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Junna · 8/30/2026, 4:59 PM

Junna had settled in well, something like purpose kindling in the empty marrow of her bones. She'd only been here days, perhaps weeks—one could never know with their head buried beneath leaves and varying herbs alike. But it felt long, long and yet not at all. She had yet to speak to their chief medic, the Chiryōchō, and she had heard of the woman's name only in passing. A ghost, she wondered if she might be, elusive enough to be considered a blessing that swept about the grounds.

Fraughtless thoughts, she knew, but the woman had her sights set. Pride beginning to plume like smoke within her chest; that was where she'd work to be, where she would wind up if she continued to be her best. Her movements had never stilled, even as the presence of her Empress seemed to startle her, worry and fear exuding from her in waves. And then, something else...something beneath it all. She could not place it, nor had she the time to, as Izumi's hurried murmurs set her head ablaze.

Junna's own voice came soft, probing but calm. My Kōgō, Izumi, breathe, my dear. You come to me in a fright; what has happened? For it must be something dire, something had truly gone awry for her to be sought instead of Masae. Or perhaps it was the opposite, and not truly dire at all. Junna's stomach seemed to churn, but she remained attuned to the words of her empress. Perhaps there was a skirmish at their borders, where the sea crested upon their beaches. Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. The young woman could hardly compose herself as she sat before her elder, sympathy etched within seriousness.

Give me more to do. She could have pleaded, but it was with silence that she waited, still trying to discern what scent mingled with what usually was wisteria petals and the essence of the sea.

Welcome Back!

Greetings Stranger!

Queen's Rest

Seshin