[IC] Female Warriors of Feudal Japan

[HylianRose]

Ageha didn't quite know what to think. Her mind was racing with scenarios. This person... She felt very, very unpredictable. That was what upset Ageha the most. She didn't like not knowing what was going to happen. She kept her hand at her sides, ready to grab her weapons should she need to. She noticed Hanami-san lower her bow slightly after something the woman did. What? Ageha's brows furrowed. We do not know this woman, yet Hanami-san is lowering her guard? Why?

Ageha continued to watch, her brows still furrowed with confusion. Maybe it was something they knew but she didn't being the new guard. Maybe... She watched Asuka-san move in slowly, clearly agitated but trying to calm the situation down. Ariiko-dono? Who... Who was this woman? Ageha let out the breath of air she didn't know she'd been holding when Asuka walked away with the princess in her arms. Ageha still couldn't relax but at least she knew the princess was safe. She turned to look at both Hanami-san and this new woman. She watched the exchange between Hanami-san and Asuka-san with clear eyes. She couldn't hear much but she could tell the subject of conversation. Well, she thought she could. To them, she thought they were talking about the woman, but what about? Plans? She sighed and continued to stand, appearing calm and collected. She wanted to say something, ask questions but she also knew her place. She would have time to ask questions later.

She turned her head to look at the person who had seemed to cause all of this. Noriaki-san. Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at the woman. She turned back to keep her eyes on Ariiko-san. That woman brought this woman here. Who are they really? Her face shifted a bit as disgust appeared upon her small face. I should have stayed in the shadows and watched for a while. I feel so... exposed and out of the loop. I need questions answered. Questions that I can really only ask myself. Who are this women? Are they all trustworthy? What kind of women are they in truth? Her gaze rose to meet the eyes of the red eyed woman, almost as if she were glaring at her. "Who are you?" She asked, already regretting it. Too late now... She stayed her place, waiting for a response. No matter what happened, she figured they could all handle it. And if not, Ageha would find a way to handle it herself. It would be her mistake anyway.

[SailorMoon]

Hanami nodded in response as Asuka voiced her concerns about Ariiko. "I understand your concerns, Asuka-san -" She sighed as she glanced over to see Ariiko with Noriaki whispering about something. "but, we can't... kill her for flirting with Hime-dono, can we? I'm not so sure she will want to follow us anyway, but if she does. It's better so that we can see her." She spoke softly so that only Asuka could hear her words. Gently, she patted Asuka on the arm to reassure her that they would be just fine with or without Ariiko, and smiled as she went to join Ageha by her side.

Hanami had heard her questioning the two, and chose not to say anything more. Since Ageha was new and pretty young, she would let the green haired girl do what she felt was right - within reason - without stepping on her toes and possibly embarrassing her.

[Fabricant451]

There were those eyes again, different than those of the eyes she remembered looking into the night before, when both women had moved as one. What was with those eyes? They had appeared before, when Ariiko was first thinking of leaving, of leaving Noriaki behind alone and unsatisfied. It was because of those eyes that Noriaki fought so vehemently to keep Ariiko from departing…and now, here they were again, toying around, toying with the young princess, but more importantly – toying with Noriaki’s expectations, to say nothing of her feelings.

The whisper spoken to Noriaki caused the poet to glance towards the princes and then back to the crimson gaze of Ariiko. What kind of offer was that? Such language, so foul and forward. Noriaki was not one for defilement, despite having been with her share of pre-bloomed flowers, and she had a suspicion that until the night prior Ariiko was one of those, but she never considered it defiling. Such negative connotations that word held, and Noriaki found herself shaking her head.

“If what you speak is true, Ariiko, about my pleasure being only for you,” Noriaki cared not that she was speaking aloud, “then why do you need the princess as well? I was willing, I still am willing, to turn my back on an assignment from the top, all for you. That’s akin to desertion, that’s akin to signing my death warrant. I am willing to give my life away, all for you, for you are my muse. And this is how you think it best to treat me? To instead offer a chance for both of us to bed the princess? No. No, I’m not going to play this game, Ariiko, and if you were not serious in your words the last night as I was, then say so now. Say so now, so I will not be hurt down the line. Say so now, so that I may continue to long for Kaede or Akane or Asuka in good conscience. It is Starlight, or it is darkness.”

