Earth Song-Princess Mononoke RP (Private)

[toxic34]

At this moment, San, the girl raised by wolves known as Princess Mononoke, was having a loving, private moment with her soul mate, Ashitaka. Partially to see if she could actually discover humanity inside of her and be comfortable with it to any degree.

[AJbestpony]

"How are you feeling?" Ashitaka asked her. He had left civilization behind in effort to live a quiet life with her in the woods. Together they had build a log cabin with their own hands. They were resting on the front porch right now.

[toxic34]

"I am fine, Ashitaka. Just taking this day in right now."

[AJbestpony]

He smiled at her and rubbed her arm. "Well, take as long as you need to do that. Just remember you don't have to do it alone. I'm here for you."

[toxic34]

She nodded and sat for a bit before heading inside.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka decided to go foraging for some nuts and berries. His mate clearly wanted some time to herself for now.

[toxic34]

San sat alone for a bit inside. At that moment, she was thinking about what her identity was. Was she more human or wolf? She wasn't so sure anymore.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka managed to harvest a healthy amount of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, walnuts, pine nuts, chestnuts, and hazelnuts. Once his sack was full, he headed back.

[toxic34]

San turned around. "You sure came well prepared."

[AJbestpony]

He smiled at the praise, given how rarely she handed it out. "Our options for hunting are somewhat limited, so we have to make do with what we have access to."

[toxic34]

San nodded and smiled a little. "So, where are things at with Iron Town?"

[AJbestpony]

"The good news is Lady Eboshi is willing to reach some type of compromise," Ashikata informed her, "We still have yet to work out the finer details, though."

[toxic34]

"Hmm. I hope that things work out." San then just squatted down to relieve herself.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka hastily crouched down to stop her. "What are you doing?"

[toxic34]

"Relieving myself, what does it look like?"

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka scoffed. "That's one thing we have to make clear. In this house, we cannot just defecate on the floor any time we please. Fortunately, I brought something back from Iron Town that could help you adjust."

[toxic34]

San looked on at the item. "What is that?"

[AJbestpony]

"It's called a diaper," he informed her, "Basically, you wear it around your waist, and whenever nature calls, you release into it. Go ahead and lie down. I'll put it on you."

[toxic34]

San decided to go along with it for now.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka thought it would be easier to go ahead and remove San's tunic altogether. Once she was nude, he slid the diaper underneath her bottom. Then he applied some powder to her nether regions and rubbed it in. Finally, he brought the diaper up and pinned it in place. "There. How does it feel?"

[toxic34]

"Hmm, it's very soft. It definitely makes me feel very safe."

[AJbestpony]

"That's good," Ashitaka stated, hugging San and kissing her on the lips gently.

[toxic34]

She kissed back and smiled. They snuggled together for the longest time, idly eating from the nuts and berries at moments.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka felt so relaxed and comfortable that he did not want to get out of bed. Unfortunately, he felt the need to pee before long. Luckily for him, the package of diapers was well within reach.

[toxic34]

San chuckled a bit as Ashitaka grabbed one to pee in. She messed herself at that moment.

[AJbestpony]

He managed to diaper himself up just before the flood gates opened. He sighed as the padding between his legs began to warm up.

[toxic34]

San smiled a bit and laid still for Ashitaka to change her.

[AJbestpony]

He smiled and unpinned the diaper, proceeding to wipe her. "Whew. You are a smelly wolf girl, aren't you?"

[toxic34]

She giggled. She suddenly felt more relaxed and happy than she ever had. Why was that?

[AJbestpony]

"I think you're finally adapting to living a human lifestyle," Ashitaka supposed, powdering San's crotch and pinning a fresh diaper on her.

[toxic34]

Maybe he had a point. All she knew was that she was suddenly sleepy and was soon out like a lot.

[AJbestpony]

(I think I'm going to get off for a while. If you don't hear from me again tonight, I'll be back on at around 11:30 tomorrow morning your time.)

Ashitaka did not even bother changing his own wet diaper just yet. Instead, he just cuddled with his beautiful mate and joined her in a blissful slumber.

[toxic34]

(All right)

As she slept, she had a surprising dream. It involved her human parents.

[AJbestpony]

In the dream, her parents did not abandon her as they had in real life. Instead, they had stayed with her and cared for her like proper loving parents.

[toxic34]

She looked on as she grew under their care and love, and was happy.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka was the first to wake up that morning. He was about to wake San up, but she seemed to be having a very pleasant dream. So, he chose not to disturb her.

