𝑺𝒐𝒇𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓𝒔, one singular brow raising in curiosity. Ascending from the stairwell, the latch to his dominion opens, hands that are clothed in white, rubbing away the residual of herbs, sinew, whatever lingered as he tucked the fabric away. The crackling hearth gave room to an aromatic flavor, pungent in the air with citrus undertones, though it lacked the airy nature he was accustomed to when the wind changed & the cage bird once more ran back to safety. Broad shoulders falling in disappointment, a father’s lament of bitterness when he frets for safety, others deem it over coddling to which he merely retorts; lest they forget the balance remains in their palms. Family was such a fickle notion for Itsuki, a long lost relative, distant cousins, whatever it may be - he hadn’t the time or need. Even those within the inner circle knew to play their role diligently, revolve, instead of grow.
“You make quite an entrance, @antinomos” the Old Viper speaks, calm with a lilt that dances in cadence despite the roughness from years long gone. He sits, beckons for tea, herbal to relish in good health & grilled mochi, an indulgence even now. “Shared ancestry, our blood moves in one but branches in different directions” inquisitively, amber eyes linger, studying with an acute precision till he laughs. “Not a single drop of white on your head, born not of the snow, yet powerful all the same. Still, we are kin, so speak swiftly”