Noriaki’s eyes were narrowed, showing a hint of anger that, until now, had not been seen by any, least of all Noriaki.

[ReaptheMusic]

In that moment, the crimson-eyed Ariiko merely smirked at Noriaki... and slowly faded. After blinking, Ariiko had returned, her chocolate brown eyes looking back at an angry Noriaki. Her face fell and she reached up to caress the poets cheek. "It is Starlight."
She glanced at the green haired woman, demanding her name. "Ariiko. Hideniyo. Daughter of the Samurai of the Sun..." She glanced at Noriaki. If she were to truly remain by her side, Noriaki... needed to know the truth. She glanced at the companions walking away and ushered her Starlight to follow, but behind the others. Ariiko spoke, in a hushed tone to the poet. "There is... darkness in me, Starlight. Much of it not of my own doing. I fear sharing it with you now as it may drive you back..." She looked at Noriaki, genuinely stressed. "I wonder, at times, if I'm going mad." She blinked, and looked Noriaki in the eyes. "You... were my first, last night you know."

"Weakness," Ida hissed. "You show weakness to a one night fluke?" Ariiko visibly cringed, but ultimately ignored the words of the demon.

"It's clear to me that you've made the decision before meeting me to travel with these people. In that regards, I ask you to finish this journey before we embark anywhere else."

[HylianRose]

Ageha sighed as she watched the girl's eye return to their former color. Was she possessed? She knew the woman's name was Ariiko and it wasn't like the name really gave her any clues either. The woman would remain a mystery to her until more was revealed. Then again most of the women were just that to her now. She sighed. It would take time for her to truly understand her companions. Still, it could be much much worse. Her body tensed up at the thought. She never wanted to relive that ever again. She'd rather die.

Just then, she noticed a presence very near her and when she looked over, Hanami-san was standing close by her. She felt her body relax but her cheeks grow red hot. She turned her face again. She needed to get over this infatuation. She had a job to do, she couldn't afford to spend her time gawking at beautiful women. Though... She sneaked a glance at Hanami again. She wouldn't mind making clothes for her to wear... She already had an idea for a yukata that would look beautiful on her...

[Silver Fox]

Mizuki blinked as Asuka came over and pretty much snatched her away from the strange woman. Honestly the Princess didn't know if she should be offended or not for being treated like some priceless vase merchants are fighting over. Still she rested her head against the Ronin's shoulders as her ears twitched as she listened to the conversation. Not really understanding why Noriaki seemed upset. Ariiko had only picked her up, it wasn't really that big of a deal.

Looking at Asuka and Hanami as they spoke, she raised a curious eyebrow at them. Flirting? But they were all women, so such a thing seemed unlikely. Sure her brother had spoken on a matter between men as some royalty males found it endearing to have both beautiful women and beautiful men but not ones between girls. Still she gave them a disapproving frown at them.

"It doesn't mean she's bad if she just picks me up like that. No need to harm her. I find her interesting and wouldn't mind if she accompanied us. After all Asuka-San, your holding me the same way and I don't know you all that well either." Mizuki said with a soft teasing smile as she crossed her arms over her chest, looking up at the taller figure.

[Rusalka]

"Oro?" Even if the Princess was rather naive to the dangers of this new but harrowing world that lurked just outside the very majestic gates of her father's palace, Asuka couldn't deny how adorable it was quite frankly. She smiled lightly to the small body in her arms, giving a brief chuckle before answering their fair Hime, "That I am indeed, Hime-dono. How forgetful of me, that it is." She laughed briefly before setting down their noble Princess on her own two feet, her dark blue eyes moving from the young half-demon girl to the miko, the words and the touch of her reassurance still buzzing about the bewildered and suspicious mind of Asuka. Still...this one shall keep her guard up about this Ariiko-dono, that she will indeed. And again another woman Asuka was keeping her wits about was the new arrival to the group, Ageha, already seeming to the ronin to have already taken a liking to Hanami...the very same feelings Asuka was apprehensive to reciprocate unto the beautiful miko.

