This is a gift chapter for Xavier Xaphista, sorry for not getting to this as soon as I'd hoped. Work and personal stuff has been piling up
Ashitaka swallowed bravely, this was a huge ask of San, he knew he was asking her to leave her childhood home, memories, attachments and dreams were forged here. She had been here since the day she was born, when her parents abandoned her for dead. The wolf gods had raised her as their own, a girl who was born among the wolves. She grew to hate humans for their disrespect towards the forest, attempting to protect it from harm. Though it wasn't the same forest, she was born here, raised here, she had roots, the forest spirit was now dead, defeated after he was beheaded and gave the forest new life. Relieving Ashitaka of his curse and closing the gap between humans and demons. But so much had changed, everything was different, even the Kodama had slowly returned but their numbers dwindled. However, San hadn't settled the same since, it was like she was walking through a ghost town, memories of her old life but it wasn't the same. Her mother was gone, all she had left were her siblings, but the home she knew was a memory. He knew she could never be happy here, her heart yearned for a place that no longer existed. His curse had been removed, he could still go home to the Emishi people. He wondered what had become of the village in his absence, how his people had coped, they would need him for guidance, to know of his travels. He would retake his title as prince, though it felt strange after all this time. Their child would be protected and raised with the culture of his people, as well as the knowledge of the demon realm. Living in solitude and peace, away from enemies.
"San, I want you to come home with me" Ashitaka asked calmly, he would never part from her, living without her was never an option he would consider. He was tied to her, imprinted onto his heart. He deeply loved her, more than he had anyone in his life, the only woman he wanted as his wife. If he was to return to the village, his old life, she was coming with him. She would quickly grow as a strong warrior, knowledge of the land, the plants, adaptable, she could teach his people so much. The journey would be long, stressful and strange, an unfamiliar place, but she would be with him. They would have each other.
San raised an eyebrow, what was he talking about? Ashitaka had abandoned Iron town for her, saying goodbye to Eboshi and the few friends he had made. He had fought alongside her to protect the forest and appease the spirit of the forest. He had healed the wounds in her heart, but she could never forgive what the humans did. They had torn up forests, lifted mountains, sent so many demons running. Killed so many innocent lives all so they could find iron to forge into weapons. Ashitaka had never found peace with Iron town, despite the friends that he had forged there, his heart could never find peace. "We are home, the forest is our home?" she reminded him.
Ashitaka shifted, this was harder to explain than he thought, the forest was where he belonged, the peace and the quiet. But it only made him yearn for the one he had left behind "No, my home, the place I was born, where my people reside, my clan. The Emishi" he explained. There was no place for them here anymore, he would be saying goodbye to his friends but his soul couldn't feel at rest. The people he was raised by, protected, his elders, his royal blood, the people who taught him all he knew, how he developed his respect for nature. Kaya his ex fiancé, who had most likely moved on and remarried, his childhood friends, so many people he had been familiar with. San's eyes widened, the Emishi people? They were believed to all have died out years ago, the few humans who respected the forest, lived among nature, who lived in harmony with it. Ashitaka had never told her where he came from, how he came to find her forest and how he came to Iron town. He was not a member of their people, he never behaved the same way. He was a stranger even to them, though they were grateful for his help. He meant so much to her and she would follow him to the ends of the earth, but it would mean leaving behind the forest she had protected for years. It would be like abandoning her home, running away from the people who wronged her. "I promise you, I won't let anyone hurt you, you will be respected and treated as an equal. The wolves will join us, our child will be raised in the best environment" Ashitaka soothed. It wasn't the same environment she was used to, different people, different culture, a fresh start. They had medicine, homes, animals, food, anything she would need, she could learn different recipes, techniques and more. She would be able to form friendships and bonds. He would never take her somewhere she would feel isolated, he would never put her through that. His people were deeply spiritual and respected the ways of nature.
San shifted, placing a hand on her belly, she wanted what was best for their baby, she wanted what was best for their family. She trusted Ashitaka, she knew he would never betray her. He wanted a future for their family, a place they would be protected, where they could live in peace. But what if she wasn't welcomed, what if she didn't fit in, what if she was scared? What if she forgot the ways of the wolf tribe? "I won't... be an outsider?" she asked.
