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[Azmere]

27th of Spring 516 AV
9th Bell

Thunk!

Azmere remained in the pose of an archer with his left arm extended towards the target post. His right hand was back by his face and his eyes were trained on the wobbling shaft of his arrow. He scrunched his face up slightly. The practice space was quiet right now because it was mid-morning. Azmere had the day off to train and catch up on some much needed tidying up around his pavilion. What better way to start the day than to lay a bunch of arrows into some old wooden posts? The watchman turned his head and looked down to the dog sitting by his pack. Grey was relaxed but still sat with his head up and front paws together. Azmere clicked his tongue against the back of his teeth twice and Grey swiveled his neck so his eyes could stare at the gaze of his owner.

The archer smiled, stooped quickly and gave the companion a scratch behind the ears with his right hand then stood and exhaled as he eyed the next post. The first one was straight ahead almost fifteen feet away. The second target was at a twenty degree angle to Azmere’s left and another ten feet out. Each shot by itself was not terribly difficult but to nail both in succession was a trick Azmere had not mastered yet. There were two major hang-ups to such a shot. The first came by overthinking the follow-up shot before starting the rotation. It almost always resulted in the first shot being an absolute miss. The second hitch came in the transition from one target to the next. Archers are taught to exhale as they release so the body relaxes into the aim. A tense arm is a rigid shot and those generally don’t hit the mark. Azmere was ready and nodded as if affirming this to himself.

The watchman started with his bow down at his side and his right hand empty. He stared ahead at the empty field between the two posts. As if some clock went off inside his head, he snapped into action. The archer drew an arrow from his quiver using the homemade ring on his thumb while he raised his bow. He notched the arrow and drew back while twisting his torso towards the distant post. His left arm pointed straight to the target and the bow’s frame bent beneath the pressure of the man’s draw. Azmere inhaled, closed one eye and sighted down the arrow’s shaft to the post. He was just an inch below the top. He exhaled and opened his grip releasing the string with a slight twang. His eyes followed the shot as his arms reset and repeated the motion of drawing and loading a second arrow.

Thunk!

Azmere’s body was already twisting towards the second target. He hit the post but low and an inch or two left of center. The archer drew air into his lungs as he drew the second arrow back until his bowstring was taut then bent to his cheek. His eyes settled on the target and one eye shut as the shaft leveled beneath it to point at the chunk of timber. Azmere’s arm was straight and his knees were flexed slightly. Three ticks had now passed since he released the first arrow. Azmere closed his left eye, verified his aim and exhaled while loosing the shot.

Thunk!

Grey barked twice and Azmere smiled. The first target was limping but the second was certainly dead as evidence displayed in the form of a wobbling arrow sunk deep into the very center. The archer started across the grass to retrieve his shots when Grey let out a soft whimper. The Drykas patted his leg twice and the dog shot up and ran to his side then fell into step. The canine was rewarded with a gentle pat on the head. For a trick shot, Azmere wasn’t terribly happy but he wasn’t upset either. More practice was definitely needed, though. That was for certain.

[Caesi Starguide]

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As the Spring Season waned on, Caesi had become a bit restless. Her father was constantly busy with pavilion duties and really had no time to dedicate to teaching Webbing any further to his daughter. She knew the very basics of Webbing, even that though she was not very great at. She knew it was threads that connected Endrykas but that was about all she really knew of the art form. Caesi was getting older, the prospect of marriage looming over her head. The thought of being married off to someone made her cringe slightly. She hunted to provide for her pavilion, however, she felt like she could offer more to not only her pavilion, but to her people. That was when it came to her, The Watch. She could join that group of proud Watchmen, once she was skilled enough to do so.

To reach that goal though, she needed to learn more about Webbing. Her skills was lacking in that area drastically. She could not even teach herself, as she did not really know enough to do so. She could see the threads at night if she meditated and concentrated hard enough, but that was as far as it went. When she inquired of her father, he told her to go to the Watchmen that they would show her. Caesi was a bit disgruntled that her father could not just show her, possibly slightly sulking like the teenager she was as well. However, she did as her father said and she went to a group of Watchmen.

