Once more she had come to this world, not knowing that anything had ever really happened to this place while she had been gone. The long winter and several types of plagues that had hit the land, were now gone. Nothing left behind to tell Kaguya that something had had once occurred here. At least not to her own eyes. But the island that she had awoken to was indeed a familiar one.

A place that she had met a few wolves belonging to a pack. The scents of some of them entering her nose as she tried to get to her feet. Perhaps this time they would welcome her, giving her another chance at a life that she had so longed for. The albino wolf rose to her paws, letting out a soft howl for anyone that might hear it, the tone of friendliness deep within it. Maybe this day would turn out better for her after all.

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❁

Izumi had already made her rounds earlier that morning with Sovereign at her side — though the sound of a drawn out howl had brought her back to the shores once again. It was not familiar, either, at least from what she could tell while within the heart of Queen's rest. Her long limbs carried her briskly towards the shores to answer at once. This one was likely a stranger to the Dynasty, perhaps even the wolves whose stale markings littered the island when she'd first arrived with the trio. Yet the empress heard no aggression in the call, so she continued onward.

As she approached the shores of her home, Izumi blinked as she got closer. Eyes rounding in surprise. "So we meet again, stranger." Izumi cooed as she approached, her tassel rising above her hocks to sway gently from side to side. They were no stranger in the sense that the Empress has assumed, but they were still basically unknown to her.

"Under better circumstances, as well. Winter does not haunt these lands presently…

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Waiting felt like an eternity to a woman with so little confidence, at least on the inside. Kaguya still held on to the will that her father had taught her to have, the strength to hold her ground and keep going as one of his lineage. So there the ghost waited, until a woman of ink and snow appeared on to the sandy beach. Her eyes were that of lilacs, beautiful and serene. Her voice held a commanding presence and yet a peaceful calmness. Her own gaze went slightly wide in surprise as she had seen this woman before.

Hello again, forgive my rudeness in not properly introducing myself before. Guess I have gotten lucky, not arriving here until after winter. If she only knew just how lucky she truly was. I am Kaguya Yomenimoakarui. Please forgive my rudeness. What do I call you? Kaguya watched her with curiosity and a small sense of caution, though decided that there was no present danger as of yet. So she did her best to try and relax.

The Ivory sylph had made her way onto the shore lines of Queens Rest before. A youthful snowdrop lost amongst the tides of an unforgiving winter — though now was different. Izumi sat comfortably within the wisdom of middle age, and the girl before her was now a young woman. She was clearly adamant on getting acquainted with their lands, just as adamant as Izumi was with protecting them. Yet the blossom-eyed beauty did not seem to be of unfriendly mannerisms, so who was the Empress to deny her an audience?

However, in the silence that she’d allow the woman to finally introduce herself to her, she could’ve sworn she misheard something. It even made her ears perk forward.

I am Empress Izumi of the Fujiwara Dynasty — the very sands you stand on. She explains. —yet I believe I am mistaken on an assumption I’ve made, so feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, miss Kaguya.

She leans forward, Fuji hued orbs searching Sakura. Surely, her guess wasn’t wrong, as that surname didn’t belong to just anyone.

ゲキリンとは誰ですか？ (Who is Gekirin?)

The fallen snowflake of a woman watched the other with careful precision. She didn't seem to be of any threat as of yet. Her gaze had softened just a tad as she began to speak. Izumi of the Fujiwara Dynasty. Empress of the land they now both stood upon. Kaguya made a bow in respect, hoping to appease the woman in some way.

Forgive my intrusion, Empress. I simply returned to the only place that brought solace to me. The only place that I have regarded in fond familiarity. If it would please you, I would love to join your kingdom. As she finished speaking, the next question caught her completely off guard. Gekirin is my father.