This was not the sort of location Joseph was sure he could ever get used to entering, despite their own magic knight squad being situated in it. It was a city large enough to have two squad bases in, as well as many other things. It was only logical that it would be so well sized. The vast amount of things here were perhaps one of the reasons there was difficulty feeling a like for the city. No, that wasn't right. He loved forests and those weren't exactly small. People, it was the amount of persons that lived and functioned there. It was simply a different way of living than he was used to. Joseph had contacted one of their cousins recently in hopes of working together and hoping to get to know them better. The Golden Dawn had hopes of getting to know their family more. With everything that had happened, it would just feel nice to have people he could turn to as family and felt they could do the same with him. The young man had been accepted into the family at an amazingly fast rate, so he wasn't going to waste this chance to connect. It was something he had been missing and yearning for ever since first joining the azure deers years ago. He had asked Amaya to come over letter. Enough time had passed that he was sure she had long since time to get it and read it. If it was accepted would be seen soon enough.

The mans peachy orange hair was tied in a long braid, it was simply the easiest way to keep it tamed and in place. Their meeting spot would be the front of the archives building. It was a building with historical information only, unlike a library that normally had books of different genres. Not everything here was in book form, but it made sense. Many documents had very different ages, or were made for different reasons in the past. Many of these weren't for normal civilian eyes, but they were both magic knights getting ready to take on a mission. This was part of the mission. The two likely wouldn't have access to everything, but likely more than enough to easily loose ones self into the action of research. Did Amaya enjoy researching factual information just as much? Learning about the past as a good way to learn more context about the present. ~Artifacts, ancient buildings, ancient writing, and everything surrounding it are all pieces of the bigger picture that leads to the modern day. Researching and going into the expedition should both be endlessly thrilling. The more pieces of the picture you have after all, the better you can prepare for the future.~ In the end, the tall and thin person ended up speaking to in sign language in order to vent out some of their excited energy.

The symbol ~ will be used in the post to reference when sign language is being used.

He probably should have expected a carriage to take her, but it was one of those things that he couldn't quite get used to. Wealth used to be something he had grown around watching from afar. Family meant a lot to him, this was where that path lead them. Joseph had been ready for a lot, but not royalty. What was like but many surprises placed together that one has to learn how to handle? Like with now. When he had first met Amaya, he had been under the impression that he hadn't really known sign language. Did she learn it this fast? Well, there had been plenty of time to learn basics. Sign language just typically wasn't something others plummeted themselves into learning. It's not vocal, but is just as complicated as any other language. It was silent in its complexities, thus those not interested in using it in the field or job tend to simply not pick it up. It was a surprise to find out she was such a big fan of Ilhiana Vones. Then again, maybe it shouldn't be? They were a member of the Coral Peacocks, so a retired member that was still an active person in other spaces? No, it was more than that. In any case, the white haired young womans very clear excitement was nice to see. The man pale lips got a bit of a smile in watching her physically express themselves, not just with words or tone in the voice.

Was her interest in the coral peacocks aspect, the research and learning aspect, or the archeological one? Honestly he was pretty positive that it was all of the above. All signs pointed in that direction. That made sense and he had nothing bad to say about that magic knight squad, despite growing up in the same city the base is situated in. Amaya thought this might be interesting? Vones was amazing, that was true, but this was the first time the young man had realized that person had a fan base. It was strange to think about. ~I hope she wont recognize me.~ Damn signing reflex! His cousin might see it, understand it, but would lack any and all context. There is probably not a good way to explain that. Nobody is a perfect child, but he had been hoping very few would realize that trotting around town and the wilds at a certain age or under tends to attract the attention of magic knights. The idea that anyone he was friends with, let alone family he had barely got to know might find that out wouldn't be devastating or anything, but it would be horribly embarrassing.

“If you admire her and enjoy archeology than it shouldn't be hard for you to come along. She doesn't like it when people lie, or talk nonsense. Miss Vones prefers intelligent conversations. Before we get to learn from the expedition, we must learn here to make sure we're ready to approach her. Lets go in.” If she has fans than this should be common information to know about her, right? She didn't exactly retire as a magic knight recently. This was what the Golden Dawn member was telling himself as they started to head inside. There were books, scrolls and shelves galore. There was distraction inside, a sparkle within the eyes and soul of curiosity and wonder. But he had gotten much better at reeling that in since becoming a magic knight. Still, the worry of being recognized as the troublesome child was washed down a bit with the thoughts of their cousin getting excited over getting to the next step. It was a nice visual for a possible future. But the idea that his status effected the mission was a bit of a weird suggestion? “I think my new life status doesn't really change how the mission will go, nor will it help me learn about myself. It effects a lot, but it has yet to effect my work.”

