Verdant Skies

As Iris steps into Kouen's dimly lit room, the flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows on the walls. Kouen stood by the fireplace as he had that night months ago and Koumei was sitting on one of the armchairs with a book in his lap. Letting the door close behind her with a soft click, she walked deeper into the room as Kouen turned his eyes away from the flickering flames. Speaking in a light tone to disguise the slight nerves that were kicking up, she told him, "While not as warm as the forge, the servants have your rooms a lot warmer than most of the palace."

Letting out a soft chuckle, Kouen's eyes were warm as he set down his wine glass on the mantle. Koumei snorted softly as he closed his book with a soft thud, "That's because En loathes the cold, I think that's why he has a penchant for fire-aligned Djinn."

Humming with a soft giggle as she moved closer to the two, Iris gifted Kouen with an amused smile, "Should I be worried that you only keep me around because I can turn into a dragon then?"

Eyes glinting with a mischievous light that wouldn't look out of place with his youngest brother, Kouen took a step closer towards her, "Well, that's certainly a plus, but it's not the only reason."

Out of the corner of her eye, Iris spotted Koumei setting his book down with a look of amusement on his face. Focusing on Kouen as he began getting closer to her, she felt her heartbeat quicken at the intensity of his gaze. Feigning curiosity, she teased him, "Oh, do tell."

Closing the distance between them, Kouen wrapped his arms around her waist, "Your ability to turn into a dragon is just one of the many things I adore about you," He pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek, "I adore you for so much more."

Chiming in from his place on the armchair, Koumei called out, "Yes, like your ability to apparently cause destruction with Judar," She giggled at his dry tone, "Which I still wish to know how you managed to do that without anyone realizing it was actually you."

"Magic has its benefits especially when you've learned how to hide traces of yourself and according to Judar, my magic doesn't linger for very long," Iris peered around Kouen's to grin at him, "Judar is still sulky about getting into trouble for some of the messes we didn't clean up,"

"I'll bet," Kouen snorted softly while pressing another kiss to her cheek, "Perhaps I should have you help me with his punishment for his part in your injury,"

Giggling and shaking her head softly, Iris tapped his arm lightly, "As much as I love playing with Judar, I refuse to use my magic for something that could be considered a punishment. Well...against someone besides my friends," She saw a curious look enter Kouen's eyes and heard a soft sound of interest leave Koumei, "Basically speaking, I won't do that kind of thing against someone who can't defend themself against it if they're technically a friend. Enemies are fine, I don't mind it since they're more than likely going to die, but friends and innocents are off limits."

Amusement and fascination flickered through Kouen's gaze as his arms tightened, he spoke in a low voice that held a teasing lit to it, "So, you don't have any revenge schemes planned for Judar and Kouha, then?"

"Now that would be telling," Iris offered him a mischievous smile and was gifted a soft kiss in return.

Warm fingers slid along her back and she was pressed against Kouen's chest as he sighed into the kiss, Iris almost shut her eyes and went to deepen the kiss when she heard Koumei move. Breaking the kiss, she shifted to peer at him in curiosity. Wearing a light smile, Koumei walked towards them as he commented, "So you do have plans for them, you just don't want to risk them being ruined."

"Got it in one," Iris confirmed as Kouen shifted to peer at his younger brother, "But don't worry, they'll be fine...just inconvenience...massively,"

Snorting softly, Koumei smiled as he cupped her cheek, "Just ensure it doesn't happen when Kouha has to do any important duties, alright? He may not have many, but the few he does have cannot be messed up."

"I know," Iris had already been marking down which things in Kouha's schedule she needed to avoid, "You're not worried about Judar?"

"He can take care of himself for the most part," Koumei's thumb ran along her cheek, "So not really,"

With a soft laugh, Kouen pressed a gentle kiss to Iris's forehead, "You do have a way with those two, don't you?"

Eyes gleaming with mischief as she leaned into him, Iris grinned teasingly, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Pressing another kiss to her lips, Kouen deepened it as her eyes slid shut and warmth flooded her veins. Practically boxing her in against Kouen, Koumei's other hand settled against her waist as his hand dropped down to curl around her shoulder. There was a soft smile on Kouen's lips as he pulled away from the kiss, the warmth in his gaze almost made her want to melt, "I missed you."

"I missed both of you," Iris murmured as her eyes shifted between Kouen and Koumei.