"You are my wife, we will need an official ceremony but this is my life. You will be supported by a network of elders and villagers, we are family" Ashitaka soothed. She was the woman he loved, the woman who had his heart, his soulmate. She was the person he wanted to spend his life with, the woman who would bear him children. He loved her heart, her passion, her devotion, all of it. He wouldn't have her any other way. Under his people, under their traditions, they would be bound together. He reached out to hold her, wrapping her in his arms. He sensed her fear, her hesitation, her sadness, he knew this was a difficult choice to make. "I wouldn't ask this of anyone else, I would never make you leave this place unless I thought we had to". He knew they had enemies and people would never stop coming after them, more greedy, hungry opportunists. Even with the few allies they had made it wasn't enough, though lady Eboshi was no longer attacking the forest, there was no longer any animosity from Iron town. They couldn't be trusted, they would never be seen as true members of the village. So much had changed, the world they knew was so different, being the realisation Iron town needed to see the consequences of their actions. They were more respectful of the forest and its residents, leaving offerings and considering the harm they were causing. But it would never be the same, they couldn't go back to the old life they had known. Maybe there was hope for the future yet, a second chance at a life, to forge a new path, one strange and unfamiliar.
"I would be... your wife?" San mumbled, they would be bound in body, soul, and holy traditions of his people. Promised to one another, bound into his culture. That would make her a princess, with titles and influence. It was a human tradition, one she wasn't familiar with, alien to her. But it was something important to Ashitaka, it had meaning to him and she wouldn't disrespect that. A ceremony that meant value to him, one she wanted to share with him.
Ashitaka smiled, everyone would know he was married, they would rule the village together with equal power. If anyone disrespected her the village would know of it. "My wife, my mate, my princess" he confirmed.
San and Ashitaka wondered through the forest, clearings and mountains, the wolf cubs and Yakul following them, swapping between riding a wolf and the red elk. Resting, recovering, travelling, making their way back to his home, this was the longest journey either had taken in a long time. They would be exhausted from the travels, mentally and physically, San being under twice as much strain with her pregnancy. Collecting supplies and more as they travelled, everything they would need. The effect this was having on San was visible, Ashitaka wasn't an idiot, he could see how she was struggling with this. A deep sadness filling San's eyes as they distanced themselves further from the forests, abandoning a part of herself in those woods, saying goodbye to her mother, her past. The forest spirit was gone, her mothers remains still resided in the grounds, a whole life behind her, she couldn't go back. Healing wounds, saying goodbye and cutting off a part of herself, one that would never come back. She had cried, Ashitaka had comforted her and soothed her, holding her in his arms until she felt better, allowing her to grieve. She was making a difficult life changing decision, one that wasn't an easy to choice to make. The wolves had kept guard and watched over them, comforting their sister, keeping watch over the two and making sure they came to no harm. Finding food meant hunting, as Ashitaka couldn't be seen in public around other humans with the companionship of wolves. Making sure there was enough for everyone, they all had something to eat. But he had learned to become clever, hunting using the techniques San had taught him, that he had learned living in the woods. Able to form new arrows, San sharpening her blades and spear. Easing her through morning sickness, pains and more, keeping her as comfortable as possible.
"No male has ever gone so far for our sister before" A wolf cub responded, Ashitaka was special, he was different than other humans. He didn't try to change San, he didn't disrespect or abuse her. He accepted her for who she was, he helped her reconnect with her humanity and accept her grief. He loved her, he was loyal to her and protected her. He was willing to take her back to his home, the privacy of the Emishii people, a sacred place that outsiders couldn't venture. He was way over his head and yet they respected the efforts he was going to.
