as he pressed his lips to hers in a tender, loving kiss.

What the couple had been unaware of was that Sapphire, Skygazer and Draco had been watching them and smiled when they had heard Drake's words to Rose, "well done son..." Draco said. Skygazer nuzzled beneath his chin affectionately as he buried his nose into her hair. "I'm so happy for mama..." Sapphire said to herself as she smiled at the scene.

Several Weeks Later:

The couple was overjoyed that they were going to be bound together, they couldn't be happier. Draco decided to take his son aside and talk to him about what all entailed with the dragon custom of courting. Draco knew that Drake knew nothing about any of it so he knew his son had a lot to learn now. So while the women took care of things around the cabin Draco took his son to the cavern where the crystals were, "why have you brought me here father?" he asked. Draco glanced over his shoulder at his son, "you'll see..." he replied as they continued down the tunnel until they stepped into the crystal-filled cavern. "Wow what is this place?" Drake asked. Draco found amusement in his son's reaction, "this is where I brought your mother when I gave her the crystal rose." Drake turned to his father, "was that before you two were bound?" he asked. "It was and now you must do the same," Draco said. "You mean give Rose a symbol of our love?" he asked, to which Draco nodded. "But what if I already have?" he asked. Draco arched a browridge at his son, "what do you mean?" "The dragonheart blossom..." he answered. The older dragon had to admit that it had been a bold gesture to give it to Rose, "very well Drake...the next step then is to go see Aria and tell her." "Do you think grandmother will be excited?" he asked. Draco chuckled, "I'm sure she will be..." he commented as they walked back towards the cabin together.

A little later in the day the family got ready to go to Aria's and Sapphire was bubbling over with curiousity, "I can't wait to meet her.." she said. Rose laughed at her daughter's enthusiasm. Skygazer decided to give Sapphire a quick run down of who Aria was and by the end of it Sapphire understood, "wow..." was her only response as she processed everything Skygazer had told her. Skygazer had Mirai in her sling around her body and was fitting the saddle to Draco's back, "how's that my love?" she asked. He smiled at her, "you always set it comfortably my treasured one..." he replied nuzzling her affectionately. The young girl smiled at their interaction before climbing onto Drake's back with her mother. "Everyone ready?" Draco asked as Skygazer got into the saddle. "Yes we're ready," said Rose. With a nod Draco took to the sky first then Drake and they began their flight towards Aria's hut. Along the way both Draco and Skygazer shared with Sapphire things they had shared with Aria since their first meeting. She was very much intrigued by everything she was hearing and it made her respect Aria all the more, "she's such a sweet woman to have raised you and granted you your one true desire by bringing Master Draco back to life for you. I looked forward to meeting her," Sapphire said. Draco let a smile play on his dragon face, "she's gonna love you Sapphire and Rose too." A moment or two later they came into land in front of the hut, "here we are..." Skygazer said as she slipped from Draco's back and began removing the saddle. "Wow, a hut built into a tree...it reminds of those stories mama use to tell me of fairies and other magical creatures...making a hut from a tree," Sapphire said. Draco arched a browridge at her words, "fairies and magical creatures?" he questioned. Sapphire couldn't help but laugh at his expression, "yes it was just stories from when I was little...she would tell them to me before I went to bed." Draco turned his focus on transforming into his humanoid form while Rose and Sapphire slipped from Drake's back so he could do the same.

Now ready to enter they were surprised when the door opened to reveal the sorceress they had come to see, "ah young one...deary...it's so good to see you again. Grandson, I see you have mastered your transformations since I last saw you," Aria said as she stepped from her hut to embrace both dragons. "I have, it wasn't easy but it was worth it," Drake replied. Aria nodded her head before glancing at Skygazer and little Mirai, "how's your special gift been doing young one?" she asked as she stepped closer to the woman and infant. Skygazer smiled, "she's been very well, she eats well and sleeps through the night." "That's good, has she showed any side of dragon abilities yet?" she asked. Skygazer shook her head, "no not yet but I'm sure as she grows they will appear." "Well when they do I will help you..." Aria then noticed the young woman and child standing next to Drake. Drake took a gentle hold of Rose's hand and led her closer for Aria to see, "this is Rose and her daughter Sapphire.." he said. Aria looked at Drake for an instant before speaking, "I welcome you both here to my hut..." she began. Sapphire was the first to speak, "we thank you Wise Aria and it's a pleasure to meet you..." she replied. The sorceress couldn't keep the amusement off her face, "well now I must say I am honored to meet you Sapphire and Miss Rose. I take it they have told you about me?" she asked. "They have and it's nice to meet you Miss Aria..." Rose replied. "Oh my dears there is no need to be so formal, we are all family here," Aria said with a smile, "please come inside and I shall brew some tea."

