Nearly There (Pt.3)

Lucian rests against the boulder, Iris next to him, laying on her belly. His attention is drawn to his family and friends talking amongst eachother casually for the first time since escaping Faerdham.

"I'm glad they feel safe enough to let their guard down." Lucian remarks to Iris.

She purrs in agreement.

Lucian sighs.

"I'll never be able to let mine down. I know that the moment I do, the world will crack beneath my feet. Like it always does." 

Iris moans to affirm his statement.

Lucian rubs Iris's belly.

"You can't let your guard down either."

Iris responds by perching her ears and checking their surroundings.

Lucian watches Iris as she does so.

'Tell me you can sense it too.'

  "Hss." Iris rumbles in a low tone.

"They've been following us for some time. I'm surprised you didn't notice."

Iris's hackles raise, and she attempts to rise to her paws.