❦ Kirin's Peak

@❦ ♕ Ayaka Miyoshi Ever since Toshiya had moved into the grandeur of his queen's palace and claimed a place beside her on the kitsune throne, life had become a far cry from what he’d imagined. He never expected to go from a life of captivity to one of such royal privilege. His journey had been long, filled with challenges and triumphs, and though the road was far from over, there was something undeniably fulfilling about it. And yet, despite his newfound status, he never lost sight of the fact that Ayaka was the true ruler of this land. He was but a humble werewolf—an outsider among royalty, a commoner in a sea of nobility.

Today, like so many others, found Toshiya in the palace’s study, nestled into the plush comfort of a lavishly adorned sofa. He was engrossed in a book—an ancient collection of journals chronicling the history of the kitsune people. It was captivating, filled with stories that stretched across centuries. The silence in the room was only broken by the quiet hum of his thoughts, the voice of history reading itself to him from the pages. But that peace would not last. The door creaked open, and the sharp silhouettes of Ayaka’s men filled the doorway.

“The queen requests your presence,” one of them said.

Toshiya’s gaze lifted from the book, and with a slow, deliberate movement, he placed it back on the shelf where it belonged. The room had grown still again, the pages of history silent in the face of the present. Without another word, Toshiya stood, his broad shoulders rolling with ease, and exited the study.

As he entered their bedroom, the sight before him stole his breath. There, in the small, intimate warmth of the spring that flowed from the floor, sat Ayaka. The water shimmered around her like liquid light, casting an ethereal glow across her skin. The flickering warmth illuminated her delicate features, and in that moment, Toshiya thought her beauty was unparalleled. He couldn’t help but smile as he knelt by her side, his fingers gently weaving through her hair before pressing a soft, reverent kiss to the crown of her head.

“You called for me, my queen?” he murmured, his voice low and tender, as though the world outside had disappeared entirely.

@☾ Toshiya The first snow blanketed the forest below in a soft, shimmering layer of white, muffling the world beneath its quiet splendor. Ayaka Miyoshi, wrapped in a silk robe the color of embers, stood on her balcony overlooking Kirin Peak. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of frost and cedar. Though she favored the heat, winter was her season. It was a time of unity, of family—memories that warmed her heart even as the cold nipped at her skin. But tonight, nostalgia brought little comfort.
Her gaze swept across the Kitsune forest, where the trees bowed under the weight of snow, their evergreen branches glistening like jewels in the pale moonlight. The sight was breathtaking, but Ayaka’s thoughts were heavy. Her father’s disapproval hung over her like a storm cloud. A royal Kitsune betrothed to a commoner, a wolf—such a union was unheard of in her bloodline. Yet, Ayaka had chosen Toshiya, defying centuries of tradition. Not out of rebellion, but love.
She tightened her grip on the balcony’s edge, her claws briefly glinting as they emerged. Would her people accept him? Would her father ever see what she saw in Toshiya—a survivor, a fighter, a man whose scars told stories of resilience? Perhaps a child would change their hearts. A hybrid born of love, not obligation.
The thought calmed her, but not entirely. Ayaka stepped back into her chambers, the warmth of her private spring beckoning. She disrobed, the silk sliding to the floor, and sank into the steaming water. The tension in her muscles eased, but not the anxious knot in her stomach.
“Fetch my betrothed,” she instructed a servant softly. As the door closed behind them, Ayaka leaned back, eyes closing. Snow fell heavy outside, but her thoughts were heavier still. Tonight, she would need Toshiya—not just as a lover, but as her future king.

@⚜ ♕ Emily Mei  The snow-dusted balcony glittered under the soft glow of enchanted lanterns, their light catching in the crystalline patterns of frost that crawled along the railings. Ayaka leaned against the edge, her coral pink eyes fixed on Emily as the younger kitsune poured her heart out. The queen listened intently, her gaze calm but sparkling with something unspoken—an undercurrent of wisdom and unyielding pride.

