Chapter 3 [U]
Summer, 685YE
Two fighters face each other in the large training room, one - a sixteen year old with distinct crimson eyes and the other - an older male with cropped salt and pepper hair with the very same burgundy eyes.
Admiral Tetsuo assumed a high starting position, taking advantage of his height, the naginata held above his head, while Shizuru adopts a more middle stance, blade at her waist.
He kicks off first against the matted ground, launching a powerful downward strike aimed at his opponent's head, blade gleaming as it descends. Instinctively moving to defend, the girl raises her weapon to block the incoming strike, blades clashing with a clang. She then uses the momentum to parry the attack to the right, creating a small opening for herself. Pivoting on one foot and adopting a side stance, her blade thrusts forward towards the Admiral's midsection.
The nimble Admiral sidesteps, easily evading the counterattack and retaliates with a swift and precise cut to the waist, a soft whistling heard as the blade cuts through the wind. Not one to be outclassed in speed and agility, his daughter dances quickly out of range, displaying complex yet precise footwork. The pair regard each other as they circled, ready for any next movements in the duel.
She decides to take the offensive, launching a wide sweeping attack from the side, using the curve of the blade to deflect her father's weapon and create an opening. He does as she hoped, and she quickly twists the weapon around, sending the shaft of the weapon in a thrust forward, hoping to catch a hit.
Instead, he closes the distance by pushing the shaft down, closing the distance and started and engagement of close combat rapid strikes and blocks. Both fighters whirled around in a fluid combination of cutting, thrusting, and sweeping motions, each movement precise and deliberate. Father and daughter were both so familiar with their weapons and bodies that utilizing both blade and shaft of the naginata was second nature.
Another clang reverberated through the room and both parties sprang apart. Their gazes locked and both combatants released a puff of air, bowing deeply to each other respectfully.
Spinning the naginata idly back into its default position - shaft on the floor and blade pointed upwards, Admiral Tetsuo grinned, "That was good, Shizuru. I don't think your old man could take you in a spar in the next couple of years!"
"Ara, Father is too modest. If there was an opening, I doubt I could exploit it for many more years to come," Shizuru replied, shaking her head lightly.
He chuckled as he moved to the weapon rack to return the long blade, turning to glance at her as she did the same, "You're far too hard on yourself Shizuru," he hummed, placing a hand on her shoulder. Before he could continue, a soldier had slid the doors to the room open, bowing heavily, "I apologize for the interruption Admiral-sama, Ojou-sama, but I bring word from Southern Vitilus."
"Please go ahead, Father," Shizuru places her hand on his, smiling at the soldier.
The Admiral gives her shoulder a squeeze, hoping it would convey his apologies, "We'll continue this talk later, Shizuru." He nods at the guards and they leave the room.
The young lady of the house reaches up to her tied-back locks, undoing the red band that held it up, allowing her light brown tresses to cascade freely over her shoulders. A few figures appear by the partially opened door - one of whom, her longest-serving retainer and closest confidante, steps forward with a respectful bow. "May we run the bath now, Ojou-sama?"
"I would appreciate that, arigato, Akane-chan," She replies, picking up a robe that had been laid out for her by the cabinet. She trusted Akane implicitly to handle such matters with her usual efficiency. The girl in question nods and turns to usher the rest of the attendants away, giving Shizuru some privacy.
Akane had been by her side since she was about six or seven years of age, initially as a playmate and later as a trusted aide. Though Shizuru had matured into a figure of inscrutable grace, Akane had become adept at discerning her lady's preferences and moods. It was coupled with the fact that Akane would actually engage in many a conversations wholeheartedly with her through the years and held her interests at heart, unlike a good majority of the palace maids most likely had a superficial infatuation or some form of fleeting fantasy, mostly because she was the Princess of Vitilus.
She hadn't particularly minded it, figuring it was just a part and parcel of the role she was born in and not to mention that it had been going on for years. If she thought about it, she suspected that the annual growth of these numbers of admiring attendants were due to idle chatter occurring in the attendant quarters among peers - it was easy to grasp onto something to take your mind off the boredom of daily palace life - and somehow, she was it for them. A faint smile graced her lips - though in the year and a half that the Kruger siblings had appeared, Shizuru was certain that the numbers had actually dipped. The particular Kagenite certainly took no care in hiding her aversion to the attendants, but she didn't seem to mind Akane's occasional presence and Shizuru wondered if she actually discerned the difference, given her limited interactions with them.
