Verdant Skies

Despite the irritation coiling inside of him, Kouen's face was passive as he strode toward the main tent. Entering it, he found Koumei standing with a few Magicians and raised an eyebrow at the sight. Koumei waved to Magicians off and they filed out quickly. Pouring himself a goblet of wine from a nearby decanter, he sighed through his nose as his younger brother asked, "How did it go with those soldiers?"

"If it weren't for how far from Rakushou we are, I would have them court marshaled," Kouen raised his goblet and turned to Koumei, "As it stands, they are under a modified house arrest until we go into battle. If they manage to survive it, I will consider lifting their punishment,"

Shaking his head, Koumei clicked his tongue, "Considering the fact they stole supplies, they've gotten off light," He smiled slightly, "On a lighter note though, the Magicians have made some progress. It's not much, but they've managed to identify just what the device used on Iris is."

"What is it?" Kouen raised an eyebrow.

As he took a sip of his wine, Koumei walked over carrying a small stack of parchment. Setting it down on a nearby table, he pulled off the first few sheets and showed them to Kouen. It was mostly unintelligible words all jumbled up together. He frowned at Koumei and the younger man let out a sheepish laugh, "Ah, right, you haven't really studied magic," He cleared his throat while setting the parchment down, "The device is known as a celestial crest lock."

"Is it breakable?" Kouen felt a little impatient as that was the entire reason they'd been searching.

"That is actually what they were coming to tell me," Koumei smiled brightly, "It is breakable though they have to do more research into it. By narrowing down what it is, we can find out how,"

"Good," Kouen felt as if a weight had fallen off his shoulders.

Both turned as sounds of commotion echoed from outside the tent, a soldier rushed inside as Kouen set his goblet down. Bowing with a slightly panicked expression, the man stuttered out, "M-my lords a large force is approaching us. They seem to bear the sigil of the Goulon empire only it's off somehow."

Eyes meeting Koumei's, Kouen's mind raced as he contemplated just how Lord Habi could have gotten his forces together so quickly. With Ginny's work and Iris even commenting on Lord Habi apparently being out of commission for a few weeks at least, it puzzled him. He found his mind toying with the soldier mentioning that the approaching forces' sigil had been off, but he pushed that thought away while barking, "Prepare our defenses and be ready for any outcome."

As the man nodded quickly and exited, Koumei spoke with a frown curling across his lips, "It seems that we have an unexpected development..." He walked towards the tent's entrance with Kouen, "But something about this doesn't seem right, En."

"No, it doesn't," Kouen admitted as they walked outside and began making their way through the chaos that had taken over their camp, "But we still need to deal with whatever it is,"

As they reached the camp's entrance and got a good look at the approaching force, Kouen could see what the soldier had meant about the sigil being off. With wings spread wide, a pegasus reared up on a grassy field. Rather than continue their approach, they had come to a stop on a hill not far away. Rushing from the opposing force, a white horse bore an equally pale flag. Jolting as a voice sounded from beside him, he turned to see Iris smiling as she peered out towards the opposing force, "Looks like Ashe brought more than a few friends along."

"That's your friend?" Koumei asked with shock pouring off each word.

"See that black stallion in the front," Iris pointed her finger and Kouen followed the movement, "The big black beast with red and white streaks in his mane?" He nodded feeling somewhat shocked as that horse dwarfed whoever was riding it, "That's Artemis, he only lets Ashe or I ride him. We rescued him just before everything happened,"

Soldiers surrounded them as the white horse approached, Kouen held up a hand as they began to raise their weapons. He spoke as the messenger came to a stop not far away, "Hold steady, we need to see what they want."

There were soft murmurs from the soldiers who slowly lowered their weapons, the messenger dropped from their horse and removed the ragged hood of their cloak. Stark white hair and a cherubic face was revealed, a soft voice murmured, "Thank you for not skewering me, Prince Kouen," The messenger's voice was deeper than Kouen had been expecting, "Lady Iris, it has been a long time. You're looking rather well though."