[toxic34]

San slept for the longest time. When she woke, she felt like a different person. "Ashitaka?"

[AJbestpony]

He had already changed out of his wet diaper and into his regular pants. He turned to his mate and said in concern "Yes?"

[toxic34]

"I had a dream. It was about my human parents. In it, I was raised by them, and I was so happy. I mean truly happy, since I never have been." She laid still to be changed.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka smiled when she told him of her dream. "It could be a sign that you want to be loved and cared for as a human." He unpinned her diaper and began to wipe her.

[toxic34]

"I think that I do," San admitted. "I don't want to be filled with anger and hate, not even that I think is justified. I want to start anew."

[AJbestpony]

Ashikata continued to smile as he powdered and rediapered San. Then he kissed her tenderly on the lips, saying "Well, I'll be here for you every step of the way, my beautiful princess of the forest."

[toxic34]

"Thank you, Ashitaka." She smiled and kissed him back.

[AJbestpony]

After the kiss, Ashitaka sat back and asked "So, what shall we do now?"

[toxic34]

"Well, I'm not quite sure at the moment. You did say you were working to help Iron Town learn how to care for themselves and the land at the same time, right?"

[AJbestpony]

"That's correct," Ashitaka confirmed, "I have been working on a few techniques that would involve them using a more environmentally-conscious approach to producing their iron without dropping in quantity or quality at the same time."

[toxic34]

"Hmm. Maybe there are things I could teach them as well."

[AJbestpony]

"Would you like to arrange a meeting with Lady Eboshi to discuss how her people could learn those things?" Ashitaka suggested.

[toxic34]

"I think I would," San said. "What better way to start things differently?"

[AJbestpony]

"Very well," Ashitaka acknowledged, "Shall we head to Iron Town, then?"

[toxic34]

She nodded and followed him to sit on Yakul's back to head off.

[AJbestpony]

Within an hour, they arrived at Iron Town. The gates were promptly opened for them.

[toxic34]

San was naturally a bit nervous about how things would turn out.

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi was a busy woman, but she made time for Prince Ashitaka and his wolf princess. "How might I help you two?"

[toxic34]

San came up to her. "Lady Eboshi, I've come to offer my services to help teach you and the people of Iron Town how to maximize living conditions while caring for the land."

[AJbestpony]

In the aftermath of that terrifying ordeal that always destroyed the land, Lady Eboshi was more than willing to listen to such a proposal. "Go on."

[toxic34]

She looked up. "Since Ashitaka has been helping with iron production, I can help with food related matters."

[AJbestpony]

"Very well, my dears," said Lady Eboshi, "What about the sewage system? I imagine that must be inflicting a great many problems into the adjoining lake and the related ecosystem."

[toxic34]

"Yes, it would be. Do you try to use any waste as fertilizer?"

[AJbestpony]

"We mostly use the manure from the stables," Lady Eboshi disclosed, "However, using human waste would not be unheard of. It would certainly be innovative for Iron Town."

[toxic34]

San nodded. "I also know the best foraging areas and times when to do so. And you should also change what crops you grow every season."

[AJbestpony]

"You mean crop rotation?" Eboshi assumed, "I am familiar with this, as well, but it has never been implemented at Iron Town before. I certainly would not mind putting it into practice..."

[toxic34]

San nodded at that. "How are you, personally, doing these days?"

[AJbestpony]

"Honestly, kinda lonely," Lady Eboshi admitted, "My duties to the town keep me very busy with precious little time left over for a social life. If I had a companion or two to keep me company, I would not mind so much."

[toxic34]

San looked at Ashitaka at that moment.

[AJbestpony]

He stepped forward and stated "Lady Eboshi, we would be happy to offer you the companionship you seek."

[toxic34]

"Oh, thank you. I would be honored." San smiled a little. "Who knows, maybe you'll even get your arm back at some point."

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi shrugged. "Perhaps I will." At that moment, San began wetting her diaper.

[toxic34]

"Excuse us for a moment, Lady Eboshi." He moved San to another room.

[AJbestpony]

"Take as long as you need," Lady Eboshi assured them. San laid down and waited for Ashitaka to change her. "Sorry about this."

[toxic34]

"It's all right, San. I don't mind." He undid the diaper and wiped her before powdering and rediapering her.

[AJbestpony]

Patting her diaper, San stood up and kissed Ashitaka on the lips in appreciation. "Thank you."

