From the outside, Tsumugu’s house fit perfectly within the Renmei clan district, where every structure seemed shaped by the same quiet philosophy. The buildings here didn’t compete for attention. His home was one of many low, stone-built dwellings arranged in careful patterns around shared central plazas. Pale sandstone walls curved gently, reinforced by dark metal ribs that mirrored those on neighboring homes. The metal was uncommon and lacked any special traits, but each band bore subtle variations. Small marks left by different hands over generations of Renmei builders, marking their contributions.
The entrance to Tsumugu’s home faced an open walkway and had a simple wooden door, reinforced with metal framing which slid smoothly into the wall. Hanging from this door hung a clan charm similar to others in the district: water-smoothed stones bound with cord, each only having slight differences. Inside, the space opened into a single main room that smelled faintly of clean stone and mineral water. The floor was smooth and cool, the stone polished by years of careful maintenance. Low shelves lined the walls, holding scroll cases, books, numerous gourds of varying sizes, and other family heirlooms. Nothing was out of place here, but it also didn't feel unoccupied in either. This was a lived-in space, shaped by habit but clearly used.
A shallow indoor basin occupied the center of the room, fed by a narrow pipe that hummed softly with steady flow. Surrounding this basin were large pillows and a low table that was lined neatly with various fruits and sandwiches. Tea and water also sat readily available in pitchers, while three glasses sat each in use. Several plates of assorted cakes also were on the table, Tsumugu's mother having done more than he felt she should have. His home had been volunteered as a meeting place, and no one had thought to clear that with him first. The basin water rippled faintly, reacting to the shift in his chakra, and he pressed his thumb against the edge of his sandwich to keep it steady. This was supposed to be his space as Renmei homes weren’t typically seen as casual gathering spots. They were for rest, for listening, for recalibrating. Not for crumbs on the floor and loud voices echoing off stone. His right eye twitched slightly as he bit down, chewing as he glared at Ryuni. This was his fault. His gaze shifted to Rika. And she co-signed.
He exhaled through his nose, reaching for his cup as he was swallowing, “…Next time,” Tsumugu said flatly, not looking at either of them, “you ask before deciding my house is convenient.” The annoyance lingered on his voice but beneath it, there had been a reluctant acceptance. He had shown them where to go and they were here, Eating. Planning. Wait...did he say next time?
[WC: 468]
[Topic Entered]
The entrance to Tsumugu’s home faced an open walkway and had a simple wooden door, reinforced with metal framing which slid smoothly into the wall. Hanging from this door hung a clan charm similar to others in the district: water-smoothed stones bound with cord, each only having slight differences. Inside, the space opened into a single main room that smelled faintly of clean stone and mineral water. The floor was smooth and cool, the stone polished by years of careful maintenance. Low shelves lined the walls, holding scroll cases, books, numerous gourds of varying sizes, and other family heirlooms. Nothing was out of place here, but it also didn't feel unoccupied in either. This was a lived-in space, shaped by habit but clearly used.
A shallow indoor basin occupied the center of the room, fed by a narrow pipe that hummed softly with steady flow. Surrounding this basin were large pillows and a low table that was lined neatly with various fruits and sandwiches. Tea and water also sat readily available in pitchers, while three glasses sat each in use. Several plates of assorted cakes also were on the table, Tsumugu's mother having done more than he felt she should have. His home had been volunteered as a meeting place, and no one had thought to clear that with him first. The basin water rippled faintly, reacting to the shift in his chakra, and he pressed his thumb against the edge of his sandwich to keep it steady. This was supposed to be his space as Renmei homes weren’t typically seen as casual gathering spots. They were for rest, for listening, for recalibrating. Not for crumbs on the floor and loud voices echoing off stone. His right eye twitched slightly as he bit down, chewing as he glared at Ryuni. This was his fault. His gaze shifted to Rika. And she co-signed.
He exhaled through his nose, reaching for his cup as he was swallowing, “…Next time,” Tsumugu said flatly, not looking at either of them, “you ask before deciding my house is convenient.” The annoyance lingered on his voice but beneath it, there had been a reluctant acceptance. He had shown them where to go and they were here, Eating. Planning. Wait...did he say next time?
[WC: 468]
[Topic Entered]