Hunger

Shuriken really hadn’t felt quite right since her father had left Ashen. There were three constants in her life, the Ashen Empire, her mother, and her father. Losing one of those dealt her a deep blow. Already under confident in her abilities Ike’s confidence in herself was undermined by being abandoned. He never came back, he didn’t care about her, and part of her wondered if he even thought about them anymore. Would he be proud of her, or just scowl at her clumsy antics.

She finished her patrol that morning and was making her way back to the palace to enjoy some lunch with Tanto. The akita was as much a servant as he was a partner in battle. The silver and white dog was never very far from her side. A tradition from her father she hadn’t let go because she had grown up with Tanto. He was her friend above all else and even if she was feeling lonely he was always there beside her no matter how much she tripped over her own paws.

Ike was just finishing her small meal when one of the newest members of Ashen approached her hesitantly. The princess tried to straighten her stature and look the part, but she always felt like she fell flat. "Oh, no intrusion!” She tried to assure her, maybe making too hard of an attempt. "Actually, I’d really appreciate that.” She deflated slightly, letting her shoulders relax as she accepted the help. "We’re due for a bigger hunt.” She ended, though big and hunt didn’t really go paw in paw on the islands there were deer and other ungulates here.

"Kiyohime Shuriken Ōritsu Abraxas"