.
Fall 76, 514 AV
Nostalgia.
There was something about the Proving Grounds that took Dor'gen back. As his long, confident strides bore him through the entrance of the establishment, his mind began to think on events of his past. Literal centuries ago, a young child of purple-skin began his training. He was plucked from his slumber during the earliest hours of the morning and practically dragged out of his clan's dwelling place. Dor'gen was taken to a training yard that was only a stone's throw away from where he laid his head; and for weeks upon weeks the process of his training began. That training yard, surrounded on all sides by the jungles of Falyndar, was a place where a mountain of fond memories were made. While many of them involved pain...they all revolved around time spent learning the craft that would save his life countless times in the future.
And the aptly-named Proving Grounds reminded the Akalak immensely of that training yard of old.
Despite the fact that the establishment was very obviously owned and operated by the Sun's Birth, it was open for the public to utilize. Lessons were offered at rather affordable rates; but the patrons also had the option of simply utilizing some of the equipment as well. Of course, there were a handful of persons who would be unable to access this fine place of personal growth. At the door, all were searched for the tell-tale signs of membership in the other syndicates which gallavanted about Sunberth. Tattoos were called into question, brands were investigated, and those that were deemed "okay" were free to pass. For Dor'gen, the experience of having his personal markings called into question was especially...awkward...but thankfully enough, there was not a gang in Sunberth who brandished the mark of Myri as their flag.
After being admitted within, the giant made his way onto the main "training floor" before allowing himself a moment to "take it all in." The stench of sweat was heavy in the air. A symphony of steel meeting steel, harmonized with spirited roars of battle, rang loudly across the space. Instructions were barked in menacing tones with affirmations being subsequently sounded in unison. All these things caused an immense grin to form upon the lips of the Akalak, for he was reminded of his own training yard yet again. He had spent so much time there that he immediately found comfort amongst the sights and sounds; unlike many of those who felt awkward during their first visit. Now, today, Dor'gen had not come to indulge himself in a class or to even test his mettle against some of the Sun's Birth. In fact, he didn't even come to the Proving Grounds to have a personal workout of any sort.
Today, his goal was to impart to someone deeply valued a few lessons in self-defense.
Ever since the day Lhex intertwined their destinies together, Dor'gen had scarce been able to get the beautiful woman out of his mind...not that he wanted to. Firenze, his beloved Kelvic, had managed to break down the walls surrounding his heart and capture the prize in a rather brief span of time. Her smile, her strength, her adoration...all of these things worked to chip away at the guard Dor'gen formerly held perpetually. She, unlike any other woman before, had awoken a desire within the Akalak that he had never felt before. Dor'gen desired to share every waking moment with his Firenze; and ever since the day of their Bonding, that desire was practically a reality. However, there were times when duty called and Dor'gen had to scamper off to make his mizas for the day.
And whilst he was away, worry plagued the depths of his soul.
He would never forget how he met Firenze. He would always remember how he had saved her life...and starting a relationship with mortal peril kindling to the flames of worry. Although he masked it well, Dor'gen often fretted about the wellbeing of his Kelvic whenever they were apart. His mind would assault him with gruesome images; demonstrating how the sordid nature of Sunberth could be unleashed upon that who he held most dear. Yet, this day, a change would occur. Today, Dor'gen fully intended to settle the worries of his troubled mind through the only means he knew how. As there was no way that he could be with his bondmate at all times, the only alternative was to prepare her for whatever the streets of Sunberth had in store.
To this end, he had instructed her to meet him at the Proving Grounds; but had personally arrived early in order to get things ready.
Before seeking out a suitable corner of the establishment to claim as their own, Dor'gen first made his way over to a wall populated with all manner of practice weapons. Of course, these were not free for public use...nor were they up for being rented either. One had to pay full price in order to use them, but they were also theirs to keep when it was said and done. Sweeping his gaze up and down the selection of armaments, the Akalak ultimately began by selecting a wooden version of his weapon of choice: the Bastard Sword. He then selected a smaller weapon for usage by Firenze: a practice Longsword. While the dimensions of these weapons were indeed different, Dor'gen knew full well that the basic mechanics of swordplay were the same.
And soon, he beloved would be well versed in them.
After shoveling out a small handful of coin, the Akalak strode off with both weapons in hand. Today, he appeared as a stark contrast to his usual, intimidating self...for he lacked armor, his shield, and even took the time to groom his hair into a ponytail. To say that being in love had an affect on Dor'gen was an understatement, for now he had begun to take his appearance into consideration immensely. He'd much rather appear handsome for her eyes when he was off-duty, as opposed to scary as all hai. A few ticks after purchasing the weapons, the Akalak came to a halt in an empty spot a good distance away from most of the "action." There, he stood, awaiting the arrival of Firenze. He wasn't concerned in the slightest that she'd miss him...
For he was the tallest petcher present.
Word Count1,066
.