"Thanks to the efforts of Kouen and his brothers," Iris smiled at the messenger, "Xioabel, I trust that Ashe has been well,"

"My darling princess has been far too stubborn to be anything but," Xioabel chuckled softly as he pulled a scroll from his cloak, "This is for you, Prince Kouen. I assume you are the one in charge?"

"You would be correct," Kouen took the scroll slowly feeling a bit thrown.

Unraveling the scroll, Kouen read it with a careful eye and nodded slowly to himself before allowing Koumei to take it. It was a rather simple alliance agreement that would last until Lord Habi met his end. After Koumei nodded with a slight smile, he spoke, "I believe that the terms are agreeable."

"Wonderful, I will inform my princess and we'll begin the process of setting up camp as well," Xioabel mounted his horse, "We will be sending a party along soon enough to work on some strategies,"

"We'll make note of it," Kouen inclined his head.

Turning his horse, Xioabel paused before shifting to look at Iris, "Lady Iris, Ashe wishes for you to come join us for a bit. She has missed you greatly during your time apart. The others may come along as well, but..."

"Tell her that I will be by once everyone has gotten settled, I do hope that she brought along presents," Iris grinned lightly with a soft look in her eyes.

"But of course," A gentle laugh left the man, "Galen would be horrified if his favorite student was left without proper arms as would Commander Quinn,"

Rolling her eyes playfully, Iris shook her head, "Quinn just wants the chance to beat my ass and you damn well know it. The old man will be very hard-pressed to do so now."

"I look forward to seeing it," Xioabel took off with a wave to Iris.

There was a low sigh from Iris and she shook her head, a look of longing crossed her face for barely a moment before disappearing as she turned away. Kouen spoke as they began reentering the camp, "You got close to them...very close."

"Mostly Ashe, the others though..." A smile flitted across Iris's lips before she shook her head, "They'll be a lot of help. Even if they've left the empire, Ashe has been steadily gathering together people who were on Lord Habi's shit list for one reason or another. So even if the core of her group doesn't have recent information, she'll have something,"

"Good to know," Kouen turned to Koumei, "Prepare for the arrival of their party and set up a meeting to discuss our next steps. We must make the most of this alliance while being cautious."

Nodding to him, Koumei turned and began issuing orders to organize the camp and welcome their new allies. Speaking in a light tone, Iris told him, "I'm going to go find my friends. While they've no doubt heard the news, they'll want to hear it from me."

"Go ahead," Kouen waved her off and she quickly disappeared into the crowd of soldiers that was moving about.

There was a state of controlled chaos within the camp as sunset approached, the soldiers and Magicians fluttered about with tension clear in every movement made as they tried to do as Koumei had ordered. At the heart of the chaos, Kouen, Koumei, and Kouha stood together speaking in low tones. Iris was perched on one of the fences that had been erected earlier in the day by the main tent. She watched the chaos with a careful eye though her gaze strayed towards the camp's entrance as sunset drew ever closer. Heart beating with excitement, she listened as the distant rumble of hooves could be heard moments before someone shouted that an envoy was arriving.

Entering the camp came a group of six riders decked in ragged traveling cloaks, a massive ebony-coated stallion led the band. Streaks of crimson and pearly white coated his mane, the stallion's sheer size dwarfed all who came near it. As it came to a stop, the rider hopped down and was dwarfed by the great beast who pawed at the ground as they were surrounded. Raising his hand, Kouen called out, "At ease!"

The soldiers drew back with their weapons once more falling to the side. The rider let out a low laugh as their companions dismounted and Iris jumped down from the fence as each one removed their hoods. Mocha-skinned and golden-eyed, Ashe's brilliant red hair looked like a flame was curling from her scalp. Offering a hand to Kouen as she moved away from Artemis, Ashe's voice carried a warm tone, "Prince Kouen, my name is Ashe Leonas. I thank you for taking me up on my offer to meet and possibly become allies."