Leaning to press a kiss to her cheek as his fingers flexed, Koumei's voice was soft as he spoke, "We're here now and don't plan on leaving any time soon."

Heart swelling with a mixture of emotions and warmth, Iris dropped one of her hands from Kouen's chest to find one of Koumei's. Her fingers curled tightly around his, she spoke softly, "Even if that isn't something you can actually promise, I am so very glad you're both here."

Because she knew that their duties would ultimately pull them away from her again, they would never actually know when that would be and Iris would just have to hope it wouldn't come so quickly next time. Kouen's grip tightened around her waist though he didn't deny her words. Instead, he pressed a lingering kiss to her lips once more before rumbling out, "Let's go lay down, I have stood far too much today and it's been far too long since the last time I've seen you in my bed."

Part of her wanted to falter at his lack of denial at her words, Iris simply smiled warmly at him instead and nodded while allowing herself to be guided to the bed. Kicking off the soft slippers she'd pulled on before leaving her room, she climbed through the draperies and made her way towards the pillows. Arms curled around her waist before she got even halfway to the pillows, she was tugged against Kouen's chest once again. Fingers dragged down her sides almost gently as if he wasn't sure how much pressure to use, she arched into the touch. Her heart began thrumming against her rib cage, she turned her head and Kouen caught her lips in a kiss that stole the breath from her lungs.

Opening her mouth to him at the first swipe of his tongue, Iris moaned as the taste of him fully hit her for the first time since he'd left. There was a low sound from him, it rumbled deep from his chest and seemed to radiate into her. His fingers dug into her sides as they dragged down to her hips, she felt the bed dip in front of her before Koumei's fingers were gently tugging at her tunic. Breaking the kiss as his fingers found their way underneath her tunic, she dropped her head back against Kouen's shoulder at the feeling of Koumei's warm hands on her skin. His fingers stilled on her left side just as they began brushing against the new scar that settled there, she cracked open an eye at him as he murmured, "Iris...does it hurt you? The injury..."

"It aches from time to time though it's mostly phantom pains," Iris felt his fingers resume their movements though it was far softer and her muscles twitched at the touch, "The cold weather makes it ache, but I already knew it would. With all my past injuries, I've already had to deal with a lot of aches in the winter. What's one more..."

Her words trailed off as Kouen nibbled at her ear, Iris's mouth slid shut as he dropped his mouth to just below her ear and pressed a soft barely-there kiss to the skin. Speaking softly with his lips breathing against her skin, he murmured, "We'll just have to make sure you're all warmed up then."

"I-yeah..." Iris's head tilted to give him more room before she truly realized it.

Low chuckle leaving him, Kouen pressed a lingering kiss to that spot before pulling away much to her dismay. Iris almost started to protest until she felt Koumei tugging her tunic up and she realized what was going on. Starting to help him, she peeled her tunic off along with her chest wrap before tossing them towards the draperies. Her back was pressed against Kouen's chest as soon as she was free of those clothes, she turned her head to kiss him as Koumei's fingers ran along her bare skin. Kouen's hands found her breasts and she arched into the touch with a soft sound that was muffled by the kiss. His thumbs toyed with her nipples, the touches shifted from light to harsh as he squeezed her breasts.

Low sounds left her lips as Koumei began dragging down her pants and underwear, Iris moaned into Kouen's mouth as Koumei's fingers brushed against the damp curls hiding her slit from him. At the first stroke of a finger between her legs, she jolted at the nearly unfamiliar touch as her back pressed harder against Kouen. Only when Koumei's thumb began to run familiar circles along her clit did she nearly relax against him, the heat coiling its way down her spine growing as he began pressing a finger into her. Breaking away from Kouen's mouth as her legs tried to clamp around Koumei's hand, she grasped at his shoulders as her chest heaved with each panted breath. Another finger pressed into her as Koumei kissed her stomach, she peered into his eyes as Kouen nipped at that sensitive spot just below her ear.

Lips curling into a light smile, Koumei murmured, "That expression...it's been far too long since I've seen it."

Barely managing to stifle a moan, Iris's eyes went half lidden as she felt him adjust the pressure he was applying to her clit. Her breath hitched at the feeling, she dug her nails into his shoulders as the obscene sound of his fingers moving inside of her seemed to echo. Breathe catching as her nerves seemed to catch fire from the heat starting to race through her veins, she could feel sweat gathering along her back as a coil quickly built up. Her end came when Kouen nipped at that spot closest to her neck and Koumei pinched her clit, she crashed over the edge with a harsh gasp as her hips bucked against.

