Verdant Skies

Within the last week since she'd been given Sirius, Iris had felt far less lonely than she had in months though that could be due to the wolf-cub keeping her busy unless he was asleep. Much like a regular puppy, the cub was a mischievous little thing that got into everything that his snout could reach. With some help from Kouha, she procured some high-quality toys for the curious cub to chew on. Thankfully, it seemed like her friends had started the process of housebreaking the mischievous pup, so she only had to polish it up with the servants. Rolling around in the gardens seemed to be his favorite thing to do, she'd had to apologize to the gardeners more than once when she pulled the cub from a freshly dug hole filled with the remains of flowers.

Head shaking as she followed after a trail of mud soaking the pathways, Iris finally found Sirius in the middle of chasing a small rabbit around. Catching him around the middle, she watched the rabbit rush off as a disappointed whine left the pup, "There you are, Sirius. Honestly," She held him in front of her with an amused smile and he let out a yip while wagging his tail, "Come on, we gotta get you into the baths. Same with me, I've got to get rid of this paint."

Her head tilted at the sound of horns coming from outside the palace, Iris felt her heart jolt as the sound of thundering hooves made their way past the palace. Realization set in and a slow smile formed, she held Sirius tighter against herself and began heading inside just as a maid darted out of a nearby doorway, "Lady Iris-" The woman faltered with a look of shock on her face, "You're both absolutely covered-and the gardens!"

Letting out a sheepish laugh, Iris glanced back at the mess Sirius had made while cub and tried to burrow himself into her chest, "I'll try to fix it after we go take a bath. Honestly, I didn't realize he'd wandered off until after Lord Yamira left."

Shaking her head, the maid began to usher Iris into the palace, "No matter about that now. I'll warn the gardener about the mess once you two are in the baths. We need to get you bathed and into proper attire," She felt somewhat puzzled even as she allowed the maid to usher her up the stairs, "The Princes are finally home and they'll no doubt be throwing a small party to celebrate that fact."

Her stomach twisted at the idea, Iris only really wanted to spend time with Kouen and Koumei though knew she could begrudge the two a reunion if they wished for one. She merely nodded with a stiff smile while being pushed into the baths. Setting Sirius down on one of the ledges, she began shedding her clothes as the cub tested the water before leaping in with a cheerful bark. Deciding to push any worries from her mind, she decided to enjoy their bath and focus on actually getting cleaned. Throughout the bath, Sirius acted as if he was rolling around in mud rather than playing in water which was more than a little amusing.

As soon as she was finished bathing and had begun drying them both off, a maid entered the baths and began ushering Iris to her rooms. Sirius trotted beside her with a happy bark though quickly leaped onto her bed to curl up into a tight ball once they finally arrived in her room. Letting out a laugh as he yawned, she reached out to run her fingers across his slightly damp fur, she focused as the maids began showing her various outfits and honestly didn't want to choose any of them. Eventually, she picked the most simple outfit that wouldn't bother her after a few hours.

As soon as she was dressed, Iris was left alone for the moment. She headed over to the bed and sat down to run her fingers along Sirius's soft head. Her eyes closed for a brief moment, she felt anxious knowing that Kouen and Koumei were finally home after so long away. Knowing what she felt about them now, she wondered how she'd tell them...when it would be best to tell them. Taking a deep breath to settle herself, she opened her eyes when Sirius licked her fingers and smiled at him. Nodding to herself, she murmured, "C'mon, Siri, let's head downstairs. I've no doubt En's home or just about."

Yawning as he stood, Sirius jumped off of the bed as Iris got up and they headed for the door. Sirius was at her heel as they walked down the hallway and began making their way down the stairs. As they reached the top of the main stairwell, the large doors within the entry hall of the palace opened and her heart almost skipped a beat as she got her first glance of Kouen in months. Looking worn and tired, he walked with his household behind him. Part of her felt a slight bolt of disappointment at not seeing Koumei, she knew he likely needed to check in at his palace before coming here.

