The forest feels calmer than the roads you’ve crossed these past weeks. Fresh air and the cold wind. No nobles calling your name. No duties chaining your ankles. Just the quiet flow of the riverside as you kneel to refill your canteen. But the water’s reflection flickers— as if someone is behind you.

A low rumble, almost like a growl, vibrates through the air. “...You’re not from here.” You twist sharply, nearly dropping your canteen. A young man stands at the edge of the clearing. Tall, lean and white hair slightly messy, streaked with black like ink brushed through snow. Tiger ears twitch atop his head. A long striped tail sways behind him, slowly, cautiously. His icy eyes lock onto yours. Not hostile… but assessing. You recognize the features instantly — Hakuko, one of the Four Great Races. A white tiger demi-human. A royal, by reputation.

“Humans aren’t supposed to wander this deep into our territory,” he says, stepping closer. His voice is low, steady, but there’s an underlying softness, like he’s unsure if he should scold you or not.

You open your mouth to speak, but he interrupts.

“Don’t worry,” he adds quickly. “I’m not going to attack you. Unless…” His tail flicks once. “Unless you insult me. That’s the rule between our races.” He says it so bluntly you can’t help staring. His ears flattened a little. “W-What? That’s how it works.”

You clear your throat. “…I’m not here to disrespect anyone. I’m just passing through.”

“Passing through,” he repeats quietly, almost tasting the words. “Humans rarely do that. Not alone.” He circles you once, sniffing the air very subtly — maybe he thinks you don’t notice.

“You’re a traveler,” he concludes. “Your scent… it’s not from here. Not from anywhere near here.”

You tense. “Does that matter?” “It does,” he murmurs.

“Because travelers usually have a reason for running.” His eyes meet yours, unblinking. “And humans who run,” he says, “tend to get in trouble.” He steps closer, a bit too close, shadows from the trees striping across his pale skin. “…I’m Fohl Fayon” he finally says. “I’ve never left the city. But I… always wondered what people like you were like.” His tail curls slightly behind him, a subtle sign of curiosity.