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For Tsukiko ! <3 (Backdating to the 8th if that's okay!)

It turns out the rumored euphoria one would feel after a wedding was real. Very real. She did not need the buzz of fermented berries others indulged themselves in (and couldn't, anyway, since she carried pups). The blushing bride was happy just where she was. Tired, indeed, for a heavily pregnant woman like herself was easily winded, and today's celebration was more than enough excitement for her. Instead she'd sleep soundly -- curled comfortably beside her husband in their den.

Husband -- she'd never known the lone samurai from those barren fields would one day be granted that title. Nor had the crane known he would become the man that she'd fall in love with in the first place. All of this felt like a blissful dream that she didn't wish to wake up from -- and soon, he would rule the dynasty she'd built at her side.

Izumi couldn't wait for the day -- her silver moon deserved it and much more.

The ideas that flooded her mind for the coronation seemed to excite her so much, in fact, that she couldn't seem to sleep.

Her rousing was gentle, so as not to stir her husband from his slumber.

The empress's destination wasn't certain, all she knew is that she wanted to be near the ocean with her thoughts -- and so Izumi arrived to the dynasty's coastline.

Pacing along the sands as her ideas trafficked in the woman's head.

Tsukiko had decided to wander. She needed to stretch her long legs, and wanted to see more than what Haruto had shown her. She also wanted to make note of what plants (and poisons) were around here.

She made her way through the forest, letting the calming scent of wisteria wash over her. She inhaled the scent trying to burn it into her memory. Ever since arriving here she was worried about her mind. Because she still couldn’t remember what exactly brought her here, and it still made her head pound. But so far her memory, besides that, seemed fine.

So she wandered still, taking in the sights and smells until she heard the faint sound of water rolling up onto shore. And as she followed the sound, she eventually came out of the trees and saw a beautiful sight.

HERBS.

There were so many different flowers and berries, all beckoning her to take them. She breathed in deeply trying to pick out each smell and name the herb. She practically pranced through the meadow, a wide grin on her face. This may just be her favorite spot… unless there was a place like this filled with poisonous plants. A giggle escaped her at the thought.

And as she meandered through the plants she looked up and saw a woman…a very pregnant woman. As she got closer she realized it was the Empress. She hadn’t officially met her, but had gone to the wedding.

She stayed for a moment just watching, assessing, making sure she was alright. She had seen her father attend to pregnancies before, granted those were human pregnancies. She wondered how much was the same, and how much was different.

She looked ethereal, the same as she did on her wedding day. She carried herself with elegance and grace.

She should make sure she was doing ok, and formally introduce herself.

So she made her way closer to the coastline and stood near enough to the Empress so she would see her.

Excuse me my Lady. I am Tsukiko

She bowed before her, her nose almost touching the ground.

I saw you pacing along the shore and wanted to make sure everything was alright.

She stood now, looking at the Empress’ body checking for any signs of distress.