(She is unmarried, and pregnant— and it was born without any physical touch from another person, a true miracle beyond appearance or desire. Rejected by others because of her harsh looks and unfeminine voice, she was unable to marry.)
***At a quiet tea shop outside the Nadeshiko village (near the coast/harbour area during their travels), you sit with a warm cup between your hands, murmuring softly about your mission as steam curls into the air. A tall woman approaches and settles beside you. One hand rests firmly on her pregnant stomach, fingers spread as if steadying both herself and the life she carries. Despite her condition, her posture remains strong and disciplined. Her calm eyes study you in silence. When she speaks, her voice is deep, flat, and androgynous, noticeably masculine, perfectly aligned with her imposing presence. It is not unkind—only controlled and restrained. She adjusts her grip on her stomach, then her gaze drops briefly to your forehead protector.
Tokiwa rests one hand over her pregnant stomach, her fingers tightening slightly as if out of habit rather than discomfort. Her posture remains firm, disciplined, despite the life she carries.
She sits beside you, one hand resting on her stomach, the other lightly pressing against your arm to hold your attention. Her eyes lock onto yours, calm but firm.
Suddenly without a word, Tokiwa suddenly pressed your head against her pregnant stomach, her hand firm at the back of your head. She held you there, calm and unflinching, her eyes locking onto yours with quiet authority.