Even so, this journey is not for finding the woman who shall fulfill my happiness for years to come, certainly it isn't. I must relinquish all thoughts towards Miko-dono, if I am to remained focused to the task ahead, that I certainly must do, but...Miko-dono....she is beautiful, her frailty more exuberant than any sakura blossom that flourishes in late spring...GAH! What am I doing? I must focus, that indeed I must! Already again, Asuka could feel the burning sensation beneath the skin of her face, crystal beads of sweat pooling at the tip of her forehead and trickling down past her eyes. Quickly, the warrior wiped it away, along with any sort of longing ponders towards the lovely shrine maiden, but dammit all if she didn't take one look upon the girl and already was she smitten again, not to mention bearing a petty envy towards Ageha-dono. Focus, you must! To distract the mind is to encourage Death, just as Natsumi-sensei has taught you. Odd how that name came to fruition. Then Asuka's thoughts wandered elsewhere. How long had it been since she had last seen her strict but honorable sword-master? A long time, that's for sure. And if so, then was Natsumi-sensei still alive?

[Fabricant451]

The brown eyes returned and with them the return of the Ariiko that Noriaki was familiar with. So she wasn't hallucinating, her eyes weren't playing tricks on her, weren't blinded by desire; Ariiko's eyes had changed and with it her personality. Noriaki's gaze mellowed, her mood calmed as Ariiko made her choice known, the caress of the cheek sealing the deal. Noriaki even smiled, glad, proud that the right choice was made. Still, there was something about the eyes that caused Noriaki to wonder. What did it mean? Could she truly journey with someone who could so easily...become someone else?

Noriaki hung back alongside Ariiko, their's a conversation meant just for their ears. The fair haired poet listened intently, her chest sinking at the revelations, first that of darkness, then that of the worry of madness. It was the final sentence, that confirmation of Noriaki' belief, that caused the poet to undertake her next action. Mimicking the caress, Noriaki gently slid her hand across Ariiko's cheek before placing her hand onto the woman's shoulder.

"Ariiko, look at me," Noriaki asked, waiting for the request to be met, "Who would I be, but a hypocrite, if I were to be driven away from you over this? I gave my word that we would travel together, and you have made your choice as well simply by choosing me. By choosing Starlight. If you are going mad, then it is my burden to bear. If madness threatens you, then I will drive it off, for you are too precious a resource to lose to such a foul affliction. Ariiko, my divine muse, let the only madness be the madness of love, the madness of desire, the madness of longing, of eternal wanting."

She paused, again slowly gliding a finger along Ariiko's cheek, wanting to comfort the woman in her own way.

"I had my hunch that I was your first, Ariiko, and it is something I'll hold dear, as I hope you do as well. Simply say the word and your second, your third, your future can all be with me, for if you say so, I shall say so as well. Ariiko, I would just as easily forego my supposed journeys with those other women, those who do not see my worth, my value as you do, if it meant we could travel together as promised. Or, perhaps, you could accompany me, so that we can accomplish both. And upon completion the world can be ours to explore. What say you, Ariiko? What say you, my muse?"

[SailorMoon]

The name Ariiko Hideniyo did not sound familiar to her, a lot like the rest of the women's names she had never heard until yesterday's meeting. She watched the black-haired girl curiously, wondering what her next move would be since she seemed quite unpredictable, and the demon possessing her seemed to be able to take over whenever she wanted. Maybe, she could...help Ariiko with her demon if it was that big of problem? Would she be interested in being exorcised so that she could live as a normal human girl once again? Hanami would hate to see her turn out like Kurohebi - a lost cause.

"Come, Ageha-san..." She said softly to the green-haired girl as she took her light and dainty hand into her own. "It looks like these two love-birds want to be left alone." She smiled up at her, and noticed the light blush on Ageha's cheek which made her blush as well. Hanami thought it was adorable how visibly nervous the younger girl was. Really, it was refreshing to meet someone that immediately showed their more... vulnerable side? No one had been particularly hard to get along with, but the women so far were so different in comparison to the people she was used to interacting with. Still, she liked them all and wanted to form lasting friendships - even with Noriaki.