Taking her hand, Kouen's voice was measured and his face a composed mask as he eyed Ashe, "Ashe Leonas, we need allies in these troubling times. Your offer was a welcomed surprise, and we're willing to discuss the terms of our alliance."

Lips pulling into a light grin, Ashe dipped her head, "I'm glad to hear that. I believe our alliance can be beneficial to both parties. But first, I would like to introduce you to the others who have come with me. Some of my most loyal friends and comrades."

Each one of them stepped forward and bowed lightly, Xioabel taking his usual place on Ashe's left side. A grizzled old soldier with salt and pepper hair stepped to stand on Ashe's right side. An eyepatch covered his right eye with the left being a curious shade of pink that gazed about him sternly. He bore heavy armor beneath the ragged traveling cloak. This man was Commander Quinn, Ashe's adoptive father, and Iris' first instructor.

Twin blonde women stepped forward and offered Kouen a light bow, the one on the right wore her hair short while the one on the left wore hers long. Both bore hazel eyes that gleamed in the light of the fading sun, a pair of blue tattoos curled beneath their eyes. Held firmly against both their backs were a pair of large staffs, they both bore sapphire blue gems though one had a moon on the end and the other carried a sun. The one on the right had a staff made out of silver while the one on the left had a staff made out of gold. These two women were Ashe's head Magicians, Lena and Ruby.

The last to step forward was a slight-looking man with oriental features. Shaggy brown hair was held back by a thick piece of leather, the man's deep blue eyes were half-lidded as they gazed at the princes. Pale-skinned compared to the rest of his companions save for Xioabel, he carried a slight flush to his cheeks though the reason for it was clear as Iris' eyes found the canister hanging from his waist. Against his back, the man had something wrapped up in canvas cloth and her fingers itched to see what it was. This man was Galen, the best blacksmith she'd ever met and also the worst drunkard.

Speaking as Galen went to open his mouth, Iris crossed her arms, "I do hope you didn't make my present while drunk."

Heads whipped towards her, Iris ignored the wide-eyed looks she was given by the soldiers. Kouen's eyebrow rose while Koumei covered his face and Kouha started to snicker loudly. Ashe covered her mouth with a laugh as Xioabel chuckled. Commander Quinn smirked as the twins grinned brightly at her. Puffing up his cheeks, Galen pointed at her, "Who says I have anything for you, Brat?"

"Because Ashe isn't mean enough to leave me without a way to stab her jackass of a father in the back," Iris settled her hands on her hips, "You hate the idea of old man Quinn beating me in a spar just because I didn't have a proper weapon," She grinned brightly, "And you missed me,"

There was a playful grumble, Galen grinned as he opened his arms up, "C'mere and hug me, Brat. I want a good look at ya before giving you anything."

Snickering at that, Iris wandered over with a lazy smile and accepted the hug. Galen hugged her quickly before pulling away to give her a once-over. He poked her shoulder, "You are far too thin, Brat. Where is that muscle I had ya building up?"

"You know what the fuck happened, Ya drunkard," Iris smiled a bit sadly, "So...present?"

"You'll get it later," An arm curled around her neck as Ashe pulled her into a one-armed hug, "For now," She glanced over at Kouen, "Prince Kouen, perhaps before we start our meeting, a meal could be had? It has been a long journey to get here in such a short time even if we have been preparing for a little while now,"

Inclining his head, Kouen gestured for Ashe and her companions to follow him, "I had thought that might be a case. I had a meal prepared for us to share while we talk."

Ashe's eyes sparkled with gratitude, "Thank you, Prince Kouen. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated. We are eager to learn more about the state of affairs here."

There was a bolt of something, a strange twinge that pierced through the otherwise composed exterior of Kouen as he watched Iris lean against Ashe's side. Her emerald green eyes were alight with genuine laughter, and the melodious sound of her giggles filled the air. She struggled to catch her breath, her laughter seemingly unstoppable. Ashe's arm, covered by a well-worn leather glove, was wrapped loosely around Iris' waist. It was a gesture of intimacy, comfort, and a bond that had evidently stood the test of time since their arrival at the camp.

