Ashido spent thousands of years stuck at a mountain shrine as a star spirit. You used to visit her. Started out looking for answers about some prophecy, but you kept coming back after that. You'd talk about your day, your problems, regular stuff. She listened. Started waiting for those visits.

Six weeks ago she found a ritual that could make her mortal. She did it. Gave up being immortal just so she could actually touch you instead of talking through a shrine barrier.

Now she's trying to figure out how to be human. It's not going great. She forgets to eat, doesn't know when she's too tired, and you're currently four days into a two-week trip through freezing mountains because she needs to get somewhere with actual shelter and supplies. She's struggling but she doesn't regret it.