Now inside the hut with Aria sat across from the family as she began to speak, "so what do I owe to this visit?" she asked, sipping on her tea. Drake looked at his father briefly before receiving a nod, "go on son..." he encouraged. Aria was now very curious as she turned her gaze to the young dragon, "please speak whatever is on your heart grandson..." she encouraged him. He took a gentle breath as he began to speak, "grandmother there is something I wish to speak with you about. I have brought Rose and Sapphire here to meet you but there's more to it. I have decided that I wish to bind together with Rose, I have chosen her as my mate." Hearing this made Aria's eyes widen slightly, "this is wonderful grandson and I am happy for you both but first I must ask you Miss..." she turned to Rose, "is this what you want as well? Do you wish to bind yourself to Drake and truly be as one?" she asked. Rose looked at Drake with a smile before turning back to the sorceress, "yes it is what I want, I love Drake and I wish to be with him always." Aria smiled at Rose's words before turning to look at Draco, "I take it you both have told them about the ceremony and what it entails?" she asked. Draco nodded as did Skygazer, "we have and Drake has already given Rose the symbol of their love and bond," he replied. Aria turned to Drake, "you have learned much from your father it seems and this is good. You have learned what it means to be a good mate to this young woman by watching your father with Sky. This is why Rose has chosen you over anyone else..." Aria stated. The pair smiled at her words, "do you wish to wear ceremonial clothes just as your parents did?" she asked to which Drake nodded as did Rose. "Very well...give me three days and they will be ready, then we shall go the ancestral mountain of your kind to perform the ceremony there," Aria said. "Thank you grandmother, this means so much to us..." Drake replied. She smiled at her grandson as she stood up to come stand in front of him, "I know the dragon elders are proud of the dragon you have become and will watch over and protect your treasured ones," she said embracing him warmly as he returned it. She then embraced both Rose and Sapphire, "young Sapphire...you may be young but you have wisdom far beyond your years and this will be your greatest attribute as you move forward in life." Sapphire bowed her head in respect to Aria's words, "you are very kind Miss Aria..." she replied. The sorceress then turned to Rose, "Rose...you have a gentle spirit and a kind heart, I know you will be a good mate for my grandson.." Aria said. Rose smiled and bowed her head respectfully, "thank you Aria."

The family spent part of the day with Aria before returning to their cave cabin to see to some things there. Upon returning Skygazer removed the saddle from Draco's back before she, Rose and Sapphire went inside the cabin. Skygazer fed Mirai before helping Rose and Sapphire do some cleaning around the cabin. The pair of dragons were sunning themselves and enjoying the feeling of being so content.

While inside the cabin Rose's mind wasn't on the task in front of her, it was with her Drake, "I never thought that I would ever find love again, let alone be with a dragon like Drake. I have to admit...that I've never been happier than I am now, knowing that I will be with him always." She found herself smiling at her thoughts as she continued to help Skygazer take care of their home. Afterwards Rose went outside to find both dragons still lounging in the warm sun, "he looks so peaceful..." she thought to herself as she made her way towards the hot springs to bathe. When she reached them she shed her clothes and slipped into the soothing hot water, "ahh...this feels even better than the last time I was here..." she sighed as she rested her head on the side of the pool.

Back outside the cave Drake had seen Rose go down the tunnel that led to the hot springs and was very much tempted to go with her. However if he had, he was certain that his father would have whacked him with his tail or wing, "as tempting as it is to follow her, I do not wish father to be angry with me..." He sideglanced at the copper dragon dozing in the warm sun next to him before turning his eyes back in the direction Rose had gone. As if sensing his son's restless mind Draco lazily opened one eye, "thinking of following after her?" he questioned. Drake was slightly startled at the sound of his father's voice and turned to see that Draco was looking at him. Drake tried not to meet his father's gaze, at seeing this Draco raised his head slightly as he spoke, "I understand what you're thinking right now son and though she is your mate, you shouldn't rush into that without some proper thought." Drake cocked his head to the side slightly as he was unsure what his father meant. Draco could see his son's confusion so decided to clarify, "as tempting as she may be to you, you should take your time, let her show you what she wants." "I don't understand father," Drake said. "Read her body language and it will tell you what you want to know..." Draco replied. Drake could only cock an browridge at his father's words as he lay his head back down to rest a bit longer in the warm sun. Now left alone with his thoughts Drake tried to understand his father meant, "does father mean that I should talk to her? Or go to her?" He contemplated for several moments before standing up and transforming himself into his humanoid form, "maybe soaking in the hot springs will help clear my mind..." he said as he made his way down the tunnel. Unbeknowst to him, Draco had been watching him with one eye lazily opened, but had remained silent, he then noticed the sun starting to set, "time for the evening hunt..." he said to himself as he stood from where he had been laying and took to the air.