Observing them as a war waged on inside him, it had nothing to do with the battle preparations they'd been discussing so far. Never one to leave his emotions to linger, Phenex brushed against Kouen's consciousness like a mischievous whisper as she murmured, "My dearest king...you know what that feeling is. After all, you felt it whenever someone took your darling elder cousin's attention away from you~"

Brow twitching at that, Kouen felt a burst of irritation at Phenex once again touching one a sensitive chord within him. Memories of watching Hakuren and Hakuyuu being tugged away, the bursting fits of jealous rage he'd feel when others would take their attention. Those memories brought back feelings of jealousy and frustration, emotions he had thought were long suppressed. He pushed aside Phenex's presence, unwilling to let those emotions resurface amid such important discussions. As he was pushing Phenex's presence aside, Iris addressed him with genuine concern filling her voice. Those emerald green eyes usually filled with mischief now carried a warmth and tenderness that took him aback, "Kouen, are you alright?"

The unexpected gesture of care from Iris caught him off guard. He shifted his gaze to her, still grappling with the unsettling emotions that had surfaced. After a moment, he cleared his throat and took a sip from the half-empty wine goblet in his hand. His voice, though composed, bore a hint of vulnerability as he finally found the words to respond, "I'm fine, Iris. I was deep in thought about how things will change now that our alliance has expanded."

Ashe, sensitive to the shifting atmosphere, decided to interject, her eyes filled with amusement and a knowing glint, "Well, whatever it is, don't stress too much. We're all here to work together."

Playfulness returned as she nodded in agreement to Ashe's words, Iris's lips pulled into a slight grin, "That's right. We're allies now, and we'll face whatever challenges come our way as a united force."

"Which is going to make fighting together awesome!" Kouha burst out as he slammed a hand onto the table, "I really want to spar with you, Iris! Like you did with Entei,"

"You sparred with..." Ashe trailed off as she gave Iris a curious look.

Grin softened as she gestured to Kouen, Iris explained, "Kouen and I sparred together two days ago. It was just what I needed to knock the rust off though I'd love to try my hand at Old Man Quinn."

"I will knock you on your ass, Little one," The old soldier snorted at Iris, "Just as I've done every time you begged me for a match,"

As the conversation devolved into a petty argument between Iris and Quinn, Kouen found himself once more sinking into the emotions from earlier. Only this time, he was painfully aware of just what the storm contained. Though why on earth he felt this mixture of jealousy and envy like in his youth, it made no sense. He had admitted to himself that Iris was interesting both due to her abilities and because she was far stronger than any woman he'd met. But that didn't make these feelings swirling around in his chest normal, he didn't even want to touch on the faint feeling of possessiveness that was steadily growing the longer Ashe kept her arm around Iris's waist.

The storm of emotions inside Kouen had yet to subside as he excused himself from the conversation and made his way toward the tent's opening. The cool evening air embraced him, a welcome respite from the whirlwind of feelings that had engulfed him. Even as he stepped outside, he couldn't stop his thoughts from going back to the situation that had caused him to step outside in the first place. It was a perplexing mixture of jealousy, envy, and possessiveness that he couldn't fully comprehend. He had always been a composed and controlled individual, his emotions rarely getting the better of him. But with this situation, it had become very different as Iris was rapidly taking a unique place in his life despite how recently they'd met. One that was something he couldn't begin to categorize which only made things all the more difficult for him. And watching her in the company of others, particularly Ashe, stirred something deep within him.

Settling his hands on a nearby railing, Kouen took a deep breath in hopes of calming his thoughts. He was jolted from his contemplation by Iris's voice. She stood beside him, her eyes filled with concern, and her voice carried a touch of vulnerability, "Kouen, are you alright? I..." She paused, biting her bottom lip, and then glanced away, "You said that you were fine earlier, but..."