"She's family, I love her, she would never be accepted in Iron town and the forest has changed, this is our best bet of a second life" Ashitaka hummed. The iron town residents were still wary of her, they knew the power of demons, they knew the risks. They had worked alongside the demons to protect Iron town and put a stop to the war. Doing what they could to survive but they would never truly trust demons. San would always be the wolf girl, the anomaly, the girl raised by demons, their enemy. Saying goodbye to Kiyo and Iroku seemed sad, as they had become dear friends to him. But sacrifices had to be made, hard decisions he wouldn't regret in the longterm, he had more than his own wellbeing to think about. For the sake of his unborn child, his wife and their wellbeing.
"Royal blood? Your demeanour never gave away to be of noble birth" The wolf chuckled, he smelled like a normal human, he acted like a normal human. But he was raised by an ancient village who abandoned normal life. He was the last remaining royal of their bloodline, their leader, the person who nurtured and protected the people. The Emishi had common sense and a respect for nature unlike the people of Iron town, they knew not to mess with demons.
Ashitaka smiled "It was in the past", it was a life he no longer recognised, a part of his life he was forced to abandon. Once he fired his arrow, he made his choice, prepared to die and be harmed by the demons curse. He would protect his people come hell or high water, at the risk of his own life. He never thought he would ever come back, that he would ever return, living merely as a memory at the back of his mind.
"You will keep her safe?" The wolf asked, he had to give his word that his sister would be safe, she would be protected and no harm would come to her. Or he would pay with his life.
"With my life" Ashitaka promised, San was his wife, he would go to hell and back for her sake. He knew from the moment they met at the river, she wasn't like any girl he had met before. He was unable to get her out of his head, ingrained into his memory, he couldn't let her die. From risking his life to protect her from the ignorance and brutality of Iron town, from living alongside her in the forest, trying to protect the forest. They had been through something unforgettable, a bond forged. He would love San for the rest of his life, their unborn child would someday lead the Emishii people as he had, so long ago. A child of unusual destiny, unlike any child born before, a child born between worlds, like no other.
Ashitaka soon came to the forest of the Emishii, the same clearings, the same trees, the same deeper came flooding back to him, he felt whole again, happiness filling him as tears stung his eyes. He had said goodbye to this place and yet he couldn't be happier he was back. Hiding within the depths of nature where they couldn't be found, reading the land, living in secret, where no common man would think to hide. It was how they survived. He had learned everything here, how to carve arrow heads, how to hunt, how to plant crops, how to forge a bow, caring for his elks. All of his hunting skills and more, the home of his people. San sat atop the wolf, cupping her stomach comfortably, her eyes roaming the forest, a sense of calm and curiosity filled her. This was beyond what she expected, somehow she thought it would be bustling, loud and noisy like Iron town. Stinking of metal, fires and other unpleasant smells, but she was pleased to be wrong. No wonder Ashitaka had been so at home in the forest, he had been raised there his whole life, he had been raised on tales of spirits and demons. These were his whole culture, his identity, living among them, living in peace. This was a place their child would be happiest, where she had a second chance at life. Accepting her human side while still keeping her connection to nature.
Soon they reached the edge of the village, homes coming into view, the sound of people, wooden homes with straw roofs came into view. Small, secluded but full of people, red elks like Yakul, the scent of food and more came wafting towards them. Hunter gatherers, peaceful people, no soldiers, no warriors, merely villagers, living off the land. No guards wielding weapons or guns, no thugs, no women working the pumps, no forging of weaponry.
"Is that?"
"It cannot be? He's alive?"
"The curse is lifted?"
"Our prince has come home"
"Ashitaka?"
"Ashitaka has returned"
A group of people surrounded them, young, old and middle aged, eyes of hope and disbelief, as if they were staring at a ghost. Crowding around them curiously, whispering among themselves. They recognised Ashitaka, in awe of San. San felt her skin crawling, she hated unwanted attention, eyes on her, rumours and whispers. She hated being the centre of attention, she wanted to run. But this was her to be home, the people meant no harm.
"Ashitaka?! Is that you?!" A female voice called, could this be real? Was he actually here? Had he finally come home to them at last after so long? She had missed him so much, wishing things could go back to how they used to be. It was no intruder or he would have been apprehended, they never would have made it past the border. Kaya rushed towards him, her eyes full of tears, throwing her arms around him in disbelief. He was alive, he was safe and he had returned to them, that was what mattered. He was back among his people where he belonged.