[toxic34]

He kissed back and smiled as they returned to Eboshi's side.

[AJbestpony]

"So, is there anything more you wish to discuss?" she asked the two young lovers.

[toxic34]

"Just one question. Do you ever think about having a family of your own?"

[AJbestpony]

"As it happens, I have," Eboshi confessed. "However, Gonza is the only man I've ever been really close to, and he only sees me as his leader, whom he must protect and serve."

[toxic34]

"Well, I'm sure you'll find someone who is right for you."

[AJbestpony]

"I only hope I will be as fortunate as you two," Eboshi muttered, "You are clearly smitten with one another."

[toxic34]

San smiled at that moment. "Anything that you need right now?"

[AJbestpony]

"Not at present," she replied, "However, currently I do not have any duties that I must see to. So, would you two like to mingle for a bit?"

[toxic34]

"I think that would be nice." They retreated a bit to Eboshi's own room.

[AJbestpony]

"If you'll excuse me, I am going to slip into something a little more comfortable," Eboshi announced.

[toxic34]

They waited quite happily for her to return.

[AJbestpony]

Eboshi emerged with a thin, flowing gown they could almost see through. "What do you think of it?"

[toxic34]

"You look quite beautiful," San said.

[AJbestpony]

"Thank you," Eboshi said gratefully. Ashitaka grinned and observed "You might look good in one, too, San."

[toxic34]

"I've never had a nightgown before," she said with a girlish blush.

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi smiled, took San's head, and led her to her wardrobe. "See one you like, my dear?"

[toxic34]

San took one and placed it on herself.

[AJbestpony]

"It suits you rather well," Eboshi praised her. As it happened, the dress San chose was also slightly translucent. The older woman could clearly make out the outline of the wolf princess's diaper.

[toxic34]

San was then surprised that she and Ashitaka were then allowed to snuggle with her in bed.

[AJbestpony]

"We could all use a nap," she told the two of them, cuddling them close, "Pleasant dreams, you two."

[toxic34]

"Pleasant dreams." They fell fast asleep. San dreamed again about her human parents, but this was different. Instead of what could've happened, it showed what did. Or rather, their side of the story, to show that San wasn't abandoned like garbage at all.

[AJbestpony]

Somehow, her parents were separated from her during what should have been a simple recreational hike into the mountains. When they realized their daughter was lost, they became frantic. They organized a search party, but ultimately turned up empty-handed. Even so, they never stopped looking for her. To this day, they were still searching.

[toxic34]

San gasped when she woke. She then broke down and cried as she realized that everything she knew was wrong. She needed to find them.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka and Lady Eboshi were jolted awake by San's sobbing. The former went to his lover and asked in worry "San, what is it? What's wrong?"

[toxic34]

"I had a vision of my parents. They didn't abandon me. They lost me, and they're still looking for me."

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka was shocked. "Where are they? Are they far? Maybe we can find them." Lady Eboshi nodded. "If I can help you reunite with them, I'll have my own people out looking for your parents, San."

[toxic34]

"I don't know exactly where they are, other than they continually search this area," she said.

[AJbestpony]

"Could you tell us what they look like?" Lady Eboshi suggested, "That way, my people will know who to look out for, if ever they happen to stop by this town."

[toxic34]

San gave a vivid description of them.

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi passed this description along to the best artist in Iron Town, and soon, picture of San's parents were distributed throughout the settlement.

[toxic34]

San was left alone for a bit to come to grips with herself.

[AJbestpony]

"Anything I can do for you?" Eboshi asked, wanting to somehow comfort her.

[toxic34]

San looked up at Eboshi and sighed. She laid on her lap.

[AJbestpony]

Eboshi started stroking her hair gently. "I'm sure you'll find them. It's only a matter of time."

[toxic34]

"I know now what this means for me. I truly am human."

[AJbestpony]

"Of course you are," Lady Eboshi stated, smiling and kissing San on the temple delicately.

[toxic34]

"But it's only now that I can embrace that fact."

[AJbestpony]

"All that matters is that once you see them again, you accept them as your parents," Eboshi advised her, "Nothing else matters." She then reached under San's dress and felt her diaper.

[toxic34]

San was very messy at this moment.

[AJbestpony]

"Would you like me to change you?" Eboshi offered sweetly. Fortunately, Ashitaka had brought a diaper bag along.

[toxic34]

"Thank you. I would appreciate that very much."

[AJbestpony]

Eboshi just smiled and laid San down on her bed. Then she began wiping her crotch with a damp cloth.