When Emily finally fell silent, Ayaka tilted her head, the wind catching in her silvery hair as her nine tails flicked gently behind her. She let the quiet linger for a moment, broken only by the distant rustling of trees in the winter storm. Then she spoke, her tone warm but edged with a playful sass that only Emily could bring out of her.

“First of all,” Ayaka began, crossing her arms as a smirk tugged at her lips, “you need to stop with this ‘random title’ nonsense. Do you think I became queen because I woke up one day and decided I was worthy?” She laughed, the sound light and musical but carrying the weight of truth. “No one is born ready for the crown—or any kind of leadership. We grow into it. You, my dear Emily, are already doing the impossible. You’re surviving, learning, adapting. That’s what makes you worthy.”

She turned to look out at the line of trees in the distance, her coral eyes reflecting the stormy sky above. Her voice softened, taking on a thoughtful edge. “The thing about paths, Emily, is that they’re never clear. Not at first. You’ll stumble, take a wrong turn, maybe even end up at a dead end. But every misstep will teach you something, sharpen you. And one day, you’ll look back and realize you weren’t lost at all—you were just forging a path no one else had the courage to walk.”

Ayaka’s gaze shifted back to Emily, her expression brightening with a mischievous grin. “Also, let’s be real—half the people who doubt you wouldn’t last a day in your shoes. Let them talk. They’ll eat their words when you prove them wrong.”

She reached over and nudged Emily with her elbow, her tails swishing behind her like a lazy wave. “But don’t get too big-headed, alright? There’s still work to be done. The world doesn’t need perfect leaders; it needs leaders who care. And you, my stubborn little kit, care more than anyone I know.”

With that, Ayaka took a step closer and, in a gesture that spoke volumes of their bond, wrapped her tail around Emily’s. It was a simple but profound connection, one that only kitsune sisters shared. “One more thing,” Ayaka said, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “Remember this: the fire in you doesn’t just light your path. It lights the way for everyone who follows you.”

Then, her playful smirk returned, and she pulled back, stretching dramatically. “Now, enough of this sappy stuff. If we stay out here any longer, my royal toes are going to freeze off. Come on. Let’s raid the dessert table before the nobles get their greedy paws on all the good sweets.”

As they turned to head back inside, a sudden gust of wind carried with it the faintest scent of something unusual—something foreign. Ayaka paused for just a moment, her coral eyes narrowing slightly as she glanced toward the horizon. A flicker of unease passed through her, too brief for Emily to catch. Whatever it was, Ayaka shook it off and smiled brightly at her young companion.

“Come on, Emily,” she said, her tone breezy once again. “The world won’t conquer itself—and neither will that chocolate fountain.”

@❦ ♕ Ayaka Miyoshi Her lady was right. Life changes so that it puts her in a place that is currently needed. Emily follows suit as Ayaka takes the lead, making sure shes always one to two steps behind the royal. She takes in the little detail of the castle as they move towards the outside world. She never understood why one would want such a big place when it'll only make you feel lonely knowing how empty it was. Even being surrounded by others knowing how the world of nobles and gossips comes with it, Emily kept her head held up now needing to represent who she had accidently become.

She laughed hugging the other back, once they were clear out of the way. God, it has been so long since she seen Ayaka or had any interaction that is not royal related meetings like the first time she was summoned. "It's great to see the Ayaka that raised me is still the same one under all the noble ."

Emily groaned at the head smack but grins happily knowing that her lady never once forgotten her. "I know. I apologize. It.....was rough." She couldn't tell her about the struggles she faced when she was running low on money. Or how Irene pretty much gave her a place to stay at the temple if she ever needed shelter. The three jobs that kept her a float until recently. Emily eyes stayed on the Kitsune Queen. She knew that through the scolding, it was her way of helping Emily grow.

And the Queen was right. The fire within her may had dimmed but now it's starting to come back. She wants to prove to everyone that there was a reason that she was choosen for this role. She wants to feel empowered and confident for her people. To be a safe haven for them when everyone else cast them aside. She wants to feel like home.