Back in the hot springs Rose was relaxing and enjoying the hot water until she caught the sound of footsteps approaching, "who could be coming to the hot springs?" she wondered. She turned her gaze down the tunnel to see a dark figure heading towards her, she became unnerved but as it neared her, she was relieved to see it was Drake. "It's my Drake..." she thought to herself as a sigh of relief passed through her lips.

Drake had made it to the hot springs and hadn't yet noticed Rose watching him, "I nice soak in this hot water will help me clear my head..." he said, unaware that Rose had heard him. As he sank down into the water he felt every part of his body relax in a way it never had before, "ahh...no wonder father comes in here...it feels amazing..." he sighed. He sank down to his chin, allowing the water to cleanse him of any dirt, dust or pollen on his scales and wings. He flexed them a few times and purred at how good it felt on the sensitive membranes.

In the other pool Rose was watching her dragon enjoy the water and she couldn't help but giggle at the sound of him purring, "he sounds like a cat..." she said to herself. At hearing her giggling Drake raised himself up slightly from the water to see Rose watching him, "Rose..." he murmured. She smiled at him lovingly but then noticing her bare, wet skin, he turned his head. She knew he was being courteous towards her, "he's so respectful but I guess being brought up by monks will do that..." she said. She came to the side of the pool as if trying to get nearer to him, "you needn't look away my Drake..." he turned his head upon hearing her speak his name, "you and I are to be bound as one...I am yours Drake, you may look upon my body if you wish. I won't stop you my love..." she murmured. Drake took a few breaths before turning his dark eyes back towards Rose, "are you sure?" he asked. She smiled at him, "of course my love..." she replied. It was then that Drake let himself gaze at Rose and her bare body. This was the first time he had allowed his dark eyes to roam every inch of her body, her every curve, "she's even more beautiful with her body glistening in the water." When he came up to meet her gaze, she seem to invite him into the pool she was in, "it's alright Drake..." she whispered. He took a deep breath before lifting himself from the pool he was in to join Rose in hers, though he still kept a short distance between them. Rose understood Drake's nervousness, she knew he had never seen any female this way but she wanted this time to be enjoyable for both of them. She decided to ease over towards Drake, to gage his reaction to her movements. Drake watched her from the corner of his eye as he remembered his father's words, "read her body language and it will tell you what you want to know..." "Is this what father meant?" he thought. Rose continued to ease over towards Drake until she could reach out and touch him, "would it be alright to sit beside you?" she asked. Drake swallowed down the lump in his throat as he admired her slender form, still glistening with water, "of course..." he replied, holding out a clawed-hand to her. She smiled upon placing her hand in his claw and allowed him to draw her near, "this water feels amazing..." she commented. Drake merely nodded his head, to let her know he had heard her, "it is..." was his only response to her comment as they enjoyed the water together.

Back outside the cave Draco had returned from the evening hunt with a deer in his jaws and was preparing it for their dinner, "my Sky..." he called. Upon hearing her mate call out to her, she came to the door, "yes my love?" "Shall I prepare our food tonight?" he asked. She smiled at him, "if that is what you wish, I won't stop you..." she replied, "afterall I do enjoy having food cooked over an open fire." He smiled at her words, "very well..." he replied as he prepared the firepit and the deer.