[toxic34]

She smiled a little and giggled in response.

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi kept smiling and tickled San's stomach a little. "You are so cute, Princess."

[toxic34]

She giggled in response, wiggling her toes.

[AJbestpony]

Before long, Eboshi had San powdered and pinned into a fresh nappy. She then held the younger woman in her arms and told her "Ashitaka is going out to look for your parents. Would you like to join him?"

[toxic34]

"I think that would be nice." She nodded and went to join him.

[AJbestpony]

"I'll be waiting here whenever you get back," Eboshi assured her. Ashitaka and San were soon underway.

[toxic34]

"Where are we going to look, Ashitaka?"

[AJbestpony]

"Well, according to the townsfolk, the last time your parents were seen in this general area was somewhere along the western side of the mountain."

[toxic34]

"Then let's make our way there at once."

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka nodded, and the two of them began riding in that direction.

[toxic34]

"So, what exactly are we looking for?"

[AJbestpony]

"The last time they were seen was about three days ago, near a waterfall," he told her, "Let's start there."

[toxic34]

They made their way over.

[AJbestpony]

As they got closer, Ashitaka could have sworn he saw something move. It turned out to be two things, which turned out to be two people. He pointed them out to San.

[toxic34]

San nodded. "Halt. Come closer," she said. She dismounted and approached them.

[AJbestpony]

They were a married couple. Neither of them could have been over forty. They actually looked closer to thirty than forty. They froze when their eyes fell on San. "Could it be...?"

[toxic34]

San approached them. "It's you, isn't it?" They looked just like they did in the dream.

[AJbestpony]

The man and woman were frozen in stunned silence for a minute. Then they both rushed forward and embraced their daughter.

[toxic34]

She hugged back and was soon crying ecstatically.

[AJbestpony]

"We always knew we'd fine you," her father whispered. "We never gave up hope; not once," said her mother. Both of them were sobbing, as well.

[toxic34]

San felt so happy. They rode together to Iron Town, conversing all the way.

[AJbestpony]

"Ashitaka, my boy, thank you so much for looking out for our beloved daughter," her father told the young prince in gratitude.

[toxic34]

"If anything, she's looked out for herself quite well. But I helped her rediscover her humanity."

[AJbestpony]

San's mother just smiled and embraced Ashitaka tenderly. "That is still more than either of us have been able to do since the day we lost her."

[toxic34]

San smiled. "I will never apologize for the most important things being raised by the wolves taught me, and I never turn my back on the forest. But I can now proudly say that I am human."

[AJbestpony]

Both her parents smiled at that, and they hugged her again. This time, they pulled Ashitaka into the hug, as well.

[toxic34]

He hugged back. They returned to Iron Town as a happy family.

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi welcomed them back merrily. "Congratulations, San."

[toxic34]

"Thank you." She hugged her tightly. She looked at her. "Did you go see the Great Forest Spirit or something while we were gone?"

[AJbestpony]

"You could say that," Lady Eboshi revealed, smiling, "I've implemented those changes you and Ashitaka proposed. Already, the town and the environment are starting to improve. The change is gradual but constant."

[toxic34]

"And you've been blessed with the return of your arm," she said. "Congratulations."

[AJbestpony]

"Indeed," Eboshi confirmed, smiling at her restored limb, "Of course, something else had to be taken instead." She then lifted her skirt.

[toxic34]

"We'd be happy to take care of you."

[AJbestpony]

Eboshi giggled playfully. "I would like that."

[toxic34]

"Seems like you're eager to get started," she said, holding her nose.

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi just blushed, only realizing right then that she had messed herself. Fortunately, Ashitaka still had the diaper bag over his arm.

[toxic34]

He smiled and laid her down, undoing her diaper, then wiping her tenderly.

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi sighed in contentment. "Thank you, San. That feels exquisite."

[toxic34]

She nodded and smiled as she powdered and rediapered her. "There we are. Happy to help." She then hugged her tightly, to show she forgave her.

[AJbestpony]

Lady Eboshi held the younger woman close. She was so glad the two of them had finally set aside their past grievances and come to a compromise.

[toxic34]

"You are part of my human family now," she said, tearfully.

[AJbestpony]

Eboshi began to tear up, as well. "I don't suppose... you have room in that log cabin of yours for more people? I am thinking of resigned my position and passing it along to someone else. Maybe Toki."

[toxic34]

"Feel free to join us, and bring as many comforts from here as you would like."