This group though, was busy tending to other things and gave her the directions to see a fellow Watchmen who they said was not doing anything and could show her. She started towards the place they told her around the 7th bell. It had taken her two bells to find the man they describe, or at least she thought it was the man they told her of. She watched with curiosity as the skilled Archer released an arrow. The man's muscles rippled slightly as he released one, then twisted his body towards the next target releasing another. It had taken only a few ticks for him to load another arrow and shoot it towards his target. Caesi was amazed at this skill, she fumbled with loading just one arrow at times, she could not imagine nocking two in such a quick succession as he just did. This display made her want to train to be better though. She made note to try and learn how to notch her arrows quicker and more fluidly as she watched the man and his dog walk across the grass and retrieve his arrows.

Caesi was unsure how to approach the man to be honesty. She walked towards the Archer, until she was a bit away but close enough to make her presence known. Caesi cleared her throat to get his attention, she kept her eyes cast down. She was not normally shy, far from it, but this was a Watchman. She felt as though she needed to be a little on guard with her rather robust personality, at least at first. After a short pause from clearing her throat, she opened her mouth then closed it, then opened it again and finally her voice decided to work and the words spilled out in a soft lilt as she explained her presence to the man, “The Watch sent me to you. To learn more about Webbing. If you are not too busy?” Caesi remained with her head bowed, feeling more awkward by the second. Perhaps it was because her personality was being held down or the fact that she wanted to be a part of the Watch and being before a Watchman made her feel as if her every movement was judged somehow. If she appeared like a complete imbecile would the man go back and tell the Watch, making it that much harder to join? If she showed no improvement on Webbing would he laugh at her? What if he did not want to be bothered with a young girl and her need to learn more about Webbing? The questions spiraled out in her mind, making her tremble slightly. Not exactly in fear, as much as her nerves being on end, as she whittled slowly away at her self-confidence.

| Thoughts |

[Azmere]

Azmere was alerted the presence of another well before the soft sound of a person clearing her throat. Grey’s sense of smell caught her scent midstride between fetching the second arrow. His ears perked and tail straightened out behind him. The dog twisted his neck and shut his mouth silencing the steady rhythm of his normal panting. The watchman allowed the light of Syna to mask his directional focus. He kept his body turned somewhat away from the position that his canine companion had indicated. His eyes fluttered a moment as the low rays bit at the moisture around his gaze but he used this little hesitation to focus the contrasting irises on the small figure. He did not recognize her, at least not from this distance so he continued to the second post and used a firm grip to yank the arrow free. Now he turned and squared his shoulders towards the female. She was being shy and he found it odd that one who appeared to be so young would be wandering about the training grounds by herself.

Grey huffed once and trotted at full alert next to his master. The bright eyes of the animal rose just above the tops of the grass and never left the figure of the one whose scent had filled his nose. As the duo came within about ten feet, the girl began to speak. Grey responded first with another breathy gruff that made his lips puff out. Azmere watched the girl intently and listened to her soft request. He snapped his fingers twice to silence Grey. The hunting companion looked a bit confused but went quiet though he didn’t appear to relax much. The distance was closed between the archer and the young Drykas woman. Azmere tried to not have his face present some angry or cold expression but he wasn’t the best at such things. He opened his eyes a bit wider to prevent a scowl then snapped his finger once and pointed at the ground. The dog looked at the sound and recognized the signal. He gently settled into the grass by setting his bottom down first and then easing his front legs forward until his chest made contact with the soil. Grey kept his head and ears up but was relaxed as indicated when his hips fell to the side and his mouth widened in a doggy smile.

The watchman tilted his head as he studied the figure before him. The girl was short but seemed to have some muscle to her. Azmere also recognized from her face that she was still very much a child and the way she dropped her gaze made him wonder if she was even allowed to be out in the tent city without a family escort. He suddenly had an odd thought. He lifted his gaze up over her to scan the tent where his fellow watchmen were housed. He did not see anyone; relieved but confused, he frowned a bit. Biting the inside of his lip for several ticks, he dropped his eyes back to her and spoke in a tone that he felt appropriate; clear but without an edge. He did not want to come off too harsh. “You were sent to me? Do you know my name, girl? I don’t know yours.” He tilted his head down to try and catch her stare a bit more fully, “Why are you asking me and not your ankal?” He twisted his fingers to make the sign for suspicious and matched the statement with his eyes. “How much webbing do you know?” He noted the colors of her attire and decided to tread carefully. He wasn’t well-loved by the Amethyst clan so taking the time to gather some extra information was more than logical; it was necessary.