As she was coming down, Iris was laid down against the pillows as Koumei tugged her pants and underwear off the rest of the way before tossing them to join the rest of her things. Kouen tugged her to lay against his chest as he leaned back against the pillows and she tilted her head to look at him. Her skin felt sensitive to every touch, she felt it as Koumei settled down next to them and reached out to grab his hand. Threading their fingers together, Koumei brought their hands up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. Pulling him close to her, she kissed Koumei as Kouen's fingers ran down her side.

Deepening the kiss as Koumei's other hand gripped at her hip, Iris sighed as she slid her unoccupied hand into Koumei's hair. Soft kisses were being pressed to her shoulder, she shifted to give Kouen more access while doing her best to avoid breaking the kiss with Koumei. Breaking the kiss her breath hitched when she felt those kisses start to go upward, she was proud of herself for not stiffening despite how hyper-aware of Kouen's mouth on her neck was. His lips were warmer than the collar ever had been, they were soft and just a bit wet though whether that was from the sweat or their kisses, she wasn't too sure. Her fingers twitched almost violently, Koumei's voice cut in as she struggled to breathe properly, "Iris..."

"I..." Iris took a deep breath as she forced her fingers to relax, "I-it's h-hard to f-focus, b-but," She felt her breathing come a bit easier the longer Kouen simply kept brushing his lips against her neck without really putting any pressure behind them, "It's g-getting easier. J-just d-don't..."

Raising his head from her neck, Kouen kissed Iris's cheek softly as she relaxed against him again, "Put much pressure on your neck, I know. Just like when I first started with the base of it."

Ducking down again, Kouen pressed soft kisses to her neck being careful to avoid the area where her scar rested. Her breath hitched and she stiffened though Koumei was quick to distract her, Iris focused when he settled between her legs and she felt his warm breath against her slit. At the first pass of his tongue, she felt her entire body jerk and jolt from the mixed signals that flared through it. With Koumei between her legs, she couldn't instinctively close them despite the instinct of her body. Hand dropping to Koumei's head, she grasped as his tongue flatted and ran along the length of her slit. Her head slowly dropped against Kouen's shoulder as heat threaded down her spine, the low groan that left Koumei as his tongue sank into her and curled radiated into her core.

Slowly the kisses on her neck gained more pressure as Koumei began paying attention to her clit, Iris's head dug into Kouen's shoulder as Koumei slipped two fingers into her. Her entire body trembled as pleasure seared its way down her spine, she gripped Koumei's hair all the harder as the instinct to push him away and pull him closer struck. Whimpers and whines started to leave her lips, she cried out as Koumei sucked harshly at her clit. Pleasure bit at her as she came, the slightest pressure of Koumei's teeth against the sensitive nub as he sucked on her clit sent her over the edge.

Body slumping against Kouen as Koumei pulled away from her, Iris felt Kouen pull away from her neck. Turning her head to peer at him, she released Koumei's hair to touch his face. Catching her hand with an amused smile, Kouen kissed the tips of her fingers as Koumei shifted to settle beside them. She turned her head to peer at Koumei, "You distracted me."

There was no accusation in her tone, Iris was merely stating a fact. Koumei offered her a small smile as he reached out to trail a finger along her cheek, "I did," He shifted to lay on his side and propped himself up on an elbow, "Are you mad?"

"No," Iris felt far too content to be mad, "I might be tomorrow," Kouen and Koumei both snorted softly, "I'm a bit surprised though," She heard a noise of interest come from Kouen as he ran a soothing hand along her side, "You both have touched me, but we haven't ventured towards actually fucking," She felt a small amount of guilt at being the only one that seemed to be getting off, "What's going on?"

"Everything today was far too tiring to make me desire sex though I'll next say no to seeing you enjoy yourself," Koumei smiled softly at her, "There'll be another time when I'm not tired,"

"While I would like to fuck you for a few hours," Kouen admitted earning a soft giggle as his fingers trailed along her side teasingly, "I am admittedly too tired to do that. And since I'd rather ensure the first time I fuck you after finally returning doesn't end for a few hours, I don't want to do that tonight,"

"So..." Iris shifted about until she was sitting up and peering down at the two with her arms crossed across her chest, "You two decided that you'd just spend tonight seeing what reactions you could get out of me without fucking my brains out?"