[AJbestpony]

"I would like that," Lady Eboshi said giddily, "I'll go ahead and start packing. Everything I plan to take should be able to be moved in just one trip."

[toxic34]

They smiled and waited for her.

[AJbestpony]

Within the hour, Eboshi was all packed up. She returned with a pieces pieces of luggage to where Ashitaka, San, and San's parents were waiting on her.

[toxic34]

With that, they made their way to the cabin and settled in with everything afterwards.

[AJbestpony]

As it happened, San's parents had no home of their own to return to. They had more or less given up on civilization years ago and chosen to live in the wild until they found their daughter. As such, they were able to get settled into the cabin, as well.

[toxic34]

Eboshi livened things up with some fineries, and was quite content.

[AJbestpony]

"Now it's a proper house," Ashitaka remarked, impressed with Eboshi's decorative style. He then looked to San's parents and stated "I don't believe I caught your names."

[toxic34]

"My name is Cheiko. This is my husband, Kouga."

[AJbestpony]

"Then allow me to properly reintroduce myself," Ashitaka requested, standing up straight and bowing his head. "I am Ashitaka, prince of Emishi Village, and your daughter's..." He wasn't really certain what to call himself. Her husband? Her mate? Her companion?

[toxic34]

"Mate. We may not be married yet, but we may as well be."

[AJbestpony]

"Well, in any case, we are glad our daughter found someone to care for her," Kouga declared merrily, "You are a fine, upstanding young man. You have my blessing to marry, should you choose to."

[toxic34]

They smiled at that, then proceeded to snuggle all together.

[AJbestpony]

Cheiko patted San's diapered bottom. "So, how long has this been going on?"

[toxic34]

"Oh, very recently," she said. "Basically as soon as we built this cabin."

[AJbestpony]

"Let's just say there are certain parts of a human lifestyle that she had trouble adjusting to," Ashitaka remarked.

[toxic34]

"Well, we're going to make up for lost time with you, dear."

[AJbestpony]

"I would like that," San told her parents happily.

[toxic34]

"So, what shall we start out with, dear?" Cheiko asked.

[AJbestpony]

"Well, it's been a while since I've had a bath," San remarked, "As far back as I can remember, I've always bathed in brooks or streams. Ashitaka and I have a tub, which receives water from an aqueduct we built ourselves."

[toxic34]

"Then, let's give you a bath, little one."

[AJbestpony]

San nodded and took her parents' hands, allowing them to lead her to the bathroom.

[toxic34]

She was then disrobed before being placed in the warm water.

[AJbestpony]

San laughed merrily as she was scrubbed and rinsed thoroughly.

[toxic34]

Cheiko smiled and snuggled with her after drying her off.

[AJbestpony]

"Thank you, Mommy," San said cutely, "I feel nice and clean now."

[toxic34]

Cheiko smiled as she powdered and fastened a new diaper around her waist.

[AJbestpony]

San felt the thick padding, and she stated "This feels nice and soft. I'm glad Ashitaka got them for me."

[toxic34]

She smiled and smothered her daughter with kisses.

(About to have dinner. Back very soon!)

[AJbestpony]

(Okay.)

San laughed joyfully as she was kissed.

[toxic34]

They snuggled together in bed.

[AJbestpony]

"I'm so glad we're all together now," San said cheerfully.

[toxic34]

"I am also so glad as well," Cheiko said.

[AJbestpony]

"So, tell me honestly," San requested of her parents, "What do you think of Ashitaka?"

[toxic34]

"He's a lovely young man, and quite perfect for you."

[AJbestpony]

Kouga nodded in agreement. "I'm really happy to hear you say that," said San, "I really love him. Very much."

[toxic34]

"We can tell." Ashitaka smiled and kissed her tenderly.

[AJbestpony]

"Do you think there is room for one more?" Lady Eboshi asked, trying to be polite. She did not want to impose on the family.

[toxic34]

"Of course." They smiled as she joined in.

[AJbestpony]

"You look very cute in those diapers," Chieko commented, speaking to both San and Eboshi.

[toxic34]

"Thank you. That actually means a lot."

[AJbestpony]

"You might look cute, too, dear," Kouga mentioned, mostly as a joke.

[toxic34]

She knew it was a joke, but began to think it over.

[AJbestpony]

"I have plenty of diapers on hand," Ashitaka announced, "I even tried them myself the other day. They're pretty comfortable."

[toxic34]

"I'll think that over," Cheiko said.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka and Kouga nodded their heads. "It's your choice, dear. I don't want to force it upon you."

