“Aye, it was a gift from Sae. He sent it to me along with the letter saying that he had returned. I wore it when I visited him a couple months ago. You were still visiting Dae on the Gato's island then.”

Frey’s expression turns into a soft smile at Hona’s straightforward explanation. She finds herself sharing a look with Scripp, both of them having the same thoughts. “Is that so? It looks very pretty. I’m sure Sae will be pleased to see you wearing it.”

“Mmm, shall we go?” He glances at Scripp for permission who answers by melting into the shadows and disappearing from sight. The doors clatter in their frame though as she passes under, the only indication to where she’s gone.

The two humans follow after. It’s only once they’re nearing the courtyard that Hona seems to realize something, “Don't you need to change as well?” He looks to Frey who only grins playfully.

“No brother, my clothes are perfectly suitable.”

He furrows his brow at this, “But you’re wearing the same style of robes I was before. They’re not formal attire at all.”

Frey laughs and doesn’t falter her step at all. “Aye, but my robes are suitable for me. Your robes were not suitable for you. Come on, we mustn’t keep our guest waiting.” She pulls a confused looking Hona along who can only follow.

They leave their private living quarters and reach the courtyard where they follow the carefully swept paths to the main temple. For these two who were born and raised at this temple, the cold is no bother at all. Even for Frey who is only wearing her loose fitting study robes, the cold is only a minor nuisance. They take the paths carefully to avoid any patches of ice that might trip them up and enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air. These two have been cooped up for the last few days under their parents’s orders and now even the familiar pine scent seems sweet to their noses.

They reach the great hall where there is much discussion happening. Mostly it is Gol describing the recent events to Sae, but with Trae’s occasional comments added on. Despite the large age between Trae and Gol both should be treated as equals since they are both the heads of their clans. As for Sae he confidently treats himself as their equal, if not superior. Since Trae is Sae’s older brother though this attitude clashes with his own personal feelings and thus he becomes easily annoyed with Sae. Gol on the other hand is more diplomatic and recognizes that Sae was sent here by higher beings and thus should be treated with great respect, but even Gol struggles to stay even toned with Sae’s exuberance.

On Sae’s part, he gives no sympathy towards those who have died and no empathy left to those in mourning. Having spent the last 15 years in the shadowlands where it is constantly fight or die for survival he is completely numb to death. The only feelings he has are excitement for the monster hunting.

When Hona and Frey arrive the group is discussing the appearances of the dead bodies when they were found. Gol tries to approach the subject gently with the disciples listening to this talk on his mind, but Sae is relentless for details. It’s only when he catches sight of Hona that his enthusiasm is momentarily shifted.

“Hona!” Sae calls out cheerfully and waves him over, when he catches sight of Frey though his expression shifts to confusion, “And who is this one?” He asks while pointing towards her. Like Hona she has long black hair, but her’s hangs loosely down her back. Her face is of similar shape too with delicate features and fair skin. The only difference between the two in appearance is their heights—Hona has a tall stature so much so that he towers over almost everyone present and the top of Frey’s head is only just level with his shoulder.

Hona smiles patiently, “It's Frey of course. She was still a baby when you left.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Sae turns his smile towards her and introduces himself. “I’m Sae. If you are anything like Hona than we will be good friends.”

Trae snorts at this, “Like Hona? You mean having patience endless enough to put up with your nonsense?”

“Aye, of course! Hona is very patient and kind. Come sit down.” He waves them over to sit next to him and then unclasps his decadent white cloak to lay out on the floor for them so they can sit in comfort. The two are hesitant to even touch the cloak as they come closer and realize that it is of divine work, but Sae continues to look at them expectantly so reluctantly they take a seat. When they’ve gotten situated Scripp reappears and casually lounges in between Hona and Sae. “Oh, aye, and of course I must introduce Scripp. She is one of my servants,” He glances to Gol as he speaks, “please treat her kindly.” His fingers casually tease through Scripps fur in a familiar way to show that the two of them are close.

Trae scowls, “Weren't there two of those?” He casts a distrustful eye to the shadows thrown by the firelight, expecting another creature to materialize.

“Aye, but I’ve left Strigg to look after the mountain in my absence.” Sae explains.

Frey leans over her brother’s lap with a look of intense curiosity, “If you have servants doesn’t that mean you are someone of importance? If someone from our realm has servants I take them to be masters of a wealthy household.”

“Aye, that’s true. In the shadowlands I was a general under Lord Sho. Not only do I have servants I have my own platoon to command, well had, I suppose.” Sae laughs as he corrects himself, “My expertise in war is why I was hired for this job.”

Trae rolls his eyes at these words, “A general who lost his own sword.” He mutters under his breath. He very much finds it hard to believe half of the things that come out of his little brother’s mouth.

Sae’s grin doesn’t falter as he retorts, “I did not lose Melody. I told you I left her at a blacksmith’s for repair. I simply didn’t have the time to retrieve her before leaving. I fully plan on returning for her as soon as I am able. Melody is an irreplaceable blade.”

Frey isn’t the least bit deterred by the two brothers’ bickering and continues with her questions. “If you have no blade then how are you going to slay the monster? Will you borrow one from our armory?”

“No need for you to worry, I shall kill the monster without a blade.” Sae chuckles to himself. “I'm sure Gol does not want me touching those precious heirlooms. I know very well that most of them are crafted by the Crest clan.” He shifts his focus away from Frey and back to the main topic at hand. “Killing a monster is no problem, I just need to find it.” He smiles at Gol, “And the more information I am given the faster I can work.”

Gol sighs though and looks about the room and the groups of disciples clustered together by the braziers. “Perhaps talks on that matter can be withheld until after lunch.”