Pink Rose [1]

"Sounds Meownificent"

Quest Objective: Find out if temples make noodles.

~ Temple of the Red Crane ~

It was a peculiar place. Hidden in the depths of the wilds, a ruby among emeralds. The rooftops of the Temple of the Red Crane were magnificently shaped and intricately designed. Anduin and I spent a few minutes staring at its splendor.

"I've never seen a structure so ancient," Anduin murmured.

I glanced over at Anduin in his awed state. "You haven't traveled very much, have you?"

It wasn't meant to be a rude comment; simply an observation. Another clandestine detail that made up the mystery of my companion.

"Ah...no, I'm afraid not," He answered sheepishly. "You could say I was raised in a very...restraining environment."

So that's why he's so reserved. It was like a curtain of composure caged Anduin. A few times, I had peeked inside, like when we spoke at Rude Sho's. But Anduin was still sealed like an unopened letter. It was ironic, in a way; a secretive priest and a bold rogue.

"This must be...a lot," I looked back at the intimidating relic that stood from the ground.

Anduin didn't respond. He simply nodded.

A pandaren made his way across the grounds to greet us. He was kinder than Rude Sho, offering us a tour and details of the temple. His expression was cheerful, yet tranquil, and his voice was steady like the flow of a river.

"We have heard of outsiders coming to our land—this is an exciting time for Pandaria! We welcome you, and hope that you will join us on our journey for knowledge and serenity," The pandaren bowed politely.

Hmm. I hope that journey includes more noodles.

We smiled, and followed the pandaren around the temple. Anduin was entranced by the assortment of scrolls and the lessons taught by the masters of the sanctuary. I couldn't find solace in the serene surroundings.

This reminds me too much of Wyrmrest Temple. I shivered when I made the connection. I won't be sleeping tonight.

"I am impressed. We heard that the outsiders were violent and disrespectful to our ways," The pandaren hummed as he concluded our tour. Other students roaming the wide, circular rooms bowed or stared curiously as we passed.

"Well, you haven't seen me hungry yet." I replied.

The pandaren's laugh was warm, even as it echoed off the cold stone walls of the temple. "Humor! It requires wisdom and comfort. I hope it serves you well."

Our tour guide paused beneath one of the torches latched onto the wall. Light and shadow danced across his face. "You are a long way from home, travelers."

~*~

I spent the rest of the sunlit hours of the day with Anduin in the dim rooms. I forced myself to listen to the ancient tales. It was my secret objective to avoid thinking about certain topics. I tried not to think about the secret language Garrosh and I had made through simple gestures. I pushed away memories of when I mentioned places I wanted to visit, and Garrosh ordered me on scouting missions to those lands shortly after. I couldn't contain my cringe when I thought of the one time I got sick, and Garrosh carried me back and forth across Orgrimmar (and the guilt I felt when he got really sick afterwards).

Eventually the scholars around us stood from the cold floor. The class had ended. I hadn't caught a single word.

I looked over at Anduin, who was still sitting beside me. I shifted from sitting on my calves and said to him, "Wow, enlightenment feels more sore than I thought."