Jin's heart was still pounding. Was it just remnants of fear, or something else entirely? She pushed the notion away. It was just a moment, nothing more. There was no time for flustered feelings - especially since Ishawari could never see her in that way. Even if he could, it wasn't the right time. 

It would never be the right time.

Jin sighed aloud, also looking toward the sleeping prince. "It's going to be difficult for him either way. I know he'll understand, but it will still hurt him." She wished that wasn't the case, but there was nothing to be done about it. "I'm going to miss it too, for all that's worth. But I think we should start packing tomorrow. Best to get through it. We don't know what the road there will hold, nor the city. Besides increased guards." She frowned and pushed a hand through her curls. 

"It shouldn't take us long to pack up. We don't have much. I say we leave the day after tomorrow, if not even sooner. The earlier we leave, the easier it will be to make a clean break." Even if she didn't want a clean break at all, even if the connections she made here were precious to her, the mission came before all else. 

"I think I'll get as many supplies from Kana as I can. It will come in handy for the road ahead." Besides the usual healing tinctures and tonics, Kana sold cloth bandages and other healing supplies, even things for women's issues. They would need as much help as possible. 

Scrubbing a hand across her face, Jin looked out at the darkened, stormy sky. "I will say, I'm looking forward to understanding the next stanza of this mysterious poem."