Verdant Skies

Her fingers tapped against the sketchpad lying on her lap, the page empty despite Iris's earlier intent to fill it. Her eyes were locked on the open window, she felt a bolt of envy weave its way through her as she watched a trio of birds flutter by. Her nails dug into the paper beneath her fingers for a brief moment, she took a deep breath before pulling her hand back and setting the sketchpad aside. There was a soft knock before the door opened, Luna's voice sounded moments later, "I'd ask if you were busy, but..."

"How can I be when my body can barely last half a day before acting as if I've run a marathon?" Iris's voice was bitter as she clenched her jaw, "Neville might have finished the job of healing me, but that coma..."

There was a soft sigh as Luna walked further into the room and let the door close behind her, she spoke softly with a gentleness in her voice that had been rare in recent years, "...It's taking a toll on you," The blonde's cornflower blue eyes were filled with concern as she walked over to Iris's bed and slowly took a seat beside the older witch, "But then again, you've had to deal with a lot of that since we arrived in this world," A low snort left her and she looked away from the blonde, "It likely wouldn't be so bad if the weapon those men had been using hadn't been coated in that poison-one that even the basilisk venom in your veins had a hard time getting rid of. Or if we had arrived sooner-"

"If we think of what ifs, we'll only wander in circles," Iris muttered as she shifted to curl her legs up against her chest, "Even with your abilities, you couldn't have known it was going to happen like that,"

Leaning against Iris's side, Luna nodded softly, "True enough..." She glanced down at the empty sketchpad and picked it up, "But just like with everything else, you'll heal, Ris. You'll grow stronger from this."

"That doesn't help me right now," Iris watched Luna flip to the front and start looking through each sketch with a slowly growing smile, "This is frustrating, the stagnant I feel like I'm stuck in limbo, and every day that passes without me being able to do anything eats at me,"

Her head slowly laid on Luna's shoulder, Iris's eyes were beginning to feel heavy which was irritating. Luna paused at a sketch of Koumei's gardens which she'd done with her colored charcoals. Fingers brushing gently across the sketch, Luna spoke softly, "Nev, Gin, and I are here now, Ris. You're not alone for all that we won't be able to linger long with Ginny's need to continuously travel and my ability guiding us to other places," She let out a low hum of acknowledgment, "Kouen and Koumei are likely biting at the bit to return to you as soon as possible. That need will likely increase once news of your awakening reaches them."

Her lips pulled into a tired smile, Iris could only imagine what the pair would do when they finally saw one another again, "If only the days between then and now could shorten."

There was a soft laugh that cut off as Luna finally flipped towards the back of the book and came across the first of the sketches starring Kouen and Koumei, Iris's cheeks heated as the blonde slowly made her way through the remainder of the sketchpad and discovered the more intimately detailed sketches. There was a soft sound from the blonde as she closed the sketchpad, a gentle clearing of her throat before Luna asked, "So...have you...done it with them yet?"

Her cheeks burned hotter at the question, Iris was surprised that Luna had asked something that would have normally come from Ginny. Clearing her throat as the blonde set the sketchpad back where it had been before, she shifted to settle against her knees rather than on Luna's shoulder. Looking away from Luna, she murmured, "I-do you really care?"

"Considering you're one of my best friends and Nev's little sister? I kind of do," Luna replied as Iris's blush deepened further, "And based on those sketches, I have to admit they're quite attractive,"

Nails digging into her palms, Iris finally nodded her head without looking at Luna, "I-yeah...We-it happened-"

Arms wrapped tightly around her, Iris yelped as she fell over from the force of Luna slamming into her. Luna giggled as she nosed into her shoulder, "You actually-I never thought that would happen despite my visions-Oh I'm so happy!"

Face burning as she tried to shove Luna away, Iris grunted, "Okay, so you know. Give it a rest alright and don't talk about-"

"I won't," Luna got off of her with a giggle, "I'm so happy for you, Ris," She grinned brightly in a way that Iris had only seen during sparse moments where they'd all been incredibly drunk, "Guess I was right to trust in those two, I almost didn't want to believe you'd fall in love-"

"Love?" The word felt foreign on Iris's tongue.

Cornflower blue eyes blinked slowly as Luna peered at her, the blonde paused for a moment before her eyes widened and she covered her mouth. She uncovered her mouth after a moment as she muttered, "You haven't admitted it, have you? Not to yourself at least..."

