It took a moment for Asychis to recognize the woman who approached him, greeting him with a sickeningly formal title of 'mister'.  But, when his mind pieced everything together, the memories slammed against him with the force of a battering ram that shattered the gates of the Imhotep caves.  Dark auburn hair, pale skin, and an overall well-built physique, this was none other than one of his friends when Asychis was still a member of the Order of Cinders.  Asychis almost found it ridiculous how it took him quite a long time to recognize his friend (or at least, his colleague), but maybe it was because the years were kind to her, and she grew up into the attractive woman that she was meant to be.  As Asychis finally faced her with a smile, he greeted with her a slight chuckle.  "Mister Nefer was my father, Yin."  He grinned, taking off his headgear and the cloth from his neck before stuffing it into his bag.  "There's no need for formalities when we already knew each other back at the Order.  And, it has indeed been a while.  Three years, to be exact."  An awkward silence followed before the young lad burst into a series of soft laughter.  He just prayed that Yin wouldn't find it weird that the serious, insensitive Asychis from their youth was now a happy-go-lucky buffoon.  "And, I see you've grown into a fine member of the Order.  I hope everyone's doing well, yes?  I've yet to see Denric and Sir Lethodus.  But,"  Asychis swept his eyes to the ground, scratching his neck in nervousness.  "I doubt that they'd be as willing to see me.  Or, anyone from the Order for that matter."  Then, his emerald eyes gazed at his companion before shaking his head with a slight smile.  "In all honesty, I expected a harsher reaction from people of the Order.  But, for what it's worth, it's good to see you again, Yin."

A surge of nostalgia overcame Asychis as he remembered the times that the two of them were trained alongside their colleagues back in their youth.  However, due to his gnawing vengeance, Asychis couldn't really find the time to actually make 'friends'.  If anything, he saw his colleagues as competition, not allies.  So, like an annoying brat, he always separated himself from the others.  Isolation was his friend during his years in training.  But, as Asychis looked back on his past, he couldn't help but bite his lower lip in regret at how many great memories he could have formed if he was not so hell-bent on burning the gnolls out of existence.  He could have formed a lasting bond with his colleagues, especially with Yin who was, by far, the closest to his age.  It doesn't even have to be anything romantic; a solid friendship was more than enough.  But, his inner rage and uncontrollable fury boiled everything into destruction.  What Amenmeit Shabbaka said was true:  anger was just motivation without purpose.  Thus, Asychis vowed to straighten things from now on.  Rage would not be the one that will guide him to victory, but compassion and understanding.  Yin might not be overly hostile against him, but this could not be said for the others.

"I came a long way from Ibzya,"  Asychis shrugged his shoulders as he looked at Yin.  "But, I guess even you know what happened to me there."  A light-hearted chuckle escaped his lips.  The festival was now at its apex as more and more people arrived to celebrate in a hurricane of wealth, ale, food, and flesh.  The conservative tradition of the monks in Ibzya caused all these merriments to leave a bitter taste in Asychis' tongue, not because he didn't like the jovial mood.  Rather, it was because he realized that he missed out on a lot of fun.  "I missed a lot, haven't I?"  He queried, the question not really directed at anyone.

The river of people swept pass them before Asychis sighed in relief.  "So, I doubt you're just here for the festival.  If anything, you have [i]that[/i] letter, right?"  Asychis grinned before hoisting his bag over his shoulder.  "Uh,"  The lad paced around before glancing at the conclave of stalls and other shops.  "I'd say that the others might be going to the Palace since the nobles are expecting the Order.  But, I might be going around the stalls before I'll be heading for the palace."  He took a step towards Yin, placing his hand on her shoulder.  The slight difference in height between the two of them unnerved the monk, if only because he believed males should be significantly taller than females.  Or, perhaps, it just fed his ego if he was taller than his colleague.  "You're welcome to join me."  Asychis offered with a grin.  "If you do, you can catch me to speed with all the happenings in the Order.  It's been a while since we've talked."

Well, if the usual grunts and nods as they passed by each other were considered talking, then, yes, it has been a while.
[@Rekaigan]