"Basically," Kouen reached out to laid a hand on her hip, "And to reaffirm our memories of your body," Iris's eyes went half-lidded at his touch, "Don't get me wrong, I have every intention of ensuring you won't be able to walk for a few days once I finally have a chance," She shivered at the thought, "For the moment though, you'll have to simply enjoy everything we're offering,"

Opening her mouth, Iris closed it as she realized it'd be pretty stupid to protest. She sighed heavily with a small frown, "I'm annoyed with you both," She saw them frown at her, "While I am happy you're looking out for my benefit, you forget that I enjoy things more when you both get something out of it as well."

"But we are," Kouen reached out with his other hand and grasped one of her hands, "After all, we get to see your reactions,"

Opening her mouth to argue that seeing her reactions couldn't be enough, Iris faltered as Kouen brought her hand down to feel his cock. Cheeks flushing darkly as she felt how hard it was and swallowed at the heated look in his eyes, she murmured, "I-you-but-"

"So trust me when I say seeing your reactions is quite enjoyable," Kouen dragged her closer with his other hand and she stumbled into his chest, "Now we should probably get some sleep, I'm sure Father will find some reason for us to head to the Main Palace early tomorrow,"

Pushing herself up, Iris reflexively gripped what was in her hand and Kouen hissed sharply. Releasing his cock as a noise of surprise left her, she started to apologize only for Kouen to capture her lips in a harsh kiss as his hand grasped the back of her head. Opening her lips with a gasp as teeth nipped at her bottom lip harshly, she wrapped her arms around Kouen's neck. Kiss softening after a few moments, Kouen broke it and pressed their foreheads together as she murmured, "T-that was an unexpected reaction."

Snorting at her, Kouen muttered, "You squeezed my cock. What do you expect?"

"How about we get settled before you decide being exhausted tomorrow is worth it?" Koumei suggested with a low chuckle.

"I need my clothes if we're doing that then," Iris pushed at Kouen's shoulders with an eye roll as he tugged her closer, "Warm as you both are, I am not about to sleep naked while it's so cold regardless of how warm you've gotten your room,"

Fingers tapped against the arm of his chair, Kouen found his thoughts drifting from the council meeting Father had insisted they take part in. The weight of the responsibilities he bore as the First Prince and the discussions of political matters seemed like a distant echo. Swirling through his mind were the thoughts of Iris and the confessions brought about last night after they'd finally been reunited, He felt the phantom presence of Iris's body pressed against his and could almost taste her on his lips. Even now he burned to return to his palace and take her into his arms again, he wouldn't stop himself from actually taking her this time.

But even after this meeting, Kouen would be stuck within this palace until night had fallen, and upon his return, he'd be forced to deal with his siblings as they invaded his palace with their customary disregard for his privacy. Led by Hakuei and Kouha, they would no doubt act as nosy as possible while Koumei and he deflected their attempts to invade his personal life once more. Lips almost twitching at the thought, he forced himself to focus on the meeting at hand. But as time passed, he found his focus slipping once more back to Iris as the meeting continued to drag on.

His sigh of relief when the meeting was finally concluded was nearly audible, Koumei tossed him an amused glance as they both stood and began walking from the room. Nuding his side as they slipped through door door, Koumei spoke softly, "Thoughts elsewhere, Brother?"

"Can you blame me?" Kouen grunted while ignoring the snicker that left Koumei.

His shoulder slumped slightly as they walked through the grand halls of the main palace, Kouen couldn't wait until they finally headed home for the night. As they turned a corner, he went to speak only to pause as his eyes locked onto Gyokuen's form as the woman made her way down the hall towards them. There was a slight smile on her lips, the gleam in her eyes was practically poisonous as she spotted them. His chest burned with the urge to simply strike her down for everything she'd put Iris through, he forced down that urge despite the desire to see the bitch's head roll. Sharing a small glance with Koumei, he began walking once more and only paused when Gyokuen addressed them with a smile filled with faux sweetness, "Ah, Kouen and Koumei," The poisonous gleam in her eyes practically glowed, "How wonderful it is to see you both! I was wondering if I'd see you wandering about the palace any time soon."

Muscles in his jaw jumping as he clenched it shut, Kouen bit back the angry retort that wanted to leave him. Somehow always managing to remain calm and composed, Koumei addressed Gyokuen, "Stepmother, our duties cannot wait even if we would like to rest as you well know."

