[quote=Fabricant451]
It had been less than a day, but in Noriaki's mind, or rather in her eyes, it had been much, much longer. For every moment apart from her muse was as if a week had gone by. Perhaps even a month. Noriaki did not say as much outloud, merely letting it stay in her thoughts, but as her eyes settled on the woman, a smile made its way across her lips, a smile so wide and full of joy that it almost looked sinister. Noriaki continued to smile while she placed a hand onto Ariiko's shoulders, letting her palm linger there in a sign of affection."Just old letters, my muse, old letters from an old friend. An old friend who was the first to read my poetry, my written tales. Perhaps one day, when we are on our journey together, I will tell you of the author of these letters. And soon, I shall be entrusting you with the privilege to be the first to read my newly crafted poems, for I do believe you will find the subject matter pleasing, as they will certainly revolve around you, my muse."Noriaki would then slip her hand to Ariiko's other shoulder and press her closer together, embracing her into a side-long hug. Or so she had intended, before the sounds of shouts, of heavy footsteps charging through, of the unmistakable sounds of combat. Which meant that the Princess was likely in trouble. Which meant that Noriaki was on the clock, so to speak. "Odd..." she said softly, her ears pricking up at the sounds of the rampaging spirits elsewhere in the village. "Ah, well, sounds like the drunks are being rowdy tonight." Noriaki let out a chuckle, but even she didn't sound sincere in her voice. If she could understand what that noise meant, could her muse? And would her muse drag her along to the encounter? "Anyway, what say we enjoy a cup of hot tea and the pleasure of each other's conversation and company? Talking the day away and resting together until dawn?" The next few moments were crucial. Noriaki wasn't yet sweating, but her lips were quivering slightly. Excitement? Or was it nerves?
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Ariiko chuckled, closing her eyes and taking Noriakis hand into hers. She gingerly pushed the womans pale hair behind her ear, all the while cupping her cheek in her hand. "Yes... Let us turn in for the night."
She knew for a fact that the rambunctious noises of the night did not belong to drunken patrons, but indeed to spirits. The dis-ease of Ida made it clear what was happening, but she wanted nothing more than to focus on Noriaki at the moment.