[Caesi Starguide]

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Caesi watched with interest as the man silently commanded his dog and the animal responding. Nu, though not fully trained, was a stubborn beast. The two must have been together for many seasons, as the commands were answered by the dog with out much disgruntlement. Caesi felt a slight pang of jealousy at how well the dog listened to his companion. She was sure Nu would get there.. perhaps. She waited patiently for the many to respond, although he stayed silent for a few ticks his eyes observing her. Caesi shifted slightly, being under such a penetrating gaze, and rose her face up to his.

Her eyes scanned over his features quickly, observing the knot-work of his hair, keeping it from his face. She traced his straight jawline up to the left side of his face. Her eyes lingered there a moment longer, her face calm as she forced her eyebrows to stay down instead of jumping up on her forehead. His face was scarred in a rather disfigured and slightly gruesome way. The scarring ran down his face, to his neck, and underneath his shirt. The most alarming of all however, was his left eye. It was a piercing yellow, like the light of the sun was somehow captured inside of this man's iris. The man was speaking and she shook her head, glancing away from the man's left side and peculiar eye, paying attention to his words.

Though his tone was not harsh, it was still suspicious of her. The man did not seem to trust her, his body language indicating that he was not even sure why she was standing before him. Caesi was taken aback for a few ticks at this, then she ground her teeth slightly, becoming a little irritated. She understood why he questioned her, but why so many? This man stood over her like a watch tower beside a small tree. He towered her. Not only that, his body looked well maintained. If he wanted to, she was sure he could break her in half. So why seem threatened by her? A side of her wanted to huff-and-puff like a small child, perhaps mouthing off. The other part however, the part that wanted to be a part of the watch, wanted to soften the situation out.

“You have not given your name, so no I do not know your name.” Caesi said boldly, placing her hand on her hip and staring into the man's eyes, no longer bothered by the one that had captured sunlight inside it. “I am Caesi of the Starguide Pavilion in the Amethyst Clan.” She continued to peer up at the man's face, pausing for a moment as she let her words sink in, then she continued to the other questions he threw at her. “My Ankal is busy with his heir. He never taught me. My father did and he has became too busy to teach me, so he sent me to the Watchmen.” Caesi explained to the older man, signing disappointment along with her words.

Crossing her arms she looked to the side, not really wanting to answer the other question. She knew little about webbing, so little it was slightly embarrassing. At the thought of being embarrassed her cheeks bloomed slightly, and she bit the side of her cheek, then she let out a sigh of defeat, “I know near to nothing about Webbing...” She trailed the last off in a whisper, then looked back up to the man, “But I want to be apart of the Watch when I am older.. I need to learn more.” The tone of the statement started off soft, though near the end it was filled with the determination she felt inside.

She needed to learn more, it was not that she wanted to, she had to in order to succeed in her goals. However, this man did not seem to be greatly interested in teaching her. Perhaps with the answers she provided he would no longer be as suspicious of her. That is if her bold words did not piss him off and make him tell her to leave, that of course was always a possibility when she engaged in conversation with another.

| Thoughts |

[Azmere]

Azmere regarded the girl with cool indifference as she studied the ever-present reminder of his childhood failure. Many people had seen and were used to it but apparently this girl had never encountered such a gift. When she shook her head and looked away, the right corner of Azmere’s mouth curled up to form the crooked smile he wore on occasion. The scar tissue prevented his mouth from forming a symmetrical grin but the watchman didn’t mind. Over the last few years, he had really come to appreciate the mark he had received. The archer listened as Caesi introduced herself and explained her reasons for visiting him during his practice time. In truth, Azmere’s own father never taught him much either then he thought of Asmodeus and how much the old Stormwarden had shared. His chest tightened. The watchman wasn’t over the loss of his grandfather even though it had been almost an entire season. Without realizing the action, the Drykas man looked up and past the small figure in front of him. His contrasting eyes stared far away with colorful bursts focusing on nothing in particular. Several ticks went by before he lowered his gaze to Caesi’s big, curious eyes.