The girl with short brown hair soon re-appeared at the corner of her eye, alone, "Thinking about something, Shizuru-sama?" Akane's tone had a hint of a amusement as she approached, "Or should I say someone..?" She busied herself smoothing out the robe Shizuru had just donned.
"Ah, Akane-chan, one shouldn't make such unsubstantiated assumptions," Shizuru chuckled, looking down at the girl who was tying the waist belt of her robe. The unspoken question - Is it really that obvious?
"It's that passing smile you have, Shizuru-sama. I wouldn't have noticed though, had I not been by your side for the last decade or so," Akana reassured her as they walked out of the training area and headed to the bedrooms. "Though, it's no secret in the quarters that your favorite place is no longer just the tea room."
Two years ago, Autumn, 683YE, a few weeks after the Kruger siblings arrived
The Vitilus Great Hall was abuzz with activity, the news of the Arixian attack on Kagen spreading like wildfire across both Vitilus and Caradosa lands. The Arixian numbers were thinned from the attack on Kagen, and they needed time to re-group and re-amass their numbers, but war would surely come.
"Scouts have it that they are felling half the forests and word has it they are working on some mysterious build," Midori Sugiura, the Vitilus Northern province governess remarked.
"Don't be silly - half the Kagen forest? It's impossible! The Northen lands are huge!" someone at the table retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You're the silly to underestimate them! They've probably gotten ahold of the technologies that King Kruger so loved to delve in. Just about what we need - Arixians armed to the teeth and with technologies to boot!" a Caradosian member snapped at his counterpart.
The Admiral's deep voice cut in the dispute, an attempt to quell the impending argument, "Vitilus has started recruitment efforts, not just for our foot soldiers, but we are training Raptor riders as well. I assume Caradosa is doing the same?"
The president of Caradosa nodded, "We have, but Horned Striders are.. well, they don't exactly breed in litters. But rest assured that emergency plans are underway to bulk up the Caradosa forces across the land."
The discussions which had been going on for the last hour continued on, members chipping in at points and how co-operative efforts were to be made. The younger members, that had accompanied their county heads had taken their places, standing beside their mentors. Haruka had an arm on her hip, an exasperated look on her face as she started to argue about something with the man across the table. Yukino was beside her Father, President Chrysant, looking deep in thought. Across the table was the redhead Midori Sugiura, Governess of Northen Vitilus and beside her was a elderly man - Reito Kanzaki's grandfather and Governor of Southern Vitilus. Both Kanzakis had the same serene looks on their faces.
Shizuru, who was standing by her father, edged closer to the windows. An arm was across her midsection and another was supporting her chin, as she looked out into the greenery of the palace grounds, hoping to clear her head a little. She closed her eyes, inhaling softly, before she spoke. "Perhaps," she paused. Her voice had the same effect as the Admiral's in silencing the bickering room, though for a very different reason. She had her mother's lilt, that came from a very specific southern area in Vitilus and the melodic intonation never failed to capture attention. "We should also plan for the eventual evacuation of the civilians - especially in the most vulnerable towns. We should not let what happened in Kagen happen again."
The room burst into agreement and Shizuru opened her eyes hoping the expansive greenery of the palace grounds would cut out the cacophony of overlapping voices. Instead, the sight below surprised her. The once green gardens now had a figure with long, dark hair striding through it. Her gaze followed the path the figure was purposefully heading toward - a distance away, the trees right by the far palace walls. "Natsuki?" she breathed aloud, but the chatter in the Great Hall drowned out her voicing of the sudden lapse in attention. She glided back to her Father's side and whispered something in his ear, her movements barely noticed as the Hall was still in a furor on deciding the best plans. He looked up at her from his seated position and nodded. "My apologies to the table, but I am feeling a bit under the weather, if you would be so kind as to excuse me."
They peered at her, but most nodded or assented nonetheless, with the exception of Haruka, who had now placed both arms on her hips, unintentionally showing off her toned forearms used to wield her mace and chain weapon. You! Bubuzuke! How could you leave at this time! Shizuru sent an apologetic smile toward the blonde but quickly excused herself.
As soon as she exited from the enormous double doors of the Great Hall, her quartet of attendants milled around her. She gave but a quick glance of acknowledgement, lingering only for a second longer on Akane, but continued down the hall, unwavering in her determination to reach her destination.