Hanami would lead Ageha back to the main group, hand-in-hand, without saying a word until she approached the others. For some reason, she always looked for Asuka first and saw that the ronin was upset about something. Feeling concerned for her friend, she released Ageha's hand, and walked a little closer to the much taller woman. "Asuka-san...? Is everything okay?" She glanced at Mizuki, pleased to see she was alright and then turned her attention back to Asuka.

[HylianRose]

Maybe... Maybe she should just let herself do as she wanted. But then... Ageha closed her eyes, her brows once again furrowed. Her thoughts were colliding. On one hand, she wanted to simply be herself but part of her screamed not to. Part of her screamed to stay distant. She could feel her heart tense up as if breaking. She felt an obligation to her brother to live in his stead but she also felt a obligation to herself. To be the woman she wanted to be. But... who exactly did she want to be? Who was Yuki? Ageha's face turned sour as her thoughts swirled. She wanted ever so strongly to give up and just be Yuki but her sense of revenge often won and thus she was still Ageha. The beautiful butterfly. A smile crept onto her lips as she thought of her brother, his dark hair blowing ever so slightly in the spring breeze. He'd hated the name but... Yuki had always liked it. She looked up to her brother even if he always went about trying to find himself in the wrong ways. Though, she had to admit his antics had helped her immensely after his death. She was able to protect herself in most cases. She'd even been able to defend herself against unruly customers in the brothel. Yes... He'd always been there for her, in name. So, yes. She was Ageha, the protecting butterfly. She felt the bag tied to her back. She was also the Ōkami no seishin. But then, how could one be both a butterfly and a wolf? She sighed. There are always two sides to a story. Maybe the two spirits are just two parts of my story...

She opened her eyes, her back suddenly straighter and her eyes clearer. The little meditation had done her good, she felt anyway. It would still take some getting used to being around Hanami-san but if Ageha continued to meditate on her purpose and drive, maybe she could push through it. She turned to Hanami-san, her eyes clear and emotionless. but before she was able to say anything, the woman grabbed her hand and began walking towards the rest of the group. So much for her questions, and her cool. Her cheeks were once again a rosy red. Stop doing that to me... She yelled silently in her head. She turned to look at the rest of the group, pausing on the princess. Looks like she'd have to question the princess.

"Mizuki-dono... What are the plans currently? Are we staying in this village for the day? If so, how long will we be staying?" She asked, smothering Mizuki-dono with questions. She wasn't even sure if Mizuki-dono even knew. She just wanted to know if she had anytime to buy some clothing while she was here. She'd been around the shops before today and had a few items she wanted to get. Working on something would give her something to do with her hands anyway. "I hope I'm not asking too many questions. I just... I'm curious." She continued, her face once again still and motionless as she watched the silver haired woman. In the back of her mind, she could still feel the presence of Hanami-san. As if, even though she were a few steps behind/beside Ageha, she could still sense where the black haired woman was. No... She needed to stop. She kept all emotions from her face and watched for a response from the princess.

[Silver Fox]

Smiling as she was set down, she stretched herself out before curiously looking at Asuka who blushed at the sight of Hanami with Ageha in tow. Raising a curious eyebrow, she sniffed a little to calculate what was possibly wrong with her before coming to a minor conclusion. Of course she didn't understand it but she could tell from her own little experience. As the Priestess asked Asuka what was the matter, the princess simply smiled.

"I think Asuka-San is fine Hanami-San. Just a lot on the mind and maybe a little jealous." Mizuki answered in a blunt honest manner before looking at Ageha like nothing she said could enter odd reaction.

Her ears twitched as she sensed some sort of tense atmosphere between the three of them. It wasn't really a dangerous sense... More like a instinctive one telling her something was up. Something that just plain irritated her deep down. Yet she didn't know what it was or why such a feeling came to her. Odd... These odd feelings and instincts just kept getting worse and worse since these extra appendages appeared.

At the questions, Mizuki simply smiled as she thought about this. A little surprised Ageha was asking her opinion on the manner since it seemed her guardians had to do everything. At least it seemed like they were the ones being the control freaks.

