The red wolf forced a smile on his face as Kyorai came in closer, so much so as to put a paw on his dormant eye.

"Sorry, I seem to have rambled a bit there. Thank you for your kind words." he let out in a much lighter tone. The emotions behind the memories would fade slowly, but that didn't mean he couldn't put on a more cheerful expression for now. "As for your earlier question, I suspect that most spirits as so well ingrained in their host that they could be considered a part of the whole mind. Mine, when I was still able to use magic, revealed itself in subtle ways. Perhaps that was part of its personality of hating any kind of deception that caused it to act in such a way."

Xireidi gently nudged the pup down and stood up, wandering back to the deer a few feet away and taking another piece from inside. "These may be the ravings of a mad gembound. For all I really know Yuma may be a cruel lunatic whose fancies match up with my own. Wouldn't it be nice if that were the case?" he mused, his reflective tone mirroring an earlier conversation he'd been in about the lights of the cave.

"Whatever the case may be, I want to be able to be strong so the younger generation like you doesn't have to worry about strange entities like him" Of course the being of void and flame probably wouldn't have a gender, but it would be a mouthful to say its full title every time.

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags: @Kyorai
notes: None

Died last night in my dreams "Kyo Speaks" | Kyo Thinks @Xireidi Smiling in response to their gratitude, he went quiet to see if the answer provided would be of any good to him. One eye narrowed as head went to the side, unsure in whether it could be justifiable. Humming then, he rubbed skull on leg before opening maw. "Perhaps mind likes playing pretend! It is sadden that it cannot be physical so places itself as a spirit," he explained, nodding in agreement with his own explanation. Admittedly, this made the pup dig deeper into his thoughts, something he often avoided in doing. Surprised in hearing that the canine could not conjure magic anymore from what was told, a part of him had mixed with bafflement, unsure that such a thing was possible. "What? 'When I was able', nonsense! Have you just forgotten how it works?" he inquired, willing to help the wolf in remembering how it is done if wanting to. He stepped back when Xireidi decided to move back close to the deer carcass. Grabbing crystal, he trotted after them, stopping beside once they had gotten to their chosen spot. Scanning over prey's body again, he peered up at what was said from company, trying to smile with light still in mouth. "Likely so," stating in muffled words, a chuckle followed behind it, thinking it could be true between the wolf and brutish creature. They were a stranger to him still so, there was nothing else to point to in the matter. The pup had set down item to offer clearer words for what he had to say for their last statement. "Oh! I want to be strong too! Don't know if I'd use it to protect 'generation', but maybe just help keep things safe!" wagging tail, a little dream of his one could guess at.

The pressing silence of the cave was broken as Xireidi let out a guffaw at Kyorai's suggestion that the mind could be playing pretend. The thought of the mind getting so bored as to make up a facade such as that somehow seemed like the most amusing thing he'd heard in a while with these dark topics. As soon as the wolf composed himself he flashed a genuine smile to the pup and nodded, hoping to convey that he meant no disrespect. "That actually is a pretty good theory!" he complimented. The actual truth of the matter was moot as far as he was concerned; he was no great thinker nor was he any kind of authority figure on what was real.

The pup may have also had a point on his magic as well. He had never really relied on it much in the past and since waking up from his hibernation he hadn't had a great amount of reason to worry about it anyways. Even so, that was one advantage he was missing out on and it could be beneficial to spend some time trying to learn how to do magic again now that he was no longer starving.

"It sounds like we could both use some training, Kyorai." he offered, a bit impressed by the pup's desire to get stronger. Hopefully he would never have to use that strength, but it could never hurt to have the ability. "I'll probably want to set up a temporary dwelling here to keep an eye on the core." If anything was going to happen related to the lights it would be here, "If you'd like you can visit any time and I'll walk you through some of the training routines I've picked up. At the same time you could teach me some of the finer points of using magic I seem to have forgotten if you were so inclined."

His offer was delivered passively, as though he had no real investment in it. In all honesty though a part of him hoped the pup would take it up. Since Gratia's disappearance he hadn't really had anyone to talk to consistently. Having a friend, even one as young as Kyorai, would be a welcome change of pace.

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags: @Kyorai
notes: None

Died last night in my dreams "Kyo Speaks" | Kyo Thinks @Xireidi Surprising was it to hear such a loud laugh come from the other; at least he had provided some amusement for the wolf. Playfully bowing, he immediately agreed with stranger in teaching each other the skills sought for. Even though he was not an expert, master in the art of magic, his current knowledge should be enough to assist in some kind of way—along with any other thing he would surely pick up down the road. Form fell out of its bow, hopping up when told they needed to make this area their temporary abode. As much as mind wanted to remain within this crystal-filled place, it did not fit well since thoughts still needed to check around for other possible placings. Despite that, he would like to lend paw in making a more comfortable dwelling. "I can help with decorating! Could light this spot up with baby crystals and you won't have to worry about being afraid of the dark when the bedding lights up as well!" he piped, imagining the layout. The pup was no decorator but he was positive in knowing what was needed versus what was just wanted by him. Humming from continuing to bring up decisions about the area, he turned around and gave attention when the wolf gave an offer to him. Head rested on shoulder for a moment in debate. After a minute, eyes had found their way back on Xireidi to respond. "I could," he hummed before continuing, "what are these training routines you speak of?" asking out of curiosity, he wondered if the routines were suitable for him.

