Re: Near the Tea House, down the walkway -> Memory Emporium
"The destination doesn't matter? Or will you figure that out along the way?" He smiled. Conversation didn't have much of a place in his life; he often struggled with words, and there were very few who understood his method of communication. In fact, those he felt comfortable could be counted on one hand and those he actually enjoyed talking to would make up a very short list indeed. But it was different, now. It might not last-- no, it likely wouldn't, but he didn't need it to. His own body was broken down and half in the grave but it was still his, and so were all the cobwebs and ghosts attached to it. "You're welcome. Most strangers aren't polite. Most can't be trusted." It was a simple truth of life. It was fortunate that she had found him, and not someone who might wish to do her harm. Whatever flowed through his veins would be controlled. He was no danger unless threatened.
His mouth became very small, lips pursed, and there was an old, bone deep sadness in his eyes that seemed wrong for such a young, healthy boy. "Some don't survive even with it," he said quietly. But then it was gone, that sadness, and his expression relaxed once more. "Good family?" He tipped his head to the side, uncomprehending. He looked when she tugged at her collar, but he still didn't understand. So far as he could tell there was nothing wrong with what she wore. Too soon to say what, he wondered, but he didn't persist.
He'd never given much thought to beauty. Oh, he had considered others beautiful. There had been one, his sun, his world, the reason for existence... she hadn't been a conventional beauty but that, in his eyes, just made her more of one. But he'd never looked at himself and thought much of his appearance. "Guess it is," he conceded, slipping for a moment back into his old ways, old words. "Matters to some. To you. Never cared much." He paused, frowned, and shook his head. "Have you ever been scorned?"
He slowed when she did, noticing the Emporium up ahead. But still he ventured forward until they were inside, and he looked at what was offered, forgetfulness and lies. "There is much to forget," he said slowly, "but not to remember. Nothing that's true."