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[thisisamazing]

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[thisisamazing]

[Toothless glances from their visitor to Hiccup just briefly, who gives him the smallest of nods, and then Lan Xichen will probably get a good look at why he's called Toothless - his teeth pop out, all at once, and he snatches up the fish to take to the corner.

Hiccup stifles a little laugh of his own.] I don't know about that. When all you know is mainland, islands seem interesting, right? When all you know is islands, the mainland seems just as interesting. [He's never really been out of the archipelago, before Aefenglom.]

That sounds incredible. You all play instruments? What else do you study? Does your uh, your sect have a lot of books? [Look they don't have that many books back on Berk. Not exactly a common viking past time, reading.]

[zewu_jun]

[When Toothless flees with his prize, Lan Xichen lights up with an actual smile. It turns out a dragon is, in fact, still an animal when it comes down to it, and something about that is so simple and pure he can't even hide the warmth it makes him feel.]

Cloud Recesses has an extensive library. Education is an important part of cultivation, and strong minds are as valuable as strong bodies. Although I don't think that many students would call the hours they spend memorizing material incredible.

[School and homework are universally boring to young minds.]

History, natural studies, calligraphy, poetry, philosophy... we study to expand our understanding of the world and to find more refined ways of self-improvement. There is also swordsmanship, archery, and riding. Things that will be practical for journeys outside of the sect. If we were to one day visit a place like your island, I'm sure there would be countless copies of field reports and stories written about your home.

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup follows his gaze briefly with an exasperated smile of his own, shooting Toothless a look and telling him, nose scrunching up,] Quit making people think I don't feed you.

[With the dragons settled, though, he's happy to focus on the conversation. Zewu-jun's home sounds fascinating, and he leans his chin in his palm, attention on the older man.] I would. That sounds- well, it sounds a little like studying magic here, but- [But more extensive than any formal education he's ever had.] -more.

We don't have that many books on Berk. Not, not a whole library full. And most of them are about dragons, or stories about our ancestors. The- uh, other stuff, that sounds more like Berk. Weapons, and archery, and- well, we ride dragons, but.

[zewu_jun]

Do you not study these skills here? The city seems quite educated and wealthy enough to afford it.

[Yup, he sure is coming from a different situation. But there is no malice or disdain in Lan Xichen's questions.]

Studying is important in all areas. Military tactics and history are important to know, but art also expands the mind and teaches us self-discipline and the natural laws of the world. If I had some of our texts with me, I would be happy to share them with you.

[Because it seems like Hiccup wants to know more about the other fields of knowledge beyond weapons and riding.]

Some things can be shared even without libraries. Calligraphy, music and meditation can be shared without too much effort. And they have uses in cultivation as well. Perhaps they can also be useful for magic done here.

[thisisamazing]

I just- study spells, sometimes. I don't go to as many classes these days. History and tactics and art, though... I haven't, but that all sounds really interesting. [He's a little wistful here. It would have been nice to get to expand his horizons when he was younger, instead of only sticking to a trade and failing at weapons training.

He hums thoughtfully.] They could be. I've used a lot of things I knew before in my spells. Some of my people's language, symbols. I like to work them into my enchantments - they, they really make them mine. I think some other witches use music in their spells too. [None of it sounds like things he'd be good at, really, but perhaps in Lan Xichen's magic.]

[zewu_jun]

Surely they must have some of those classes here.

[Why wouldn't they? He can't imagine any place not having lessons not only available, but mandatory--growing up in a sect is certainly different, it seems.]

If that is the case, then I shall try to incorporate my studies into magic as well. Perhaps that is something I may one day share with you.