[ Takane is silent, though not for lack of anything to say. It's what she says and what she monitors and slips discreetly beneath her secretive smiles and vague words-- that was her lifestyle. Even now, the reason she hesitates before replying is because she doubts that it's her answer to provide. Her personal use, to the young lord of Oshu with so much responsibility on his shoulders, to the dragon bolting across the battlefield, to the nineteen-year-old man who lived recklessly and joyfully and still could be so mild and at peace when they wandered at night-- that wasn't for her to decide. It was his.

He'd already answered, hadn't he? In his own way. Rare, but he'd likely said it because she'd needed to hear it. Strange, that it both warms her heart and makes it ache. It's a fact she's aware of as acutely as she is that she's still dripping wet.

Takane chuckles, humorlessly. Almost tiredly, for one who knew her well enough to detect. ]

I have come to realize my own powerlessness over the course of the past few days. And while I comprehend that your decisions are, of course, your own, should you see fit to continue to risk your life for whatever reason you may have...

... Please allow me to be present.

[ she hadn't wanted to stay behind this time. Silver Princess or not, whatever the nickname was this time, Takane had hated remaining idle like an actual princess and waiting for news , knowing only that Masamune had charged into something dangerous. And then he'd returned, badly injured, unable to walk on his own, and--

It had cut past her calm, deeper than she'd thought. ]