Back in the hot springs, Rose was resting her head on Drake's shoulder and enjoying the closeness of her dragon, "this is so relaxing but it's even better with you.." she said. He smiled at her words as he wrapped an arm around her waist, "it is better..." he replied pressing his lips to hers briefly. Rose was surprised at the action but returned the kiss but as she did, she found herself getting lost in this moment with him. Her body brushed against his in a way it hadn't before and it seemed to ignite something within her. Even as he kissed her, Drake's mind was trying to wrap around the fact that he and Rose were here in the hot springs together. He silently wondered if she was feeling the same thing he was as he pulled back slightly, "Rose..." he whispered. "Yes..." she murmured. "Are you happy here with me?" he asked. Rose nodded, "well yes, of course I am, you have given me so much happiness in being with you. I feel like I found a piece of myself that I didn't know was missing," she answered. He glanced down at her hand before taking it into his claw, Rose looked down at their intertwined hands before letting her eyes roam over his scaled body as it glistened with water droplets, "I never noticed how much his scales shine when they're covered in water..." she said to herself. Drake noticed her silence but when he glanced at her face, he saw that she seemed to be admiring his body, "is she...is she admiring my body the way I was hers?" When their eyes met again Rose's cheeks were twinged with a light blush, Drake placed a clawed-hand on her cheek, caressing it gently, "so beautiful..." he murmured. Her blush darkened slightly but moved to press her lips to his in a tender kiss, which he returned. As they kissed Rose pressed her body against Drake's slightly and upon doing so, he let a soft purr emanate from his throat. She pulled back slightly to look up into his darks pools that seemed to be glazed over with an emotion she had never seen before. Drake saw the same look in her eyes and he felt his body move of it's own free will. He wrapped his arms around her small frame to kiss her tenderly once more but this time the kiss, became heated. Rose knew that Drake knew nothing of this interaction so she would help guide him, "worry not my dragon...I shall help you..." she said in her mind as she continued to kiss him. Drake pulled her to him as she moved to sit in his lap, letting him feel her firm backside against him. She turned in his lap slightly to wrap her arms around him, resting her breast against his chest. Drake's heart was beginning to pound in his chest at this new feeling, "her body feels even better against mine than I thought..." he said to himself. He pulled back just enough to look into her warm brown eyes, "so beautiful..." he murmured before capturing her lips again with his. Rose returned the kiss with the same passion he was giving her, "he's getting more comfortable with this interaction..." she said to herself. When they broke away for air Rose nuzzled her way beneath his chin the way she had seen Skygazer do with Draco. Upon doing so Drake responded to her with a purr-like growl as he returned the nuzzle before slipping his tongue from his mouth to run it along her jaw. Rose then moved so she was straddling his waist as she began to kiss Drake again. As Drake returned the kiss he brought up a claw to rest on the back of her neck, to deepen the kiss as his body responded to Rose's bare body pressing against him. Rose let a free hand roam down his scaly body to find his exposed member brushing against her thigh, "he's getting excited..." she said to herself. She pulled back slightly, "are you sure?" she asked. Drake merely nodded as he panted a bit, "yes..." he purred into her ear, sending shivers down her spine. When she looked into her dragon's eyes, she saw he was giving her a half-lidded look and gave him one of her own. Their kisses became heated once more as Rose raised up to allow Drake to enter her, "he's larger than I expected..." she said, taking a moment to adjust to him. Drake threw his head back at feeling her around his girth as a thrum emanated from his throat, making his body vibrate against Rose. After a moment or two Rose began to move up and down slightly as she became more comfortable with his size. Drake kept his arms wrapped around Rose as she clung to him. He thrust upwards into her body, trying to feel as much of her as he could, "she feels so good..." he said to himself. The water sloshed against their bodies as the steam from the water billowed around them, "my Drake..." Rose panted out. Drake nuzzled beneath her chin, "Rose...Rose..." he murmured her name as though it were a prayer to the elders. With several passionate thrusts Drake came deep within Rose's walls as a pleasure-filled growl passed through his scaly lips. Rose panted slightly as this interaction with her dragon had left her breathless, "my Drake..." she murmured. After a few moments Drake disconnected from Rose and moved her so she was sitting sideways in his lap. He nuzzled beneath her chin affectionately and she returned the gesture before kissing him tenderly.

Silence passed between the couple for a moment or two before either of them spoke, "are you alright Rose?" Drake asked. She rested her head on his chest, "yes I'm alright..." she sighed. Drake's half-heart raced in his chest and he knew Rose could hear it, "I feel like our bond has been made stronger..." he said to which Rose nodded her head, "yes it does.." she added. A moment passed before Rose spoke once more, "perhaps we should be heading back before your father comes looking for us..." she said. He knew she was right, "yeah I think it would be best..." he replied. Before getting out of the water Drake completely dunked himself in the water to rid his body of the scent of their lovemaking. Rose seemed to understand what her dragon was doing and mimiced the action before pulling herself from the water to redress. Drake shook his head and flexed his wings slightly to get rid of the water before taking Rose's hand into his claw as they walked back to the cabin.

When they got back outside they found the family already enjoying dinner, "there you two are...enjoying the hot springs?" Skygazer asked. The couple came over to sit by the firepit, "yes...that water felt so good...I always enjoy the hot springs.." Rose answered as Drake nodded in agreement. Throughout dinner silence passed around the firepit as the sunset behind them and gave way to the beauty of the night sky. "Dinner was really good tonight Draco, thank you..." Rose said. Draco smiled at her words, "you're welcome Rose..." he replied, wrapping his arm around Skygazer to hold her close to him. Mirai slept in her mother's arms after being fed while Sapphire sat next to her mother. There were a few stories told around the fire before everyone got ready to turn in for the night.

