Verdant Skies

Lips pulled into a frown, Kouen set down the cup of tea he'd poured himself and focused on Hermione as the brunette continued to speak, "I checked Ginny's room after I couldn't find Iris and she wasn't anywhere to be seen either."

"Gone? Both of them?" Kouha grimaced as Kouen and Koumei shared a look.

"Could they have gone for a flight?" Ron suggested earning a negative head shake from Ashe.

"No dragon sightings were reported by anyone this morning," Ashe crossed her arms before explaining when everyone looked at her with a question clear in their eyes, "While I normally wouldn't take precautions, we are at war and I want to know if Iris is going flying if only to make sure she isn't gone for longer than expected,"

"That would let us know if she got injured during her flight..." Neville offered with a frown, "But if they didn't go for a flight where in the world could they have gone?"

Could Iris have already started working on the plans they'd discussed last night? Kouen was all for it though wished that she'd at least said something before leaving. A slight bolt of irritation rushed through him before he managed to squash it.

"Soo...we aren't going to talk about it?" Ginny broke the silence that had settled over them after they'd finally left the city a few hours ago.

Breathing a sigh through her nose, Iris supposed she should be thankful that the ginger-haired witch had left things alone until now. Still, she didn't want to talk about why there was a sudden need to jump into information gathering. Keeping her eyes on the path before them, she asked, "What's there to talk about, Gin? We are heading out to gather information, and it's not like anyone else would be able to help us with this..."

Glancing at Iris with a raised eyebrow, Ginny's lips were pulled into a sly grin, "You know that's not what I mean. I'm talking about what's going on between you, Kouen, and Koumei."

Mentally groaning as she shifted uncomfortably in her saddle, Iris really shouldn't be surprised that Ginny would bring that up. Looking away from the younger woman, she muttered, "Can we not? There's a war going on, and I don't want to deal with... all that."

Never one to let things go, Ginny kept speaking, "Ris, you can't avoid them even if you're trying to. I doubt they'll let you. I might not know them that well, but even I can tell they've been hit with the love bug," Iris grimaced at Ginny's wording, "Seriously, Ris, what's so wrong with indulging in it? It's not every day you have two very handsome princes vying for your attention."

Face flushing at that, Iris shook her head still feeling that familiar tang of disbelief when someone brought it up. She looked back at the path ahead of them, "Gin...I just," She gripped the reigns tighter, "We're at war with a million things going on at once and..." She sighed deeply, "We don't need any more complications going on. I don't want to risk..." The words that Seishuu said popped up in her mind and came out, "Being a distraction to anyone-"

"Distraction? Ris-" Ginny shook her head wildly as she urged her horse to catch up to Iris's, "You'd never be a distraction. You are a strong person with more power at your fingertips than most women can even dream of grasping. You've taken every bit of pain and suffering thrown at you and used it," The ginger-haired witch reached out and grasped the wrist closest to her, "Look, I'm not just saying this because you're practically my adoptive sister and my best friend," The younger woman's eyes were soft when Iris turned her head, "I can see how much they care about you even if they're not ready to admit it just yet. It's okay to have feelings for them, Ris. It's okay to let them in just like you have us," A shiver ran down her spine at the thought, "You're not alone anymore, remember?"

Swallowing heavily as she nodded, Iris stayed silent as she thought about Ginny's words. It was easier said than done to let anyone in even if Ginny was right. The thought of trying to let anyone in terrified her even if it tended to go okay. She loosened her tight grip on the reins, "I...I'll think about it, alright?"

"That's all I ask," Ginny released her wrist with a satisfied look, "Now, we should get moving if we're going to start this mission properly,"

Nodding as she ushered her horse into a trot, Iris's shoulders and chest felt heavy knowing she'd have to address the emotions she was currently feeling sooner rather than later. She would have to acknowledge what was going on and that honestly terrified her more than any battle.

Within the dimly lit war room, Kouen sat with Koumei at his side though he barely took in much of the meeting and felt a small sense of relief as it came to an end. Slumping into his seat, he rubbed at his face and took the glass of wine Koumei offered him with a grateful look. Sipping at the amber-toned liquid inside, he jolted as Koumei commented, "You were rather distracted during the meeting, En. Thinking about Iris again?"