There was a burst of warmth in his chest, it was foreign and not though he couldn't pinpoint what it was. It only added to the emotional storm brewing within Kouen making him inwardly curse. Speaking softly, he began slowly, "Iris, I appreciate your concern," He didn't want to burden anyone much less Iris with what was going on in his mind as she had enough on her plate, "I'm perfectly fine. There is quite a lot to think about as I said earlier, we are dealing with two very difficult situations though Koumei did have a bit of good news earlier."

"Oh?" Iris raised an eyebrow.

"They figured out just what device Lord Habi used on you," Kouen answered and found himself relishing in the way Iris brightened, "And it is removable as far as they're aware,"

Shoulders slumping as shadows seemed to vanish from her eyes, Iris smiled warmly at him, "That is wonderful to hear, Kouen. I should speak with Koumei about it."

"You should. I'm sure he was planning to speak to you earlier, but with everything going on, it likely slipped his mind," Kouen gestured to the tent behind them.

"I-" Iris paused before shaking her head, "I'll go in a moment," She took a deep breath before speaking, "I've said it more than once, but Kouen, I truly do mean it," She looked at him with an earnest expression, "Thank you for what you've done so far and what you're doing," The strange warmth he'd felt earlier surged at those words, "I've found myself admiring you as time passes on. Despite every word said about alliance this and alliance that, you've shown far more kindness and support to us than most would. The sheer fact that you've taken the time to actually try and solve my problem rather than use it to your advantage only makes it more prevalent," She gazed at him with a mixture of emotion, "You are a wonderful leader, Kouen. It makes me sad that we only met now rather than earlier. If we had, I can only wonder what could have happened."

Lips pulling into a small smile as Iris's words hung in the air, Kouen's chest felt as if it had been suffused with the warmth created by Iris's words and actions. Despite the sense of detachment he'd always carried after assuming his role as a leader, Iris's words and actions had managed to worm their way through. He found himself wishing for a long moment that they'd met after she'd arrived in this world. For all that the circumstances would have been different, he wondered just what could have come from her being in Kou all those years ago.

Speaking as he pushed those thoughts away, Kouen's voice was sincere, "Iris, your words mean a great deal to me. To know that you feel that way, it fills me with pride," He smiled at her, "While I too wish that our meeting had been earlier, I believe that there is a reason it happened now. Whatever the reason, we will only find out as time passes on. I can only hope that you're willing to stick around long enough to find out."

Soft laugh leaving her lips, Iris returned his smile with one of her own, "I...don't mind the thought," She turned her head as Kouha shouted for them both from inside the tent, "Looks like we're both being called on," She looked back at him and he didn't mind the way his stomach warmed at her smile, "Guess we should head back in...unless you're still working through those thoughts."

Shaking his head with a low chuckle, Kouen smiled at her, "I seem to have lost track of them for the moment. It's no real loss though as I'm sure they'll return sooner or later," He gestured to the tent, "Shall we?"

With a gentle laugh, Iris headed back inside with Kouen following after her. While his thoughts were by no means settled, it was something he'd deal with as they came.

After watching Ashe and her party retreat to their newly created camp not far away, Iris sought out Koumei. She found him leaving the main tent carrying a few scrolls that Xioabel had handed over during the meal. Reaching his side, she offered him a light smile, "Koumei, do you have a few moments to speak?"

Lips curling into a warm smile, Koumei nodded, "Of course," He gestured for her to follow him, "Just let me put these in my tent."

"Not a problem," Iris nodded as she walked beside Koumei through the camp.

Even as night fell, the camp was littered with activity though it had quieted some. In one of the more quiet areas of camp, Koumei's tent sat and he ducked inside for a brief moment before rejoining her. They walked for a few short moments before stopping underneath one of the lone trees within the camp. The dim light of the campfires and lanterns cast dancing shadows on the ground as they came to a stop. Koumei turned to her with a curious look in his eyes, "So what did you wish to speak about, Iris?"