When she exited the castle and arrived in the gardens, the crisp autumn wind caught her, billowing the tails of her white dress into the wind. Luckily for her, she had been in a more formal garb due to the meeting today and she tugged the indigo sash that was across her shoulders a little tighter. Her sandals clicked over the sandstone tiles, passing row after row of pink begonias. "Ojou-sama?" an uncertain voice whispered behind her as they reached the end of the path. Shizuru only turned her head slightly in acknowledgement, before setting foot on the grass and continuing her way to the trees in the distance. There was no path, for it was never travelled and no one else in sight. Even Akane was confused, for once, but followed her mistress, beckoning with her head for the rest to keep pace.
They finally arrived at the far end of the immense compound and were standing in the middle of a grove of large, shady trees. Despite living here their entire lives, none of them had actually walked all the way out and in truth, these trees were humongous, compared to when they saw them from the palace itself.
A rare crinkle formed on Shizuru's brow. There's no one around. How strange, I had barely taken five minutes. Was I seeing things? She turned around, only to catch sight of her attendants but no sign at all of long navy hair. Once her gaze settled on them, however, adolescent maids started tittering, "Ojou-sama, it's chilly here, I think we should get back inside, we wouldn't want you to get sick!" Another was shuddering at a tiny insect that was resting on a tree stump.
Shizuru swore she heard an indistinct crunch of leaves amid the babbling of one of the girls, but was immediately startled when Akane, who had ventured a little further off out of curiosity, let out a squeal. She spun around immediately, a hand sweeping her long dress as she made a full 180, finding another figure beside Akane, "Natsuki!"
Curiously circling the brown haired girl, Natsuki's eyes was studying Akane from head to toe, as though she had grown a horn on her head. The gaze then shifted to Shizuru and finally to the nervous trio lurking behind. Shizuru could swear that if looks could kill, she would be short of three attendants right now. Before she could say anything, Natsuki had her back turned with a huff, and was heading back toward the grove. Shizuru made her way to Akane, the girl had a shock but had returned to her cheerful self. A hand on her attendant's shoulder, Shizuru requested, her tone soft but firm, "Ara, I would like to accompany Kruger-san for a while. If you could, Akane?"
"Of course, Shizuru-sama," Akane whispered, understanding the unspoken instruction and walked away, gathering the remaining maids. Leaving with her, the voices faded away soon enough and with the silence, Shizuru ventured into the quiet solitude of the grove.
She found Natsuki seated with her back against a tree with her eyes closed, legs crossed and arms over her head."What're you doing here?" a low voice questioned.
"I apologize for the interruption, Natsuki. I caught sight of Natsuki walking out here. Is everything alright?"
There was a minute of silence as Natsuki removed her arms from her head, tilting her head upwards to regard Shizuru, "Sit?"
Shizuru nodded and bent down to take a seat, with her knees bent to the side. She smoothed out her long dress, unaware that her every move was being watched. It wasn't till she heard a snicker that her eyes shot up and met deep green ones, full of amusement, when she realized she was being judged. Shizuru threw her companion a look of faux-crossness and continued with her actions proudly, adjusting the sash on her shoulders.
"I like it here," Natsuki commented when Shizuru had finally reined in her uncooperative garment and was seated comfortably. Natuski's mood had improved drastically when silence returned. She ran a hand through the grass, shutting her eyes as she inhaled the crisp, fresh air. Shizuru watched quietly as the Kagenite relished the tranquility. The girl had a rare smile on her lips and there was a steady rise and fall in her chest as she took in the rich aroma of the nature around her. Shuzuru closed her eyes as well, joining her in enjoying the stillness of the grove and the shared silence.
Summer, 684YE, around eight months after the Kruger siblings arrived
Shizuru rapped twice the wooden door to the Kagenite's room, "Natsuki?"
"Yeah, come in Shizuru," Natsuki called, recognizing the voice but sounding a little distracted.
An arm pushing the door open and the other steadying the tea tray, Shizuru entered. The owner of the room was hunched over her wooden desk, a charcoal pencil in hand as she scribbled furiously on a a piece of parchment. There was an array of cylinders piled up beside her, of various sizes and materials. From the months they had spent together, Shizuru noticed that Natsuki seemed to have the keenest interest in the most random of knick-knacks, ranging from small dishes to strangely shaped spoons and even random objects collected from around Vitilus like colorful powders, bark and even moss! It seemed her parents had noticed that as well as they stopped by to visit both her and Alyssa every other day, watching the collection growing . They had suggested to Natsuki to move to a new room that would have sufficient space for the girl's interest and Shizuru was pleased when the girl accepted. She seemed truly happy whenever she was working on something, and if the room could help further her interests, the Violas were more than happy to support in whatever ways they could.
