The Iris Epidemic

Good Times

"We're here!"
Click clack Jeffery's shoe smacked on the dirt roads of the new town.

It felt cleaner here in this new town, more blue skies then the clouds that rain blood, sweat and tears upon our little town that we left behind for now. We were greeted, thanked for our efforts and guided off the carriages to our temporary living spaces as soon as we got there.

The space was large, fair size to fit my family of three with Dave's family of six. With a private individual place to be able to get rid of human waste and a small kitchen consisting a stone fireplace and some storage space. It worked out well for us two families. The kids definitely loved the space to run around and play.

Heh

The children ran and played till they wanted to drop down cold in a deep slumber from being so tired. It was great to see them have fun..

It reminded me of the simple days with no responsibilities, no fear, never having the weight of the world on my shoulders. The good times I say.

The good times...

"Dad! Come check this out!" I heard before realizing I was already up and being pulled over to the other side of the room to the window.

Jeffery tugged me to the window and lets go of my hand to look and point out through the window. I ended up kneeling down beside him and looked out too.

And guess what I saw, Alastar...?

Another damn raven.

They seemed to be everywhere then, look for them now and you will be lucky to see those dark daring feathered creatures around that close.

Anyways, Jeffery seemed fascinated and I got to speak out the knowledge I knew about them too.

"What kind of bird is that?" Jeffery said as he turned to look at me.

"It's a raven, they are a species that is not liked very much in our part of the world." I replied.

"Why not?"

"Ravens tend to scare people with their appearance because they seem to predict the outcoming future or present for us.. here look."
I ended up adjusting on the window ciel and lifting him onto my lap and I pointed at the raven sitting close on a mailbox nearby.

"You see, it is said when a raven faces towards a clouded sun, that means we are expecting warmer weather coming our way".
I smiled gently.

"There's also other signs from ravens that people have noticed, like if they clean their feathers with their beaks, it will rain. And another is if they circle a chimney of a family's home, a person is sick and will pass on."

"Oh! Thats neat" Jeffery said in excitement.

I laughed a bit, "Yes, they may be assumed as a bad sign, but there will always be a beautiful and positive side to everything".

"Like you dad? "

I took a moment to take his words in.

"Heh.. Jeffrey I guess that's true." I finally replied and ruffled his hair.

"But all are not afraid of me, they are just scared of the sickness. Afraid of the unknown."

Which was what I kept telling myself, even though seeing my town's people's faces filled with terror staring up at me is still burned in the back of my mind. It's hard to think that they didn't hate me, that they weren't afraid of what i've become. But all I have tried to do is to bring good. Good that seems to evaporate too quickly to be a physical form for them to see my true intentions.

Evening came and dinner was ready. With the nine of us, two families, we spent our evening eating and telling stories. Stories of our childhood, ghost stories, adventure stories, even a little embarrassing stories about the kids when they were babies.

"There I was!.. tall, hungry for some adventure, ready to sacrifice all that I was through the forest at the north end of town. I ended up wondering about, looking for new herbs and flowers for your father, little Jeffery, and it took hours of searching." Dave dramatically began his story, as his stomach decided to interrupt him mid way through with a growl, making the childern laugh.

"More like sherching for more food because your so hungry!" Jeffery laughed.

"Papa! Your food is right beside you!" Piped up the youngest child of the four.

"Oh! I guess your right." Dave said looking down and over towards his untouched plate. He picked it up as he continued to talk.

"I guess my stomach was telling me to eat.... But! I must finish the story!

"I searched for hours looking at every flower and herb I pass untill I heard.." he paused and looked over both sides of himself.

"I heard a loud and slow scratch on a near by tree.."

Small gasps were heard around the room and all were intently listening to his story.

"I stoped walking and quietly stood there to look around to see if the path was safe before heading towards the near by tree.

"The closer I got, the scratching got louder, and by the time I got to look around the tree I ..."

"Did you ran for the hills?!" The oldest bursted out in shock.

"Did you get eatin and got spit back out again?" Jeffery replied after.

"Did momma beat him up with a shovel?" The youngest exclaimed.

Dave chuckled before continuing again.
"I climbed up that tree! So fast I say. Hair as white as snow, glowing green eyes, raser sharp claws that could preform surgery! I was face to face with the demon of the forest itself!"

"But I was way to fast for the creature. I made it to the very tip top of that tree and I waited for hours and eventually the creature left and I was able to come back down and head back to the tailor shop in one piece."

"Wooh..thats wicked!" Jeffery said and I couldn't help but chuckle and roll my eyes. I didn't believe in such things but that's why they were so fun for the kids. Cause they believed in anything. Which I guess when you think of it... means my son would forever believe in me now... right?

I hope so..