To Azmere, the decision was simple. He bent his fingers into the sign for agreement then returned the arrows to his quiver. In a well-practiced move, he slipped Vihar over his head and shoulder. Grey watched for a moment and started to walk in a tight circle as if to lie down. Azmere snapped his middle finger against his thumb and the pop that followed caused the canine to freeze in place. The big head swung around and stared at his master. The watchman watched his furry friend for a moment before turned his gaze back to the sturdy little Ra’athi-to-be. The archer offered a pleasant expression trying to think of how Asmodeus approached webbing with him and the first few lessons. “I’m Azmere Stormblood, Ra’athi of the Watch and your new teacher, Caesi Starguide.” Azmere turned and head towards the beat up old half-breed horse that was lazily grazing near the end of the Watch’s barracks. He patted his left leg with his hand and Grey came trotting after him. When he reached the walking specimen of glue, he shifted his gaze back to the girl. “We start immediately.”

The watchman slowly mounted Horse and gingerly set himself down in the yvas. He had been very well cared for by Waisana and the Lighthooves but his body was still trying to patch itself together. He found it was easiest to not stop moving for too long because it made him so stiff but he also knew he couldn’t move too fast. Using his legs to squeeze the horse’s flanks, he twisted his torso a bit to apply pressure and then emphasized the command by pulling on the yvas handle with his right and a fistful of mane with his left. There was no joy in the face of the rider. He hated the beast that he sat astride but it wasn’t personal. It was simply the horrid luck of Horse that he wasn’t Hephiestian. Azmere had taken the beast from that wretched man and only because he had no choice. A dark cloud shadowed the watchman’s face for a moment and the anger, grief and pain flooded to the surface for a brief moment. The easygoing mood had disappeared and all that remained was a shell. The inner workings, the deep truths had been locked away once more as purpose was brought into perspective. “We’ll train near your father’s pavilion. I’ll need his permission to instruct you.”

The gold and blue orbs with their colorful starbursts, once more, regarded Caesi with cold detachment. Watchmen came in many shapes and sizes but they all needed Webbing to survive and to protect their people. It was a well-known fact that the Watch accepted women but it was equally well-known that some of them had to emancipate themselves in order to join. Older ways of thinking felt women were best suited for other things like child-bearing and cooking. Azmere had met several femme fatales in Endrykas but none of them had families to look after them so each had adapted. The fearless woman with wild green eyes slipped into his mind followed by images of the tall woman with her many brands and long gait. These were warriors that Azmere respected so he had no doubts that the brazen and stubborn thing next to him could join those ranks. However, he had enough sense to consider her family’s wishes. He was not some love-struck fool like many-a-lad. That’s not to say Caesi wasn’t pretty but Azmere was old enough to understand his people. Propriety was an important part of the grassland culture and it came second only to survival in his mind. He sat astride Horse, whom he had pointed towards the Amethyst line, waiting for her to lead the way.

[Caesi Starguide]

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As the man with the scarred face stared off into the distance, a nervous tremor ran through Caesi. The thought of being rejected almost making her tear up. He only stayed silent for a few ticks, but to Caesi it seemed to last longer. She watched his fingers say 'agreement' then returned his arrows to his quiver. Caesi wanted to leap with joy, fist pumping in the air with an excited 'whee' emitting loudly into the air. She refrained from such action, not wanting him to regret his decision yet. The Watchman snapped his fingers at his dog, who froze in place stopping his circular movement. His expression turned pleasant as he introduced himself. “Pleasure to meet you Azmere.” Caesi replied, her body trembling with contained joy, “Thank you for teaching me!” The last coming out as excited as she felt, making her blush slightly at the outburst. She cleared her throat and nodded her head at his command of starting immediately.

Caesi watched as he mounted his horse, all joy drained from his face making Caesi frown slightly. She quickly smoothed her brow however, not questioning his unhappiness. Caesi had walked over to the area, nerves and excitement making her forget her Strider. The man's face kept changing and not for the better, making Caesi think that he was dreading teaching her. She supposed she would dread teaching someone as young as she too. Caesi gave a small sigh not letting it get to her, he agreed and she would take him at his word. He spoke once more, telling her he would need her father's permission to instruct her. “That should not be a problem since he sent me.” The young Drykas told him, giving a small smile. “Follow me.” Caesi said as she guided Azmere towards her Pavilion, walking in front of his horse. It would take a little longer on foot, however the man seemed to need a little time to himself. Probably cursing himself for agreeing to instruct me. Caesi thought to herself, making her own mood dwindle. Her shoulders slumped slightly at the thought.