Ashitaka was caught off guard, it had been at least two years since he had seen her. She had grown so much, he barely recognised her, it felt like another lifetime. This woman was once his bride to be, now he had married a princess of the wolves. She had once been someone important to him, his wife to be, the woman who would carry on their line. "Kaya?" he stammered in disbelief. They had so much to discuss, to talk about, all the changes in their life.
"You're alive? You broke the curse? How... I can't believe you're back?!" she pressed, she had expected him to have died slowly and painfully as he succumbed to the curse. Nobody knew how to remove it, only a demon could remove it. She had sent prayers to him and in her heart accepted he would be dead as much as it hurt. He would become but a fond memory, someone from her past. But instead he was alive and well, he had returned to the village a different man. She was beyond happy to see him, they needed to catch up, bond and more. There was a low growl behind him, the wolves stepped forward towards Kaya and Ashitaka, blocking her from his view, keeping them apart. Warning her not to come much closer to him, he was off bounds. San climbed down from her brothers back to approach her husband, careful on her feet, as to not harm her baby. Her gaze never once leaving Kaya as she glared her down. Kaya stepping away nervously, she knew better than to mess with wolves, especially gods. How had Ashitaka formed bonds with wolves? Just what adventures had he become involved with? San placed her hand in Ashitaka's, wrapping her arm around his waist, pressing herself against him. Glaring down at Kaya coldly, still wrapped in her furs and her mask around her hood. She knew this woman was someone from his past, a prior romance. She still held affections for him, possibly hoping to rekindle what they once had. But that wouldn't happen, she wouldn't allow it. Kaya swallowed, this woman had steely eyes, an intimidating appearance and a sense of wildness about her. Who was she?
"Kaya, this is my wife San, princess of the wolf tribe and daughter of Moro. She's carrying my baby, we are to be wed officially here and reclaim my title as Prince of Emishii with her by my side" Ashitaka pressed. Kaya was always going to be someone he would never forget, his first love. But San was the woman he loved, his soulmate, the mother of his child. Fate had brought them together, and they would never be apart. San had shown him her world, taught him valuable lessons and embedded herself deeply into his heart. She would rule as his wife and partner. They would have a family and there was much they needed to learn. Kaya would gladly be made godmother to his child, but she would never be a lover to him again.
Kaya's eyes widened, she felt her heart being squeezed, this was not what she expected and admittedly she was caught off guard. Ashitaka was married? He had met another woman and fallen in love with her? He married a demon princess and impregnated her? This felt like a bad dream, all of her dreams were ripped from under her and shattered. Just what the hell had he been up to while he was gone? She knew it was too good to be true, a dream she would never reach, but then she had changed too. "Ashitaka I... when you left, I was heartbroken, we... we were supposed to be... but it's in the past now. I guess I once assumed you would... come back and maybe we could... like before..." she mumbled. Ashitaka softened, maybe in another life, Kaya would have made a lovely wife and they would have had a family together. But San was his soulmate, he was a different man. But she smiled sadly "I remarried, he's a fine man and he respects me, treats me well. I have a new family now, someday children too. While I regret what could have been, for us. I'm happy you are home, our brother".
Ashitaka smiled, he knew her words had depth and he could sense she was truly happy in her life choices. She had no regrets, no hostility and no bitterness, he was happy for her. Kaya was glowing, whether she was expecting children of her own or was planning them. She was happy, she was changed, different. "I'm glad to see you too Kaya".
Ashitaka and San sat before the village elder, the same one who led him to Iron town and the forest spirit who lifted his curse. She had aged, weaker, but kinder, had it only been two years? Though she seemed surprised yet happy to have him returned to the village. She stared at him in contemplative silence and wonder, as if this was perhaps a dream instead of reality. Ashitaka was their strongest and bravest warrior, the last known royal prince of their tribe, all had made their goodbyes with him. He was never spoken of again and was accepted as deceased among their people. Yet here he was alive, his curse broken, returned with an impregnated wolf girl, he had beaten his fate, fallen in love and returned to them miraculously. "I see you are alive Prince Ashitaka, you have found peace and broken the curse left upon you by the demon boar" The elder pressed.