Emily leaned against the rail beside her looking out at the line of trees in the distance. "So much." She unconsciously tapped against the rail taking in a much needed deep inhale. "Restoring No Man's Land. Making a home for the hybrids. Be a strong leader....like how you were for me." She nudged the other gently. "I feel like there something bigger out there that needs me and this is my course you know. I just....can't seem to form a path that others won't say I'm nothing worthy of this random title that got bestowed upon me."

She red gaze locked on the coral ones. "What do you suggests?"

(Ballroom)
❦ ♕ Ayaka Miyoshi 3 days ago Reply Room →
@⚜ ♕ Emily Mei Ayaka tilted her head, her coral pink eyes softening as Emily’s red gaze met hers. She observed the younger kitsune’s carefully composed demeanor, a facade of confidence masking vulnerability. Her heart ached for Emily’s struggles, but Ayaka’s expression remained poised, radiating the unshakable elegance expected of a queen.
“Emily,” she began, her voice carrying across the ballroom with the gentle authority of a monarch. “Your honesty humbles me. Life is a cruel and cunning adversary, yet it shapes us into who we are destined to become. If plans have changed, perhaps it is the world reshaping itself to fit you, not the other way around.” Her words were deliberately regal, calculated to assure any eavesdropping courtiers that she was both gracious and unwavering.
Ayaka extended a hand, her smile radiant yet reserved. “Come,” she said smoothly, “I believe a stroll will do us both good. This castle has far more to offer than the confines of this masquerade.”
The pair glided through the grand halls, Ayaka’s gown trailing like liquid fire. Guests and courtiers bowed as they passed, whispering behind jeweled masks. The castle corridors, lined with ancient portraits and enchanted sculptures, led them deeper into the estate until they reached a secluded balcony past the art gallery. The frosty air outside nipped at their skin, and the world beyond shimmered under the spellbound snow.
Once certain they were alone, Ayaka’s posture shifted. She spun on her heel, abandoning her royal composure with a dramatic flourish. “Alright, I’m sick of this nobility !” she declared, her voice aggravated, laced with warmth and mischief. Without warning, she embraced Emily tightly, her tails curling around them both. “You absolute idiot! Do you know how worried I’ve been?” She released Emily just as abruptly and delivered a sharp—but playful—slap to the back of her head.
“Doubting yourself? Struggling? Hiding?” Ayaka crossed her arms, her coral eyes narrowing. “Emily Mei, you are a stunning, brilliant young kit with more fire in your soul than half the imbeciles prancing around that ballroom! Don’t you dare let anyone make you feel less than the incredible person I know you are.” Ayaka smirked and leaned back against the railing. “Now, spill it. What’s been going on in that clever little head of yours? And don’t even think about sugarcoating it. I’m your queen, sure, but first and foremost, I’m your Aya.”

@† ♕ Hendery The guards were stationed at the palace gates while the unfamiliar caravan of guards, trollies, and carriages approached the Kirin Peak bridge. Your arrival was unexpected but not unwelcomed. Ayaka was committed to upholding her reputation by cultivating more alliances than enemies. ‘Can’t want to raid, invade and conquer our land if they willing to die to defend it.’ A truth her father taught her over the years of grooming her for the throne. Solider match beside your men ushering them into the temple giving their mounts fresh water and feed then seeing to it the people in your party where cared for. A handful of Kitsune warriors escorted your personally to the Queen’s throne room. “Wait here please. We most announce your arrival to the Fire Lord Joō Miyoshi.”

The commander his heels with half his men leaving you accompanied with the remainder of 12 Kitsune Temple warriors. They stood on a lavish rug adorned with jade, cream, and maroon designs depicting the diverse Fox tribes that occupied the land extending from the throne. Despite the queen’s absence, the warriors’ eyes were fixed on the throne, yet unmistakably watching you with skepticism and suspicion. The throne room was silence but the decor spoke in volumes. The polished pink ivory wooden floor stood out against the minimalist pearl bone white wood walls that reached a height of almost 30 ft. Stain glass windows with color portraits of Kistune rulers brought life to the bare walls, revealing the history of the people’s story. Aligned pillars showcased long ribbons and banners displaying the emblem of the current Element of the house, fire. A fox with a fiery presence, surrounded by 9 flaming tails like a protective shield. This era of Miyoshi, the fire Kitsune’s who’ve reign over the throne for centuries and this was indeed her time in the stead of her lord father.