They made it to the Starguide Pavilion quicker than she had originally thought they would. However, it still did take a little more time as Caesi went in the wrong direction at first. Caesi scanned the area with her teal eyes, until they landed on a familiar figure. She looked over at Azmere giving him a cheerful smile, “He is right over there. Come.” She told him, beckoning the Watchman with a motion of her hand as she strode over to her Pa. “Father, this is Azmere Stormblood, Ra'athi of the Watch. He needs your permission to instruct me.” Caesi said pointing to Azmere, introducing him to her father, Lanthanum Starguide, who barely glanced at the Watchman. Her father gave a respectful greeting, gesturing with his hands, towards Azmere. Observing him more closely, lingering on his face. He stayed silent for a few ticks, then gave a deep nod, “I give my permission, as long as it is done near the Pavilion.” Caesi gave a broad smile, gesturing 'great thanks' to her father. Lanthanum Starguide Cleared his throat, “Not to be rude, but I have to get back to work now.” With that Caesi's father hurried off, leaving her and Azmere standing there. Her father was not a rude man, just a busy man who did not have time to stand around and socialize more than was necessary. Caesi shrugged her left shoulder, then looked over to Azmere, “He is always busy.” She said in a bored tone, “So... What now?” Caesi inquired of the Watchman, ready to get started on her training.

| Thoughts |

[Azmere]

Azmere’s eyes fluttered at the girl’s shout. He thought that perhaps his guess on her age might have been a bit generous but then again it was hard to say. Such enthusiasm should be encouraged, he told himself. Just because he wasn’t feeling very well was no reason to dampen the girl’s spirits. To aspire towards a place in the Watch was not only honorable but necessary. Many of his brothers and sisters died fighting the pirates. It was a strange fortune that so many others were taken or killed, otherwise the Watch would insufficient in manpower for its duties. He was relieved when she said that her father had sent her on this errand. This more than likely meant that he would be unopposed to the training of his daughter. The watchman thought about all of the times that he had spent with his grandfather in the Web. Some of his fondest memories of Asmodeus came flooding back and for most of the journey, the archer would have a faraway look over his face.

When they had arrived at the Starguide pavilion, Azmere was not surprised by what he saw and was grateful that the man was available. While he had agreed to help train the young lass, he did not want to sit around idle for several bells waiting for her father’s permission. Azmere locked eyes with the man after they had been introduced. The watchman gave a signed greeting of respect and then sat patiently. He did not dismount until after they had the man’s blessing to begin. Azmere patted Horse who didn’t seem to respond the proper or anticipated way and simply walked off. This left the archer standing with a vacant expression for several chimes before he realized that he was standing alone. He turned to see Caesi staring at him as if waiting for an answer to a question that he hadn’t heard. The man blinked and looked about the pavilion’s space and then laid his eyes upon Caesi. He tried to not tower over her so he made sure to relax his stance by letting his knees flex gently and his neck and shoulders relax.

“Caesi, is there anyone who can keep an eye on us while we enter the web?” He glanced towards the larger pavilion. Her father had disappeared already but he hoped there was someone else around. He returned the blue and gold eyes to the young Drykas and gave his sunbursts a chance to focus on the girl’s soft gaze. After a tick or four had passed, Azmere spoke in a very matter-of-fact tone and tried to edge in a softer pallet. “The first rule of webbing is simple. Never enter it without someone to watch out for you.” He offered a half smile before looking towards the tents then to Horse before fixing his stare on the Drykas teen.

[Caesi Starguide]

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Caesi looked up at Azmere waiting for his reply. His eyes scanned the pavilion, than came back to settle upon her. His stance relaxed, bringing his towering height a little lower, though not a lot. At least she did not have to crane her neck as high as before when looking upon him, so it did help relax the muscles and eased them a little. After peering at his face now many time, though she would not admit to looking as often as she did. The scars that were once a shock seemed to be a part of his personality. No longer did they seem as stark as before, instead they were more of a statement. A statement of survival perhaps, though she was not really sure and thought it to be rude to inquire, for now anyways. Also she noticed something she did not notice before, his ears were pierced. That seemed to have been lost among his more striking features, like the scars and the discolored eye. She still swore Syna had somehow been captured in that eye.

