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?"