Sighing as he set the glass aside, Kouen nodded as he leaned back against his chair, "Yes. I am aware that she is a competent witch...The ability to turn into a dragon only makes her even more so," He smirked a bit though it fell from his lips not even a few moments later, "We haven't received any letters from them save for a single one stating they would be away until everything has been established to their liking."

Lips pursing as he sat down beside Kouen with a glass of wine in his own hands, Koumei shook his head, "They have their reasons...we have to trust Iris and Ginny in this," He took a sip of his wine and set the glass down, "We don't have any other choice in the matter since they didn't give any indication of where they've headed off to," A grimace curled across his lips at the reminder, "But as you said, Iris is a competent witch and she has experience in doing this. She said so herself that it should take long for them to reestablish things."

"Perhaps..." A sigh left Kouen's lips though he quirked an eyebrow when Koumei released a low laugh, "What is it, Mei?"

"I never thought I'd see you worried over someone other than our siblings...at least, not so openly even if you're hiding it from everyone fairly well," Koumei smiled slightly while Kouen's eyes widened at those words, "It's refreshing,"

Had he truly been openly showing his worry about Iris? Kouen ran through the last few days since Iris and Ginny had left the city through his mind. Frown tugging at his lips, he admitted that his mood had turned far more sour as Kouha would put it and he'd been quicker to anger when around certain individuals though had that been his worry showing? Glancing at Koumei and seeing the knowing look in his younger brother's eyes, he supposed it might be. Releasing a sigh, he muttered, "I suppose that my worry might have been showing just a bit."

"A little more than a bit," Koumei held up a hand as Kouen scowled at him, "But like I said, it's refreshing though I don't think anyone besides me noticed the change,"

Snorting softly, Kouen shook his head and grasped his wine glass, "Let's hope not," He took a sip of his wine, "You are handling yourself fairly well."

"Between my duties and making arrangements to have Iris's paintings shipped back to Kou, I've had my hands full," Koumei replied earning a raised eyebrow, "Oh right, I didn't tell you. In the gallery downstairs, the former lord of this place had 23 of Iris's paintings that she thought were destroyed. 13 of them are in good enough condition that I'm sending them to Rakushou where they'll stay in my estate until we figure out where Iris and her companions will be staying if they decide to live in Kou,"

"I remember them mentioning that Iris could paint, but didn't focus on it..." Kouen had been more focused on the fact she could make weapons, "Is she good?"

"Very good," Koumei's eyes were soft, "They're different from anything I've encountered and from what Kouha tells me, they're just below what he considers a master-level painter,"

"Which is the best compliment she'll get from him," Kouen shook his head, "Where are they stored? I'm curious about them,"

Letting out a laugh, Koumei stood up and gestured for Kouen to follow him. Setting down his wine glass, he followed after Koumei wondering what other talents Iris had that they didn't know about.

Dodging around the corner, Iris pressed her body into the splinter-riddled crates that were stacked behind one of the many merchant shops. Heart drumming against her ribcage, she held her breath as soldiers in full armor rushed past spitting out curses. As soon as the last one had passed by the thin opening she'd slipped into, she bolted down the alleyway trying to avoid the greenish puddles and dead rats that littered the ground. As she ran, one of her hands dug into the small bag at her waist and tugged out a pale blue cloak. Pulling it on, she tugged one of the inner pockets free of its stitching and emptied the contents into her hand.

Uncorking the two vials that had been inside, Iris downed their contents and tried not to gag as she tossed the vials behind her. Ignoring the way her hair itched as it began to change, she couldn't stop the tears from falling as her eyes began to burn. As she slowed down to a regular walk and exited the alleyway, a passing soldier barely gifted her a glance as he rushed past. Moving through the crowds, she made her way up three more streets before finally entering a bar.

Dropping into one of the open seats at the bar top, Iris took out a gold coin and tapped it against the wood three times before letting it spin between her fingers. The bartender's eyes locked onto her as he wandered over, "Don't see many strangers this far in the Brook, ya lost?"

