Jin smiled warmly as he finally entered. She couldn't help a faint snicker at Hotaru's comment, even though she knew the boy meant nothing by it. 

"You do look very nice, Takumi." He did. Red was a good color on him, and even though it wasn’t the brilliant crimson of their old royal armor, he looked nice all the same.

When he asked if she’d slept, her gaze turned away momentarily. “I slept enough.” She hated to lie to him, but it was necessary. He’d worry otherwise, and she simply didn’t want him to. In truth, she’d managed maybe 2 hours worth of sleep against a tree. Her back was still a bit stiff, and she was exhausted. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” 

After the pot was empty of soup and their bellies were full, Jin went to get dressed herself. Hers was a very simple, pale blue kimono robe that still smelled of tree sap despite many washes. She fluffed her curls and grabbed her leather traveling back, looking back at the both of them. 

“I’ll be taking Han out with me once we’re both home. As long as he’s on his best behavior.” She gave him a Look with arched brows.

Hotaru smiled, his innocent eyes alighting. “I promise, I’ll be the best ever!”

“That’s what I like to hear. Now would you like one of us to walk with you?”

“No, I’m fine. Have a good day!” He rushed over and gave them both hugs, leaving Jin grinning. Then he was off. The school was smack dab in the middle of the village, not even a ten minute walk. When they had first arrived, either Ishawari or herself had walked him there. But as they settled into the rhythm of the village, small freedoms were granted. Besides that, no one else walked their child to the school, so they didn’t want poor Hotaru to stick out. 

With just the two of them left, Jin looked to Ishawari. “I’ll be off soon myself. I think Kana is up even earlier than we are. Don’t ask me how.”