"Such a formal tone," Gyokuen mock pouted at them as she purred, she looked them over with narrowed eyes, "It's almost like you don't think of me as family,"

The urge to bring his sword down on her was growing by the minute. Breathing in through his nose, Kouen kept his face stoic as Koumei's expression betrayed little of his thoughts. Gyokuen's thinly veiled attempts at manipulating emotions had become all too familiar, but the mention of family touched a nerve. There was a bitter taste in his mouth as he spoke, the words heavy and coated with some spite, "Family?" He stared down his nose at Gyokuen, "We seem to have differing meanings of the word," He turned from her and resumed walking, "We have business to attend to. Koumei."

"Oh, Kouen," Gyokuen purred as feigned innocence dripped from her voice, "One would think you hate me based on how you're acting," He barely managed to keep his face straight as he paused mid-step though didn't bother looking towards her, "Which is startling given the fact I'm your stepmother,"

There was a slight tone to her voice that set his nerves on edge, Kouen barely managed to keep himself from glancing back at Gyokuen as Koumei spoke, "You're well aware of your place in our lives, Gyokuen. For all that you're our step-mother and the current Empress, the hold you have over our lives lay in Father's control,"

Mentally smirking as he heard a soft sound leave the bitch, Kouen knew Koumei had touched a nerve with that reminder. Almost starting to walk away again, he froze as Gyokuen spoke. Voice coated with honey and far lower than before, Gyokuen stepped just a bit closer to Kouen and Koumei, "That little artist of yours...Iris? She is quite the fragile little thing," Kouen's spine stiffened and he heard Koumei's breath hitch, "It was such a pity what happened to her while you were away."

His fingers clenched into fists beneath the long sleeves of his kimono, Kouen's jaw clenched ever harder as he turned towards Gyokuen with a scowl. It took everything in him to fight against the urge to draw his sword on Gyokuen now and behead the bitch. Koumei shot a warning glance at him as he said, "Yes though thankfully she alright now."

"Indeed," Gyokuen's eyes were filled with malice as she offered them a faux smile, "Such...wondrous luck that those companions of hers showed up when they did," Kouen's eyes narrowed at the bitch, "You know it brings to mind such interesting rumors that were coming out of the Goulon Empire, especially during your campaign there,"

"Rumors," Kouen grunted as he glared at Gyokuen, "I didn't take you for a rumor monger,"

His eyes bore into Gyokuen's smug ones as anger simmered beneath his skin, the fiery intensity of it nearly boiling Kouen alive as his Djinn all began to clamor for her head at once. With how thin his patience was wearing, he was ready to give into them for once. As if sensing his faltering patience, Koumei stepped closer both as a show of support and to act as a way of steadying him. Seemingly unfazed by his glare, Gyokuen let out a soft giggle, "Oh, just whispers among the nobility, you know," She tilted her head softly, "Some say that that group...the one you two have taken under your wing especially, are quite the abnormal bunch. Blood and death seem to follow in their wake..."

Snorting as Gyokuen trailed off, Kouen reminded her, "The Goulon Empire was dealing with a madman for a ruler. I wouldn't trust most of what comes out of their noble's mouths."

"True enough..." Gyokuen chuckled softly as Kouen shook his head, "But then again, I think it's interesting that the dragon they so prided themselves on just...decided to abandon them the moment our forces decided to go against theirs. And the first major battle? It was sighted with your army," Kouen's spine stiffened though he tried not to show any outward sign of alarm, "Not only that, the dragon disappeared from the Goulon Empire completely when our forces pulled out. It was seen recently within our borders and according to reports, Prince Kouha was seen on its back..."

"Interesting..." Kouen forced himself to chuckle.

"But in your reports, you never mentioned the dragon...at all," Gyokuen tapped her fan against her lips, "Which begs to question...why?" She opened it with a soft snap and covered her mouth, "Wouldn't it be pertinent information to give us? A new group of powerful allies? Especially if one of them can control a dragon?

Mentally snorting at the fact Gyokuen was fishing for information, Kouen was able to keep himself calm as Koumei took another step forward. Hand dropping to his arm, Koumei spoke in a measured tone, "The Goulon Empire's internal strife was not our concern. We focused on fulfilling our mission. Any assistance we received was welcomed, but the particulars of such help were not significant enough to warrant inclusion in our reports."

