Fates Entwined (A TodoBaku ff) ✔

XVIII

Midoriya wasted no time in rushing up the steps of the monastery the moment they arrived. The sun was beginning its afternoon descent, and Shoto took a minute to stretch his legs and feed the horse that brought them here some fresh apples. He followed Midoriya inside, taking note of the wide stone steps leading up to a monastery nestled into the mountainside. 

The monastery was a collection of buildings that lay around and within the mountains on the edge of the forest on the border of Bikarin. Made of strong yet weathered grey and beige stone, the buildings held an assortment of rooms, each with ancient treasures and scrips from previous generations. As well as dining rooms, rest and study rooms, and a giant courtyard nestled within the mountain with an open roof that let light flood into it for meditation, the monastery was home to a few dozen elders.

As he ascended the steps he found Midoriya chatting with an elder. Just as Midoriya said, the elder was wearing a plain white outfit with a red sash resting upon the shoulder. The woman was old and held a cane in her left hand, but happily embraced arms with Midoriya. She noticed him watching and smiled warmly as Midoriya waved him over. 

"And who have you brought with you, child?" The woman asked, leaning closer to get a better look at Shoto.

"This is my friend, Shoto. He'll be accompanying me here, if that's alright."

"A friend of one is a friend of all. Now, how about we have some tea before you start your research, hm?"

"Sounds good." Midoriya nodded with a bright smile, and Shoto could tell by the twitching in the man's hands he was eager to pull out his notebook and begin writing. 

They followed the elder, whose name he learned was Shuzenji, to a small garden that thrived despite being in the shadow of the mountainside. With fresh green tea, Shoto took a moment to appreciate the view of the vast forest and clear sky whilst Midoriya and the elder talked. 

"I won't be here too long, I just want to pick up some books I couldn't get to last time!"

"You can stay as long as you wish, and I'm sure you will find whatever it is you seek." Shuzenji patted Midoriya's shoulder before turning to Shoto. "And what about you, child? Why did you accompany Midoriya today?" she asked.

"I want to learn more about the history of the Tribe lands. There are many things I wish to know and understand."

"Of course." She nodded wisely. "There is a rich and deep history resting here, you're free to take all the time you need."

"Thank you."

Midoriya knew his way around the monastery, and he led Shoto first to a room full of ancient artefacts from decades to centuries old. From clay pots, to beaded necklaces, worn fabrics and handwritten letters turned yellow with age, Shoto could spend hours alone perusing the many pieces displayed. He took note of traditional patterns and colours, and the original language of the Tribes and how it has evolved into the now universal tongue. He knew from his own studies that the universal tongue was established to create equality of knowledge and accessibility in further political discussions and decrees, but it seems here the Tribes kept some of their traditional tongue alive just as he had seen at the winter festival.

Midoriya could read part of a set of letters displayed on a stone mantle, telling him they were romantic letters. He wondered why such letters were displayed, why not ones discussing more urgent political matters that may have influenced the way people lived all those years ago. He didn't ask this question aloud, it was just another difference between the people of the Edalian forest and those in Endeavour.

He wasn't sure how long they spent in the wide gallery, but soon Midoriya was declaring that there were some elders he wanted to speak to and Shoto was free to look around as he pleased. With a nod of confirmation from Shoto, Midoriya left with a wave, his footsteps getting quieter as he disappeared down one of the many hallways.