Snowforest Taiga akushū

ever since masa had reluctantly agreed for ro to follow, the skittish boy had made an excellent shadow. soft but clumsy footsteps always a gentle cadence that trails the reaper, a presence always lingering not too far. he wouldn't stray—for he feared that madwoman still! 

lingering within the cover of underbrush, gentle eyes of citrine watched masa and an unfamiliar man converse. his head tilts—where they friends? does masa even have any friends? they speak of a mountain and a moonwoman, before masa is calling for him. 

foliage parts to reveal the meager man, shifty eyes flitting between masa and the stranger, who stares upon him expectantly. with a nervous smile and a flick of his tail he says, "hi, it is a pleasure to meet you." with a quick bow of his head, before he's slinking over to join masa's side.

"what is this plan?" he asks tentatively. he doesn't expect to be answered.