"Ah, such discretion," Gyokuen chuckled, her voice dripping with mockery, "One wonders what other details you've conveniently omitted," She closed her fan with a soft snap, "But...how is darling little Iris?" Kouen barely kept his face straight as she said Iris's name, "The incident that occurred in the noble's district during your absence—quite the unfortunate turn of events. It was so...heartwarming to see you both show such care for her even during a busy time like a campaign,"

His chest tightened with rage at the mention of Iris's name, the fact Gyokuen was acting so innocent of what she'd done to Iris made him seethe. It was only Koumei's hand on his arm that kept Kouen from reaching for his sword. Kouen grunted softly, "She's fine."

"Oh, how wonderful," Gyokuen let out a soft giggle, "I was so very scared that she'd meet her end because of that dreadful incident," Kouen's jaw clenched so hard that he could swear his teeth were cracking, "Honestly though," Gyokuen's smile turned malicious, "Seeing how...intertwined you all are, it makes me wonder just how well she'd fare if the circumstances ever changed,"

Kouen's eyes blazed with an intensity that could rival the flames of his Djinn as he glared at Gyokuen. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to unleash the full force of his rage upon her, the desire to make her pay for every ounce of suffering she'd caused increased by the minute. However, he held himself back, knowing that resorting to violence at this moment wouldn't serve anyone save for the bitch before him. Despite his face continuing to remain calm, Koumei's grip tightened harshly as his gaze burned with the same intensity that his own did. His voice was measured as he addressed Gyokuen, Koumei's eyes held a darker sort of malice than he'd seen in a long time from his calmest brother, "Stepmother, Iris's well-being is not a matter for idle conversation. It's our concern, and we will ensure her safety."

Head tilting as she feigned innocence, Gyokuen blinked her eyes, "Oh, I'm sure you both will. After all, you're so very protective over those under your protection."

His jaw tightened at the way she said that, Kouen managed to keep his composure, "Indeed. And no one under our protection is your concern."

Laughter rang out as Gyokuen threw her head back, a twisted smile curled across her lips, "Such strong words, my dear sons. But don't forget your place. I may not have the same influence as your father, but I still hold a certain position."

Seemingly impassive as his grip tightened, Koumei replied in a deadly calm tone, "We are well aware of your position, Gyokuen. But do not overstep your bounds."

Leaning towards them as she ignored the thinly veiled warning, Gyokuen's voice dropped into a dangerous whisper, "The palace and area around it are vast, my dearest sons. Filled with shadows and secrets that you've never grasped, it's so very easy for...accidents to happen. Especially to someone like your precious little Iris," A dangerous glint flickered through Gyoken's eyes, "Accidents that can't be easily traced back to anyone," Gyokuen took a step back as Kouen's anger flared and Koumei's stoicism fractured for a fracture of a second, "Have a wonderful rest of your day, my sons. And do please give your darling Iris my best."

With that, Gyokuen sauntered away down the hallway as Kouen seethed with barely restrained fury. Only Koumei's firm touch on his arm kept him from actively running down the hall after her and slaughtering the bitch where she stood, he trembled with the effort to stay where he stood. Taking a deep breath, he tugged on Phenex's calming presence even as the female Djinn seethed. Voice low as he spoke, Koumei's fingers were tight enough that he had a feeling his younger brother would be leaving bruises to match the ones Iris often left on his skin, "We'll let her play those games for now. Let her think she's won..." Koumei looked at him with blazing eyes, "While we continue to protect Iris and ensure Gyokuen finds herself wholly unsatisfied in the end."

Eyes going to where Gyokuen was turning a corner, Kouen forced himself to nod and turn away, "Right."

Taking a break as her body began to protest, Iris dropped onto one of the low garden benches beside Luna while Ginny and Kouha continued to play with Sirius. Taking the offered cup of water from Luna, she drank deeply and took a moment to catch her breath. Eyes closing for a moment, she toyed with the cup in her hand only to sigh as Luna said, "You can ask me, Ris. I won't give you the run-around, ya know."

Opening her eyes as a heavy feeling settled within her chest, Iris sighed heavily, "I know..." The heavy feeling lightened as she watched Sirius trip up Kouha and Ginny forcing them to fall into a mud puddle much to their shock, "You're not staying in Kou for much longer...are you?"

