Nanato

After the golden spires of The Teikodian Empire began to cast their long, cold shadows, Nanato would begin their true expedition. Leaving behind the memory of scorching embers and a life of frantic duty, they navigated shadowed corridors to reach the emperor's private koi pond. They were not there to steal the priceless fish, but to borrow their tranquility. One night, a child of the court found them, their face pale with palace intrigue. The child watched Nanato's intense gaze fixed on the water, a single lure bobbing from their cap. Nanato never looked up, but patted the stone beside them. The child sat, and for the first time all day, their shoulders relaxed. They didn't speak, just watched the water together until the moon was high, sharing a silence more valuable than any imperial treasure.