Panzi

The harsh light woke them, the hot sun bearing down on the tangled dragons. Rhune woke first her tired eyes sliding over to where Panzi was sleeping on her chest. The memories of the night came flooding back. She bolted upright, sending the smaller dragon flying across the room. The dazed fae rubbed his head as he woke

“What was that for- Oh” Their eyes met, panic across their faces. “I thought you loved Jaka?”

“I do!” She snapped back “I thought you loved Silvia?”

“I do!” They continued to stare “How can we love two at once?” Rhune ran a hand across the back of her neck

“We are both mated this should be able to happen” Panzi carefully edged closer to the mirror. His tail twisting with hers in comfort.

“Is it possible to have two mates instead of one?” The mirror shrugged

“What do we do?” She murmured “What are we?” They sat in silence, as the sun crept higher into the sky, their bodies unconsciously leaning against each other.

“Neptune will know” Green eyes met red. Panzi continued “Neptune always knows” The mirror nodded and together they left the outpost, heading straight for the clan.

Panzi clung to Rhunes shoulders as she flew through the gorge leading to the lair. Jaka was at his usual place at the entrance, his eyes lighting up as he spotted them. Rhune paused briefly as she landed at the entrance, lifting her head slightly to receive a kiss from her mate, Panzi felt a twinge of guilt in his chest.

She trotted inside heading straight for Neptune's chamber. Neptunes chamber was one of the largest in the lair. Mostly due to his size but also due to the large Scrying pool in its center, the main place he saw his visions. The crystal clear water reflected against the stone walls, throwing beautiful light that decorated the space. The great guardian was lying near the entrance, waiting for his charges to return. The great guardian smiled as he saw them enter, only to frown when he saw their expressions

“What's wrong my children?” His deep blue eyes searching them for signs of harm, Rhune shook her head as Panzi left her shoulders in favour of hovering closer to their friends eye level.

“We need you advice Neptune” The mirror sat down with a huff, her tail twitching nervously “Is it possible for a dragon to have more than one mate?” There was a brief silence before Neptune burst out laughing.

“Neptune?!” Panzi cried out, shocked by their friends reaction

“I’m sorry my dears” He wiped a tear from his eye “It’s just taken you two long enough” Panzi and Rhune shared a confused glance. He stod, moving closer to the two, with a great paw he gently pushed the two closer together “You are two parts of one whole, you are destined to be together in all aspects of your lives”

Unfazed at being pressed together Rhune spoke up “But we both found our mates, how can we have more than one?” Her eyes were wide, waiting for a reply from their guardian.

“I will agree it is rare for dragons to have more than one mate, but there is nothing usual about us” He gently stroked their heads, “Go talk with your mates, I’m sure they will accept you” Before they could question him he carefully pushed them through the door into the hallway.

The pair simply exchanged a glance before heading off to find their mates.

The pair met in Panzis hamber that evening. Their wings clashed as they hugged tightly, they lips pressed together in a passionate kiss. They broke apart for a moment allowing Panzi to speak, his voice excited and impatient
“I love you” He kissed her hand “Will you please be my mate?” She nodded at the two fell to the ground in a tangled mess of limbs and laughter. Unbeknown to them in the main chamber, there were groans mixed with cheers of their fellow clan members as the result of the bet was announced and treasure changed hands.

Panzi enjoyed days like this. He was tending to his garden, his mate Rhune sat behind him reading to their first hatchling. She was constantly at Kokoros side, ever since he had hatched and unfurled his wings, heavily scarred by the deceased that had taken her legs. She felt guilty for it, as if it was her fault. But today she didn't seem stressed, or at least she was hiding it better. Panzi saw something in the corner of his eye, a bush shook. He had been watching it grow over the last few week, two twisted branches has started to grow fromt the bush, they almost resemble antlers. The longer he stared at the bush the more he thought it was staring back. He became completely sure it was when it blinked.
“Err Rhune” He called over his shoulder, not taking his eyes off the bush “Could you take Kokoro to your room please” He heard their son complain as she picked him up, carrying him out of the room. When he heard the door slide shut, he turned his full attention to the bush.
“Hey” He called out “What’s a nature elemental like you doing in my room?” He had met them before, when he had been alone, before Neptune had found him. But he had never seen them inside an dragons lair. His usual familiar, an orange blotch pansy suddenly appeared at his side, growling at the newcomer.
“Hush” he said, gently patting the flower “Its not here to hurt us” The bush peered at the flower with interest, its leafy feature portraying curiosity as best it could. After a quiet moment the bush stuck out a wooden arm, gesturing for a handshake from the flower. Marius the flower grumbled but extended a vine, wrapping it around the limb and gingerly shaking it. The bush smiled, unfurling so it could be fully seen.



Most of its body was wood, grown twisted and beautiful, leaves acted as long flowing hair, hiding most of its form from view. Much larger leaves, similar to palm leaves acted as clothes. The elemental has clearly shaped its form living with the clan, its form resembling a harpy, like the many that lived in the trees of Panzis room. In a songlike voice it spoke, “Master?” Its eyes were on the fae, and much to his surprise it continued “Be Master please?” It took him a moment to respond
“Okay, what would you like me to do?”
The elemental thought for a moment stroke its foliage, “Be friend”
“Of course” He reached a hand out to the “Im Panzi” The bush ignored the hand instead launching itself forward for a hug “Me Oaken”