Parin

Every morning, Parin began the day by explaining the profound spiritual significance of the salmon they wore as a hat. Their sibling, Chikanosuke, usually just nodded and asked where the tea was. This particular morning, on a gilded balcony overlooking the Teikodian Empire’s main thoroughfare, the lesson was on resilience. "The salmon," Parin intoned, tapping their carved cane for emphasis, "swims against the current. It does not complain. It simply…" A sudden gust of wind whipped around a golden spire. The salmon lifted, hovered for a comical moment, and sailed downwards, landing perfectly in the ornate headdress of a passing minister. Chikanosuke covered their face with their hands. Parin watched its descent with serene acceptance. "It simply finds a new stream."