“I trust I didn’t keep you waiting for too long? With synchronized precision, the fox warriors kneeled and averted their eyes from the throne as Aya entered the room, her face beaming with a smile. “Prince Hendrix, its always a pleasure to see you.”

@❦ ♕ Kitty Li The long travel to the Kitsune's land was nothing to the Prince. He had let Sun tend to himself as well as Dawn for the evening as he needed time to himself away from his pets. Besides, recently he had met with the Kitsune royalty and the Prince wanted to attend an invitation for his allience. And anyway, Hendery wanted to make friends with the Queen. That bubbly personality of hers caught Hendery's attention. Surely they could be friends, right? The vampire Prince wasn't in dire need of them but it would be nice to have some sort of connection outside of his kingdom.

So here he was with one of his men helping him out of the carriage. Dressed in his most fancist robes and tailor suit, he dismissed his men when he approached the palace doors. The Kitsune's land was so beautiful compared to the desolate land of his kingdom. So full of life and not a corpse on spikes or pilled up after drainage. Maybe he should hire a bigger landscaper.
As for gifts, he brought a bottle of pink champagne. After doing his research, he got what most kitsune's of the land enjoyed. Along with pieces of gold in his bag that heavily weighed in his vest pocket. Pink and white tulips were bundled in his free hand as the final gift to the Queen. He had Sun fetch then fresh of the trade market.

He stands tall and confindent when he enters the palace. He didn't have any of his men come inside with him. Only dimissed them back to the vampire kingdom. But Hendery also wasn't completely stupid to not be without one of them. He had him stand outside the palace just for protection. With premission, Hendery approched the throne await for Kitty's apparence.

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene made a face when Winter said that she was studying math. "Math is important but I can't lie and say that I like math. It was my worst subject and I hated learning it," Irene laughed as she glanced over to Winter. "Well, you can't really steal books form the library unless you don't return them when you are finished. As long as you return them then it is okay," Irene explained to her as she couldn't help but laugh at Winter complaining about cursive handwriting. "You'll come to learn and get used to cursive handwriting when you read it more often and learn how to write yourself - it does get easier," Irene told him with a nod and also reaching out to pat her head.

@❦ Irene "I am studying... Math..." She told her as she walked inside the shrine, "I stole books from the library." Winter added as she looked at the tanukis walking alongside her. "Writing cursive is hard... When I try to read it, it's unbearable." She pouted a bit.

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene smiled down at her as she wrapped her arms around the other as she was hugging her. She patted her back as she hugged her. "Well, I am glad that you came to visit me - you are always welcome here," Irene answered as she pulled back. "Oh, what did you bring today?" She asked, glancing down at the basket then back up to her. "Your room is where it has always been - you are always welcome to stay even if I am not here. Oh? What are you studying?" Irene asked her.

@❦ Irene She went inside the shrine and hugs Irene, Winter had struggle to tell her something so instead she hugged the kitsune instead. "I... I want to... v-visit you." Winter responded, "I b-brought foods too!" The young wolf shows the basket of foods. "I also want to stay again... I'm studying too..." She rubbed her nape a bit.

@☾ Winter ¥ The tanuki nodded as it looked up at Winter. It scampered off to collect Irene for the young wolf. Irene was inside the shrine looking through some fabrics as the tanuki came to tell her that Winter was outside looking for her. She thanked the tanuki as she made her way outside, spotting the young girl with a basket of something. She walked up to the other, waving her in a greeting. "Hello, Winter. What brings you by the shrine today?" Irene asked her.