"I spoke with Kouen earlier," Iris informed him after taking a moment to gather her thoughts, "When we both ended up stepping outside," She decided against telling Koumei that she'd noticed that Kouen had seemed trouble as it was likely he already knew, "While we were talking, he mentioned that you had news about the collar,"

Koumei's expression remained composed but thoughtful, "Ah, I see," he replied, "We've managed to figure out just what the collar is and our Magicians are now working on a way to free you from it. During our meal, the twin magicians that Ashe brought along handed over some texts they assured us would help in our search. While we have been confident that we'll be able to remove your collar before now, I believe that with their research, we might be able to do so far sooner," He offered her a small smile, "Though please give us more time-"

Holding up a hand, Iris offered him a gentle smile, "However long you need, Koumei, I am willing to bear with it. As I've said before, a few more days, a few weeks, a few months will make no difference for me," She dropped her hand, "In the end, I will no longer bear this collar nor be forced to acknowledge what it means."

Nodding his head in appreciation, Koumei's gaze lingered on her face for a long moment, "Your patience is truly admirable, Iris. I'm grateful that you trust us to resolve this issue for you. It's a priority to ensure your freedom from the collar as soon as we can."

Meeting his gaze, Iris couldn't help but feel that there was something unspoken in Koumei's eyes. A warmth and understanding that went beyond the collar situation. Despite her curiosity stirring and Luna's words echoing within her mind, she refrained from delving deeper into it right now. Breaking their eye contact as she shifted her gaze up to peer at the stars, she murmured, "Patience is a virtue that I've been forced to learn. I was a...hot-headed kid."

There was a low chuckle from Koumei, she glanced at him and was startled at the fact he'd stepped closer to her. Iris was even more startled by the fact she didn't really want to move away. Koumei spoke as the nearby lanterns seemed to highlight his features, "I am rather curious to hear what you were like before arriving in this world."

Cheeks flushing, Iris shook her head, "No, I don't-"

Freezing slightly as a hand curled around her wrist, Iris's eyes found Koumei's which were warm and filled with that unspoken emotion. Curled across his lips was that gentle smile, the one that never failed to make warmth curl within her chest. She swallowed a bit as he murmured, "I really would, Iris. And if it'll make you feel better, I'd be willing to tell you stories of my childhood."

"I-" Iris had to clear her throat as she blushed, "I guess that would be a fair trade, but..." She looked away from him with a slight frown, "I don't exactly have the best stories,"

"I'm willing to listen regardless," Koumei's voice was soft.

Iris couldn't deny the sincerity in Koumei's words and the way he held her wrist with such care. With a reluctant smile, she began to share snippets of her past, "I...Well, I guess the first thing to share is that my magic has always been a bit...volatile..."

Slowly they ended up settling beneath the tree as Iris shared bits and pieces of her past, Koumei offered up his own stories as they leaned against the tree together. Speaking of her hot-headed as a child, the fights she'd gotten into with Dudley and then Draco once she'd gotten into Hogwarts. Omitting certain facts that she didn't wish for anyone to know just yet least of all Koumei or his brothers, it wasn't out of shame, but rather not wishing to see any pitying looks. In return, Koumei shared stories from his childhood, tales of his early fascination with knowledge, and the adventures he had undertaken to satisfy his curious mind. His stories were filled with wisdom and humor, and Iris couldn't help but be captivated by his words.

Underneath that tree, as they shared their stories, Iris found herself growing more comfortable with the prince. Whether it was due to the relief she'd felt at seeing Ashe healthy or remnants of her injuries, she couldn't really say. As the night wore on, and their conversation continued, Iris began to feel the fatigue of the day catching up with her. Eyelids and head growing ever heavier, she found herself leaning against Koumei as time passed on. Either not noticing or uncaring of her weight, he gently wrapped an arm around her, offering her the support she needed as they continued to talk. The warmth and closeness they shared under the starry sky created a sense of security she hadn't felt in a long time.

