[Tuvya Sasaran]Correction Breeds Understanding(Training P1)

[Elem Bree]

4th of Fall, 512 AV

Elem had butterflies in his stomach along the entire walk to town. He knew that his duty as a citizen was to defend himself and the city, though he had no idea what that entailed. As far back as he could remember, he had never been in a fight. It was probably his pubescent growth spurt which had driven off the bullies in his younger years. He sort of wished he had gotten in a tussle or two, just so that today would not be quite so nerve wracking.

Once he had arrived in town, he took the left that led him on his familiar route to the Society. His mind tried to steer him there instead of his destination, the Tuvya Sasaran, but he knew that he could put it off no longer, wishing to be treated as equally as a human Kuvan could be. As he traversed through Semele Park, with its lovely sunken displays of flora, his butterflies became bats as sweat beaded on his forehead. How could he square this away with Rak'keli? Fighting meant injuring, which led to injuries which he would be sworn to heal. Why injure in the first place?

The sounds of practiced and measured blows and shouts could be heard as he approached the low building, stopping outside its doors to take it in and take a few calming breaths. Stepping in and sliding the doors aside, an Akalak approached him, long hair tied back behind his head. He wore only a pair of pants, his size and girth making Elem swallow down the bats before they became buzzards. He spoke in Common, thankfully. No doubt it was the staple for human visitors. "Greetings! Welcome to Tuvya Sasaran. How may I be of assistance?"

His booming voice gave Elem an impression of what his war cry might be like. Pushing the thought aside, he he smiled and responded. "Yes, well, I hope so. I am Elem Bree of Zeltiva. I recently came to the city at the end of Summer and I reside and work at the Sanctuary. I saw in the laws of Riverfall that Kuvan must be available and able to defend the city. I am certainly willing, but I lack any kind of training. I am also marked by Rak'keli and I am unsure of how fighting works in Her eyes." It was a mouthful, but it felt good to have it all out.

[Elem Bree]

The blue mountain seemed to size Elem up as he spoke, nodding a bit, his arms crossed. He smiled and said, " Pleasure to meet you, Elem Bree of Zeltiva. I admire the courage of humans, especially with their short lifespans. Training sessions are ten golden mizas. Will you be able to afford that?" Elem held a quizzical look, actually scanning down at himself for a moment. Did he look like a bum? His old clothes from Zeltiva said Yes. He had chosen them over his new clothes he had bought the day before, not knowing what he was in store for. "I can afford a few sessions, yes." He hoped that the sessions would be worth the money, though he would never say that out loud. Especially to such a dominating person.

The Akalak nodded and stepped toward a smaller version of the main door, sliding it aside. As he stepped through, he looked over at Elem's feet and then at other doors, which had small lines of footwear beside them. Elem understood and removed his shoes before entering. The room was about the size of his cottage in Zeltiva, holding a straw practice dummy and a large woven mat covering most of the floor. One window sat high in the opposite wall, sunlight filtering through dust motes. He thought he felt grains of sand beneath his feet as he closed the door behind him. The trainer took a seat on the mat and beckoned for Elem to come closer.

"Please have a seat. This session is free of charge, as I will be ascertaining your ability and physical fitness. First, though, I'd like to speak to you about Rak'keli." Elem nodded, very interested and appreciative. He took a seat across from the Akalak. " I have met others marked by your Goddess. Her power is welcomed here among us, as warriors often need healing. However, what you may not understand about Her, and I mean no offense, is that Her realm is that of Healing, of resetting things back to their natural state. Just as in the Sea of Grass, where the glassbeak is the apex, all other creatures below them constantly fight for survival and their place in this world. Does that make sense to you?"

Elem nodded.

" If you saw a glassbeak tearing into, say, a sheep, would you heal the sheep?"

Elem pondered. " I wouldn't get near the bird. It would tear me to pieces. The sheep is its food." The Akalak nodded. "Yes, that is correct. It is the way it was intended to be, predator and prey. The cycle of nature and survival. Rest assured, we Akalak and our citizens are the only thing protecting ourselves and our guests. Should we be attacked by man or beast, it is also our right and duty to survive." Elem seemed to be following, so he continued.

"In the case of a sentient humanoid, I can understand that you are sworn to heal them, be they friend or foe. This is honorable. However, you are completely missing the part where the foe tries to kill you, with no interest in your health after the fact. What do you do then, Elem Bree of Zeltiva?" Elem did understand, especially if this Akalak was his foe. He would be prey, nothing more. How could he defend the weak and protect others from injury if he were killed on the spot? It was sinking in deep.

"Well, I suppose that is why I am here, then. I can't heal others if I am beyind healing myself." He would never go looking for a fight, though, and he would do his best to defuse a situation rather than resort to blows.

The trainer stood, looming over Elem even at his tall human height. Elem stood as well, eying the Akalak with renewed vigor. The blue man smiled and said, "Good. Please disrobe."

[Elem Bree]

Elem blinked slowly. "Disrobe?" The Akalak made a deep, rumbling sound akin to a chuckle. "Rest assured, Elem Bree, there is nothing to fear.", the Akalak told him, while continuing to carry an air of waiting. "Well, alright...", Elem muttered while sliding his tunic off. He was very happy he had chosen to wear a loincloth that day. His breeches slid down and he folded both and placed them to the side. If he felt vulnerable when he entered the Sasaran, he needed a new word for what he felt now.

He could feel the eyes of the towering man on him, which only worsened as the trainer circled him, his large hands lifting Elem's arms, before returning before him. Nodding, he looked over at the clothes. "You may dress." Elem quickly did so as the Akalak continued. "I can see you are in good health, Elem Bree. However, it is apparent that you have very little physical conditioning. I would like you to begin a regular regimen of exercise each day and return in a few days before we continue. I suggest some running or swimming, some weight lifting. Build up your endurance. When you return, we will continue formally."

Elem nodded, unsure of where to begin. He didn't dare bring up the fact that he was from a port town and couldn't swim. He nodded and thanked the trainer before letting himself out. Picking up his shoes, he walked back outside to the entrance of the dojo. He sat and slid his shoes back on, looking out at the sky. He had much to ponder on, but for now, he would return to the Sanctuary and rest. Tomorrow would be a long day.

[Gossamer]

. Character: Elem Bree Experience: +2 Socialization, +1 Logic Lore: Healing is the power of resetting things back to their natural state. Being Physically assessed for combat readiness. Additional Note: There wasn't a whole lot to grade in this thread, but I can see where it played a significant moment in Elem's life and needed to be played out. .