Azmere inquired of someone to watch over them while they entered the web. Caesi frowned as she did not understand why they needed someone to watch over them. Did they need a witness? Was it because he was a man and she a girl? The last thought brought a slight blush to her cheeks. It wasn't that he wasn't attractive, it was just nothing the girl considered prior to just now. He was male she was female, of course they would need to be near her Pavilion. She was so caught up in the excitement of being taught Webbing that she did not notice the gender difference. All she cared about was that he was going to be the one who helped her succeed in being a part of the watch, that was all that mattered to her. Azmere must have noticed her confused look, as he explained that the first rule was that one never entered with out another to watch your back while inside. “Oh.. Oh!” Caesi said a bit flustered, “Yes.. uhmm.. Yes of course! Let me go get my.. Friend. I'll uhm.. Be right back!” Her words rushed from her, as her body spoke of being flustered. She rushed off to search out her friend Luraine, who was a young Walahk. Even though she was not considered Drykas, Caesi trusted her completely and was the only true friend she had besides her dog and Strider anyway.

Once Luraine was found she brought her to Azmere, “This is Luraine, my friend, she can watch as we enter.” Caesi said with a bright smile, “Luraine this is Azmere Stormblood, Ra'thi of the Watch. He is going to be teaching me Webbing.” Caesi explained, getting the introductions out of the way. Luraine bowed her head in greeting and respect, she did not really talk very much and perhaps that was why they got along so well. Caesi did enough talking for the both of them. Teal eyes peered up at Azmere, a small smile spreading on her young face, “She understands and will watch over us. She will not let anything bad happen.” She reassured the man, just in case he was having doubts about her friend. Everyone else in the Pavilion was out tending to their business, it was a busy day for them and much work needed to be accomplished before sunset. Caesi did not have it in her to ask someone to drop what they were doing, just so she could accomplish what she wanted to today. It did not seem right to her. Caesi waited to be instructed by Azmere, she was not sure if they stood or sat, but which ever he did she would follow. She waited for his next command, listening to any and all information he decided to give about Webbing.

| Thoughts |

[Azmere]

Azmere watched the girl scurry about and wondered if he had ever been so eager to learn anything. After a few moments, Caesi returned with her friend and the dynamic of their relationship became very clear almost instantly. Azmere’s new pupil could apparently talk enough for two people so Luraine didn’t have to talk at all. Azmere nodded and signed a greeting. He then went about the simple task of disarming himself. The Drykas ducked out of his bow then stooped to rest it upon the grass. He unhooked his club and laid that down as well. The man promptly sat next to his things and adjusted his clothing in multiple attempts to smooth out twists and bunches. While the watchman did this, his canine companion snuck up from behind Horse and began to lick Azmere’s face.

Jovial at first, Azmere dug his fingers into the thick fur of Grey’s neck and scratched and shook his friend. After a few ticks he started to tell the dog to stop but the dominant position gave the dog plenty of cause to not listen. This angered the archer who wrestled his way up from the ground by pushing the hundred plus pound beast. He pushed the big paws out repeatedly until he was able to reverse the tide of events by grasping the pointed ears. Azmere used his new leverage to bury the snout of his companion in the grass until he could get up to his knees and push Grey onto his side. Once the dog was leveled, the archer towered over Grey was now aware that he had done something wrong. The two locked eyes for a few moments and then Azmere snapped his fingers once then released his hold. Grey rolled over onto his base instantly but did not get up. Instead, he turned his smiling muzzle to take in the sights and smells of the new pavilion.

Azmere shook his head and sat back down. He looked up to Caesi and raised an eyebrow. Without speaking, he patted the ground next to his form. “I’ve never seen anyone enter the web while standing.” The watchman laid back then put his hands behind his head and interlaced his fingers. He focused his blue and gold orbs on the clouds above. The white puffs reflected off of the starbursts and the myriad of colors drifted back and forth before resting back on the soft countenance of Caesi. “You have to relax to enter the web.” Azmere went back to staring at the sky. Once Caesi joined him on the ground, the archer let several chimes of silence pass by where the only sounds were the soft, steady breathing of the two Drykas and Grey mixed with gentle breeze running through the grass. The watchman sighed feeling his body sinking into the grass then cleared his throat. “Caesi, as your relax try to imagine your spirit leaving your body to run on the breeze. My grandfather used to tell me that being in the web is a privilege only a few get to experience.” He turned his head to watch the girl. “Sometimes, you have to hold still to change the world.”