Slowly starting to make her way down the stairs, Iris heard the soft voices of the servants as they addressed their lord. Kouen's voice radiated through the air as he scanned them, she saw the searching look in his gaze, "Thank you for the warm welcome everyone. Yes, we will be holding a small gathering before the large banquet that my father has decided to throw. It will be tomorrow though. Where is-"

"Kouen," Iris called out as she reached the landing and his eyes darted towards her, "Welcome home,"

Her chest felt as if someone was squeezing it as their eyes met, Iris watched as Kouen's weary gaze landed on her and his eyes widened. Warmth flooded those wine-red orbs as his lips pulled into a tired smile, the weight in his shoulders seemed to melt away as he began to step towards her. Voice almost breathy, Kouen's tone was one of genuine happiness and relief, "Iris.."

As he began to close to distance between them, Iris made her way down the stairs and right into his arms. The warmth that had been missing since Kouen and Koumei had left flooded her veins, she felt almost whole for the first time in months. Her nose pressed into Kouen's neck, she felt tears burn at her eyes though pushed them back for the moment as now wasn't the time for tears. Old blood and the scent that always came with hard travel along the road coated Kouen's scent, it was a familiar scent that made her nose ache. Her voice was soft, she wished they were alone if only so she'd have the courage to let loose everything she felt at that moment, "I missed you...So much."

Voice low as he pulled back from her, Kouen's hands settled on her hips, "I missed you too."

There was a tiredness in him that hadn't been there before, Kouen's face was etched with it and Iris wished she could strip it away though knew only time would do that. She reached up to cup his cheek and he leaned into her touch. His nose nuzzled into her palm, a low sigh left him, "You look tired, En..."

Lips quirking as he gazed at her, Kouen chuckled low in his throat, "It's been a long campaign, but seeing you makes it all worthwhile."

Opening her mouth to reply as a soft flush coated her cheeks, Iris paused as she felt Sirius paw at her leg. Glancing down at the cub, she felt a small hint of pride at how patiently he'd been sitting there. Looking back at Kouen, she saw his eyes going to the pup with confusion flooding his face, "This is Sirius, Luna and the others decided I could use a companion."

"A companion?" Kouen bent down and extended a hand to Sirius.

Sniffing the fingers offered him curiously, Sirius blinked a bit before licking at them as his tail wagged. Iris nodded as Kouen began petting the cub, "I'll give you the full story later, but yeah. He's a bit mischievous as your staff will tell you, but he's quick when it comes to learning," She had also seen his little fireproof trick, "He's also going to be a big guy once he finishes growing."

"Interesting," Kouen raised himself with a shake of his head, "While I'm not exactly pleased to find out that there is an animal within my palace, I suppose it's better than some yapper dog," She grimaced at the thought earning a chuckle, "I won't protest his presence though please ensure he doesn't destroy anything of value, will you?"

"Of course," Iris had already been doing so, "Have you all eaten yet?"

"No," Kouen shook his head with a slight smile, "We've been riding hard since morning to make it back,"

Giving him a look, Iris clicked her tongue, "Well I think that needs to be changed," She looked at the various staff members, "Let's get some food started, I think everyone is hungry."

There was a slight pause before there was a shift of fabric beside her and a small chuckle as the staff began to scatter, Kouen wrapped his arms around her again as Seishuu commented, "You've gotten used to ordering them around, haven't you?"

"Asking them for things, yes," Iris corrected before looking at Kouen, "I'm assuming Mei's coming over once he finishes up at his palace?"

"After bathing," Kouen inclined his head.

"Good," Iris kissed his cheek earning a small smile, "You should go get cleaned up," She felt his arms tighten as a contemplative look entered his eyes and murmured in his ear, "I would join you, but I just bathed,"

As Kouen chuckled, the sound seemed to vibrate through their embrace, "Perhaps later then."

Swallowing as heat trailed down her spine, Iris nodded as Kouen pressed a kiss to her forehead before finally pulling away. He began heading upstairs while his household dispersed to their quarters within the palace.

Returning home and taking a bath after he'd seen to his duties had done little to settle his feelings, Koumei had felt his anxiety grow until Kouen's palace finally came into view once more. Walking through the familiar corridors behind a maid, he felt impatient as they made their way down to the lower dining room. Only when those doors opened and he spotted Iris for the first time in months did it feel as if all that time spent waiting was worth it, the emotions he felt seemed to bleed away until only warmth remained. He stepped towards her as those emerald-green eyes turned towards him and his heart seemed to falter at the sight of her.

