bittersweet symphony

He was not left waiting long, and when the Empress arrived she did so with all of her usual poise. He dipped his head respectfully as she greeted him, returning "Empress," in his usual soft croon. She complimented his choice of tea for their meeting, and he couldn't help but flush with pride. Two toned eyes dipped to the ground and drifted to the pot for a moment. It would be done brewing soon. "Thank you." he said just as quietly, lowering himself to his haunches a few moments after his aunty had done so. "May I offer you a cup while we chat, if you have the time to spare?" he asked her, already brushing his digits against the familiar body of the pot to test the temperature against his skin.

The smell wasn't quite potent enough, he knew he needed to be patient a little while longer. So he cast his attention to the Empress, and let loose a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "I noticed that you were paying attention to how I would react to the move, when you announced it in the meeting." he began cautiously. A frown pinched his features, a line between his brows that he couldn't quite banish no matter how much he might want to appear neutral in this moment. "You know the importance of the Shrine, to me.. and to God." part of him was wary of mentioning the topic, knowing how she had urged them all to abandon the teachings he held so dear. "I understand why you've made this decision, and I'm very happy to see that you have been blessed with a new beginning. You and Maverick are well matched, anyone can see it. Our shared past with God and the Shrine has been... well, tenuous. I do not resent you wanting to turn away from Him to follow the path that brings you the most joy and fulfillment." What a long preamble, why was he tiptoeing around the topic? It must be the solitude of living on his own in the Shrine, he can't help but let all the bottled emotions tumble free.

He sighed again, began arranging the two cups so he could easily pour the fully steeped tea into them. It felt better to be doing something else as he spoke, he didn't have to look so closely at the Empress' expression to gauge her reactions. "However.. I don't think I can come with you. The Shrine has always been my home, and I can't walk away from my calling." if she had accepted the cup, he could gently slide it over the smooth fur of the pelt beneath them to rest at her feet. He bowed his head, took a small drink of the cup at his own feet. "I think this may be where we part ways, at least for a little while." he finally said the words aloud, and with the words he felt a weight lift from his delicate shoulders. How would his aunt take the request? It was hard to read her expression, as always.

"Pontifex" || "Hallux" || "Pollux"