[ It’s a painstakingly slow progress, which explains why the map has yet to be completed. A boy whose penmanship is lacking wouldn’t be an artist either but it is pride that drives him to seek the path of perfection, that is why he once scribed upon a cover a signature in beautiful calligraphy hailed by many living in a far off archipelago for its artistry. Of course, that took him a whole night but he was content with the results even if exhausted the following day.

Soon at Chongyun’s side, he watches fingers barely ghost over the lines of his work almost in reverence. Foreign to him, impulsivity takes hold and it leads him to reach out for his friend’s hand, holding it securely as he looks down at his own work as if watching the view from a rooftop. ]

Thank you. I just thought it may be useful…

[ Returning to the main topic of conversation which brought about this reunion, he nods. Despite running over several scenarios of how to open this conversation up he realizes he hasn’t settled on a choice. Slowly he releases his hold, the one where he began to lace their fingers together and moves back to the kitchen to finish preparing that tea. ]

It’s not often you visit the Wanwen Bookhouse is it? So then… well just on the off chance you may have heard of it but do you know of a novel titled A Legend of Sword?

[ His words are delivered slowly, almost hesitantly, the result of the embarrassment he spoke of earlier. ]