Izumi hushes the swanbird, using a limb to hold the woman’s head against her chest to comfort her. Just like she would when they were younger – when, despite titles and heir rivalry, she was her little sister. Another paw would find the soft fur of her cheek, gently wiping the flow of tears that ran against it. She breathed in the familiar scent of peaches and vanilla that wafted off the woman’s fur for the first time in a long time; and while her eyes threatened to spill over as well, Izumi held it in at once. Figuring at least one of them needed to hold it in. 私は今、ここにいるわ、妹よ。私のもとへ戻ってきてくれてありがとう。 (I am here now, sister. Thank you for finding your way back to me.) She cooed while gently stroking her head.

Pulling back slightly, her lilac eyes cast over the Fujiwara woman’s face to give her a good once-over. She was really here after all – and Izumi smiles fondly at the realization. ここに着いたばかりですか？どのくらいの時間、旅をしていたのですか？ (Did you just arrive here? How long had you traveled?) Then yet another once-over. This time, a narrowed gaze towards the fur trailing down her legs.

あら、あんよがすっかり汚れてしまっていますね。すぐに洗ってあげないと。 (Ah, your paws are all dirtied. We must get you a bath at once.) She fussed sternly. Even with age, a sister’s job never ended....