"Cats like me wander where we please," Iris flickered the golden coin up and shot a teasing grin at the bartender, "Tends to make things interesting for certain Mice,"

Nimble fingers caught her coin, a heavily tanned hand missing two fingers pulled it close as crimson-red eyes narrowed at Iris. The Fanalis peering at her sniffed the air delicately as she leaned forward, "And what Mice are you looking to make things interesting for?"

"Ones that live in lofty Towers," Iris met the Fanalis's eyes with a bright grin, "Ones that have gotten far too Fat for own their good,"

Lips pulling into a savage grin, the Fanalis tossed the golden coin to the bartender, "Let's get two Savage pints, Bruno. Seems our stranger has a fine taste," The Fanalis leaned over as she gave the order, "Five minutes. Don't be late, Kitten."

Subtle nodding as a tankard of beer was given to her, Iris drank small amounts before making a small excuse that she needed a room for the night. With another passing of gold from her hands, she was directed upstairs and headed to a room. Entering it, she listened for a few minutes and snorted as multiple footsteps rushed past. Slipping out via one of the windows, she made her way towards the building that sat next to the bar. With three knocks on the door, she was pulled inside and found a blade aimed at her neck. Rather than panic, she merely called out into the darkness, "Really, Della? I might've been out of contact for a couple of months, but you damn well know that I've had my reasons. Same with Gin."

"Can't be too careful," A low voice chuckled.

With a soft click, the room burst into view as torches were lit and Iris was able to see her contacts from this city. A pair of female Fanalis stood with their hands clasped around their weapons as a small woman with dark hair strode towards her. The man currently holding her against his chest stepped away as he removed the blade he'd been using to threaten her. She spoke as her arms crossed, "So...I see that Kira is missing. Dead or...?"

There was a pained look on everyone's face, the man who had been holding her grimaced as he sheathed his sword. Della shook her head, "Lady Collins caught her snooping around. Rather than let that vile woman try to use those methods on her, she..."

Nodding as a pang ran through her heart, Iris laid a hand on her chest, "I...I won't apologize as we are the same when it comes to pity and the like," Della nodded with her lips pursed, "I have news if you couldn't tell by my lack of collar."

"What has happened, Dragon?" Della's frown grew, "Caster could barely recognize you thanks to those potions. Ariun says that the soldiers chased your unchanged form through the city. With the lack of collar..."

Lips pulling into a smile, Iris explained, "Allies were found, Della. I was freed by them and Ashe has returned," Della's eyes widened as a hand came up to cover her mouth, "We are working to take the cities and villages. Ensure that the Jackass will have no allies left before we go after him."

"The firefly has returned?" Della stumbled backward and was quickly helped to sit down, "All our work these years is finally being put to use?"

"Indeed though we still have much work to do, my friend," Iris walked over to Della and fell to her knees before the woman, "Please, Della...everyone...we need your help," She looked at everyone before bowing her head, "If we are going to ensure the Jackass is finally ripped from this world, it's going to take everyone's efforts-"

"Do not bow your head, Iris," Della's hand gripped Iris's chin and gently tugged her up to look at the older woman, "You have our support just as you've had since this began," A kind smile curled across her lips, "After all, I wish to see my sister's murderer dead and my niece astride the throne more than anyone,"

"And here I thought we would just be gathering information," Ginny's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Rolling her eyes as she ducked underneath the wild slash of a guardsman, Iris gutted the man with a cutting curse and silenced him with the same movement. She spoke as he fell to the ground and sheathed her blade, "Excuse me for not wanting to waste valuable information. Besides we're here and able to easily do the job ourselves," She glanced out the window and inwardly sighed in relief at not seeing any movement headed in their direction, "We just need to do this one little thing and we'll be able to head back."

Eyebrow twitching at the soft snort, Iris gave Ginny a look. The ginger-haired witch sheathed her knives as she began levitating the dead guard to the empty cupboard they'd discovered after entering the room, "You've said that...hmm, five times now? No, six," Ginny placed the dead man inside, "Ris, I was fine letting you stew for the first week, but seriously we should have been back by now."

