Years Past and Years to Come by Alexandria Sinclaire

Year 1011

~Spring~

The day the heir to the Western Lands was born she had never pushed herself harder and flown faster in all her long years. As the fortress came into view Shiori streaked through the sky and landed heavily in the courtyard. Several guards were up in arms but stood down as she resumed her human form and strode through the complex.

Her long scaled tail flicked around a corner and she vanished behind a screen door.

The Lord and Lady, dogs of sun and moon respectively, looked up to the arrival of the Matron of the Dragons of the North.

“Tsukiko,” The dragoness breathed happily as ember eyes landed on a tiny bundle. Tsukiko motioned her forward and Shiori moved gracefully to the couple's side.

The tiny body was so warm and soft it made her heart break. She cooed and purred softly as tiny fingers tangled in her hair and tugged at her kimono.

“Brought down by a pup.” The Inu no Taisho, Haruto, said softly and Shiori cut him a sharp glare. He merely chuckled at her and shook his head. “I cannot wait til you have your own.” He murmured as she lowered her great horned head to nuzzle the child gently. He yipped and squeaked and tugged harder at her hair, but she merely smiled and continued to dust his face with kisses.

Her stay at the Fortress was not long but it filled her heart full enough to last a life-time. Her godson had come into this world and the boy would never want for anything.

AN:// I've decided to rewrite this little piece.  I was starting to notice myself following a bit too closely to Forthright's Unspoiled, and while "the highest form of flattery is immitation" I think that's crap.  Her story is brilliant and wonderful and I certainly don't want to plagerize ANY part of it.  So, here we are, working on making this a whole new kettle of fish.  I do hope no one took offense to my unintentional resembalance, if so, if not, I am terribly sorry.

This is a work of fiction and does not belong to me!  The characters (aside from Shiori) belong to Rumiko Takahashi, delightful lady that she is.  This is the only disclaimer I will have 'cause I'm lazy.