Ashitaka nodded, he had never believed he would return to this place, accepting his exile, and yet he had returned to his people. This was as strange for them as it was for him, a sense of familiarity and yet awkwardness. "I journeyed to Iron town, the demon forest located in the region, there I was able to find the cause of the demon that infected me. I found out why the demon was so full of hatred, the fuel of his pain. I was able to break the curse, and the forest spirit lifted the curse" he sighed. He had learned where the demon boar came from, how it had come to this place, and why it was so angered. Someone else's war had been brought to them and they needed to be wary. Now that Lady Eboshi had met him, she may ask of him again and seek him out, endangering his people, they needed to be ready.
"And what of the forest spirit?" The elder asked, such a sacred being, one of nature, protecting its homeland.
"A miserable, hateful hag intent on destroying the forest murdered him" San spat, how she wished the forest spirit and her mother could have met this people. They were so different from the ones from iron town, so kind and peaceful. They meant no harm, knew only kindness and wisdom, they would never harm anyone with intent. They respected the forest, lived alongside it and only did what they needed to survive. Causing her hatred for humans to lessen. But she would never forgive the residents of Iron town for their actions, the pain, suffering and damage they had caused. Hatred burned from her eyes, her hands trembling as rage fuelled from her, tears stinging her eyes.
"Eboshi, the leader of Iron town took a mission from the emperor, she made an enemy of the demons in that forest. Intent on tormenting their rage. She used her weapons to attack the forest spirit, beheading him and thus destroying the forest. After reclaiming his head, he lifted the curse and regrew a new forest" Ashitaka explained. Eboshi had been a vain, narcissistic and deluded woman, but she was deeply intelligent, seeking power and fuelled by greed. Willing to destroy an entire forest just to expand her empire, but she did care for the villagers of iron town. But she had learned the hard way and though escaping with her life, she had known the wrath of demons.
The elder acknowledged San, she couldn't be more than sixteen, seventeen years of age, a new mother to be, raised by the wolf tribe of that region, a child of the forest. This girl had seen the horrors of what this Eboshi woman had done to her home, how she had destroyed the forest and disrespected nature. She had seen the horrors of what greed did to people. Her home was destroyed and she had lost her parents, Iron town had harassed, vandalised and destroyed her home, she had nowhere to go, all she had was Ashitaka. He had done right to bring here here, she would be welcomed by their people and free to live as she wished, learning their ways. "My condolences to your loss my dear, losing so much is a truly devastating feeling, but we thank you for protecting our prince. He is truly taken with you, the two of you make a lovely pair. You are welcome in our village, you are one of us now" the elder smiled.
San softened, she had expected to be isolated, accused, outcasted, but instead she was welcomed, comforted and reassured. This woman was the complete opposite of Eboshi, she didn't see her as a hindrance or a pest. She respected her, she knew of where she came from and the troubles she had faced. This woman seemed kind, wisened and knowledgable, she had seen much beyond her years and had learned from it. She knew she was an orphan, she was homeless and she couldn't be turned away, so she welcomed her with open arms.
"We can form a hut for the two of you, we shall have a ceremony to officiate the marriage between you both as celebrated by our people. You will officially become one of the emishii clan, our princess. You will be supported through your pregnancy and adapting to our village" the elder soothed. They could easily build and form a hut, they still had all of Ashitaka's belongings like a shrine, they could easily be returned. She would need many lessons on their history and duties of the village, but she had a feeling San was a quick learner. They would make sure her pregnancy and childbirth went as smoothly as possible, many of the villagers would help as would their midwife. She would be given the best care possible and nurtured.
San smiled softly, she already felt a little at home, this wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. She felt like she could tell these people anything in confidence and she wouldn't be judged for it. No wonder these people lived in isolation, away from the complications of society, they respected nature far better. This woman wasn't like Eboshi, no arrogance, no disrespect, no cruelty, she was calm, wise, empathetic and respectful. She chose to live among nature and demons, adapting. Her position would be spread around the village, everyone would know who she was, she had been welcomed as Ashitaka's wife, they would help her through pregnancy and childbirth. Her child would be raised here, born here, and become of their people, she wouldn't be judged for her past, merely for her actions living among them. Now she knew why Ashitaka brought her here.
