Meimei

Meimei is the keeper of the festival lights in The Heart of the Forest. When Mokuzai first saw their talent for woodcraft, they also saw a shyness so profound it bordered on silence. To help, the forest’s unofficial queen gave them a simple ninja mask. “Let the Lantern Keeper do the work,” Mokuzai suggested, “and you can stay hidden.” The advice stuck. These days, Meimei moves through the amber-leaved trees just before dusk, hanging their intricately carved lanterns. Beneath the mask, their eyes are perpetually wide with wonder at the world they help illuminate. The locals all know the gentle soul behind the operative’s disguise, and they simply smile as a soft, guiding glow appears along the path home.