Go Forth and Learn

[Lion]

Akash waved his hand in Sign for "spirit", although he wasn't sure Emrys understood him.  "Xi-sha," the guard beside him repeated.  "Spirits wander all over temple grounds. They generally do not harm people, but this spirit took interest in you.  We will find out why."

[DragonSong]

He swallowed and hunched his shoulders, making his already lanky frame seem even more awkward as he collapsed in on himself. "Spirit is a light word for...that," he muttered.

[Lion]

"Xi-sha are not good or bad. Just are," the other guard explained. "Akash has seen many spirits. But you must have done something to anger the spirit. Where are you from foreigner?"

[DragonSong]

"I didn't do anything!" he protested, glaring. "I was asleep for gods' sakes!"

Still frowning, he added in a mumble, "Serendipity. I'm from Serendipity."

[Lion]

"And what are you doing in these lands?" the guard pressed.  "You would do well to speak the truth. These are important questions. The monk will wish to know."

[DragonSong]

Emrys frowned. When had this turned into an interrogation? "I'm studying under a friend of my parents," he muttered- an honest answer, if not a very detailed one.

[Lion]

"A student...with a penchant for irritating ghosts," the guard hmphed loudly and raising his head to stride beyond Akash.

The silent guardsman turned to Emrys and frowned, looking worried.  Ahead they were led across temple grounds to a prayer room where a small bald man in red robes knelt in a circle of animal bones.  He breathed in strong strands of incense and didn't look very pleased when he was disturbed.

The guard spoke with him briefly, leaning into his ear and exchanging a quiet conversation before the guard turned back to Emrys and gestured him to approach.

[DragonSong]

"I already told you, I didn't do anythung," Emrys protested, but it didn't seem to matter. He huffed and trailed along behind the guards, returning Akash's look with one of confusion.

When he was beckoned toward the older man, he moved slowly, warily, but gave a polite nod.

[Lion]

"You are the foreigner," the monk murmured.  He looked up from where he was meditating and he moved so that Emrys could take his place. "Kneel within the bone circle, son. They will not harm you.  For they are already dead."

[DragonSong]

"Err...great. Thanks." Emrys knelt a little awkwardly, head still tilted slightly down in what he hoped was a sign of respect.

[Lion]

The monk resumed his position and knelt in front of Emrys. "Now bow your head," he murmured and gently laid hands on either side of his skull.

[DragonSong]

"Ahh- okay..." He did as he was told, shoulders tense and eyes flickering around, as much as they could, warily.

[Lion]

"Now relax, son. Just breathe, and focus.  Let the spirits guide you.  The scents from the smokes will open your mind."

[DragonSong]

"Open my mind to what?" Emrys grumbled, but he tried to do as he was instructed.

[Lion]

"From yourself," the monk instructed, and reached out to take the young man's hands. "Take a deep breath, One in...  two, three, four, five, six, Out.  Again."

[DragonSong]

"But...what am o trying to do?" he asked, feeling very lost, but he did as he was told.

[Lion]

"Do not try, just do. Close your eyes, breathe. That is all.  Come, Slash, show him proper."

Although it wasn't orthodox, he did as the monk bade him and moved to the circle. He sat across from the pair and gestured for Emrys to take his hand. 

"Do not fight the smoke. Breathe, son, relax your consciousness."

[DragonSong]

Emrys rolled his eyes internally but did as he was told. He still didn't know what he was trying to accomplish though.

[Lion]

[Poor Emrys. He's all confused]

"Your mind will open. You will be more perceptive to the spirit world and you will show me the spectre that attacked you," the monk instructed. He would feel himself growing heavy, but his mind lighter and when he opened his eyes next, he would see a very different room than the one they were present in, as if they were deep under water and their physical bodies were still in a circle around the fire.

Akash rose from where he knelt, moving slowly, seeing the forms of the other guards around them.

[DragonSong]

[Very 0.o]

Emrys opened his eyes and sucked in a sharp breath. "Whoa." He cleared his throat and tried to stand cautiously, eyes wide.