Meeting the Mother

The pair of wolves fortunately was not kept waiting long after Kitsune's call went out for her mother. Soon after, a wolf approached them, exuding so much regality and grace with every stride of her lithe and limber body that Kumiho questioned whether he was seeing a mortal or a deity. For a wolf from a remote fishing pack, it might not have been far from the truth either. The Empress of Ashen approached and greeted her daughter by title and name, then regarded him with a curious tilt of her head. Almost immediately, Iho lowered himself in a deep, respectful bow reminiscent of his homeland far across the many seas. When Kitsune had introduced herself as a princess to him, it had been easy to mentally disregard decorum in light of her childish nature and age. But this wolf, she commanded armies, reigned over kingdoms, ruled worlds vaster than he could imagine! She inspired awe and terror in him all at once.

The arctic nomad remained in his bowed state until Kitsune had introduced him by name, only then did he dare to lift his head and meet the larger fae's rich amethyst gaze. Oh no... was that a mistake? Should he not be looking her in the eye? What if she took it as a challenge?! Oh shit... he'd never been taught how to handle interactions with royalty before! He managed a smile that betrayed his nerves, hoping he came off as more disarming than concerning. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace. My name is Kumiho Mayonaka," he said with another more conservative bow of his head. "Though I think your daughter gives me too much credit. I'm just a seafaring traveler way too far from home, no hero. I would have helped anyone who needed it." Doing his best to keep from fidgeting, Iho glanced between Venom and Kitsune, trying to gauge how well he was doing by their expressions. Both mother and daughter were impassive, however, and he was beginning to see where she got her mannerisms from.

"Kumiho"