Settled at the long dining table, Iris's eyes widened with surprise and delight as she caught sight of Koumei. As the radiant smile bloomed across her face, it felt as if time seemed to stand still. Relief, Joy, and an overwhelming sense of longing filled him at the realization that she was truly awake, he felt an intense desire to feel her warmth against him if only to ensure this wasn't a dream. His steps quickened as he finally began moving into the room, the distance between them closing with each small step. As Iris pushed away from the table and stood, he heard the faint sound of the door closing behind him though ignored it.

Without a word, Koumei reached Iris and pulled her into a tight embrace. Her familiar scent filled his nose, the warmth of her seeped into him as he felt her soft form against him. Every single detail that had seemed to be fading from his memory finally became a reality once more, he tightened his grip on her. Nose burrowing into her hair, he filled his lungs with her scent as she hugged him just as fiercely. Voice soft against her hair, he spoke with longing and tenderness, "Iris..."

Her arms tightened even further, an equally soft voice came from Iris's lips layered with affection so deep and warm he could have drowned in it, "Koumei."

For a long moment, they simply held one another. The weight of their time apart, the uncertainties, and the struggles seemed to dissolve as they lingered within each other's arms. Pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head, Koumei sighed as he savored the warmth and familiarity of her presence. When they finally pulled back, he took a step back to look at her. With glistening eyes, Iris's lips were quirked into a small smile that held a wistful edge to it. Her eyes scanned his face, it was as if she were trying to commit every detail to memory. Given that he was likely doing the same, he knew she was trying to reassure herself that he was truly here.

Voice filled with a vulnerability that tugged at his heart, Iris reached up to cup his cheek, "I missed you."

A soft smile pulling at his lips, Koumei admitted, "I missed you too," He grasped her hand in a gentle hold and leaned into the touch, "Every day felt like an eternity without you."

There was a delicate sound from her throat, a chuckle that was far softer than anything he'd ever heard Iris make. Eyes holding an amused gleam, she shook her head, "And here I thought only Kouen had that kind of way with words."

"Who do you think he stole them from?" Koumei grinned slightly at the warm smile she gifted him with, "Where is he? I would have thought he'd be down here with you,"

"In the baths, I did have to badger him a bit before he'd go get cleaned up," Iris's thumb ran along his cheek, "Though with dinner starting soon, I've little doubt he'll be down here with the others. Chu'un?"

"He'll be along in a few moments. He's just getting my gift for you settled," Koumei smirked at the curious look she gifted him, "You'll find out after dinner,"

"Mean," Iris pouted at him.

"Who's mean?" Kouen called out as he entered the room.

Releasing his cheek as she turned towards his brother, Iris didn't move away from him allowing Koumei to keep his hands on her. She told Kouen with a pout firm on her lips, "Koumei. He got me a gift and isn't telling me what it is. I apparently have to wait until after dinner."

Letting out a chuckle, Kouen smirked as he shook his head, "Well that makes two gifts you'll be waiting on then," Iris made a noise of confusion as Koumei snorted softly and pulled her to him, "Is Chu'un placing it in the upper sitting room?"

"He is," Koumei confirmed while settling his head on Iris's shoulder.

"I-you two-but why?" Iris shook her head softly.

Gaze softening as he peered at Iris, Kouen strode towards them and his elder brother cupped Iris's cheek. With more warmth than Koumei had heard in months, Kouen spoke softly, "Because we missed you dearly, Iris. Far more than simple words will ever be able to express," Koumei nodded into Iris's shoulder, "And we have been taught that any woman being..courted by us," Iris's breathe hitched, "Should be given gifts. Regardless of whether or not our relationship is something most would approve of, you're our partner thus deserving of these gifts."

"But I don't-" Iris tried to protest with another gentle shake of her head.

"We wanted to do this," Koumei kissed her cheek and she slowly leaned back into him, "Now, how about we get settled? The others are likely going to be joining us and I'd love to hear what you've been up to that wasn't shared via letters,"

Nodding softly as a low sigh left her, Iris finally smiled as she murmured, "Alright..."

The atmosphere in the dining room had been lively during dinner as everyone in attendance had shared stories of the rain-filled campaign and enjoyed simply being home. Laughter filled the room as Sirius took it upon himself to race around with Kin on his tail after stealing a large hank of ham from the pig-like man, Iris had eventually put a stop to it after catching her familiar. The cub had swallowed down his stolen meal under a glare from the man that quickly disappeared as more food was brought into the room. As the meal came to an end, she found herself heading to the upstairs sitting room.