Just the other day, when they were having taking a walk along the city, Natsuki had in particular, stopped by a glass workshop along the Vitilus side streets. However, instead of looking at the crafted pieces of art that were prominently put up for sale and show, she had found a small corner at the far side of the store. The display looked forgotten, there were just a couple of bronze holders with a long stem, with circular glass pieces attached to them. Shizuru had no idea what Natsuki was looking for as she busied herself with examining the pieces, rubbing her thumb and index over the glass surfaces.
Natsuki had noticed Shizuru looking inquisitively at her and she held out the piece she was holding, "Here, see, this glass surface is curved on one side and flat on the other," she explained, gingerly taking up Shizuru's hand and laying it on the lens. At Shizuru's nod of comprehension, she turns and shows her another, "This is curved outwards on both sides and," she puts her hand under the glass as a demonstration, "It makes things magnified."
"I see, is Natsuki looking for a particular type of lens, then?" Shizuru asked as she took the magnification glass from Natsuki and held it up against a glass vase in the shop.
"Yeah," she muttered, "I need some that curve inwards and some outwards, but only of around these two sizes," she gestured, and held up her hand to show the sizes. "I dunno, maybe four inches in diameter for the big one and two for the smaller. They're hard to find, though," she shrugged and turned to exit the store, Shizuru trailing after her, "Maybe some other time."
Shizuru gently set the tea tray she was holding on the table, her fingers brushing against the delicate purple silk bag that rested atop it. She picked up the bag and quietly made her way to Natsuki's desk, curious to see what had captured her friend's attention so intently. Leaning over, she glimpsed intricate diagrams - lines intersecting across two objects with a variety of arrows pointing in the same direction.
"By the way, I have something for Natsuki," Shizuru said, placing the silk bag on the desk, its contents clinking as she did so. The search for these had taken her across the entire city, hunting for a glassmaker capable of crafting circular lenses. Without exact specifications, she decided to commission a variety and let Natsuki have her pick.
A dark brow arches quizzically at the bag and Natsuki sits up and reaches for it, deftly loosening the braided string, "Oh!" she exclaims, her expression a mix of astonishment and gratitude as she turns up to look at Shizuru, "You found it!"
Shizuru nods as the heartened girl eagerly combs through the bag, picking a few choice ones in her hands and starts to pick a cylinder off the table to fit the lens into. She haphazardly sweeps the unsuitable ones away and Shizuru observes her quietly, her eyes soft with affection at Natsuki's enthusiasm. Satisfying clicks echoed in the room as the pieces locked into place, forming a four-piece tube—each section tapering gracefully from large to small, with gleaming glass lenses at both ends.
Natsuki pushes off the chair and heads for the window, she closes her left eye and and lifts the device to the other. Pleased at the results, she urged eagerly, "Come, Shizuru," and extends a hand without looking back. When Shizuru's fingers met hers, Natsuki grasped her hand firmly, pulling her companion closer. "See!"
Shizuru takes the contraption carefully from Natuski and mimics her actions, closing an eye and peering through the small lens. "Ara," she breathes, shifting her head away from the device to make sure what she was seeing was correct. Far off into the landscape, there was a small villager house that she could only just make out. But the nifty device brought it so much closer that she could even see the small well that stood beside the house. "What is this, Natsuki?" she asks, handing the gadget back to its owner.
"Ah, it's a spyglass," Natsuki murmurs, setting it on the table, "My dad designed this. I was quite young at the time, so my memories are a bit hazy, but I think he used Vitilian glass for the lenses and well, I'm here, so I was trying it out." She motioned at the schematics, pausing, "It's just a replica, though, of what he showed me. I'll still have to make adjustments to get it to work properly."
"It's already wonderful for a prototype, Natsuki," Shizuru replies, banishing the slight hesitation and reached out for the hand beside her, giving it a comforting squeeze. The hand wasn't withdrawn and Shizuru continued with a supportive smile, "I'm sure Natsuki can refine it into something truly amazing."
Present, Summer, 685YE, almost a year and a half after the Kruger siblings arrived
"Akane-san," Shizuru tipped her head, catching sight of the short-haired girl in the corner of her eye. The girl had laid out a knee-length dress, adorned with floral patterns from deep purples, pink and white. The neckline was dipped into a v-shape and Akane had picked out a thin brown belt to match the outfit. It was perfect for a garden picnic. It seemed her aide had anticipated where she was headed for after the bath. "Is the basket..?" she trailed off, glancing out the windows to see that the sun had already shifted high into the sky.
