[ not a bad observation. he hums. ]

A cleric. [ so, it's not entirely off base. the hermit scholar would be osvald: the normal cleric would not be temenos, either, but it's not that sweet lan wangji could know that. ] I spend much time memorizing the histories and scriptures of the church, and provide guidance to those in need. Philosophy comes with the territory, in some ways.

[ and...there's something funny about the phrasing, have a master. had, perhaps - but even now, that thought is too raw, and too fresh to consider for more than a moment. it rolls off his back like everything seems to, short of a soft huff of a laugh and a shake of his head. ]

...There are typically no disciples, no, though you could say that I lead a flock. The position itself serves the Pontiff - the head of the Church - and far less polite people than you have called him my 'master'.

[ a beat, and then, with a wry little smile, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes: ] But I take it that was not your intention?

[ even though you're staring. its ok he has a baby face. ]