Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Kenta]

The door cracks open, then gets yanked all the way open to reveal a young boy- human, as far as Carver can tell. "Uncle Kenta!" he exclaims, leaping up to hug the badger-man's leg. "You're back!"

Reaching down, Kenta catches the broom in the crook of his arm so he can ruffle the boy's hair. "Aye, Tennu, aye. Is thy mother not around?" The boy shakes his head vigorously, then spots Carver and shifts to hide behind Kenta's leg a bit.

[Carver Amell]

Good. He smirks a little. As long as I scare people, Bethany's just a bit safer.

[Kenta]

Kenta frowns slightly, hand cupping the back of Tennu's head gently. "Tennu? Thy mother?" he prods gently. Tennu shakes his head, still watching Caver. "I see. Well, let me not forget mine manners a second time this day," he rumbles. "Might I introduce the child of mine sister, Tennu. He is five and two this last summer, and has proven himself a fine scholar. Already he can do three digit sums in his head, and minus them too in fact!"

[Carver Amell]

In his head? Really? Carver blinks, honestly impressed. "Neat." A beat later: "I'm Carver."

[Kenta]

"Well met Carver," Tennu says softly. "Are you a new no-vice?"

[Carver Amell]

"Soon, I hope," he admits. 

[Kenta]

"Carver, methinks, is new to our fair city," Kenta rumbles. "Though I might be mistaken in my thoughts," he admits unabashedly. "Yea or nay on this matter, he doth consider walking Vangal's path in order to learn how best to protect his sister."  Tenne nods, eyes wide, as he gives Carver a thoughtful look.

[Carver Amell]

"...Yeah, I'm new," he says, frowning a little. 

[Kenta]

"All are new to a place at first," Kenta says sagely. "But a moment, young Carver." Kneeling, the badger-man gives Tennu the flowers, then the broom. "Thank mine sister for the loan and give her the flowers a token of my regard, along with my sorrow that I could not speak with her in person. Can you do this for me, good nephew?"

Tennu nods, clearly pleased to be able to help. "My thanks to you as well then," Kenta says gently, pressing a kiss to the crown of Tennu's head and rising.

[Carver Amell]

Carver watches, arms crossed. Alright, that explains a lot more than it doesn't. 

[Kenta]

Tennu turns to go back inside his room, then pauses. "I hope you shield well," he tells Carver, nods, then slips inside.

"My thanks for thine patience," Kenta rumbles. "Have you any questions about the temple or church that I might repay thy kindness in this matter?"

[Carver Amell]

"Uh, yeah, I guess. What's the typical day like? It's just, I have to walk her home at sixth bell every day."

[Kenta]

"That depends greatly on what form and degree of service you with to swear," Kenta replies after a moment. "Perhaps it would be better to ask you a question first- what it is you seek in this place?"

[Carver Amell]

"Training, mostly. I want-- I can't fail her again. Not ever."

[Kenta]

"And what needs hath thine sister that weigh the greatest? What training do you seek to serve her best?" Kenta probes as they continue to walk, the sound of metal ringing against metal slowly coming into earshot. Then, just a dozen steps more, the sound of wood against wood. A sparring area?