"Gin-" Iris grimaced at the look Ginny threw her, "Fucking hell, I am not avoiding anything, Gin, alright-"

"Sure and we haven't been running around hell's half acre doing a bunch of bullshit that could have waited until we spent some time talking with everyone!" Ginny snapped at Iris with her cheeks flushing, "You aren't one to run, Ris. Hell, you normally rush, so what the fuck is going on-"

"I don't fucking know!" Iris shouted only to flinch and look away from Ginny as she ran a hand through her hair, "I...I don't know," She hated how her eyes itched and burned, "I just...You forget how I grew up, Gin. I wasn't allowed to feel shit like everyone else. The only time I could express myself was through painting and even then..." She shook her head, "I don't know how to fucking deal with anything, Ginny. Nothing I'm feeling right now makes any sense and unlike you, I don't know what to do even with everyone pretty much telling me to go for it,"

"Ris-" Ginny's soft voice sounded far too apologetic.

"It doesn't help that every time I even think about either of them my chest starts to flutter like I swallowed a fucking butterfly," Iris's cheeks flushed and she tugged at her hair, "I hate it, Ginny. I hate not knowing what to do even with everyone trying to give me advice. How the fuck does it work when there are two people? It doesn't make sense?"

"Not for most people...but for you, it kind of does," Ginny let out a sheepish laugh when Iris glared at her, "Look, Ris, I don't have the answers you want. And now that I'm thinking about it, we kinda pushed you a little bit too soon, huh," She shook her head, "But, Iris, I think you've got to-"

"If you say 'Give into the feeling' I'm going to light your hair on fire," Iris glowered at Ginny.

"No..." Ginny backed up a step, "No, I just...That feeling in your chest, it feels familiar, right? Like when you had a crush on..."

Iris winced a bit while nodding, "Cedric...yeah, it does, but it feels stronger. A lot warmer though why? How can I feel that way towards two different people?"

"Other than them being hot as hell?" Ginny dodged the punch Iris aimed at her shoulder, "Easy, I'll stop though I'm not wrong and you damn well know it," Iris rolled her eyes, "They both have a lot of good qualities though I can't say much about Prince Kouen since the guy honestly scares the crap out of me. Prince Koumei on the other hand is pretty chill,"

"They're both..." A sigh left Iris and she ignored the grin that spread across Ginny's face, "In their own ways, they're wonderfully complex and genuine. Koumei is very intelligent and I end up in interesting debates with him quite often. Now that we aren't hiding things, he's so genuine though even before we became allies there was a sense of it," She felt a delicate flush coat her cheeks, "Even when we ended up talking about some of my past, he hasn't judged it, Gin. It feels like a breath of fresh air," Sh smiled softly, "With Kouen, you already know about our spars which have started to return to normal now that I'm thinking about it," She curled her fingers together, "Did you know that he has a rather interesting sense of humor?" Ginny shook her head while moving to shut the cupboard door, "I didn't either until he joined Kouha and me on one of our rides before..." She waved a hand at her neck, "He has this thirst to learn about the world and even started asking about ours, I think half of our conversations ended up with us talking about what I could remember of our world," She shook her head with a soft laugh, "He always gets this expression on his face when we talk about something he's never heard of before. I don't want to say he looks like a kid in a candy store, but it's as close-"

Cutting herself off, Iris bit her bottom lip as she realized just how much she'd noticed about the two men who were causing such feelings to brew within her chest. Clearing her throat as Ginny giggled, she looked at the ginger-haired witch as the younger woman asked, "So...what are you thinking?"

"I...Fuck..." Iris pressed a hand to her face, "This feeling...it...is it...?"

"Love?" Ginny waggled her eyebrows, "I'd say so if you're talking like that,"

"But-I just-how?" Iris didn't understand because she barely understood how to care about her friends let alone herself.

"That's the thing about love," Ginny smiled softly as she walked over and set a hand on Iris's shoulder, "It creeps on ya without you noticing until boom,"

Hand dropping from her face at the tone Ginny used, Iris eyed the younger witch's face for a few moments before asking, "You're in love, aren't you?"

"Been in love for a long time, Ris...Just haven't been willing to pursue it," A sad look crossed Ginny's face, "None of us have with the mess we've been in,"

Pain curled through Iris's chest at that, she murmured, "I...I'm sorry-"

"Not your fault, we all blame the jackass for what happened," Ginny removed her hand, "Now," She grinned brightly, "Let's go get this assassination done then head to home base, I want to sleep in an actual bed and eat food that I don't have to worry about being poisoned, alright?"

