Jaek

Leaving behind the village was a bit of a sobering thing. While the place was so friendly and open, it really was in stark contrast to the rest of this land.

Jaekel found himself reflecting that as he followed the currently golden-haired guide. He had enjoyed being able to see the place and was thankful that Talon had brought them there.

He glanced to the side at his best friend and smiled seeing that familiar look of frustrated curiosity on her face.

She was definitely sometimes a busybody. Though he had to admit, sometimes he had to agree with her that something might be good to know. Even if he thought that Talon was trustworthy, there was a lot about him that they did not know. He was definitely odd. And he was starting to get the feeling that Talon knew more about what was actually going on then he let on.

As he doubted Talon was going to tell them, he didn't ask though.

Instead he contemplated his best friend again. She stumbled over a root, and he steadied her. "Not looking where you're going?" He gently chided.

She pouted, "I was thinking!"

"Mm-hmm?" He quirked his lip up a little, laughing to himself.

She sighed, "Is it that amusing?"

"I just like the fact my best friend never changes."

She giggled, "Well, I always have you to look after me to keep me from falling over roots and stones when my mind is elsewhere."

"Shall I hold your hand then, milady?" He teased.

In answer she slipped her hand into his, "Would be helpful. I am in your care as always."

He laughed.

As they walked, all of a sudden Talon burst into song. In a language that Jaekel had never heard. His voice was low but carried well, and he was singing slow enough that Jaekel could make out the general words.

"Lo Alum ol wejn benek ki lo leim ol sadim ek kir madi lapu relo hasha oplo fyld mol Xi'eli anjamu re ki."

It sounded a bit like a chant but the only word that Jaekel knew was Xi'eli. But the mention of the Creator in the song was what caught his attention and so as Talon's voice faded he asked the odd man what song it was.

"It's an old walking song for walking on a pretty day like today. On such a glorious day, isn't it good to sing? Lift our voices so the wind can carry it far away – who knows maybe someone will hear and be cheered on their way."

"Wind loves singing – almost on any day." Niliah said, glancing back. "At least his voice is pleasant enough."

"Do you understand the words?" Jaekel asked her.

"Not really." The half-dragon shrugged. "I think its in the old tongue though."

"…Which makes me ask…" Rune asked excitedly, "Do you know the words you sing, Talon?"

"Of course! I'm a historian!" Talon said happily. "I could translate it. Roughly it would be 'The Sun is beaming down on us, the wind is blowing on our faces, sing for the beauty of the day, that Xi'eli prepared for us.'"

Rune looked intrigued, "So you know the ancient language?"

"Of course! I can read, write and speak it." He was smiling broadly. "I think it's a beautiful tongue. Unfortunately not many speak it still – a few more can read it… but more people are learning it again and I think that's quite wonderful."

"How intriguing!" Rune smiled brightly, "Do you think you can teach it to me?"

His golden eyes lit up. "I would love to share the language of my fathers with you!" And with that he began to talk rapidly, as he began to instruct Rune on the structure behind the language. He had a very apt listener.

Jaekel sighed to himself. Watching Rune learn something new was one of his favorite things. She always brightened up so much, and the way her eyes became so focused… Her love of learning was so much fun to watch.

He found himself though as Talon fell to walk beside Rune walking beside of Niliah. He had noticed she and Rune had been growing closer. It was probably good for Rune…though admittedly he felt just a tad lonely that his one on one time with Rune was going to shrink. Well, he could handle it.

He wondered mildly if he should try to talk with Niliah. As much as Talon remained a mystery, they didn't know much about the half-dragon elf either.

"You and Amrune are close, aren't you?" Niliah said.

"Yes, we've known each other since childhood."

"Doesn't being of different genders ever become awkward?"

It was a very straightforward question and it took Jaekel back. Then he smiled, "Not really. How to put this…Rune is, well, she doesn't care about such things and I'm…" He paused, tilting his head then smiled. "Rune is my rock. As an oracle, I've always had troubling things in my mind and… nothing else helps me cope like Rune does."

"Mmm." She gave him a thoughtful look than nodded. "I see, well, what happens if she starts caring? What will you do?"

"I know Rune will mature someday, she's already starting to, and someday she'll want to get married and start a family – that's okay."

"You seem pretty okay with the idea of someone sweeping her away."

"Hmm? Even when she gets married, she'll stay close and we'll always be best friends."

"You're very hard to read." She remarked then turned away.

Jaekel just smiled, and glanced back at Rune. She was still animatedly talking to Talon. Talon and her both seemed to be very into it. Well, as long as she was happy. He would never try to curb her from her love of learning.