Athena: -is taking a nap in the shade of a tree, just enjoying the warm weather of summer-

Arluin: *trots through the forest, looking about him serenely* Hmmm... a lovely day... *steps out of the gloom and suddenly spots a familiar form beneath a tree* Mistress! Enjoying the weather?

Athena: -wakes up when someone speaks to her, a little bit slow- Mm..? -blinks, needing a few seconds to wake up before she realized it was Arluin speaking to her. Her tail swished with surprise, and she spoke up immediately to her former pupil- A-Arluin, it is good to see you again..! My apologies; I dozed off rather suddenly... How long has it been since we last crossed paths? -is a little embarrassed that she'd been caught sound asleep-

Arluin: *bows deeply with a soft smile, never having seen her asleep, it was cute* And good to see you as well... it has been far too long. *gestures to the spot next to her* May I?

Athena: -nods when Arluin asks if he might join her, shifting a little so that he could also be under the shade. She took a moment to look him over, seeing the changes from his fawnhood- You've grown very well, Arluin. You fit your sword now. -smiles, remembering how he'd had trouble lifting the weapon so long ago- Has your training benefited you after all this time? I had always hoped my impact on you was a positive one.

Arluin: Your teachings certainly inspired me. *settles down gracefully next to Athena, close enough to talk without speaking too loud, but just far enough away that they would not be touching* Ah yes... time changes many things... *pauses and looks at Athena side-long* But it has not changed you, Mistress, you are as radiant as always.

Athena: -looks pleased when Arluin said that she inspired him, but she certainly wasn't expecting him to compliment her. She blushed slightly beneath her fur, shaking her head- You must be mistaken...If there is anything radiant about me, perhaps it my aura. My looks... are anything but stunning. -has always been well-mannered from her upbringing, but her lion-like appearance was something she'd always been self-conscious about. She changed the subject, not wanting to be reminded of her own insecurities- I am sure that you have seen a lot since you were a yearling. Did you travel outside of the forest? If so, tell me about your journey. I would love to hear it. -gives a small smile-

Arluin: *blinks in surprise as Athena refuses the compliment, and tries not to look too dejected- had he said something wrong?* I'm quite sure I knew what I meant... *sighs and decides not to push it, then ponders her question for a moment before replying* I have not traveled as of yet, no. My brother, Ace, and I were going to, but it seems we got sidetracked. I suppose I would like to find another traveling partner before I depart on such a journey. *sighs* And you mistress? How much of this world have you seen?

Athena: -internally feels a little bad that she had pushed away his compliment, but she couldn't take it back now. When he said that he hadn't done all that much traveling, she hadn't expected that for an answer- I see... Since I last saw you, I still haven't managed to leave the forest to explore. My training as a knight hasn't made much progress, either... -sounds a little sad when she admitted that her goals still haven't been reached, but not completely hopeless- I suppose... that if you are in need of a partner to travel with, I can fill that role, as well. I think it could be fun, and a chance for us to catch up. Does that also sound good to you?

Arluin: *attempts to hide his surprise as well- his mistress had never journeyed from the Hartlands? Preposterous! But... if she said so it must be true... this situation must be remedied* My fair lady knight, it would be my privilege and honor to travel with you... I heard that there is a mountain to the north that spews fire! What a magnificent sight that must be... would you care to journey there? The way will be perilous and the road long... *grins slightly at the thought of such an adventure*

Athena: -tail flicks gently when Arluin accepts her offer to travel with him, happy that her former student found her company to be pleasant enough that he wouldn't mind having it for a while longer- It makes me happy to hear you say that, Arluin. Truly. I've dreamed of exploring for so long now, but so many things have held me back... It will be wonderful to travel. I'm looking forward to our adventure already. -sounds interested at the mention of the fire spewing mountain- I think my father told me a tale about a similar place. It is supposed to be quite hot there, but I don't mind that idea at all. I want to go anywhere and everywhere.

Arluin: *blinks and looks at Athena with a new understanding- it was not easy for most to just get up and go. There were responsibilities and family and friends* Well, let nothing hold you back anymore, Mistress. Are you in need of any preparations? I would be quite willing to depart whenever you like.