Lips pulling into a slow smile, Iris nodded, "Yeah...yeah, I...I think it's about time."

Finally acknowledging those feelings had eased some of the anxiety curling through her chest, Iris wasn't even close to ready to deal with them though.

Hearing a loud burst of laughter coming from outside, Koumei's head tilted and he glanced outside the window. Seeing Kouha's familiar group returning from wherever they'd gone outside the city, he almost turned back. The sight of two extra figures caught his eyes and a small bead of hope began burning within his chest. Curling around his shoulders, Dantalion murmured, "Can't see anything from here, you might want to go greet them."

Mentally nodding to her as he turned from the window, Koumei began making his way downstairs rather than to the War Room as he'd initially planned. As he was walking out into the courtyard, the group was dismounting as loud laughter exploded. The sight of Kouha leaping at Iris's familiar form caused the worry he'd been burying to ease though it still lingered. The two spun around for a few moments before collapsing onto the ground as Iris giggled, "Kouha! Come on, I know we were gone for a while, but still-"

"You were gone for almost two fucking weeks," Kouha snapped as he perched himself on Iris's waist, "I'm soo annoyed with you right now. You could have said something. I could've come along!"

A smile forming on his face, Koumei made his way over to the two, "Easy, Ha," Iris's head shot up and a warm smile formed on her lips, "They have their reasons for being away for so long."

"But, Mei-" A pout curled across Kouha's lips.

"Let Iris up," Koumei told his younger brother, "En and I will explain things while these two take some time to rest and relay what went on while they've been away,"

Eyes meeting Iris's, the witch nodded to him as Ginny added on, "And trust me, a lot happened. So mind letting Ris up? We ran into some trouble before you guys found us and she's not-"

Making a high-pitched sound, Kouha leaped off of Iris as if he'd been burned. Eyes widening with concern, he reached out to Iris who was sitting up with a small wince, "What? Are you-No, of course, you're not alright-"

"I'm fine," Iris brushed herself off and started getting up, "Ginny just likes to exaggerate-"

Snorting loudly as she shook her head, Ginny crossed her arms, "And I didn't see you get slammed into a tree after being forced off your horse," Koumei narrowed his eyes at Iris who flushed as she stood up fully, "Ris..."

"I feel-" Iris saw the looks she was being given and let out a sheepish laugh, "A bit sore, but it's not that bad. Honestly, Gin, you're making things out to be worse than they are-"

"You're seeing Nev before anything else," Ginny offered Koumei an apologetic look, "Sorry-"

Waving her off, Koumei told the ginger-haired witch, "We can speak later on. Get some rest, En and I can wait a bit longer for any information."

Making a low sound as Ginny grabbed her wrist, Iris shook her head, "Fine..." Ginny started dragging her away, "I guess I'll see you guys later."

Chuckling as Ginny started scolding Iris, Koumei looked at Kouha, "Come on, En's in the war room. We can share the news of their return as well as why they were out in the first place."

Cheeks puffing up, Kouha nodded as he stepped forward, "Fine, but it sucks that you didn't tell me sooner."

Had Iris given them any indication that she planned to leave, Koumei would have informed at least Kouha and Ashe though he had a feeling that the former Heir of the Goulon Empire was well aware of the reasons behind Iris leaving.

Freshly bathed and healed up thanks to Neville, Iris walked with Ginny into the War Room a few hours after they'd arrived back in the city. Offering a warm smile to everyone inside, she looked towards Kouen as he called out, "Alright now that everyone is here," He crossed his arms, "Iris, Ginny," He gave them a stern look, "What exactly have you been doing for the last two weeks."

Clearing her throat as she stepped towards the table, Iris's fingers twitched with nervous energy, "As addressed before Ginny and I departed, our goal started with us reconnecting with our information network and beginning to gather anything that could be useful for the near future," She used her magic to levitate various pieces and settled them across the map, "Doing so led us to find out crucial pieces of time-sensitive information. This information needed to be used sooner rather than later."

Murmurs started up, Iris saw a few of the higher-ranked soldiers shifting about before someone asked, "You mean to say that you've done something with this information?"

