Her clan continued to grow by the coming days, and so did the crane bird's prospects for a better tomorrow. It had been nearly a month and a half since her return to the lands of Mythiris and everything had changed so much. Her samurai and confidant turned lover, Osamu, newly found ambitions for political prospects, and the many, many old and new faces she'd run into during that celebration. Though her feet are planted within Westmoor to keep a closer eye on the lands, she quietly wondered how Young Yoshiro and Gekirin's daughter had been faring in the harsh north. Or whether they'd managed to find Tiberius or not. With the responsibilities of pack life and many dangers that had come her way, the Empress regretted never having the time to reconnect with her old friend.

Most of all, she worried for her younger cousin. He always seemed to put a bright smile upon his face, even in timed that never called for such a thing. Yet lately, she noticed his disappearances late at night. Baby cousin or not, Yoshi was a grown man -- it'd be awkward to confront him about his whereabouts even if he was family. The fact that he didn't tell her was proof enough that he wanted her out of his business. So for the present, the empress respected his boundaries and pretended not to know.

Her trail through the Wakes had lead her to a place she frequented quite often in the past, bringing a smile to her face and the scent of fragrant flowers baking within the summer's sun...