Xireidi stood firm, still ever amused by the pup's antics but in his mind at least much too old to share in them. Kyorai's offer of finding more lights though was an extremely generous one. Not only would they help mark his home for him to find the way back, but it would make it easier for others to find him. Right now, with the cave situation still in question, that seemed like the best course of action; to be available to help should any need it and in the process gain a bit more knowledge and perspective on what was going on.

"I'd really appreciate that. I can't see as well as others seem to be able to in well-lit conditions, much less when it's as dark as it is right now."

The red wolf took one more bite, but his stomach- still getting used to holding food again- was getting near its limit. He'd have to take the rest of the body down near Tunnel H, where hopefully it would last for a few more days. At the very least he hoped it would be useful for another few meals for greater gembounds before being consumed by bugs.

That would have to wait until after he slept though, there was no way he'd be able to drag it that far until he'd had a rest to recover. "Last call on the deer before I leave it for tonight. Should still be good by the morning but it's probably about time I find a place to set up camp."

He walked a short distance away, allowing the pup time to decide if he wanted to try to brave the odd new food one more time. "As far as training went; from my youngest days I found rocks and such to jump between, partially to be able to jump farther and partially to learn how to judge distances well despite only coming into life with a single good eye." A yawn, fatigue was definitely catching up on him now that his stomach had all it could handle, "That was always a fun activity and eventually became one of my primary ways of hunting. I also at one point took day trips to Polaris to run around the spire and sometimes went down to Pisces to figure out swimming."

All activities which had been fun but great at building up his strength to where it was today. He certainly wasn't as purely strong as he might have been had he focused all his efforts on hunting and eating, but with his lower overall weight and lean mass he suspected he'd be able to outrun or outmaneuver just about any of those types.

"Of course since you have the option of someone to help out I can also help you with tracking, reflexes, or sparring." The wolf paused a split second, realizing the youth of the one he was talking to, "Or rather I mean; we could also always just play hide-and-seek, tag, or wrestle if you wanted to."

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags: @Kyorai
notes: Sorry about the delay, been pretty busy this weekend so far

Died last night in my dreams "Kyo Speaks" | Kyo Thinks @Xireidi It always made the pup snicker whenever he heard of others being unable to see. With how long such darkness has shrouded this cave, vision would at least adjust to viewing shadowy figures and the like; not crystal clear perception but something could be seen nonetheless. He put on a smile at their appreciation, tail wag ceasing in watching them take another piece of the carcass before him. Mind knew it would gain use to seeing a lifeless form and along with the taste its flesh produced. Surely, hunting instincts would kick in sooner or later, being bound by his line. Hearing wolf give last call for the deer, he hummed and tore a tiny piece that was enough to swallow even though he laid it on the ground and picked it smaller. Last piece from the large herbivore for a while as he planned to stick with easy meals of small mammals and berries. Decision on finishing meat was turned away, tossing chunk back to where it came. He realized company walking away, grabbing crystal and striding over to them. The gemling stopped right beside them, listening to what these training routines were. One already sounded similar to what he has done! Jumping on crystal to try and reach a particular creature, though it ended up in failure as he still felt the faint aching of his limbs for taking a short fall. It was an enjoyable task until then so, he would stay away from that routine once mind was sure legs could brush by any faults to come. Throat rumbled out a snort at the thought of running circles around the spires. He imagined it looked silly, but slightly fun at a distance. Although the canine would rather run all over the place than remain within the boundaries of something. Perhaps that mile long tunnel in which led to Fornax could be good! However, toughts withdrew the option when remembering its current state—flooded with waters high enough to steal him. Hearing the rest of what company said about swimming, when thinking about it, the tunnel did double up the two routines the wolf spoke about. Lightly singing, he would begin to consider it. Eyes narrowed when company switched the words used to describe each skill. He was not truly offended by the change but a huff did come from him. Once replaying all that could be done between them, one eye closed at the mention of wrestling. "I'm tiny though compared to you! You'd squish me!" he exclaimed his muffled words, bumping head onto one of their hind legs. Even though he was practically half their size, that was still a lot to take on. The pup dropped his crystal and rolled it to the wolf's forelegs, deciding to let them have. "Hide-and-seek is fair! The others don't seem as great," he admitted, mostly because he doubted much of his capabilities right now. Apart from that he could not deny hide-and-seek as it was definitely fun and good for a pup's mind!

Though turned away from the pup Xireidi raised his brows at the huff. Had he accidentally been demeaning? With the size of Kyorai it was tough to say exactly how old he actually was. The other didn't seem to take a huge amount of offense to it so he decided to just take note of it for the future. "Perhaps direct contests of physical strength would be a bit out of the question given our size difference." he conceded. Unless there was a spell to change a user's size that either of them knew it would indeed be difficult to get any kind of meaningful training in with that route.