"Of our own accord," Ginny's arms were settled behind her back as she stepped forward, "We have stolen multiple important documents which have already been placed within the care of Prince Koumei. We have also carried out the removal of several key figures including one Lord Avirc Lawren and one Lady Candace Ircle,"

Gasps echoed through the air, Iris settled specific pieces where they would reflect what had been done before she added, "We have planted evidence of foul play and leads towards two of Lord Habi's favored who have shown aggression toward the two in the past."

"You..." One of the men muttered looking shaken, "This is..."

"Well done," Kouen nodded to Iris and Ginny, "I want a full report of what you did. Ashe," Ashe eyed him, "How soon can your people get into place to take over the cities that are now leaderless?"

"Iris," Iris looked at Ashe with a raised eyebrow, "Are the Red Mother and Black Siren still around?"

"Who do you think gave us the intel we needed?" Iris asked with an impish grin, "Which reminds me," She dug two letters out of her shirt and tossed them to Ashe, "From our low running friends," Ashe took the letters and stuffed them into her shirt, "Kouen," She pulled another pair of letters out of her shirt and held them out to him, "These are from two very special factions,"

Seishuu took the letters from her as Koumei asked her, "Who are the Red Mother and Black Siren?"

"They're the Underworld's leaders here within the Goulon Empire alongside the Eighth Moon and Sacred Scarab," Ashe answered as she crossed her arms, "However, the Eighth Moon is all but gone thanks to their wondrous leader acting like a rabid dog and attempting to raid the Lord Habi's palace four years ago. As for the Sacred Scarab, they're heretics that are little better than the dogs who follow Lord Habi,"

"They've begun acting as Lord Jackass's hand within the underworld not that they're very good at it," Ginny grimaced softly.

"Still not good," Iris bit her bottom lip, "That asshole doesn't need any more support,"

"But these other underworld leaders, they're willing to ally with us?" Koumei asked earning a small glance from Iris, "Iris?"

Lips pulling into a small grimace, Iris told him, "Not with the Kou or even me, they're willing to tolerate us. They'll give us information," She gestured to Ashe, "Ashe is the one they'll ally with."

"What?!" Echoed around the room as tension exploded.

Slamming his hand on the table, Kouen called out, "Silence!" Everyone fell silent and looked at him, "Iris, why exactly are they only willing to ally with Lady Ashe?"

Rather than answer him, Iris looked towards Ashe and gestured around them, "It's your story to tell not mine."

Letting out a sigh as all the attention fell on her, Ashe smiled weakly at Iris, "And here I thought we were friends," Iris smirked and crossed her arms, "They're willing to ally with me because I am blood to them," A cacophony of whispers broke out before falling silent as she raised a hand, "As you know, my father is Lord Habi. My mother on the other hand was someone who came from the streets and entered into his palace as a servant. Unlike her half-sisters, she wished for a life that didn't involve bloodshed for all that she could easily deal with anyone who tried to cause her harm...at least, that was the thought," A pained look crossed her face, "My mother was murdered in cold blood by the bastard who I unfortunately share blood with," She looked at Kouen with a dark expression on her face, "In all the time that I've been alive, my mother's sister's have done what they could to ensure my survival after she was killed."

"They wish for you to kill him," Kouen's voice was cold.

"They care not who does the deed so long as the bastard is dead," Ashe's jaw was clenched, "If I am the one that kills him...so be it,"

"We will see what happens, but..." Kouen looked around the room as he placed a hand on the table, "If they are willing to offer their assistance, I believe it would behoove us to take them up on the offer,"

Dipping her head in a nod, Ashe settled back in her seat. Iris and Ginny were both told to take a seat as their part was finished for the moment.

Turning her head as the door opened, Iris nodded to Kouen as he walked into the dimly lit room. Eyes going back out of the window, she rested her head against the cool stone that made up the windowsill. Eyes tracing the stars overhead, she said, "I'm assuming Koumei'll be joining us a bit later."

"After he deals with Kouha," Kouen confirmed as the clinking of glasses sounded, "You were injured on the way back?"

Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Iris uncurled her arm from where it was wrapped around her legs and shifted to face Kouen. There was a dull ache in her ribs with the movement, a sign that she was still healing despite Neville's best efforts. Smile curling across her lips as she sighed, she admitted, "Yes though Ginny needn't have worried. I was planning on talking with Neville once we saw him. I've dealt with far worse and it isn't as if she knows everything," She winced at the way Kouen's eyes narrowed, "I...might've gotten a bit careless a few times while we were away from one another. Nothing too serious-"

"What happened?" The sternness and demanding tone in Kouen's voice sent a shiver down her spine.

Now that she was actively aware of it, Iris could hear the distinct tones in his voice and it made her shift about uncomfortably. Being cared about by someone other than her friends was unfamiliar, she gripped the edge of the windowsill where she'd perched trying to ground herself. Clearing her throat, she began to answer his question, "To gather all the information and verify it, we had to separate in some areas. Tracking down some of the leads we got, I ended up getting caught up in a mess," She felt the dull throb from where she'd been stabbed during said incident, "I got tangled up with some of the Jackass's prized soldiers including one asshole who's had it out for me since we arrived in this world. Managed to get out though he left me with a souvenir," She set a hand on her side earning a scowl, "I'm fine though, and made sure he wouldn't be walking away unscathed."

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Kouen muttered something under his breath as he walked towards her, "You were stabbed and act like it isn't a big deal?"

"I've had a lot worse," Iris gestured to where the collar had once been and Kouen's eyes soften, "Even before having to deal with that damn thing,"

That last part was muttered though based on the way Kouen's eyes widened before narrowing, Iris had doubts that he hadn't heard her. Her doubts were confirmed when he asked, "What do you mean by that, Iris?"

Highly tempted to play it off, the look in Kouen's eyes told her that he wouldn't let the subject drop. If there was one thing she loathed and enjoyed about the man, it was his unrelenting thirst for knowledge even if it bit her in the ass. Head dropping back against the windowsill, she said, "I didn't have the best life if what I've mentioned so far hasn't said as much to you, Kouen. I...I don't feel like talking about it right now, but trust me when I say being stabbed doesn't hurt that bad compared to some of the things I've been through."

Eyes narrowing at her, Kouen's face darkened, "Just what-"

They both looked up as the door opened and Koumei entered. Eyebrow rising, he asked, "Everything alright? You two seem tense."

"Just answering Kouen's questions about my injuries," Iris offered him a light smile, "Is Kouha alright?"

"He's pouting about you needing a bit of space," Koumei chuckled softly as he headed over to the decanter set up.

Shaking her head with a grin, Iris told him, "I'll have to spend time with him later. Maybe go riding, it'll be nice to spend time with someone other than Ginny."

"Where is she?" Koumei poured two glasses of wine, "I'm surprised she isn't in here with you,"

Cheeks flushing a bit, Iris rubbed the back of her neck, "Let's just say she had a more...personal welcome to indulge in," Koumei gave her a curious look, "Luna and Neville were...happy to see her."

Eyes widening as he coughed, Koumei muttered, "That is something I didn't expect."

"Me neither," Iris accepted the glass of wine Koumei offered her.

"Wait...That..." Koumei eyed her, "Are all your friends...?"

Letting out a soft laugh, Iris nodded after taking a long sip of wine, "Ron and Hermione have had feelings for one another though they've danced around the matter since before we arrived in this world. As for those three, I didn't know about that until recently," She didn't say when if only for sanity's sake, "Now that we're free of Lord Habi, they're all planning on exploring things more freely."

"Interesting though I suppose that leaves you..." Koumei eyed her.

Shrugging lightly as she shifted to get more comfortable, Iris smiled as she raised her glass, "Alone? Pretty much though it's not something I'm truly bothered about since they're happy," She took another sip of wine, "Anyway, we should probably get down to business. As much as I'd like to say otherwise, I am somewhat exhausted from both traveling for so long and having Neville heal me."

"Right," Koumei pulled up a chair as Kouen did the same, "Let's get started,"

Settling down a bit more comfortably against the windowsill, Iris explained everything as Koumei wrote it down via a stack of parchment. Answering various questions as they were asked though she kept any names out of it and only gave faux ones, she relayed that to the two princes ensuring they knew the reasons why. Kouen was a little irritated though both understood it was for the safety of the spies and information gatherers in her network as a hole. As the last bits of information were relayed, she felt the weight of everything that had happened today settled over her like a fog and just wished to find a bed to lay in.