"Well I was thinking we would stay until we got some supplies and ate some food before we continue on... Probably leave before the sun reaches the horizon." Mizuki answered, her ears twitching in mild embarrassment as her stomach growled rather loudly.

The half demon actually had a very healthy appetite, eating to thirty plates of food back at home. Though she had been trying hard not to let it overcome her.

[SailorMoon]

"J-jealous?" Large blue eyes blinked innocently and shifted their attention to Mizuki when she spoke in Asuka's place. "Why would you say Asuka-san is jealous, Mizuki-san?" She was genuinely curious, you could tell by her oblivious expression. What would lead The Princess to assume The Ronin was jealous...and of what? Did she...? Oh, no... Her heart sank at the thought, but it all made sense now. No wonder Asuka had been so upset when Noriaki showed up... She was upset that Noriaki had found someone else. A light frown formed as her eyebrows met, but she tried to hide her displeasure from the others over her recent discovery. Hanami inhaled deeply through her nose, calming her nerves and heart beat with a slow exhale. The heat that had risen in her cheeks still stayed as she couldn't shake the thought from her mind. Of...Of course Asuka-san would like Noriaki... She was beautiful and tall, and she had a poetic way of speaking, able to string together words to warm the coldest hearts. Even she found herself lulled by the woman's words at times.

Hanami looked nervously to Asuka, trying her best not to be visibly bothered. She listened to the exchange between Mizuki and Ageha, glancing at the ground every so often with a somewhat sad expression in her eyes. "That...That sounds excellent, Mizuki. It will be my treat!" She exclaimed with a wide smile, smoothing her damp hands on her Hakama before jingling her full medical pouch - just enough so they could hear the clinking of metal. She had sold quite a few of her herbal remedies in the village, and so could easily afford to pay for whatever her companions wanted to eat with all of the yen she accumulated.

[Rusalka]

"O-oro?!" Flabbergasted, absolutely flabbergasted was the words to describe Asuka's current emotions when the honorable Princess spoke in her place. Just as the ronin was about to open her mouth and give word to the concerned miko Hanami, there went Mizuki before her, stating indeed the truth of the ronin's feelings. "Hi..Hime-dono?!" Asuka yelped with much concern in her voice, much worry that now Hanami had discovered what ailed the wanderer, and that was jealousy, pure and simple. Why just at the sound of the young girl's voice, Asuka's face completely glowed brighter than the hottest ember, displaying upon her lips and her eyes such a dumbfounded expression, complete with burning cheeks of every reddish hue. Again was she wiping away stray beads of nervous and anguished perspiration from her brow, hiding her mortified features beneath the tangle of dark hair that obscured her face tortured by embarrassment. What a fool of me, that I am. Asuka grumbled to herself, still trying her damndest to avoid any and all eye contact with the miko, now looking to her with a face of apprehension, that seemed to grow deeper the more the maiden looked upon the flustered woman. To let these emotions hinder me, indeed they have. I must focus.

Still keeping her head tilted to the ground, Asuka listened to the small exchange of words between Ageha, the one who caught the ire and the jealousy of the ronin inadvertently, and the honorable Princess, who outed the ronin's jealousy to Hanami, only flustering the warrior evermore. There was talk of food, and even if she had just finished gobbling down twelve bowls of eel and rice, Asuka had to admit....she was actually still a bit hungry. Plus if she was more focused on eating rather than her feelings towards the miko, then she would have no worries for the rest of the day, only a full stomach and a peaceful nap maybe to look forward too. Although in that one brief second her eyes met again with Hanami's, two shades of blue gazing unto one another, the samurai could tell something was amiss within her, especially upon hearing of Asuka's petty jealous feelings. She knows, that she does, and since she knows....it will be much...much difficult for me to tell her so. Ahh...Kushiami-san, what a mess you've made, that you have. "Food does sound excellent, that it does indeed." In an effort to mask her concerns, she, just as she noticed of Hanami, also etched a smile unto her lips and spoke jovially as the rest, though...what else could she do to quell the burning emotions inside of her?

[ReaptheMusic]

Before Ariiko could respond, a sharp, burning sensation set her insides aflame. Her eyes closed and she held her forehead in her palm for a moment.