"Admitted..." Iris slowly shifted to face Luna properly as she sat up, "Admitted what?"

There was a battle in those cornflower blue eyes before Luna sighed, she pinched the bridge of her nose, "This is why I let Ginny talk about feelings...or Nev, I always rush things," She muttered something under her breath before finally dropping her hand and looking at Iris, "Ris...I...You care deeply about those two. You have feelings for them, right?" She nodded slowly while pursing her lips, "Some of those feelings are something you can't quite name...right?" She hesitated before nodding, "Though that can't quite name isn't the right word for it, you don't want to name it. Not right now, the time doesn't feel right, does it?"

There was quiet as Luna's words filled the air, Iris found herself wrestling with the emotions that stirred up. Her stomach felt like someone had dropped a hot stone in it, she shifted uneasily as she swallowed and nodded despite her urge to back away from Luna. As if Luna had peeled away layers of denial, she felt vulnerable and exposed. As the silence stretched and Luna stared at her with that knowing gaze, she felt a lump form in her throat. Shakily taking in a deep breath, she let it out as her voice practically whispered, "I-yes...I care about them. More than I've allowed myself to admit."

Eyes softening as her voice took on a gentle tone, Luna reached out to grasp Iris's shoulder, "It's more than care, isn't it? That's why you're afraid to name it," Iris swallowed as she nodded, "It's settling deep in your heart with each passing day."

Her chest felt heavier as the weight of the truth settled around her, Iris's nails bit into her palms, "It's more. I just..." She felt so small at that moment, "I never thought I'd feel this way, Lulu. Not with everything that's happened...how they raised me," She swallowed against the lump in her throat as tears burned the back of her eyes, "I...I'm scared."

Hand shifting against her shoulder, Luna pulled Iris into a gentle hug, "But that's why you're an amazing person, Ris. To be able to feel love despite how you were raised, it just shows that you are capable of wonderful things," She slowly leaned into Luna's side, "Love is a powerful thing. It's scary, I won't lie to you, but it's also one of the most beautiful things I've ever encountered," The blonde squeezed her, "With how much you've been through, I would be surprised if you weren't scared, Ris. But you can't allow that fear to hold you back, you have to allow yourself to embrace it."

Her mind raced with the thoughts and emotions that she'd barely allowed herself to touch before, Iris's chest felt warmer than before. It felt as if the embers of a fire had been placed inside and were being stoked. Taking a deep breath, she spoke in a soft voice that held more strength than she'd had in a long while, "I love them, Luna...I love Kouen and Koumei."

Smile curling across her lips, Luna tightened her arm, "I'm so happy for you, Ris. Love is a journey, I look forward to seeing just how beautiful yours will be. Cherish it."

There was a mixture of emotions running through her as Luna released her, Iris felt a mixture of relief, fear, and overall warmth. Finally admitting that she loved Kouen and Koumei was...it felt as if a weight had lifted from her chest. For the first time in her memory, she allowed herself to embrace the possibility of love.

Surveying the still-smoking city below, Kouen felt only the faintest brush of satisfaction curling within him despite knowing they only had little more than a third of this country left to conquer if its King didn't surrender. All he truly felt was a deep sense of irritation at how long it was taking for them to finish things up, the wish to return home and finally check on Iris himself worsened his mood with each passing day. Head dropping onto his palm, he spoke as Koumei stepped up beside him on the stone balcony, "This is dragging on far longer than anticipated, Koumei."

With his eyes peering over the city below them, Koumei's face was composed, "You know as well as I that war is unpredictable, En. Despite our desire to rush things, we must adapt to the rhythm of how it's playing out or our men will become little more than fodder," A bitter feeling rose in Kouen's chest though he knew his younger brother was right, "Despite our initial thoughts, the people of this country are far more resilient than we realized."

Grunting in acknowledgment, Kouen knew that if it weren't for the situation at hand he'd likely be enjoying himself. His fingers tapped at the stone beneath his hand as frustration simmered beneath his skin, he went to speak again only to pause as a knock echoed through the air. Inwardly growling as his frustration jolted forward like a jolt of lightning, he barked out, "Enter!"

Striding into the room was Chu'un, the household walked beside a man wearing the official uniform for the messenger corps. Eyes narrowing as he peered at the messenger, Kouen turned fully to the man as the messenger bowed deeply, "An urgent letter for you, my Lords. I also have a second one though I was made to believe it was also urgent."

