"It is important to consider paths where things do not go as you would like, as well as ones where they do."

He nods, slowly. "Hadn't thought of it that way..."

"One usually learns the habit through experience."

"Huh. I mean, I know you can't count on a good harvest..."

"So it is with all areas of life."

He nods and finishes packing.

"Do you need me to pack anything away?"

"A few things - "

He starts directing her to help him.

She sets things in order quickly and efficiently.

He's melancholy as they finish up and leave.

"Are you from nearby?" he asks.

"I am not. This is my first visit to the area, unintentional as it is."

"Where were you going instead?"

"An old temple I used to know."

He nods. "There's a lot of ruins around here. Mostly tombs, but probably some temples... Though not much that's in use."

"Oh? Interesting."

"I dunno there's any big famous ones? The tombs are mostly small..."

"Even so, they are a reminder of history."

"Yeah. Keeps names alive."

"Indeed."

"But if you aren't local, you probably don't know a lot about the local people?"

"This is true. But there are still things one can learn, if one is perceptive and receptive."

Nod. "But, for what's going on - the girl who I'm trying to save isn't local, either. She was traveling. She's one of the Great, but not a really experienced one - she sent out a spell and I caught it and it said she didn't know how to do much more. A villain from nearby kidnapped her. He's more experienced, but..." He hums. "I mean, the rest of us usually can't challenge one of the Great, you know? So he pretty much ignores us. And without a Name there's a lot I could just shrug off... So I figured I have a chance, just sneaking in and out. And I gotta try."

"Hmm. What makes a person Great?"

"Having a Name, doing - big great deeds, having magic... You know, that sort of stuff?"

"I do not, in fact, know. Where I come from, we do not make such distinctions."