"Travel with the half demon," Ida hissed into her ear. "Do it or I BURN you alive."

Ariiko sat up, biting the inside of her cheek in pain. "Please," Ariiko murmured to Noriaki. "It's my utmost wish that you complete your journey now before we embark alone. I need them to see your worth... your value." Her tongue felt like it was crawling with bugs and a shiver ran down her spine. As soon as the words were out though her body relaxed, the burning and crawling sensation was gone, leaving Ariiko to sigh in relief.

[Fabricant451]

Noriaki gave a short, curt nod, placing her hand onto Ariiko's shoulder. The woman had closed her eyes, had held her head...something was wrong. Was this what she was referring to? The darkness inside of her? Following Ariiko's words, Noriaki shook her head, lightly gripping the possessed woman's shoulders - more so in a gesture of comfort than one meant to cause pain, and she smiled. It was a warm smile, with her lips turned upwards at the corners. It was easy to smile, when faced with one who brought you joy, such were Noriaki's feelings on this matter.

"I do not need them to see my worth, my value, for you do, and that is what matters most of all. But if you wish me to continue on this quest with them, I will not do so without you at my side. Come with me. Come with us. We will finish this task and then we will part ways with the others, and seek our adventures elsewhere. If you do not agree to this, I will simply abandon them and follow you instead. I am committed to our promise, Ariiko, to share blades, to share our presence, and perhaps even to share our bodies once more."

Having said her piece once more, Noriaki made the bold choice. Still holding onto Ariiko's shoulder, she leaned down and moved to place a soft kiss onto the woman's cheek, caring not who saw.

[Silver Fox]

Mizuki watched as the ronin and priestess expressed utter surprise by what she said, while she simply flicked her ear at Hanami's question. "Well because I know the feeling. And brother always said I was scary because I could tell what people are thinking based on smell or gut instinct. Must be a demon thing I guess. As for what for, I don't know but she's been looking at you a lot." the princess answered once again casually as if it wasn't a big deal. She didn't really understand why the two of them seemed depressed now.

People are weird.

As Asuka said called her Hime, Mizuki playfully bopped the ronin on the head, being sure to be gentle so not to crack the skull open. "Mizuki, Asuka-San. I'm not a Hime out here." she chuckled before looking a t Hanami offering to treat them a meal.

"Great! Let's go! Ariiko-San, Noriaki-San if you want to come eat and talk follow us. I'm starving." Mizuki cheered happily as she waved over to the former guardian and her... Muse? Whatever that exactly was. Still, without hesitation, the half demon walked off through the village, not noticing the odd kiss shared. Her nose sniffing eagerly for something that seemed suitable to eat.

Nearby she found a small resteraunt. Not really thinking about how she was obviously different, she just walked inside and earned quite a few stares from the patrons. The wooden room was pretty large and had several tables. The kitchen and counter in the back. The half demon happily waved to the strangers before taking a seat at a large table that would all of them.

[SailorMoon]

"As for what for, I don't know but she's been looking at you a lot."

Hanami frowned at Mizuki's words and at how flabbergasted Asuka appeared. What was the Princess trying to imply? Whatever it was made the little Miko get butterflies in her stomach, and blush deeply. She could barely look at anyone right now, and the more she tried to look at Asuka the hotter her face got. She swiftly turned and went to follow after Mizuki, her lips nearly turning white from how hard she had been pinching them together. She had no idea why she felt so embarrassed all of sudden. Maybe it was how she noticed Asuka looking at her after what Mizuki said, there was so much intensity behind the Ronin's blue eyes. She really didn't want to look into those eyes again, not the same ones that possibly longed for Noriaki.

Once inside of the restaurant that Mizuki hand picked, Hanami took a seat at the end of the table. They were greeted by a handsome man full of Genki, who she assumed to be the owner or possibly the son of the owners. Hanami smiled politely, and in the same manner requested they bring out their finest dishes and rice wine for her friends. To show that she was serious, she paid the man in advance, enough for him to open his eyes in shock before he hurried off to fill their order. She didn't know why she even ordered sake, but she figured someone would drink it. She might even have her first drink tonight, there was no rule that said Miko could not have any alcohol. In fact, she could recall several times she saw Chihomi enjoying a cup of sake. It was quite common for sake to be used in rituals at the shrine and on special occasions.