Ashitaka returned to the hut after taking care of Yakul, comforting his friend and making sure he was comfortable before leaving him to settle. They had been on quite the adventure together, seeing many sights. He was placed in his old stable, brushed, fed, given water and healed of his wounds, comforted and eased into his old life, around his familiar friends and people who cared for him. Able to rest in safety. He was exhausted, he felt like he could sleep for weeks, he too would need the adjustment of being home, rather than sleeping in a cave. The villagers had been quick to aid them, making sure they didn't go without. He had so many people he would need to reconnect with and introduce San to as she adapted to her new life. The people had brought food, blankets and any spare clothes they would need, helping them adjust to the village. The wolves sat outside the hut, knowing no human meant them harm, only giving warning growls when needed. Acting as guard dogs to their sister and brother in law, but they would protect the village from now on, making sure no rogue demons approached. But otherwise were fed, and left to their own devices, the humans here meant them no harm, respecting them as powerful creatures of nature.
San had been given spare clothes for when her current ones no longer fitted, as her pregnancy progressed or if she wanted to make new clothes of her own. She had been very grateful of all the gifts and a little flustered at how kind everyone was towards her. A warm bath to clean herself, soaps and food, she had never expected to be so welcomed by strangers, no judgement and friendliness. She was expected to pull her weight and act as a member of the village, but never forced to conform in any way. Merely to be herself and act as a team player. A wedding ceremony had been planned, the crystal dagger a token of engagement given by Ashitaka, though symbols of their union was to be gifted, such as rings, bracelets or another token. A new dress for San, as a symbol of becoming the new Emishii princess, using wolf symbols and more. They had asked for her input on what designs and colours she preferred so she would be comfortable. She had never been given such lovely clothes before and she admitted she could see the appeal. The hut was warm, comforting and homely, a warm log fire, pots, pans, a stove and more. The strong smell of straw, hay and wood, earthy smells, keeping them shielded from the weathers. The Emishii were truly gentle and welcoming people, a completely different vibe and culture than iron town. They showed no hatred, no anger, no cruel stares, they protected their own, their people and their homes as anyone would. But they lived off the land, their food, crops and more, hiding amongst the forest to avoid danger.
She had met many people from Ashitaka's life, all taking her by surprise with each interaction she had. Learning a little about her mate, and the person he was before they met. Though previously jealous of Kaya whom had been Ashitaka's previous betrothed, she no longer felt such anger. Of course she hadn't been the only one in his life, he had a different path before they met, people whom had loved him. This had been his home for so many years, he had a life here. The villagers assured her, they would be here if she should need anything, she felt comforted to know she wouldn't be isolated or expected to learn all by herself. As smart as she was even she could admit there were unfamiliar things here. How to hunt, how to forage, how to grow crops and food, everyone had roles. San sat in a warm bath, she hadn't experienced such a thing before but she enjoyed it, cleaning herself of dirt, blood and more. She could wash away the filth from her body and feel clean. The muck from under her nails, the sweat of the journey, washing her hair and cleaning her body. Soaking her skin, cleansing baby in her stomach enjoying the sensation too. She felt so relaxed she could fall asleep in the tub.
"San?" Ashitaka asked, she was quieter than before and he sensed something was wrong, discomfort, shyness? Embarrassment?
San sat reflectively in the bathtub, staring into the distance, she had so much she wanted to say but didn't know how to convey it. She never thought she could feel so at home in a new place before. So in tune with nature and yet not living in a cave "Your people..." she mumbled.
"I know it's a strange adaption, a new culture, a new forest, new people. But they mean well, they will accept you" Ashitaka reassured her. She wasn't living in a cave anymore, not among wilderness, not among spirits and demons. But she was still in the forest, just a different one, a different life. Taking new footsteps in an entirely new world. She would have a lot to learn, but she would adapt and understand it in time. Soon she would feel more at home and welcomed.
