glowing reflection
pont
It was cold, and it was dark. Perfect conditions to be curled up in the warmth and safety of the shrine proper, where glowing coals could lull him to sleep. Yet, the boy could not sleep a wink. Everyone else was asleep, even mother. The door to the shrine proper was open, just a crack, letting in the cool night air and brilliant moonlight. With it, snow was trying to creep ever more into the shrine, spilling through the gap as it accumulated through the night. The youngster carefully extracted himself from the place where he'd settled in close to his sisters, holding his breath when Modesty stirred. No one awoke, and he carefully padded towards the door. The chilly night air nipped at his nose. Head low between narrow shoulders, the child crept back to the sleeping quarters, retrieving one of the many plush furs that was stashed within easy reach of a chilly pup. He did his best to drape it over his back and shoulders, but it never settled as well as when Obi put it on him. Clutching the edge in his teeth to hold it in place, he crept through the thin gap, thankful (for once) for his tiny size and delicate build. The snow crunched beneath his paws, and if he weren't wide awake already, he certainly would be now. There was a figure outlined by the faint glow of the frozen shrine waters. He frowned at it. Who was in his home in the dead of night? An intruder? The fur along his spine bristled at the thought. He could never fight them off, but maybe some stern words would do the trick. He slunk closer, until the ashen patterns of the figure became apparent. Oh, it was his aunt. "Hail Empress Venom," he said quietly, like mother had taught him. As far as he knew, this was the only way to address his aunt unless she started the conversation. "did you sneak out after bedtime, too?" he questioned just as softly, brows pinched together ever so slightly. Formality was both familiar to him, and mysterious. This was a perfectly acceptable conversation starter with your Empress and aunt, as far as the ash and magenta boy was concerned. "speech" |
