Go Forth and Learn

[Lion]

"Forget Master.  What did you have in mind?" Akash wrote back, gesturing to Emrys.

[DragonSong]

He shook his head slowly. "Nothing. If I had my way I'd be back with my books by now."

[Lion]

"Books are good.  What do you read?" Akash wrote again.  It was nice to realize that the foreigner had a thirst for knowledge.  But he didn't seem to appreciate what form it came in.

[DragonSong]

"Oh." Emrys blinked, a little surprised by the question. "Well- everything. Anything I can get my hands on. A lot of magical theory, but I've been reading more histories and biographies from Thanatos since I've started living here."

It seemed that now he was more comfortable ground, he could be quite chatty.

[Lion]

Akash gave him a solid grin, happy to see Emrys no longer mopey for once since their first encounter.  He nodded to him and pointed up to the sky again, to the moon that shone brightly in its fullness.

"How long have you lived here?" he wrote on his hand.  "A whole month?"

[DragonSong]

Emrys shook his head. "No, longer. I've just- well, never had much occasion to be...out."

[Lion]

Akash nodded. It was weird how this was the most conversation he'd had with anyone in a long time, even before he had his tongue severed.

"We should go back to Temple. Fang will want to find you," he said with writing and gesture.  "Erm, with clothes.  That might be best."

[DragonSong]

Having almost forgotten his nude state, Emrys flushed scarlet and nodded. "Yeah, clothes would be good."

[Lion]

He had been raised with decency. Akash was no savage, but he did not mind being nude.  It did not offend him, that his companion seemed to mind, but not acknowledging it probably would help ease his embarrassment.  Akash returned to Shana, gathered his robes and thanked her with a deep bow.  He smiled and awaited Emrys.

Shana brought Emrys his clothes with them delicately draped over her arms.  "We will meet again, Opal One," she said, bowing her head.

[DragonSong]

"Er...thanks." Emrys took his clothes quickly and mouthed "Opal One?" at his companion in confusion.

[Lion]

Akash just smiled.  It took a while for them to come up with a nickname for newcomers. The fact that Emrys had earned one rather quickly was a little irritating.  However, Akash wouldn't begrudge his companion for it.  He didn't want to participate in the first place, and already they hoped he would return and dance with them again.

Akash moved back toward where they came from, motioning for Emrys to follow.

[DragonSong]

Well, looked like once again he wasn't going to get a straight answer. Grumbling, Emrys followed after him, hopping on one foot as he pulled on his boot.

[Lion]

It's not like they were even far from the main temple grounds.  For now though, it was nice to take a walk and Akash decided it was best not to deviate from the path that led them there.

[DragonSong]

Emrys continued along behind him in relative quiet, not sure why exactly but trusting the warrior to lead.

[Lion]

It didn't take long before the large looming shape of the Temple proper showed up before them.  From this point forward, Akash encouraged Emrys to take the lead.  He followed behind back up to the stone cultivated paths.

[DragonSong]

Emrys hesitated, glancing back. "Where exactly are we?"

[Lion]

"Temple?" Akash said, carefully scrawling the word on his hand.  He scratched it out.  "Is this wrong direction?"

[DragonSong]

"No, no, I'm sure it's fine. I've just...never been here before." He tilted his head. "You live here?"

[Lion]

Akash nodded and nudged for Emrys to walk along with him.  He poked his shoulder.  "Where did you come from?" he asked in writing.  "Not temple?"

[DragonSong]

Emrys chuckled. "Not exactly. I'm from Serendipity- the mainland. You ever been?"