[HylianRose]

She sighed, hearing the princess' response. Good, Ageha would have time to get a few supplies. She looked over at Asuka-san and then at Hanami-san as the awkward exchange was had. Ageha could feel her heart visibly sink as she watched Hanami's response to the princess' words. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly and followed after Hanami-san, her spirits actually lowered quite. Though, she should let this get to her, she couldn't help but feel badly. She'd only met the woman today, she shouldn't let things like this happen to her. She wasn't hear for love and affection. She was here to make money. That was her purpose. Working with other women was only a bonus. Maybe... She sighed and lowered her head. Maybe she should just treat... No. Her head suddenly shot up. She would not treat women like men did. She could and would not treat them like tools used for warmth. She would treat women as they should be treated, kindly and with respect, an impartial benefactor. That was how she'd always been, that was how she'd stay. She needed to get these thoughts out of head and focus on her goal.

When she entered the small restaurant behind Hanami-san, she watched the black haired woman pay for everyone's meals. "You didn't have to do that..." She mumbled as she passed by the woman, her cheeks pink despite her attempts to quell it. It would take time, but eventually she believe she could begin to treat the priestess as just another woman. Just another sisterly/motherly woman. She sighed and made a seat for herself next to the princess. She shot the princess a small smile and asked, "Mind if I sit here?"

[Hillbilly12]

"You're actually paying for this? I would scold you for being so nice, but my stomach would disagree. Miko dono you have my thanks!" Akane immediately dug into her food finding this too be the best part of their trip into town. Well that and Noriaki's face when it looked like her muse was abandoning her. For the most part she remained quiet, but was very curious about their newest companions. Even as she stuffed her face with rice and beans the Demon Slayer was well aware of the other's presence and didn't want to keep her guard down too much. The priestess even could be in danger and since she recently paid for the food she needed to at least make sure she was safe.

"Oh wow this was perfect." She said smiling with one small piece of rice on her cheek. "I'm beginning to actually think this trip to the village wasn't so boring." Meeting new people and since Mizuki often attracted the wrong kind of attention a battle could occur. Made even better because now she could fill up on food and sake.

[Rusalka]

Despite the pleasant and enticing aromas of several delectable dishes that had been laid out before the very group, Asuka just couldn't seemed to take a bite out of anything. Merely, the ronin glowered down at her bowl, already filled to the brim with various delicacies and rice in a sweet and savory sauce when she was all the more excited about stuffing her face again, but there her mind went elsewhere once her eyes fell upon the miko, the young woman sitting across from her, who so garnered the samurai's innermost feelings, and it didn't help that Ageha-dono, the very girl who incited jealousy within Asuka, to perch herself next to Hanami, further entangling the samurai's quivering stomach in knots, painful knots. Try as she may to ignore it and try to enjoy her meal in peace, it seemed for naught, especially with the conjurer of her most troublesome thoughts placed right before her.

"It was very generous of you to treat us to this meal, Miko-dono, indeed it was." It was an effort put forth to shatter the unnerving silence about her, a friendly and considerate compliment unto Hanami, but alas... "But...I do believe I am not feeling well, that I'm certainly not, so please...forgive me if I seem offensive, but I don't believe I can eat right now." Bowing in due respect to the woman, she sighed lifting her head slowly. Maybe she was already full, since earlier she did scarf down quite the heft to her digestion. Yes, that had to be.....no....why was she even trying to fool herself into believing her own lie. The reason she couldn't eat was simple, but...it could not be spoken. Giving another bow to rest of her comrades, the ronin gathered her sakabato, laid to her side in true samurai's dignity, and stood to her feet, stepping out of the restaurant and into the cool evening air, just in time to watch the bright orange of a dying sun fade behind the thick, darkened canopy of the western forest lands, and just as the sun did sink low behind the horizon...so did her heart lower into the cavity of her chest. Another deep sigh released, the ronin continued to look westward, in a state of solitude she placed herself, relinquishing all thoughts unto the wind and meditating.