Authors note: To be honest, I am not sure if I want to continue with this... my writers block is attacking something chronic, it's getting a little over the top with the mush and I feel as if I am waffling sooooo – suggestions anyone? Please? They really do help. =)

Also, I apologise for the horrid grammar in the previous chapters – for some odd reason it's perfect on the computer, but wont publish that way on FF and is deleting things… hmmm.

Anywho, enjoy! xx

Teachings

The journey to Beregost had taken longer than Xan had expected. Even more so as Asharia had insisted that he instruct her in the language of the elves.

At first he had considered the very notion a foolish endeavor. What is the point? She will either forget or make sport of me...

However, after a few days in her company, he had decided that the younger elf desperately required such instruction. After witnessing her numerous antics with Imoen, he had deduced that her mannerisms were boisterous, brash and, above all, childish. To further add to his dismay, he had discovered that she was ill-focused.

Xan would have to start small. Simple greetings would be the topic of the day.

He sighed mournfully, praying to the gods to give him the patience to get through the day. "Alright… Repeat after me. Mae govannen, Mellonamin."

"Mae govannen, Mello-um-Mellonman? Mellonmint?" Asharia shrugged and shot a grin at her teacher in attempt to lessen the impact of his frustration. Imoen, who was travelling behind the two with Minsc, suddenly erupted into a fit of giggles.

Xan rolled his eyes upwards to glanced at the sky in dismay. "Correllon help me…"

"Asharia." Khalid's normally quiet and jumpy voice contained a dangerous lilt, "Listen carefully. Xan is trying his hardest to teach you something important."

Asharia sighed and threw an apologetic glance in Xan's direction, "Aw, Xan, I'm sorry. I wont tease any more. I promise."

And so the instruction continued. By the time the sun had settled into the horizon, they had made some progress. Jaheira had become rather irritable, and Khalid had discretely suggested to the group that they rest for the night.

Xan yawned, feeling his own weariness set in.

"An lema?" Asharia asked.

Xan chuckled and shook his head, earning a confused look from Asharia, "What's funny?"

The enchanter regarded her apologetically, "I apologise if I come across as cruel, but your accent - it's dreadful. We will have to work on that next."

Asharia pouted, considered his statement, then decided he was right and sighed in defeat, "Well, I suppose I should thank you for today."

Xan's lips curved into a small smile. "Although it was laborious, it was… my pleasure, Asharia." The warmth and sincerity that radiated from his smile quickened Asharia's heartbeat. This was the first time she had seen the gloomy elf smile. She noticed that he had two neatly shaped dimples on his cheeks, and his eyes seemed brighter. His face was more relaxed than usual, and his handsome elvish features were sharpened somehow. All in all, Asharia decided that she rather liked his smile.

Xan's expression dissipated into a questioning gaze, and Asharia felt her face flush when she realized that she had been staring at him for longer than she had intended.

Clearing her throat, Asharia began to walk towards the campsite, "Um, well, yes. I suppose I should go and… Uh, help Immy set up some of the tents."

Xan stood and watched as the young woman briskly walked towards the site. He felt his features contorting into a smile against his will. Xan, you are a fool. He watched helplessly as she stumbled over a rock and tumbled across the ground as Imoen laughed and jumped on her. The enchanter shook his head at the sight, sighing sadly. Perhaps my instructions are all in vain.

Authors note: Lolz, grumpy Khalid is so much fun.

Elven translations:

Mae govannen – Well met
Mellonamin – My friend
An lema? – Long journey?