"I'll take them," Koumei extended a hand and Kouen's brow furrowed at the second letter as he wondered who would be trying to contact them, "You may leave us,"

"Yes, my lords," the messenger bowed quickly before leaving.

Only once the messenger had left did Chu'un speak, the man's lips quirked into a small smile, "I too have a pair of letters, M'lords. I believe you'll want one of them more than the other though."

Confusion rippled through Kouen for all of a moment before Chu'un produced a familiar green-edged scroll, the sight of it nearly made him go weak in the knees. Excitement radiated from his Djinn in an unexpected wave, it startled him enough that he was able to keep himself steady. Koumei took the letters with a soft murmur, "I-yes, Chu'un. I-when did...when did these arrive?"

"Not long ago," Chu'un's smile was soft, "The messenger that dropped these off along with a crate of potions,"

Confusion swept through him, Kouen wondered how Iris had started brewing potions again if her injuries had been severe enough to warrant a coma. He spoke for the first time since Chu'un had entered the room, "Did they say anything while handing over the letter?"

"That a blonde woman had been the one to give him the potions," Chu'un replied and Kouen shared a startled glance with Koumei, "One with a rather quirky nature,"

"Luna," Kouen and Koumei echoed with slight smiles.

"I'll leave you to your letters," Chu'un bowed lightly before leaving the room.

Moving towards one of the couches, Koumei sat down heavily as he set the letters on a table save for Iris's. Kouen dropped onto the couch beside him and had to fight the urge to steal it away from his younger brother. Voice soft as his fingers dug into the soft cloth that covered the couch, he looked at the green-edged letter, "Mei...open it."

"I-" Koumei's voice was slightly hoarse, "I almost can't believe that she's actually awake..."

"I know..." Kouen sank into the couch as the words left his lips, "But we won't know what's going through her mind...anything from her perspective until we read that letter...so..."

Taking a deep breath, Koumei cracked the seal and unrolled it. Voice soft and somewhat strained, he began to read:

Dear Kouen and Koumei

I...Fuck, I've been asleep for so long, haven't I? Well, it feels like the longest time for me even if the healers assure me I was only asleep for a month. Still, though, it was a month too long. My body acts as if it hasn't slept enough and even with my injuries being healed, my side aches each time I move the wrong way. Neville assures me that will fade and is only a by-product of the specific poison used to coat the weapon that wounded me. There is a new scar from the incident, it's rather ragged much like the one on my arm.

(There was an added note in chicken scratch- To clarify, Iris is still a gorgeous mess of a person, new scar or not. Also, Luna has been pouting up a storm because she thinks 'ragged' is making it sound worse than it is -G.W.)

Oh! I forgot to tell you that Luna, Neville, and Ginny have arrived here in Kou though you've likely already heard something about it. Rather than try to buy their way through inns, they've taken Kouha up on his hospitality which might end up being a mistake. Whether that's on Kouha's part or Ginny's, I can't be sure though I'm looking forward to seeing how your younger brother reacts when he realizes how Ginny acts when she finds a place to call 'home'. It's going to be absolutely hilarious for however long they're here. Oh, I'm going to enjoy the show even if you're younger brother is attempting to whine at me during it.

Luna has already begun restocking the truth serum so that Koumei's informants can begin properly questioning my attackers. But...given what kind of poison was used and how difficult it was to get, I've little doubt it was your stepmother. Even if she doesn't come from a background where this kind of poison would fall into her hands frequently, she could easily procure it. After all, she has access to resources only a high-ranking official would. And trust me on this, the poison used isn't something even I could get my hands on very often while working under lord Jackass. Even trying to make it via the recipe is practically impossible, Gyokuen got her hands on it.

Trying to shift this back into a happy topic...I can't. Even if I really want to, I just...I'm far too tired to keep up a happy charade even within a letter though don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see the others again. I just...I miss you both terribly. It's almost as if my body is trying to force me to go through an entire month's worth of feelings now that I'm finally awake again. On top of that, I can't really distract myself as I normally would. Even with Neville and the healers trying to reassure me that I'll be able to walk around as normal soon, my body can barely make it even half a day before acting as if I've been inside the forge all day. Even trying to sketch can't bring me any comfort right now...I...I miss you both.