"I probably won't be able to do any of that now though. I've been awake for... well I lost track of how long I've been awake but if we tried hide-and-seek you'd probably be able to track me by the sounds of my snoring."

The glow of the moss was fading into the background now, with almost all light available coming from the single crystal which Kyorai gripped. The light cast would almost certainly make his job easier, surely somewhere along the wall there's be a crevice deep enough to set up a den.

As they approached the wall around Polaris at a diagonal angle Xireidi spotted a deepening of the shadows, indicating a cave he hadn't noticed before. "Looks like we've found a good spot for me to rest for a bit." he mused aloud as he approached and turned in to the blank space cast by the shadow.

A soft vocalization of surprise escaped as the red wolf walked straight into a wall. The dip in the cave wall was only a few feet deep, not nearly as deep as it had seemed from the angle they'd been walking from.

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags: @Kyorai
notes: None

Died last night in my dreams "Kyo Speaks" | Kyo Thinks @Xireidi He nodded when the wolf admitted their size difference. The pup could try but with only being able to nip at wrists and ankles, it would not go very far. Retrieving the light in which remained on the ground, he watched company look about for a place to rest. Mind could not think of an area where one might be able to nestle in. More so, nothing that was worth mentioning to what spots he did find previously. Snorting at what they said about hide-and seek, he guessed it would not be fair if they did fall asleep during the game; though it would likely be good practice on his hearing. Head shook and continued along with the other, waving light about to see how movement effected its radius. Steps ceased when Xireidi spoke of finding a spot for him to rest. He sat down and observed the whole thing, continuing to play around with crystal. Within the few seconds to come, he heard a sound come from the other canine, tempting him to come close and investigate. Once near where company was, he scanned the wall they supposedly ran into. He peered up at the other with a muffled chuckle, finding their weariness to be amusing in this case. Leaving where the unexpected wall was, he trailed near the other bits of the cave wall, seeking a place for the tired wolf. A couple of feet away from where the other spot was, the appearance of another opening came around. He stopped in front of it, examining what was all around it. After that, he tossed his crystal light into the crevice to see if it were actually a hole and, if so, how deep it was. The mineral continued along for quite a bit, stopping just short of where the end was. It certainly was deeper than the other so, hopefully, it would be enough for the larger canine. Entering and grabbing crystal once more, he continually hopped near the opening to gain the wolf's attention. "Hey, hey! I think this might be one!" he exclaimed with muffled words, waiting for the wolf to come forth and check it out.

The red wolf shook his head as the surprise of walking into a wall snapped him back to attention. It hadn't really hurt that much; though he'd still need to check later to make sure he hadn't actually sustained any too serious injuries.

Kyorai on the other hand seemed to have had significantly more luck as the shadows moved and the light soon disappeared into the wall. "I'm coming." he replied, raising brows and showing an amused grin at the pup's hyper antics.

Xireidi approached slowly, having learned better than to rush in with too much haste. The opening in the wall was fairly small, but for this part of the cave it was more than he could really ask for. At the very least it was deep enough for him to enter comfortably and more around a little. Actually the small size was just right now that he thought about it; if he wanted space he could sleep outside, but here the environment was cozy.

"This should do." he spoke as he reached the back and flopped down along the wall so that his good eye would face the entrance. Surprisingly once he lay down the whole place seemed a lot bigger, his body only taking up a bit less than a quarter of the floor space.

"You are welcome to stay as well; there's enough room for one your size. I suspect that it'll be a while before you become tired though based on your hopping about."

---

"The words I speak"
The thoughts I hold
And the self I keep hidden away
tags: @Kyorai
notes: None

Died last night in my dreams "Kyo Speaks" | Kyo Thinks @Xireidi OOC: I'll start up another thread for some training probably next week or the week after! (Just let me know if you rather it sooner or if you'd like to make it!) Tail wagged when the other canine finally came, stepping back to allow them to examine the crevice. He downed his frantic action and seated self in waiting to see what they thought about his find. After a few moments, he rose back onto for legs when told it would do. Mind was glad it found something that fitted, drifting in to scan the inside. With self knowing how this spot stood, the pup placed crystal somewhat at the center of this den. He observed the wolf lie down, snorting at the whole thing. Before thoughts could roll away, attention returned onto company and took in their little offer. Eyes closed and head dipped as if he was thinking about it quite a bit; although that was not the case since sight found its way from the wolf to the opening. He would indeed stay but the bareness of this place was not exactly comforting. Perhaps he would go retrieve some bedding, at least for himself as the plain floor simply would not do. "Mhm," he sounded at what they suspected of him. He had not rested for a while, but body still had no reason to shut down yet so, the canine would continue on to some randomness. "Well, I'll be back then! I'ma go check to make sure that creature doesn't show up," he told with a smile, leaving light with the wolf as he would work his way back to where he got it initially or find way out of room for the time being. -Exit-