Dreamy expression softening, Luna grasped one of Iris's hands in hers, "You knew it wouldn't last long, Ris. Not after Kouen and Koumei finally returned, we have more places to wander and people to meet. The paths that both of us walk require different things though even now I know that we'll meet again," Iris looked at Luna and saw an earnest look in the blonde's cornflower blue eyes, "It would be far too boring if we never saw one another again."

"True enough," Iris managed to smile softly at Luna, "It just won't be the same without you three here. I'm just starting to get used to having Kouha run into the palace and complain about Ginny waking him up in the middle of the night because he irritated her during the day," They both giggled softly, "And...Sirius is going to miss you three,"

"And we'll miss him," Luna tugged her into a soft hug, "But there's no need to be a sentimental dragon, Ris," Iris snorted softly, "After all, it won't be forever,"

Something in Luna's tone caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand up, Iris's stomach dropped with unease. She tensed at the underlying tone as it was never good for Luna to have one in her voice. Fingers gripping the porcelain in her hands just a bit tighter, she spoke softly, "Luna...?"

Breathe a soft exhale that held far more weight to it than it should have, Luna's lips curled into a bittersweet smile as the blonde's eyes closed, "Our reunion will not be one brought on because of happiness, Ris. For all that you dislike the words, the threads of fate and destiny are intricate little things that dislike being shorn from their chosen path."

Low growl rumbling from her chest, Iris felt the sting of tears at the back of her eyes. Pulling away from Luna, she wanted to scream at the blonde for using those words but held back because Luna couldn't truly help it. As a seer, Destiny and Fate were pretty much her bread and butter. The fact that their friends never relied on the gift she'd been given had been a balm on the blonde's soul. Times like this though, they knew Luna was being serious and it made her want to scream. Setting down the cup that was already beginning to crack, she gifted Luna with a harsh look, "What can you tell me?"

"The bloodstained nation will close to you," Luna's gaze was filled with tears as Iris flinched back knowing that was Ron's favorite nickname for Kou, "Shadows will converge upon it barring the nation from you even as the elder dragon and star-cast prince try to stop it. Pain like no other will rip through you and on wings of verdant green, you will run with the Dog Star as many pathways open before you. One pathway, the one where our Otter and terrier rest, lay in the ocean-locked light. The other will be in the Golden Bastion of Prosperity. When the time comes, I...Ris, come to the Golden Bastion and seek us out. Please..."

Chills crawled down Iris's spine at Luna's words, it felt like someone was squeezing her throat as the world around them seemed to lose color. For the first time since they'd met, Luna had given her a prophecy. Swallowing as she worked through the words, she knew that Kou was the bloodstained nation. Elder Dragon was likely Kouen because he was the only other person who was even halfway dragon-like, the star-cast prince had to be Koumei because of Dantalion and the fact he loved Astronomy. Dog star was Sirius, she would flee Kou with him though why? Shaking her head softly, she asked Luna, "Luna, why...what's going to happen?"

"It's all cloudy, Ris," Luna's eyes were tear-filled as she reached for Iris's hands, "I just know that something bad is going to happen. It's going to hurt you enough that you'll be forced to leave and...you won't see Kouen or Koumei for a long time afterward,"

Her heart felt like it was breaking, Iris shook her head and let Luna take her hand, "Luna, I...I'll consider your words, but I'm not going to let them dictate me. You know that."

There was a sad look in Luna's eyes, the blonde murmured, "I know, Ris...I know..." She sniffed softly, "Will you promise me that you'll find us in the Golden Bastion once the time comes...if it does?"

Despite her wish to shout denials at Luna, Iris nodded as she replied, "Yeah...Sirius and I will seek you out if things come to that. I mean we'll be able to find Ron and Hermione afterward, right? So...yeah, we can."

Body slumping against the backrest of their bench, Luna sighed heavily, "Thank you, Ris."

As they turned back to the mud fight that had developed, Iris felt the weight of Luna's prophecy settling heavily in her heart. The desire to reject it outright was tempting as it meant she'd get to ignore the possibility of a future filled with pain and separation. However, Luna's sincerity and the genuine concern in her eyes made it impossible to dismiss the words entirely. Determination flickered through her, she wouldn't take the prophecy lying down as nothing in her life would ever be determined by 'fate' and its bitch of a sister 'destiny' again. No matter what happened in the future, she would fight to ensure she'd get to stay with Kouen and Koumei.