Reading your letters barely helps, the entire chestful that was waiting for me. It feels as if I'm becoming hollow as the days pass now whereas before I was only lonely. Gods above, I almost feel like I'm going mad. There is a selfish part of me that wishes for you to abandon that campaign and return, I won't ask it of you though. Not when it is your duty, I will never ask you to betray something so ingrained within yourselves. So I will only ask this of you...please be swift...Finish things there so we can be together again.

With Deepest affection,

Iris

Absorbing the words as Koumei spoke them, Kouen's fingers clenched into tight fists as he settled heavily against the back of the couch. In the beginning, he'd only felt an intense sort of joy knowing that Iris had woken up. The fact that Neville had healed her eased his anxious thoughts as that meant she would truly be alright. Amusement had filled him at hearing her words about Kouha's house guests, the knowledge that his younger brother would be finding a possible opponent in Ginny had made him smile. But rage seeped into his veins at the thought of Gyokuen poisoning Iris once more on top of having her almost killed, the fact it was a poison that even Iris could barely make made him seethe. His chest ached at the longing in her words, the sheer weight of it filled him with guilt.

Speaking as Koumei sank back against the couch and let the letter fall into his lap, Kouen's voice was a bit rough from the emotions coursing through his veins, "Mei, we will find a way to finish this. Whatever it takes, we finish this before the month is up," He looked at his younger brother and saw a gleam of determination fill those tired pink-red eyes, "Understand?"

"Completely," Koumei sat up while glancing towards the other letters, "Should we read them?"

While he was semi-reluctant too, Kouen knew they needed to address the other letters. Grabbing the letter with their family's seal, he nodded, "We need to."

Cracking the seal as Koumei grabbed the letter sent by his informants, Kouen read through the brief letter explaining that Iris had woken up. He snorted softly despite the bolt of anger rushing through his veins, "Someone thinks Luna and the others are there to collect her."

"My informants have reported that Neville is having Kouha help him raise hell within the courts over the fact Iris has been hurt within our country. Father is growing quite angry," Koumei chuckled softly, "I suppose that is why they think Luna and the others are collecting Iris,"

Rage seethed beneath his skin, Kouen would tear apart Iris's friends despite how dear they were to her if they even tried. He bit back the urge to bare his teeth as he grits out, "If they even try, I'll show them the inside of one of Agares's volcanos."

Snorting softly, Koumei set down the letter and reached for the last one. There was a low hum from his younger brother, a slow smirk formed on Koumei's lips as his younger brother commented, "Looks like Gyokuen is back to her tricks."

Cracking open the seal, Koumei read the letter as Kouen snorted only to audibly snicker at another half-assed love letter being tossed their way. His jaw clenched at the audacity of Gyokuen when she made it seem as if Iris was leaving Kou soon, the bitch was going to meet her end by his sword if she didn't quit playing these games. Speaking as Koumei tossed the letter away with a look of disgust, he stood up, "We'll write back to Iris informing her that we will be speeding things up here and ensuring that our reunion will be soon. And..." He smirked slightly, "Let's ensure no news of our accelerated progress reaches anyone else, I think it's time to play on the offensive with Gyokuen."

Wrapped up within the heavy blanket to help banish the slight chill, Iris was sketching out what was going to be her first painting since coming out of the coma two weeks ago. There was a fire set up in the large fireplace, it was the first proper one since she'd arrived in Kouen's palace. Her head was settled back at an angle against one of the larger pillows she'd dragged into the upper sitting room, her legs were curled up underneath her with another smaller pillow between them. Licking her lips, she set down the charcoal pencil she'd been using and grabbed the warm cup of cocoa she'd been drinking from. Taking a sip, she released a soft sigh and set down the cup only to flinch as a loud bang echoed from downstairs.

Slowly setting down her sketchbook, Iris hesitated for a moment as she contemplated simply staying in the comfortable sitting room. As the sound of chaos erupted downstairs, she sighed and began unraveling her comfortable cocoon. Once free, she left the safety of the upstairs sitting room and headed downstairs. As she slowly made her way down the main stairwell, she caught sight of Kouha, Judar, Kougyoku, Hakuryuu, Hakuei, and her friends standing in the middle of the entrance hall while Kouen's head servants stared down at the group with looks of disapproval on their faces. To her interest, Neville held a latched wicker basket that was being given looks of distrust by the guards.

