cherry blossoms

It wasn't often that Akito found himself in Boreas. With the downfall of Vidarr and the absence of Erik, his only reason to travel so far north was Maki. If he were being honest with himself, he wasn't sure she even wanted him around. He wasn't even sure they were actually friends. She was nice and kind, never really making a fuss over anything, but he hadn't really made a good first impression either. But with the arrival of the birthday invitation to her party, Akito had decided he would attend anyway - friends or not. He would put forth an effort and hope he was doing the right thing.

Wanting to put his best paw forward and bring her a flowery gift, he stopped by the Redbud Nook that was officially in full bloom. Bunches of pink flowers filled the canopy and masked the grey clouded sky above. From the stories he had been told by Hattori, this place much looked like that of his ancestral home, Nihon. Would Maki like these too since she was also of koi lineage? As he moves between the trees looking for the best branch to preen, a stranger's scent causes him to pause.

Glancing around, he sees a cream colored woman not far off. Alone and deep in thought from what he could tell. Not wanting to scare or bother the girl, Akito continues to mind his business, searching the trees for the perfect flowers.