Azmere smiled. It was nice to keep Asmodeus’ words alive even if the archer was misquoting some things. He looked back up at the clouds. “All around us are lines of djed. Let Semele hold you and let Zulrav take you away.” The Drykas closed his eyes and felt his body sink heavily against the grass and soil. The he felt his limbs drift and in a blink, he was several yards away watching his body rest peacefully while Grey watched. He could see Caesi and her friend who was standing off a ways working on something. The web around the Starguide pavilion was well-maintained and had a functional design that Azmere would make several notes of to assess his own personal web later. Now it was a matter of waiting for his student. He wondered how much she knew but he figured since she knew some things that she would be joining him soon.

[Caesi Starguide]

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Caesi watched as Azmere wrestled with his dog for dominance. She took note of how he grasped the animals ears, taking the snout to the ground, then pushing him on his side. Caesi watched as they locked eyes for a few ticks, then the dog was done, understanding who the Alpha was. Caesi figured she would try those same moves with her own companion, Nu, whenever he decided to boss her around. She gave a smile at Azmere as she sat down where he patted. She supposed people did not enter the Web standing then, since he said as much, she almost chuckled aloud but contained herself as she observed the Watchman.

Azmere laid back, his eyes focused on the sky above, then he spoke saying she needed to relax. Relaxing was going to be difficult, she was nervous and excited all at the same time. Perhaps even a little frightened, though she would never admit such to herself or anyone else. Silence fell between the two, as Caesi joined him laying on the ground as well staring up at the clouds and their formations. The throat clearing brought her gaze back to Azmere, as she let his words sink into her. He told her that she needed to imagine her spirit leaving her body, running on the breeze, that it was a privilege to be inside of the web. Caesi looked a bit wide-eyed at such insightful words, wondering exactly how many times he had been in the web himself. Azmere turned his head, telling her that you have to hold still to change the world. The young Drykas could not help the fact that her mouth gaped open in a small 'o' shape at the words. She did not realize until just then how true that could actually be. The words not only described Webbing but it seemed to pertain to other things as well. She gave a nod, focusing her attention back on the sky. Azmere explained how there were lines of Djed all around them, to let Semele and Zulrav take her away, then he closed his eyes.

A frown contorted her face as she continued to watch him, he no longer moved nor did he speak. Caesi looked up at her friend Luraine who signed, 'is he dead?' which Caesi shrugged and poked his stilled body with her finger. Then she observed how his chest rose and fell and shook her head, signing back, 'he entered the Web' so her friend would not worry when she did the same.

Inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, she laid back and closed her eyes. She did as Azmere had instructed her to do. Relaxing her body and to imagine her spirit leaving it. First she worked on the relaxing part, taking in air through her nose, then expelling it out her mouth she rhythmically breathed. Her muscles slowly began to relax, becoming less tense as she kept her eyes closed and inhaled and exhaled. It was meditative in nature, as she disposed of all tension and thoughts from her mind. She imagined a part of herself leaving, like a shadow but not, more like a twin body except transparent floating up and out of her body.

Except she did not float, she was standing there looking at her own body laying there and Luraine's nervous look as she watched over the bodies, and Azmere's companion of course. Caesi blinked several times as she spun her head around, looking at the intricate and weaved web that surrounded her Pavilion. The feeling of being out of one's body, yet seeing said body, was different. She felt as if she was drifting, floating, though she was firmly planted on the ground. Her body felt weightless, powerful, yet it did not appear to be any different really. There was a feeling of euphoria dancing in her chest, as she continued to spin around in a circle, with wide doe eyes, amazed at all that she was taking in.

The she spotted a familiar tall figure, not too far from where she herself was standing. It was Azmere, relief flooded her face, for a moment she was afraid that some how he was in a different location then she was. She walked up to the taller Drykas, smiling up at him, then looking at the Webbing before her. “It is beautiful.” She stated after several moments of silence between the two. “Can you touch it?” She inquired, wondering how it would feel and what would happen if one were to touch one of the glowing strands that thrummed with magic and power.

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