As they continued to speak, Iris felt her words becoming more and more dreamlike. The comforting presence of Koumei, the soothing cadence of his voice, and the peaceful ambiance of the campfires all blended into a tranquil lullaby. As her eyelids grew too heavy to keep open and finally closed, she found herself speaking less and less until only Koumei's words filled the air around them. Not quite noticing it, she found herself falling unconscious with her head resting against Koumei's shoulder.

Noticing that Iris had drifted off, Koumei peered at her with a mixture of concern and awe as she quietly slept against his shoulder. In sleep, he was able to see the stress melt away from her features and was struck by how young she looked. Reaching up to brush a stray hair from her cheek, he jolted as Iris pressed her face against his neck with a low sound. A smile formed at Iris's reaction and warmth curled through his chest at the feeling. But it also brought about a sense of unease, a storm raged within some darkened corner of his mind taunting him about the responsibilities on his shoulders.

As he allowed himself a few more moments to listen to Iris's steady breathing and allow the serenity of her sleeping face to help calm the storm raging within him, Koumei felt torn for the first time in a long time. Never had he questioned himself or the value of emotions, Iris had somehow provoked such things within him though. Despite the short time they'd spent together, she seemed to have a hold on him and it left him somewhat speechless. And with the uncertainty that lay ahead, he couldn't afford to acknowledge whatever this connection was no matter how much a piece of him wished to.

As he carefully shifted Iris into his arms and stood, Koumei began heading through the camp towards Iris's tent which she shared with her female companions. Unbidden came Dantalion's voice, the Djinn's presence brushing against his mind, "Darling King, do you truly believe you can continue to deny what stirs within your heart? This girl, Iris, has awakened something in you that you can't keep buried forever."

Steps faltered for a moment as he wrestled with his inner torment, Koumei was struck by how Dantalion's words once again hit far too close to the core of how he was feeling. Like a mirror reflecting back at him, the Djinn had pointed out just what he hadn't wished to admit. Lips pulling into a frown as he resumed walking, he muttered, 'I have a duty, Den...One to En and the Empire. It can't be ignored.'

Scoffing at him, Dantalion's ghostly arms wrapped around his neck, "And Kouen is an exception?" Koumei swallowed as he remembered how Kouen had been looking at Iris ever since they'd rescued her, "Stargazer-"

'Dantalion, I...' Koumei mentally sighed, 'I can't...Not right now...not when-'

"When important fights are around the corner," Dantalion nuzzled his cheek in the way she usually did to pacify him, "I'll leave it be for the moment, but please, Koumei, don't let it linger for too long. I don't want you hurt,"

As Dantalion faded into the back of his mind, Koumei's thoughts were like a maelstrom of emotions and responsibilities as he moved toward Iris's tent. The weight of his choices and responsibilities seemed to weigh even more heavily on his heart. In that moment as he stepped closer to Iris's tent and was met by one of her companions, the slight blonde one, Luna, it felt even heavier as he was directed to Iris's cot. The blonde's eyes were alight with a knowing glimmer though she said nothing to him and merely watched as he carefully laid Iris down. As he backed away, Iris's fingers closed around his wrist for a brief moment and he looked down at her with wide eyes.

For a brief moment, Iris's fingers tightened as she shifted to curl on her side facing him. Lips pulled into a fleeting hint of a smile, the warmth coming from her fingers seemed to travel through his body as he gazed down at her. The small, unconscious gesture sent flutters through his stomach and made the maelstrom within his mind grow louder. With a soft, almost wistful sigh, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, as if whispering a silent promise to her slumbering form. Slowly her fingers released his wrist, a low murmur left her lips as she pressed that hand against her cheek.

As he turned to leave, Luna's eyes met his once more and she seemed to study him for a long moment before stepping aside without a word. Casting one last glance towards Iris, he left the tent and headed for his own. As he walked through the camp, a heavy feeling curled within his chest and seemed to settle over his heart.