"Yes, Shizuru-san, we've sent word down to the kitchens. It should be ready shortly."
"Ah, could you also let them know to retrieve some ice from the ice house for the drinks? It looks particularly hot today."
"Of course, Shizuru-san, I'll be right back!"
She stepped out of the bath, as the other attendants draped a towel around her and took a seat by the vanity in the bathroom. Akane had returned momentarily and started to dry her damp hair before pinning it up neatly in a bun. They helped her into her dress and were soon at the back of the castle. Before they walked out into the heat, Akane placed the large sunhat on Shizuru, giving it a nice tilt. When they were near enough, just a little off the edge of the grove, Akane handed the picnic basket over to Shizuru and the four attendants bowed and turned to head back to the palace leaving their lady alone.
The basket in hand swung slightly as she made her way towards the grove, her steps light and buoyant, reflecting her current mood. She arrives at her destination shortly, settling by a particular spot and sets the basket down. She didn't need to call out to get Natsuki's attention - the girl had most certainly spotted them since they had set foot out of the palace. Besides, over the course of the year, the pair had settled into such a familiar routine that it wasn't even required.
As expected, she hears a soft crunch of the fallen leaves as the individual she had been looking forward to seeing leaps down from one of the trees.
Shizuru regards the young marksman as she swivels the striking navy bow trimmed with gold over her shoulders. They were no longer thin and sloped, filling in over the years as she matured. Shizuru was fairly certain that whenever Natsuki headed out, she was either scaling trees or traversing through caverns or some sort of rigorous activity. They had sparred together a few times in hand-to-hand combat and Shizuru knew firsthand that despite Natsuki's slender form, one shouldn't be misled. There was a definite physical prowess and endurance packed into that lithe body.
Walking over, the girl habitually raised a hand to flick her hair, revealing the well-defined lines on her biceps through the leather tunic. Natsuki didn't particularly favor the traditional Vitilian attire, opting for a tunics that were made from the leather of Caradosaian Buffabeests. These large animals came in sizeable herds - heavily built, with a dark gray coat and horns that curved downward and then up. Due to Caradosa's and Vitilus' vicinity, they were quite readily available. In the summer heat, Shizuru noticed that Natuski had shucked off her furred mantle that she had brought from Kagen. Shizuru never told her, but she quite favored it - it had been silently draped over her a couple of cold, breezy nights and it always held a lingering warmth and pleasant memories.
It was the utility belt that hung on her waist that took Shizuru's breath away. She used it to hold the various gadgets and supplies used on her trips. The simple belt accentuated her curves, seamlessly blending her lithe physique with practical gear. As she walked over, her stride was purposeful and there was an undeniable presence about her. Natsuki had not just grown up; she had blossomed into a person of silent strength and sharp authority. Shizuru unconsciously purses her lips. There was a depth to her feelings that she hadn't dared to allow herself to explore, a complex mix of admiration, affection, and something that went beyond friendship.
"Shizuru. What is it?" Natsuki asked, noticing the serious expression on Shizuru's face, concern evident in her emerald eyes.
"It's just that Natsuki has something on her face," Shizuru said, shaking herself from her reverie. A smile quickly replaced her expression and she expertly dodged, even tapping at her left cheek to indicate the phantom stain.
"Wha?" the hunter rubs her cheeks.
"I'm just kidding!" Shizuru laughs, "Come sit down, Natsuki. I think I've something you'll appreciate."
There was a low disgruntled grumble but the dark-haired girl plops down beside her anyway. Shizuru retrieves the pitcher of lemonade, beads of moisture trickling down the sides and pooling at the base of the basket in the summers heat. She poured the lemonade into two waiting glasses the other girl had helped with and a refreshing citrus scent filled the air. Passing a glass over to Shizuru, Natsuki sipped at hers, sighing in contentment as the cool liquid brought a brief respite to the heat.
Shizuru smiled, watching her companion enjoy the drink. "I thought it might help Natsuki cool down."
Natsuki gave a small nod, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Shizuru. I don't know how you always manage to make everything feel a little better." She suddenly sprung to her feet, "Oh, wait, I have something for you. Hang on, I gotta call Duran." She pulls out a small and simple wooden whistle from her belt and blows into it. "Sorry, I forgot I left it in his satchel," she shrugs sheepishly and tries to peer through the leaves for sight of her steed. Ever dependable, he was soon spotted as a black speck in the sky, growing larger and larger, before the almost full sized Wolcon landed before them with a happy bark of greeting before a tongue lolled out.
