No man's an island and his castle isn't home

[iguanasolution]

Characters: Frank Zhang iguanasolution & Temerarie dracobin 
Date: Not really specific, but before the suite change 
Location: Temerarie's suite
Situation: Chinese lessons!
Warnings/Rating: None! But will add if needed

Frank had never quite been a model student. Sure, he didn't get bad grades and the spelling bees were a fun thing to attend to, but he'd always liked training with his bow and arrows way, way more than studying in class. Looking back, considering who his father really was... he guesses he shouldn't be surprised. But in this place, when all he could do was learn, and try to tune in his abilities as they all waited for the right moment to strike? Studying and learning was all he has.

So he actually looked downright eager as he knocked on the dragon's door, a notebook, a brush and ink under his other arm.

Comments

[dracobin]

It was tradition for Temeraire, by now, to welcome new students in with a pot of tea, and perhaps a plate of biscuits. But the last of his tea had run out a week ago, and the shop where he had normally purchased it had been bombed with an infectious sort of explosive that had contaminated all the stock.

But the suite still smelled of tea, when Temeraire drew the doors back: tea, and the somewhat less soothing, if fainter, scent of spiced dried fish. He beamed at Frank, holding one door open with a claw, and edging to the side to permit the boy entry.

"Hullo, Zhang Fai! I trust you found your way here easily enough?"

[iguanasolution]

It actually took Frank a second to catch up with himself because claws. He wasn't afraid, of course, but in his world that screamed 'monster' and it would take a while to get used to the idea enough to stop his first instinct from being 'we're being attacked'.

"Yeah!" He said with a sheepish smile, giving the dragon a bow before getting inside. 'Zhang Fai'... his Grandma would love Temerarie, he was sure of it. "You find everything with more ease when you've got eagle's view.

And I was actually really looking forward to this."

[dracobin]

"As am I," Temeraire returned. He did not return Frank's smile, precisely--there was something about suddenly baring one's teeth that unnerved people, after all--but he sounded undeniably pleased.

"I am afraid I cannot offer you anything more refreshing than water," he added, as he shut the door behind him and proceeded to the main room, where a full cauldron was boiling over a large central fire, and a small chair and table had been set next to what looked like a large sandbox. "But there is rice, and some dried fish, if you have not eaten yet: otherwise I think we may proceed directly to our lessons."

[iguanasolution]

He blinks, surprised- but then he simply smiles wider. He shouldn't judge, but he still can't help comparing Temeraire to the dragons back home: Actual monsters they had to fight against and defeat- not counting Festus, but considering he was actually mechanical he's pretty sure he doesn't count.

"Water is fine, and I wouldn't want to cause trouble- I am not hungry. But thanks. I really appreciate you doing this for me."