Now inside the cabin Skygazer carried their little daughter upstairs with Draco following right behind him, "goodnight Rose...Drake..." he said. "Night father...mother..." he replied. "Night Sky, Draco..." Rose said. With that both couples went into their rooms for the night to try and get some sleep. Sapphire climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep leaving her mother and Drake awake, "do you wish to sleep next to me tonight?" Drake asked. Rose smiled, "yes I would like to sleep next to you tonight..." she replied. Drake smiled at her as he sprawled out on his bedding, remaining in his humanoid form. Rose lay down next to him and he wrapped his arm around her, "goodnight my beautiful Rose..." he murmured. "Goodnight my sweet dragon.." Rose replied as they both dozed off to sleep.

Three Days Later:

When the sun rose it found Drake perched atop the cave watching the sunrise, his mind filled with thoughts. "I can hardly believe that today Rose and I will be bound as one. It seems like a dream..." he said to himself. He lay curled up in the early morning rays as he tried to relax the nervousness he felt.

Inside the cabin Draco was already awake and stretching the stiffness from his body, having been curled up all night. He arched his back to flex his wings slightly before getting out of bed to head downstairs while Skygazer and Mirai still slept. He wanted to speak to Drake before they left for Aria's a little later on that morning. When he came outside he found his son in his usual spot atop of the cave. Draco merely shook his head and took his dragon form in order to perch atop it as well, "morning son.." he greeted upon landing. "Morning father..." Drake replied. Draco could sense his son's nervousness, "are you ready?" he asked. Drake looked his father in the eye as he spoke, "I am but I'm nervous...this is a big step for Rose and I. Were you this nervous when you were bound to mom?" he asked. Draco nodded, "I was and I knew Sky was too...but we also knew that we were making the right decision. We knew our love was strong and we wanted to share our lives together because we couldn't be without each other. That's one reason Aria brought me back to life...for Sky, life had no meaning without me in it." Drake absorbed his father's words before speaking, "so do you think that Rose is as nervous as I am?" he asked to which Draco nodded. Knowing that, it made Drake feel better somehow, "thanks father...that eases my mind a little." "I'm glad son," Draco flexed his wings restlessly as he continued, "aside from the ceremony...are you ready to see the land where our kind came from?" he asked. Drake smiled, "yes I am...I've always wondered what it was like there and how many dragons use to roam that land." "You have much to learn about that and with time you will know everything there is to know about our kind. When we get there I will share some stories with you," Draco stated. Drake was beaming with curiousity, "I look forward to it father."

Later that morning after everyone had been fed the family prepared to leave the cabin, Skygazer packed a pack for her and Draco as she knew of the journey ahead of them. Rose followed suit and did the same for her and Sapphire while Drake waited for them outside with his father. Once they had everything packed and ready the women made their way outside to where their dragons were waiting for them. Skygazer placed the saddle onto Draco's back before placing their pack on the saddlehorn along with Rose's, "are we ready?" Draco asked as Skygazer got onto his back with Mirai in her sling. "Yes we're ready..." Rose replied, sitting atop Drake's back with Sapphire. "Alright let's go..." Draco said as they headed for Aria's hut before heading towards their ancestral mountain.

They reached Aria's fairly quickly and were greeted by the sorceress when they landed, "good morning..." she greeted as she stepped from her hut. "Morning Aria..." Skygazer greeted. "Morning grandmother," Drake replied. She smiled at the family in front of her, "I've finished your ceremonial clothes for your binding ceremony grandson. You all go on ahead and I will meet you there.." she said. "But how will you get there?" Sapphire asked. She smiled at the young girl, "I will use my magic to teleport myself there. I hope you all have a safe journey..." she replied before retreating back into her hut to retrieve what she needed for the ceremony. The family once more took to the sky as they began to fly towards the ancestral mountain for the ceremony.

