Meeting the Mother

Despite his humbleness and hesitation to accept the mantle of "hero", it seemed the Empress had no qualms of bestowing it upon him herself as well. Kumiho blinked in surprise while Venom explained that since he had saved the life of a princess of the empire, he was indeed a hero. Dark ears folded back to his head bashfully, and though he dipped his head in appreciation for her kind words, the sheepish smile on his face betrayed his enjoyment for the praise. Iho was not a proud wolf. Being commended for just doing the right thing by someone as important as Kitsune's monarch mother was the greatest accolade he had ever achieved. Boy, if only his parents could see him right now, a simple traveler from a fishing pack being praised by an empress!

When Iho looked up again, he saw the tilt to Venom's head as she studied him, appraising him with those keen sunset purple eyes. The young wolf made doubly sure he was sitting up straight, looking presentable, and his fur wasn't an outright mess or ruffled out of place. Shit, did his hair look okay? He must have passed her inspection though, as Venom turned her attention to Kitsune again and informed her that he would need to challenge for the rank she desired, same as her, but that they would make a place for him in the meantime. Iho's arctic eyes illuminated with awe as realization dawned on him. He was being offered a spot among the Ashen Empire! Venom asked if he would join them, and Iho all but fumbled over his words when he spoke. "Y-Yes, yes I would, Your Highness! Er, I mean, Your Grace. Your... Majesty?" He could feel his cheeks flushing hot with embarrassment. What was the proper way to address an Empress? "It would be the greatest honor of my life!"

Kumiho bowed his head in reverence, not sure when or if there was such a thing as giving too much respect. All he remembered was his parents telling him to always bow to any highborn wolf above him, so that's what he fell back on. His meager education of court decorum and mannerisms, praying he didn't make a damn fool of himself while trying to minimize the smile threatening to break out across his face.

"Kumiho"