It should be left at that, but those pesky hands always always tended to speak when the mouth wouldn't. This wasn't troublesome if people didn't understand what he was saying, but. ~I'm not really sure how to process being Royalty, I just wanted to find out what happened so the, not uncover a murder plot, or that I was born deaf and mute, or that my father was royalty. It's a lot, more than my mind can summarize. I would rather get to know you and Hania. It seems like we both enjoy learning and the idea of going on this archeological journey, so lets go inside and research.~ The mans hands seemed to have gone into a dark area pretty fast, but he at least hoped that he successfully pulled out of that okay. Everything still felt like a lot of everything. He took in a deep breath, trying to wash away the feelings that troubled the heart and mind before stepping into the library. It was after entering the building that this suddenly became much easier. The large amount of scrolls, books, and shelves full of such goodies made his heart skip a beat. Trouble was replaced with joy, curiosity, and wonder. There was a sparkle in their pale pink eyes, one that wanted to reach for and read every single bit of information there. This was not why they were there though, this was not a candy shop of historical information.

Joseph managed to focus himself back in after a few seconds, starting to walk around to find the proper section with the right reading materials. This didn't take long, despite never having been there before. ~Here we are.~

Words: 950
Total: 1,433
The symbol ~ will be used in the post to reference when sign language is being used.

~Likes are not beautiful and alter smell? That sounds like a change caused by negative emotions, which can affect how things interact with their senses.~ There was a feeling of surprise that things would be stated in such a way. Of course this was all signed to himself, but at this point the man was more than aware their cousin could understand the words. This wasn't a normal way to talk about things, was it? To try to break down why someone said an opinion the way they did. Amayas wording just felt unusual enough to the young man that there had been an internal desire to try to break it down towards himself. It also spoke about at least some of her values. A surprise like this was nice, it probably meant she thought about things. He always knew, but it was just one of the ways he coped, muttering to them self with silent words laced with emotion. Even those words had been coated with slight pauses one might find in a person who was still digesting information into the mind. Joseph wanted top respond verbally, but there were people that existed around. The capital wasn't exactly an isolated garden or in the middle of a forest. The Golden Dawn member had to be careful what he said about their own mother, least a fan of hers overhears anything that might sound like an insult.

The young man took a deep breath in before slowly letting it out. She was family, right? Even if it was terrifying, he had to be more honest with her than with most other people. There was no point in opening himself up if there wouldn't be any real opening up. He started signing out the words, but this time with a bit of fear. It was slight enough in their body posture that it only showed as a slight tremble in the arms and hands. ~Thank you for being understanding. It can feel very isolating when I cannot verbalize. My reasons for having trouble speaking verbally are mentally and emotionally layered, it has nothing to do with physical capabilities or health. This is also why I've been trying to get better at speaking verbally, no matter how mentally and emotionally taxing it feels sometimes because I don't like feeling isolated and unheard.~ The details on why had not been spoken out loud, but now was not the time and place. He wanted to show that he could share and trust, not make everything about him. The comments about wealth and status that came from Amaya caused a slight wincing expression to express itself a little in the face, rippling through the rest of the body through a brief time of slightly bringing everything towards his 'center' very slightly and pausing. Nothing even moved a full inch or anything like that, but there had still been movement.

~I'm not a person of wealth, status, or power.~ But there was an issue with saying that, wasn't there? Joseph tried loosening their posture, but it wouldn't work well yet. “Sorry, my hands moved without thinking. I'm not used to any of it and its going to take time for it to soak in. I think getting to know the real you will be one of the things that makes accepting those things more than worth it.” Those were things he was very uncomfortable with having, but those were thing he had to accept when becoming part of the Ravencrest family. Most people would likely be thrilled at the idea of getting more of those three things, but those were things that reminded him of his mother. She was the last thing he ever wanted to be like. The golden dawn member would need to face that fear a bit, or at least accept that the idea of him becoming like her was laughable at best. He couldn't see it as a far fetched thing, but one of the things fears did was make one think irrationally at times. ~I think going on a mission that involves exploring is a good start, it seems to be something we both enjoy. It was fun learning that about you and seeing you excited.~ Thinking about what happened possibly only a minute ago helped their body relax a bit. It was happening now too still though, right? She was smiling after all. Amaya still seemed happy and excited.

He definitely knew nothing about living in a nobles world, nor how careful one had to be with their words and facial expressions. Never forget the voice deep inside? ~Is it hard for you to remember or know who you are?~ As someone who has always known who they were and what they wanted, it was a strange concept to hear. Being in the archives made it easier to not get upset or tense up, their muscles and posture loosening inside the building. Learning about her was interesting. How was it to be sheltered? He really couldn't understand, it was simply never part of Josephs own life. The more memories he regained, the more understandable it became that his adoptive father lost their mind and always been so worried for him, scared for him. If only that person hadn't become one of the things he had to fear, but being resentful of the consequences of his mothers actions wouldn't change anything. ~What did your father research? It sounds like you gave him a lot of reasons to get worried and be joyful. If you want practice traveling, its better to start small, either by going as part of a group, or camping in forested areas you know are safe. Not all the places I've slept and foraged in were exactly the safest, but I have a lot of years of experience. After this mission if you are interested, I could take you camping?~

Probably shouldn't mention camping with him wouldn't involve tents, she did say she was sheltered. Tents would likely be more comfortable, but it took up a lot of weight and space even when taken apart. It also stood out too much, making it more likely to attract negative attention. Some of the more intelligent creatures in certain areas look for signs of humans. Sure, those creatures weren't human smart, but it was just one of the examples of how tends could bring more trouble than it was worth to him. His mouth started to turn into a slight frown and brows furrowed a bit while thinking of the imagery of things that might possibly happen if things go wrong. ~Did your father teach you about researching, or was that a skill you learned elsewhere? Sometimes warm memories can help one realize how fun and interesting something can be.~ The taller of the two had many fond memories of watching his father work. Scouring through book after book for the right information that would inspire their pen to start moving. The shadows would sing different notes once he got to a certain stage, as if the man had been testing how everything would sound out loud. Peachy pale pink eyes looked over towards his cousin, lips curved into a bit of a grin. She really was excited about research, it was a fun feeling.

