Masako nodded, following the ronin as she led the way through the forest. Her thoughts were still on the slum-like parts of the village where it felt like she had been on another planet altogether. For all she’d heard about the northern warlord, she hoped that the north, at least, would be different. However impossible the rumours sounded, she hoped they were true.

Soon enough the sun had started its journey to the other side of the mountains, sinking down slowly but steadily. [color=indianred]”Maybe we should go off the path now?”[/color] Masako asked, looking at Akane for confirmation. [color=indianred]”So that we can find a place and get a fire going before the sun sets all the way.”[/color]

[color=slateblue]"Sure, there's not harm in camping out a little early." [/color]The ronin shrugged, leading the way off the path and into the now denser woods. The mixture of young and old saplings had given way to ancient trees that towered overhead, their gnarled branches and rough, dark bark whispering of times gone by. After walking for some time, Masako perked.

[color=indianred]”I think I hear a stream?”[/color] Masako asked, looking at Akane. The two made their way towards the sound of gurgling water, the currents neither too strong nor too deep to cross on foot. Masako bent down and cupped some of the cool fluid, admiring how clear it was despite the village nearby that seemed to be full of poverty and suffering. Perhaps there was hope for Shinma after all.

Masako brought the water to her lips, savoring how crisp and cold it was. A movement in the bushes against the other side of the riverbank caused her to look up, meeting the electrifyingly yellow eyes of a ghostly white beast. 

The wolf. 

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[@Damiann47]