Her eyes fell upon the small crates on two of the tables, Iris walked towards the pair as curiosity bubbled within her. Her fingers traced along the finely crafted edges of them, the wood smooth beneath her fingers. Slowly her lips pulled into a small smile, she knew these must be the 'gifts' that had been mentioned earlier. Despite her initial protests, she had to admit it did feel nice that they'd gone through the trouble of doing something like this for her. Though she hoped neither of the chests contained any more jewelry or clothes, the amount already filling her room was too much for her to deal with.

Picking one of the crates after a moment, Iris tugged off the lid and was delighted to find a mixture of high-quality paints that she rarely got to use even with Kouen funding her work. Plucking one of the small jars up, she carefully cracked open the cap and marveled at the vivid color within. Noticing a small gilt within the crate beneath some of the straw, she began digging and had to laugh as she pulled out a hard case. Opening the case, she grinned at the sight of some very high-quality paintbrushes. Setting them down, she kept carefully digging through the crate and came across more high-quality art supplies that were usually impossible to get. Shaking her head as she set down the third leather-bound sketchbook, she turned to the second crate.

Pulling the lid off, Iris felt confused at the large number of small to medium-sized leather bags stacked carefully within the crate. Grabbing one, she carefully opened it and poured whatever was inside across her palm. Eyes widening as small jagged pieces of iron scattered across her skin, she murmured in surprise, "A crate full of raw ore?"

"No," Kouen chuckled as he walked into the room with Koumei and she looked up from the iron scattered across her palm, "Admittedly there might be a few small bags within the crate, the rest should be raw gemstone," She raised an eyebrow at him, "I had my men bring the ore straight to forge,"

"You got me ore...and gems," Iris spoke slowly as she tried to wrap her head around that.

"Yes," Kouen smirked at her as he walked over, "As you've been spending more time in the forge, I thought you might appreciate the materials,"

"I-yeah, but-" Iris shook her head while carefully dumping the raw iron back into the small bag it had come from, "This is a bit...it's a lot," She put the bag back into the crate feeling shaky as she did so, "I-you two didn't need-"

Warm arms wrapped around her, Iris was drawn against a firm chest and she twisted around to see that it was Kouen. Her hands were quickly planted against his chest, she didn't push away from him despite the emotions that were swirling about beneath her skin. Warmth swirled within his eyes, he spoke softly, "As we said earlier, we wanted to do this, Iris. And not just because it has anything to do with the way were raised either."

"You can consider these gifts a reflection of our appreciation for your skill," Koumei spoke and she turned her head to see him walking towards them, "Our acknowledgment of your talents and the recognition of your passion for your craft. Both of us," He gestured between himself and Kouen, "Thought these materials might inspire you, give you more avenues for your creativity,"

Her breath caught at those words, Iris's chest warmed and she glanced between the two. Kouen spoke drawing her attention, "If we knew where to look, we would have gotten you potion ingredients as well."

Surprised laughter bubbled out of her throat before she could stop it, Iris shook her head as gratitude, surprise, and the love she felt for these two surged within her. Her lips pulled into a soft smile, she shook her head, "You wouldn't have been able to collect them even if you knew where to look. Only one of my kind can," She saw the realization filling their eyes, "But...thank you," She flexed her fingers against Kouen's chest, "This is beyond anything I could have expected to possibly get, I wasn't even expecting anything..."

"A little surprise is good occasionally," Kouen pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, "I'm glad you like our gifts,"

"Compared to the surprises I've had to deal with as of late...save for Sirius of course," Iris smiled warmly at Kouen before glancing at Koumei as his hand settled on her shoulder, "I can definitely tolerate a surprise like this. Though," She shifted to cup both their cheeks, "I'd much prefer having both of you with me over any gift,"

Leaning over to brush his lips against her cheek, Koumei murmured softly, "I'm glad we could make you happy," He pulled away after a moment to smile at her, "Now," He offered her a curious look, "What have you been up to outside of what you've sent us via letters? Dinner talk was mostly set on the campaign."

