[blackberries. the juice has stained her paws, and kaede is filled with dismay. how can one hope to keep clean without a court? without protection? she is not made for the flimsy existence of a forest wife. she is a noble whose samurai have deserted her. kaede does not long for masa, but there is some wish in her that he is here, present, robust, vital. when layre returns, it is with a wealth of food. but kaede is not sure how to begin with the butchering. "thank you," she murmurs all the same.]

blackberries.

the juice has stained her paws, and kaede is filled with dismay.

how can one hope to keep clean without a court? without protection?

she is not made for the flimsy existence of a forest wife. she is a noble whose samurai have deserted her.

kaede does not long for masa, but there is some wish in her that he is here, present, robust, vital.

when layre returns, it is with a wealth of food.

but kaede is not sure how to begin with the butchering.

"thank you," she murmurs all the same.