At home at dinner, Sarai told that she found an interesting book today and the next day she was going to the library to continue reading it. Her parents looked surprised but enthusiastically they gave permission for Sarai to go to the library and spend time there.

The next morning, the Patal family went to the church of St. Varos for the first time. They were dressed neatly and rushed towards the cathedral in the center of the city. The cathedral looks crowded. After jostling in line to get in, they finally managed to get a seat that wasn't too far back. Sunday service begins. Several times Mrs. Patal nudged her husband, because he was about to fall asleep. Sarai rubbed her eyes trying not to fall asleep either during the sermon. Last night, she tried to sleep fast but her mind was too full of excitement to meet her new "friend" today. So, she just started sleeping a little later than usual. Finally, the priest closed his sermon as well. Sarai breathed a sigh of relief. She had already imagined what she was going to do after this.

After saying goodbye and promising to go straight home after her business was done, Sarai immediately walked quickly to the library. The city library remained quiet as usual. From behind the shelf, Sarai saw the girl who was sitting yesterday waiting for her. The girl immediately pulled Sarai while saying in a low voice, "Follow me."

They headed for a room with shelves and a secret passage. After the shelves opened, they walked into the stone passage. The hallway went up and down and they descended the stairs.

"Where are we going?" Sarai asked, looking around her.

"Soon we will arrive. I'll let you know.", The girl signaled to remain silent.

They walked through an open passage for about fifteen minutes when they finally arrived at an iron gate. The girl opened the gate which led them to a large garden with high ceilings.

"Wow this is amazing…", Sarai looked on in awe as she ran to the fountain in the middle of the garden.

"Where is this? You live here?", Sarai approached the girl and looked at her in awe.

The girl shook her head slowly, "No. This is a hidden area belonging to the church of St.Varos, usually I'm just in my room to study. They didn't let me out of the church area. That's why I didn't want to be caught in the library yesterday…"

Sarai nodded as she raised her hand, "Don't worry your secret is safe. I won't tell anyone."

The girl was silent and looked down.

"Oh, yesterday we didn't get to know each other. My name is Sarai. Sarai Patal. Both my parents were merchants and we just moved to Nova Mesto.", Sarai stuck out her hand.

The girl looked on hesitantly before finally taking Sarai's hand, "My name is Iris…. Both my parents have died. It was the Church of St.Varos that took care of me from birth."

"Sorry for bringing up such a sad thing...", Sarai looked at her with compassion.

"It's okay…after all they died since I was a baby. So, I have no memory of them. It was the priests at St.Varos church who raised me. They are more like my parents...", Iris replied in a low voice.

For a moment there was a sad look on Iris. Sarai who noticed then took Iris' hand, "Alright. Then take me on a tour around this garden. This place is so beautiful. Many plants and flowers that I have never seen."

For a moment Iris seemed taken aback by Sarai's sudden change in attitude before she finally realized what she meant and smiled, "This way I'll take you to my favorite flower."

Iris led Sarai to walk through the motley crowd of plants while occasionally explaining the names of the plants to Sarai. They walked while chatting until they arrived at a small part of the garden that seemed to be filled with flowers in purple, blue and white colors.

"Wow, that's beautiful. What flower is this?", Sarai looks mesmerized.

Looking shyly Iris replied, "The name is Iris flower. Just like my name."

"Wow, cool. I didn't know there was a flower called Iris.", Sarai replied in awe.

"According to the myth, the Iris flower was born from the footprints of a messenger goddess from heaven. Iris flower also symbolizes faith, wisdom and valor. The Church of St.Varos gave me an extraordinary name even though I am only a human being, not a goddess and an orphan either." replied Iris while walking amidst Iris flowers.

"Could it be the name your parents gave you...?", Sarai walked after Iris.

Iris stopped walking and seemed to be trying to remember, "I don't know. I don't remember. All I know since childhood, St.Varos church called me that. At first, I felt strange but over time I got used to it and liked it."

"Beautiful name. I'm sure that's the name your parents gave you. You're like a princess in fairy tales after all, especially when you're riding on a palanquin in the market accompanied by a temple knight.", Sarai recalls their initial meeting in the market.

"Oh right. I still remember when you watched me when I was inside palanquin. That day I went out… because High Priest Carlos granted my wish to see Nova Mesto as long as someone was escorting me and not being conspicuous. That's why I always have to be behind the palanquin", Iris answered slowly.

Sarai grabbed Iris' shoulder, "That makes you look even more like a noble's daughter. Completely different from ordinary children. So, I didn't think you were an ordinary person. Then… are you going to live forever in the church?"

Iris looked thoughtful, "They once said I would stay at St.Varos church unless someone adopted me..."

Sarai looked at Iris with excited eyes, "Then I will ask my parents to adopt you. I would be very happy if we became sisters."

Iris looked unconvinced, "Really?? Your parents will want to adopt me? I mean is that possible?"

"Of course. I'm sure my parents will agree with me. I mean who wouldn't want to have a child like you?", Sarai holds Iris' hand.

"Yes… all this time the priests at St.Varos church have told me that no one has adopted me every time I ask.", Iris replied gloomily.

"Never mind that it's not important. Now I'll have a sister and we can play together. I'll tell my parents when I get home.", Sarai hugs Iris excitedly.

Iris hesitated but she finally returned Sarai's hug with a happy smile. A bell rang in the distance.

Iris immediately let go of her embrace, "Ah…I have to go back to my room immediately."

They went to the iron gate near the fountain.

"When I get home, I will tell my parents about you. I'll come tomorrow after lunch at the library." Sarai hugged Iris before parting and then disappeared from behind the hallway.

Iris ran to another part of the garden which led her to her destination which was the area near the sanctum where she was supposed to be. She crept into her room and closed the door slowly. But a surprise awaits her.

"Ah, you're finally here, Iris."

There was a middle-aged man in a white robe waiting for him. Beside him was a nun accompanying him.

Iris seemed surprised by their presence but she ran happily hugging the man, "Father Carlos, I didn't know you would be visiting today."

"Iris, where have you been? It's rude to let the High Priset wait-", the nun looked at Iris with a worried look.

"Never mind sister Mel. She might be bored in her room and walk in the garden for some fresh air. Please make tea for both of us.", High Priest Carlos prevented the nun from scolding Iris who was hiding behind him.

"Hmm… alright Father Carlos.", replied the nun in a softer voice as she left the room.

High Priest Carlos then sat Iris on his lap, "Oh my Iris. You look so cheerful today. Did anything good happen?"

Iris happily answered, "Father Carlos, you won't believe it. I met someone…and we became friends! And maybe her family will… adopt me!"

"Oh really? That's very good news, Iris. Who is your friend? I'd like to meet your new family candidate.", High Priest Carlos replied with a patient and gentle voice.

"Hmm… about that… I met my friend Sarai at…", Iris seemed hesitant to continue her words.

High Priest Carlos smiled patiently, "Iris, you can tell me anything. I won't scold you… in fact maybe I can help you… just like yesterday when you asked permission to walk around Nova Mesto."

Iris nodded slowly then she told how she met Sarai at the library and how Sarai promised to ask her family to adopt her. High Priest Carlos nodded with a smile while listening patiently.