Even as Kouen pulled away from her and she felt the smallest shred of warmth leave her, it returned the moment they all settled on a couch together. Iris let out a laugh when Sirius joined them and made himself comfortable sprawled across her lap. Settling down as one of the maids brought them snacks and some drinks, she began to tell them of the various projects she'd worked on as of late. The antics she'd gotten up to with Kouha and Judar alongside Kougyoku and Hakuryuu. Even the times when Hakuei had visited, she found herself settled more firmly against the pair's side and relaxing for the first time in months.

Head slowly coming to rest on Kouen's shoulder as she explained one of the more interesting outings she'd taken with Kouha before the incident, Iris smiled as Koumei teased a sleepy Sirius into trying to nibble on his fingers. She tilted her head back to peer at Kouen when he asked, "What exactly happened that night? When you were attacked," She stiffened and swallowed heavily as the pleasant air around them fell away, "Iris, I only ask because no one has given us a clear idea and you never mentioned it in your letters."

"I-right..." Iris bit her bottom lip.

"Though if you want to wait until tomorrow, it's perfectly fine," Koumei's tone held some bite to it and Iris saw him glaring at Kouen much to her surprise.

Had they been discussing when to ask her about this before? Iris supposed they must have based on the look Koumei was giving Kouen. Mentally shaking those thoughts from her mind, she took a deep breath before assuring Koumei, "It's fine," She held up a hand when Koumei went to protest, "I-It isn't something was even in the top ten most traumatic things to happen to me though admittedly the event still caused a bit of trouble for me," She offered him a wry smile knowing it likely didn't reach her eyes, "I planned on telling you both what happened in person since speaking of it over a letter seemed less than ideal. Granted, I did want to wait a few days if only to enjoy having you both back for a bit before dropping into something unsettling, but I suppose it's best to simply get to it."

"We don't have to-" Koumei tried to argue.

"It's fine, Mei," Iris saw a hint of guilt flicker through Kouen's eyes and his arm tighten around her shoulders, "As you're aware, Kouha and Judar decided that they wanted to take me out drinking. I had agreed mostly due to Kouha being persuasive when he wishes to be and because I didn't want to be alone," She took a deep breath and tried to relax despite the urge to curl up into a tight ball, "But once we'd arrived at the tavern they'd chosen, I found myself wishing that I'd simply stayed back. Between Gyokuen's bullshit and the letters from 'Joel', my paranoia was at an all-time high and I just couldn't settle myself. The fact that Kouha had decided that we shouldn't take a carriage only made things worse for me,"

Jaw clenching as his grip tightened, Kouen bit out, "He didn't take a carriage? That fucking-I'm going to-"

"En," Koumei cut in as Iris reached up to touch Kouen's arm, "We can talk to Kouha later. Right now, we're listening to Iris,"

"Right," Kouen pressed a kiss to her cheek, "Continue, Iris...please,"

Nodding slowly as she leaned into his side, Iris took another deep breath to settle herself, Iris began to speak once more, "Leaving the tavern after telling Judar and Kouha I was heaving back, I could feel that something was off almost immediately. I couldn't figure out what it was until right before I reached the noble's district," She swallowed as the memory hit her like a ton of bricks and her side flared with phantom pain, "One of them was in the shadows and the other hid from my sight until I was distracted by the other. As soon as I was distracted, I was pulled into an alleyway. Even if I was startled, I got myself free and immediately began trying to get some ground between myself and them despite needing some time for my vision to compensate for the lack of light. Those two were sent after me by someone though neither said who, I managed to avoid them for the most part and started climbing onto a rooftop when...one of them managed to get me with their weapon."

"Iris," Koumei breathed as Sirius began to cuddle into Iris's stomach sensing her distress.

"It hurt a lot worse than most things I've had to deal with," Iris admitted out loud for the first time since the attack, "Mostly when they ripped it out of my side, I would have likely been in better shape had that not happened, but they were trying to kill me..." She looked at Koumei in confusion when he touched her cheek only to realize her skin felt damp where he was touching her, "I...didn't expect to cry because of this,"

"You had someone try to kill you and you weren't expecting to cry," Kouen's voice was gruff as he tightened his grip on her, "Iris..."

"That's not something I've cried over," Iris defended herself feeling puzzled about why she'd be crying now, "I-it doesn't make sense..."

Trailing off as a bolt of realization hit her, Iris swallowed as she remembered what Luna had helped her figure out not long after waking up from that coma. The arm curled around Sirius tightened for a brief moment before she released him as Koumei called out to her gently, "Iris?" He looked at her in concern when she finally focused on him, "Is something wrong?"

