Well, to say that seeing the Princess and the guardians she had left behind alive and well was a shock to Noriaki would be an understatement. Before she could register the emotion of shock, the princess ran towards her, knocking the poet off her feet from the force of the sudden hug. Next came the one with the proper speech, or rather the unique way of talking…Asuka, was it? What was that expression Asuka was wearing? Was it shock? Awe? Disappointment? Noriaki could spy the shrine maiden or whoever a bit away, talking to some stranger that Noriaki hadn’t recognized but instantly wished to get to know better on a personal and private level. Wait, was that allowed? She and Ariiko, despite their night together, weren’t, like, a couple, right? They had made quick plans to travel together…but that was before Noriaki was aware that the Princess and her guardians were alive and well.

Things were probably going to get awkward.

The awkwardness only increased as the always buxom Kaede made herself known, much to the relief of Noriaki. That relief lasted a brief second, as she saw Kaede grab towards her blade. Hardly the chest-high hug Noriaki had pictured would be the response to her return. Ah well, Kaede’s bosoms would have to wait yet again. 

The poet got to her feet, with aid from the Princess, as well as a series of questions. 

“You’re all alive. Wow. Well…this is…I’m actually at a loss for words. See, I sort of figured you had all died, or at least had gone in the opposite direction and assumed I had died. Kaede, my beautiful fiery rose, no need to brandish a weapon, as you can clearly see if you would only look at my hips – and that is an open invitation to you all, you may gaze upon my hips, bare or otherwise, whenever you wish – but you will see that I am not armed. Which, of course, brings me to my point. While you were off, no doubt getting lost and muddy and gross, I was here, enjoying the sake, the maidens, and the hospitality.”

She paused, looking around the group, picking out the expressions of disgust. 

“That which the sharp nosed pri…the sharp nosed protected one smells is the scent of both me and another woman with whom I was engaged in a single night of intimate passion, of which I hope there to be many more. She is my muse, you see, and I feel that I can become a far better poet than I am at this moment so long as I am in her presence. So, as glad as you all are to see me alive and well, it is with a heavy heart and a great depression – for this news comes with the realization that I will never gaze or feast upon the prizes just waiting for me underneath Kaede’s clothing, but I have already promised to travel with this woman who I got to know intimately.” 

She winked towards the group, just in case they hadn’t yet figured out what Noriaki was talking about. 

“Noriaki Okamoto is going to instead travel with her muse, because she is a woman who understands my value, and I hers. When you are finished with your quest, be sure to keep your ears to the wind so that you may hear of the exploits of Japan’s greatest poet and her muse as they travel the land.” 

Noriaki gave the group a bow and a smile. While it was good to see them again, she had promised Ariiko…and promises were important. Mifune taught her that.