words of wisdom

Mercuric eyes scanned her father's face as he seemed to mull over her question. As he lifted his gaze to the rustling greenery above, the silken child did the same. She felt the peace here as well and often found her way to this place. It felt like home, though she couldn't quite explain why this place would feel more like home than any other place in Ashen. It was unfortunate that Iki had to avoid the shrine. The trees there were pretty and she had liked to count the fish when she was younger, but being in close proximity to her aunt... it made her uncomfortable.

In time, Hattori answered and the young princesses brow furrowed slightly. "It doesn't feel true." Would he understand that? Ikigai loves stories, but she knew the difference between stories and reality. The pallid girl liked facts and proof. Her mind balked when it came to blind faith and unquestioning belief. Toxicity was adamant that she had seen a god, but Ikigai hadn't, so how could she believe it to be true?

Her father continued, sharing his own lack of- belief in gods and Kami. Instant relief struck and the tension seemed to leave her body. "Otousama... then it's okay if I don't believe as well?" The youngling gave her crown a little tilt. "Obasama said that wolves who don't believe in Abraxas will be dishonored and cursed. " Iki didn't believe in curses either, but she did believe in dishonor. Honor was very important to the little princess. She wanted to make her family proud, but she didn't want to lie and feign belief in order to do it.

"Ikigai"