"I-no," Iris shook her head with a wet smile, "Just...realized why this time was different..."

There was a look of confusion in Koumei's eyes, it was something Iris could see in Kouen's when she glanced back at him. His thumb brushed against her as he spoke again, Koumei's voice was soft, "Different how? Iris, this isn't making a lot of sense."

Taking a deep steadying breath, Iris gathered her thoughts before trying to explain herself, "This time is different because of you two," She closed her eyes for a brief moment and felt a small bolt of frustration at how hard it was to explain things, "Even with my friends, I just...I never truly cared about whether I died," She heard two people suck in harsh breath though knew Koumei was already vaguely aware of this fact, "After all, the important people I cared for would still be alive. But then...you two came along and it changed without me realizing it."

"Iris..." Kouen's voice was soft.

Opening her eyes, Iris glanced back at him and saw the mixture of emotions in his eyes. Smiling at him, she spoke softly, "It only really took Luna talking with me after everything had happened to realize why," She felt her heartbeat start to pick up at the thought of actually telling them, "Crying now that I'm finally talking about the incident, it just seals the deal on what Luna was talking about," She let out a low laugh and shook her head softly before looking at Koumei, "For the first time in my life, I finally have something that I don't want to lose...you two," She swallowed heavily, "I-In that moment, my conscious mind might not have been aware of it, but I was overwhelmingly scared of never being able to see you two again."

As her voice faltered, Kouen's loosened grip on her tightened once more and his head lay on her shoulder. Koumei's gaze was filled with concern and understanding as he wiped away her tears. Sensing the shift in her mood, Sirius nuzzled closer against her side and let out a low whine as his eyes shone with worry. Breaking the semi-heavy silence that had fallen over them, Kouen rumbled softly in her ear, "Iris, we...We care about you deeply, too."

Turning her head to glance at him, Iris saw the tenderness and a hint of regret within his wine-red eyes. It was as if he wished he could erase the pain she had experienced. Looking towards Koumei as his fingers gingerly tugged at her chin, she saw the earnest look in his gaze, his voice was soft, "You're not alone in that fear, Iris. The entire time we were away from you...while you were in the coma, we were filled with the fear that the updates would one day stop and we'd never see you again...hear your voice..." He ran his thumb along her cheek as his hand shifted to cup her cheek again, "Both of us would rather be with you than away."

Her lips pulled into a small teary smile, Iris felt an overwhelming warmth from the two men who had become an unexpected anchor in her life. Speaking in a voice barely above a whisper, she finally spoke the words that had eluded her in their presence since the feeling had begun to form, "I love you...both of you," She heard two sharp intakes of breath as Koumei's eyes widen, "I have for a long time though could never find the words to say it until now."

There was a startled chuckle from Kouen, Iris turned her head to look at him in curiosity. Deep-seated warmth filled his eyes, Kouen pressed a gentle kiss to her lips before pulling back to murmur, "I love you too."

"As do I," Koumei let out a low laugh and she looked at him to see a soft smile on his face, "I was planning on telling you when we were alone, but I suppose this works just as well,"

Cheeks flushing at that admittance, Iris asked him, "When were you planning to tell me?"

"During the next time we had lunch together at my palace," Koumei replied with an amused smile.

"While I planned on telling you tonight," Kouen dragged her attention back to him and Iris gifted him with a raised eyebrow, "Or tomorrow morning, I hadn't quite decided on which just yet. All I knew was I'd tell you after I finally had a chance to have you in my arms again,"

Her cheeks darkened as she realized exactly what Kouen meant, Iris coughed and looked away earning a loud laugh. Sirius let out a cheerful bark that transformed into a tired yawn. She giggled and picked the cub up, "Are you tired, Buddy?" He licked her nose and wagged his tail, "I better get you to bed then," She began getting up, "I'll be back once Sirius is asleep."

Tightening his grip around Iris's waist, Kouen prevented her from getting far earning a surprised yelp. He spoke softly in her ear, "Come to my room instead, I'd much rather hold you in my arms as soon as possible."

Swallowing as he released her, Iris nodded even as it felt like her cheeks must have resembled Kouen's hair at that moment. Moving to leave the sitting room, she shook her head and cuddled Sirius against her chest.