@❦ Irene Winter walks up to the peaks to the shrine once again with a basket of cookies and fruits she bought from the central, she went to the entrance of the shrine to be greeted with tanukis. The young wolf smile and asked the older tanuki, "Is Irene around?" She asked softly.

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene glanced over to Winter as she looked down at teh other's feet. Irene couldn't help but let out a small chuckle as she nodded to the other. "Yes, I have some that you can have," Irene watched a tanuki scamper off only to bring back a simple pair of shoes for Winter. "Here you go, they are flats since heels might be a little hard for you to wear," She added

@❦ Irene *looks at her feet that had been bare for months without slippers or shoes*
...
*looks back at Irene*
shoes... do you have... shoes?

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene nodded as she looked at Winter. "Yes your own room - you'll get to decorate it because it will be your room," Irene said as she looked at her. "This place has tons of room so it's no problem - half of the rooms aren't in use since it's usually just me here. I mean, some of the shrine will still be off limits to you since they are dangerous or private, but I did say this was your home," Irene told her. "You don't have to decide right now since they are still cleaning the room," She added

@❦ Irene *blinks*
decorate... my room?

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene shook her head. "You don't have to - you are a guest not a worker. You can relax around the shrine, play, go to the hot springs, make crafts around the shrine, or do whatever you want," Irene told her with a nod. She smiled at her as she glanced at some tanukis. "Can you guys go clean a room for Winter so we can decorate it?" Irene instructed them as she watched them scamper off.

@❦ Irene *nods*
i will... help clean...

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene glanced at her as she heard what she said. "Of course, I told you that you are always welcome here and I would make up a room for you," Irene answered as she nodded to her. "This can be your home if you want it," Irene patted her head as she smiled at her.

@❦ Irene *nods and looks around the courtyard*
i... want to live here...

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene nodded as she looked at the other. "You're welcome, no problem. It's my job to help," Irene answered as she nodded to the other. "Just always keep it on and if it ever stops working then I can make you another one," Irene told her with a nod.

@❦ Irene *puts on her clothes and looks at her feet with no shoes with her*
thank you...
*touches the talisman around her neck*

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene chuckles as she hugs her back, patting her back. "I am happy that you're okay and this worked for you," Irene told her as she smiled. She pulled back as she took the clothes from the tanukis. "Here, put this on. You'll catch a cold just standing out here in the cold," She told her

@❦ Irene *she quickly hugs the shrine maiden and silently in tears*

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene didn't know if this would work or how long or if it would last, but as long as she kept the necklace on then it should keep her from transforming. Irene smiled as she watched the other transform back into herself. She motioned to some tanuki's to get some clothes for Winter as she looked at her. "Oh yay, it worked! Are you feeling alright?" She asked as she patted her arms.

@❦ Irene *blinks when she clasped the talisman around her furry neck, the talisman glows and made the little pup floats and eventually glows and it let the power of the talisman to suppress the curse of transforming into wolf by day, the tanukis prepared a cloth for her to wrap around on as she went back to her human form, once she turns back to human, the tanukis wrapped her with a cloth and looks at the sun before looking at her hand and her body*
...
*looks back at her*
i...

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene shook her head as she looked down at Winter. "Never mind, it's not that important. Oh, right! I finally finished those talismans that could maybe stop you from transforming - wait right here," Irene set Winter down next to her as she stood up. She walked off back inside the shrine only to come back with a small necklace made of woven ribbons and small charms. "I hope this works - but I am not sure," Irene clasped the necklace around her neck.

@❦ Irene *as she picked her up, she looked up at Irene and tilts her head at what she said*

@☾ Winter ¥ Irene finished washing the dishes as she let the tanuki's and other animals have the leftover food that they didn't eat. She looked at Winter, chuckling as she bent down and picked the other up. "You know, you're kinda spoiled at this point," Irene commented as she walked out of the kitchen, heading back out of the shrine into the courtyard. She walked to a spot and sat down with Winter in her lap.