Shay decided it was a good idea not to push Malek about his family once he avoided the topic. "Oh," was all the girl said as she pursed her lips and took her time in saying something else. As she thought, Shay ate some more of her food, staring across the room at nothing in particular.
"So, I know it is far off, but have you thought about college yet?"
"College?....." In truth Malek had thought of it a little bit. There is obviously things he will need to know to rule the Naritoloths, if there is any left, when he becomes emperor. There was also a few clases he thought would be interesting to join when he did go to college. "I have thought about it a little, but not much. Why have you thought about it?" This girl was really strange. She was one of a kind really. Even after a thousand years of meeting and observing people from a distance he had never met someone like her.
"Only a little. The more I think about it, the less I want to go. I'm starting to get all these opportunities and I don't need college for any of them, so it just kind of feels like a waste of time, you know? Of course, college here is free so why not go? Not sure what I would study. School doesn't interest me much and my grades are barely passing as is."
Malek sighed. "Well Shay. I can leave when ever I want as I'm older than I look. However I stay because even if I think I don't need it, I'm always surprised on what I've learned here. So even if you are recieving tons of oppurtunity, College could help you become better at said oppurtunity if you decide to go that path. As for what to study. See what your good at and then find a class that will improve that skill."
Shay's smile tightened when he mentioned school always taught him something new. "Lucky," the girl laughed breathlessly. "Klaus said he never went to school, and he's one of the smartest guys I know. Of course, I think his mom schooled him. I think Vito was the same way. Homeschooled."
She thought about it a moment longer, idly munching on another carrot before she shook her head. "If you're older than you look, you could take the GED test or something and just go to college now. Are you immortal too? There are a lot of immortals here." Some of her enthusiasm died down at the mention of this. "I might go into business with dad. But even if I don't, they have enough connections that I wouldn't be hard pressed for references. You're right, though, I'd rather earn my spot myself. Sorry, I'm talking a lot. Erm... What about you? What kind of thing are you skilled at?"
Malek smiled and shook his head. "No I only have a very long life span. I'm about 1400 in 'human years'. Fourteen in terms of my clan. Though am still of legal age technically." Malek laughed at that fact. His age was extremely confusing for most. It was also kinda funny how she was apologizing for talking. It was actually kinda cute. "Well...um I was born to become an emperor for the Naritoloth clan, so naturally I suppose I'm good at hand to hand combat, leading, and well strategy." Malek didnt even know if what he was saying was even reconized as something to be 'skilled' at. He was mostly just naming things that he thought an emperor should be good at.
Now that was exciting where school was not! "Strategy? Hand-to-hand? I don't know much about leading, but I'd love your thoughts on the other two." She bit her lower lip, thoughtful. "Also, you're an Emporer to be? I've never heard of the Naritoloth clan. What are they like? I guess they didn't all move to the island? Just you?"
Shay had a sudden feeling that she was treading some line. Annoying, as she didn't know where it was, but he hadn't wanted to talk about his family earlier, had he? She got that terrible sinking feeling, though, the girl tried to ignore it.
"Well I could go on and on about strategy or hand to hand so depends on what you really want to hear." Malek went silent fo a moment when she asked about the clan. But unlike the last time he actually spoke. "They........were a prideful clan. I've never seen a clan fight s-." Malek was trying to hold back tears. It was so hard not to burst into tears when talking about his clan.
Shay knew a sore spot when she saw one. She just didn't know what to say, what was right or comforting. So, the best Shay felt she could do was steer the conversation away from family and clans. "I know a bit about strategy and tactics. I practice them a lot and tend to play strategy games for the fun of it. Also, my dad's pretty good with those things, so."
"Yes......yes....." Malek wiped away the tears that tried to form and smiled. "Although strategy games do help improve your own strategic prowess. It takes more than strategy games to truly become a master strategist." Malek chuckled a little. He tried to forget his clan ever being brought up and just kept on smiling.