Fall 76, 514 AV
Nostalgia.
There was something about the Proving Grounds that took Dor'gen back. As his long, confident strides bore him through the entrance of the establishment, his mind began to think on events of his past. Literal centuries ago, a young child of purple-skin began his training. He was plucked from his slumber during the earliest hours of the morning and practically dragged out of his clan's dwelling place. Dor'gen was taken to a training yard that was only a stone's throw away from where he laid his head; and for weeks upon weeks the process of his training began. That training yard, surrounded on all sides by the jungles of Falyndar, was a place where a mountain of fond memories were made. While many of them involved pain...they all revolved around time spent learning the craft that would save his life countless times in the future.
And the aptly-named Proving Grounds reminded the Akalak immensely of that training yard of old.
Despite the fact that the establishment was very obviously owned and operated by the Sun's Birth, it was open for the public to utilize. Lessons were offered at rather affordable rates; but the patrons also had the option of simply utilizing some of the equipment as well. Of course, there were a handful of persons who would be unable to access this fine place of personal growth. At the door, all were searched for the tell-tale signs of membership in the other syndicates which gallavanted about Sunberth. Tattoos were called into question, brands were investigated, and those that were deemed "okay" were free to pass. For Dor'gen, the experience of having his personal markings called into question was especially...awkward...but thankfully enough, there was not a gang in Sunberth who brandished the mark of Myri as their flag.
After being admitted within, the giant made his way onto the main "training floor" before allowing himself a moment to "take it all in." The stench of sweat was heavy in the air. A symphony of steel meeting steel, harmonized with spirited roars of battle, rang loudly across the space. Instructions were barked in menacing tones with affirmations being subsequently sounded in unison. All these things caused an immense grin to form upon the lips of the Akalak, for he was reminded of his own training yard yet again. He had spent so much time there that he immediately found comfort amongst the sights and sounds; unlike many of those who felt awkward during their first visit. Now, today, Dor'gen had not come to indulge himself in a class or to even test his mettle against some of the Sun's Birth. In fact, he didn't even come to the Proving Grounds to have a personal workout of any sort.
Today, his goal was to impart to someone deeply valued a few lessons in self-defense.
Ever since the day Lhex intertwined their destinies together, Dor'gen had scarce been able to get the beautiful woman out of his mind...not that he wanted to. Firenze, his beloved Kelvic, had managed to break down the walls surrounding his heart and capture the prize in a rather brief span of time. Her smile, her strength, her adoration...all of these things worked to chip away at the guard Dor'gen formerly held perpetually. She, unlike any other woman before, had awoken a desire within the Akalak that he had never felt before. Dor'gen desired to share every waking moment with his Firenze; and ever since the day of their Bonding, that desire was practically a reality. However, there were times when duty called and Dor'gen had to scamper off to make his mizas for the day.
And whilst he was away, worry plagued the depths of his soul.
He would never forget how he met Firenze. He would always remember how he had saved her life...and starting a relationship with mortal peril kindling to the flames of worry. Although he masked it well, Dor'gen often fretted about the wellbeing of his Kelvic whenever they were apart. His mind would assault him with gruesome images; demonstrating how the sordid nature of Sunberth could be unleashed upon that who he held most dear. Yet, this day, a change would occur. Today, Dor'gen fully intended to settle the worries of his troubled mind through the only means he knew how. As there was no way that he could be with his bondmate at all times, the only alternative was to prepare her for whatever the streets of Sunberth had in store.
To this end, he had instructed her to meet him at the Proving Grounds; but had personally arrived early in order to get things ready.
Before seeking out a suitable corner of the establishment to claim as their own, Dor'gen first made his way over to a wall populated with all manner of practice weapons. Of course, these were not free for public use...nor were they up for being rented either. One had to pay full price in order to use them, but they were also theirs to keep when it was said and done. Sweeping his gaze up and down the selection of armaments, the Akalak ultimately began by selecting a wooden version of his weapon of choice: the Bastard Sword. He then selected a smaller weapon for usage by Firenze: a practice Longsword. While the dimensions of these weapons were indeed different, Dor'gen knew full well that the basic mechanics of swordplay were the same.
And soon, he beloved would be well versed in them.
After shoveling out a small handful of coin, the Akalak strode off with both weapons in hand. Today, he appeared as a stark contrast to his usual, intimidating self...for he lacked armor, his shield, and even took the time to groom his hair into a ponytail. To say that being in love had an affect on Dor'gen was an understatement, for now he had begun to take his appearance into consideration immensely. He'd much rather appear handsome for her eyes when he was off-duty, as opposed to scary as all hai. A few ticks after purchasing the weapons, the Akalak came to a halt in an empty spot a good distance away from most of the "action." There, he stood, awaiting the arrival of Firenze. He wasn't concerned in the slightest that she'd miss him...
For he was the tallest petcher present.
Word Count1,066
.
