Oudori

On the first night of the Great Panda City’s Bloom Festival, Oudori pulled the red fox beanie down low over their mask. As a noble, they were meant to be observing from a high balcony, politely applauding performances, but the real city hummed below, smelling of bamboo cakes and river mist. From a perch on a cherry blossom branch, their intense eyes noticed a lantern maker, their hands too stiff from the freezing wind to tie the intricate knots for the children gathered around. Without a word, Oudori slipped behind the stall, warmed a pot of tea over a nearby vendor’s brazier, and left it for the artisan. Watching the maker’s fingers loosen and the children receive their glowing lanterns was a warmth no ceremonial feather cape could ever provide.