With what happens after, Ashitaka isn't even allotted the time to consider the statement, let alone make any response.
He immediately moves closer to Yakul's side, the hand resting on his neck reaching up to a point of better leverage along the curve of his neck, trying to steady him as best he can. The animal is terrified, of course, instinctually knowing better than a person how what they faced was wrong and dangerous. He is trained well, however, and dips his head towards Ashitaka; the young man reaches out for one of the curving horns, ready to use it to get himself up upon the elk's back -
Ashitaka has noticed Kebechet, motionless.
"This place," Ashitaka's voice is louder now, over the sound of the forest groaning around them, the cacophony of the rushing demon. "You said that we can watch but not interfere, correct? Is this something to fear?"
He feels as though the mark should be hurting him, but it is silent, just as it had been within the confines of the Regency's prison. That is an additional factor, something which returns him to that day when he had faced Nago, drawing his bow so that he could save the people of his village - and, in the same action, condemn them. It makes him painfully aware that here and now, he is devoid both his blade and bow.
no subject
He immediately moves closer to Yakul's side, the hand resting on his neck reaching up to a point of better leverage along the curve of his neck, trying to steady him as best he can. The animal is terrified, of course, instinctually knowing better than a person how what they faced was wrong and dangerous. He is trained well, however, and dips his head towards Ashitaka; the young man reaches out for one of the curving horns, ready to use it to get himself up upon the elk's back -
Ashitaka has noticed Kebechet, motionless.
"This place," Ashitaka's voice is louder now, over the sound of the forest groaning around them, the cacophony of the rushing demon. "You said that we can watch but not interfere, correct? Is this something to fear?"
He feels as though the mark should be hurting him, but it is silent, just as it had been within the confines of the Regency's prison. That is an additional factor, something which returns him to that day when he had faced Nago, drawing his bow so that he could save the people of his village - and, in the same action, condemn them. It makes him painfully aware that here and now, he is devoid both his blade and bow.