Rubbing her eyes tiredly, Iris asked Koumei, "Anything else you need to know, Koumei?"

"I-" Koumei paused before asking her, "Are you alright, Iris?"

"Just a bit tired, I-" A yawn left her and she flushed, "I really shouldn't put off heading to bed any longer though if you need anything else-"

"It's quite alright," Koumei waved her off, "Do you remember where your room is?"

As Iris attempted to rise from her seated position, her legs wobbled unsteadily. Fatigue from the long journey, the stress of sharing sensitive information, and her lingering injuries all seemed to hit her at once. With a soft groan, she stumbled forward, her vision blurring for a moment. Just as she was about to hit the floor, a strong arm shot out and wrapped around her waist, preventing her fall. Feeling herself being pulled back as her vision cleared, she turned her head, and a delicate flush coated her cheeks at the sight of Kouen's face so close to hers. Steady grip around her waist, he spoke with concern softening his voice, "Are you all right, Iris?"

"You looked pale for a moment," Koumei murmured as he came up to her other side.

Flush deepening with embarrassment as she steadied herself, Iris pressed a hand to her head, "I...I guess I'm a bit more exhausted than I realized."

Jolting as Koumei brushed some hair from her face, Iris looked at him as Kouen's arms tightened. Worry was clear in his pink-red eyes, the emotions that she still wasn't willing to put a name on made her chest flutter and warm as he told her, "You've been through quite a bit as of late if what you told us is true. We should have put the meeting off."

Shaking her head, Iris told him, "No, I'm fine-"

"You almost passed out getting up," Kouen's voice was unusually gentle, "That tells us you're not fine though I won't insist on you seeing a healer if you're that insistent on being fine," Iris saw the concern in his wine red eyes and even more of those emotions that she was hesitant to name, "For now, I believe it would be best if we escort you to your room,"

Protest dying in her throat as she saw the looks on their faces and knowing that her body would likely protest moving on its own for much longer, Iris released a low sigh, "Fine...I guess it couldn't hurt."

Shifting so that their arms were linked, Kouen walked her to the door with Koumei following after carrying the notes from their meeting. She found herself leaning against Kouen as they walked though unlike the time in Lord Habi's castle she wasn't fully in danger of passing out. Koumei's voice was soft as they traversed through the halls, "I think you should take it easy for at least a day, Iris. If only to ensure you're fully recovered from...this exhaustion."

Smiling softly as she looked at him, Iris shook her head, "I should be fine with a night's rest, Koumei," She saw the worry in his eyes and inwardly sighed at the way her heart ached at being the source, "Though if it will make you feel better, I suppose it shouldn't be too much of a bother. From what I saw earlier on, the gardens have been somewhat repaired, so I could meditate in them."

"Work on your magic?" Koumei asked earning a nod, "Isn't that exhausting?"

"In some ways, it can be," Iris smiled softly, "But meditation will let me work on my magic without actively using it thus letting me rest my body. I could spend some time in the library as well," She tilted her head, "If I remember right, you mentioned there were some books on Astrology in it?"

"Not many, the few I found were fairly well taken care of though," Koumei's lips pulled into a smile, "I'll see about finding them and putting them into a more visible place so we can look through them together if you'd like,"

"I'd like that a lot," Iris looked at Kouen as they began heading up a small flight of steps, "Perhaps in a few days, we could spar, Kouen? I've missed having an opponent that makes me work for my victory,"

Chuckling softly as he shook his head, Kouen smirked at her, "If I remember correctly, we have only come to a draw each time we've sparred. But yes, I'd like that a lot."

Coming to a stop not long after reaching the next floor, Iris pulled away from Kouen and opened her door. She offered the two a smile, "Thank you...I...I am glad that we made it back today," The feelings burning within her chest ached to slip out though she forced them back, "I'll see you both tomorrow."

With one last smile tossed towards them, Iris slipped into her room and closed the door. She pressed her back against the smooth wood feeling her heart beat heavily against her chest.