Along the way there was little conversation that is until Drake spoke, "how far is it?" Draco turned his head slightly as he spoke, "it's farther than it is to Bowen and Kara's castle, it will take half the morning to get there." "What kinds of things will we see when we get there?" asked Sapphire. Skygazer was the one to answer, "there really isn't much to see there but the cave itself is quite amazing. It's large with a beautiful crystal cave with a dragonskull carved into the wall of it." "Wow...I can't wait to see it," Sapphire replied. "Me either, to hear you talk about it, makes me more eager to see it myself," Rose added. "That place is filled with many memories of the dragons that once called it home. The sounds and sights of dragons filling the air around it was something truly grand to behold," Draco said. Silence hung around them for an instant, "is it hard going back there again after all that time?" Rose asked. Draco merely shook his head, "no not anymore, I know that what happened there shaped me as a dragon but it's also where I was bound to my Sky. To have at least one good memory from that place makes it worth going back." The rest of the flight was spent in comfortable silence until they reach the edge of the territory where the mountain stood, "back in the territory of our ancestors Drake..." Draco commented. Drake scanned the land below and noticed how barren the landscape was, "it appears there's nothing down there anymore..." he said. "You are right my son, these lands were abandoned long ago by both man and beast," he replied as they came into eyeview of the mountain. "Look there it is..." Sapphire said pointing. Rose and Drake turned their eyes to look at the mountain before them, "wow...it's so much larger than I could've imagined," Rose said as Drake nodded in agreement. Draco was amused by their reactions to this place as he flew towards the entrance of the mountain. He came in smoothly to land at the entrance and stepped inside to allow Drake to do the same, "come..." he said leading his son down the tunnel until it opened up into the large cavern where the sunlight beamed through the hole in the roof. Drake let his eyes roam the large cavern as he imagined what it had been like when it had others of his kind in it, "this place must've been a completely different world..." he murmured. Draco chuckled at his son's words as Skygazer slipped from her mate's back to remove their packs and then the saddle. "There you go my love," she said lifting the saddle from his back to allow him to transform into his humanoid form. Drake followed suit when Rose and Sapphire slipped from his back. They stood in the cavern for several moments before either of them spoke, "so this is where you were born father?" Drake asked looking at his father. Draco turned his gaze to his son, "yes it is...it was different then, most of the clan stayed in here while mated pairs and their young were in other caverns." "Which cavern were you born in?" Sapphire asked. A smile played on his dragon face, "come I'll show you..." he said leading his family down the tunnel to the enormous cavern that he and his parents called home.

When they entered Draco allowed the old memories to return to him as he breathed in the scent of the cavern, allowing it to fill his senses. Drake's mouth hung open slightly, "why is this cavern so much larger than the one we were just in?" he asked curiously. Draco got quiet for an instant before speaking, "this is cavern where I was hatched..." he said as he walked over to where the remnants of the old bedding still remained, "mother built the nest here, she and father slept on either side of it as a way to protect it." "Did you have any siblings?" Rose asked. Draco shook his head no, "I was the only one to hatch from the clutch mother laid. She was as white as newly fallen snow and father was the color of dragon smoke, the elders often said we were the most unique three dragons in this mountain. My mother, Mirai was a gentle soul, she showed kindness to everyone whether they be human or dragon. My father Nazareth, was the leader of the clan and mother was second-in-command," Draco explained. Drake hung on every word that left his father's lips, "so how did Aria meet your great-grandfather?" Rose asked. "Long before he met her my great-grandfather Histva lost his mate, my great-grandmother to illness. When he lost her, he became distant and lost, as Aria told me, he wasn't the same dragon because he felt as though he had lost a part of himself when she died. When Aria came to these lands she found him on the edge of giving up on life entirely but she managed to heal his heart and they became mates," Draco explained. "Wow..." was Sapphire's only remark to hearing all this. Drake too was fascinated by everything he was hearing, his father had told them stories of this place but had never heard this part before. They spent a bit more time in the large cavern as Draco enlightened them with the stories he remembered from when he was young, "you know son, I believe that mother and father would be proud of the dragon you're becoming, just as I am." Drake smiled at his words, "thank you father..." he replied. It was then that Draco noticed the light starting to fade, "come Aria will be arriving soon for the ceremony..." he said leading them back to the main chamber where the saddle and their packs were sitting.

When they reentered the chamber they found Aria already waiting for them, "I see you were showing them around your ancient home young one," Aria said. Draco turned to see Aria standing in the main chamber in her true form, "mother..." he murmured. Drake, Rose and Sapphire too were awestruck, "Aria...wow..." Rose said. Aria laughed at their reactions, "yes this is my true self, Sky and Draco have seen this before when I bound them together." Sapphire stepped towards the sorceress, "you are beautiful..." she said bowing her head slightly. Aria smiled at the young girl, "thank you little one but so are you and your mother," she turned to look at her 'son' and his mate, "as is Sky and little Mirai." Drake was next to speak, "I never knew that this was your true self grandmother, I understand why Histva fell for you." Aria laughed at her grandson's words, "you are such a charmer grandson...just like your father," she said looking at the dragon she raised. Draco couldn't keep a smirk off his face at her words. Silence passed between them for a bit before Aria spoke again, "I have your ceremonial clothes with me," she turned to the pack she had over her shoulder, "this one is yours Rose..." she said placing a folded cloth into her hands. "Thank you Miss..." Rose said. Aria smiled as she picked up the next one, "this is yours young Sapphire..." she said. Sapphire's eyes lit up at hearing this, "you made something for me too?" she asked. Aria nodded her head, "yes young one, you will share in this day with your mother, tis only proper for you to have something to wear as well." Sapphire looked down at the cloth in her hands briefly before looking back at Aria, "thank you Miss Aria..." she replied. Aria caressed Sapphire's cheek lovingly before turning back to her pack to pull out the last folded cloth, "and this one is yours grandson," she said placing it into his claws. "Thank you grandmother..." he said. She nodded to him then turned to Draco, "young one I trust you will help him prepare?" she asked. "Of course I will," he then stepped towards his son, "come son..." he said as the pair of dragons walked away. Aria then turned to Skygazer, "I trust you will help Rose and Sapphire as well?" Skygazer nodded her head as she led the two women away to get ready. Skygazer and Draco had also brought their ceremonial clothes with them to wear for the occasion and got ready as well.