Clearing her throat from the top landing, Iris crossed her arms, "What's going on?"

"Lady Iris," The head maid turned towards her, "We-"

"Iris!" Kouha darted around the scowling pair of servants and made his way up the stairs for her, "Please tell these two that we're allowed to visit you, they seem to think we're not,"

Confusion bolted through her, Iris glanced around Kouha to peer at the servants for the full story. Clearing his throat, the head of Kouen's stewards spoke as he clasped his hands together, "We were given explicit instructions by Prince Kouen that you were not to have more than three visitors at a time, M'lady. And with your recent injuries, we have been trying to keep to those orders."

"Ah," Iris rubbed the back of her neck as Kouha hugged her around the waist.

There was a phantom ache radiating through her side from the touch, Iris managed to ignore her instinctual attempt to flinch away from Kouha as he peered up at her with a large pair of puppy dog eyes. Lips quivering, he all but whined, "Please let us stay, Iris! We've all wanted to check in on you and it's been so long since any of us have seen you save for your friends."

Sighing at his puppy-dog eyes, Iris glanced over his shoulder to look at the servants, "Kouen approved all of them though..."

Adjusting his glasses, the steward sniffed at her, "He...did."

Looking between those gathered within the entrance hall and back at Kouha, Iris knew that Kouen would probably be a bit irritated with her. But given the fact she did need the company and it would help distract her for a bit, she finally said, "I think," She looked at the two servants, "If it were only for a few hours, Kouen would be alright with it," She set a hand on Kouha's head when he started to cheer and smiled at the boy, "But only for a few hours, alright?"

"That's fine with me!" Kouha grinned brightly at her.

"I-" The steward looked ready to protest.

There was a grunt as the maid elbowed him in the stomach, the woman offered Iris a warm smile as she bowed, "Of course, M'lady. Would you like us to prepare some snacks and have them delivered to the lower sitting room?"

"If you please," Iris agreed with a light smile as she slowly started walking downstairs.

As the servants went to do as Iris asked, Iris led the way into the lower sitting room where a fire had thankfully been set up in the fireplace. She was released by Kouha only for Kougyoku to hug her a moment later. The shy princess spoke softly as her face pressed into Iris's shoulder, "I-I'm glad you're alright, Iris. I was worried."

Smiling softly at Kougyoku, Iris patted her on the back as she murmured, "No need to worry about me, Kougyoku. I'm pretty tough even if it doesn't look like it at first," Kougyoku slowly released her and she glanced over at Hakuei while moving to sit down on one of the couches, "So were you roped in or...?"

"I was originally coming to see you, but Kouha was the one to organize this," Hakuei eyed her with a slight frown, "Are you truly alright, Iris? Even if you're up and around, you were still in a coma for a month,"

Offering the princess a light smile, Iris leaned back against the couch, "I'm fine, Hakuei. There are some days when I need to take it slow, I can't move very quickly, and even standing seems to take a lot out of me. But as time goes on, I find those days occurring less and less," She shrugged her shoulders, "I will be thankful when Kouen and Koumei finally return though. If there is one thing I miss about being around Kouen, it is having a willing sparring partner."

"For now though, you'll just have to tolerate dealing with me," Ginny batted her eyes at Iris who rolled her eyes in return, "Anyway, Ris, what were you doing before coming downstairs?"

"Sketching out my next painting," Iris looked up as servants arrived carrying snacks and she grinned as one made a beeline towards her carrying a steaming mug, "Oh thank you,"

"Its no problem, M'lady. I'd give it a moment as we made a fresh batch," The maid giggled softly as Iris took the mug.

Nodding as she began blowing on the steaming mug, Iris noticed the raised eyebrow being directed at her and explained, "I taught the maids how to make hot chocolate."

Bursting out laughing, Luna, Ginny, and Neville shared grins as they shook their heads while everyone else looked confused. Iris merely offered them an innocent smile as Kouha asked, "What is hot chocolate?"

"It's a very good drink for a cold day," Iris explained before gesturing to the steaming tray of mugs that had been laid out, "The maids have some set out if you'd like to try it. Just blow on it before you do, it'll burn your tongue just like tea,"

Luna, Ginny, and Neville each snapped up a steaming mug while the others were slow to do the same. Kougyoku and Kouha were the first to try theirs with the two almost moaning at the taste. Iris smiled softly while leaning back into her seat. Her eyes drifted over to Neville who was still holding onto the wicker basket, he looked at Iris as if feeling her eyes on him, and a slow smile formed on his lips. Standing from his seat, he set the basket on the table in front of her, "We," He gestured to Luna and Ginny, "Thought you might like a companion since you're alone for the moment. As this will likely not be the last time and even if you plan on traveling sooner rather than later, we know that you won't immediately search for us. So..."

