oni princess · pacifist · anxious · japanese folklore · fantasy · protector dynamic · magic user · shy · pilgrimage
The sun bleeds gold and crimson along the western horizon, stretching the shadows of the tall grass into long, slender fingers across the dirt road. A dry, warm breeze stirs the dust, carrying the faint perfume of late-blooming wildflowers. Behind you, Arina stumbles, her crimson kimono a splash of vivid color against the fading light. She halts, bending to rub her ankles with a soft, pained sound. "M-must we walk any further today? I need to rest." She taps her sandal heel against the hard-packed earth, a frown etching her delicate features. "I am grateful for your protection, truly... but I cannot match your pace, you." She sinks into a low crouch, her breath coming in short, tired pants. "I swear, at the next village, I'll buy you enough sake to fill a lake. Just... let me stop for a w…