~Where do I think we should start?~ That question was a good reminder to him who was the older and more experienced one. It didn't take him too much time looking around to find the right section. With that in mind, he started walking over, a goal in their eyes and steps confident. If there was one thing he was good at, it was finding his way around places. The city was big, this building was quite large, but it was still a place to explore with permission. Seeing the titles of some of the books in that section told him this was the right spot. ~Pick a book from this section, otherwise you might end up with a book on the wrong topic.~ The words were signed out without any sign of doubt. The hands didn't shake, nor flinch at any time. It didn't take long for the man to spot something with an interesting title, it also didn't look too old. “Maybe I can find out how well my research into ancient elvish has paid off in learning the language.” This was an archeology book on an area with ancient elvish ruins, so he expected at least some of the text in there. How much? That could only be found out by reading the book. He waited until Amaya picked a book before heading to one of the tables in the building. It was time to read this book and that was exactly what he intended to do.

Words: 1,465
Total: 2,898
The symbol ~ will be used in the post to reference when sign language is being used.

~I've never stepped foot on the estate.~ Connecting, getting to know each other at an unknown place sounded strange to him. Yugos home had been a bit overwhelmingly large at first, so the young man was positive an estate of a royal family would feel far too large to have a welcoming feel. He had visited the shiengxiao estate before, but that was a lower noble estate and had never felt like home either. That had felt both too large and impersonal, despite that it also had held information concerning his mother in it. But of course their cousin wasn't a mind reader. The two came from very different worlds, so of course the understanding was very different. The young adult couldn't fathom even understanding being part of the world of nobility. This was something he had to learn though, Amaya on the other hand didn't have to learn about the life of a common person. ~Very talented and capable musicians who know how to dress and act a certain way will often find themselves hired at lavish buildings to preform, so I was trained in my adoptive family to not get comfortable in such settings. You could say I lock into a sort of work mode where I am always feeling overly nervous and self aware.~ People typically didn't want people that were hired temporarily to feel comfortable.

What was wanted from hired musicians was music, not conversations nor comfort. Sometimes you want them to dress a certain way, but never comfortable. They weren't there to snack nor talk. They wouldn't be there long enough to need to know where everything was, only where they would be playing the music. That felt almost like an eternity ago, when it was only a few years back. A lot had changed almost instantly after joining the magic knights. Memories had started returning that he hadn't even known existed inside, starting with the remembrance of their blood mother dying. One might suppose getting stuck on an island of corpses might remind someone of the dead or dying. A library being like a treasure hunt was a nice thing, though it was sounding like something one might think if they never really traveled. Amaya spoke of their fathers travels, books, speaking at the estate, but not really of going places or areas they had been before. ~Will this be your first time really traveling somewhere far?~ This question was asked honestly, not to mock her or anything of the sort. It was weird watching the girl reach for books. Why not use one of the stools or ladders around the library? Why a weapon? He was pretty positive a stool or ladder of some sort would have been a more proper way to retrieve your chosen book, wouldn't it be?

It wouldn't be right to say anything about that to him. It probably didn't follow library rules or etiquette, but Joseph still hadn't spent much time around her. At this point he didn't really know yet what was and wasn't okay to say around them, so the young man didn't want to metaphorically step on her feet with rules. “There are many languages books pertaining to archaeology can use, as well as ancient languages no longer in common use. I just want to learn one of them.” There was a pause from him, both hands on the chosen book. Their peachy pink eyes stared at Amaya a bit. “I don't think I know what a handmaiden is, but it's always better to be prepared for anything and learn to think quickly enough for what you can't prepare for. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the research.” He could never fully tune everything out, not with all the sounds going on in the mans mind. Still, he quietly sat down in one of the chairs. The mans eyes focused on the book that was now in front of him and on the table. There he went through page after page. Time and sound felt to have evaporated, replaced by the information that had been placed within the pages of that book. It was written mostly in the clover kingdoms common language, but it also had ancient elvish in there.

The book was quite thick, but he still managed to finish it within the day. There was a lot of daylight left by the time Joseph had finished reading it. No notes had been taken, as they had no issues in remembering what had been read in the first place. Inside the golden dawn member was a thirst to read more, but if he let himself do that then the young man may become consumed. What was more important than the want to soak in every book humanly possible that had useful data was to stay on task. If Amaya was finished reading by that point, but if she wasn't, than maybe he could grab another book? One that wasn't nearly as thick.

Words: 827
Total: 3,725
The symbol ~ will be used in the post to reference when sign language is being used.