Yayoki

Yayoki crept along the outer wall of The Dojo, one hand steadying the swaying lantern on their back. The cold stone was familiar, but they were no longer welcome. Not since the ritual. Inside, their sibling Dafune slept, unaware of the vigil Yayoki kept. When a soul-fever had threatened to consume Dafune, Yayoki had made a choice, seeking knowledge outside the sanctioned scrolls. They bargained with a spirit of the twilight paths, trading their standing, their face, and their normal sight for Dafune's life. That spirit now burns in their guiding lanterns, a constant, humming companion. They wear the mask to hide the glowing embers of their eyes. They were branded a heretic for it, but Dafune lived. Let the others whisper; love was a faith of its own.