Otter Creek muramasa

@Yukimi , future dated

the palace remained in fullview from the corner of masa's eye. but he would not approach, not yet.

he laps at the creek before him now, staving off the summer heat of the flatlands.

She had strayed some distance from her travel partner, Ash. Probably from some mid-day wanderlust, but after a few days she'd mustered up the strength to go out and explore on her own. Not too far, of course, unless she'd wish to get lost.

A part of her wondered if her mother was out here in these strange lands, too. Lost after the chaos after their Emperor was killed, and searching for her children to make sure they'd been safe. Yuki's heart lurched at the thought -- not being able to see her family felt awful, and as reluctant as she was to admit out loud, it was all still so....scary. It made her wonder how much optimism she could keep up before the anxiety caught up with her.

The snowbird stayed close to the stream as she traveled, just up until it began to visibly web out. What had really caught her attention, though, was the sight of a dark-pelted man just up ahead. One she had nearly ran into, because she hadn't been paying attention to what was infront of her. Oh! She exclaimed, skidding her dark paws to a stop. 

I didn't see you there, sorry!

a pale figure cuts through the flatlands. masa rises from the creek, dull gold eyes peering at her. she gets closer, and closer, and —

masa doesn't even flinch when the woman nearly collides with him, only tilting a brow as she speaks.
you are forgiven. he glances towards the dirt the woman had disturbed. he barely had to move his head to then gaze at her.

Hey, thats wonderful! She chiped, using the drier parts of the grass to clean the soil she'd skidded into earlier off her paws. Getting a closer look at him, the man wasn't completely shadow-pelted. There were highlights of white along his chest and back. I can be a bit clumsy at times, so im glad I didn't cause any animosity between us....but besides that, have a great day sir! -- and with that, along with grin, she continued shuffling (slowly) down the path of the river once again.

.......not really. It only took Yukimi's a couple steps forward until she eventually paused. Turning her head over a pallid shoulder, large glacier orbs peered at the man once again curiously, and soon the snowbird found herself making her way back over to them.

My name is Yuki. What about you?

when she turns, so does he, prepared to leave the woman be until something compels her to pursue a conversation.

perhaps their tumble should've created animosity. masa would've preferred it, as the woman's voice rings again.
there is a familiarity in the tongue of her name, one that masa couldn't help but perk in recognition towards.

minoru. he'd been honest with the herd people before, but now as his hands are soon to be stained; may he have a name that will wash away when it is all over.
you have a lovely name, and it was a pleasure to meet you, but i must go. the man begins to trudge forward, swallowing through the remaining dryness of his throat.

pls ignore him i would still like to continue the thread

Minoru.

-- the tang of familiarity in his name had caused her own ears to twitch attentively. Something jolted in her heart just then -- excitement. Did this mean what she thought it meant!?

Minoru? As in the 'bearing of fruit'? Yuki wanted to make sure she wasn't mistaken, though, as it might be the first time since she'd gotten here that she finally found another who spoke her home tounge. それとも、それは何か他のことを意味しますか？ Yet just as she'd been getting started, he'd announce his exit...so soon?

The snowbird physically deflated from the news, shoulders slumping and ears flattening -- but if she just stood there and said nothing while he walked away, when would she ever get an opportunity to see him again?

With a determined puff of her chest, she'd straighten back up to start trotting right beside him.

No problem! Ya like company?

Hey say less -- following others around and yapping is Yuki's specialty LMAO