"You got her a fucking pet?" Judar snorted with a sneer on his lips.

But she knew differently, the way Neville had said those words meant this would be Iris's familiar, and if Luna had a hand in picking out the creature they would be it this time. Part of her still grieved the loss of Hedwig, she longed to be with her snowy owl though knew Hedwig would have been used against her by the Jackass a long time ago. Slowly reaching out as she set down the mug in her hand, she unlatched the basket and found a pile of fluffy grey fur curled up at the bottom. As she reached in a hand, she found a pair of stormy eyes much like her godfathers peering back at her.

Chest tightening at the sight as her eyes stung, Iris's fingers brushed against the silky soft fur as a black nose sniffed at them. There was a soft whine and her fingers were nudged, a soft yip left a tiny throat and she was pulling the large wolf cub from the basket as gasps filled the room. Cuddling it against her chest, she spoke softly, "Where did you find this one?"

"In a rather bad area within the desert," Luna answered as Iris's fingers ran along the cub's soft ears, "He was the only one of his pack to survive being attacked by slavers, and rather than leave the poor thing to rot, we picked him up,"

Her fingers were caught by curious teeth, Iris smiled softly as the cub toyed with her fingers though despite his sharp teeth he never seemed to bite down hard enough to pierce her flesh. Looking up at Ginny, she tilted her head as the ginger admitted, "Luna's pretty sure they came from the same place as us. Based on the carnage of the sight and what we've been able to catch that one doing, I'm going to say she's right."

"What have you caught him doing?" Iris's eyebrow rose.

"Let's just say you won't have to worry about him if he ever wanders into your forge...or too close to a fire," Ginny looked away from Iris and she gifted the ginger with an incredulous look along with everyone else inside the room, "Just...take my word for it,"

"You're saying that ball of fluff is fucking fireproof?" Judar snapped at Ginny.

"And capable of producing fire though that ability isn't quite confirmed," Neville chuckled with a wry smile as Iris looked down at the cub who had decided to take an impromptu nap in her lap, "So Ris-"

"I'm keeping him," Iris had decided the moment she saw Sirius's eyes though the apparent fireproofing had helped seal it, "His name is going to be Sirius,"

While she could have called him Padfoot, Iris always called her dogfather that unless they were arguing or she was being emotional. And since it was unlikely that she'd see Sirius again, she would honor him this way. Though she had to wonder how Kouen would react to there being a wolf cub in his palace, she almost wanted to giggle at the thought of how he'd react.

There was blood splattered throughout the castle halls, the final bastion of the enemy country's resistance stood in ruins. Koumei strode through the rubble barely registering the dead bodies that littered the ground even as his soldiers began taking away their dead to begin the process of shipping them off to their homes for funeral rites. Part of him felt a deep sense of sadness over how many had died, the final rush to end things had been a bloody mess even with him doing his best to ensure their casualties were limited. There was a deep sense of weariness settling over him though the undeniable sense of accomplishment brushed past it, the fact they would be returning home far sooner than expected made pride burn within his chest.

Stepping along an empty stairwell, Koumei made his way up to a thin tower where Kouen stood looking out across the shattered city below. His elder brother had a tired look on his bloodied face, the same look was likely on his face as well. He spoke softly while moving to stand beside Kouen, "We only need a few days to set things up here and we'll be able to return home, En."

"I almost cannot believe it," Kouen released a low sound and his shoulders slumped as his head fell back, "But we managed it..." He breathed out sharply and Koumei could almost feel the relief pouring from Kouen, "Just a little bit longer and we'll be with her again..."

"Yeah..." Koumei's throat felt tight at the prospect for reasons he wasn't too sure of.

There was a firm hand on his shoulder, Kouen squeezed his fingers almost gently, "Well...we should begin our preparations, shouldn't we? There is no reason to linger too long within this shit hole when there are better things to do."

