(no subject)

[socrowdedinhere]

Shark: *council member in the far left, a great white mer.* What brings you before us? *clearly addressing Yugi.*

Yugi: *bows – it’s habit – but he’s straightened and meeting his/her gaze as he answers*  My companion - *gestures to indicate Yami* - wants to return home, closer to family. He and I are bonded and I have promised to take him, but I’m lost. My friends - *indicates Ralin and Azure – yep, he caught about not using their names* - have offered to lead me, but need the council’s permission to travel that far.

Manta: *middle* It is unheard of for a water man to be aware, what makes you different? *to Yami, of course.*

Yami: [To be honest, I don’t know for sure. I do know that my partner and I are closely bound and that I owe a great deal to him.]

Seahorse: *to Yugi.* The shore is dangerous, what convinced your counsel to let you not only travel for shore, but to one so far from home?

Yugi: It is, but . . . he’s already lost so much. Everything, really. It’s not right to deny him even family and his friends, at least getting to see them.

Swordfish: That is a big responsibility for one so young. I understand you're bonded, why were you allowed to go alone? *or was he? What happened to his companions if he wasn't alone?*

Yugi: We’re bound. He’s my responsibility.

Yami: [We had companions when we started, but there was a terrible accident and they were lost. Aibou is the only survivor. We were fortunate.] *of course, Yami’s referring to the plane crash, but it still works*

Angelfish: We are sorry for your loss, and admire your courage and determination to continue on. That shows much maturity for one so young. *she looks at Ralin and Azure.* And two others so young are seeking to join you. *shakes head* I cannot say I like this. You may go, but another will join you, one of our choosing, to keep you safe.

Ralin: *kind of seems to sag*

Azure: *shows no reaction, just nods acceptance* Thank you, Counsel. *she'll turn to go, glancing at Yugi to get him to follow her.*

Ralin: *murmurs* Thank you, Counsel. *and he too will turn to leave, motioning for Yugi and Yami to follow Azure*