[toxic34]

They all just snuggled together for a while.

[AJbestpony]

"Would anyone care for some dinner?" Ashitaka asked, feeling a bit famished himself.

[toxic34]

"Yes, I think that would be nice."

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka then climbed out of bed and made his way to the kitchen to prepare some supper.

[toxic34]

THey smiled and waited for him to be finished.

[AJbestpony]

He returned with a tray of salted pork, fresh greens, bread, and some sweetened berries for dessert.

[toxic34]

They all smiled and proceeded to dig in afterwards.

[AJbestpony]

"What do you all think?" Ashitaka asked once everyone cleaned their plates.

[toxic34]

"It was quite lovely," Eboshi said. "Thank you."

[AJbestpony]

"It's my pleasure," Ashitaka stated happily, "Now, it's getting kinda late. How about we all turn in?"

[toxic34]

They nodded and got under the covers.

[AJbestpony]

"Good night, everyone," Lady Eboshi announced, making herself comfortable.

[toxic34]

"Good night." They soon fell fast asleep.

[AJbestpony]

In the morning, San and Eboshi were both soaked.

[toxic34]

Cheiko smiled and undid their diapers, wiping them.

[AJbestpony]

"Thank you for this, ma'am," Lady Eboshi stated in gratitude.

[toxic34]

"You're quite welcome," she said, smiling as she got her into a fresh diaper.

[AJbestpony]

Soon, San was pinned into a new nappy, as well. "I'm really starting to love these things," she commented.

[toxic34]

"Oh really? That's interesting to hear."

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka picked San up in his arms and kissed her warmly. "Shall we head downstairs, then?"

[toxic34]

She nodded and smiled as they did so.

[AJbestpony]

"Would you like to see me padded, too, San?" Ashitaka offered his soulmate.

[toxic34]

"It's not necessary, but if you want to..."

[AJbestpony]

"To be honest, I kinda enjoy it," Ashitaka admitted, "Plus, it makes me feel even closer to you."

[toxic34]

She smiled and proceeded to diaper her mate.

[AJbestpony]

Ashitaka felt the soft padding between his legs. "Thank you," he kissed her tenderly.

[toxic34]

"You're quite welcome, Ashitaka."

[AJbestpony]

The two of them joined Kouga, Chieko, and Eboshi downstairs for breakfast. Like San, Ashitaka's padding was fully exposed.

[toxic34]

"Oh, it's surely such a beautiful day outside.'

[AJbestpony]

"How fortunate for us," Ashitaka commented, as he and San began making breakfast, "Weather around these parts is often quite pleasant."

[toxic34]

Lady Eboshi smiled. "So, um...have any idea where I might find someone to love?"

[AJbestpony]

"Well, we often encounter hunters, merchants, and hikers in these parts," Ashitaka thought aloud, "A lot of them seem like decent folk. That'd at least be a place to start."

[toxic34]

She smiled a bit. "I guess that can't hurt."

[AJbestpony]

After breakfast, everyone went for a walk. They kept an eye out for any other human beings in the forest.

[toxic34]

Lady Eboshi smiled widely at the scene around her.

[AJbestpony]

"Lovely, isn't it, my lady?" Chieko remarked.

[toxic34]

"It certainly is quite lovely out here."

[AJbestpony]

After a while, they encountered some other humans. They appeared to be some hikers who had gotten lost. There were three. Two composed a married couple. The third was a single man.

[toxic34]

"Is there anything that we can do for you?"

[AJbestpony]

"Can you direct us to the nearest town?" one of the hikers requested, "Or at least to somewhere we can rest while we try to pinpoint where exactly we are?"

[toxic34]

"Our cabin is not too far from here."

[AJbestpony]

"Thank you very much." They proceeded to escort the hikers back to the safety of the cabin.

[toxic34]

"So, what are you out for?" Ashitaka asked.

[AJbestpony]

"Oh, this was supposed to be a simple nature walk," the only female hiker explained, "Until someone misplaced the map." She gazed at her husband accusingly.

[toxic34]

"I swear, I put it in the proper place!"

[AJbestpony]

"I'm not mad, honey!" she assured him, "Let's just follow these nice people to their place, then we'll figure this mess out."

[toxic34]

They soon were at the cabin. Eboshi made tea for everyone.

[AJbestpony]

The hikers thanked her when they received their tea. One of them then handled introductions. "My name is Gakuto. This is my older brother Osamu and his wife Reika."