Amano, whose heart flutters violently every time the beast Illiendi calls him 'Master, swallows hard as he listens closely to the other. Even as he listens though he can not help his thoughts wandering here and there over various things. [i]'This is really happening. He's completely serious about serving me, and I just know that this is going to change my life forever. To think something as vile as other people's selfish ambitions would lead to me finding a way to rise above my birth place'[/i] His own words seem to have some secret meaning to the man across from him, and even as he speaks them he wonders just what the creature can glean from his simple, sheepish admissions. [i]'His smile looks less like the cat who got the cream and more like the dragon who slew his foe and got the horde. It is like speaking with something that I can not understand nor control. . . Except I can. I feel like I am at his whim, however he reminds me often that it is the other way around'[/i]

He nods once again about the ship arrangement, along with the crew. [i]'I should have known better. No. . .I should not think like that. I am learning, I should feel no shame in not knowing something. He did not make fun of me for not knowing, he simply corrected me. It's far more comforting that what my tutors have always done'[/i] As he speaks about his weapon training and Illiendi instructs him in the matter he keeps his focus solely on his companion. [i]'I have a back holster for the dagger, so concealing it should not be difficult. I always keep the rapier in top condition, however I will polish it tonight and hunt through the family storage for a worthy sheath. My training one will never do, if I am taking Illiendi right. If I can not find a good one in the home, it should not cost too much to purchase one when we are preparing tomorrow'[/i] His hand comes unconsciously up to his chest where the brand still tingles lightly in his flesh. This habit is one he falls into quickly, though it will take him a long time to notice.

When the man laughs, Amano's head ducks even lower, though even from the shortened vantage pint he can see an almost chill run through the crowd and the back chatter fades fro a moment as each person recovers from it. [i]'He really is amazing, and so strange. I am glad he is on my side'[/i] His eyes find Illiendi's even as he reaches forward to bring the boy's head up with long slender fingers. The word 'Master' once again sends a shudder through his chest, however he keeps his focus on the man in front of him. He lets his head be lifted, straitening up his slouched from slightly. He shiver lightly, the small flickers of pride igniting in his chest with each encouragement Illiendi gives him brings a semi confident smile to his lips. The soft caress of the man's thumb across his jaw causes the smile to falter for an instant however he quells the small shot of fear that had raced through him at the touch and takes a deep calming breath.

[i]'With this being's help, one day I [b]will[/b] stand on my own two feet'[/i] He suppresses a giggle when Illiendi pokes him in the nose, trying to act more like a grown man. However he feels himself tempted to cower again when the tall male stands. A shot of irrational panic lances through him as the rest of the patrons vanish from view behind the man. He keeps his eyes on Illiendi's, reminding himself over and over that Illiendi is his, and he should trust that safe feeling he gets around the guy. His heart jumps to his throat as he feels the man's hands on him however he relaxes and lets himself be molded by the firm, warm fingers. [i]'Why does my heart race so when he is so close? I do not feel afraid, I don't think. What is it then?'[/i] In that instant Illiendi touches his bare skin and the warmth send another shot through his system. He feels the faint urge to move closer to the male, instead though he listens carefully and pulls his chest a little higher.

Turning back to the creature, his eyes somehow warm as they look upon his hansom otherworldly face, and takes the proffered kerchief. More to hide the blush he can feel burning his cheeks and neck he brings the cloth to his face and wipes away the small sheen of sweat that had gathered there in the past few minutes along with the small bit of road dust from outside. [i]'I need to remain calm and learn quickly. Illiendi is the perfect example, as far as I can see, of what someone who expects to always succeed should appear. While I know I should not simply copy him, making my own way as to not become just a smaller version of him, it is a good place to start'[/i] Bringing the cloth down, the flush mostly gone from his cheeks, he runs it once across the back of his neck before downing the rest of his tea and standing. Illiendi, who had been standing close beside his chair, is now bare inches from the nervous male as he turns to look up into his eyes.

“You are right.” He says softly, a note of confidence in his voice he normally only had when defending another. “I am not a mouse, but I am also no lion as of yet.” He hands Illiendi the kerchief and adds ever so softly, “But perhaps I can learn one day to be something not so frightened to be holding the leash of a wild dragon.” With that he makes his way over to server and hands him the coin to pay for his drinks. The man looks at him for a few seconds, a rather odd expression on his face. However rather than responding Amano heads for the door of the establishment and walks out into the streets. Recalling what Illiendi had said about getting a ship he turns slightly to the right and begins heading towards the docks. His stride is a little off, not use to looking like one who can hold his own, but eventually he finds a comfortable pace. The crowd quickly thins out as he heads further and further from the middle of town. Slowing slightly so he can walk and talk more easily he looks over to Illiendi and smiles.

“Sorry for acting so suddenly. I just wanted to see if I could do it.” Fighting not to duck his head down he lets out a less than humorous laugh and turns his gaze back to the road in front of them. “I noticed a lot more people looking at me than usual. It was weird, but kinda made me feel good. It was nice being noticed.” Swallowing hard he looks once more to his mentor. “I've heard my father speaking with his fellow traders on occasion, and several of them get stock from overseas. They all agreed that the best place to find a crew in this town is a Tallian's down by the docks. It's sort of a bar, but it's surprisingly strict in it's 'no brawling' rule. I guess that's why the good captains go there. They don't have to worry about a flying body spilling their drinks and having to order another one.” He smirks lightly, watching a few of the local fisherman on the side of the road by a house arguing loudly over a torn net. “I went there once after hearing about a shipment being stolen by pirates. I wanted to hear stories about it, but I was under age and got tossed out quickly.” The smell of salty air grows thicker and the sound of seagulls becomes far more prominent as they turn a corner and the docks come into view.