Shy Deer Steppes in the junkyard, it's every dog for himself.

the population within akashingo had swelled of late, which should have been a blessing. there were faces satsu did not know flitting about the place; mostly it was the constant feeling of eyes upon her that made her withdraw, and so without prompting, satsu departed.
her maidservant tamar was hot on her heels, but any protest was ignored long before, to the point that they now moved in silence. somewhere further away strolled the crimson shape of arsenio.
all that satsu wanted was the freedom to roam which she felt entitled to.
the freedom that a band of errant sheep could enjoy, trailing across the steppe at their own pace, but was not permitted for the soon-to-be queen.
a wistful sigh escapes her.