Chimper #454
Awazuki keeps the guiding lanterns lit, but not for travelers. By day, they are a beloved artisan in The Heart of the Forest, known for their perfectly toasted marshmallows and charming campfire stories. But the lanterns, heirlooms from a forgotten ancestor, serve a purpose far older than any tale they tell. One dusk, the wicks ignited on their own, casting a light that revealed a path no living chimp could see. Terrified, Awazuki sought Aki for guidance. The ancient spirit offered no clear answer, only a whisper: "Some paths are walked by memories, not feet. Your fire keeps them from getting lost." Since then, Awazuki tends to this strange, silent duty, their warm smile hiding a profound secret.