"Come Fujino-san, I'll show you around," Mai Tokiha stated as she motioned eagerly for the tawny haired woman to follow. They had just exited Queen Mashiro's office where the handicapped woman all but begged for Shizuru to stay in Hime. She could still hardly believe that this wasn't a dream. Any moment now she expected to wake back up in that cave she had fallen into. "This way!"
Shizuru stood back as Mai opened up a heavy wooden door, its hinges groaned in protest. She had to shield her eyes with the back of her hand as sunlight poured into the dim room. Her eyes were slow to adjust but once they did, Shizuru stared in awe at her first glimpse of this new world.
"Welcome to Hime, Fujino-san."
The first thing that Shizuru noticed was how blue the sky looked against the enormous moon that took up most of the horizon in broad daylight. It was so close that she felt as if she could reach out and touch it. A blazing sun was slowly dropping behind the moon, casting deep shadows over much of its cratered surface. A line of birds arched across the scene before disappearing in the silhouette of trees in the distance. There were a few stone buildings scattered among what looked to be wooden huts. Smoke could be seen drifting from many of the huts as people moved about on the many dirt paths that ran like a spider web of veins throughout the village. The village was situated in a large clearing of golden fields, the tall stalks dancing in the light breeze. Shizuru also became acutely aware of the many Lifesongs that twisted about everything and bled together to create an orchestra of music.
"It's beautiful," Shizuru whispered mostly to herself but Mai must have overheard considering the large smile that lit her face.
"I'm glad you think so. I was worried that Hime would pale in comparison to your world. Queen Mashiro told me of your skyscrapers and automobiles." She stumbled over the last two words.
"And how, might I ask, does Queen Mashiro know so much about my world?" Shizuru asked with her eyebrows raised in question.
"Because the Queen is like you. She was summoned here."
Shizuru decided to file that away for later use. It did explain a lot about how the mysterious woman knew so much. The two women closed the door behind them as they began to trek down a path into the heart of the village. Although unaccustomed to walking in sandals, she quickly decided that she preferred it. The many people that they crossed paths with wore similar attire as hers though none wore the color white as excessively as Shizuru did. The Himean people were very diverse. Their skin, eye, and hair color all differed. The only thing all of them had in common was the almond shape of their eyes. Though Shizuru noticed that her uncommon eye color was just as unique in this world as it was on Earth.
As they continued their sight-seeing, Mai keeping silent so Shizuru could take in everything Hime had to offer, the tawny-haired woman noticed that she was being stared at by the many people they crossed paths with. Some would throw bright smiles her way, others would make a strange gesture with their left hand near the side of their head.
"Tokiha-san? What are they doing?"
"You mean this?" Mai asked before she repeated the gesture. At Shizuru's nod, Mai went on to explain the hand signal. "I means, 'I hear you'. It's like…uh, like a sign of respect. It says that they hear your Lifesong and know you." Mai carefully showed how you touched the tip of your pointer finger and thumb together; extended the rest of your fingers near your ear before flicking your wrist back and forth.
Shizuru smiled in understanding and softly thanked Mai. She wasn't quite sure what'd she do without her temporary guide.
They continued along until they reached a bustling marketplace full of vendors selling strange fruits and vegetables. Mai grabbed her curious companion by the crook of her elbow and beckoned her closer for a better look. After purchasing an oddly shaped fruit with the bronze Himean currency her guide had given her, she bit into the blue flesh and was surprised at the burst of flavor.
"Come, come!" the red-head called, waving for Shizuru's attention. They continued to experience a small slice of Hime. Even walking to the edge of the town where they spotted more exotic birds perched in trees and singing their Lifesongs.
Shizuru was fascinated with this world and the Himean way of life.
"I've decided," The tawny-haired foreigner stated offhandedly as she and Mai walked slowly back towards the large stone manor where Shizuru was summoned. "I've decided to stay for a few more days."
"That's great, Fujino-san!"
"You may call me Shizuru, Tokiha-san."
"Alright Shizuru-chan, but only if you call me Mai."
"Very well," Shizuru said with a small smile. Yes, a few days more wouldn't hurt. Haruka would be worried but she could just explain her absence away somehow. She'd come up with an excuse eventually. Besides, this world is just too fascinating to not explore. Shizuru had always known that she was an adventurous spirit and what better way to fulfill her inquisitiveness than by exploring this foreign land. These Himeans obviously welcomed her with open arms and she felt more alive than she ever had back on Earth.
What did she even have to go back to?
An unhappy marriage with a man she didn't love. A life not her own where she would always do as she was told. An unfeeling mother who never spared her a moment's notice. A power hungry father that could care less for her happiness.
The thought of going back was becoming less and less attractive.
"This is unbelievable. No fucking way," a nearby voice stopped the two women in their tracks. They both turned to find a short, red-headed girl grinning suggestively at the pair.
"Ah, Nao!" Mai exclaimed somewhat surprised. The use of no honorific added to the name did not escape the tawny-haired woman's attention.
"So this is the Marked. The Queen has been promising your arrival for years now." Shizuru took a moment to study this Nao-san. She seemed somewhat different from the other Himeans. Other than the fact that she carried several knifes in plain view on her person, the way she carried herself was peculiar. Her attire was distinct with its loose fitting furs and short cloak. Also, she appeared to have opted to go bare-foot instead of wearing the rope-like sandals that the rest of the civilians wore. Also, her Lifesong was more of a slow tune with sorrow in its undertones before it would swell with short intense bursts of powerful harmony.
"This is Fujino Shizuru. She arrived earlier today. I thought I'd show her around Hime."
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Shizuru offered, bowing her head slightly in greeting. She was stunned when Nao suddenly dropped to one knee before her and Mai.
"The pleasure is mine Alpha."
Shizuru cast an uncertain glance towards her guide about the unusual nickname. She was certainly not used to the common courtesy in Hime.
"You may rise, Rider," Mai laughed as she assisted Nao to her feet. "I think you may have greatly confused Shizuru-chan here. I have yet to explain the full role of the Marked."
"I see," Nao nodded, her earring chimed with the movement. "I hope you at least told her about the Mating."
Mai opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by a sharp injection by Shizuru. "It seems I am still left in the dark about many things Nao-san."
"Shizuru-chan," Mai began uncertainly. She threw a quick glare at the younger red-head before turning back to Shizuru with an apologetic expression. "The Queen and I would've told you before but we were unsure if you would stay in Hime."
The brief anger Shizuru experienced quickly vanished altogether once Mai ended her sentence. It made sense, Afterall.
"I understand," Shizuru spoke softly.
Mai smiled to show she didn't hold any ill feelings before turning back to the young Rider. "Nao, why don't you meet us at the castle at dawn? You can join the Queen and I in beginning Shizuru's lessons on life in Hime."
"Of course. Whatever the Priestess wishes." Nao once again dropped to one knee and bowed her head low to show respect to the two women before her. Then without another glance, she stood and began to walk away.
"Come, Shizuru-chan." Mai once again headed towards the stone manor. "The sun will be setting soon and you need rest. Since you decided to stay in Hime awhile longer than we must begin your teachings. There is much to learn."
"Yes," Shizuru began. "It seems that way."