She shook her head, it wasn't a bad feeling, it was a pleasant one, strange nonetheless. She had never thought she could possibly feel at home around humans, that she could even tolerate them. But this place was so different, so strange. "Their warmth, respectfulness, they could have driven us away, condemned me. They showed no fear of my brothers, of where we came from. They don't hate demons like Iron town, they aren't fear mongering. You only use weapons you need to hunt, to work fields. You aren't war hungry thieves here. It's so peaceful" she hummed. They had been patient with her, welcomed her and shown empathy of her troubles, allowing her to express herself openly. They allowed her to stay, her brothers could stay. They were nothing like the fear mongering imbeciles from iron town. The villagers were curious, worried but otherwise humble, they didn't brag, boast or seek a fight purely for violence. They didn't disrespect nature and they used only what they needed. They had never known strangers, living in isolation, they kept to themselves and never bothered anyone. Then their prince came back to them from the dead, they welcomed the wolves into their village as guardians, letting them wander as they wished, leaving offerings. They went about their day, as if this was a normal occurence for them.
Ashitaka smiled "My people moved here to avoid war, to avoid attacks, to live in peace. We learned to respect the land and live among nature, that includes demons. We have old fashioned traditions, avoiding raids and war. We found balance, which is more than I can say for Iron town. Though many people meant well, destroying another home for profit isn't something my people believe in" he hummed. His people had always lived among nature, it was a happier way to live, it wasn't easy at times but they had adapted. They used it to their advantage and were a threat to be reckoned with. The emperor believed them to be all died out, but not they continued to exist. While he respected the reasoning behind Iron town he didn't fully agree with all of their choices. He didn't believe in forging weapons and starting wars ceaselessly purely to gain profit. The consequences of their actions had eventually caused the destruction of their town and casualties.
San smiled, Ashitaka had been thinking of her when he brought her here, helping her adjust to her humanity, while making sure she was near something familiar. "I know why you brought me here, you knew I'd be happy here". She could explore the forest, she could adapt, she could find new hunting grounds. Her baby would be born here safely, she would be able to make friends, allies here. People she could trust.
"I knew we would be safe here" he admitted, nobody would find them here, nobody could track them, they were now in hiding and would live a peaceful life. Their past was behind them, their old life no longer mattered. Lady Eboshi couldn't locate them, hunt them down or track them, Iron town would never be able to contact them again. San and his baby would be at peace. San could continue to hunt, but she could learn new skills and become stronger.
San pouted, she still hadn't forgotten that girl, she hadn't expected her to be so cute. Ashitaka had a type, big eyes and brown hair. She was apparently a keen hunter herself, strongly intuitive. The thought that another girl had loved him as she had, made her jealous. "You never told me you were a prince, or engaged" she scoffed. She never considered another woman had loved him, that if they never met he could have married someone else. The life they now shared never would have existed. She never knew she was involving herself with a royal, let alone that she was inheriting so much when they fell in love.
Ashitaka blushed, this was so hard to explain, the old life he had lived before now. So much was expected of him and he had other responsibilities on his shoulders "Kaya was... a childhood friend, it was arranged by the elders. But... I did care for her, but it wasn't the path I was destined for" he mumbled. Kaya was someone important to him, he valued and respected her, he was willing to fight for her, protect her. A klutz, but good hearted and kind, but it was never meant to be. They had known each other for years and feelings were bound to form. But life had different choices for them and they had never become a couple.
San smiled, it was amusing to think that girl could have been his wife, but she was happier to know she was the one he chose in the end "She was cute" she smirked. She saw Ashitaka's worried face, admittedly she liked teasing him to see his reaction. "I know you chose me, your heart did, your actions prove it. We belong here among your people, our baby belongs here. Between the forest and the village" she smiled. She didn't worry that he would break her heart, cheat on her or abandon her, he wasn't that sort of knew what kind of man he was. Ashitaka softened, approaching San to kiss her fondly, he was so happy he was able to share his life with her. They were home, they were safe.