Byakuya's Private Rooms

"Asking": (continued)

After sliding the door to his rooms shut, Byakuya closed his eyes, remaining still for a few minutes. Long, long ago, he’d learned the art of keeping his emotions behind a wall and when it became necessary, what he would need to do to bury any turmoil that disturbed that careful balance. It was not perfect, but it offered him a small solace at certain times.

He reached out with his senses. The earthen scent of the pine wood floors beneath him permeated the air, revealing that the afternoon cleaning had been completed late and blending with the lavender incense lit upon the altar. Outside, a bamboo pipe dipped into the water and the evening breeze stirred the lilies in a water basin on his veranda. Dew lingered in the air from the final watering of the newly procured plants for the garden outside. 

He moved on, letting the scent of cherry blossoms continue to ground him, as he set his burden down upon a chest. He reached into his haori, pulling out an unnamed sealed letter. Although he had been confident in the composition of it, he had yet to send it out. Byakuya set it on top the box, leaving both as he prepared for dinner.

Maybe it would not come to that. 

Moved