"Hello, Duran," Shizuru had stood up as well, reaching out to scratch Duran behind the ears and his tail thumped happily at the attention he was receiving.
Natsuki rummaged through the satchel hanging from Duran's side, her fingers finally closing around the item she sought. "Here, they're goggles," she mumbled as she pulled out a brown strap. "I used the spare lenses from the last time," she explained as she handed it to Shizuru shyly, eyes on the ground. "I know you aren't as used to flying yet and the winds are quite strong."
The present now lay in Shizuru's hand, beautifully crafted leather straps that held two polished lenses that gleamed in the sunlight.
"You should tell me, Shizuru," the girl continued softly, "When you're feeling uncomfortable, instead of bearing with it."
Shizuru grasped the goggles tightly against her chest, touched by the thoughtfulness behind the gift. "Thank you, Natsuki. I really appreciate this," she said warmly. "I guess I didn't want to bother you with it."
"It's not a bother," Natsuki replied, finally meeting her gaze. "I want you to enjoy the flights as much as I do. Come here, lemme see if it fits."
The brunette complied, handing the goggles over and let Natsuki fit it over her head. "The straps are adjustable; you can loosen it when you pull it upwards." Natsuki places a hand on Shizuru's face, trying to feel if there were any gaps between the leather and skin. "Does this feel okay?"
Shizuru nods, finally expelling a breath she didn't know she had been holding, while trying to calm her galloping heart. The closeness of Natsuki's touch and the care she took in adjusting the goggles made her heart race in a way she hadn't expected. "Yes," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "They fit perfectly."
Natsuki smiled, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Good. Now you'll be ready for anything the wind throws at us the next time we head out."
Shizuru gives her a playful smile. "How about now, Natsuki?"
"Now?" she blinks, looking surprised but tilts her head upwards - she was most definitely considering it, especially when it came to riding out. "It's hot out, but yeah.." Her gaze lands on the large sunhat on Shizuru's head. She plucks it off the brunette's head, earning a light giggle and tucks it under her tunic. Patting the dark Wolcon's head, she swung her leg over his broad back, settling into the saddle in a single swift motion. She turns back to Shizuru, who was watching her with a small smile. Natsuki extended her hand towards her. "Ready?"
Shizuru reached out and placed her hand in Natsuki's proffered one. The ranger's strong arm gently pulled her upwards and Shizuru gracefully lifted herself onto Duran's back with the assistance. She adjusted herself behind Natsuki, her arms instinctively wrapping around the girl's waist for balance. With a glance back to ensure Shizuru was secure, she gave Duran a quiet command and a destination. The Wolcon responded, powerful legs pushing off the ground as his wings unfurled. The wind whipped around them as they ascended, the ground falling away beneath them as Duran shot into the air with a forceful beat of his wings.
They soared higher, climbing towards the clouds and Natsuki felt Shizuru's arms tighten around her, the warmth of her body pressed close against her back. The thrill of flight, combined with Shizuru's presence sent a wave of exhilaration through her veins. Natsuki couldn't help but let a smile tug at her lips. She glances behind to see that Shizuru had already pushed on the new goggles to protect her eyes from the biting winds at their speed.
Past the final ascent, Duran flew on steadily, carrying them effortlessly towards their destination. The world below them shrunk, the landscape unfolding like a vast map, with rivers and forests stretching out in every direction. After a short flight, the sloped cliff came into view. Natsuki guided Duran towards the landing spot, his wings adjusting to slow their descent. They touched down smoothly at the clearing - a perfect vantage point where the faraway mountains and forests of Kagen could be seen.
She dismounts from Duran with ease, while Shizuru sets the goggles to hang loosely around her neck. Turning, she helps the young princess down and Duran ambles off to the edge of the cliff. Natsuki reached under her tunic and pulled out the sunhat, her eyes meeting Shizuru's, silently seeking consent. At Shizuru's light nod, Natsuki leans forward and carefully places the hat back on the brunette's head, ensuring it was secure against the wind. The small act made Shizuru blush, but fortunately for her, the shadow cast by the brim of the hat concealed her rosy cheeks.
Burgundy eyes peers out from underneath the hat, watching as her companion stretch out her arms, the leather tunic rippling with the movements, silhouetting her lithe frame. Natsuki had walked toward the edge of the cliff, the wind gently tousling her long black locks. The young brunette moved to stand beside the raven-haired ranger, their shoulders brushing lightly as they both took in the breathtaking view before them in comfortable silence. The world was distant and forgotten, as they enjoyed their private sanctuary - just the two of them, side by side.