Chuckle bursting from his lips, Koumei nodded and turned to leave the tower with Kouen. His thoughts were heavy as they walked down from the tower, he began working out just who they needed to put in charge, the burials that needed to be put in place, the rebuilding that needed to be started, and everything else that had to happen before they could even think about leaving. Despite those busy thoughts, he found his mind conjuring images of when they'd finally return and how Iris would react to seeing them again. Smile slowly forming, he breathed out a slow smile and steeled himself to work through things with the quick efficiency he was known for.

Preparations quickly fell underway and in a week, Koumei along with his staff had gotten things set up so that they could leave with little worry. While Kouen dealt with certain aspects of the preparations that required his status of First Prince, he took on the bulk of the work while delegating certain things to his staff and Chu'un. Thankfully this wasn't the first time they'd practically destroyed a country while on campaign, he drew on the resources and knowledge gained from the other times this had happened while shifting them into a plan that didn't require his constant attention. While they assigned someone to take over overseeing things, the main part of the army began ensuring the territory wouldn't rebel and no other nation would attempt to conquer it in return.

Finally, they began returning to Kou with a small host of soldiers and their household. While they would have to head to the main palace first before actually returning to either of their homes, Koumei was glad that they would finally be able to see Iris once again.

The journey back to Kou was far swifter than when they'd left though that could be due to the eagerness of their return. As they finally found their way into Rakushou, the city gates swung open as Kouen felt waves of relief crash down on him. The campaign had been a challenging endeavor, but the promise of reuniting with Iris and the comforts of home drove away the weariness that clung to him. People lined the streets as guards held them back, he felt his lips pull into a faint smirk as cheers roared out from the crowds. Merely inclining his head to the cheering crowds, he urged his horse just a bit faster through the city.

As they began passing through the Noble's District, Kouen felt a rush of anticipation curl through him. Part of him itched to toss away tradition and head to his palace first, the urge to see Iris and finally touch her after months was overwhelming. His eyes found his palace as they were moving closer to the Main Palace, he licked his chapped lips and almost urged his horse to break ranks as the gates came into view. But confusion stalled him when Iris was standing among his servants, the grip he had on his reigns loosened as they made their way past his palace.

Koumei spoke softly beside him, "Iris wasn't with your servants and I didn't see her with mine. Do you think she's resting?"

"Must be it," Kouen shook himself and urged his horse onward despite the urge to rush back towards his palace to find out the truth, "Let's get this meeting over with,"

Upon reaching the main palace, the brothers were met by a contingent of guards and courtiers who escorted them to the grand hall where their father, the emperor, held court. The scent of incense filled the air, and the polished marble floors reflected the glow of flickering torches. Walking at a measured pace, they made their way towards the great doors which swung open upon their approach. Within the great hall, the courtiers and guards bowed deeply as their father sat upon his elevated thrown with a heavy look directed at them. Mentally grinning at the startled look on Gyokuen's face that she was quick to hide, the way the bitch's eyes glared at Kouen made him feel a bolt of pride. Bowing alongside Koumei after they'd approached their father, they both greeted their father, "Honored Father, we have returned."

"Rise, My sons," Emperor Koutoku intoned with a slight wave of his hand while staring down at them, "If you are here, you either return victorious or dreadfully defeated. Tell me, what happened,"

Stepping forward with his hands settled firmly at his side, Kouen spoke of the events that had transpired during the campaign though left out why they had practically rushed everything. He spoke of strategies devised, enemies faced, and territories secured. Every so often, Koumei interjected to offer more insight into various portions of the campaign and what possible political implications could be from various strategies they'd used. With his gaze shifting between the two, Emperor Koutoku listened with a tentative gaze as he leaned back against his throne. Kouen finished things off, "And so we return here victorious."

Voice soft as the hall waited with bated breath for the Emperor's words, Emperor Koutoku gazed at his sons with a contemplative look, "Your accomplishments are commendable," He smirked slightly and inclined his head, "You have upheld the honor of our empire. Kou stands stronger because of your efforts."

Although he'd long since decided that their father's praise meant nothing, Kouen felt a ripple of pride surge through him alongside the relief. Kouen bowed lightly alongside Koumei, "Thank you, Father."

"Now, go rest," Emperor Koutoku waved at them, "I am sure you're weary. We will hold a banquet in your honor within a few days,"

Once more bowing, Kouen and Koumei murmured their agreement and quickly began to withdraw from the room before they could be mobbed by the various courtiers.