In the cavern they were in Draco pulled on his ceremonial clothes while Drake looked at his. Aria had created for him a set of beautiful bronze colored armor with a deep green pair of pants embroidered with gold designs going down the legs, similiar to what was on his father's. The deep green cape that attached at the shoulders had a image of a golden dragonhead in the middle of it. Drake looked at himself in the reflective stone on the wall, "I don't even look like myself..." he commented. Draco smiled at his son's words, "I said the same thing when I put these on the first time." Drake turned to look at his father as he placed his claws on his shoulder, "you have come a long way my son and I am so proud of you.." Draco said. Drake smiled, "thank you father."

Back with the girls, Skygazer had on her clothes and was helping Rose and Sapphire with theirs. Rose was pulling on her dress of pink and gold, the corset had small flowers embroidered at the top of it that came around to the top of the sleeves. The sleeves had a dragonscale pattern etched into them. The shoulders were capped with a gold piece of ornament that held a small cape with the image of a gold dragon in the middle that hung down the back. Skygazer braided Rose's hair before placing her small gold crown in her hair, "you look beautiful..." she said. Rose smiled as she turned to Sapphire, who was wearing a lavender version of her mother's dress, to braid her daughter's hair in the same style as hers. After she had braided Sapphire's hair she clutched the bright dragonheart blossom in her hands, "are you ready?" Skygazer asked. Rose nodded her head, "yes I am..." she said with a smile.

Aria had prepared in the crystal cave and began the ceremony, her hands began to glow and music began to fill the cavern which signaled Draco and Skygazer to enter the cavern. "I'll see you in the crystal cavern," Skygazer said leaving Rose and Sapphire in their cavern. "I'll see you in there my son," Draco said as he walked from the cavern, leaving Drake alone. The pair entered the cavern and stood on either side of Aria as she changed the tone of the music, signalling Sapphire to enter. "Go on Sapphire.." Rose encouraged. Sapphire smiled as she stepped from the cavern and made her way into the crystal cave to stand next to Skygazer. Aria then signalled Drake to enter the cavern with them. He took a breath, "here we go..." he said making his way into the crystal cavern to stand next to his father. Then the music changed once more which was for Rose, "here we go..." she said walking towards the crystal cavern to enter it. When she rested her eyes on the cavern's beauty she was left breathless, as was Drake when he saw her in her ceremonial clothes. "*Gasp* she's a vision..." he breathed as she stepped forward to stand next to him. "You look beautiful..." Drake murmured. Rose smiled as a light blush covered her cheeks, "you look very handsome..." she replied.

The light faded from Aria's hands as she began to speak, "to be brought here again, shows that there is still love between human and dragon. Rose you and your daughter have been through so much in your life but you have been brought here to join paths with my grandson." Rose smiled at her words as she continued, "young Drake...you have come so far from where you began in your life. To believe that you were the last of your kind, only to find your father and then this beautiful young woman and her sweet daughter. It would seem the elders allowed your paths to cross because you were meant to find one another..." Aria took a breath before continuing, "you are bound by more than just your love, to truly share your lives blood must be shared." Drake held out his claw to Aria as she ran the blade across his palm before doing the same to Rose, "now take each other's hands..." she said. Rose then placed the dragonheart blossom on the alter as she placed her hands into Drake's claws, allowing their blood to flow together. It was then that Aria began to speak the incantation, "to this heart you bind as one, to share in each others strengths in both body and mind, to intertwine your hearts and souls to one another, to become as one from now until the end." As the incantation was being spoken the dragonheart blossom and Drake eyes began to glow brightly as they were lifted into the air, Rose closed her eyes as the light encircled them. They felt their souls being intertwined together in a way they couldn't explain. When Aria finished speaking the light faded and the couple landed back in front of the crystal dragon skull, their cuts healed and the dragonheart blossom was in Rose's hair. Aria smiled at them, "you may kiss your mate..." she said to Drake. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips to hers. When they let go of the kiss Drake nuzzled her lovingly, "congratulations grandson and to you as well Rose and Sapphire." "Thank you Aria..." Rose said. "Thank you grandmother," Drake said. "What will you do now?" Sapphire asked. Aria became very quiet, "now I go to rest...for a time then return to my hut.." she answered. Rose was curious, "will you stay in this form or return to your disguise?" "I shall return to my disguise and live as I have for many centuries but I shall always be there if you ever need me," Aria said before she teleported back to her hut leaving the family alone.

