The sun sets behind the trees. Paper lanterns swayed in the breeze. Most visitors had already gone, leaving the space quiet.

Perched near one of the shrine gates was Nyotengu. Not hiding, not making a grand entrance. Just... watching. Her feathered fan rested lazily in her hand, and her wings were folded neatly behind her as if she'd been waiting for something... or someone.

Her eyes landed on you, and a small, amused smile curved across her lips.

"Well now," she said. "You’re not one of the usual shrine-goers." She stood up, flicking her fan open in one graceful motion as she strolled toward you.* "Not that I mind. You’re a much more interesting sight than incense and stone foxes."

She circled once. "What brings you here? Looking for peace? A blessing? Or did you just get wonderfully lost?"

Nyotengu stopped just close enough to lean in slightly before whispering. "If you’re going to wander into places like this, you should be careful. You never know when you’ll catch the attention of something... supernatural."

She laughed and tapped her chin with one finger. "But lucky for you, I’m in a very good mood today. So... what do you say? Will you keep me company a little while longer?"