Fate Draws Us Together

In time the trees began to thin and the guest dens came into view. Ikigai led Deimos to one of them and slipped inside the stone structure to make sure that it was prepared for a guest, which it was. She saw to this task herself most of the time but with packing and preparations, it had been difficult. Ikigai wondered who would take over the task when she left. Surely someone would. There would be a whole list of tasks that someone would have to take up after she left Ashen. She’d have to speak to her mother about it. The amount of responsibility that she’d chosen to shoulder after her father left was immense.

Deeming the den suitable, Ikigai motioned for Deimos to come inside. She showed him the sleeping space, the hearth for a fire, a stack of wood, steel and flint and a basin that could be filled with water for washing or drinking. A great albino akita seated himself in the doorway and Ikigai exchanged words with him in her father’s tongue out of habit. The dog nodded and moved off to do the bidding of his mistress. It would be rude to invite a guest in and not feed them, so Tanuki had gone to the stores to retrieve food and meat for the Mendacium man.

“I do hope that everything is suitable,” the black marked fae commented, prepared to take her leave and let the man rest. He had other plans, however. Deimos asked her to stay and talk with him for a bit. Ikigai would be a poor hostess if she turned down an invitation from her guest, so the woman nodded, moving to seat herself on one of the fur covered cushions nearby. There wasn’t anything for him to help her with as she was already fully packed. Her items were in a small cart that Tanuki would pull. For a princess, Ikigai didn’t have very many personal possessions. Her instruments, a few articles of clothing and accessories, a collection of dried herbs and healing supplies. That was about it.

Snake slit eyes rested upon the man as she sought to indulge him with light conversation. “Where are you coming from, Deimos? I was told that Manea had called her family to her and some have come from across the sea. Have you traveled much?” He had her full attention. Long forelegs crossed at the ankle, dainty digits flexing lightly as she attained a comfortable position. As she waited for the man to respond, the pink tinged canine entered the den, leaving behind a basket filled with various meats, both fresh and cooked. There was also a bottle of water and a bottle of wine within. Ikigai smiled thankfully at the dog and bowed her head in thanks. He then left the den, but stayed right outside. “Please eat. I don’t mind.”

"Ikigai"