Draco then turned to his son and Rose, "I'm happy for you my son...and you too Rose." Drake smiled at his father's words as did Rose, "thank you..." Rose said. Draco then knelt in front of Sapphire, "you look as lovely as your mother Sapphire," he said kissing her knuckles. She smiled at him, "thank you Master Draco..." she replied. He stood to his full height once more, "come we should settle down for the night and go back in the morning.." he said. "Alright father..." Drake said as both couples and young girl went to remove their ceremonial clothes and get ready to settle down for the night. After placing their ceremonial clothes back into their cloths, they placed them into their packs. Draco then set up a small fire in the main chamber to keep them warm through the night while Skygazer cooked up some food she had brought with them. They ate their dinner in comfortable silence and once they had, the women rolled out their bedrolls. Skygazer fed Mirai before placing her down on the bedroll then laying down next to her. Sapphire had settled down on the bedroll fairly quickly as she was tired from travelling so far. Rose kissed her mate goodnight, giving him an affectionate nuzzle before she lay down next to Sapphire to get some sleep. Skygazer kissed Draco tenderly on the lips before settling down with their little one and falling asleep, leaving the dragons awake for a bit longer. They transformed into their dragon forms and curled their bodies around their mates before falling asleep as well.

It was about midnight when Rose awoke, covered in sweat and panting for her breath slightly. She looked around her to see that the rest of the family still slept peacefully. She sat up to look into the flames of the still burning fire for a moment or two as her body felt as though it were burning up, "why am I feeling this way?" she said to herself. She was brought out her thoughts when a soft voice came from near her, "are you alright?" She turned to see Skygazer looking at her, "oh Sky...I didn't mean to wake you," she said. Skygazer brush off the apology, "you didn't but I thought maybe you would have a hard time sleeping tonight. Sharing blood with a dragon can have an effect on you but it will pass." "You had this happen to you too?" Rose asked. Skygazer nodded her head, "yes I did, I was unprepared for the strength of Draco's blood in my veins and I'm sure your body is trying to adjust to Drake's blood as well." Rose absorded Skygazer's words as she continued, "you should try and go back to sleep. When you wake up in the morning your body should have adjusted to it and you will feel fine." Rose smiled at this, "thank you sister..that makes me feel better..." she said laying down beside Sapphire once more. "Goodnight Rose..." Skygazer said curling up between Mirai and Draco. "Night Sky..." Rose replied as she fell into darkness.

When the sun rose into the sky the next morning the family roused from their slumber and prepared to leave for their cabin home. Drake stood up and stretched his body as a growl-like yawn passed through his lips, flexing his wings slightly as well as his tail talon. Draco, too was stretching his dragon body free of stiffness as he knew they had a long flight back to their cave cabin. Skygazer fed Mirai before placing her in her sling in order to place the saddle once more on Draco's back, "how's that my love?" she asked as she cinched the straps. "It's set comfortably as always my jewel..." he replied, nuzzling her. Rose helped Skygazer place their packs onto the saddle before getting onto Drake's back with Sapphire. Skygazer climbed into the saddle and locked her feet into the stirrups, "is that everything?" she asked. Draco scanned the area once more before turning to Drake, "you ready to go home?" he asked to which Drake nodded yes. "Very well...then let us leave this place," he stated as he led them to the entrance of the mountain. He raised his wings high and propelled them off the ground with his powerful back legs as Drake mimiced the action, taking to the air with his father.

The flight back was peaceful as they simply enjoyed this time with each other and by midday had made it back to their cabin home, "home..." Rose sighed. "Yes.." Drake replied as they made their descent. Draco landed first then Drake, "it feels good to be home again..." Skygazer said. "Yes it does," Draco said turning his head to nuzzle her briefly before she slipped from his back. Rose and Sapphire too slipped from Drake's back to help bring their packs into the cabin while Skygazer removed the saddle from Draco's back, "there you go my love..." she said. He smiled at her before laying out on his belly in the warm sun to rest for a bit as did Drake. The three women went inside to take their packs inside and see to things in the cabin.

Both couples reflected on everything that had happened to them, never truly believing that they would be as happy as they were now. Both dragons had found women that loved them for who they were and they loved their mates with every beat their half-hearts made in their chests. They all had what they had always dreamed of from the start...a family.